Sekirei: Battle of the Gods

by Blackshadow999

Hiroto Minaka thought the Sekirei and what came from their space ship made him a God. But he didn't know of the world that was unseen, yet hidden in plain sight. How long can that last and how will Sekirei do against those who have been around for longer than them? Read and find out! Currently being redone.

16. Growing Polarization

A/n

Here is chapter 16, sorry it took so long for it to be posted, life has not given me a great deal of time to write. Anyways, I don't own anything from the Sekirei universe or the religious references I make nor the changes I make, remember this is fiction. Enjoy the chapter!

Chapter 16: Growing Polarization

-Ashe's pov-

I found myself in a place that I knew all too well for I had been here many times and each instance was not pleasant for me. The collection of markers identified it as a graveyard, but it was more than that to me, this place was a graveyard I knew personally. This was the place I've visited every year for the last four centuries, it was where a number I'd known were laid to rest. But this was clearly a dream, one that I have on occasion and each time I wish it would end and leave me be, but it never did. This dream was one of the heaviest reminders of those that had been lost which I had not been able to save.

I began walking forward and started hearing voices asking why they had died or been killed even as I attempted to ignore them. However, it wasn't long before my fox ears were lying flat and my hands had gone up to hold them down to try to drown out the growing cries of sorrow and curses directed towards me. Yet, even as I tried to shut them out, the reminders of those that I had been unable to help and save from their deaths that had claimed them couldn't be silenced. I kept going forward, no longer by choice and the painful cries continued much to the torture of my heart. A short period later, I came to be in front of Itsumi's marker and the pain deepened sharply. Her voice once comforted me and would always bring a smile to my face, but now her silence tore at me. Nonetheless, then came something I didn't expect, "Daddy…"

I twisted to my right and saw my son Kai standing there, this had never occurred in any of the renditions of this dream and it would be puzzling if not for the pain coursing through me. That was added to by Kai having a lost expression on his face as he came closer towards me and it didn't fit him at all. His eyes held my attention as I'd seen similar from children that were wandering lost and it hurt to see this from Kai. Without hesitation, I closed the distance between us and encircled my arms around Kai, "My son, what are you doing here, this is no place for a boy," I managed to say evenly.

Kai gazed up at my face and tears were flowing from his eyes, "Daddy, I-I can't find mommy, she was with me before," he got out with sniffles as he spoke. "But then, she just disappeared, I've looked but I can't find her," he got out in building sobs. My voice didn't do as I directed it to as my son's sobbing grew worse, "Where is mommy daddy? You always know where she is… and why does that stone have the letters that are in mom's name," he questioned as he started crying, pointing at a headstone.

My eyes flicked over to the stone that Kai had gestured at for even if he was in the early stages of learning to read, what he said made little to no sense. But as I scanned the stone I froze, and it was as if a jagged weapon was just shoved through my heart as on the headstone that Kai had pointed to was chiseled Miya's name. Kai's continued cries for Miya served to breakdown the mental and emotional defenses I had. I could only hold my son to me but couldn't say anything to him as things quickly faded around us.

I woke with a start, sweat running down my brow and tears were escaping my eyes at the horrible images from the dream that were fresh in my mind. The comforter of the futon was thrown off as my tails began thrashing around giving voice to the soul-wrenching pain plaguing me. The later images from the dream wouldn't leave me, especially the expression of being lost that Kai had and his crying for Miya as they both were haunting me. Perhaps this was happening because of the recent event of Miya being taken by MBI, I can't say.

"Ashe," I turned to the source of the voice and saw Miya sitting up rubbing her eyes tiredly. Seeing her did help my heart to an extent, but the images from the dream weren't fading from my mind like before, nor did the tears or the motions of my fox features cease. I tried to speak, yet my voice didn't respond at all, only my mouth moved and even that was weak. Miya must have noticed that something was off with me as she became more awake, "Ashe, what is wrong," she asked with concern.

My voice still didn't respond to my commands and my mouth moving slightly wasn't helpful either, all I could do right now was move forward and embrace Miya. Having contact with her slowly started getting the torturous scenes of the dream to begin to fade from the forefront of my mind. Miya kept asking questions of me as I rapidly shifted from hugging my wife to desperately clinging to her for support. My psyche had been shaken with what could have happened to Miya, such hadn't happened to any I deeply cared about for a moderate period of time. It took a few minutes for me to regain use of my voice, "Nothing is wrong as things are," I uttered in a voice that broke intermittently.

Miya ceased her questioning and wrapped her arms around me as the emotions that were coursing through me began weakening. She also began going through motions of helping the dreamed images that were tearing at my soul to leave me. I quickly lost the use of my voice or rather the use of words and was reduced to making quiet sounds of pain, more animalistic than humans would make normally. Nonetheless, I was in agony and couldn't keep it inside myself, so the canine whines, yips, and soft howls were their voice with this. After a time, I was able to stop the sounds of pain from coming from my mouth instead of words, yet I still clung to Miya as a kind of anchor. "You had that dream again didn't you Ashe, the one you go through the graveyard," posed Miya softly.

I managed to nod, "Y-yes," I replied quietly with agonized tones in my voice. "I just wanted it to end, for the dream to leave me be and cease tormenting me," I said in a pained whisper. I swallowed hard and kept going, "Their cries and curses… I did my best to ignore and give no heed to them."

-Miya's pov-

I awakened from a feeling of cold, along with a feeling of pain and misery which I didn't understand where it came from at this time. I opened my eyes and glanced around my immediate area noting that the comforter was gone explaining the cold air. When I looked over to my left I saw that Ashe was sitting up for some reason for it was still dark right now. Ashe isn't one to be nocturnal regularly, so for him to be up at a late hour like this was unusual. Plus, he was in his natural appearance which he so rarely shows, "Ashe," I questioned.

At my question, Ashe turned to face me and the second I saw his face I knew that there was something very off. He was sweating, there were tears coming from his eyes and the expression on his face was agonizing as it told of pain. And as my gaze looked the rest of Ashe over I saw that his fox features were thrashing around and were responsible for the comforter being gone. I focused back on Ashe's face and it hurt to see him in so much pain, "Ashe, what is wrong," I asked with concern.

My husband's mouth moved, but no words came out which increased my worry for him, then shortly Ashe moved forward and hugged me. However, where Ash's embrace was normally to show care and affection, he wasn't doing that in this gesture. He was desperately holding onto me as impressions came through our bond and I could feel that Ashe was in lots of agony from something plaguing him. Over the next few minutes I tried talking to Ashe, but he didn't answer me at first, merely clung to me. But he did find his voice eventually, "Nothing is wrong as things are right now," he uttered in a voice that broke intermittently.

Ashe was trembling as he held onto me desperately and I stopped asking questions and simply hugged my husband as words clearly weren't going to help right now. At the same time, I focused on what was coming through our bond, his emotions gave me pieces that assisted in building a picture of what had happened to Ashe. While I was trying to figure out what was hurting him, he started uttering quiet whines and canine-like sounds that others just don't make. Ashe only makes those sounds when he is in serious pain and when no others are around him beside me.

Those sounds along with what impressions I was getting helped me come to the conclusion that Ashe had a dream he does sometimes, one that haunts him in the form of those from his past that he couldn't save blaming him and cursing him for what befell them. The way Ashe was clinging to me was a desperate cry for help and I hummed to him to help calm him. After a time, the whines stopped coming from Ashe as I petted his head, "You had that dream again didn't you Ashe, the one you go through the graveyard," I posed softly.

Ashe managed to nod though his head was on my left shoulder now, "Y-yes," he replied quietly. I was torture to me to hear Ashe like this, yet I'm glad that no others see or hear this from him for this is a side that he only shows me this. "I just wanted it to end, for the dream to leave me be and cease tormenting me," Ashe said in a wavering voice. he swallowed hard and kept going, "Their cries and curses… I did my best to ignore and give no heed to them."

I said nothing knowing that there was nothing I could say to help Ashe in this, I could only listen right now. Ashe had trouble getting out complete sentences as he told me about the dream he had. Like the times before, the dream had him end out in front of Itsumi's grave, but then the telling took a turn that I didn't see coming. "And then… Kai appeared," Ashe admitted.

That last bit caught my attention, "What, but that hasn't happened before," I uttered.

Ashe kept going as if I hadn't spoken, "He looked so lost, and then said that he couldn't find you and that you had disappeared. His crying for you," Ashe's hold tightened ever so slightly, "it ripped at me to hear him doing so… and there was a headstone… with your name on it," Ashe stopped speaking.

The description that Ashe was giving of the dream he had was terrible to imagine let alone listen to. Picturing our son lost as Ashe implied was painful, and then with how much Ashe cares about me, it's no wonder he was having great difficulty after seeing a grave that appeared to be mine. I kept embracing my husband, trying to provide some comfort to him, "It was a dream Ashe, nothing more than that. It was your fears and worries given a voice, they were not real though it sounds like they felt like it was." I nuzzled Ashe's head, "I am here and I will not be going anywhere Ashe."

Ashe's fox features curled around me adding to the contact we had helping the feelings of unease fade. We stayed like we were for a while before Ashe spoke again, "I'm sorry that you end out seeing me when I'm like this Miya, you shouldn't have to."

I shook my head, "As you once told me, to be truly married as husband and wife fully and in every sense, we share in everything both during good and bad times," I stated. Then I grabbed both sides of Ashe's face and made him look at me to make him listen to what I was going to say, "So you listen to me Inari Ōkami, former deity that self-imposed his own fall from the heavens, you are MY husband and I am YOUR wife now and forever, do not ever forget that," I said firmly. "We share in the happy times as well as support one another through the hard and difficult experiences, so stop your apologizing to me when I see you at your worst." I leaned forward and kissed him, then pulled back, "I'm here for you, so don't forget to lean on me when you need support Ashe as I do on you."

The maelstrom that was Ashe's emotions died down and settled, "Do forgive me Miya, I've been alone and adrift so often that I keep my own issues inside, so I forget to depend on others," Ashe said. Ashe and I stayed in one another's embrace, "The past I have lived through haunts and torments me. You help me move forward from the chains that shackle me and I'm grateful for that we have one another Miya."

-Yashima's pov-

A week has passed since I was winged by Ashe and the seven days have flown by faster than I thought they could. The sheer difference between what my life had been and what it has become is like night and day! Junichi had regularly abused me on a daily basis and looking back, it is hard to comprehend how I could have craved such attention. It made no sense to me at all that I would have any urge to have that type of abuse. Now I have no such desire and the changes that I'm experiencing, I couldn't see or imagine such before.

Yet, after talking with Yume and Miya an amount they told me that wanting that type of attention wasn't my fault nor did it mean that something was wrong with me. According to them, it was one of the effects of the adjustments made by MBI on Sekirei. We Sekirei will be inevitably drawn to the ones that can wing them, hopefully, the one that is the best match but that's no guarantee for that. The emotional attachment that was formed upon the winging would wipe away any doubts about the ashikabi right or wrong. That meant that the attachment I had felt towards Junichi had been there because he had winged me even if by force. It had been fake, and understanding that my feelings had been toyed with had irritated me, but I couldn't figure out completely why.

However, the feeling of being used and cheated vanished as Ashe had been treating me so nicely. From the very moment, he had winged me, the surety of him being one of the best choices I could make had set itself in my mind and heart. There had been no whispers of doubt as there had been with Junichi from time to time. Ashe had been asking me if there was anything I needed, yet he has asked pretty much nothing of me so far in return. It hadn't taken long to understand why Yume, Akitsu, and Kuu would hug Ashe with expressions of genuine happiness on their faces on a daily basis. I found myself wanting to do the same almost every time I saw Ashe without rhyme or reason other than he was how he was.

The way Ashe treats me has made me question so many things that I had been taught before being released by MBI. Sekirei were taught that we were required to fight in the Sekirei Plan, and only one of us would make it to the end. The 'winner' then would be given their wish whatever it was, which was the motivation for all Sekirei to fight and survive. That was the sole reason for Sekirei to exist according to Professor Minaka and others from MBI and there was nothing else. Yet, being around and with Ashe… I don't know, but I'm beginning to think that such isn't necessary as those from MBI claims it is, nor are they right in that being the reason we exist.

I mean, I've been the happiest I have ever been living here at Izumo Inn. Ashe is the most amazing individual I've ever been around and he's the best ashikabi I can imagine having. He is so sweet and goes out of his way to make sure that I am pleased with how my life is going as he does with each of his Sekirei individually. He also seems to be able to know what another is thinking, whether that is the case or not, I can't say for sure. But there have been times that I didn't say anything and Ashe knew the thoughts of my heart somehow. Not that I had a problem with Ashe being able to do that, it was still hard for me to voice what I felt, even if it was getting easier as time went on.

Then there had been moments that had been embarrassing, but secretly extremely enjoyable ones as well. Times where Ashe would catch me unaware whether it was while I was thinking or just not expecting him to appear. His surprise hugs and other signs of affection were pleasant even if they made me jump still. Rather, that contact was more than pleasant as there was a warmth with them which I was still getting used to, but it was more than just nice. It makes me think that if what I've been living is what it is truly like to have an ashikabi, then I can understand the extreme interest and value of having one.

And finally, there were the other people that lived here in the north, most were nice and each were different. And it was only a day after being winged by Ashe that I found out that many of them weren't human like the majority are in this city. The learning of new things every day and being able to be with Ashe is a joy unlike any I had known before. I didn't even know that one could be as happy as I've become, every day feels like I'm in a dream. I find myself smiling far more than I used to now, and it feels natural somehow and I could only anticipate what would come in the future.

-Ashe's pov-

As time moved forward, both good and bad events came, first the positive. Yashima appeared to be finding her place and was happy with how her life was going now. The girl really opened up a few days after being winged by me and she had shown herself to be different than first impressions suggested. When we had first met, she had been submissive and blindly loyal to the one that had winged her as MBI's adjustments made sure of. Now she was gaining confidence in herself and her abilities, though she is still kind of quiet. Similar to Akitsu, she tended to show what she felt through expressions and not through words as Yume and Kuu do. The non-verbal gestures she shows me clearly told me that she liked and wanted what she had here and left no doubt in mind about that.

Not to say that Yashima doesn't speak her mind or make her thoughts known outwardly to some for she does, but she doesn't do so loudly. That could change given time, when she's around me she talks more and she's maturing, it can take time to grow, I've seen the idea countless times. Admittedly, it does make Yashima look quite cute with how she was trying to do her best to appear confident but wasn't actually confident in herself much yet. It's a different kind of cute than Kuu pulls off, nor is it the same innocent cuteness that Akitsu puts off. Yashima has a charm all her own, and I can't say if she realizes she has it or not, but she most certainly does.

The other positive event was that things seemed to be settling back into a routine and with the upheavals that had occurred recently, still routine was welcome. Everyone at the house was occupying themselves with meaningful tasks… well, most were, but there were those that just seemed to do things that were irritating. Matsu was a prime example, still being the freeloader she insisted on being, and that included her practicing her problematic habits a few of which I should be kicking her out for. But aside from her, the rest in the house were using their time well enough to be fruitful overall.

Yashima and Yume had taken up to having sparring matches after getting permission from Miya and I. They did benefit from the work even if Yume was clearly better at fighting than Yashima, the difference in skill level was easy to see for those who know the fighting arts. Yashima however, didn't let Yume have an overwhelming advantage for very long as she learned quickly and adapted just as fast. The two also developed a kind of friendship during the time there were spending together both during the matches and outside of them. And it was nice to see them getting along like they were along with looking out for each other.

I observed the two more than assisting them as I was helping Kuu and Akitsu learn more about their abilities and how to control them effectively and both were doing fairly well with the idea. Where my knowledge is more with magic and its workings than the Sekirei's abilities, they are surprisingly similar. So my wisdom was beneficial for the two and I did learn from them as much as they were learning from me. Plus, the time I got with them was very nice to have as I care about both of them and our bond is deepening.

While I was doing what I was able for my other Sekirei, Miya was 'training' both Musubi and Tsukiumi and honestly, they both needed to work and practice with their skills and abilities. Musubi was fair at hand to hand, or rather she had fair control of how to wield her fists in a fight. Meanwhile, Tsukiumi was not all that bad with her water manipulation capabilities, but that appeared to be all she had to work with. The reason I say that is from what I saw, Tsukiumi would try and overwhelm Musubi with water but Musubi would sometimes get up close where water techniques weren't as effective. Still, the two had much to learn which was proven by Miya showing them both up, at the same time I might add.

Granted, things weren't all nice but that is how life tends to be, I've been around long enough to understand that. For there to be good there must be the opposite as contrast is necessary to comprehend such things. Nonetheless, Minato's sister popping up from time to time wasn't appreciated in any way, shape or form. When she was around, I made sure to keep an eye on her to make sure she didn't get busy with her hands involving any of my tenants. And yes, she made attempts to grope some of Izumo Inn's inhabitance while visiting Minato, Musubi being the most frequent target. Of course, I didn't let her have her way and stopped Yukari from groping my tenants as I wouldn't let such lecherous actions slide.

If it was just Yukari Sahashi that I was forced to tolerate and deal with, things would be okay and I wouldn't be complaining. However, there was more that came in the form of a turn of events as of late courtesy of none other than MBI, specifically Hiroto Minaka himself. Out of the blue, the man made an announcement that until further notice checkpoints would now be in place at all exits to Tokyo and all wishing to leave would be checked thoroughly without any choice. In short, Minaka was locking down the city for his game, making sure that none of the 'participants' could leave or escape. The announcement also acted as a signal for the start of the second stage of his Sekirei Plan. Technically speaking, MBI owned or controlled the majority of the city and so they could do what they were even if they shouldn't do so.

Only the northern area of the city was free of MBI's influence, and that was not without growing effort these days. MBI representatives came to the north at least once a week to attempt to cohere the inhabitance to do as they wanted to allow them control of the north. Nonetheless, none of those efforts nor the disappearances that occurred phased Minaka at all, the fool still believes he's completely in control. Minaka also had according to Minato, instated a new rule for his game which was that no Sekirei or Ashikabi were to leave the city. That just lent credence to 'checkpoints' being set up to make sure that none leave. It also meant that there were few unwinged Sekirei left so there would be some individuals searching for them to 'acquire' them by force to work for them without choice. One was Kagari here, but that was a subject I didn't bring up with him and he didn't talk about it either. As long as he is here, other ashikabis and MBI will have to deal with a lot to have a chance to get to him.

Then, there was one other major change that came, and I'm inclined to feel that it would be a source of annoyance for me on a regular basis. It came one day when Minato returned from an outing with signs that he had gotten involved in something harsh with the form of injuries. With Minato being as he is, misfortune does find him sometimes true, but normally not enough to get him as hurt as he came back to the house he did this time. Yet, what came as more a surprise was Kazehana was with him. I couldn't figure out why she would be with him for Minato didn't spend time around those like the woman most of the time. Minato then informed me that he had winged Kazehana and the explanation that followed made me wonder how Minato attracts trouble as he seems to.

I was not wrong when I assumed that Minato had gotten himself into a problematic situation. He had been 'taken' by someone, which description matched the pink-haired pervert that came around here a while ago. Tsukiumi had also been apologizing to Minato for failing him since she had been fighting with another when Minato was stolen. Honestly, I would question if there are any rules to keep civility in the Sekirei Plan, but the answer is Minaka doesn't care about civility, so anything goes I suppose. Then again, I pity Minato since he has such a kind heart and soul, yet his life wouldn't reflect that, it's like the world is against him. Such individuals are rare and are so often overlooked by others and the world misses out on what they can bring.

Back to Minato's story, when he had regained consciousness, he had found himself in a warehouse. The peeping pervert by the things Minato said, was working through issues essentially, and I tend to encourage working out problems in the way that works well for them. However, if that method does harm to another, then that individual should be thinking harder for a different way to deal with their problems. Minato had tried to get away, not being the kind of person that fight much if given the choice. But there had been another Sekirei that appeared to stop Minato from leaving, something about using him to get back at others. I couldn't say who it was the two wanted to get back at, I don't know much about the two.

So then comes Kazehana, one might ask how she came into the picture and why? She had apparently 'dropped-in' on this warehouse to help Minato by her own words. I'm more inclined to think it wasn't to save Minato but to 'sample' the goods stored there, mostly since the warehouse stored alcoholic liquor. She had shown she had an extreme fondness for liquids that contain alcohol and yet has resistance to their effects, more than humans are on average. Whether you consider it coincidence or fate, in the end, it depends on perspective and doesn't change what happened. Anyways, Kazehana had interceded and ended out winging herself in the process and then beat the two that were holding Minato captive. After that, the two had come back here to the house where Kazehana had gone to Uzume for help on something if my ears picked up some of their conversations correctly.

I thought little of it and turned my attention back to Minato as he is one of the better tenants I get, and I would rather not lose him. Plus, I have become fond of the young man and he does make things interesting enough that it is refreshing but not hectic most of the time. However, his winging of Kazehana also meant that she would be a likely tenant as Minato would not say no to her wanted to say around him. Kazehana's fondness for alcohol was trouble to me and the way she just drinks it in ridiculous amounts will not be good. Then there was the way she flirted with Minato without shame with the rules that it went against. Matsu was irritating enough, this was an addition that I wasn't looking forward to dealing with.

Minato's injuries didn't look to be serious, just a couple of cuts and bruises by what I could tell. That being the case, I headed back to the kitchen to help Miya with the evening meal leaving Minato to his Sekirei. Dinner was about ready when there was a commotion from the dining room, and I would've continued on getting dinner to the table if it wasn't for the scent of blood coming to my nose. Striding over to the dining room to find out what was going on for that scent to appear, I was halted in my tracks with the scene I came in on.

In the room was Kazehana was in an outfit that was completely and utterly unacceptable in more ways than I wish to iterate. The woman was wearing nothing but an apron for goodness sakes and her backside was facing me and that wasn't a view I have any interest in seeing. Honestly, Kazehana could get a job at Mira's place in a heartbeat with how she was acting and not be out of place, that is not a good thing with me! Then if you connect the dots of where Kazehana likely got that outfit, Uzume had probably been hiding it from me. That leaves the question of what else she might be keeping concealed from Miya and me, an answer that will need to be discussed at a later point.

The scent of blood I had caught earlier was coming from Minato whose nose was leaking the bodily liquid a worrisome amount. Minato was in the process of trying to tell Kazehana that the outfit she was in was not appropriate and rightly so. Meanwhile, Matsu being as she was made the situation worse by encouraging Kazehana's behavior. As I've shown already, I'm not one to allow unacceptable behavior to happen for long if at all if I am able to stop it. Upon fully entering the room, the conversation came to the point that Tsukiumi was making a comment, "Outfit, she's practically naked!"

"She's just bolder than you Tsukiumi, and she can make it look sexy," Matsu shot back.

I moved to be behind Matsu and put out a demonic aura, "Is that your way of saying that you wish to be evicted along with Kazehana Matsu? I'm more than willing to grant that after dinner and throw you out to the street by the time the sun finishes setting," I stated emotionlessly.

Matsu snapped around and jumped before scurrying over to hide behind Minato, "Mr. Landlord! I wasn't implying anything with what I just said, I swear," she replied shakily.

I folded my arms, "Then if you don't mean what you say, better to keep it to yourself Matsu," I returned.

Then I turned to face Kazehana who had been just whacked by a ladle Miya had in hand, "Public nudity is forbidden here at Izumo Inn," Miya said in a falsely sweet voice.

I nodded strongly, "Indeed it most certainly is, and Kazehana this is and will be the one warning you get on potential rule breaking, modest dressing is an expectation here and the apron alone is not modest dress," I stated in agreement with Miya.

Everyone nodded fervently promising that they would be good, most likely because both Miya and I were putting off demonic auras to get our point across. Anyways, Miya followed by Akitsu and Kuu went to work on preparing dinner, while Yume, Yashima and I kept an eye on the rest of the tenants of the house. They were sitting at the table nervously looking at each other and avoiding my gaze specifically. Uzumi had slipped away somewhere without being easily noticed, but Kagari had gotten back from the host club he worked at and he took her place at the table. Although, Kagari was acting a bit different as of late than he had before, why I can't say with the facts as I know them. However, I did note that whatever was going on with Kagari, Minato seemed to make it worse which didn't tell me much of what was going on.

Dinner itself was a non-quiet affair, to say the least, Kazehana had gone off and 'changed' which didn't help much with improving her state of dress. If anything, then what the woman came back in was about the same as what she had been wearing before. Kazehana was now in a purple low-cut bikini like outfit with large feathers at the back, which was not something I would allow with the second rule of the house. I reiterated my displeasure of modest dress, but it was easy to see that Kazehana wasn't listening to me. And so, I have yet another tenant that will cause me headaches, I just had Matsu and Uzume before and now I have Kazehana.

The other half of the non-quiet part of dinner came with the interaction of Minato and his Sekirei fighting over his attention. Minato, with his submissive tendency with women, was working against his kind heart and making his situation harder. It would be comical if not for certain elements, those being Kazehana, Matsu, and Tsukiumi and their interaction with each other. Matsu was being her usual problematic self, making me wish I had kicked her out for her earlier major trespass. Tsukiumi was adding fuel to the fire by letting herself be goaded on and letting her jealousy get the better of her. Finally, there was Kazehana and with her, I can't tell if her flirting is expert skill and intentional, or just plain blissful ignorance at work.

All of that together was irking me as it was like I was being taunted to a degree even if that wasn't the point or the intention. The reason it can be seen that way is there was no technical rule breaking occurring just yet, but the line was being flirted with and toed seriously. I don't appreciate nor like constant rule breakers at all, but those that flirt with the line of rule-breaking on a regular basis are not much better in my opinion. What irks me so is calling any out on flirting with that line regularly is close to pointless as they either don't realize what they're doing or don't care and just keep going as far as they can. I know I wasn't the only one that was having an issue with the scene playing out at the dinner table, Miya was as well.

There came a point that I was about to put my foot down and say enough was enough and to call to task those who were causing an issue when Minato spoke up. "Um Kagari, you've hardly touched your food, are you sure you're doing alright?"

The comment had me momentarily forget about my irritation of the current situation. My gaze swept over to the other male tenant I have and I was forced to do a double take at somethings. Kagari is one of the tenants I don't watch much since he pays his bill on time and keeps to himself, I get tenants like that on occasion and they were fine. But now that take a good look at him, there had been some changes since last time I'd had interaction with him. First, Kagari looked stressed and haggard though his job could be causing the change, I'm inclined to think other things are contributing. The two other salient points that were catching my notice, the first was that Kagari's shirt was tighter than it had been previously around the chest area. The second thing I noticed was that Kagari's 'energy' was off, and even with magic users, their power doesn't fluctuate like he was right now.

"I'm fine," Kagari insisted firmly.

I didn't believe he was fine, what was going on I couldn't say with what I knew at the moment. There is definitely something that was off and I doubt that I'm the only one who is wondering what's going on. "Are you sure, you need to be sure to keep your health up and everything," Minato inquired in a concerned tone.

The expression on Kagari's face morphed into one of irritation and anger, "Some stupid man," he uttered. "Some stupid man has no business being concerned about my health," Kagari snapped.

This was unusual for Kagari, he wasn't one to raise his voice or snap at another that I've seen thus far. The outburst certainly drew attention from us at the table, then Kagari rushed out of the room. There was an awkward silence for a minute before I rose and went after Kagari to perhaps ascertain what was going on. Miya was in the dining room to keep things from getting out of order with those there.

As I've mentioned previously, I have had all sorts of individuals that have stayed here and many of them have confided in me with their issues they are working through. I am more than willing to provide a listening ear to those that need that and advice when it helps. There has been a number of tenants that had unusual problems that most don't notice for one reason or another. So, I've seen and listened to a vast range of shortcomings, woes and personal flaws that exist with individuals. I'm not one to judge another by the flaws or problems they are dealing with for none are perfect. I made my way over to Kagari's room and knocked on the door, "Kagari, whatever it is troubling you, talking about it does help and I am willing to provide a listening ear," I stated.

There were soft groaning sounds, "You wouldn't understand," Kagari replied.

I sighed, "You would be shocked and amazed at what I would comprehend, I've been told about an array of issues that individuals deal with. What do you have to lose by having a listening ear to talk to and get some weight off your back," I asked.

Kagari didn't answer right away, "And why would you care about what I'm dealing with," he questioned sharply.

I figured that was a yes to having a listening ear, so I snapped my fingers and teleported into Kagari's room. Said tenant in question was on the bed looking to be struggling with pain coursing through him, "Despite what some would think from a glance at me, I do care what happens to people in general," I stated.

Kagari's head snapped up and his eyes widened at seeing me in the room, but the door is locked. "What the… but how did you enter the room, I locked the door behind me," he uttered.

I smiled at the inquiry, "I can enter a room without using a door, such is more a courtesy to others than anything to me. Honestly, there are many things I can do and know that would boggle even the most learned into stupefied mutterings and ravings," I commented. I paused to study the expression of shock and confusion on Kagari's face and it reminded me of how Takehito had looked when he found out the non-human world exists. "Although, your expression does bring memories of how Takehito looked a few times," I stated.

"Wait, you knew Takehito Asama," questioned Kagari.

I nodded in reply, "Indeed, he was a cherished friend of mine," I answered. Good memories of Takehito went through my mind before I refocused on Kagari, "I assume he was your adjuster then, and if so, you are lucky to have had him."

Kagari didn't take my last comment well, "Lucky you say? How I am lucky?! Takehito said that my powers were unstable even after he tried to change that," he shot back.

That helped the information to fall into place for me, for Takehito had asked for advice on an issue he was dealing with at a past point. It had been kind of odd and that was why I remembered it as it had been about stabilizing fire energy. I had told him the best way to do such a thing but mixing human science methodology and the working of magic is risky as they often clash and so, the results are unpredictable. I respect Takehito and the judgment he would have had in using the knowledge I gave him but trying to bend the laws by which magic works and flows in is not done without risk. If Kagari's condition is anything to go by, whatever Takehito had done only helped temporarily and wasn't enough anymore to keep things in working order.

Even as I moved a critical eye over the Sekirei, I could tell that his condition… or rather I should say 'her' as Kagari's energy was more female than male now. Her condition at this point was getting worse as time went on and would need something drastic to change. Winging might help things even and balance out, but there was no guarantee of that, it would really depend on the ashikabi. I could help for a short period, but I couldn't fix this issue without further study and I highly doubt Kagari has the time to work with. "Yes, Takehito did always try his best to help others, even when it may not have appeared so. And now why he asked about what he did some time ago makes more sense looking back," I remarked. I know Takehito would have been running around in frustration with attempting to find a way to help stabilize Homura's powers, it was the kind of person he was. Unfortunately, it would seem my warning to him about fire energy being cantankerous proved right. "Sorry to say, I believe Takehito's adjustments have merely delayed the instability you are having issues with for a time and wasn't the fix for the imbalance," I replied pensively. I put a finger to my chin as the logic of the instability was cause for the recent changes for Kagari, "It is also the potential reason for your gender change I would surmise along with reacting."

Kagari growled at my last remark, "That can't be," she stated.

That reaction was unexpected though not unheard of, "It is my understanding that when a Sekirei reacts a variety of things can occur, and it differs between individuals." I stared at Kagari for a moment, curious if she had some sort of issue with Minato himself, for I had few myself. "Do you perhaps have something particularly against Minato as you seem to be reacting to him," I asked. Homura hesitated at my question and appeared to be at a bit of a loss of how to answer about Minato. So, I continued, "Every individual is drawn to those they wish to be around whether they admit that or not, it is the nature of living beings. I would warn you though, resisting what nature is attempting to give doesn't tend to make things easy, it's more likely to bring hardship for you Homura."

Homura didn't like what I said by the look on her face, nor that I was referring to her by her actual name. "So, you're the same as Minaka, accept my fate to be another's plaything," she spat.

That reply struck a chord in me hard and it wasn't appreciated in any way to be compared to Hiroto Minaka, it was more a harsh insult. But I reigned in my anger and put up a mask, keeping calm, "Why would you say that Kagari? You should know by now that I have shown that I care about what happens to others," I returned evenly. I paused a moment and took a deep breath, "Hiroto Minaka, on the other hand, has left no doubt that he does not care."

To me, Minaka has displayed more than enough evidence to make it clear and unmistakable fact that he cares about his own ambitions. "The Sekirei Plan and what it involves is all just a game to you too, just an opportunity to play with Sekirei as you see fit. No matter how many of us struggle," Homura was snarling, but I snapped my fingers and used magic to silence her.

I was unhappy with the accusations had been said for more than them being false for me and others. It was only a few that made things worse as they were for a number of the Sekirei, and the many shouldn't be blamed for what the few do. The loathing and anger I felt when thinking about Minaka in any way flared up in me. "I know not what Minaka said to you Homura, nor do I honestly care what he could have said to you. However, for you to even for an instant consider listening to that insane fool is surprising and disappointing. It gives more the impression that you've given up on trying to change your situation and given power to those like him to. Individuals like Minaka can only have power when they are given it from others, it is a choice to listen to them or not," I stated sharply. "Minaka's plan for Sekirei is an atrocity in my eyes as it is a war to the death regardless of what others call it or state what it is! The fact that Sekirei are being put into a war to kill one another until only one stands, that is why Yume, Akitsu, Kuu, Yashima will not fight in such unless they choose to by their own will and not because they are forced or told to. Any who attempt to do so, I will personally guide them to what awaits them after their deaths come upon them in a way fitting their actions, Hiroto Minaka included."

I took a moment to calm down and then released Homura from the spell that was preventing her from speaking before I turned towards the door. "I said that resisting what nature will make things hard, not bad necessarily just less simple. That is a choice that you must make for yourself, just like any other living being would. It is possible that being winged may help your issue, yet it may not there is not enough information to say definitively. However, I can guarantee if nothing changes for you, then your condition will bring the end for you through probably burning you to nothing. So, what you do with your time now does count, I would recommend you spend it wisely," I remarked and teleported out of the room.

There was little I could do for Homura as things were, it would be up to her how things would end out. She would have some time to work with by what I had seen, but not enough to comfortably procrastinate. Nevertheless, the way that Homura had put Minaka's Sekirei Plan was disgusting from a slightly different view than I have myself. Of course, I don't see the idea as a game, it is a war put on for the entertainment of a mad man and any like him. Takehito had died to stop him preventing Minaka's plan, there was no way I could be okay with that.

From Homura's room, I headed towards the dining room again and when I entered the room the scene was almost comical. Matsu and Kazehana were splayed on the floor, bottles around them and the smell in the air said the bottles had contained alcohol substance. Where the two had obtained alcohol, I don't know nor do I care about it much other than it had been brought into the house at all, without permission no less. The hangovers they would have I believe would serve as a punishment for their choice for the time being. Whether there will be more punishment, would be decided later, so I left them lying where they were upon leaving the room.

-Yume's pov-

After Ashe went to check on Kagari, the 'meal' continued without the two of them. Kagari's reaction had been different, very unlike him from what I've seen since I came here. However, my attention was redirected when Kazehana began whining about there being no sake to drink and Matsu then brought out a bottle from somewhere I didn't see. Miya was unhappy at seeing the bottle Matsu had, but Kazehana and Matsu ignored her protests, suggesting they were more afraid of Ashe than Miya. It also makes me think that they had been waiting for Ashe to be out of the room to drink the contents of the bottle, meaning that he would have disapproved. The two even convinced Akitsu to make ice for them to put in their glasses, with Akitsu being ignorant of what they were using her for.

It was ten minutes after Ashe and Kagari had gone that Tsukiumi slumped to the floor while Matsu and Kazehana kept drinking the alcohol they were. Minato and Musubi picked Tsukiumi up and were quickly helped by Yashima and they carried her off to the room she was assigned. Kuu came over to me and seemed to be apprehensive about what Matsu and Kazehana were doing currently. I would guess it was around twenty minutes when Matsu sunk to the floor and it wasn't long before Kazehana followed. It made me wonder what kind of alcoholic liquid the two had smuggled into the house. Kazehana doesn't go down from just any alcoholic drink, after all, she isn't regularly sober, so alcohol is something she was going through her body normally.

Anyways, Kuu and I helped Miya clean up what was left from dinner, tidying up around both Matsu and Kazehana as we went. Miya told us to leave the two where they were for the time being and we did so. The next morning came and everything seemed to go back to the routine that most days had. The peace filled times were wonderful to experience, and the happiness was exquisite to know. But I fear these times will not last much longer, not with the Sekirei Plan laid out as it was according to Professor Minaka. The plan was already in the second stage right now with the city being closed off and MBI's security forces guarding all the way's out of Shinto Tato. That would also mean that most Sekirei have been winged by ashikabi and there either was already 'weeding out' happening or it would begin very soon. Things would only be more difficult moving forward for everyone, that was undeniable.

I know Ashe said that those of us connected to him wouldn't have to fight in the Sekirei Plan and I believe what he stated. However, Professor Minaka had stated that all Sekirei would participate in the plan and left no room for argument. Because of that, I look to the day that Ashe would clash with Professor Minaka with extreme fear and apprehension. I may not like how Professor Minaka is doing things, but he did find we Sekirei and awaken us. If that hadn't happened, then none of us would have found our ashikabis and that was its own form of torture. So, for that, I didn't wish Professor Minaka to die or be killed, even if what he's doing is wrong.

The routine was changed when Minato came back with Musubi and Tsukiumi with him, but also another pair with them as well. Ashe had gone out a short period after Minato had left, so he wasn't around the Inn right now. Miya had Minato and his guests come into the living room to give their story of what had brought them here. Their names were Haruka for the young man and Kuno for the Sekirei with him. The two were attempting to escape the Sekirei plan and 'run away together' and get away from the fighting that was going on. As they had been trying to sneak past one of the checkpoints that MBI had set up Haihane had spotted them before they had gotten past. Haihane had chased the two away from the checkpoint and they had run into the north, saying that it was being seen as a kind of haven from MBI to an extent.

However, the two hadn't reached the northern sector of the city before they were attacked again by another Sekirei. The attacker hadn't given off much detail to identify them, only said by the two that they had "vales" covering them. That description didn't fit any of the Sekirei that I knew off-hand, but there were many that I didn't know much about. I did feel for the pair, the wish to not participate in the war the Sekirei Plan is was a wish I have as well. Nonetheless, MBI had made leaving Shinto Taito much harder for Sekirei at least. It had been Musubi and Tsukiumi that had interrupted the fight and driven the unknown Sekirei away and helped the pair. That brought them to Izumo Inn by Minato and his group and to the current situation as it was.

Haruka and Kuno stayed for the next few days after Minato and they begged Miya to let them stay until they would make their attempt to escape. When Ashe returned just before dinner, the tale of Haruka and Kuno had been repeated for his ears to hear. He seemed sympathetic towards the situation for the two as he didn't stop them or do anything to change what they were planning. Musubi was all for helping the two get out of Shinto Taito and seemed to be happy for the pair and their relationship. Tsukiumi, on the other hand, was adamantly against doing anything for Haruka or Kuno and saw their wish as cowardice and stated so. Matsu and Kazehana both said they would do whatever Minato decided, leaving him in the position of having to make the decision. Minato was left to think of what to do by the time dinner was finished and cleaned up.

It was after the evening meal that I approached Ashe and Miya after dinner to ask them in a more private setting why they were not discouraging actions that would clearly end badly. Ashe appeared to notice I was worried about something before I said anything, "Yume, something troubling you by your expression," he posed with a smile.

I hesitated, "Well Ashe, I was wondering," I started, trying to gather my thoughts. "You can see the dangers and risks that Minato, Haruka and the other face with what they plan to try and accomplish, do you not?"

Ashe frowned slightly, "Indeed, I can see the risks involved in what they intend to do as MBI had made it difficult for Sekirei to leave the city. But it is clear that they will not be dissuaded from the endeavor, regardless of the danger that accompanies it. I doubt there is anything I could say that would have them change their minds in this.," he replied.

Even if that is the case, I'm still worried for any that were to try and escape, they would be handled by the Discipline Squad according to protocol. That protocol stated that the Discipline Squad was to hunt down and stop any that tried to escape the city by whatever means necessary. And with Karasuba that meant she could do whatever she liked to 'punish' those who were trying to escape. It would be no different with any that helped them to her either, she would do harm to them just as much as she would the escapees. Hence why I believe my worry was justified for I knew Karasuba well enough to know to what lengths she would go being her partner for as long as I had.

The next few days went by and a few nights later, I did catch Minato and Haruka with their Sekirei with the exception of Tsukiumi who refused to go head out. My worries didn't leave me at all with what could happen to them as it would likely be one or more of the Discipline Squad that would go after them.

A/n

Okay, I'll leave off there for this chapter. I know that this chapter is more filler than action, but it helps move the story along. The next chapter will involve the bridge fight and the escape attempt of Haruka and Kuno. Please some of you readers take time to write reviews, they are appreciated. Peace out until the next time!