Chapter 19: Kickstart

"Sister Ayanami...you became a part of the Disciplinary Squad?"

The reunion between Alesandro's flock and a previous acquaintance of theirs seemed to be less less of an emotional and happy affair than it was a tense and unsure occurrence, if the rampant emotions he was sensing through their shared bond was any indication.

Gently pushing his way past the Sekirei's blockade so that he was standing even with him he calmingly asked, "Is this one of your past friends that you knew when under MBI's watch?"

His flock twitched at his approach, Unicorn sadly stating, "Sister Ayanami is one of Unicorn's friends...she was taken away a few weeks before she and her big sister's were released into the city."

Illustrious frowned, adding, "It seems she was inducted into the Disciplinary Squad, master Alesandro."

"And to be placed at the Black Sekirei's side, no less..."

Victorious's tight words caused her Ashikabi to curiously meet Karasuba's own steely eyes, the cloaked Sekirei appearing more wryly amused by his flock's aggressive stance than she was dismayed.

"Miss Karasuba is not as bad as you all say, royal sisters."

Ayanami's quiet and reserved words seemed to startle the more buxom of his flock, Unicorn merely grasping her stuffed toy all the tighter as she worriedly asked, "Does this make sister Ayanami...Unicorn's enemy?"

The Sekirei of similar size and proportions to the purple-haired girl cocked her head, responding, "Only if you make me your enemy."

Amber eyes briefly flicked in the male's direction.

"...I'm glad you found your Ashikabi, Unicorn."

The brief moment of congratulations was somewhat undercut by the direness of Alesandro's Sekirei and their fixation on Karasuba, the woman idly shifting her gaze from female to female-

-and innocently posed, "So are those going to be your weapons of choice, then? A bold decision, if you don't mind me saying so~."

A brief moment of confusion passed among their ranks...and blushes broke out as Alesandro resisted the urge to snort in amusement, his flock hastily attempting to hide their purchases from the adult shop.

"T-that was obviously not our intention, dog of MBI!"

"Yes, do not be so crass, Black Sekirei!"

Chuckling gleefully at the more generously proportioned girls Karasuba turned to face them, lightly fingering the hilt of her sword as the air took a sudden and lethal turn-

-before dissipating just as quickly as it came, the grey-haired woman idly commenting, "None of you are my quarry today, consider yourselves lucky. Come along, little Ayanami...we have a different bit of prey to hunt."

"Yes, miss Karasuba."

The smaller Sekirei followed in the wake of her taller companion, pausing only for a moment to meet Unicorn's sad gaze before hurrying along, the rest of Alesandro's flock relaxing a fraction before the taller MBI employee stated over her shoulder, "We'll cross blades sooner or later during this war, Rastus. Consider your secret safe until then...can't have the meal being spoiled by others, now can I?"

"I'll be sure to live up to your expectations, Karasuba. Better bring your A-game."

A bloodthirsty glint to the woman's eye could be seen before she and Ayanami disappeared around the corner, his flock breathing out sighs of relief...until Victorious rounded on Alesandro, hysterically asking, "What are you thinking?! Challenging Karasuba on your own is far too dangerous! She is a rabid killer of men and women with not a single compassionate or loving bone to be found in her body!"

Keeping his cool the Ashikabi met the blonde's gaze with an even stare, replying, "While I certainly can understand why she has that reputation, Victorious...there's more to that assessment and conclusion. Case in point...Unicorn, did Ayanami seem upset, worried or unhappy with her partner?"

Pausing for a moment the girl eventually replied, "No...sister Ayanami is still sad and distant, big brother. But not towards Karasuba."

He nodded, turning to the taller and far more dubious trio as he stated, "Karasuba and I have an understanding of sorts, a bit of common ground between us. And she's not emotionless, especially not towards that Ayanami girl."

He gave the four apprehensive Sekirei a reassuring smile.

"Don't worry, I'm not going to lose to her. But I do want to be the one to face her one-on-one. Consider it a warrior's pride."

A resounding groan left his flock, Illustrious pinching the bridge of her nose as she sighed in exasperation, sensing their Ashikabi's resolve through the bond.

"It seems you have a stubborn streak about some things, master Alesandro...and of course they would be incredibly hazardous to your health."

Chuckling at their replies he motioned for them to follow, asking, "So how do you know Ayanami? She must be quite the unique person to have someone like Karasuba seem genuinely tolerant and affectionate towards her."

While Illustrious, Formidable and Victorious still seemed dubious of such a claim Unicorn readily explained, "Sister Ayanami was Unicorn's friend...she was quiet and reserved, she didn't understand love or affection very well...always thinking of herself as a weapon first and person second..."

"Yeah, I guess it makes sense that she and Karasuba would make a good pair, then."

The purple-haired Sekirei suddenly tugged on her Ashikabi's sleeve, drawing his attention as she cautiously asked, "If big brother gets the chance...will he Wing sister Ayanami and Karasuba?"

The older Sekirei yet again squawked in alarm at the request, Unicorn ignoring them in favor of meeting Alesandro's inquisitive gaze, continuing with, "Unicorn loves being big brothers and so do her big sisters...it's sad that sister Ayanami and Karasuba don't feel that way. Unicorn wants them to be loved and not lonely..."

A heavy silence passed between the group, unsure gazes being passed around among the sisters...and Alesandro quietly chuckled, placing a hand on Unicorn's head before gently ruffling her hair, stating, "You've got a heart way too big for a body that petite."

Blushing at his actions Unicorn nonetheless smiled, asking, "So big brother will Wing them?"

"Only if they consent. I understand what you want and why you want it, I really do...but I refuse to do something to a Sekirei that they don't desire, even if they would ultimately benefit or be happier because of it. Being Winged is perhaps one of the most important choices one of your species can make...and it deserves to be yours to make, not mine."

The smallest Sekirei sadly nodded, sensing her Ashikabi wasn't about to budge on the matter but accepting nonetheless.

"Well, on to less worrying and far more pleasant subjects...what did you all end up buying?"

Formidable had a small smile dance across her flawless lips as she coyly stated, "That, master, is a secret to be shown at a later date."

"Ooh, a secret, huh? Well I'll be waiting with bated breath then~! Also, side note, we're going to be following Karasuba and Ayanami every chance we get."

Four pairs of eyes locked onto his with clear disbelief.

"We're what?!"

A grim expression appeared on the male's features.

"I think they discovered Siren work...and if my hunch is correct, it's a bad one."

That statement caused the mood to take on a more somber lilt...although they nonetheless steeled themselves for anything that may come their way.

While they may not have cared much—if at all—for MBI's attack dog Ayanami was an acquaintance and friend. If they could end up in a position to help her...they would.

[Oh. Well, that's not great.]

"Tell me about it. I know it's hard to say for certain without definite proof if that's the case, but..."

[Yeah. Better safe than sorry.]

Alesandro and his uncle fell silent for a moment, both reflecting on the all too likely fact that more Sirens were within the borders of Shinto Teito and had already completely eradicated a Sekirei and Ashikabi pair. For what reason, no one was sure...but it made no sense for any other group or competitor to do so.

Most likely they had simply gotten answers out of the duo and then permanently silenced them.

[And you said you're gonna keep an eye on this Disciplinary Squad chick? Do you think that's a good idea, kid? If she decides to finally get that fight out of you she was alluding to and you don't have the Unlocker already active I think it's a fair bet she's gonna have your head in just a few seconds.]

Shrugging in an a blatant lack of concern Alesandro replied, "I don't get the vibe that she's just going to waste me at the slightest provocation...we both want as close to a fair fight to the death as we can possibly get."

[Bloody Hell. You went from those polite young ladies at your side to a battle-junkie and her stoic assistant. Any other surprises you want to spring on us?]

"Not at the moment. Take care, uncle. I've got a mildly peeved flock that think I'm doing something incredibly stupid to reassure."

[I don't blame em'. Whatever, take care of yourself kid.]

The line went silent as the Ashikabi met Formidable, Illustrious and Victorious's stoic expressions, Unicorn being the only one who seemed content with his ultimate decision.

It seemed time to stew on the subject had only made them more unhappy and resigned in equal measure.

"...Much like how I accepted that wanting you four to change the way you were to fit my image of how you should be was flawed and rude, I'd like for you all to understand that this is something I'm not going to budge on."

Formidable sighed, explaining, "We understand, master...but it is still a difficult thing to reconcile, knowing you will be going to fight against such a dangerous foe and to stop you would be hypocrisy on our part."

"And you would not want us interfering in it regardless, would you?"

Victorious's resigned tone caused the male to sadly smile, responding, "No. Maybe it's a bit of an over exaggeration to say I have a warrior's pride...but I do ascribe to meeting any opponent of mine with an equal level of respect they afford me. Karasuba kept my secret from MBI and plainly said she wants to fight. I'll answer that directness with my own."

Illustrious sagged slightly, stating, "It truly does seem that nothing will sway your mind, master Alesandro...I must say, I did not expect the day would come when a Sekirei is struggling to keep her Ashikabi out of the battle. I cannot help but wonder if other flocks undergo similar struggles..."

"Probably not. We're pretty strange in that regard."

Stretching his arms overhead and glancing at the clock the male announced, "It's late and we're going to be busy over the next few days, possibly weeks. Might as well get to bed early."

Victorious and Formidable perked up at his words, the blonde slyly asking, "Oh hoh, are you so eager to bring our most glorious selves into your bed's embrace, Alesandro~?"

Smirking right back at her the Ashikabi responded, "You're absolutely right I am."

The pair rose to their feet, Formidable calmly but intensely stating, "Then allow myself and sister Victorious a moment to prepare for your arrival, master."

And with that the buxom pair waltzed out of the living room with swaying hips and happy smiles, Unicorn quietly saying, "Big sisters are acting like teases...big brother would desire them with or without it..."

"True, but it certainly doesn't hurt, I'll freely admit that much."

Shaking her head at his comment Illustrious approached her Ashikabi, the pair sharing a deep kiss as fluttering sails grew from her back before dissipating into motes of light, Unicorn reciprocating the ritual as the pale-haired Sekirei gathered her younger sister into a hug.

"Do ensure that sisters Victorious and Formidable are treated to just as wonderful a night as we were, master Alesandro. While they did not openly state so it was quite apparent they were jealous of Unicorn and I~."

Shaking his head in amusement the male responded, "Like I'd be able to hold myself back...good night, you two."

"Good night, big brother..."

The pair departed, Alesandro squaring his shoulders before grinning in wanton excitement as he approached his bedroom.

He was really beginning to appreciate the benefits of having an attentive and lustful flock sharing his bed each and every night.