Chapter 4: The Hammer Sekirei. New developments.
Opening 1: Come by Amuro Namie
Cloud and Minato were in Izumo Inn, spending some time with their respective Sekirei. Akitsu and Uzume held Cloud closely, leaning on his shoulders. Musubi laid on Minato's right shoulder while Kū remained on his lap, leaning back.
"It's been a few days since we managed to rescue Kū-chan from the other Ashikabi." Minato said.
"It has... I fear that the unwinged Sekirei may be targeted by other Ashikabi as well." Cloud mentioned.
Kū had her curiosity on Cloud. She was staring at him, notably curious.
"What's wrong...?" Cloud asked.
Kū quickly hid behind Minato in response. Cloud looked confused of her interaction, which made him shrug his shoulders.
'Perhaps she hasn't connected with anyone but Minato. It's best not to force it from her.' Cloud thought.
Kū continued staring at Cloud while he mainly kept his focus on Akitsu and Uzume, whom were trying to move physically closer.
'He doesn't look like a bad guy... Maybe Kū can trust him.' Kū thought.
Kū slowly went to Cloud and gently tugged his vest. This got Cloud's attention as he turned to Kū, who was behind him.
"What's wrong, Kū?" Cloud asked.
"Um... Kū wanted to thank you for helping Onii-chan save me." She said in a shy tone.
Cloud had a fatherly smile in response.
"I was...doing what any respecting person should do. You deserve to be with Minato, Kū-chan." Cloud said.
Kū smiled and hugged him. She then went to Minato and sat on his lap with a happy expression. Miya noted Cloud's interaction with the young Sekirei, causing her to smile in response.
"Ara ara, that was rather mature, Cloud." She said, revealing her presence.
"Okaa-chan!" Kū said happily.
Miya giggled as she saw the young Sekirei smiling warmly. She could see the bond between the two Ashikabi. More importantly, she saw how caring Cloud was.
It was night and everything in the inn was quiet. Cloud was also asleep, unaware of his Sekirei sleeping next to him. He began dreaming once more.
'This feeling... It's somewhat familiar.' He remarked mentally.
The dream was foggy, making him unable to see far. Despite the fog blocking his sight, he moved forward.
'Whatever this dream is showing me, it must be important.' Cloud thought.
Soon, a human figure was shown. Cloud got close till he saw what it was. It was a female with light brown hair with blue ribbons woven in and grey eyes. She was wearing a thigh length, tight white gown and black stockings as well as black long gloves. Noticeably, she was wielding a giant hammer which was very large.
"Who are you?" Cloud asked.
The woman looked at him with a smile on her face.
"It's you... My Ashikabai that I have been searching for." She said.
The woman hugged Cloud, much to his surprise. Although it was a dream, the feeling was just as real.
"I'm called Yashima. Please find me, Ashikabi-sama. I fear that several people are trying to wing me forcefully." The woman named Yashima said.
Before she could continue, the dream ended. Cloud outstretched his hand in a futile attempt to reach her.
Cloud woke up from the dream. He was feeling stiff due to Akitsu and Uzume holding one of his arms. He sighed in response.
'I'll have to tell them about what I experienced just now...' He thought.
Cloud rubbed his eyes after waking up. Akitsu woke from her sleep first, seeing her Ashikabi awake.
"Cloud-sama, what's wrong?" Akitsu asked.
"I had a dream of a Sekirei... This one is too vivid." Cloud responded.
Akitsu sensed his thoughts, now knowing he was telling the truth.
"This Sekirei...was responding to me. I recalled from Miya telling me this. Akitsu... I need to ensure that you have my trust in this. If this new Sekirei is reacting...to me, would you trust her?" Cloud asked.
Akitsu, knowing he was questioning himself for having multiple women near him, eased his thoughts by kissing his lips. Her icy wings appeared in response.
"You're my fated one since the day we met. Now Uzume is with us. If you have more Sekirei, you can become stronger through their bonds. By telling me this, you have cared for us deeply." Akitsu explained.
Cloud showed a faint smile in response. He felt reassured from Akitsu.
At the dining room, everyone gathered to eat breakfast.
"Miya-san, I don't have work today, but I'll be heading out for a while." Cloud said.
"Oh? What time are you planning to come back?" Miya asked.
"Possibly the late afternoon. It's something that caught my attention." Cloud said.
"Okay then, Cloud-san. I hope you find what you're looking for." Miya said with a smile.
Cloud nodded as he finished his meal. Akitsu and Uzume also finished their respective meals. Minato watched as his friend left the premises.
"I wonder what he is looking for..." He said to himself.
"Kū doesn't know... Maybe Cloud Onii-chan wants to have a walk outside." Kū responded.
"Maybe, Kū. Musubi-chan, why don't we relax for today? I don't have any work scheduled for today." Minato said.
"Okay, Minato-san." Musubi happily replied.
Cloud was wandering around the north section of Tokyo. He hasn't felt any sudden sensations to his mind yet. Akitsu and Uzume were with him.
'It's odd... I haven't sensed anything strange since that dream... Maybe I'm...far from it?' He thought.
While he continued walking, both of his Sekirei could physically understand his thoughts. They knew he was searching for the mysterious Sekirei.
"Cloud-sama is searching for the Sekirei in his dream... He probably wants make sure she is winged through her own thoughts." Akitsu said to Uzume.
"He's always thinking about them instead of himself. Cloud never wanted any harm to us. Remember when I was reacting to him? He shared his thoughts to me the moment we kissed. Cloud wanted to stop the pain and suffering." Uzume whispered.
While the Sekirei were talking, Cloud felt a faint presence. It was the same sensation from his dream.
"She's here..." He said.
He took off in a sprint, causing Akitsu and Uzume to follow. As Cloud continued moving at the eastern section at the north, the sensation started to grow strong. However, Uzume was dreading when she realized where he was going.
'No... Not the east...' She thought.
Cloud briefly felt Uzume's dreading, but ignored it, focusing on the sensation. It was normal at first, but now it felt as though someone was in distress.
'I'll talk with Uzume later of her concern. The Sekirei that's reacting to me is probably stressed up.' He thought.
Soon, a familiar girl collided with Cloud at a corner, causing them to tumble on the sidewalk.
"Ouch... Sorry, I wasn't paying attention." Cloud apologized.
"No, it's okay. I also wasn't paying attention." The girl said.
Soon, both of them looked at their eyes before realizing what they were looking for. Cloud didn't anticipate the girl, who was the Sekirei in his dream, to suddenly arrive.
"It is you... My Ashikabi came for me..." The girl said.
"Yashima... You were running from something, weren't you?" Cloud asked to the girl.
"Yes, An awful man was trying to wing me, but I escaped before he did. I had to run at the northern part of the city so I could find you." Yashima said.
A man suddenly arrived with two different Sekirei. He had an aura of a malicious person, despite his seemingly normal appearance. He was a middle sized young man in his mid twenties with brown hair. He is dressed in jeans and a green pullover. The man had a crazed expression on his face that was shown clearly.
"Hand me that girl now, you asshole." The man said.
"And why should I...?" Cloud asked with venom.
"I'll kill you, you bastard." The man said.
Cloud equipped his sword, which startled the man, who was holding a switchblade. He didn't expect to face a large sword.
"Your blade...is too dull. It'll shatter the moment I use mine. Take a hike or this could get painful for you." Cloud warned.
The man didn't want to lose his ground so he dashed at Cloud. The swordsman sighed before moving out of reach from the lunge before using the dull side of his Buster Sword to knock the man unconscious. Cloud looked at his wallet for any identification of the man. Soon, he found one.
'Tanigawa Junichi... I may have to dig some info of this guy...' Cloud thought.
Yashima had her face red because of her reaction to Cloud. She tipsily went to him, trying to resist the strong reaction.
'My Ashikabi... He is truly the one...' Yashima thought.
Cloud could barely register what was happening till he was kissed. Yashima had periwinkle wings that stretched out from her back. She couldn't contain her voice and let out a moan of pleasure from the reaction. Her wings faded and she collapsed on Cloud, holding him close.
"The hammer of my pledge. Shatter the enemy of my Ashikabi." She recited in a tired state.
Cloud couldn't leave her unconscious. He held her up in a bridal fashion before heading back to Izumo Inn. Unbeknownst to him, a bishōnen was watching him. He was a young gentleman, wearing an elaborate, pure white suit with a white shirt underneath and a black tie.
"So... Junichi was unable to acquire the Sekirei he was trying to get. No matter, I'll have to be careful with that individual if I plan to win this game." The man said.
Cloud and his Sekirei arrived in Izumo Inn. Miya greeted the newcomer when she woke up.
"Ara, Cloud. You're bringing more people to this inn. Are you starting a harem?" Miya asked, teasing him.
The swordsman merely shrugged his shoulders. He was somewhat oblivious of the gesture Miya was making.
"I'm not sure what you mean..." Cloud answered, tilting his head in confusion.
Miya stopped teasing in response, noticing how quiet he was.
"Anyway, let me provide her a room. She looks exhausted." Miya said.
"I'll help set the bath up. She was running from a man whom wanted to claim her as a trophy." Cloud said.
"All the more reason for her to stay here... I thank you Cloud for caring for others." Miya said with a soft smile.
Cloud nodded his head and went to the bathroom to set up a bath for Yashima. A soft smile was on his face as he looked at his reflection from the water in the bathtub.
'There is hope... Hope for the Ancients, my sins, and my friends. It hasn't disappeared. No, it still lives within.' He thought, thinking of his Sekirei.
While he finished setting the bath, Akitsu came inside. She changed from her outfit to the snowflake kimono. Her face had rosy cheeks.
"Cloud-sama... I felt your thoughts." Akitsu said.
The ice Sekirei didn't hesitate to hug him. Cloud didn't think twice and held her close. Akitsu left a soft breath of pleasure as she felt him holding her close.
"You already know. I care for you, Uzume, Yashima and any potential Sekirei that may...react to me. I won't hesitate to protect you all and fight alongside you in this." Cloud explained.
Akitsu didn't waste any second. She clamped close to Cloud, causing him to fall on the floor. The ice Sekirei was on top of him before she moved her face close to Cloud's face. She kissed him deeply, causing her wings to shine.
Cloud was still blushing after the recent kissing from Akitsu. He tried and failed to hide his blushing. Miya giggled as she noticed Akitsu smiling with a blush.
"Ara ara... You two must have talked with conviction to have such a healthy blush." She said calmly.
"We didn't do anything indecent if that's what you're pertaining to. It was a heart-to-heart talk." Cloud said, though he still was red faced.
"Ara. Pray tell what was the talk about." Miya suggested.
"I'm intending to fight for the Sekirei. I made this conviction, but now I realized it. Their bonds... Their feelings. Everything about them... I want to protect and cherish them." Cloud said.
Minato and everyone present were surprised of how much strength Cloud had in his words. It made them more trusting to him.
"Ara, strong words, Cloud-san. If anything, you have the spirit of a reliable person." Miya said.
Lunch was prepared for everyone, consisting of curry rice. Luckily, it was a weaker curry for those with sensitive tongues. They all ate peacefully, enjoying the meal Miya provided.
"Thank you for the food!" Everyone said.
Everyone ate quietly, but it was a meal everyone enjoyed. Cloud and his Sekirei were having a peaceful time, till they saw Minato's Sekirei attempting to feed him. Much to the swordsman's chagrin, Akitsu, Uzume and Yashima attempted the same thing, forcing Cloud to at least take one bite from each of their meals.
"Ara ara... Aren't we all lovey dovey?" Miya teased with a smile.
Cloud blushes in response. Minato remained silent, desperately hiding his embarrassed face.
"I had to diffuse their concern of my interactions with my Sekirei. Otherwise, it would've caused an argument." Cloud said.
"By accepting all your girls's requests?" Miya questioned.
"Who am I to say that I would treat my Sekirei equally if I cannot keep the bonds with them or treating one with more affection than the other?" Cloud countered.
"You're starting to get used to the idea of multiple Sekirei, Cloud-san." Minato commented.
"Don't get me wrong. I'm still uncomfortable, but not as how I was before winging Uzume. Since I feel their emotions like they're a part of me, I can't deny that being with them isn't what I perceived." Cloud explained.
All of Cloud's Sekirei smiles in response. Minato couldn't help but silently accepting Cloud's speech as a form of inspiration. It made his bond with Musubi and Kū stronger.
(Play Final Fantasy VII OST - Holding my thoughts in my heart)
That night, everyone was asleep. Cloud was wide awake, looking at the city from his window. He didn't want to be on the rooftop. His thoughts were astray, recalling Uzume's expression during the rescue of Yashima.
'I haven't forgotten how Uzume looked when we went to the East... She looked so distressful...' Cloud thought.
Something snaked on Cloud's abdomen. He soon realized it was one of his Sekirei, whom was hugging behind him. Turning around, it was Uzume.
"You have every right to ask me as to why I was frightened of the Eastern section of Tokyo." Uzume somberly stated.
"Yet, I chose to keep it private...on my whim since you didn't want to talk about it." Cloud said.
"That's what I like about you, Cloud... You're concerned for us, even risking your life for an innocent." Uzume said, holding him close.
Her body pressed on Cloud's back, wanting to keep feeling his warmth. He tensed for a moment before relaxing himself.
"Uzume... If you don't want to talk about it, I understand. I just need to know why you looked so scared earlier." Cloud said.
"The East is an awful place for a good reason. A man by the name of Higa Izumi rules the Eastern border of Tokyo. From what I can understand, he owns a medical
company that rivals MBI's. The reason I'm fearful of that place is due to a friend whom I met in the hospital." Uzume began explaining.
"Who is this friend of yours?" Cloud asked.
"Her name is Chiho... She's a fragile person, forced to stay in the hospital due to a medical problem. The Izumi Cooperation has medical beds which can help her condition, but it only slows the effects down. Not even MBI's medical technology can hope to heal her." Uzume explained.
"That is...troubling..." Cloud remarked.
"I've been Higa's lapdog since he found Chiho and provided treatments to her in exchange for the missions he orders me. Now, I'm no longer bound by him." Uzume said.
"You want me to rescue Chiho and possibly the others hostages Higa may have acquired during this Sekirei battle royale." Cloud inquired.
"Yes... Everything about him is just wrong of what he does." Uzume agreed.
The Sekirei soon felt Cloud's arms entangle on her shoulders. She could feel his emotions as he held her close.
"I'll do what I can to raid that place. I might not look like it, but I possess abilities beyond any Sekirei." Cloud reassured.
"What abilities are you referring to?" Uzume asked.
"I can cast elemental power through special crystals in my possession." Cloud responded.
Akitsu came in, hearing the conversation. She woke up, evident of her kimono looking off balance, slightly revealing her chest.
"Ah... I heard everything." She said.
"Akitsu... You..." Uzume said, speechless.
"I will also help you. Cloud-sama wanted to help with your problem, just like how he helped me overcome my previous condition." Akitsu said.
Uzume smiled, now having hope in her side. She was curious of Cloud's explanation.
"I was about to show her the special abilities I possess right now. Watch carefully..." Cloud said.
He soon focused on the sky from outside. From the green orb crystal within his Buster Sword, he focused on his thoughts to the orb. It began to glow a bright, subtle light before a freezing breeze was felt.
"Blizzaga!"
From Cloud's shout, a large sphere of cold air was condensing into a large prison of ice. It soon fragmented, creating a frozen spot.
"That's one of the abilities I possess right now... The other is this, though you will all might get surprised." Cloud continued.
He made the sharp end of his sword point to his hand. With a quick swipe, the sword made a gash large enough to make blood fly out from pressure.
"Cloud!" His Sekirei shouted.
Soon, he showed another green orb crystal, only it showed a calming light when it was used.
"Cure!"
A wave of green light engulfed Cloud. His self-inflicted injury started to heal at incredible speeds, leaving no scar.
"That's impossible...! A human using two abilities from Sekirei...!" Uzume said with shock.
"He isn't using the abilities on his own..." Akitsu said.
"These orb crystals are called Materia. They contain the wisdom of ancient beings, allowing me to perform the same powers of a Sekirei. The Ice Materia is based off of Akitsu's abilities with ice. The Restore Materia is based on healing. All Materia have special abilities and unique features. It's derived from all elemental powers." Cloud finished.
He presented the crystals to his Sekirei, showing their full appearance.
"Wow... I can feel something from them..." Uzume said.
"You'll see what more they can do, but they're tailored to one specific ability. Meaning, the Restore Materia uses the technique 'Cure' while the Ice Materia uses 'Blizzard'." Cloud explained.
"I remembered you said 'Blizzaga' instead of 'Blizzard' when using the Ice Materia." Uzume pointed out.
"That's the highest level of Blizzard. The Materia I have evolved as I keep using them, allowing me to use powerful variations of the techniques. Blizzaga is the final level of the Ice Materia." Cloud explained.
"Wow, that could help us a lot. How did you get them, Cloud?" Uzume asked.
"Since you saw my abilities, I have...nothing to hide. I'll explain tomorrow to everyone. It's a bit too late right now to explain my story." Cloud reasoned.
"Ah... A story about you?" Akitsu asked.
"Yes... It will be long so I hope you understand." Cloud said.
Both of his Sekirei nodded in understanding. Before he fell asleep, Cloud felt both of them holding him closely, not wanting to separate from him.
'I'll have to expect Miya in berating me when she sees this... I shouldn't take advantage of myself with their feelings.' Cloud thought.
Ending 1: Memories of Days gone By - akane
Note: The next chapter will be a large flashback of his time in Gaia. It's to serve a purpose.