Chapter 14: Practice

"And you haven't found anything about them? I believed technology and computers were your strong suit, Matsu."

The bespectacled Sekirei pouted at her landlord and old comrade's disappointed tone, protesting, "It's not that I haven't found anything, it's just that I haven't found anything useful! All I get when I search for these Custodes Avem guys is that website of the company they own. And there's nothing there to go off of in that whole darn thing, it's spotless and used simply for business and nothing else..."

Miya frowned, trying to muster what rudimentary knowledge she had of technological matters before asking, "Must you use their supposedly dead end website? Do other avenues not exist for finding out more about them?"

Removing her glasses before throwing herself onto the collection of pillows and cushions that served as a work station next to a bevy of computers Matsu complained, "Sure, if I had more time and more information to go off of. But their main headquarters are based in South America and their names are obviously Greek in origin, never mind the whole bit about that Pillar that was supposedly heralded as Athena...I would have to dig really deep into old population reports and other administrative stuff if I wanted to be able to say for certain whether these guys exist in any official capacity."

Miya stared at the screens without being able to comprehend any of the various codes and symbols Matsu evidently felt right at home with, sighing as she stated, "Make that a low priority of yours. Focus on MBI and what they have been doing with both the Jinki and Sekirei adjustments...I always knew that man was a megalomaniac of a fool but to think he might have played with your base coding to such an extent..."

Matsu uneasily shifted, having listened in to the conversation the landlady had with their strange guest and not finding his words reassuring at all...especially the part about them not intending to have been so docile when Winged.

"And if Minaka is indeed planning to offer up the Jinki as a prize for this absurd plan of his...then I need to know."

Sighing in defeat the red-headed Sekirei replied, "Ok, I'll keep searching but information like that will likely be kept in the most secure locations of MBI's database...getting access to it will take time and care, if not be outright impossible."

"Just do your best and let me know if you discover anything."

Departing from her fellow Sekirei's hidden room the Pillar couldn't help but frown, casting a glance at her husband's shrine as she passed by.

She had only told Matsu to look into Alesandro's claims of being descended from one of the first Pillars more out of curiosity that any real dubiousness of his claim, of a desire to know more about their species' past than she had ever expected to gain knowledge of.

"And, if that white-haired bastard truly is planning on letting the unrestricted use of Jinki be offered up as a prize..."

Miya's eyes narrowed, the very air around her seeming to drop several degrees in an instant.

"Then perhaps it is time I step out of retirement, however briefly."

Alesandro awoke to the stench of musk and sweat, a cloying smell that while not necessarily unpleasant definitely didn't rate as one of his favored air freshners.

With that thought in mind he peacefully inhaled a lock of hair nestled into his shoulder, indulging in the far more pleasing and feminine scent that accompanied it.

Illustrious giggled, the male's eyes regretfully cracking open as his verdant gaze met her sky blue one.

"Did you sleep well, master Alesandro?"

"Considering how worn out I was? You would have needed an airhorn to rouse me."

"Mmm...big brother was very energetic last night..."

Shifting his focus to the Sekirei resting atop his chest the male inquired, "And how do you feel, Unicorn? No aches or, err...pains?"

A beautiful and content smile spread over the young girl's features, snuggling the crown of her head against the man's chin as she murmured, "Unicorn feels good, big brother..."

Two soft sensations from his opposite side clued in the Ashikabi to Victorious and Formidable also rousing themselves from slumber, affixing him with affectionate stares as he posed, "And you two?"

"Oh I feel quite alright, Alesandro~!"

Formidable merely nodded contritely along with her sister's more boisterous proclamation, the male taking a moment to reflect on just how damn sturdy baseline Sekirei were.

"Seriously, considering the size difference—especially with Unicorn—I was worried there would be a bit of muscle soreness...goes to show what I know."

Releasing a titanic yawn the he forced himself upwards, still cradling the naked girl in his arms before announcing, "Unless anyone has any objections I'm going to take a shower and then start making us breakfast, meet you downstairs."

"Master, allow me to-"

He raised a hand to forestall Formidable's words as she made to rise with a fair bit of reluctance, stating, "We can alternate or take turns with food prep, you four watched over me last night among...other things and I'll play maid for the moment. Deal?"

"...Very well, master."

The ashen-haired Sekirei not so subtly returned to her sister's embrace with a happy expression, Illustrious accepting Unicorn as their Ashikabi passed her off with a teasing offer of, "Would you like for me to wash you down, then~?"

"Are you kidding me? We do that and we'll never get the day started, I'm flying solo this time."

"You mentioned that you would like to train with me, yes? While I'd be happy to help bear in mind that right now I'm not at Sekirei levels of strength, any sparring would likely be difficult to properly grow from, since you would be limiting yourself in order to not immediately take me out of the fight."

Victorious didn't so much as blink, merely replying, "You say you have extensive experience with fighting, yes? Trained for much of your life among those skilled in the art of combat?"

Carefully nodding at the blonde Sekirei's proclamation Alesandro was treated to the sight of her proudly planting her staff in the soft mat that comprised the small dojo that would have likely been an entertainment room in any other house. But satellites were nothing if not prolific these days and it had been a unanimous decision among the Custodes Avem to have indoor training facilities, so that their odd abilities and prowess wouldn't be inadvertently exposed.

"Then as shameful as it is to admit you may very well be able to match me in pure skill, master. Most of our combat prowess is self-taught or sporadically practiced among others of our kind, who are no more knowledgeable than ourselves."

A sheepish smile appeared on Victorious's perfect lips, tone embarrassed as she admitted, "It is likely only the Disciplinary Squad that receives any real kind of training, considering their station and duty."

Nodding at the admission as Formidable, Illustrious and Unicorn watched from a nearby bench the Ashikabi replied, "That's actually good news, I might be able to help you in a meaningful way then. To start with, why don't you show me some basic movements or patterns that you know of and we can start from there."

While she was clearly eager to begin the Sekirei couldn't help but ask, "As much as I appreciate you spending time with me on this, Alesandro...do you not have other matters to attend to?"

Shaking his head the male reassuringly replied, "It's fine, without any leads to currently go on my time would be better spent helping and getting to know you all better. Unless anything comes up today is all yours."

His flock was visibly happy at that admission, Victorious hefting her weapon as she grandly stated, "Then allow me to show you my most glorious and brilliant display, oh Ashikabi of mine!"

Unable to keep from briefly smiling at the proclamation Alesandro took a step back, observing his Sekirei as she began to move.

To his relief she wasn't as clumsy or inexperienced as he'd first thought her words implied. She smoothly and gracefully twirled her—to a normal Human at least—impractical staff like it weighed as much as a willow wand, footwork and stances painlessly shifting into the next in an elaborate dance.

True, she didn't seem to have any idea of what to do outside of movements she had obviously copied but that was something he could potentially help her with.

...And the movements themselves were...distracting.

"I mean, trying to keep my eyes on actually important things is difficult when you have the appearance of someone like Victorious."

His gaze kept slipping to her athletic and dancing legs, the jut of a hip and sway of her barely covered ass, flexing of her flat stomach or jiggle of slightly concealed breasts...and, most of all, her flipping hair of bright gold and fiery eyes of sky-blue, intensely focused on her demonstration and blocking out all other distractions.

"A-Alesandro? Even I may become embarrassed when you stare so fervently at me..."

Blinking as he realized he'd been lost in watching his Sekirei for an unknown amount of time the male glanced around the room, Victorious blushing cutely as she attempted to hide behind her staff, her sisters smirking at her discomfort.

...Maybe not all distractions.

"Oh my, our brash and boldest sister, blushing like a schoolgirl? This is quite the novel experience~."

Victorious pouted at Illustrious, indignantly replying, "Well let us see how well you fare when stared at so intensely and unblinkingly by our Ashikabi!"

The pale-haired woman regally giggled, brushing a gloved hand across her cheek as she demured, "Why, I think I would rather enjoy that..."

Shaking his head the male quickly stated, "My mistake, my mistake...didn't mean to make you uncomfortable, Victorious."

"Well...it was not discomfort I was experiencing..."

Deciding to ignore that whispered statement for the moment the Ashikabi instead turned to the other three Sekirei, inquiring, "I've been meaning to ask this but what are all of your powers specifically? I know Unicorn has some kind of healing ability but what about the rest of you?"

Illustrious was first to respond, placing a hand on her ample chest as she explained, "My ability is Royal Armor, I am able to manifest shields around any object or individual I choose within my eyesight. Observe, master Alesandro."

Before the Ashikabi could inquire further Illustrious raised her hand slightly, eyes narrowing slightly in concentration-

-and as Formidable snapped her arm outwards to strike her sister across the face a pane of transparent, blue-tinged energy sprang into place, sounding like a pane of glass being struck as the ashen-haired Sekirei's limb bounced off the shield, Illustrious proudly smiling at her Ashikabi's impressed gaze.

"Well that's interesting...are there limits to this?"

"Yes, I must maintain visual contact with the area I wish to manifest shields in, although they may be kept in place if my gaze need wander. My stamina drains as they take damage but maintaining them costs very little in comparison. And the larger and more powerful the shield the more tiring it is."

Nodding at the explanation he turned to Formidable, the red-eyed Sekirei responding, "Supporting Wings, master."

Without further comment several odd figures comprised of what looked like mist appeared around her body, the shapes resembling a curious mix of aircraft and faeries.

"I may autonomously control these children of mine, should they strike a foe they will wrap around them and perform the following effect...do I have your permission to show you, master?"

Swiftly nodding in open curiosity Formidable smiled at his eagerness, directing one of formless shapes to alight upon his arm where it dispersed into a hazy glove, the male immediately noting how the limb felt slow and numb.

"Ah, so you can slow and bind your opponents, then?"

"Yes, depending on what part of their body I target I can restrict different abilities or processes. The only restriction is that I cannot send them more than ten meters away from my body, master."

"Noted. And very impressive. Unicorn?"

Nodding as she hugged her toy close the lithe girl replied, "Unicorn can heal up cuts, bruises and other injuries, big brother. Healing Wings. She has to be close, no farther away than a meter."

Nodding at her words and already having some experience with the girl's abilities Alesandro turned to Victorious, the woman proudly announcing, "Victorious Song. Should I be struck by enemy attacks I can make use of that energy to enhance my own, returning any blows at twice—or even more—of the power they were inflicted with."

The male tapped his lower lip, stating, "Gods above. In a team battle you four would be a terror. Victorious as a frontline, any blows taken returned back at the attacker. Formidable, slowing and retarding them and backing up the frontline. All while Illustrious and Unicorn protect and heal the other two, keeping them safe and deadly."

The four preened under their Ashikabi's admiring tone, prompting a chuckle from the man at their joyous expressions.

"Alright, Victorious...lets see what we can accomplish. Formidable, can you control how much your powers slow and debilitate someone?"

"To a minor extent, why? Would you prefer it if I-"

Comprehension suddenly dawned on the ashen-haired Sekirei's lovely features, lips curling in a smile as she stated, "As you wish, master Alesandro. Sister? Prepare to be made a shade of your former self."

Victorious tilted her head in a confused motion-

-that dawned into one of petulant comprehension as her sister's powers settled onto her body, a resigned sigh escaping the woman as she wryly commented, "Well I suppose that is a rather novel way to make use of your abilities, sister. Very well, Alesandro. Shall we begin? Perhaps with a light spar?"

The Sekirei's eager words caused her Ashikabi to grin, tone just as excited as she replied, "Works for me, at your ready."

Both squared off against the other, Victorious raising her staff despite the gray wisps slowing her motions as Alesandro raised his slightly curled hands to either side of his head, lightly rocking on the balls of his feet as their grins matched the others.

"And...begin!"

The pair leaped towards the other with displays of incredible athleticism, Victorious matching her Ashikabi even through the slowing effects of Formidable's powers.

The Sekirei swung the blunt end of her pole towards her Ashikabi's side, aiming to knock him away and keep some distance between them despite his longer reach-

-and the blonde's eyes widened as his hand slapped away the metal of her weapon with perfect poise and grace, balance thrown as his free arm looped around her waist...and she unleashed a yelp as she she was hauled over his shoulder in a playful grasp, heat flushing her body in a pleasant rush as she stammered, "A-Alesandro?! W-w-what are you doing?"

"Oh, just sparring with you, nothing more. Or have I not ended up incapacitating you?"

Blushing furiously at his teasing words—and the feel of his muscular shoulder pleasantly digging into her abdomen—the Sekirei squirmed in his grasp, lamenting the fact that her strength and abilities were so heavily neutered in this state as she protested, "T-that is quite enough, we must have another round!"

She was promptly returned to her feet by her grinning Ashikabi, the blonde puffing out a cheek as she saw her sister's vainly attempting to conceal their giggles at her predicament.

"Sorry, couldn't help myself."

"...Another bout, dearest Alesandro."

Victorious's miffed tone caused the male to grin, the pair again squaring off before beginning a round of close quarters combat.

Now aware of her constraints and her Ashikabi's skill the blonde took her approach far slower than she did before, lightly and economically making tentative passes with her staff, keeping it limber and ready to be retracted at a moment's notice should Alesandro grab ahold of it.

On the male's part he was impressed with his woman's adaptability and patience. One match and she had already made the proper adjustments to her strategy, removing as much of his range advantage as she could while bearing in mind that he could easily do away with her weapon if given the opportunity. In that sense her inexperience wasn't too much of a handicap, since repeated practice would give her many chances to learn.

Case in point he waited until she finished one of her short sweeps, began to retract her staff-

-and with a forceful leap forward he made use of her backpedalling weapon to once more slap it aside, ignoring the slight cut he got on his hand from the bladed edges.

Victorious's mesmerizing orbs once more widened is surprise as he grabbed her into a hold...that was more of a tight hug with her arms trapped at her sides than it was lock, his lips planting a kiss on her forehead as the Sekirei once again found herself blushing like a little girl.

"Bear in mind, just the presence of a weapon itself isn't always a deterrent."

"Umm...yes. That."

"Master Alesandro? You embracing and teasing Victorious every time you beat her won't encourage her to win, you realize."

Openly chuckling at how his Sekirei were now beginning to show minor signs of jealousy at his repeated contact with their sister Alesandro released the blonde, approaching Unicorn before displaying his bleeding palm, asking, "I promise I'll try to be more professional...or would you prefer it if I gave all of you that kind of attention to even it out instead?"

Formidable gave him a blank stare, dryly commenting, "I believe you know the answer to that, master."

"Sure do."

"Big brother is kind of a tease..."

Despite her words Unicorn carefully grabbed his hand, lightly running her delicate fingers over the weeping gash as emerald healing energy washed over it, clotting and sealing the injury in less than a minute, only a light scar left behind before he pulled his appendage away, giving the purple-haired girl a kiss on the forehead that she shyly smiled at.

"We'll keep sparring for another hour or two and then we'll see what we can accomplish with these Noritos that should be your baseline power."

Visible excitement rippled through his flock at that admission, giggles and embarrassed grins adorning the sisters as he strode back towards Victorious.

"Alright, let's go again...and no purposeful losing."

An indignant huff left the blonde, tone miffed as she stated, "I would certainly not stoop that low! At your ready, dear Ashikabi!"

Already finding that he quite enjoyed his time with his flock the male crouched slightly, raising his arms as the fiery Sekirei was once more at his throat.