A/n
Here is Chapter 15.
Chapter 15: Rescuing the Imprisoned
-Ashe's pov-
Upon waking up the morning a few days after returning from the Sekirei ship, I found it comforting to find Miya in my embrace. We had reaffirmed our bond the night before and that had silenced much of the remaining fears either of us had. And it was a wonderful change to be holding Miya after what I had been dealing with when I brought Miya back from Teito Tower and the worries that it had brought.
Recent events had caused more upheaval than previous ones had for an amount of time. Minaka's Sekirei Plan wasn't irking me as much as the other activities the man had no doubt had a hand in which had been done on the side to 'spice up his game'. Nonetheless, I am irked and do despise the Sekirei Plan for I abhor war in its various forms as I have seen it many times. However, Minaka's action of sending personnel from MBI to take Miya and trashing my home had pushed me past tolerance. They had attacked my family and so had attacked me and I'll not let that slide or stand. My normal aversion and abhorrence were dismissed with the anger that burned within me at what Minaka had done.
Although honestly, I'm not certain if the effects of Kamikura becoming inaccessible have been fully felt yet to MBI. If they have been registered, then MBI and its personnel haven't shown any signs of the idea. If they haven't realized the change, then I would think that it will be very soon, I can't say the exact response that would come from them. After speaking with Nina my views of MBI or rather those that work for them have shifted a bit. According to Nina MBI internally was in turmoil and on the edge of chaos and that was not a joke. Minaka was marching forward, full steam ahead regardless of what happened around or behind the man. The environment that the workplace for MBI had become so toxic that you are either onboard with Minaka, or you are going against him and woe be unto you.
Such was proven as Nina certainly wasn't the first to be 'booted out' from MBI, she was just one of the more well-known ones that had been tossed. The reason being stated officially was "being involved in a problematic incident" when she was being used as a scapegoat. However, Nina, before she left, had taken the work she'd done with her as there was a chance that like Takehito, her work could be erased. During a conversation with her I asked her what she would like to do, something I tend to ask those that work for me. Her answer was to still be involved with Sekirei since she had enjoyed the challenges and what had come with working with Sekirei. That led to having Nina go to the Sekirei ship to continue work there, which none there had any issues, Nina was easily accepted with those on the Sekirei ship.
Once the repairs and expansion on Izumo Inn were done, which was at the end of the following day after returning from Kamikura Island. Things around the house quickly began to fall back into a routine for the tenants and the rest of us as well. Matsu went back into hiding from all but the other tenants and back into doing her habits trying not to be caught. Admittedly, I was amused by Anya's account of what she had done to prevent Matsu from getting into Minato's room. The reason I had arranged who went into each room while the repairs were going on, as I didn't trust Matsu at all. The redhead had made it plain that she could say she would do or do not do something, but that didn't mean that she would keep her word. All too often Matsu wouldn't keep her word and attempt to skirt around me when she can get away with it.
Anyways, with the work done there had been three rooms added, those being three bedrooms, one on the first floor and two on the second. I did take the time to recast the spells I had in place before in order to protect and keep safe the house and its inhabitance. Days passed by until the end of the week came and towards the evening, Tsukiumi went out to meet up with Minato from his cram school. I thought it would be nice to go out, mostly to get the feel of the city with things as they were. Miya stayed at Izumo Inn to keep order with Kuu and Akitsu helping her, which left Yume accompanying me. Yume and I headed out and who knows, there was even a chance that we could meet up with Minato on our way back.
Yume no longer wearing the uniform of MBI's Disciplinary Squad anymore and had gotten different clothing that she took to wearing. She had taken rather a liking to short sleeved Kung Fu shirts with knotted clasps up the front, tonight's was a silver colored one. The other half of the outfit style Yume started wearing was martial artists pants, which this evening's were black. Yume also had her black fingerless fighting gloves with her even if they weren't on her hands at the moment.
The feel of the city was tense as we strolled about, it wasn't screaming for blood just yet, but I would doubt it would be all that long before it was. The feeling thankfully wasn't as bad as it had been during the Warring States Era or previous times of war. However, things were heading in the same direction if it is left unchanged and that wasn't pleasant. And I feel there will come a point where I, others or both will have to intercede and stop Minaka for one reason or another.
Yume and I were passing the college campus when the sounds of scuffling came ahead of us. I went to look at what was going on and found myself viewing a scene that quickly irked me. In an open area, there was a young man a few years older than Minato who was average sized. He had messy brown hair and eyes and was dressed in jeans and a green pullover. Across from the young man was Minato with Tsukiumi by his side much like the guy had a girl with him that happened to be a Sekirei.
From what was coming to my ears, Minato was arguing with this other guy and the subject matter was upon treating Sekirei. Minato was saying how Sekirei should be treated with respect and good manners like any other living being should be. At hearing Minato's view of how others should be treated not just Sekirei certainly showed me just how virtuous Minato is. I had to admit, whoever it was to teach such values to Minato should be thanked and honored, and I doubt it was his mother. Why might I think Takami wasn't the one to teach him such, mostly because she was rarely around either of her children. Plus, I've got a view of what her daughter is like and that girl has much to learn about manners and respect.
The other young man scoffed at Minato's statements and called my young friend a fool and an idiot. He then began spouting garbage the likes of which I haven't heard in a period of time and it was insulting to hear! In short, he was showing himself to be selfish and unkind to others, likely is alone a good portion of the time. The reason I assume the Sekirei is with him is they have no choice and the condition makes sure of that.
My gaze and attention shifted from the young man that was unknowingly embarrassing himself to the Sekirei with him. She had close to neck length light brown hair with blue ribbons woven into it decoratively. Her face was pretty including her grey eyes, which made me wonder how she ended out with this guy, but to their own interests, I suppose if it was her choice. She could have been winged by force which would be a horrible event for her and would be cheating her of what possible relationship she could have. For clothing, she had a white seafarer-type gown that went down to her thighs along with thigh high stockings that were black and long gloves that were the same color. She also had a very large hammer a short distance from her, assumedly her weapon to use in a fight.
Back to the young man who was putting down Minato's reasoning and views of how others should be treated. That transformed into him laughing at Minato and trying to insult my young friend for what he believes. Minato's views on Sekirei were not wrong, Sekirei should be treated with respect and as people. While the man that was referred to as Junichi by the Sekirei began ranting and showing how Sekirei were nothing but objects that were for their 'masters' to do to as they saw fit.
Then, as if spouting the nonsense wasn't enough, this Junichi then put on a display of abusing the girl in an appalling manner of forcing her to the ground and kicking her. And where I know Sekirei have better healing capabilities than humans do, that doesn't mean they should be abused to prove it. Seeing this horrid display served as more than enough for me to step forward and stop this, even if Yume hung back a bit. I approached the young man and without hesitation smacked him on the back of his head non-too gently and his head whipped forward. He rounded to face me with an antagonistic expression set on his face, which faltered at my stern and cold expression. "A very poor presentation you have given of yourself young man. You should be ashamed of your conduct for were you to do such to another person, you could be rightly arrested for molestation and assault to end out spending time in prison," I stated.
The young man bristled at me, "You don't know anything about me old man," he snapped. "So butt out of business that doesn't concern you, or I'll make you."
The lack of manners that the young these days is just sad, no respect for their elders at all. And I know that this just didn't happen recently, it had been slow and steady to end out how it has become. But still, the "I'm right and you're wrong" attitude is rather annoying and very foolish in my view. Instead of reacting in kind, I merely folded my arms, "Your attempted threat is pitiful and shall not intimidate me. You lashing out to inspire fear and intimidation to get others to do as you wish will not sway nor move me," I replied flatly.
I took a breath and then continued, "I may not know your history, but you have made it clear what kind of individual you are through your treatment of others. Your displays of wrongful dominion and abuse are sickening to witness, such shows that you are a despicable individual and suffering loneliness but don't know of how to properly express that," I iterated. I shook my head, "And you wonder why your life isn't going well for you as I wouldn't doubt it is. One look at how you conduct yourself makes it obvious that you will make being around you difficult."
The young man began fuming at how I addressed him, yet I ignored him striding over to the unfortunate Sekirei that had been abused by this despicable individual was. The girl had managed to shift into a sitting position as I squatted down to her level. I smiled at her when she looked at me, "You need not fear me young one, I wish to help you with the predicament that you are in," I said kindly.
The sound of Minato arguing with Junichi came to my ears and they seemed to be ignoring me by this point. Minato was defending me while Junichi was insulting me as I focused on the Sekirei in front of me. "I… I am where I am meant to be," she said hollowly and paused, "this is what I am fated to have."
It was painful to hear her accept what had happened to her for several reasons. First, it shows what the effects of the adjustments that MBI had done to Sekirei had wrought and were designed to do. Second, I had never liked hearing or seeing individuals giving up on themselves and the happiness they could have for far less, it was like they were cheating themselves. I shook my head continuing to smile, "Nothing is so absolute," I returned, "Change starts with a wish and that fuels hope and possibility. Those that have adjusted and changed you have not taken any of that away from you. Those are emotions and ideas none can steal from you unless you give them such. I can provide the opportunity for you to change what you know, but you have to grasp the chance."
The girl had an expression of belief for a moment before she looked down and mumbled about she was where fate was going to have her and that couldn't be changed. I couldn't leave this girl in the straits that she was in, she didn't deserve any of the abuse she was receiving. I moved to be behind the girl and placed my hand above her Sekirei mark for magic can undo what MBI has done. And as it happens, I specialize in magic that can create bonds and connections along with shattering and dissolving false contracts and binding shackles. Yes, there are two here that are human, but one knows of the non-human world and the other won't be believed by others.
So, I cast the spell that would free this poor Sekirei from the shackles that bound her, "May this contract be shattered by the falsities that bind it together, that these shackles upon this one be undone and truth prevail," I chanted, my voice echoing slightly.
The spell caused her wings to appear, and a moment later cracks formed at the ends of each wing and spread downward. The wings of light broke into pieces as the cracks spread, disappearing quickly thereafter in shards until the wings were gone and the Sekirei mark vanished after that. The Sekirei reacted as if she had just witnessed something horrible and disgusting, likely the fake emotional attachment being wiped away. She took up to shaking and clutched at her shoulders a bit after the experience she had just had. "Are you alright," I asked.
The girl turned her head to look at me, and a feeling of worry came over me, why I couldn't say for this was the first time I've met her. "What just happened," she asked clearly confused.
I placed my hands on top of hers as she kept holding her shoulders, "Fear not, you are not in any way broken. If anything it is the opposite, the shackles that bound you to the situation and circumstances you were trapped in are no more. You are free from he who abused you and can go where you wish now to find your own true happiness," I answered firmly.
Even if this was the first Sekirei that I had dissolved their contract for, I had made sure to consider the method to do it should the need come up. The motivation had come when Miya explained to me that the adjustments which MBI put in place did this kind of thing. Yes, there were limiters placed on Sekirei and that I could understand to a point though that to me was the impatient way to go about making Sekirei less dangerous and better at being around others. However, the forced obedience that Sekirei had engrained and put in them had crossed a serious line between what is right and what is wrong! It approached being as close as possible to take away free-will without doing exactly that, and it was wrong!
Then, if that wasn't horrible enough, MBI goes as far as to strip the defense Sekirei have to protect them from abuse in the form of making it so that Sekirei could be forcefully winged. MBI has pretty much revived the slave trade using Sekirei the way they do and wave off the actions as completely fine. What is the worst thing Minaka has done was the bond that is shared between a Sekirei and their ashikabi has been demeaned to being akin to binding chains of slavery and dominion over them!
Where the business that Mira does I find deplorable, to shackle and enslave another to do whatever you tell them no matter how low is far worse than that! To wing a Sekirei against their will is the same as if not worse than a violation of virtue for humans and non-humans. It is one of the main reasons that the spoiled Mikogami brat had angered me so. He had been trying to force himself onto both Akitsu and Kuu and thought nothing bad or wrong about it! The man that is responsible for making this kind of thing occur justifies it as improving Sekirei since he thinks he owns them and uses that 'logic'. So, to be able to save even one individual from such circumstances gives me a feeling of pleasure as helping others does for me.
-Yashima's pov-
Junichi became angry at the male we had encountered as he began to say how he thought others including Sekirei should be treated. At hearing this other ashikabi there was a tiny part of me that whispered about wanting what was being described. But, Junichi is my ashikabi and he shows me attention, I must do my best for him or I will be deactivated. I don't want to be alone so even if I am shown attention by the ways that Junichi uses, it is better than not having anyone. So, I ignored the whisper that was telling me that what I was hearing was anything to give heed to.
Junichi began ranting and laughing at what the other ashikabi had said saying how stupid he was thinking the way he was. Junichi told of how Sekirei were objects that their masters would do as they wished to them. Then, he grabbed and pulled me to him with a hand squeezing my right breast roughly while I did nothing. Next, I was forced down to the ground where Junichi started kicking me in my midsection saying how much I liked it. Yet, shortly after the kicking started it stopped when the sound of a smack came from above me. "A very poor presentation you have given of yourself young man. You should be ashamed of your conduct for were you to do such to another person, you could rightly be arrested for molestation and assault to end out spending time in prison," stated a different male voice.
I glanced upward and saw a man that I'd never seen before, and he was different from any that I'd seen as well. The older man was middle-aged, his hair was silver-grey and fell straight to the top of his neck, though there was a portion of hair that when between his eyes. He has grey eyes which are somewhat darker than his hair was glaring sternly at Junichi. Then his clothing was some kind of robe, which I'd seen pictures of in some of the material that MBI had provided for the Sekirei to learn of human culture. Junichi glared back at the man, "You don't know anything about me old man, so butt out of business that doesn't concern you, or I'll make you."
The man did not back down from Junichi like most either did nor did he just walked away from him instead, so this reaction was unusual. "Your attempted threat is pitiful and shall not intimidate me. You inspiring fear and intimidation in others to get them to do as you wish will not sway nor move me. I know not your history, but you have made it clear what kind of individual you are through your treatment of others. Your displays of wrongful dominion and abuse are sickening to witness, such shows that you are a despicable individual and suffering loneliness and don't know of how to properly express that," I iterated. I shook my head, "And you wonder why your life isn't going well for you as I wouldn't doubt it is. One look at how you conduct yourself makes it obvious that you will make being around you difficult."
Junichi began fuming at what the man had said to him leaving me on the ground after the attention that Junichi had shown me. I stayed where I was but got myself up to a sitting position, waiting to know what would come next for me. Yet, at hearing motion next to me I looked over and saw the man squatting down next to me smiling. "You need not fear me young one, I wish to help you with the predicament that you are in," the man's voice said kindly.
Why was this man talking to me and sounding so nice? Looking to where Junichi was I saw that both he and the other ashikabi were arguing with each other and were not paying any attention to us. My gaze went back towards the man as I was confused at what he wanted, "I… I am where I am meant to be," I stated hollowly, "this is what I am fated to have."
Yes, I was where fate led me to, I am to receive the attention that Junichi gives me that is what I want… it's better than being alone. The man looked at me sadly and shook his head his smile reforming, "Nothing is so absolute," he returned. "Change starts with a wish and that fuels hope and possibility. Those that have adjusted and changed you have not taken any of that away from you. Those are emotions and ideas none can steal from you unless you give them such. I can provide the opportunity for you to change what you know, but you have to grasp the chance."
Hope and a wish, a chance to change? For a moment, I wanted to believe what this man said, but then reality asserted itself. In the Sekirei Plan, Sekirei were led to the fated ashikabi and were to do their utmost to do what they could for them. I was led to where I should be with Junichi, so wishing is pointless, and hope does nothing. My head fell as the understanding sunk in deeper and I muttered about I was with Junichi and that was fine with me. The next thing I registered I felt something start to surge through me, "May this contract be shattered by the falsities that bind it together, that these shackles upon this one be undone and truth prevail," the man chanted in a different tone of voice.
After hearing that, my mind felt to be wiped clean and my body froze as something went through it, which I couldn't describe with words. A moment later, whatever had gone through me had vanished, and when it had horrible feelings washed over me and welled up inside me perfectly clear and unmistakable. The things that Junichi had done to me had felt terrible and wrong, I wanted none of it! Why I hadn't felt this way before I don't know, but now I wanted Junichi to stay away from me! I involuntarily clutched my shoulders and realized that I was trembling and shaking at the feelings whatever I'd experienced.
"Are you alright," the man asked.
I turned to look at the man, and for a second the horrible feelings with Junichi almost faded away and an unfamiliar peace filled me. It was unlike anything I had felt before and I couldn't figure out what it was, just that it came from this man. But then, questions came to me of what had happened to change everything, "What just happened," I asked.
The man put his hands on mine, and they didn't feel bad, they were actually warm, "Fear not, you are not in any way broken. If anything it is the opposite, the shackles that bound you to the situation and circumstances that trapped you are no more. You are free from he who abused you and can go where you wish now to find your own true happiness," he answered.
What he said took a few seconds to sink in as not all of it made sense to me, but the parts 'free from he who abused you' and 'go where you wish' stuck out. First, he has said that I wasn't broken and just hearing that helped some of the fear to leave me. Then, whatever freed me from Junichi meant it possibly explained the feelings of disgust and revulsion that were coming to me. The things he had done to me, from the moment Junichi had winged me and after that now felt like I had been violated multiple times, and some experiences were extremely nauseating to recall! Yet, until now since I was winged I had felt a need to be near Junichi and need of his attention in whatever kind of form it came as.
The only explanation was that this man had done something to change the winging, or even perhaps canceled it out somehow, I don't know. I would have inquired more about what the man had meant with what he said, but I didn't get the chance. "Hey, what do you think you're doing you old geezer, get away from her she's mine," shouted Junichi.
My head snapped over to look at the one responsible for violating me seeing him approach me. Junichi reached out a hand, but before it reached me I swatted it away, "Don't touch me," I nearly shrieked.
Junichi looked down at me with an incredulous expression on his face, "What did you just say," he uttered.
I glared at him with loathing, "I told you not to touch me! Don't ever touch me ever again," I screamed crawling backward from Junichi making a distance from him.
The horrible guy became angry, "You bi**h! I own you," he growled, pointing a finger at me, "You do what I tell you period!"
Fear returned to me along with the disgust and revulsion of his way of seeing me as an object. Junichi started closing the distance between us, I shut my eyes moving my arms to shield myself. But, Junichi never reached me as he grunted before he did, "What the hell?!"
I lowered my arms slightly and saw another woman, a Sekirei gripping Junichi's arm and stopping him from continuing forward. The woman was fair-skinned and was a bit taller than me with a slender built. Her proportions were larger than mine with her having a more curvaceous body. I mean, I know there were Sekirei with bigger breasts than me, but this woman had the biggest I've seen before now. She had brown eyes and brown hair, which was short around the bangs, chin-length hair surrounding her head and framing her face along with what looked like a single antenna-like strand which hung just above her head. The clothes she was wearing consisted of a silver shirt that had knotted clasps up the front and black non-dress pants. On her hands were black fingerless gloves with the numbers '08' in white.
At seeing the numbers, it sunk in that the woman in front of me could and likely was one of the 'single numbers'. The 'Single Numbers' were known to all the other Sekirei as the strongest before being winged and were expected to be even more so after they were winged. I never expected to meet one of the single numbers and definitely not for one to be holding Junichi back from getting to me. "She told you to not touch her, now leave her alone and be on your way," the woman said in a serious tone of voice.
Junichi struggled, but the grip the other Sekirei had on him was unbroken, "Let go of me bi**h! She is mine so I can do anything I want to her now butt out," Junichi shot back.
A whisper of wind came from my right and I caught sight of the man moving forward. He grabbed Junichi by his pullover and jerked him forward forcing Junichi to focus on the man's face. "You would do well to listen young man for if you don't, then the consequences you will be set with will be life-altering," the man said coldly. Junichi stared at the man and he was visibly becoming scared of him. "First, the one that you were abusing might have been yours, but she is no longer chained or leashed to you. That being said, leave her alone and move on, or else your life will become worse than it has been thus far by a sizable margin. And second, do not use such demeaning terms when referring to others, especially one from my family. Do so again and I will personally make you understand what true misery is before your life comes to whatever end it does." The man let go of Junichi and he dropped to the ground, "Now, heed wisdom and make yourself scarce by being on your way from this place."
Junichi scrambled away from the man and then got to his feet and ran away. With Junichi gone I had no idea what would happen to me next. As far as I knew, when a Sekirei's mark disappeared they were too injured to do anything or were simply terminated. However, I felt okay, or as okay as I can with all the confusion bouncing around in my mind. Nevertheless, the man had stated that I wasn't broken, and he sounded like he knew what he was talking about somehow. I was fretting over my current situation when I felt a hand on my shoulder. I looked up and found the single number in front of me, "Hey there, are you doing okay, it's been quite a night for you I would imagine," she said to me.
"Um, I think so, I am just really confused right now," I replied trying to gather my thoughts.
The man came back to be next to me as well, "Yes, I would be surprised if you weren't confused and it's understandable." He smiled at me and the same peaceful feeling from before returned to me, "I say again, there is nothing wrong with you at all young one. You can see what I did for you as a reset or a chance to start over if you like. The contract you had with that lowly individual has been undone and no longer exists."
Okay, that didn't make complete sense, but for the contract with Junichi being canceled was nice. Looking back, the contract with him had been horrible and I hadn't been sure about him when we had met and Junichi had forced it forward and winged me. Any feelings of regret had disappeared quickly after Junichi had winged me and only came in soft whispers from then on. Yet, what was mystifying me was how 'undoing' a contract between a Sekirei and ashikabi would work or is even possible. MBI scientists said that such couldn't be done and laughed at the very suggestion that it could be. There had been some Sekirei from what I understand that had asked, I'd only heard of one instance myself. In the scene I had seen, the two MBI scientists had laughed at the question saying that such was ridiculous.
The man stepped back a bit and then bowed, "I do not believe we've been properly introduced yet, and I do apologize. My name is Ashe Hitoyoshi and my companion next to you," he said pointing to the single number, "is named Yume. And your name is Miss?"
I stared at 'Ashe' for a moment then realized that he was waiting for me to answer his question of my name. "Oh, my name is Yashima," I said quietly.
-Yume's pov-
This poor girl has clearly been through so much and most of it I would assume from what I saw had not been nice. It was likely due to the young man that had run away a little while ago, the girl's former ashikabi. It is evidence to me of what the Sekirei Plan has been doing and what came about because of the whole idea. And this isn't by any means the first case of this type of things happening and I know that sad as it is.
In this particular instance, Yashima was probably winged by force by the young man and so had to obey her ashikabi without a choice. What circumstances led to that I cannot say, but the signs of the enforced emotional attachment irk me. To be fooled into thinking you love someone and yet it being nothing more than a response to a contract is wrong to me. And I feel for her, especially now that I am coming to know the ideal circumstance that the bond between Sekirei and ashikabi can truly be like, how wonderful it can be.
The contract that MBI says that Sekirei would have and "enjoy" was a pale comparison to the bond I was now in with Ashe. Words could not properly describe the happiness and joy that I have felt and now cherish having come to bond with Ashe. A contract could never equal the feelings, it was a mockery of a bond at best, less at the worst. And from what Miya has told me, the bond is what Sekirei are meant to have, not a contract. I only wish that all Sekirei could experience the relationship I'm developing with Ashe or even those connected to Minato. The warping of what possibilities we Sekirei could have was terrible and it is one of the reasons I disagree with Professor Minaka's views.
However, to my genuine surprise, Ashe was able to dissolve the contract somehow and free those trapped and allow them another chance at finding happiness. I don't know how it was done, maybe Miya will have an idea of how Ashe was capable of doing such. I'm still getting to know more and more about Ashe, where Miya has had more time to do so. But the very idea that Ashe and perhaps others could undo contracts for Sekirei gave me hope for those that are trapped in horrible circumstances. It was similar to some of the hope that I had held onto from the time before I had met Ashe.
I would have done more to comfort Yashima and let her know that she was in no danger for I know Ashe would do nothing to knowingly harm her. Ashe's kindness is seemingly unending and it one of his wonderful qualities that I love about him. Yet the appearance of two others prevented me from assuring Yashima that she was going to be okay. The two others were a girl younger than Minato, but certainly bore a resemblance to him, the other was one of the three male Sekirei and for whatever reason, he was in a dress. The girl was petite and slim with black hair like Minato and blue eyes and she was wearing a dress resembling a military uniform.
Minato appeared to know the girl as she approached him and was talking to him about something. Nevertheless, when I glanced over to Ashe he was frowning while looking at the girl that Minato was talking to suggesting that he had met her before now. There were feelings of irritation coming from him as well but I couldn't say why they were, yet they were directed at this girl, that I could say. When I looked over towards Tsukiumi, she surprised me as she was keeping her distance from the girl and covering her chest, which didn't make sense.
I returned my gaze back toward Minato and the girl who was now coming towards the three of us. The girl locked her eyes on me and she smiled for some reason, then she leaped towards me crying, "Let me say hello with a good squeeze of your melons Musubi!"
So, this girl knew Musubi, that was information I didn't have but her action took precedence over what she said. So I shifted into a defensive stance taking this girl leaping at me as an attack as that's what I concluded it was. I'd never met this girl before, and she was aiming for an area that I would only let Ashe touched as he wished to. And I know Ashe wouldn't do anything that I would see as unwelcome, he isn't like that. Honestly, I had entertained thoughts already of offering to spend a night with Ashe, but as Miya tends to do that, I hadn't gone to her yet.
However, the girl was intercepted by Ashe grabbing her shirt collar and pulling her back before she reached me. "I think not young lady, you will not be doing such things," Ashe said flatly.
My heartbeat sped up at seeing Ashe defend me for it was very sweet of him as well as endearing. Discussions with Miya gave me the impression that Ashe would, stand up and defend others, which was considered old-fashion. "Hey, I'm not in your house, so let me go and mind your own business," shouted the girl struggling as Ashe held her.
Ashe didn't let the girl go, but the male Sekirei came up to be beside Minato and was bowing to Ashe, "I'm very sorry for her actions, but please let Yukari go sir," he said.
Ashe stared at the Sekirei for a moment, then put 'Yukari' down on the ground and released her, "Your lack of change in your terrible habits is disappointing, but as you said you are not around my house, so that's not my issue," Ashe said.
Yukari put her hands on her hips, "Then why did you stop me like that if it isn't your issue?! Musubi is with my brother, so I'm free to squeeze her luscious boobs when I feel like it," she snapped.
I will have to inquire of Musubi what this girl did to her before, although I'm kind of hesitant at the same time finding out. Yukari then turned back to me and was about to leap, but Ashe's hand shot out and restrained her again, "That's not going to happen in my presence Missy. First of all, the one that you are attempting to grope is not Musubi even if she looks quite an amount like her. Her name is Yume and she's with me, and whether in my home or out, assaulting those with me is a definite no-no," Ashe stated firmly.
Yukari backed up a bit and looked to be defensive as she faced Ashe, "Yukari, now isn't the time for this, we were searching for her," the male Sekirei with Yukari muttered.
"Yeah, I know," Yukari replied.
-Ashe's pov-
I wasn't happy at seeing Minato's younger sister again for the times before she had not given a good impression to me and that's putting it mildly. The first time I met her she had groped one of my tenants, then tried to do the same to another. Following that up, she attempted to assault Miya in order to show that I couldn't tell her what to do rebelling against the rules and standards of Izumo Inn. This meeting might not be around home and so I usually ignore such horrible displays from individuals that insist on being foolish. However, I don't allow attacks against members of my family and Yume is a member of my family so I will defend her. It doesn't matter to me that Yukari Sahashi was mistaking Yume for Musubi, I will not let her do her vile lechery to her.
That Yukari had and likely winged the Sekirei with her is unexpected, but it no doubt gave Takami an excuse to do something painful to Minaka. At least I hope she did something to the man to cause him pain, her children being in danger would give her the motivation to do so. Would that change Minaka's ways? No, extremely unlikely as the man only cares about himself and his delusions of grandeur, so Takami wouldn't reach him. I'm curious as to who the male Sekirei was searching for though for he doesn't seem to mimic Yukari's behavior. I watched Yukari go over to her brother, "Minato, do you know anyone by the name of Kusano," she asked.
That caught my attention for I could think of nothing at the moment as to why Yukari would want to find Kuu. The girl's perversion wasn't pleasant, but she was no child molester and there is a difference. A pervert isn't nice and are idiots, but even they know there is a line between their unhealthy activities and assaulting a child. So I'm kind of half worried and half just wondering what this was about. Minato scratched his head, "Kusano? I don't know anyone by that name, there's a girl by the name of Kuu that is around me often enough," he answered.
The male Sekirei perked up at hearing the name Kuu and got close up to Minato, "You know where Kuu is? Please, is she alright? Where is she," asked the Sekirei.
"May I inquire as to why you wish to know about Kuu," I posed.
Yukari put herself between me and the male Sekirei, "What's it to you," she challenged.
I folded my arms, "Because she's in my charge and so, is my concern young lady, now answer the question," I returned.
The male Sekirei bowed to me again after getting around Yukari, "My name is Shiina, and I've been looking for Kuu to make sure she is okay," he said.
Shiina? As I recall, that is a name that Kuu has mentioned usually in the idea of someone she'd been with before the Sekirei Plan officially started. She said something along the lines of Shiina being able to help her control her powers over plants. So then, could this be the Sekirei Kuu talked about that has powers opposite to her meaning power of death? I was staring at Shiina, "Yes, Kuu has mentioned the name Shiina a number of times, then she was referring to you," I questioned.
Shiina nodded, and he wasn't lying, I sighed, "She lives at the same place as Yukari's brother does as it happens. Should you come around," I said, pointing at Yukari, "Then you young lady are to be on good behavior, or else I will make it so that you will be unable to practice your problematic habits."
I twisted around and began walking towards home Yume falling in behind me, but I stopped before getting too far and looked back at Yashima. She was gazing at me kind of like a lost puppy, so I smiled, "You are free to follow if you want," I said, then resumed my journey.
Yume and I made our way back towards Izumo Inn, and Yashima did follow a short distance behind us. I assumed that Minato would follow soon enough after chatting with his sister, he knew that he should back at a reasonable hour. The journey back was somber and quiet, although it did feel a tad different with Yashima following behind us. When we arrived back at the house Yume went inside before me and I glanced back at Yashima. "Feel free to come in Yashima. No one will hurt you here," I commented before I entered the house.
-Yashima's pov-
The ashikabi that was identified as "Yukari" had looked toward Yume and then leaped at her calling her by another name and saying something squeezing her. Yet, Ashe stopped her before she reached Yume and he had not appeared happy about what the girl was doing. "I think not young lady, you will not do such things," Ashe said flatly.
I observed the scene, and it was one of the odder interactions I'd seen before now. "Hey, I'm not in your house, so let me go and mind your own business," shouted the girl, struggling as Ashe held her.
The male Sekirei that had been with Yukari came up to be beside the other guy and was bowing to Ashe, "I'm very sorry for her actions, but please let Yukari go sir," he said.
Ashe put 'Yukari' down on the ground and released her, "Your lack of change in your terrible habits is disappointing, but as you said you are not around my house, so that's not my issue," Ashe said.
So then, Ashe has had previous experience with this girl? Yukari put her hands on her hips, "Then why did you stop me like that if it isn't your issue?! Musubi is with my brother, so I'm free to squeeze her luscious boobs when I feel like it," she snapped.
At hearing the way that Yukari said 'squeezing her luscious boobs' I couldn't ignore the urge that came to me. My arms covered my own breasts in a defensive gesture as for some reason the thought of this girl doing as she said to me wasn't appealing at all! Maybe it was because Junichi had handled mine every now and then in a casual manner and now that was disgusting. Yukari then turned back towards Yume and was about to leap, but Ashe restrained her again, "That's not going to happen in my presence Missy. First of all, the one that you are attempting to grope is not Musubi even if she looks quite an amount like her. Her name is Yume and she's with me, and whether in my home or out assaulting those with me is a definite no-no," Ashe stated firmly.
My heartbeat felt like it sped up for a moment at hearing the last line, though I couldn't say why that happened. Yukari backed up a bit and looked to be defensive as she faced Ashe, "Yukari, now isn't the time for this, we were searching for her," the male Sekirei with Yukari muttered.
"Yeah, I know," Yukari replied.
Yukari next went over to the one that had been arguing with Junichi, "Minato, do you know anyone by the name of Kusano," she asked.
I slowly managed to retract my arms from protecting my chest as it seemed that Yukari wouldn't come at me. I still was trying to figure out what was going on but was unable to get a full picture of what was going on. 'Minato' scratched his head, "Kusano, I don't know anyone by that name, there's a girl by the name of Kuu I know," he answered.
The male Sekirei perked up at hearing the name Kuu and got close up to Minato, "You know where Kuu is? Please, is she alright? Where is she," asked the Sekirei.
"May I inquire as to why you wish to know about Kuu," Ashe posed.
So then, Ashe knows this "Kuu" whoever she was? Yukari put herself between Ashe and the male Sekirei, "What's it to you," she challenged.
I looked to Ashe who folded his arms, "Because she's in my charge and so, is my concern young lady, now answer the question," he returned.
The male Sekirei bowed to Ashe again after getting around Yukari, "My name is Shiina, and I've been looking for Kuu to make sure she was okay," he said.
Shiina? I've never heard of a Sekirei by that name, what could his abilities be? I wasn't getting any bad feelings from Shiina, so I don't know. Ashe was staring at Shiina, "Yes, Kuu has mentioned the name Shiina a number of times, then she was referring to you," he questioned. Shiina nodded, and then Ashe sighed, "She lives at the same place as Yukari's brother does as it happens. Should you come around," Ashe said, pointing at Yukari, "Then you young lady are to be on good behavior, or else I will make it to that you will be unable to practice your problematic habits."
Ashe twisted around and began walking away, Yume fell in behind him. Something in me was telling me to not lose sight of Ashe, but I couldn't figure out why as I was still too confused. Yet, before Ashe got too far he stopped and looked back at me. I was simply gazing at him not understanding what it was about this man that was causing all the unfamiliar feelings that had been coming to me. I was so lost right now and didn't know what to do to move forward. Ashe smiled at me, "You are free to follow if you want," he said, then resumed walking the way that he had been.
I thought to myself of what to do, and following Ashe seemed the best choice at the moment. The feeling of peace that came when I was around him, and that did help to settle the confusion somewhat and I needed that. So, I got up and grabbed my hammer and followed Ashe and Yume a short distance behind them. The journey took around fifteen minutes, but we arrived at a large house. It had two levels and looked 'old' but had a sort of charm to it that I couldn't explain. Yume went inside the place ahead of Ashe, before he turned towards me, "Feel free to come in Yashima. No one will hurt you here," he told me before he entered the house.
I hesitated, but then moved to the front door, took a deep breath before opening the door and went inside. Looking around from the front door, I saw the place was different than what I had seen before now, nothing like the apartment that Junichi had. This house felt… welcoming somehow and the feeling was quite nice. I set my hammer to the side and took a few steps further into the house taking in everything about this house I could. There were voices from further inside the house, more than just Ashe's and Yume's own that came to my ears. A few minutes went by of me looking around when my attention was redirected, "Hello hello, who are you," asked a soft childish voice.
I turned to the source and found myself looking at a young girl that looked to be the same height as a child of seven or eight. She had golden yellow hair which was close to the same length as her body and her eyes were green. The girl was wearing a one-piece white dress with a ribbon on the back and she was smiling gazing at me waiting for my answer. I lowered myself to her level, "My name is Yashima," I greeted.
"My name is Kusano, but everyone calls me Kuu," the little girl returned.
"I see that introductions have already begun," came the voice of Ashe.
When I turned, I saw that Ashe was accompanied by three others of which Yume was the only one that I recognized. On Ashe's left was a woman that was taller than me, possessed light brown hair and brown eyes. She didn't show much expression, her face was flat, it was kind of odd. The other woman, which was on Ashe's right was very pretty even if she had a figure that was less full than Yume or the light brown-haired woman. She had waist-length purple hair with the same style in the front as Yume. The woman also had a feeling of command and power about her that I've never felt from anyone else before, I couldn't explain where the feeling came from.
Ashe gestured to the brown-haired woman to his left, "This is Akitsu, and you have already met Yume," he said, then gestured to the woman on his right. "And this is Miya, my wife." He then pointed at me, "Everyone, this is Yashima. She was in some harsh circumstances that I was able to help her out of this evening."
I bowed to those with Ashe, "Um, I apologize for just suddenly appearing, but I couldn't think of what else to do. Ashe offered for me to follow him, so I did and ended out here," I said.
There was silence for a moment, but then Miya spoke, "It is fine Yashima, we don't turn anyone away without particular reason and none of those would apply in your case so there is nothing for you to worry about."
-Ashe's pov-
It's nice to see Yashima smile a bit at what Miya had said about her being welcome here at Izumo Inn. The girl hadn't looked like she had smiled for a while and taking into account the despicable young man she had been with I could believe that. But now that she was away from such an individual, perhaps she could learn what it is to genuinely smile again on a regular basis. Anyway, Yashima would be put in the room that Yume was in now for the time being and Yume didn't have any issue with the arrangement. It was having me feel appreciation for the expansions that had been done to the house now for I feel that it was done not a moment too soon.
Minato along with Tsukiumi, his sister and Shiina arrived close to a half an hour after I, Yume and Yashima got home. The second that Kusano's and Shiina's eyes locked onto one another's, they smiled and then rushed at each other, embracing. Kuu was crying, saying how happy she was to see Shiina again and how she had missed him since their separation. Shiina was doing close to the same as Kuu, though with fewer words and volume. The feel of friends reuniting was a wonderful idea to witness and the feeling that comes from it are beautiful. As the reunion went on, Minato came over to me, with his sister in tow, "Um Ashe, can I ask you something," questioned Minato.
I nodded, "Of course you can Minato, what is it you wish to discuss?"
Minato rubbed a hand on the back of his head, "Well, I was kind of hoping that perhaps Yukari might stay here tonight. I mean, it's late and her apartment is on the other side of Shinto Tato," Minato began.
The young man then went into an explanation of why it would be a good idea to have Yukari be here for the night rather than her go back to her apartment at this time. I'll applaud Minato for loyalty to his family for it is a good quality. And if it were any other than his mother or sister, I would be inclined to agree to the request in a heartbeat. However, as this is his sister we're discussing staying here even for one night, there would be risks that I'm not very interested in having around here at all.
Yukari Sahashi has shown that she had an obsession with perverted and lecherous behavior and that is a collection of behaviors I won't allow to be done here in this house! Seo has received my punishment for such behavior and he does complain even if I don't listen to him on that. Matsu has tried, and for each time that she has the amount of electricity she gets goes down much to her whining. But, I had made it clear to her that such would be the consequences for her when she attempted to do such things while ignoring her argument of needing electricity for what she does.
That in mind, the very thought of permitting Yukari to stay here for a night wasn't appealing to me at all. Her groping tendencies would be encouraged by my current tenants as she shows with Musubi when she can do so. Honestly, I don't trust that Minato's sister will keep her hands to herself for the night by choice were she to stay here for the night. But as is my policy I don't say no right away unless there is a clear and undeniable reason to do so. I turned toward Yukari and gave her a stern glare, "Minato, that will all depend upon a couple of things which your sister will clarify for herself. Will you be able to keep the perverted and lecherous urges in check, young lady? For if not, then the answer will be either a begrudging yes, but I would bind your hands to make sure you not do such things. Or else it's a flat out no to you staying here even for a night and I escort you to the door immediately."
Minato put his hands together, "Come on Yukari, you can do this. It would be safer for you to stay here for the night with how late it is," he pled.
Yukari hesitated at Minato's plea, she glanced around the room for a minute to in my view take in potential targets for her to have her way with were I to not stop her. Then after a few minutes, she exhaled heavily, "Oh, alright, I'll restrain myself for the night. Shiina has been looking for Kusano for a while now so I would bet he wants more time with her," she admitted.
That will suffice I suppose, for the time being, I still don't trust her, "Very well, I'll hold you to that," I stated.
Things began settling down after that for the night, Yukari and Shiina were put in the new room on the second floor. I did set up a couple of spells specifically for alerting me if Yukari left her room and went anywhere other than the bathroom and back to her room. Like Matsu, I was going under the assumption that trusting Yukari at her word was close to pointless and to prepare for the worst-case scenario. With those measures in place, I retired for the night making sure that my Sekirei were where they should be beforehand. I also checked in on Yashima in Yume's room for she'd had a full and life-changing day.
You really have to feel sorry for the girl, Yashima had this morning been with a guy that was horrible, dominating, and abusing to her. Due to the adjustments that MBI had made, she had seen nothing wrong with the treatment and couldn't leave the guy even for her own well-being. That had now turned into her being freed from the contract that had bound her and facing the choice of what to do next. The other part that hasn't come up in full yet, which will be how MBI reacts to a Sekirei's contract being nullified.
-Yashima's pov-
I had fallen asleep last night faster than I ever had before now that I could remember. When I woke up the next morning, I felt better than I had ever in my memory. Junichi hadn't been a morning person and started most of them with doing something abusive to me. So, it was different for me to see what occurred this morning at this house that I followed Ashe too. I had exited the room I'd slept in and had a minute later come into sight of the girl Kuu hugging Ashe with a happy smile on her face and Ashe appeared to be returning the gesture. The sight of the simple act of two hugging one another was not new to me, but the affection portrayed between Ashe and Kuu was close to foreign to me.
That wasn't the end of 'odd sights' for me this morning they kept coming and I couldn't help but stare at the scenes. With Ashe the Sekirei that I think are connected to him, the way they acted around him made it clear that they were happy here with him. They showed affection to him and Ashe replied in kind to them unlike Junichi would have. Seeing such brought a soft warmth to my heart and a weak feeling of longing for the same to be received by me made themselves known.
Then, there was a different dynamic with Minato and his Sekirei who looked to be fighting over his attention. Their fight wasn't mean more a competition, yet it felt okay somehow, and Minato clearly showed that he cared about each of his Sekirei. Even the girl from last night showed signs that she cared about the Sekirei that was with her as well. All of this was so different from what I had been receiving from Junichi and it hurt to see what could be that I had been missing. And the reasons I would have used with what Junichi would do with me didn't make sense anymore.
I continued to observe such things over the next few days, minus that the girl Yukari was only around the house for the first night I was there. As I witnessed how Ashe and Minato were around their Sekirei and others, along with how they treated them I believe was how they were normally. The two feelings that I had the first morning, the warmth and the longing kept returning to me off and on getting stronger each time. The feelings were strange in the way that they were unfamiliar, but I kind of liked the warmth even if the longing was a tad painful. And they wouldn't leave me be, they were persistent though I said nothing to anyone else.
It was after staying at Izumo Inn for a day shy of a week that the warmth and longing got to the point that I was having difficulty ignoring and keeping them to myself. I was able to tell that the feelings were stronger around Ashe than Minato, but not by a great deal. So, I approached Ashe and asked to talk to him, to which he agreed to listen to what I had to say. It was in the evening that Ashe and I were on the back porch of the house, Ashe facing me and waiting for me to start the discussion. I took a deep breath and began saying what was on my mind, "Um, first, I want to thank you for letting me stay here, it has been an educational experience for me."
Ashe nodded, "You are quite welcome, I would think that you have had a great deal think about after being released from the previous contract you were in," he remarked.
I started wringing my hands, "Yes, I have," I replied. Then I gazed at Ashe's face, "Can I ask you something?"
"Of course you can, I can't promise that I can answer the question you pose, but I will do my best to do so," Ashe stated calmly.
My gaze shifted to look over at everyone else momentarily, then turned back to Ashe, "For the Sekirei connected to you, how do you see them? Why are you so nice to them," I inquired.
Ashe didn't answer right away, but when I looked back at his face directly he had a thoughtful expression. After a minute he spoke, "Both your questions have a lengthy answer that sums it up. You ask how I see the Sekirei that are connected to me, simply put they are family to me and family is one of the most important values I have."
I could only stare at Ashe for what he said didn't make sense to me in relation to the questions I'd asked. The word family was known to me as it had come up during the education period for Sekirei. However, the definition that I was aware of for the word didn't fit what Ashe said with it. "I assume by your expression that me saying that they are family means little to you," Ashe posed.
I nodded slowly, "They are not related to you, so how can they be family," I asked.
Ashe chuckled a bit at my question which again didn't make sense, "You are thinking of the strict and rigid definition that some people have come up with for the word 'Family'. That isn't what I infer to when I say one is family to me, there is much more to the idea of a family than that. For me, family refers to a bond between two or more individuals that's stronger than friendship. Such requires one to care about another before and more than themselves. It is a bond that cannot be faked as it's seen by action and not stated by simple words."
Ashe glanced over to where the others in the house were and a smile formed on his face, "To be family means you share in most if not everything. You share in the joy and in the grief, family shares in the good times and helps one another through the hard times. Each bond between individual family member is unique for each person no matter what they be are unique. Family bonds are able to change an individual for the better in ways that are hard to imagine. As an example, when I met Akitsu she was beyond depressed, yet you would never think that with how she is now. Whereas, Kuu was alone and scared when I found her crying out for help and safety to any that would listen. Family is made up of those you can depend on for anything that is what I mean when I say one is family," Ashe summed up.
The feeling of warmth and longing surged up in me at hearing Ashe's description of what family was to him. I couldn't think of what to say, yet Ashe continued, "As to why I'm so nice to them when you care about another and their well-being more than your own, then being nice to them is natural. I wish for the happiness of each member of my family for when they are happy, then so I to feel happy."
Upon hearing that, the thought in my mind was that I wanted what was being described. It was as close to the complete opposite of what I had been experiencing with Junichi as was possible. It was this thought that helped me comprehend that I was actually reacting to Ashe and had been since I came here. I'd just been so confused up till now that I hadn't understood what had been happening to me to recognize what it was. This feeling that I was experiencing was so different from what had come to me around Junichi and the difference was stark. Also, this feeling was more real and genuine than what had come to me with Junichi which had been odd looking back now.
Ashe spoke again redrawing my attention, "Does that answer your questions Yashima?"
I nodded my head as the warmth that I had been feeling increased and spread through me. My mind was the clearest it had ever been before, I wanted to have a bond like what Ashe described, not a contract as I'd had with Junichi. I put my hands together and gazed at Ashe with hope coming to my heart, "Then would you wing me and become my ashikabi? Please let me be a part of your family Ashe," I entreated.
Ashe's smile faltered at my question, and he gained a pitying expression, "You've had a horrible experience with one before, yet you wish to give up your freedom once again so quickly Yashima," he asked.
While it's true that I had bad experiences with Junichi, I'd seen enough here to know that Ashe wouldn't do what Junichi did. I was somewhat worried and even nervous about what could be waiting for me with this request. Nevertheless, I wanted to try once more to find a place for myself. This wasn't giving up freedom as Ashe says I was for he was different than what I had known before, so I shook my head, "No, that is not what this is to me, nor would you do to me what Junichi would do, of that I am sure. I've been watching for long enough to see that you mean what you say about family, and it attracts me strongly. Ever since coming here I have felt," I paused, trying to figure out how to say what I wanted to convey, "like I am in a place that I can truly belong, and I don't wish to lose that."
Ashe still seemed hesitant at my request, "Do understand Yashima, I nor any connected to me will participate in the Sekirei Plan at all and that standing will not change. Such a standing comes with its own set of problems, and some as risky as those Minaka's game involves. If you were to be winged by me, then it would not be able to be undone as I did for you before. So, this isn't a choice to make without serious thought," he said.
I have been giving this idea a great deal of thought, more than anything else that I can think of or recall. The Sekirei Plan itself had never mattered to me other than not being deactivated as was to be the punishment for those that didn't participate according to Hiroto Minaka himself. Then, something within me kept saying that if I were to be with Ashe it wouldn't be the same as it had been with Junichi. Along with that point, I felt that I could do more than I have been able to before if I were around Ashe. So, a smile crept onto my face as I gave my answer, "I have been giving this thought and I still believe my request as stated is the correct decision for me."
Ashe still looked at me for a full minute, I didn't look away for I really did want Ashe to be my ashikabi. Yet, after the minute passed Ashe exhaled heavily, "It is clear that you are set on this, and I personally don't have anything really against winging you. I just say again, be sure about this decision, it will affect the rest of your life in ways that you do not see right now," Ashe said.
With a surge of courage within me, I moved forward and wrapped my arms around Ashe's torso and pulled myself against him. The feelings of warmth and peace increased when I did so, and it just served to tell me that my wish to have Ashe as my ashikabi was right. "I'm more sure about this choice than I have ever been about anything before Ashe. Please, be my ashikabi," I requested.
-Ashe's pov-
Yashima gaze shifted to look over at everyone in the house and she stared at them interacting with one another. "For the Sekirei connected to you, how do you see them? Why are you so nice to them," she inquired.
I didn't answer right away, she looked back at my face as I took the time to consider the answer to her questions. I knew the answer to Yashima's inquiry, but I don't think that she would understand what I was talking about were I to tell her as I know it. With what I've observed of the Sekirei that I've encountered, the term family doesn't mean the same idea as it does to me. Family is one of the most important concepts to me, it has become so over the time I've lived among humans and non-humans. It took time to gather and organize my thoughts and figure out how to say what I wished to convey.
The subject of family was one I hold near and dear to my heart and it has become so over the long time of my existence. There have been many individuals that I have come to consider and see as members of my family. From the children I have raised to others that had gotten to know me and became close, each had their own story of how they became family to me. Granted, most had come and gone by this time, but their memories lived one and I cherish the time I had with them. However, the word "family" is defined more rigidly than I would see it, it means more to me than just related by blood.
After a minute I spoke, "Both your questions have a lengthy answer that sums it up. You ask how I see the Sekirei that are connected to me, simply put they are family to me." Yashima stared at me with a confused expression showing that she didn't understand what I said which proved that she was going off of the word's definition. "I assume by your expression, that me saying that they are family means little to you," I posed.
Yashima nodded slowly, "They are not related to you, so how can they be family," she asked.
I chuckled a bit at that, "You are thinking of the strict and rigid definition that some people have come up with for the word 'Family'. That isn't what I infer to when I say one is family to me, there is much more to the idea than that. For me, family refers to a bond between two or more individuals that's stronger than friendship, and such requires one to care about another before and more than themselves. It is a bond that cannot be faked as it's seen by action and not stated by simple words."
I glanced over to where the others in the house were, a smile forming on my face at seeing my family happily interacting with one another. "To be family means you share most if not everything with each other. You share in the joy and in the grief, family shares in the good times and help one another through the hard times. Each bond between individual family member is unique as each person no matter what they be are unique. Family bonds are able to change an individual for the better in ways that are hard to imagine seeing them from the outside," I iterated.
Then I decided to give some examples of my more recent family members that had come, "For instance, when I met Akitsu she was beyond depressed and she saw no purpose for herself, yet you would never think that with how she is now. Or there is Kuu, she was alone and scared when I found her crying out for help and safety." I paused for a moment thinking how to sum up what I was getting at, "Family is made up of those you can depend on for anything that is what I mean when I say one is family."
Thinking about just how much Akitsu and Kuu had changed since I had encountered them got me to grin a bit. The two had both done a turnaround from how they had been before and it was for the better. I could also tell that Yashima was listening to my every word, so I continued, "As to why I'm so nice to them when you care about another and their well-being more than your own, then being nice to them is natural. I wish for the happiness of each member of my family for when they are happy, then so I to feel happy."
Yes, for Miya, Akitsu, Kuu, and Yume, I wish for them to be happy and would do what I could to help them find happiness. I would wish the same for Yashima, wherever she will find it for herself, she has been handed a bad situation before coming here. I looked at Yashima, "Does that answer your questions Yashima," I asked.
She nodded before putting her hands together and gazed at me with hope coming into her expression, "Then would you wing me and become my ashikabi? Please let me be a part of your family Ashe," she requested.
My smile faltered, and I gained a pitying expression at the request from Yashima as I gazed at her. The last ashikabi she'd had abused her on a frequent basis, yet she wants such still. No, I wouldn't abuse her like that guy had for I'm not like that, but this seemed a rather quick decision for her. I wouldn't wish horrible things to happen any of the Sekirei that I would come across, whether they are mine or not. There are exceptions such as Karasuba, those that would attack me or others without reasonable cause and logical reason, but those were normally few.
I'd freed Yashima so that she could have a second chance to find happiness which I would wish for the majority I cross paths with. However, when bonding with me it's different than establishing a connection with an ashikabi for Sekirei. The Sekirei bound to me change in ways that can be unpredictable for a couple of reasons. The first and common point will be the Sekirei in question would become as if there were no adjustments done by MBI to them which is more different than some would think. The second potential issue is that I attract unusual beings and ideas along with being seen that way myself, being exposed to that is not something one can easily wave off.
If I needed proof of my view, I've already seen the beginnings of the point for Kuu and Akitsu and I wouldn't doubt Yume will start showing the same soon. Things will never be exactly the same for the three of them as it could possibly be for other Sekirei. Also, I cannot say if they or Miya will come to share the lifespan that I have, which is in essence, unending naturally. Finally, there will be things I won't be able to do for the others bound to me as things stand, Miya and I would discuss more that soon I feel. "You've had a horrible experience with one before, yet you wish to give up your freedom once again so quickly Yashima," I questioned somberly.
Yashima shook her head to my question, "No, that is not what this is to me, nor would you do to me what Junichi did, of that I am sure. I've been watching for long enough to see that you mean what you say about family, and it attracts me strongly. Ever since coming here I have felt," she paused for a moment, "like I am in a place that I can truly belong, and I don't wish to lose that."
Even if that's the case, I still feel this is a bit rushed and I don't like forcing people into things even if it is for the best choice. So, I still hesitated since there were other components to being connected to me. "Do understand Yashima, I nor any connected to me will participate in the Sekirei Plan at all and that standing will not change. Such a standing comes with its own set of problems, and some as risky as those Minaka's game involves. If you were to be winged by me that would not be undone as I did for you before so, this isn't a choice to make without serious thought," I said.
A smile came to Yashima's face, "I have been giving this thought and I still believe my request as stated is the correct decision for me," she stated.
Yashima seemed to have her heart set upon having me as her ashikabi and nothing I'd said had put her off. Having three other Sekirei along with my wife would require a good portion of my attention and adding another would increase that difficulty. Yet, as I gazed at Yashima for a full minute, she didn't look away from me meaning she was serious about me being her ashikabi. After the minute passed, I just couldn't find it in me to say no to her and so I exhaled heavily coming to my decision, "It is clear that you are set on this, and I personally don't have anything really against winging you. I just say again, be sure about this as it will affect the rest of your life," I said.
Yashima moved forward and wrapped her arms around my torso and pulled herself against me embracing me. "I'm more sure about this choice than I have ever been about anything before Ashe. Please, be my ashikabi," she entreated.
Well, she is being insistent about this, and she has suffered through a great deal already, so again I can't find it in me to refuse her. It's time like this that being nice can be good and bad at the same time, "Very well Yashima, if you really wish to stay here then you don't need to be winged you know. But you seem to have your heart set upon this, so I can't say no in this," I said.
Yashima's smile grew, then she drew close to my face before pressing her lips to my own firmly. A moment later neutral blue wings appeared behind Yashima and spread out and unfolded fully as Yashima continued to kiss me. Just after the wings appeared my magic seal started interweaving with them and combining with them like had happened with the other Sekirei connected to me. And so, now I have five Sekirei; my wife and four others that will be looking to me going forward. I hope and pray that she will be the last, I am but one individual and have the same amount of time to work with. To divide my attention between those that are around me will be taxing enough, I wish for no more going forward.
A/n
That's where I'll leave off on this chapter. Yes, Ashe gets a fifth and Yashima will be the last one, that's my decision. Sorry if some of you want more, but it's not going to happen. Also Ashe as he proved can undo contracts between ashikabis and sekirei, but there is more to how it works. Hope you all enjoyed the chapter, comment and review!