Chapter 1: Akitsu: The Ice Sekirei.
Opening 1: Come by Amuro Namie
Cloud was surprised of what Akitsu did. He couldn't say anything as the girl kept holding him.
"Akitsu...? What...was that?" Cloud questioned.
"I have become yours..." Akitsu answered.
"You're...mostly human. Yet, you're...not." Cloud realized.
"I'm what is known as a Sekirei. We're people from a distant planet that are genetically similar to humans on Earth." Akitsu explained.
"So, in a sense...you're related to humans, even though you're not from here." Cloud deduced.
"Yes... There are 108 Sekirei here in this city. All of us must fight till only one Ashikabi and Sekirei are left." Akitsu explained.
"A Battle Royale to the death... Against your kind as well... How mundane." Cloud commented.
"Master, I..." Akitsu said.
"Just 'Cloud' will do... So there are 107 other Sekirei who are looking for their Ashikabi. I have a feeling that some may have been founded." Cloud deduced.
"Yes, Cloud-sama. The other sekirei will respond to you so be careful." Akitsu said.
Cloud was able to rudimentary understand the situation. Knowing he may have to prepare himself, he steeled his spirit.
"If I have to fight to ensure you're protected, then I'll have no choice but to do so. However, this plan that every Sekirei must fight is awful enough." Cloud commented.
Despite knowing new information, Cloud was exhausted. He yawned with his fatigue catching to him.
"We'll talk more tomorrow, Akitsu." He said.
Akitsu nodded. She watched as Cloud fell asleep. Slowly, she crept within his futon, lying close to him.
Within the MBI conglomerate, the white haired man was monitoring activities of the Sekirei through a computer. A sudden notification got him in surprise. Alarms and notifications suddenly pointed out to Akitsu.
"Impossible... The Scrapped Sekirei was winged!? Who was capable of doing so?" The man questioned.
Soon, a woman came inside, evidently shocked of what she also noticed.
"Seems like everyone has been notified about Akitsu, Takami-chan." The man said.
"Don't address me with such a tone, Minaka. It was your scientist that made number 7 unable to being winged." The woman named Takami argued.
"It is not my fault he caused the process to happen. He was believed to be a prodigy, though his actions said otherwise. Either way, he was killed from her, regardless." The man named Minaka said.
"If you end up hiring another crack job like that guy again, I'll make sure you'll suffer. The lives of the Sekirei are not toys for you to play in your sick games." Takami said.
"Oh, I'm so scared. Words and your gun are able to kill me." Minaka sarcastically commented.
Takami socked him on the head. He fell flat on his desk.
"Act like that again and I'll staple your mouth shut." Takami warned.
Minaka merely rubbed his head from where he got struck. An insane smile was on his face.
The next morning, Cloud woke up and felt something warm and smooth. He noticed it was a female's body snuggling close to him.
'I don't know who this person is yet... Wait, I recognize this feeling.' Cloud thought, sensing a familiar aura.
He moved back and noticed Akitsu, sleeping with a content expression on her face. Somnolently, she held his head close to her.
'Okay, I don't think I should let this happen any further.' Cloud quickly thought.
He gently nudged Akitsu, waking her in the process. She looked at Cloud with a sleepy, happy expression.
"Good morning, Cloud-sama." She said.
"Good morning, Akitsu... Not that I'm complaining, but why are you sleeping with me?" He asked.
"Ah... It felt comfy and I love you." She said in a calm tone.
Cloud was surprised of what she said. His mind was briefly awry, now sensing her feelings. It's as though he could feel what Akitsu felt to him.
"Akitsu... Also, why aren't you wearing any proper clothes to cover yourself?" Cloud asked.
"Ah... I forgot." She answered.
Cloud sighed in response. He then walked to his door till he heard a knocking sound.
"Cloud-san, breakfast is ready." Miya called out.
"Just a minute..." He responded.
He still had his clothes on and went out of his room. Miya was waiting for him.
"Cloud-san, I was wondering if that girl you brought in yesterday is also ready for breakfast." Miya said.
"Her name is Akitsu... She was given her own room, correct?" Cloud asked.
"Yes. Did she end up sleeping with you?" Miya asked with a smile.
"I'll be honest, she did. I also need to ask for you to borrow your clothes for her. She did come here with only a bloodstained lab coat." Cloud responded with honesty.
A mirthful chuckle came from Miya. Soon, a purple hanya appeared near her.
"Sexual relations are forbidden in Izumo Inn. Please keep in mind, Cloud-san." Miya informed.
"I don't consider having said relations here. Otherwise, I would be desecrating your household rules." Cloud said.
"Glad to see that you're an honest person, Cloud-san. Since you also informed me of Akitsu's lack of clothing, I'll lend some of my clothes to her. It's your responsibility to find new clothes for her though." Miya said.
"I appreciate your willingness to help me in times of need." Cloud bowed.
"Ufufu... My husband has taught me to help others who don't deserve negative experiences. If you need some help or advice, please don't be afraid to talk with me." Miya said.
"Thank you. I'll keep that in mind." Cloud said.
Akitsu came out of the room, holding a blanket that barely covered her body. Cloud was decent enough to look away without sparing a glance. She sensed he was embarrassed to look at her body. Miya quickly held the blanket on her body as she could see Cloud's flustered face.
"Ara ara... We should get some clothes for you, Akitsu. I'm sure they'll fit you." Miya said.
"Ah... I want to be with Cloud-sama." She said.
"Don't worry, you'll be with him. Let's get you dressed up." Miya reassured.
"I'll be in the guest room waiting for you, Akitsu. Please go with Miya so you can get yourself dressed." Cloud confirmed.
Akitsu nodded and went with Miya. This gave Cloud some breathing time. He was barely able to hold his stoic expression from Akitsu's interaction.
'She's slightly more forward than how Tifa was... Why am I thinking like that? I sound like a damn pervert...' Cloud comically thought.
He went to the guest room, meeting Uzume and another person. It was a male, appearing younger than Cloud. He had white hair, almost akin to snow, a white business shirt with black pants.
"Oh, we haven't had a chance to introduce Kagari to you, Cloud." Uzume said.
"Pleasure to meet you." Kagari said.
"Likewise." Cloud responded.
'He's pretty stoic, despite how he looks young. What could have happened to him?' Kagari thought.
'He's almost like me... Funny how roles in life are identical.' Cloud thought.
Uzume decided to ease their minds by speaking out to Cloud.
"So, new guy... I heard you rescued a girl who had a bloodstained lab coat on. Mind if you tell me what happened?" Uzume questioned.
"I think it's best not to... It depends whether she can allow me to or not." Cloud refuted.
"Oh pooh... I wanted to know what happened." Uzume pouted.
"Ask her yourself then. I'm respecting her privacy." Cloud retorted.
"I did noticed she went into your room. Did you had some fun time with her?" Uzume teased.
"I'm not one to indulge in something so low like that..." Cloud responded.
Uzume has the decency to remain silent, noting her teasing was irritating Cloud. She then made a few glances at him, garnering a small blush on her face.
'I'm reacting to him... Ever since he got the Scrapped Number by a miracle, I could feel this urge to be with him. It's strong as I get closer...' Uzume thought.
Miya came to the guest room with Akitsu properly clothed. She was wearing an ivory kimono with snowflake designs. Upon seeing Cloud, the Sekirei wasted no time to getting close to him. Cloud felt her emotions skyrocket as she got close.
'I can feel what she feels... This is not a coincidence... It feels like...I'm being with her beyond physical and mental plains of existence.' Cloud mentally noted.
Akitsu leaned on Cloud's left side, cherishing his presence. Miya giggled as she could see how the Sekirei was acting. She could almost say she was jealous of the interaction.
Everyone in the household began eating their breakfast. It was a calm morning for Cloud and Akitsu. Much to his shyness, Akitsu gave a piece of a croquette to Cloud via chopsticks. He blushed in response, eating it. Uzume kept teasing while Miya giggled from the affectionate display. Kagari was not paying attention, eating his meal silently.
"My my... She really cares for you. I'm jealous how she's acting lovey dovey on you." Uzume commented, smiling.
'I wouldn't say -lovey dovey-... More like, I'm feeling Akitsu's affection for me, somehow. I just don't have the willpower to resist her.' Cloud berated mentally.
Miya watched the interaction with a smile on her face. She could see Cloud was like an innocent person when Akitsu's around him. When she isn't, he had an aura of a mature person whom saw a lot in life. It made her feel as though she wanted to understand him.
'He's an enigma when it comes to relations. I haven't seen someone with an innocent mindset in relations... However, he also has a spirit akin to a warrior.' Miya thought.
Cloud finished his meal, gently placing his chopsticks in the table. Akitsu also finished from her meal, insisting on following Cloud.
"Thanks for the meal." He said calmly.
"Cloud, are you doing anything today?" Miya asked.
"I have no plans nor work for today so I'm off." Cloud responded.
"I need someone to help pick up the groceries for me. Can you help me with this errand?" Miya requested.
"I have nothing to do so I accept." Cloud said without hesitation.
"Excellent. This is the list of items I need to buy. Please bring them here. I'll lend my money for the shopping." Miya said, providing a list of groceries.
"I'll be back." Cloud said.
Akitsu followed him, wanting to stay close to him. Miya allowed Akitsu to be with Cloud in response.
Outside, Cloud was heading to the grocery store with Akitsu near him. Many people noticed the pair. Females were attracted to Cloud's appearance while the males were ogling Akitsu's appearance.
"Don't worry about them. It's an insignificant...feeling." Cloud replied.
Akitsu, catching Cloud off guard, held his left arm close, pressing her bosom on it. This made him blush in response, feeling the sensation. It was slightly cool to the touch.
"Akitsu... You don't have to do that..." Cloud said.
"Ah... I want to. I don't want anyone to take you away." Akitsu said.
Cloud couldn't say anything. Akitsu could sense from their bond how he was moved. They walked their way to Izumo Inn, with her arms interlocked on his left arm.
Back in Izumo Inn, Cloud and Akitsu arrived with the groceries. Miya giggled upon seeing Akitsu holding to Cloud as though her life depended on it.
"Ara ara... You two look cute together. Thank you Cloud for getting the groceries." Miya said.
"Happy to be of help for you and everyone in this inn." Cloud responded.
Uzume didn't speak out, but she suddenly felt her heart beat quickly. Her face was starting to flush, though she suppressed it, albeit painfully.
'He cares for the people around him... Cloud might be the Ashikabi that I'm seeking.' Uzume thought.
Sometime later, Miya left the inn. Cloud briefly questioned where she was going. Upon saying she was heading to a cemetery, he felt guilty for asking. Right now, he was sitting at the atrium, overlooking the area.
'I will have to apologize for asking her of where she was going... How shameful on my part.' Cloud thought.
Akitsu was hugging behind him, trying to alleviate his concern. Cloud felt her hands, which were somewhat cold, yet relaxing, touching his shoulders. He didn't protest, despite Akitsu pressing herself on his back.
"Cloud-sama... Are you okay?" She asked.
"Just feeling guilty on my part for asking Miya... I did not know where she was going." Cloud admitted.
Akitsu held his hands in a warm embrace. Cloud could feel her emotions like a calm wave. Her skin was cool, but it wasn't bitter cold. It was a soothing feeling, akin to a summer breeze cool enough to cause relaxation.
"It will be alright, Cloud-sama. She will forgive you." Akitsu said.
Cloud felt thankful from her reassuring words. It made him calm. Akitsu kisses him in his lips, causing her wings to appear once more. A small flurry of snow began to fall near them.
"I love you for your caring to others, Cloud-sama. I also love it when you care for me deeply. You made me choose who to be with and I'm glad to find you as my destined one." Akitsu said with a smile.
Nearby, Uzume saw the interaction between them. Her heart raced, causing her face to develop a healthy blush. She clenched a fist near her chest, obviously showing a reaction to Cloud's presence.
During the afternoon, Miya arrived at the inn. She noticed Cloud training himself with a large sword outside the atrium.
"Oh, Cloud-san. I didn't know you practice with a sword." She said.
"My apologies, Miya-san. I had this sword passed down to me...from someone I once knew..." Cloud reluctantly admitted.
Miya could see the underlying tone from his voice. She felt pitiful for him.
"It's okay. Now we understand that we had our losses, let's settle that aside. I'm just curious as to how you're able to wield such a large sword like that." Miya curiously mentioned.
"It's pretty heavy for ordinary people, but I'm the only person to wield this. It's more than just a weapon..." Cloud said.
"What do you mean it's more than just a weapon?" Miya asked.
"My friend... He did more than just bestow me this sword... He also gave me a reason to continue living... Embracing my...dreams, no matter what." Cloud explained.
Miya realized what he meant from the sword itself.
"It's a symbolism of a warrior who has found hope." Miya deduced.
"Yes, but it also has one more meaning... A hero didn't die giving me this blade. A hero began his journey..." Cloud said.
Miya gasped softly when she heard his speech. She felt apologetic for what he revealed to her.
"I'm sorry for prying a memory that you didn't want to remind yourself with." Miya apologized.
"It's okay. In any case, is there anything I could do to help with the house?" Cloud asked.
"I don't need any help at the moment, Cloud-san. I'll ask your help if I do." Miya responded.
Cloud nodded and went back to the guest room. Miya watched with an understanding smile as she saw him move into the guest room.
'He's like me... One who had endured loss... However, his case seems deeper.' Miya thought.
Within the guest room, Akitsu was with Uzume. She then noticed Cloud and quickly went to him in response. Uzume watched as he held her close.
"Cloud-sama, are you done with your training?" Akitsu asked.
"Yes, I'm done for the day..." Cloud responded.
Akitsu went close to Cloud, pressing herself on him. Miya watched as he looked flustered for a moment, holding Akitsu in his arms.
"My my... Aren't we acting lovely?" Miya teased.
"Please don't misunderstand... Akitsu...is rather affectionate so...I can't refuse her feelings." Cloud said, blushing in response.
Miya giggled, seeing how flustered the man looked.
Ending 1: Memories of Days gone By - akane
'hadasamui yozora ni wa kimi ha omoi ukabu'
-Cloud is seen standing in the rooftop of Izumi Inn. He was overlooking the MBI building with a determined expression in the night sky.-
'shizuka na konna hi ni wa kimi ni aitaku naru'
-Akitsu was seen walking to him on the roof top. She had a content expression on her face as she got closer.
'donna hi mo kimi no koto mamoritai kara... (I want you baby...)'
-Cloud is seen with Akitsu, walking outside at a small field. She was holding his left hand with a content expression.-
'hashiridashita SUPIIDO de toozakatteku hibi'
-Akitsu was now overlooking the city in the background on the night. Soon, time suddenly shifts to day as she continues watching.-
'tsunaida te no nukumori mo osanai koro no omoide hanashi'
-Cloud was at the atrium, sitting on the ground, lost in thought. Akitsu walked up to him and sat near him. She scooted closer to him before holding his right hand in a gentle embrace. Cloud gave a soft squeeze on her hand. He recalls a certain friend of his past.-
'Time goes by. kimi wa mou wasurete shimatteiru darou yubikiri kawashita yakusoku sae mo'
-Cloud suddenly recalls his first meeting with Akitsu. A soft smile came to him as he looked to her. Soon, their faces got close before a flash of light obscured them.-
'dakedo mada mune no oku nokosareta kimochi ga itsumademo keshi sarenai mama'
-Akitsu clenched her chest, remembering the longing from Cloud. Her wings suddenly came out in an icy blue color. She looked through the horizon, seeing Cloud's form coming to her from a grass hill.-
'hadasamui yozora ni wa kimi ga omoi ukabu'
-Snow begins to fall from the sky. Cloud and Akitsu were holding hands, moving throughout the cold night. Akitsu held out her hands to form a shape of a heart. Her ice powers then created the shape, showing it to Cloud.-
'shizuka na konna hi ni wa kimi ni aitaku naru'
-The snowy day was serene for Cloud and Akitsu. They were now overlooking the city on a rooftop. Both watched the city as snow began to fall. Both held their hands in response.-
'kurayami mo surinukete tonde yukeru (I can fly for you)'
-Cloud and Akitsu were seen moving through the air, leaping across the rooftops. They made their way near Izumi Inn, where everyone was seen waiting for them.-
'ano koro to kawaranai boku no mama de... (I want you baby)'
-Cloud and Akitsu were near the inn. Soon, Akitsu kisses Cloud in a cute manner. Her eyes closed as do Cloud's as they felt each other's emotions through their minds and bodies.-