Chapter 8: What Was Left Unsaid
[Well a grand hello to you, honored participant! I must say I didn't think I would get to greet one of the Sekirei plan's major competitors so early on! Why, the second batch of little birds looking to find their Ashikabis was only released two days ago~!]
Rastus had seen photos and interviews of Minaka Hiroto before, thusly he wasn't that surprised by the man's eccentric appearance or gleeful tone as he stared at him from the screen of his phone...but something about the man rubbed him the wrong way.
"Probably the fact that he's been playing God with a collection of individuals that simply had the misfortune to fall under his purview. Said individuals being the progenitors of my entire family line."
Not allowing any of that train of thought to show on his face Alesandro merely raised an eyebrow, replying, "And while I wasn't expecting to run into a quartet of incredibly beautiful women who display supernatural powers today I can also say with a great deal of certainty that I wasn't planning on receiving a call from the director of one of the most powerful companies in existence."
[Well then today is just a day of all kinds of firsts, is it not? Tell me, Alesandro Rastus, have the royal sisters informed you of the task ahead of you?]
Not showing the slightest hint of surprise that his name was known the tanned-skin man simply replied, "Only the bare minimum, that they are to compete in some kind of game hosted by MBI."
Rather than explain himself further the pale-haired man pouted, retorting, [Not even a minute of hesitation that I know your identity! What gives?!]
"My face and name are on our company website, why would I be surprised that you have it?"
The CEO blankly stared for a moment.
"You got that information from 'alternate' means, didn't you?"
[Well you know how it goes, things move along at a fast pace and-]
"If that kind of an oversight is indicative of the quality of this game I'll apparently be participating in I can't help but wonder what else has slipped through the cracks."
Now openly frowning the CEO complained, [How can you say such cruel things, when you have yet to even hear of my grand genius?]
Leaning back in his chair Alesandro steepled his fingers, responding, "Well? What, exactly, is the nature of this game then? If it is evidently the work of a genius?"
Grandly flaring his arms and cape—the majesty of the gesture somewhat lost on the tiny screen of his phone—Hiroto proclaimed, [Rejoice, my newly found competitor! For in winning this game your fondest wish may reign true! You, along with your Sekirei, will enter into a battle royale against all other Ashikabi and their Sekirei in a battle for dominance and the right to have any one true wish of yours come true!]
"...You'll forgive me for being skeptical. People with strange and enhanced abilities isn't too much of a stretch—especially when I've seen it with my own eyes—but wish granting? Much like how my Sekirei have limits to their powers I assume this 'wish' of yours is also not all it's cracked up to be."
Rather than be angered or frustrated at the tall man's observation Minaka seemed to thrive, happily announcing, [Finally, an individual with a sharp wit and discerning eye! You would be surprised at how many others just seemed to take my word at face value. Probably because I've proven myself to be incredibly rich and intelligent, but still! Unfortunately, my dear competitor, as much as I would like to reassure you of the validity of this wish granting prize it would not be fair to only do so with you and not the other participants.]
"Hmm...well in that case I would very much not like to compete."
It wasn't only Minaka who seemed surprised at this, the four Sekirei sitting across from him also performed a double-take at his statement.
[Eh? Why not?]
"Is that an honest question? You attempt to drag me into a combat scenario in which I, as a vastly weaker Human, will become the target of beings magnitudes stronger than me?"
He sensed a great deal of wry amusement wash over the link from the sisters at that statement.
"Not to mention this is all for the nebulous promise of a 'wish' you point blank refuse to impart the validity of...I'm going to give this a hard pass, thank you very much."
A moment of silence passed between them, neither backing down...until Alesandro impatiently motioned with his hand.
"Well? You obviously have a means of ensuring everyone's cooperation, else why would you just release the Sekirei into the city without any real guidelines beyond finding their Ashikabi?"
Minaka grinned, replying, [And yet again you steal my thunder, dear competitor! But yes, we have a group that ensures everyone will play fair. While you do not have a choice in whether you desire to compete or not there are stringent rules that must be followed. Else the Disciplinary Squad will pay you a visit that promises to be less than friendly~.]
Nodding in acceptance Alesandro inquired, "So this Disciplinary Squad is made up of Sekirei, then."
[And what makes you so certain of that?]
"Please...the four sisters displayed a great deal of their powers when attempting to convince me of their seriousness, never mind the subject of Noritos."
He sent a quick pulse of reassurance to his Sekirei as they were confused as to how he knew of that particular aspect, forgetting that he was likely more familiar with their biology than they were.
Well...perhaps not as much as he would like, considering some of the changes seemed quite different than what he had studied.
"If you had to deal with a group of Norito using Sekireis the level of conventional force needed would be significant. And as immune to any kind of fallout MBI may be I doubt even you can engage in brutal firefights in broad daylight without some level of suspicion, either by nosy governments or corporate competitors. Thus, the Disciplinary Squad is made up Sekirei who can quickly and efficiently combat their own kind, ideally without massive collateral damage."
Minaka blankly stared at the dark-haired male...and began to clap, happily stating, [Nicely deducted! And you are quite correct on all accounts, the Disciplinary Squad are composed of veteran Sekirei who will enforce the rules of the competition using any and all force necessary. Should any attempt to harm innocent citizens or other Ashikabi they will be...reprimanded. This game may be a battle royale but it will not be one of unrelenting savagery, I promise you that.]
Alesandro frowned, stating, "You're not worried one of these Disciplinary Sekirei would be Winged? It seems to be a rather difficult thing to withstand and a battle-hardened Sekirei would be quite the tactical advantage..."
[Oh no need to worry about that, all those of the Disciplinary Squad are already Winged by MBI employees and will not have conflicting motives, of that I promise you.]
Rather than appear reassured Rastus just offered a morbid chuckle, commenting, "Well this 'wish' of yours seems all the more pathetic, now doesn't it?"
Appearing genuinely surprised for the first time the whole conversation Minaka asked, [How so?]
"Why don't these Sekirei and their Ashikabi feel the need to compete in this grand tournament? Why are they seemingly content to just play referee when the chance of having any one desire come true is dangling right before them? Either you have provided them with ample compensation or intimidation for their services, they don't particularly care about the wish and are happy as they are now in your employ...or they know of the specifics of this nebulous 'prize' and don't feel as if they are missing out all that much."
Alesandro's eyes narrowed.
"Or am I missing something?"
Minaka stared into his opposite's eyes, smile never once leaving his lips as he wryly stated, [I will admit, no one has ever really shown such logic-based vehemence to my plan before.]
"I suppose that speaks less than kindly of those both in your employ and those who have Winged a Sekirei."
[Hah! You seem quite certain that you're in the right here, my dearest competitor.]
A humorless smile appeared on the taller male's features.
"Let's not degrade the quality of this conversation with things like 'morals'...I'd like to think we're both adults and can admit that we act purely according to our own set of rules and desires rather than any arbitrary definition penned by others."
[On that, you would be quite correct.]
"I'm merely stating things as I see them. And according to the four sisters a Sekirei's most fond desire is to make their Ashikabi feel loved and happy, as that pleases them in turn."
Alesandro's eyes narrowed.
"And here you are, setting them free to find their chosen Ashikabi and have a chance at the one thing that gives them such immeasurable happiness...only to craft a twisted game around it where they have to battle for the right to exist as they were meant to, where only a chosen few can claim victory while the rest are set aside by history. You'll have to forgive me for thinking of you as something of a twisted and sick little man with a god complex."
Appearing genuinely rattled the white-haired CEO hastily raised his hands, stating, [Now now, no need to be so aggressive! A Sekirei can withstand a great deal of damage and as long as a special organ within them called a Tama is intact they can be revived and brought back! Contrary to what you seem to think of me I am no monster.]
A bark of derisive laughter left Alesandro, tone dark with dry amusement as he retorted, "Oh? Then go ahead and explain to me how such a revival process is enacted...or is that also a company secret I have to accept on faith?"
Minaka's silence was answer enough.
"And for the record, I wouldn't describe you as a monster...just a naive little boy playing around with toys he doesn't have any concept of and didn't properly acquire through hard work and discipline. You say that the Sekirei game has rules and that no one will suffer or perish due to them? You're the one with access to my file, Hiroto...look up the history of my uncle—which you no doubt also have—and see just how mistaken you really are."
Leaning back in his chair Alesandro finished his statement with, "In the meantime I'll play your game and abide by its rules...but not for the promise of some dubious wish. For the promise of giving my Sekirei the chance at happiness that you seem obsessed with denying."
And with that the male hung up, stretching painfully as he mused, "Well that went better than expected."
He glanced at the four sisters only to find them blankly staring at him...and Victorious slammed her hands down on the table, dangerously rattling it as she shouted, "W-what on Earth are you thinking?! You just said you would likely end up in conflict with MBI, so why directly state to it's leader that you disagree with their plan?!"
Chuckling at the blonde's worried shouts—and even if they weren't vocally stating it he could sense that the other three shared her sentiments—Alesandro replied, "Victorious, what would you find more surprising and worrying? A person that openly confessed to being nosey and aggressive snooping around in your house and bedroom without permission, or an individual who just a minute ago stated to be harmless and a friend doing the same?"
The blonde frowned at his words, considering them before what he'd done clicked, a frown of an entirely different nature coloring her lips that were already well on their way back to being normal after the battle she had endured.
"That still seems to be quite the risk, master Alesandro."
He nodded at Formidable's cautious words, replying, "You're right, of course. And you don't need to mince words, feel free to speak your mind. But here are my thoughts on the matter."
He pointed to his phone, explaining, "MBI has truly astonishing levels of technology and surveillance capability within the confines of Shinto Teito. I intend to seek out people and places that would normally be off limit to your standard competitor or at the very least raise red flags among the company watchdogs...hence, why I posed myself as an emotional and irritated competitor that doesn't really have any leverage over the corporation."
A satisfied smile crossed the man's lips, his Sekirei appearing more befuddled than ever.
"Oh, I talked big...but I made sure to emphasize how I don't actually have any means to oppose them. I'm forced to participate regardless of how I feel and I'm doing it for the four of you...which means they hold the ultimate leverage, the ability to revive my Sekiei should they fall in battle."
He shrugged, ignoring the popping noise his shoulders made.
"If they see me snooping around or talking to strange people? Oh, hey, look at that loser, the one who talked a big game but can't actually do anything. Let's all point and laugh at him. As opposed to someone they thought was compliant but is actually operating under an agenda of their own, doing strange things that they should potentially be worried about."
Silence reigned over the table, none of its occupants so much as blinking...and Unicorn was the first to speak, stating, "Big brother is sneaky."
Illustrious nodded, giggling as she added, "To sell yourself as a dog that is all bark and no bite...quite the masterful stroke of brilliance, master Alesandro~!"
"I'm flattered that you think so. Now, unless anyone has anything else to add...it's late and I desperately need to rest."
He received no outward complaints although he did note Formidable and Victorious pause briefly, momentary bouts of hesitation transferring across their empathetic bond that he turned to address.
"Do you two have something to add? You don't have to worry about offending or insulting me, you're my Sekirei, not my slaves or servants."
A thrill of emotional high yet again sang across the link, both women smiling in their own respective manners as Formidable stated, "If it is not too much to ask...come tomorrow may we return to our previous places of residency? Changes of clothes as well as a few other choice items still reside there."
An embarrassed cough slipped past Victorious's lips, her words shy as she explained, "Yes, as shameful as this is to admit...my attire is a bit too damaged to be made proper use of at this moment."
Nodding in agreement Alesandro stated, "All right, tomorrow morning we'll wake up early, eat and then go around to your previous residencies to collect your things. I need to make a bunch of phone calls anyway so that works out just fine."
Slowly rising to his feet with stiff motions Alesandro headed to the upstairs room containing the queen-sized bed...and noticed that he was being followed dutifully by his four Sekirei into it.
"You four have the king-size, it's bigger."
He was met with a variety of frowns and disapproval—alongside sadness—transferred through the bond as Unicorn quietly asked, "Does big brother...not want to be with us?"
Alesandro had to blink a few times.
"Wait, you want to sleep in the same bed as me?"
"But of course, master Alesandro! As your Sekirei it is imperative that we are by your side at all times of the day, come rain or shine. As our guiding light it is only proper that we bask in your illumination, is it not?"
Offering Illustrious a wry expression the male replied, "You could have just said yes."
A womanly giggle left the buxom lady as he instantly sensed a swell of joy and anticipation rise through the bond, Formidable and Victorious instantly going to shuck off their bath towels-
-and his hand clasped around the hems, keeping them closed as he quickly stated, "Don't get me wrong, if we want to take things to that level in the future I am absolutely all for it...but tonight is rest night, and there is no way in Hell I'll be able to sleep with the four of you resting nude right alongside me."
"Oh dear, it seems our Ashikabi is a bit shy around women~!"
Victorious's teasing words caused the man to smirk, stating, "Pull this maneuver any other night in the future and we'll settle the question of my shyness definitely."
"Big brother is absolutely a pervert..."
"Nice try, Unicorn...but I can get a general sense of what you're thinking though the bond, remember?"
The smaller Sekirei offered him a bashful side glance, simply stating, "...Oops," before her older sisters giggled at the interaction.
"All right, hold on a moment I think I have something for the two of you in here somewhere..."
Ruffling through his duffel bag he found what he was looking for, a pair of t-shirts that were simple, plain and sized for someone much larger than the pair of Sekirei who he'd be giving them to.
"Here, this should suffice for nightwear."
He handed off the articles to the pair of women who seemed inordinately pleased at receiving his clothing, the male too tired to wonder at what a Sekirei wouldn't enjoy receiving from her Ashikabi.
Without another word the four of them departed to change, Alesandro exchanging his day wear for a simple tank-top and shorts as he pulled back the bed's sheets, wincing yet again at how his muscles protested the simple action as he gingerly lowered himself into the embrace of a soft mattress.
"Hopefully won't be feeling this tomorrow morning...christ what a day."
Switching off the room's light Alesandro closed his eyes in a bid to fall asleep all the quicker-
-and instead felt his ears perk as the door to the bedroom almost inaudibly squeaked open, four swishes of fabric eagerly climbing into the bed alongside him before he found his arms engulfed in warm, soft skin.
"Trying to pretend to be asleep, master Alesandro~?"
Illustrious's playful tone whispered into his ear as he felt Unicorn snuggle into the crook of his arm, lithe body pressed up against him as the pale-haired Sekirei hugged the smaller girl from behind.
"Even if I was it wouldn't have worked, apparently."
"Eh heh heh, is our Ashikabi acting shy~?"
Victorious teased him even as she pressed her back against his opposite side, carefully folding his arm so that it rested between what he was assuming to be both her and Formidable's chests, the other Sekirei murmuring, "Now now, I'm sure our Ashikabi needs his rest. Good night, sisters...and master Alesandro."
A round of similar well wishings were passed out as the man merely sighed and focused on anything other than his steadily growing erection.
"Gonna be in for a long night..."