So, chapter 4 is here. I corrected some mistakes from previous chapters. This one hopefully has not as many, but knowing me it has more. A Beta for the story would be nice.
Anyway, I don't make money from this and also don't own Harry Potter or Sekirei.
Please vote on the poll for this story that I put up, if you have the time.
Year 2013, Tokyo.
Miya didn't let him leave and was blocking his path in an instant. Harry didn't even see her move, she just suddenly stood in front of him. "Somehow I am not convinced by that, so let me explain further," she said calmly, but Harry easily noted the edge in her voice. Seeing that he understood, Miya proposed. "But let's go into your room instead of blocking the hallway."
Without further ado she promptly led him to his room, entered, knelt down on the ground in the typical Japanese manner and invited him to sit beside her. Once he did so she explained. "Like I said, Sekirei are not like humans despite looking identical. The most important thing is that Sekirei thrive on love, literally. The stronger the bond with their Ashikabi the stronger they become. Be it their powers, body or mind. Training does next to nothing for us in terms of strength, though learning the methods, techniques and motions is still essential," she shook her head as she digressed.
"So you're saying Sekirei basically need to be loved?" Harry growled out. It wasn't out of the question. There were many magical creatures that fed on different kinds of emotion. Dementors, Poltergeists and Succubi to name a few. Nonetheless, all of this talk about love reminded him a lot of the drivel Dumbledore practically vomited at him at every opportunity. His fists clenched at the reminder. Love wasn't what did Voldemort in. It was a stupidly convenient series of events aided by sheer dumb luck culminating in his victory. Harry had no delusions as to that fact.
Miya nodded in confirmation. "Indeed, when not receiving love from their Ashikabi a Sekirei becomes weak with time, always looking tired." It wasn't a pleasant fate for a Sekirei by any means to slowly waste away. Basically being killed by your Ashikabi, by someone you love above anything else.
Harry frowned, the words doing little to dissuade him from disliking this whole situation. "Say I believe that, what even is an Ashikabi?" the last Potter asked with a little frustration leaking into his tone. He'd already asked Minaka that, but the answer he got wasn't really satisfactory.
Miya sighed at that and told him. "An Ashikabi is usually a person a Sekirei can be winged by." upon seeing his eyes and knowing what he was about to say, she followed up. "That does not mean every Ashikabi is capable to be the destined one a Sekirei seeks." she shook her head. " An Ashikabi completes a Sekirei in a way. However, as you've no doubt surmised yourself the bond between a Sekirei and their chosen Ashikabi isn't one of instant love. Not for the Ashikabi or the Sekirei. No, true love cannot be manufactured in such a manner."
Harry nodded at that, knowing that to be true at least. Neither potion, spell or enchantment could manage such a feat.
"All it means is that you have the potential to find great love in each other," Miya explained. "It needs work and effort from both. The bond only makes it easier." she looked him dead in the eyes, saying, "You can see it as the burden you apparently so insist it represents. Or you can give it a chance. The choice is entirely up to you."
Harry wanted to say that his choice was to not even be in this whole mess. If Akitsu were a normal woman without some kind of bond between them then Harry wouldn't have hesitated in the least to get physical. Sex didn't mean much without feelings involved aside from providing some relief. That's how he had operated the last decade. Yet, while his mind had chosen solitude, his heart disagreed with that quite vehemently.
In one point this landlady was correct though. The choice was up to him. He could either stew in his misery and be no better than Snape and Voldemort. He visibly shuddered at that image. Or he could at least try and get to know Akitsu first. Taking a deep breath, he sighed and said. "Alright. I can't promise I'll love Akitsu at the end of all of this, but I see nothing wrong with trying it out." if he was trapped in this then he could try and make the best of it. That was at least something he had experience in.
Smiling at that Miya said gratefully. "Thank you, that's all I ask." her demeanour changed in an instant. The demure widow replaced by a vicious killer. "For your sake I hope that you don't hurt her. She has already suffered enough."
Harry couldn't help but laugh, loudly. Like he hadn't done in a while. "I'm sorry." bringing his chuckles under control. "I don't doubt the sincerity or validity of your threat." he assured her and promptly chuckled some more.
Not knowing how to take his reaction, Miya went with curiosity. "Yet you don't seem all that concerned about it," she pointed out perplexed. Up until now there hadn't been a single being able to laugh at her when she stood before them with such intent to kill. If she was honest it was concerning for his mental health. "You don't fear death at all, do you?"
He shook his head. "Not really." he shrugged. "I'm not all that good at it either, you know. Don't get me wrong. I'm not suicidal or actively trying to end my life." Not that he knew what to do with his life now that it was truly his for the first time since, well, ever. "Rest assured I have no intention of hurting Akitsu in any way," he proclaimed sincerely. Not wanting the landlady to think he'd consider killing himself to get out of this new mess. "Anyway, let's go back down. I have a feeling Akitsu won't wait for much longer."
Miya nodded in agreement and more than a bit relief at his reassurance. Exiting the room with him shortly after. Rather than questioning him on his oddness and she chose to be satisfied with what she saw and heard.
Once back with the others Akitsu immediately stood up to go to Harry. Smiling softly all the way.
Harry's heart skipped a beat at that smile and he didn't know how long he could resist this enthralling sensation. This smile directed at him in pure sincerity was all he had ever desired. Telling him that he was wanted, needed even. Not for what he could do for her, but because he was simply wanted.
"Ah...Are we going?" Akitsu asked slightly hopeful, her voice still soft and soothing. She really didn't want to stay near Miya, knowing she couldn't defend her Ashikabi properly if it came to a fight. She would certainly fight, but she was also sure she'd die in the process.
That's when Matsu chose to speak up. "Um, could we talk first?" her words hesitant. Knowing she should tread lightly with this after what she saw. No matter how much she wanted to jump his bones and kiss him with all that it entailed. 'This could be over already if Miya didn't prevent me from climbing in his bed and letting Akitsu in instead,' the redhead groused internally. Annoyed because the one time Miya allowed something she considered indecent to happen was when it was with someone else. 'Probably because of Akitsu's former status,' Matsu thought slightly annoyed. Then again it was probably for the best considering the things she heard from Harry's conversation with Minaka.
"Of course," Harry agreed and sat down at the table again. Akitsu standing behind him instead of sitting down. "What do you want to talk about?" he had a strong inkling, but wanted her to start.
Before Matsu could answer Miya made to leave the room, saying. "I hope you have a nice talk, but I have some more chores to do." she knew that her presence unnerved Akitsu. Not to mention that Matsu could handle herself and the topic she wanted to talk about was private.
The rest simply nodded at her. More interested in what the redhead had to say.
After a deep breath Matsu began. Cheeks a flaming crimson and her breath coming out a little ragged. Her reaction was getting more intense the longer she was near him. "You see I'm a Sekirei, same as Akitsu and..." this was more difficult than she thought. Assault him out of the blue and kiss him, sure. She couldn't do that here. This situation required care. Yet, her body's reaction made that difficult. To wait as long as she did while being near him had been taxing enough.
Seeing where this was going, Harry finished for her. "And you're reacting to me?" seeing her enthusiastic nod, he questioned. "You're also alright with me already having Akitsu as my Sekirei?" somewhat sceptical to a woman accepting such a thing.
Nodding, Matsu claimed. "Yeah. Why would I not be okay with it?" honest confusion evident in her tone. While she understood that humans were different from Sekirei, she after all had access to the internet and stared into the dark side of it often enough. Though, Matsu in turn did not understand why humans limited themselves like that. Similar to how Harry did not understand why she was alright with sharing.
Pinching the bridge of his nose in disbelief and exasperation, he muttered sarcastically. "Oh, I don't know." but stopped himself from saying anything else in a similar vein. Next he turned to Akitsu and asked. "Do you have anything against Matsu joining?" hoping she'd say yes and give him an excuse to decline Matsu and let her down gently.
Predictably, Akitsu shook her head. "No!" came the succinct answer. Said with more force than anything Harry had heard her say in the short time he knew her. She would never willingly inflict what she had endured on another Sekirei. Though, that didn't take any of her fear of possibly being discarded from her.
Sensing what was going through her head, Harry reassured her. Not with words, but by taking her hand in his and squeezing. Akitsu gently squeezed back. "OK, but I have questions of my own," he said to Matsu, seeing her becoming giddy and not wanting to give her the wrong impression. "In the hypothetical event of me rejecting you, what consequences would that have?" If it only meant that she'd be heartbroken for a while he could live with it. That was simply life. While he was stuck with Akitsu, he was reluctant to take on another one so soon.
Paling rapidly, Matsu took a deep breath. The fact that it was only a hypothetical question the only thing from stopping a nervous breakdown. He was completely new to this, after all. It was understandable he'd want some information. "Well, I only know of one instance where such a thing happened."
Definitely interested, Harry inquired when she didn't continue. "And, what happened?"
"As far as I know the Sekirei in question became depressed and promptly took up the habit of alcoholism," Matsu said truthfully, remembering Kazehana and her heartbreak vividly.
Upon hearing that Harry facepalmed, leaving an imprint on his forehead. 'There goes my plan to look for another Ashikabi for Akitsu.' he thought. If rejection caused such a thing then he did not want to find out what abandonment caused. Sighing again, he asked. "So a Sekirei does have just one possible Ashikabi and can't find another?" it may sound callous, and it probably was, but that's what humans did every day. To not let go of the past wasn't healthy. Just look at Snape. 'Or myself,' he thought derisively. Though, Harry liked to think his situation was much different from Snape's.
Matsu pressed her hands together to try and keep calm. "There is only one true Ashikabi for most Sekirei and to find another is unheard of as of right now," she confirmed. Her brown eyes hidden behind glasses pleading with him. "While it is possible for a Sekirei to be winged by any Ashikabi such a winging is not a fate I'd wish on anyone." she visibly shuddered in revulsion. "It's like being bound to a rapist for life and unable to leave." After a few seconds of silence, she cracked and began pleading with him. "Please, don't do that to me! I'll do anything!"
Completely taken by surprise at her outburst Harry tried to calm her down. "Relax, nobody said you'd be forced to bond to someone you're not reacting to." his heart constricting painfully in his chest at the heartfelt plea, while his mind shouted for him to not be an idiot.
"I know," Matsu replied more than a little hysterically, fidgeting in her seat. She didn't even know she would react that way, but the possibility of losing her Ashikabi was simply too much. "It's just that I'll have to participate in the Sekirei plan. Right now the situation is still calm. However, with time more Sekirei will be released and find their Ashikabi. The minority of those will be honourable, while most will actively hunt for more Sekirei to increase their chances to win the game. Forcing their brethren into a twisted mockery of what the bond should be." her words coming out in a rush, and conveying just how little she thought of this whole Sekirei Plan.
"Couldn't you just wait it out until it's over and hide yourself away?" his words sounded hollow even to his own ears. He knew MBI most likely had measures in place to find wayward Sekirei. Something that caused him to remember much of his own past. Forced to stay where he didn't want to be. Forced to do things he didn't want to. 'This has nothing to do with me!' he tried to convince himself. Still, it served to remind him painfully of his own childhood and his memories made that very clear.
Matsu shook her head. "It may work in the beginning, but not for long. Once the Sekirei Plan begins in earnest I'll be forced to participate." she shuddered when thinking about that. She wasn't very combat oriented. "While I could leave Tokyo I'd be dragged back when that happens."
"I have my suspicions that they can find Sekirei somehow, but how would they force you? As I understand it Sekirei are stronger than humans," Harry brought up, wanting to know more about all of this.
Looking into his emerald eyes and focusing on them helped Matsu calm down a little. "MBI has the Discipline Squad comprised of Sekirei which are responsible for enforcing the rules, but that's not the problem I'm talking about," she claimed anxiously. Karasuba would gladly hunt her down, but even she needed to get through Miya first. While Matsu could hide herself at Miya's house, she didn't want to do so for years until the later stages of the Sekirei Plan. Though, she would if forced to. No, the real issue were the Jinki. "The problem is that Minaka has something in his possession that is capable of killing every Sekirei on Earth should he so desire."
"What?!" Harry asked sharply. That went beyond what he had expected. The parallels to his own past now more than obvious. "Elaborate!" he commanded strongly, his voice strained. Akitsu gripped his hand tighter. To calm herself or him wasn't known to him and he didn't care either way right now.
Squirming in her seat and practically glowing red by now, Matsu pleaded. "Could you wing me first, please?! I can't endure much more of this." It wasn't exactly an unpleasant feeling, but anymore and she'd climax on the spot from the build-up her reaction caused in her.
Different emotions battled inside the Last Potter for dominance. All vying for victory, yet compassion won out like it usually did with him. 'What difference does it make if I have one more? I'm already stuck in this mess,' he thought with a mixture of resignation exasperation and something else. Telling himself that it wasn't because of any empathy or sympathy for their plight. Or any initial attraction he might feel towards Matsu and Akitsu. Instead he said. "If that's what you truly want."
"It is!" she practically shouted and immediately launched herself right at him, lunging over the table with an eager smile on her face. No longer able to hold back. A moment after they tumbled to the ground, she made herself comfortable in his lap by straddling him. Cupping his cheeks she wasted no time and immediately kissed him.
The moment it happened the same symbol as Akitsu possessed appeared on Matsu's neck. Out of which Matsu's wings erupted shortly after. Said wings weren't nearly as big as Akitsu's, though she made up for it in numbers. They were a bright happy yellow in colour, shining with a soft light that illuminated the room.
In the next moment her world exploded in a rush of something she could only describe as ecstasy or euphoria. Her existence narrowed down to the experience of that warm, rising wave of power beginning to pulse through her body.
For Harry it was completely different to what happened with Akitsu now that he was aware of what happened. The sensation was almost intoxicating. He could feel what he assumed to be Matsu's soul, pulsing in response to his, feeling the echoing resonance as it shifted, harmonizing with his own. An instant later he could feel himself, connected to her in a way he never quite imagined connecting to someone else.
It honestly scared him.
He may have said he wanted to try to get along, but this was too much too early. The feeling of her unique power coursing into his, intermingling with his essence and sinking into his very being caused memories of Voldemort's possession of him come to the forefront of his mind. Instinctively he prepared for the pain. Only, it didn't come. Whatever it was didn't force itself upon him. Instead it rhythmically pulsed in tune with his soul, calling to him. There was a brief sense of awed wonder throbbing through his core as he let his guard down. Suddenly, she was flooding through him, seemingly synchronizing as one.
The fear came back, spiking in shock, as he could feel how she touched a part of him so deep, so intimately him, and seemed to make it hers so easily. His mind rebelled, almost wanting to scream in defiance that he wouldn't give in, wouldn't surrender. Years of isolation, needing an emotional distance screamed at him. Yet his body betrayed him and refused to listen as the power coursed through his body and soul. Just as he could feel his own magic flowing into Matsu.
It felt good, comforting even. Not the kind of brief gratification he usually felt after sex or a job well done. More like a pair of warm arms wrapped around him. A feeling of knowing he was safe, he was secure, he was going to be fine overcame Harry. It had been so long since he felt that way. Nothing more than a wisp of a memory, but it stirred the primal depths of who he was.
He didn't know how long the kiss lasted. A moment? An eternity? He couldn't say.
After regaining his own senses Harry hastily broke the kiss, causing Matsu to mewl in protest. After panting a little she intoned something similar to Akitsu. "Wisdom of my pledge, bestow the teachings of the world, to my Ashikabi!" leaning closer towards his face she mumbled with a smile and closed eyes. "Please take care of me forever and ever!"
Opening her eyes she noticed the tears trickling down from his good eye. "Are you okay?" nothing but honest concern in her voice.
His heart twisted in his chest with an echo of an emotion he hadn't felt in more than a decade. Finally, he grunted out. "I'm fine!" wiping his tears away more forcefully than necessary. He stood up, pushing Matsu off him in the process and calmed himself down with moderate success. "Do all Sekirei do that incantation thing after being kissed?" Harry asked, trying to change the subject and ignore what he had felt. It refused to leave.
"It's called Norito. Usually it is activated by a kiss followed by a prayer which results in the amplification of a Sekirei's powers," she explained with a frown as she stood up, exchanging a look with Akitsu. She could feel the concern coming from her. The Ice Sekirei had felt it as well.
Which was exactly when Akitsu spoke up. "Ah... jealous," she stated, looking at Harry with longing. What she felt from Matsu's winging through her bond with Harry was much more intense than what she experienced. Causing her insecurities to rise up once more. Well, that and trying to calm him with her presence.
'At least she's honest,' Harry thought with wry amusement. "There's no need to feel jealous." his mouth and heart acting before his brain could catch up. To reassure her he settled on patting her head, causing her to lean into his hand like a cat would. Right down to the purring. A kiss would've probably served to do it better, but he had no intention to repeat such a heavy experience again so soon. 'Hopefully it doesn't happen every time we kiss.' That'd be quite awkward.
He mentally shook his head to get back on track. "I believe you were about to start explaining," Harry stated as he sat down, hoping to get back on track without further detour. Akitsu taking his hand in hers possessively.
Poorly hiding her disappointment at not getting him to open up more, Matsu replied. Yet knowing it'd take a more than a kiss. "I better start at the beginning then." She then promptly explained the situation. Providing a quick synopsis of the Sekirei origins. How they came to Earth, what happened when Minaka found them and what Jinki were as well as their function.
"I see," was all Harry said in a pensive tone of voice. After a few minutes of digesting the information, he asked. "Simply killing Minaka would stop this whole thing, wouldn't it?" it seemed like the logical step. Minimizing casualties and most importantly not dragging a whole race into a battle royal.
"If that were the case nothing would be able to stop Miya from killing Minaka this very instant, " Matsu replied grimly, the expression seemed wrong to be on her face. Pushing up her glasses, she elaborated. "The moment Minaka dies a dead man's switch activates, causing the Jinki to kill either every human or every Sekirei and Ashikabi on the planet. Depends on what setting they're on." or on Minaka's mood, most likely.
Pinching the bridge of his nose, Harry thought. 'Of course it couldn't be that easy!' Sighing he leaned back in his seat and turned his head towards the ceiling. "What about kidnapping and torturing? I imagine he'd change his mind after a while." only after the words were out of his mouth did he realize just what he said. Looking anxiously between Matsu and Akitsu to gauge their reaction.
Surprisingly, neither Matsu or Akitsu batted an eye. "While that is an option, I doubt we could keep Minaka for long after we've kidnapped him," Matsu claimed, her experiences on the First Disciplinary Squad having somewhat desensitised her to such things as bloodshed. "We'd have to defend ourselves from the Discipline Squad, as well as the army of MBI. Hiding would be very difficult to downright impossible with how many resources the company has at its disposal."
"Seems you've thought about this yourself," The Last Potter stated with a raised brow, interest clearly colouring his voice.
"Quite a lot actually," Matsu admitted with a frown of frustration on her face. "I've hacked into MBI many times, which is why I know these things, but I haven't found a way to deactivate the Jinki." the admission of that hurt her pride more than she was willing to admit. Minaka may be eccentric, but he's also charismatic and a genius. It didn't help that the Jinki were under lock and key after she stole one. She had only been able to get through the measures implemented after the first theft by using her powers over all things technological. Now there were countermeasures in place to keep her out. Namely the facility storing the Jinki being completely off the grid and burried under Teito Tower. Even her Norito could not help her get in, with nothing to control in the vicinity.
Matsu was also certain that such an act would alert MBI instantly.
"What about Minaka's mental state? He seems kind of crazy to me, considering the Sekirei Plan and all." Harry questioned. 'Maybe I can solve this with a simple application of the Imperius.' it was distasteful, but considering the other options it was the best and easiest he had.
Despite being caught off guard by the question Matsu dutifully replied. "Some say he is crazy and are convinced of that. However, I think that's not entirely true. In my opinion he is either extremely eccentric, plays an act to be underestimated or balances on the tightrope dividing genius and madness." despite having spent years in the man's vicinity she didn't really know him.
"Bloody great," Harry muttered. Magic that affected the mind was finicky. If the subject was strong enough then nothing would happen most of the time while a mentally weak person would be influenced. One exception were mentally ill or insane people. Spells affecting the mind had random outcomes. Ranging from driving them even more crazy to doing nothing at all, while a minuscule percentage got better through it. Though, with his luck Harry wouldn't risk the fate of a nearly extinct race like that. Barty Crouch Jr. was a shining example of mental magic gone wrong.
One look outside caused him to decide to leave this for later. "It's afternoon already and I originally planned to be gone at this time." turning back to Matsu he asked. "Do you want to come with us or stay here?" he was fine either way, knowing that she was bound to him in the same way as Akitsu.
She hesitated only for a moment before stating strongly. "I will come with you, of course!"
"Are you sure?" Harry inquired further, clearly concerned. "You said MBI is looking for you isn't that kinda dangerous then?" he had nothing against Matsu joining him, he told himself. He only wanted her to be safe. Trying not to question if it was his natural reaction or something coming from the bond. Lest his thoughts went in an undesirable direction again.
Still nervous, Matsu gathered determination and courage from the concern in his voice. "Yes, but they're mostly after the Jinki I stole, not me specifically. I simply leave it with Miya. MBI will not want to mess with her."
His incredulity and scepticism was clear to hear in Harry's reply. "Really?" he knew Miya was more dangerous than she presented herself, but the kind of power Matsu hinted at was hard to believe.
"I assure you, Mr. Potter, that I'm capable of taking care of myself," came the voice of Miya before Matsu could answer from the entrance to the kitchen. A demure smile on the landlady's face and a basket full of newly washed clothes held in her hands.
Harry shrugged. "If you're sure." he didn't know all that much about Sekirei so he took her word for it.
"I am." the purple-haired Sekirei nodded to him and turned to Matsu. "If I interpreted the light-show earlier correctly then you're winged now, are you not?" upon Matsu's wary nod, she smiled. "Congratulations!" glad that Matsu wouldn't share the same fate as Kazehana. As if a switch was flipped the air shifted and her demeanour changed. "I hope no naughty activities took place while I was gone!" The menace clear to hear in her voice. Her smile only adding to it.
"Of course not!" Matsu replied, shaking her head frantically.
"Then of course I'll keep the Jinki safe for you."
Obviously relieved, Matsu said. "Thank you." for not reacting to her winging like Matsu thought she would, as well as guarding the Jinki.
"It's the least I can do," Miya responded honestly. She felt useless enough in this situation already. She was supposed to be the guardian of the Sekirei. Yet, here she was, completely incapable to stop it despite all her immense power.
From then on Harry and the rest prepared to leave the Inn. Akitsu changed into her new clothes while Matsu and Miya shared a heartfelt goodbye, with the former promising to return frequently.
After their exit from Izumo Inn, Harry let his thoughts wander while they walked through the streets towards NswF. All the while trying to enjoy the late afternoon while ignoring the fading tingle of euphoria under his skin from the winging. Akitsu was currently a limpet with how she clung to his organic arm and leaning her head on his shoulder. Making content noises while she let him guide her.
Her new clothes consisted of a white Kimono-like dress with long, flowing sleeves, but that was where the similarities to a kimono ended. The cut out for her head was lined with black fabric and was larger then the standard cut-out for normal clothing. It was wider, allowing Akitsu's shoulders to be seen and then going down in a very low V cut that showed off nearly a third of her breasts and stopped at her upper stomach. She was an inch away from indecent exposure. A black obi with a neat bow in the front held the whole thing tightly against her body. To top it off she had chains in her ensemble, which were used to bind her clothes together above her breasts, while the other set looped around her neck.
While Harry classified what Akitsu wore as sexy, very sexy in fact, it also drew attention to her. Appreciative glances and downright leers from men and glares from women. Not that Akitsu was bothered by any of that. Much too preoccupied with leaning her head on his shoulder while succeeding in her endeavour to encase his arm with her nearly completely free, but generous bosom.
Nor was Harry bothered by the attention for that matter. In the past he had despised any kind of attention. Now he couldn't care less what strangers thought of him. After what he's been through in the past a little attention wasn't even worthy to be called a problem.
Together with Matsu mirroring Akitsu on his other arm they made an eye-catching sight.
One side of Harry enjoyed the closeness and revelled in it. While his cynical side told him to not get too attached. After all everyone else he had ever loved left him one way or another.
He shook his head to get rid of these thoughts. Not knowing what to think anymore. He had not felt any malice or ill intent during the winging. Quite the opposite actually. No, the problem was that he was afraid to trust again.
Casual sex? Not a problem.
Love and trust was another thing entirely after what he'd been through. Yet Matsu and Akitsu had showered him with more unconditional love in a single day than he ever got in his whole life. Which was sad and kinda pathetic. The problem was that after so long without it he craved it like a parched man craved water in a desert.
Sighing at this whole situation, Harry resolved to think about it later when things calmed down a little.
Without even realising it the trio arrived at NswF just as the clock struck seven in the afternoon. The smell of gasoline heavy in the air as the pollution thickened towards the inner city. It wasn't as bad as some other places Harry had visited, where he'd been tempted to use a bubble-head charm, but it still wasn't something Harry was used to.
"Are you sure there are still people inside?" Harry asked Matsu skeptically as he eyed the skyscraper from the other side of the road. Waiting for the traffic light to change to green and allow them to cross the street. Normally at this time of day people would've called it a day long ago and left for home. He eyed the sheer mass of cars and people warily. All around them was a mob of people, dragging them on. Businessmen, cliques of schoolgirls and boys made up the majority of people with only a few obvious tourists mixed in.
Matsu simply nodded, smiling at him beautifully. "I'm sure. While it may be different in Britain, in Japan people usually work overtime."
Raising an eyebrow at her, Harry stopped short. "Who said I'm from Britain?"
Fidgeting a little at the one-eyed stare he gave her, Matsu caved in and admitted. "I may have researched your past a little bit."
"I'm assuming you used your know-how of computers?" Harry sounded more curious than angry. He was pants at most things related to technology thanks to being a Wizard. 'I'd have to tell them about magic sooner or later anyway,' he reasoned. Being basically married allowed them to be in the know. It was only fair after Matsu told him what he wanted to know. Though, specific parts of his past would be omitted by him, of course.
Matsu Puffed her chest out in pride, sure that he wouldn't be angry. "Yes! I can get access to nearly every database on the planet. Including Satellites in orbit," she boasted, not entirely undeserved. Her entire demeanour screaming 'praise me!'. Only MBI was partly out of her reach without her Norito and even then that was temporary.
Thoroughly impressed, he said. "That sounds incredibly useful." especially in the Muggle World.
Pushing her glasses up, Matsu basked in his praise before she remembered to bring up why she didn't find more. "It usually is. That's why I don't know how I didn't find more on you after your eleventh birthday. You still lived on Privet Drive during the summer, but did not attend any kind of school." Her suspicions were that the abilities she saw were the root of these anomalies, but she wasn't sure.
"I tell you when we're in private, alright?" he offered. "It's a long story and not something you discuss in public." Then again. Harry wouldn't be surprised if it made no difference in the end. Most people around him were staring at their phone and barely paid any attention to their surroundings.
Both Sekirei nodded their consent at that, while conjuring images as to what he could reveal.
Just then the mass of people moved again once the light changed to green. From then on it was only a couple of metres to the entrance of NswF.
The entrance hall of it was like any other successful company. A front desk to greet visitors, a fountain and a few plants here and there. As well as lots of glass everywhere.
Once at the front desk, Harry addressed the woman. "Excuse me. I'm Harry Potter and apparently the beneficiary of Tatsuoki Furumizu's will." not noticing the look Matsu was giving him.
Taking one look at him the woman sniffed disdainfully before taking up the phone and pushing a single button. After a few seconds someone must've picked up. "Ms. Nishida, here is someone claiming to be the heir of Furumizu." listening to the person on the other line the woman said. "Of course." she hung up a moment later and told them. "Someone will be with you shortly."
Harry simply nodded and sat down at the waiting area. Not bothered by the fact that he had to wait or the suspicion of the woman. After the death of a celebrity there were always people coming out of the woodwork claiming to be a long lost brother, lover or other. Either to get attention money or an in into a higher lifestyle.
Matsu leaned close to his ear and hissed incredulously. "You're the heir of Furumizu?!"
"Yes. It's not something I was aware of myself until recently. Apparently we were very distantly related and due to him not having any children or living relatives, I'm the inheritor of all of his possessions," Harry explained. "Why? Is that a problem? Did you know him?" while she told him most of what she knew about MBI it wasn't everything.
The redhead eyed everyone around them suspiciously, seemingly expecting an attack any moment. Causing Akitsu to do the same.
Matsu whispered to him. "Kind of. Much like myself, Furumizu worked together with Minaka in the past. He'd been Minaka's professor at university, in fact. Anyway, he also stole Jinki, two in total. After that security around them was increased, which only my unique abilities allowed me to penetrate. He stole other technology as well." Having been in the confidence of Minaka, Furumizu also had had access to the Jinki. "Most notable a weapon that had been designed for Ashikabi to use. However, it was deemed a failure due to the fact that it only worked for women while driving men insane. With most Sekirei being female and therefore most Ashikabi being male..." she let the sentence hang in the air, not needing to elaborate.
Harry couldn't help but chuckle at her words. "So it would've made no difference if we took the Jinki with us." he had no interest in the things, only wanting to keep them from Minaka. But the humour of the situation was not lost on him. He had not expected anything less with his luck. So why worry about it?
"I don't see how that's a good thing!" Matsu squeaked out, trying to stay inconspicuous and failing utterly.
Instinctively putting a hand on her thigh to calm her down, he replied. "Relax, they've kept them safe for a few years now. I imagine they know what they're doing." His voice having changed somewhat. "Besides, I'm sure with both of you I'm quite safe." It came across both laden with authority and entirely confident that everything would work out for the best simply because he would accept no other outcome. Causing both Sekirei to puff up a little at his words and relax.
A few minutes of waiting later saw them approached by two women. One seemed like a no nonsense type of woman, judging from her expression. She had the look and figure of a traditional Japanese beauty with brown eyes and short black hair. Only marred by her constant frown and angry eyes. She wore a dark blue jacket over a light blue shirt and a dark blue skirt with a brown belt, as well as red lipstick and a choker.
The second woman was evidently of European descent, having pale skin, baby-blue eyes and long strawberry blonde hair combined with Caucasian facial features and an hourglass figure. She wore a purple dress with long sleeves black heels and light purple lipstick. In terms of expression she could give Akitsu competition in being expressionless. The difference was that she seemed to behave that way because she looked down on people, not due to any kind of trauma or experience. As far as Harry could tell anyway.
"Welcome to NswF, my name is Nishida Rie," the black-haired women greeted them with a slight bow mirrored by her companion. "This is my assistant Nora."
Harry's group stood up and returned the greeting. "A pleasure to meet you. I'm Harry Potter and these are my friends Matsu and Akitsu."
"Our receptionist informed me that you claim to be our late boss' heir. Is that true?" Rie inquired sceptically, eyes narrowed and a hand on her hip. Her tone and expression made it clear that she didn't believe it herself. She did not outright dismiss him, mostly due to being preoccupied with taking in all his oddities.
Harry rummaged through his transfigured Moke-skin pouch, pulling out a copy of Furumizu's will. "Here, you can look it over at your leisure." as far as Harry knew everything was already finished. He only needed to inform the company to give them the heads up. Nothing more.
Rie took them and looked them over quickly for any kind of falsity. "Please follow me." She beckoned them. "It is rather late so we have to continue tomorrow. For now I'll show you to your rooms."
Seeing no problem with that they gave their agreement and followed the woman to the elevator. With Harry hoping to have a normal sleep pattern as of tomorrow.
On the way to their temporary abode Harry noticed something weird. Namely that all employees he saw were female. Not a single man aside from him was present. In the end he shrugged and let it be by thinking. 'Furumizu must've been an old pervert.' seemed plausible enough with all the eye candy walking around.
Soon enough the three of them were in a simple apartment with three beds. Why a company had a need for such things was lost on Harry. Neither did he need to know.
Once the door was closed Harry applied a silencing charm around the room, as well as a temporary muggle-repelling ward. Any kind of listening device or similar were surely fried by that. Finished with his task he sat down on the bed, followed by his Sekirei.
"So, what do you want to know?"
He just knew it would be a long night. Luckily he wasn't tired.