Chapter 10: The Pillar

"Does Unicorn look nice, big brother?"

Smiling at the shy words of the small Sekirei Alesandro eyed her snowy blouse and purple skirt, flats adorning her dainty feet as he nodded in appreciation at the attire, replying, "It fits you extraordinarily well, Unicorn."

"Indeed, your hair meshes with it very well, young miss!"

The polite and enthusiastic words of the store attendant caused the young woman to blush fiercely at the compliments, raising her stuffed toy slightly so that it hid her face, the employee trying valiantly not to squeal at how adorable she was being.

"Oh my, you look positively wonderful, dear little sister!"

Victorious wasted no time in gathering her sister in an affectionate hug, now adorned in a far simpler loose top and mini-skirt of silken black material, thigh-high boots causing her to appear very much like some runway super model. While less flattering than her Sekirei attire it was far more modest.

"Now now, dear sister, no need to crush poor Unicorn."

Illustrious and Formidable made their appearance, the pale-haired Sekirei adorned in a sleeveless shift dress and heeled sandals while Formidable had decided on tight jeans and a blouse of similar make to Unicorns.

Again, not as eye-catching as their typical ensemble but far more suited to traveling around the city.

"So are we all set to go?"

"At your ready, master Alesandro."

Formidable's demure tones caused the store clerk to give them a strange look that Alesandro played off with a helpless shrug, accompanying her to the register as the Sekirei followed in his wake, Illustrious quietly asking, "Have you decided on what to do with the message you received, master Alesandro?"

"Not much choice but to investigate it. Still no information on this Izumo Inn?"

Unicorn raised her phone so that her Ashikabi could read the website description, his eyebrow raising as he mused, "A room-and-board establishment? Seems like a pretty traditional place as well, any thoughts on what we might find there?"

"Perhaps someone with an answer or lead to the questions you were asking, Alesandro? It's mysterious, certainly, but victory favors the ones that take the initiative more than it does the passive combatants."

Victorious leaned against her Ashikabi's shoulder in order to better view the screen, smiling happily as she reveled in the way his muscled body brushed against her soft form.

"Hmm...fair point. Alright, who feels like they're up for a small field trip?"

The feelings of enjoyment and contentment were answer enough as his Sekirei truly did seem perfectly happy just to spend time with him. Perhaps it was merely because they were recently bonded but Alesandro wasn't about to complain.

"But that begs the question...an unknown message with a no-reply number that offered this address with no context whatsoever? Someone is playing a game here and I'm beholden to its rules for the moment. Someone at MBI, maybe?"

Resisting the urge to sigh in annoyance he instead found himself amused as Formidable handed over the black MBI card which caused the clerk's eyes to go wide.

He was more than happy to use MBI's money in this specific case.

"It's rather...quaint?"

"I think the morepolite way of putting it would be classic. But you're not wrong, Formidable."

Illustrious hummed as the group stood outside the gate to Izumo Inn, seeming rather taken with the old Japanese architecture as she stated, "I quite enjoy it. It has a very homely feel to it, with warmth and affection seeming as much a part of the establishment as the paint."

"Big sister Illustrious is saying complicated things again..."

Lightly snorting in amusement at Unicorn's comment which caused Illustrious to playfully bop her on the head for the no doubt 'unlady-like' statement the male decided to get the show on the road, pushing past the entrance gate with sure movements as he approached the main doors.

It was hard to say for certain but he was definitely getting a feeling of...something emanating from beyond the doors, a presence that was very much a Sekirei yet magnitudes more powerful.

"Fingers crossed that message wasn't just a clever means of getting me killed by an absurdly powerful and aggressive alien..."

Politely knocking on the wooden entryway Alesandro began to calmly wait, his four Sekirei flanking him as the sound of soft footsteps approached, followed by the door unlatching and swinging open.

The woman who answered was absolutely a Sekirei, if the way Alesandro's body began to react slightly to her was any indicator of things. But unlike with the royal sisters it wasn't so much of a burning attraction as it was a kindling...respect? Acknowledgement?

Either way she seemed to feel it too, eyes widening for an ever so brief a moment before schooling themselves back into impassivity, tone light as she inquired, "Oh my, to what do I owe the honor of such visitors at so late a time to my humble abode? If you are seeking residency I must apologize, but at this hour I cannot conduct much in the way of business."

Tilting his head slightly as he observed the woman—yet another unfairly beautiful example of feminine form, with long purple hair and traditional Japanese clothing adorning her modestly curvy figure—Alesandro replied, "I was actually wondering if you could help me with an unrelated matter, miss..."

"Asama. Miya Asama."

"Miss Asama, then."

Briefly debating how to go about things he eventually decided he didn't have enough information to play coy in this scenario and dived straight in.

"Would you happen to know anything about the Sekirei plan that MBI is working on?"

Another moment of brief shock from the woman before her expression was once more schooled into one of neutrality...although there was a definite trace of hostility that hadn't been there previously.

"And what of it, if I did?"

Yet again taking a leap of faith the male explained, "I received an anonymous message with this address after I had a...bit of a disagreement with MBI's CEO about the necessity and morality of this game of his. I was actually hoping that you yourself could shed some light on the matter."

Thankfully the aggression was speedily replaced with curiosity, the woman idly musing, "Is that so? How curious indeed..."

She glanced at the royal sisters who were hovering protectively by their Ashikabi's side—obviously spooked at the hostility she had been emanating and taking steps to ensure she wouldn't be able to injure their beloved—before returning her gaze to the towering male, tentatively sniffing the air before commenting, "You're not entirely Human, are you."

It was less a question than it was statement of fact, Alesandro smiling before replying, "I'm no Sekirei...but as you said, I'm not fully Human either."

A small huff of vexation left the woman as she stepped aside from the entryway, motioning for the group to enter.

"Come along, then. It seems we have a few matters to discuss. Shoes off, please."

Following the instructions of the landlady the group removed their footwear and followed her inside, the Sekirei curiously staring at the architecture of the traditional home as Alesandro noted a special shrine in one of the rooms, one he recognized for the sole purpose of honoring and remembering the dead.

"Curious..."

Eventually they arrived in the kitchen, a large table spread out in one corner of the room as the woman gracefully motioned to it, stating, "Please, allow me to offer you some tea before we begin our conversation."

"That would be most appreciated, thank you."

Following his lead the sisters kneeled at the table, graceful and dignified with their motions to such an extent that their Ashikabi couldn't help but be impressed by their grace and poise in such a new environment.

"They really weren't kidding when they said they wished to emulate the royal navy and all of its customs."

There was only a peaceable silence as the all-too-likely Sekirei efficiently moved about the kitchen, grabbing cups and a kettle as the sole male present decided to close his eyes and merely enjoy the moment of peace...as well as test out the extent of the new empathetic bond formed between him and his flock.

Taking a few deep breaths he thought back to an old memory, when he had first made use of his Sekirei heritage and gathered an orb of water above his hand, mother and father smiling in unabashed pride at his progress...before disseminating that feeling to the sisters, observing their reactions with bewilderment as their neutral and blandly polite expressions were replaced with beaming and content smiles.

Quickly summoning up another memory, of the amusement he had felt when the family dog had gotten stuck between the fence but had been deliriously happy anyway and allowing it to suffuse the bond he was treated to the sight of the four Sekirei suddenly trying and failing to contain great mirth, Unicorn hiding her face completely behind her toy while the older three desperately attempted to still their shaking shoulders.

The experiment came to an abrupt close as Miya set down the collection of cups and kettle with a sharp klink, archly asking, "Is there something amusing about my actions, hmm?"

The four Sekirei quickly mastered themselves, glaring at their Ashikabi with varying levels of peeved emotion as they realized what he had been doing, Alesandro shrugging in response.

"Apologies about that, Miss Asama. I'll be sure to instruct them on how to have better table manners in the future."

Now the petulant responses were a tangible thing, playfully indignant at his bit of humor as Miya seemed to clue in on that, a corner of her mouth quirking in what might have been a smile as she observed, "You seem to be quite skilled in the use of the empathetic bond between Ashikabi and Sekirei."

"While I've never experienced it until less than a day ago I know a great many theories and first-hand reports on how it's meant to work. I don't believe I introduced myself earlier, Alesandro Rastus at your service, Miss Asama. And these fine Sekirei of mine are-"

"Sekirei #32-35, correct? It's been quite some time since I last saw the four of you...you grew up quite well, if you don't mind me saying so."

Blinking in surprise at the admission Victorious asked, "You...know us?"

"Indeed. When your embryos were first being stoked to life, that is."

Alesandro raised an eyebrow, taking a sip from his cup before neutrally stating, "Then you're the Pillar of the colony ship that crash landed, aren't you?"

Miya gave the male a curious look, stating, "You know the history of the Sekirei it seems."

"I do."

Glancing at his flock they surreptitiously nodded, the Ashikabi coming clean with his story as he began with, "I'm a part of what we call the Custodes Avem, a group descended from the initial wave of colony ships and founded by one of the Pillars from aforementioned ships. Me and a few others travelled to Shinto Teito in order to investigate MBI's activity with both the Sekirei and the Jinki."

The male noted how there was a minute twitch of the woman's features at his mention of the Jinki, setting that observation aside for the moment as she frowned in thought, asking, "That is quite the bold claim. It's corroborated by the odd reaction I'm having to your presence...but that alone is not proof, perhaps that is just some distant leftover of my genetic heritage urging me to associate with an Ashikabi already having Winged four Sekirei."

Understanding her unspoken request Alesandro raised a hand, brow furrowing in concentration...and with a small rush of air water coalesced into ball the size of a watermelon, floating idly as the air in the room felt a smidgen dryer than it was before.

"...You neglected to mention you could still make use of your powers, master."

Shrugging at Formidable's mildly reproachful tone he responded, "It's not really something that bore noting. I can't use my Sekirei abilities to any worthwhile extent while in this state other than as parlor tricks or marital aids."

"...Marital aids?"

Alesandro just gave the ashen-haired woman a coy smile, the Sekirei blushing crimson as she caught onto his insinuation before Miya gave a tactful clearing of her throat, false smile on her features.

"I did not mention this previously, but acts of lewdness or indecency are prohibited at Izumo Inn. Please bear that fact in mind."

There was an ominous air as the distant noise of rattling chains and clacking wood began to permeate the sitting area, the four Sekirei instantly latching onto their Ashikabi with frightened actions that he greatly appreciated, since he was also very much in need of a safety blanket.

"Umm, Miss Pillar? Is this one of your abilities? If so, please stop. We swear ourselves to celibacy as long as we're underneath your roof."

Tilting her head in a faux expression of innocence the supernaturally terrifying aura gradually receded, Miya politely commenting, "Oh? I have no idea what you're speaking of~."

"Yeah, and I qualify as a midget."

Still wearing her smugly honest smile the Pillar quickly lost some of her mirth, inquiring, "So you speak truly. You are a remnant of the original line of Sekirei."

"I am. As a Pillar of the last remaining colony ship I was hoping you could answer a number of questions I have...if you can, hopefully me and my comrade's next course of action will become a great deal clearer."

"And just what, pray tell, would your ultimate goal be?"

Idly tapping his chin Alesandro replied, "That depends...if MBI was content to merely let the Sekirei battle for dominance and then revive them afterwards we would likely sit and observe, playing things by ear."

A dark expression appeared on Alesandro's features.

"But that doesn't seem to be the case. He's all but openly admitted to having clear intentions of using the Jinki as some kind of prize for the winning Ashikabi...we aren't going to let that come to pass. If we can ascertain clear proof of that being Minaka's intentions as well as where the Jinki are being held...we're going to end this plan before it can truly begin, killing him and letting MBI deal with the fallout."

A smile graced Alesandro's lips as he laced his arms around the Sekirei that still clung to him, the fright having long since passed but the close contact being far too enjoyable to pass up.

"After we ensure that the Sekirei have a future ahead of them. They are our distant relatives, after all."

Warm contentment flooded the bond between the five, Miya neutrally gazing at them as she no doubt formed her own opinion and plan of action with the available information.

"So? Can you tell us anything useful about what MBI has been doing? And, if possible...why you let them have seemingly unfettered access to the colony ship and the embryos contained within?"

He gave a mildly concerned glance to the four beauties flanking him.

"Some of the adjustments MBI made are concerning, to say the least."

At this Miya frowned, asking, "How so?"

Gently hugging the royal sisters as he could sense some mild apprehension through the bond—no doubt as they again worried that there was something wrong with them that made them less than perfect for him—he elaborated with, "According to tales and stories from when the original Sekirei first began to Wing themselves the Sekirei were nowhere near as subservient as this generation are, as obsessed with their Ashikabi and only their Ashikabi."

He once more embraced his flock with a reassuring pulse of emotion, smiling as he stated, "And while I don't mind that since I know exactly what a Sekirei needs to thrive and become powerful, well...what about other birds that fall in with clueless, mediocre or downright hostile Ashikabi? They'd resign themselves to a one-sided or cruel relationship with no chance of making independent decisions for themselves. That kind of meddling from MBI raises all manner of less than pleasant questions."

Miya's expression took on an ugly tinge, as slight as it may have been.

"So, again...what happened when MBI first began to reactivate the crashed colony ship?"

For a time the woman was silent, seemingly lost in thought...and eventually released a tired sigh.

"I was unsure of who to trust, of what to do. My ship had reactivated in an unknown time with no word to be found from the other vessels. When the initial group of MBI researchers offered to help me properly reactivate and begin growing the embryos I accepted, stepping in to 'dissuade' groups of strangers who's intentions I was less certain of...more to the point, one of the initial crew eventually became my husband, one Takehito Asama."

An old pain flickered across her features, voice ever so slightly tighter as she explained, "At first MBI kept their word, helping to ensure the Sekirei's proper growth and introduction into the world at large...but at some point they began to monopolize the technology aboard my ship, jealously guarding their secrets and using us as nigh unbeatable attack dogs. I saw no issue with such an arrangement for the longest time, content to be with my husband and ignore the troubles such actions would inevitably cause..."

Her sharp eyes once more focused on Alesandro, words cold as she continued with, "I eventually left MBI's employ, believing that with my husband still working on the project most of the Sekirei would be in good hands...I was mistaken. Critically so."

Her fingers tightened so hard that he could hear the joints begin to pop.

"Then, either through deliberate testing or foolish error the Jinki aboard my ship were prematurely activated, preparing themselves to engage in an erasure of all nearby Sekirei genetic material that would have killed a great many researchers and Sekirei nearby."

The male frowned, instantly cluing in to where this story was going to end up.

"Takehito, my husband...he didn't carry within himself any Sekirei genetic code whatsoever. He managed to reprogram the Jinki so that they would only target those without our genes and..."

A distant, morose expression appeared over her features.

"He died to save the ones who would eventually begin this inane and absurd plan...and I could only grieve, wishing to wash my hands of the entire matter."

Miya and Alesandro locked gazes, the Sekirei fiercely stating, "You ask what MBI's ultimate goal of the Sekirei plan is, young man? I cannot say, but I can assure you that Minaka and other top ranking members are very much aware of what a Jinki can do and are making use of them for this tournament's grand prize."

A grim silence passed over the present group, the male eventually sighing and running a hand through his hair.

"Well...shit."