Chapter XIII


Zeilla awoke to near darkness feeling uneasy. She was only just beginning to discern the stirrings within that came from her Sekirei bonds and no longer sure if it was her gut instincts warning against danger or not. In a rare moment of inactivity, the monitors surrounding the two mattresses were dimly glowing with blank signal warnings as Matsu had shut off the display network to sleep. To be safe she quietly pulled the covers aside and crept over to the door.

The false-wall began to turn.

The Spartan flattened herself against the wall behind the door as it opened and readied herself. As soon as a figure came into view she reached out and encircled their neck with one hand, then lifted the intruder off their feet and tossed them back out. She stepped into the doorway with her pistol drawn and took aim at the form sprawled on the floor.

"Ouch..."

Zeilla sighed and stowed her weapon. "Yashima, night-crawling is prohibited in Izumo." she reminded.

The Sekirei looked hurt and rubbed her throat. "But we haven't been able to spend any time together - just the two of us. The others are always hanging around you."

"They have the same desire to be near me as you do. They are Sekirei too." Zeilla sighed. "Still, I suppose you have had a rough time lately after Karasuba kicked our arses. I'm awake now, so let's go out and do something."

Yashima's eyes lit up. "Really?"

The Spartan retrieved her cloak from a corner of Matsu's room and pulled the hood up over her head. "Go get dressed, then meet me at the gate."

While the girl scampered off Zeilla wandered down stairs and towards the front door with thoughts resembling a plan slowly coming together. She hadn't been able to focus much on her original intentions without information and training Yashima had become important in the short term, yet she did have the sketches of a plan for a different objective that would help in the long term.

Yukari may not have cared what became of the thugs, Ashikabi and Sekirei she and Shiina had encountered. The teenager had been on a mission to see her Sekirei happy by reuniting the last two numbers. A keener player of the game would have executed every alien but Yukari merely had Shiina disable them for interrogation, then left them lying on the ground. There had to be at least a dosen competitors still out there fearing the Demon Ashikabi.

Zeilla had decided to capitalise on the opportunity left in their wake. Yashima and she had planted notes in the pockets of each Ashikabi they could identify with instructions to leave a response in a certain mail box at a post office in the center of Tokyo.

It was time to check up on that investment.

As soon as Yashima reached her side, massive hammer across her shoulder, Zeilla began to run through the streets. The Sekirei easily bounded over the rooftops to keep pace. They both made quick progress and crossed over into the small stretch of territory claimed by the Ashikabi of the West that cut the north off from the MBI secured central business district. Yashima joined Zeilla on the streets to avoid attracting any Sekirei that might be lurking about, for the East and South territories met nearby and their forces always patrolled. In no time, they were in the CBD.

Even four hours into the morning the post office was open. MBI paid the various workers to maintain basic services of modern city life for the sake of their employees and those yet unable or unwilling to flee from the conglomerate. The clerk at the counter was asleep but not for long.

Zeilla was honestly surprised to find a large bundle of letters in the clerk's hands when he returned from the lockbox she rented. She hadn't even contacted ten Ashikabi. A quick tally revealed twenty-three letters.

The Spartan thanked the clerk and left the post office.

"Are these all from Ashikabi?"

"Don't know, Yashima." Zeilla shrugged, flicking through several sender addresses before tucking the bundle into a pocket under her cloak. "Let's find a cafe or something and read over them."

Together they jogged aimlessly about the city. Almost everything was shut at night now thanks to Sekirei choosing that time to fight each other. It was to avoid civilian casualties that they did so, but the damage left behind in many cases caused people to batten down their hatches and pray whatever storm was marauding about the city would leave them alone, resulting in a highly-populated area looking like a ghost town after midnight. For obvious reasons Zeilla did not take advantage of the MBI operated fuel station cafes or convenience stores.

"/ /Z-tan? Z-tan, can you hear me?/ /

Zeilla slowed to a walk and put a hand over her mouth and headset's microphone. "Matsu?"

"/ /What are you doing all the way over there?/ /"

"Somebody tried to crawl into bed with me." she muttered so that Yashima couldn't hear. "Decided to do something while I was awake anyway."

"/ /You've ended up in the eastern part of the city shopping districts and I'm tracking two Sekirei following you along the rooftops. I think you had best return to Izumo quickly before they decide to act./ /"

Zeilla wrinkled her nose. "Any particular routes I can take to shake them off?"

"/ /All I can say is duck between buildings and get back into the north as fast as you can. You are in Higa's territory now. His flock could surround you before yours could get there./ /"

The Spartan cursed. "Alright. Yashima, we have company. Stay casual and follow me."

Yashima tightened her grip but left her hammer passive across her shoulder. "Yes, Z-sama."

Zeilla took a quick glance about to locate the MBI tower as a reference point, then set off west towards it. After several blocks, she led Yashima into a convenience store. The attendant took one look at the Sekirei's massive weapon and wisely chose to let them through the 'employee-only' door and out into the alley behind the shop.

Then the two black clad females sprinted north, aiming to make the most of the break in line of sight the tailing Sekirei surely maintained previously.

Four blocks later, near the border of East, West and North, a pair of shadowed figures landed in their path. They stepped forward into an intersection of two alleyways and street light illuminated two muscular women, one unarmed with short hair, the other with long hair and a staff.

A car screeched to a halt behind Zeilla and Yashima as they slowed to meet the Sekirei, blocking the way back. A short girl landed on the roof and raised two circular blades into the air with each hand.

"/ /Z-tan, another one just rushed over to your position. There is one more lurking nearby./ /"

Zeilla grasped Yashima's shoulder and motioned for her to hold position, lest the girl rush into battle. She then faced the car and pointed at the driver while keeping a hand on the large caliber pistol on her thigh.

"Come out and explain this ambush." she commanded. "Ashikabi to Ashikabi."

The door opened and man somewhere in his late twenties stepped out onto the litter strewn concrete. He straightened his suit and adjusted his glasses before speaking.

"I am Kakizaki. I speak for the Ashikabi of the East, Higa Izumi-sama." he said with a neutral tone and even volume, calm and confident. "You are the Ashikabi of War, are you not? The only one to successfully escape Tokyo alone and return."

Zeilla eyed the Sekirei atop the car and lowered her arm. "That is the name MBI soldiers gave me for my attack on one of their supply depots. What business does the East have with me?"

"My employer is going to win the Sekirei Plan." Kakizaki stated. "That does not mean we will follow MBI's rules. Higa has gathered many Sekirei but MBI's army and technology make them incredibly formidable. To that end..."

The man reached into his jacket and withdrew a cellphone. He threw it to Zeilla who let bounce off her chest and clatter on the ground.

"We would like to form an alliance with you." he announced.

Zeilla's eyes flickered to the floating circular blades and back to the spectacled Ashikabi. "Is that so?"

He nodded. "There are many Ashikabi in the city, but five are worthy of notice. "A wild gear-head in the west. A wealthy young heir in the south. Higa Izumi here in the East. An unknown ordinary young man allied with the Demon of the North... And you, the Ashikabi of War."

"I have my own intelligence sources." Zeilla replied. "Hyato Mikogami has many Sekirei. More than Higa, who's reputation is not exactly stellar. Why should I ally with you, Ashikabi of the East?"

Kakizaki lowered his brow. "Mikogami-sama is little more than a child who has never lacked for anything. He collects Sekirei like manga or video games. The boy is not interested in the Sekirei plan and MBI will easily force him to play by their rules. Higa-sama is a businessman and MBI is a business that is wasting its resources and power on this idiotic game. We will dismantle MBI and absorb it into Higa-sama's empire, allowing business in Japan to flourish again. To do that we must overcome their army and the Discipline squad."

"What of the West? Or the North?" she asked, slowly reaching down and picking up the phone. "I am but one woman with an alien or two at my side."

Kakizaki's frown deepened. "Sanada-san is unconcerned and merely curious about the actions of MBI and other players. To venture north would be too risky without any assurances the Ashikabi of the North is willing to talk. His Sekirei are powerful and his entrance to the main stage put him at odds with Higa-sama."

"As if I am not either? I remember you. You were there when I winged number Six. Higa wanted him, the North challenged your claim and I dropped in on both of you."

"Yes, well... We consider you to be the wild card in this game." he said, becoming a little cautious if his glance at the girl standing on his car was anything to go by. "This meeting was not planned but we could not allow the opportunity pass. Higa-sama believes you may be allied with the Ashikabi of the North and at the very least wishes to gain a line of communication."

"Thus the phone." Zeilla finished for him, examining the small black device of plastic and intricate electronics.

"That contains no GPS devices for mapping or tracking, no active or passive monitoring devices or any other subversionary ploys: it is just a basic mobile phone." Kakizaki explained. "If you would like to speak more, call the number already programmed in."

She flicked the screen up. The text was in Japanese.

This is getting old. I don't have time to learn the language, dam it.

"MBI isn't capable of listening in?"

"When you call, I will arrange a meeting with Higa-sama-"

"I'm not going to drop everything and turn up when called for." Zeilla interrupted. "Tell me, what makes me worth this alliance? Is it just that I was clever enough to smash through MBI's lockdown?"

Kakizaki adjusted his glasses. "We have acquired satellite footage of your battle with the MBI army. You killed them quickly and acted before reinforcements could cut off any escape. If you can do that much on your own with one single Sekirei it is clear you will be far more dangerous now. Higa-sama can provide you with information and some resources in return for collaborating with him to dismantle MBI."

"Kakizaki, why bother with these two? We could beat them easily. We don't need to talk."

The Ashikabi looked up at the girl behind him. "Don't be stupid, Oriha, Higa-sama wants War to handle the fighting because you Sekirei only know how to battle each other. MBI is ready for simple attacks. If we are going to win we will need her."

Zeilla heard a snort behind her and saw Yashima ready her hammer out of the corner of her eye.

"I don't care about that. Let's just kill this girl."

"No! Higa-sama-"

"He is my Ashikabi, Kakizaki. Not you."

Zeilla turned around and stepped away from Yashima. The long haired Sekirei gripped her staff and sunk down into a combat stance while the short haired one strode forward.

"Number Eighteen, Ichiya." the woman stated, coming to a stop just out of hammer range. "I will kill you."

Yashima suddenly lunged forward and nearly impaled Ichiya with the pommel of her weapon with an animalistic snarl. #18 ducked and rolled backwards just in time and launched herself into the air. #84 jumped onto the side of a building and swung her hammer into the other one, showering the alley with dust and broken bricks. Both Sekirei landed back from each other with weary hesitance. Zeilla pulled her scarf up over her mouth and nose to ward off the airborne debris.

"Number Eighty-Four, Yashima. Nobody parts me from Z-sama! Come here and let me crush you, bitch!"

"Ichiya, stop!" Kakizaki shouted.

The alien ignored him and leapt at Yashima again. The weapon user swung her hammer and entered into motion before they met, spinning and leaping about in ways that kept both the massive head and pommel on the end of the long pole moving. Ichiya ducked and weaved but couldn't get close enough to land a blow and so Yashima began to push her back.

"That's enough!" Kakizaki snapped.

Suddenly the long haired Sekirei dashed in and thrust her staff through a hole in Yashima's guard, sending the black clad girl tumbling back with a squawk.

"Number Sixteen, Toyotama." she announced with a sinister grin on her face as she spun her staff in one hand. "Try to give me a challenge, will you?"

Yashima growled and slammed her hammer into the ground, sending a cloud of dust into the air. Higa's Sekirei backed away, then leapt into the air just in time to escape being crushed as Yashima came hurtling down from above. #84 snarled and wound her arms back, then slammed her hammer into the side of the building with enough force to shatter the entire wall.

She hopped back as the building collapsed into the alleyway and everyone shielded their eyes from the wave cement dust and grit that came bursting out from the rubble.

"What do we do, Kakizaki?"

"We leave, Oriha. War! Number Eighty-Four! Get in the car!"

Zeilla frowned and watched the Ashikabi get back into his car and wave to them. "Impractical!" she called back, stuffing the phone into a pocket. "I'll call you later!"

The man wasted no time in reversing quickly out onto the street and drove off with the Sekirei crouching on the car roof.

As the dust settled and Zeilla turned back to the fight Ichiya and Toyotama approached over the pile of rubble cautiously. Yashima was immediately running at them with her hammer raised high and they dodged to either side. Before their rebound of the sides of the alley could put them in striking distance Yashima positioned her weapon to catch both in the gut. Ichiya brought her feet up and kicked off the hammer's head to safety but in the process sent the pommel hard into Toyotama's stomach, forcing all the breath from her lungs and creating an impression in the angled roof of the collapsed building.

Yashima quickly capitalised on the moment of weakness and flipped her hammer over for a solid and crushing blow that left #16 gasping for breath in a dusty crater shaped to her body and the hammer-face.

Ichiya was then back with a powerful kick, sending Yashima several meters down the alley until she used her hammer as an anchor. Both Sekirei charged at each other again, but this time Ichiya slid across the ground in the last two meters and targeted the hammer, kicking it upwards and putting Yashima off balance. #18 kicked the girl's legs out from under her and stood up with a fist to catch her in the chin. Yashima hooked Ichiya with her hammer as she fell and they sprawled onto the ground.

Toyotama was beginning to recover and slowly sat up in what had nearly been her shallow grave.

Zeilla flicked the catches off her holster and edged her way along the wall that still remained standing. She also clicked the safety off, aware that even a split second could make a difference when tangling with beings of vastly superior strength.

Yashima's snarl brought the Spartan's attention back to the fight. #18 had been quicker to back away but the black clad girl abandoned her massive weapon and lunged on all fours like an animal. Yashima punched Ichiya across the jaw, then wrapped her hands around the other Sekirei's throat and began to shake violently. #18 brought a leg up and kicked Yashima in the gut but she refused to let go and lurched up for a moment before landing awkwardly on top of her, snarling and wringing her white knuckled hands with all the strength she could muster.

Toyotama sucked in a rasping breath and leapt at them swinging. Her staff caught Yashima in the skull and spun the two bodies across the ground into the wall but #84 still held on. The other weapon user grasped her staff in both hands and brought it down repeatedly on the girl's arms until finally she relented with a cry and a crack of bone.

The long haired Sekirei swung again and caught Yashima under the chin with one end of her staff, sending #84 sprawling away from a rather blue faced Ichiya.

"Ichiya, maybe we should back off." Toyotama gasped, holding her stomach. "This brat is too much trouble."

"I want to... Kick her... Teeth in... For that." Ichiya choked out between coughs. "The little bitch... Needs to die!"

"But-"

A brick sailed into the side of Toyatama's skull, shattering on impact and causing the Sekirei's eyes to roll as she toppled over. Yashima was shaking her head and swaying wildly as she groped about on all fours for a weapon.

Ichiya cursed and forced herself to her feet. At the same time Yashima's fingers tightened around another brick. The girl hurled it at the sound of a cough but Ichiya punched it off to the side.

A sudden pressure of cold metal on her neck prevented Sekirei #18 from further action.

"Move even a finger and I'll put a bullet in your spine." Zeilla said simply. "Yashima, take a break and pull yourself together. This battle is over."

"But Z-sama..."

Zeilla cleared her throat. "Sit. Down. Clear your head."

Yashima looked ready to argue, but when her eyes uncrossed themselves she found her Ashikabi glaring angrily at her. She wisely bowed her head and relaxed onto her legs, then fell to one side as her multiple head injuries caught up with her.

"Now, Ichiya, was it?"

"Yes." came a grudging reply.

"I have investigated the bond between Sekirei and Ashikabi a little since I came to this city and got dragged into this damn game. I know that Sekirei take on traits of their Ashikabi. Are you and your friend here just ruthless or did you become this way after Higa winged you?"

"What does it matter?" the alien spat. "Higa barely leaves his office for anything except to wing captured Sekirei. All he cares about is taking over MBI and rebuilding his empire in Tokyo. Toyotama and I are here to win the Sekirei Plan by killing all the others, then having ourselves a final battle. Anyone who stands in our way dies - anyone."

Zeilla set her jaw. "I have a message for Higa. You will deliver it. Understand?"

The Sekirei seemed to think it over for a few moments. Toyotama groaned and held her head, clearly not in any state to interfere. On the other hand, Yashima was regaining her balance and crawling over to retrieve her giant hammer.

"Fine. What's the message?"

"The Ashikabi of War does not make alliances with people who send others to speak for them. She is allied with the Ashikabi of the North as well as the Demon Ashikabi. Meet her in person to negotiate or stay out of her way. MBI will be destroyed either way." Zeilla spoke clearly and carefully, leaving no room for misinterpretation. "Tell him these words, and that I will contact that phone number when I have time to talk."

"I understand." Ichiya said.

Zeilla stepped back but kept her weapon trained on the alien. "Tell him he can bring you two along once you've healed and even that girl who was with Kakizaki for security. I will bring two of my own Sekirei."

Ichiya carefully turned around and eyed the pistol. When Zeilla stepped towards Yashima she bent down and gathered Toyotama into her arms, then waited for the Spartan to lower her weapon before leaping up onto the rooftops.

"Yashima, you fought well."

The girl smiled and gingerly got to her feet, leaning on her hammer for support. "Thank you, Z-sama."

"If you would keep your mouth shut next time the enemy might have a harder time predicting how hard you are swinging that hammer of yours. Also, you should have raised your scarf over your face against the dust like I have."

The girl ducked her head. "I will do better next time."

Zeilla picked up Yashima's hat and dusted it off before ruffling her hair putting it back on her head. "Next time I hope to be fighting the real enemy, not a pair thick skulled warriors. Come on, let's get away from this mess."

Together they walked through the rest of the alleyway and found the streets lit up by the early morning sunlight. Yashima was a little unsteady on her feet so Zeilla carried the hammer until they came across a small diner just as it was opening. They went inside after standing the weapon outside by the door and placed a large order, keeping in mind the limited amount of cash the Spartan carried now that the suspicious MBI cards were destroyed.

Yashima fidgeted impatiently as they waited for the staff to cook the modest - by Sekirei standards - breakfast. Zeilla simply tuned her out and took out the bundle of letters she had acquired earlier that morning.

"/ /Z-tan? Are you alright?/ /"

"Fine, Matsu. We had a little disagreement with a couple of Higa's Sekirei but I managed to send them off." Zeilla replied tiredly. "Tell Miya that Yashima and I are eating out and will be back as soon as we can."

A muffled snicker caused the Spartan to frown.

"Matsu, what's funny?"

"/ /Oh, nothing! Nothing at all!/ /"

"I don't believe you."

"/ /Anyway, it looks like you are fine so I'll get back to work. I also need to find a way to beat Kusano at naho or that child is going to keep stealing my only chance of getting to experiment with Mina-tan./ /"

Zeilla sighed. "You should be ashamed of yourself."

"/ /I am./ /" Matsu grumbled. "/ /I'm a genius with an IQ higher than anyone I've ever heard of. How can a child beat me at card games? I can't believe it's all chance./ /"

"Bad luck for dirty minded people, perhaps."

"/ /That's not a thing, Z-tan./ /"

"Yet you are constantly foiled in your attempts to harass Minato."

"/ /I will end this losing streak today. You'll see./ /"

"Uhuh."