Chapter XV
In a dimly lit warehouse on the outer edges of the city of Tokyo, part of a collection of such buildings near the north-western docks, dosens of people stood. Many were young, one remarkably so and two noticeably older than the average. All were scattered about in small groups. All of them were nervous and eyeing each other with weary yet guarded expressions. Some were known to each other - two or three in particular were infamous - but current events easily shattered such fragile ties as those between acquaintances and shallow friends. A game of life and death cut straight to the hearts of these people and stirred up two core instincts: to fight against or flee before danger.
Minaka Hiroto and Mid-Bio Informatics had almost sealed off all hope of escape. Only one attempt had been successful. Several others ended in death, not just failure.
Zeilla wasn't sure if it was her imagination or the most recent mutation of her DNA developing a greater awareness, but she could taste the fear. If not for her allies it was almost certain the warehouse would have become a bloodbath.
The Sekirei Guardian, #6 Homura - Kagari to his friends - stood ready upon a stack of crates on one side of the building. A skull sized flame burned strong and bright in his right hand. He watched for any trouble or movement towards the large open door behind him. On the other side #107 Shiina matched him in the bare space before the opposite door. The small, slight and young Sekirei looked nothing like the imagery attached to his reputation, but all shrank from him. A few steps in his direction and he would robe himself in a sickly yellow glow. Nobody wished to find out first-hand the truth of words shared by a few.
Off to one side of the gathering Yukari maintained a strong stance and exuded confident danger. Only one Human teenager was she, and little trouble for two others or a Sekirei to cast aside in quest for the pedestrian door at her back. Still none challenged her. She was the Demon Ashikabi. The one person not to cross if they feared death. Like all Sekirei, Shiina would defend his Ashikabi to his last thought and breath.
With such a trinity keeping an eye out for trouble Zeilla strode through the large door behind Kagari with Yuuma at her side. He diverted to one side as they passed #6. The Ashikabi and Sekirei pair that had traveled with them hesitated once they were among the others, but Zeilla pushed through them to stand opposite Yukari, deliberately to draw attention to herself.
Yuuma stealthily hopped up into the rafters as she cleared her throat and pushed back her hood.
"Well, I took my time getting here so I suppose all who are coming have arrived." she said, turning to face them. "I am the author of that message you received hours ago. Thank you for heeding my call. I know you are all curious, but allow me a brief introduction."
Standing head and shoulders above the scattered sentients, with ease she knew her words reached them all. She could see the recognition in their eyes, even in the dim light.
"My name is Zeilla. I am a member of a second iteration super-soldier program called 'Spartan' - my designation is 'Bee-three-one-two'. I have undergone experimental mutations at DNA level, skeletal surgery and cybernetic implantation as well as extensive training in order to make me exactly that: a super-soldier. I served my superiors as an anti-terrorism agent for several years, then spent months in almost constant fighting on the front lines of a war my side was losing."
Zeilla gave them several moments to digest that information dump before continuing. "I can speak and understand several languages, but Japanese is not among them. My words come to you through a translator device, so forgive me if at any point I am difficult to understand. Several weeks ago, I found myself here in this city. As I gained my bearings, I came into contact with a young female who took a liking to me and refused to leave my side. She is a Sekirei and with an unexpected kiss I became her Ashikabi."
She paused for a moment to let the words sink in and be sure of her next words.
"Ashikabi... Your backgrounds are not as unusual or exciting as mine, but you all had an experience of that nature. You all had to understand that we are contestants in the Sekirei Plan, trapped within this city. You came to know this is a game of survival: a battle royal with only one Sekirei standing at the end. Many of you likely found this concept strange, could not believe it entirely and simply focused on your new life as an Ashikabi with their Sekirei. None can blame you for that. You forged a relationship of some kind with your Sekirei, and they grew to know you. You became attached to each other.
"Sekirei... You were raised in labs at MBI, given numbers and names, told you are Sekirei. You learned to fight, learned to live in this city, learned that your purpose was to seek out a Human who bears the DNA markers of extraterrestrials of ancient times. MBI called these Humans Ashikabi. They told you it was your purpose to find one, bond with them and most importantly fight for them. You are to be stronger than the other hundred of your kind and to vaguely 'ascend with them to the higher sky' or some such. With your bond sealed and wings sprouted you will hold nothing back and fight with every fiber of your being for the one you love."
After a slow panning glance over the gathering she asked them a question. "Sekirei... Ashikabi... Am I right?"
There was a murmur of agreement as each considered her words and found them more or less true. As the rumble and whispers died down a man roughly in his mid-twenties stepped to the edge of the group near her.
"Yeah, we know all this. Why are we here, huh?"
Zeilla gestured to him and inclined her head. "You know what the Sekirei have told you. They know what MBI has told them. But do you know the truth?"
He appeared surprised at her answer and following challenge. "Are you going to tell us, then? Is that why you called everyone to one place and penned us in like cattle?"
"Tell you the truth? If only I could. I do not know what MBI will not share with us." she answered plainly. "However, I do know a thing or two about reading possible intentions from propaganda. I ask you all to think about everything you know and why you believe it to be the truth."
Looking about at the others she raised a hand. "If you touch an open flame, you will experience pain because, that is how your body recognizes the flame's temperature as significantly higher than your own. I can tell you that but you have no reason to trust my word. If you actually test the flame yourself, you will find me truthful. If you do not, then you have to decide for yourselves if I am right without evidence. We can all agree on this much, no?"
Most of the Ashikabi and Sekirei nodded briefly. The man who questioned her before simply crossed his arms over his dirty white singlet.
"MBI has told you Sekirei things, and you have told your Ashikabi, but what evidence do you have that tells you they are right? I personally have very little. MBI controls the information flows on everything regarding Sekirei. Ask yourself why you believe what they tell you. Is it because you think they know best? Does Minaka Hiroto know more than we do and so we should trust him? I could tell you all about the specifications of weapons you have never heard of and never will."
"You want us to decide for ourselves of MBI is right or wrong." the man from before spoke up again. "Let's assume we choose to think they are wrong. So, what? It doesn't change the fact that Minaka make the rules of the game."
Zeilla grinned. "Rules, eh? What are they? If a man points a gun at your head and demands you hand over your money, you might say there is no choice but to give it to him. You are wrong. There are many choices, but he will probably shoot you if you don't give him your money. He might shoot you anyway. Minaka makes the rules and uses both an army and the Discipline squad to enforce them. An escape from Tokyo is opposed by them, yet it's not impossible. Haruka Shigi and number Ninety-Five Kuno succeeded - if only just. The rules are suggestions. Murder is illegal, but that does not make it impossible to kill someone. If you break the rules Minaka must send his army or the Discipline squad if he wants to punish you. What about Haruka Shigi and Kuno? They are living quite happily together and could be anywhere by now. How can Minaka send his Sekirei enforcers beyond Tokyo without exposing their existence? His army has its hands full just keeping the borders secure.
"What about those sleek black and silver expense cards you carry with you all the time and use freely? Why does a trillion-dollar business give out money to people who may abuse it? According to my allies those cards are dangerous. At the very least they can track your position. As soon as I found out I got rid of mine. If MBI can use it, I must neutralise the threat if I wish to break the rules. So far, I have spoken out against Minaka Hiroto himself and MBI by extension, killed MBI soldiers, stolen MBI resources and even broke through their blockade to escape. The Discipline squad made a night time visit to the next city over specially to bring me back to play the game. That's all that happened."
"Nobody has escaped besides Shigi-kun and his girl." said a young man with glasses and a semi casual office attire. "His Sekirei was so weak even the lightning twins felt sorry for her, but he had help from the Ashikabi of the North. MBI could have paid international assassins to kill her and Shigi-kun. They could have bribed officials and gang members to kill them. How do we know MBI can't chase us all over the world?"
"Limited resources. Money cannot buy every mercenary, nor fund the acquisition of enough automated technology to control the world. The industries simply wouldn't allow it. MBI purchased every inch of land this city is built on and pushed out anyone they didn't want messing up the Plan, but the small cafes and diners run by their owners are still around. There are fast-food diners still running, but only because MBI is paying the staff enough to make them stay. On the day of the blockade thousands of citizens left the city. All the money in the world couldn't keep them here. MBI can only do so much."
"But-"
"Even what they can do takes time." she continued over the top of him. "To contract assassins skilled enough or bribe officials in the right places takes time. Escapees can disappear before the logistics can be handled. To back up my argument, I escaped with very little help just by moving fast enough that MBI's might couldn't respond in time. Against all their forces Id likely be dead. MBI is fast... So, let's move faster."
"Move where?" another young man called out as he barged suddenly through the crowd to stand at the front. "You talk so much but you never get to the fucking point." he spat. "Why the hell should I listen to you."
Zeilla frowned at the Ashikabi. "You should listen to me because I have something you all want: an alternative. Minaka altered the game this morning by presenting a deadline, by which time any Sekirei who has not terminated another will be terminated themselves. Perhaps some of you have a victory to your names, but I'd say most do not. More to the point: I have not terminated or killed any Sekirei. In two weeks MBI will attempt to terminate my Sekirei too."
That revelation set a few people whispering. The rude young man in a green hoodie twitched his lip and scoffed.
"I don't care about you. I care about me. Right now, I'm wondering why I don't just kill any of the bitches here and get back to my life. I don't give a shit what happens to your Sekirei."
"Then you are a fool." Zeilla scowled. "You cannot simply ignore the game. Minaka will invent new ways to force inactive players back into playing. Either you let MBI terminate your Sekirei or somebody else will."
The Ashikabi simmered with rage but she quickly dismissed him to focus once more on the others.
"The four major Ashikabi have each got one victory or more. The only thing that will come of this ultimatum is battles between you who have come at my request. The small fry. Half of you will probably lose and the other half will remain in the game until something else results in their termination. I personally find this unacceptable for two reasons: making an endangered species destroy itself is immoral and MBI would leave many of you heart-broken, when they are the reason your Sekirei came into your lives to begin with."
The Spartan pulled her cloak back as she placed her hands on her hips, deliberately exposing the fifty-caliber sidearm strapped to her thigh, the knife next to it and the sledgehammer hanging from her belt.
"I am a soldier. My purpose is to defend Humanity from threats within and without. I risk my life so that people like you can live in peace - that you might never know war, terror, death or complete despair." she declared in a loud voice. "Minaka Hiroto has made Sekirei part of your lives with the intention of ripping apart the bonds forged between them and their Ashikabi. His actions have and will cause much suffering. His intentions mean genocide by proxy. Sekirei are clearly victims of Minaka's plans and if left alone should pose little danger to Humanity. If anything, they need protecting just as much as you normal Human beings from Minaka's designs. Minaka has also ordered several Ashikabi be imprisoned even after their Sekirei were terminated for attempting to escape Tokyo. Two were killed by his enforcers.
"I will be clear: Minaka Hiroto is a terrorist. His control of MBI makes it a terrorist organisation. They are a threat to Humanity. As my purpose is to defend Humanity, Minaka and MBI have become my targets. My mission now is to kill Minaka. No less." she announced firmly. "If MBI is loyal to his Plan then I will take it apart one man at a time. Anyone who means to harm Humans or Sekirei could be considered a target for me to kill."
Zeilla paused to glare at the green hoodie. "I do not stop. I do not relent. I do not compromise. I will kill Minaka Hiroto or die trying. I think you should listen to me based on that alone."
The young man scowled back at her but she could tell the fire had gone out of his anger. Still, something about him made her narrow her eyes to make sure he wasn't going to interrupt again.
"For my attack on MBI preceding my temporary escape, the soldiers started to call me the Ashikabi of War. Now I own that title. I declare war on Minaka Hiroto!"
The crowd murmured and whispered, shaken by her boldness.
Zeilla cleared her throat and continued. "I will do it alone if I have to, but I will find all the allies I can. You who are Ashikabi, you who are Sekirei... Will you fight with me? Will you stand at my back and raise your hands against Minaka as I do? Will you fight for each other, that all currently surviving Sekirei can have a chance to stay with their love, instead of just one?"
Immediately two hands popped up on one side of the gathering.
"I am Orihiko Oosumi, number Eighty-Seven Kaho is my Sekirei, and we will fight with you, Ashikabi of War."
Zeilla recognise the pair she had met on the way to the meeting and inclined her head in thanks.
Another young male stepped to the front with his Sekirei, fingers of one hand locked with hers. He pushed back his blue hoodie and let his brown hair catch the light before looking to his bond-mate. The girl dressed in red and white with a matching halberd smiled and gave him a nod. He nodded back and looked up at the Spartan, then raised his free hand.
"I am Takano Kouji, number Seventy-Three Namiji is my Sekirei. We are engaged to be married... And we will fight with you, Ashikabi of War."
There was a ripple of emotion at the young man's public confession as Sekirei and a few Ashikabi felt moved by the prospect. Another hand went up in the middle and a hesitant, shaky voice almost cried out in desperation.
"M-my name is Osamu Ts-s-sudanuma, number Seventy-Four Narashino is m-my S-Sekirei!" he stammered. "We will fight!"
"Hey, hold on everyone!" called out the young office worker who had spoken up earlier. "What's all this talk of fighting MBI? They have a huge army all over Tokyo. We just heard how easy it is for one person to escape. If we all work together we can break out quickly, even if the Discipline squad try to stop us."
The older man who had been the first to object to Zeilla's speach laughed at the proposal and shook his head. "No way, kid. I told you before that if you try you'll be killed. MBI has satellites in fixed orbit above the city at all times, armed with all kinds of surveillance equipment and a massive laser."
"The Ashikabi of the North helped Shigi-kun escape even with the satellites." the bespectacled youth argued angrily. "If we ask him for help we will definitely break out."
The older man stopped laughing and dropped his arms back to his sides. "Kid, I helped them too. I know what happened on that bridge that night. MBI's laser almost vaporised the North and those two love-birds in one pass. You have no chance now that MBI has increased their security."
"You're a coward, Seo-san."
"You're an idiotic kid." the adult countered lazily, pulling out a cigarette and a lighter. "You probably just wandered about on dates with your girl - messed around and had fun, doing what teenagers do as soon as they leave high school. This is the real world." Seo said with a sideways glare as he paused to light his cigarette. "You can't play around then run away when things get hard."
The youth lowered his brow, defiant even though he had nothing suitable to respond with.
Seo took a deep breath and a short drag on his cigarette, then blew a large cloud of smoke up at one of the lights hanging from the roof and stuffed the lighter back in his pocket. "Well, I may as well join in if this is going to happen anyway." he drawled around the stick. "Girls?"
A pair of raven-haired women who looked completely identical aside from the colour of their clothes came to stand at either side of the man and he put an arm around each of them.
"Kaoru Seo, the best freelancer in town. Number eleven Hikari and number twelve Hibiki are my two Sekirei." he introduce them with a grin. "If you've got the cash then I've got the muscle."
"Any money I have goes towards the war first." Zeilla replied. "But I do intend to see everyone provided with the means to rebuild their lives where ever they choose to go if I am able. It is my hope the accounting department of MBI will surrender peacefully."
"Good enough." Seo agreed, giving the Spartan a 'thumbs up'.
The Ashikabi with glasses sighed. "Always thinking about money." he muttered. "You're a disgrace, Seo-san."
Seo snorted in amusement. "You're still a kid. Money makes the world go 'round, you know."
The green hoodie Ashikabi looked over his shoulder and a moment later an attractive young lady made to stand at his side. She swept her long black hair behind her shoulders and folded her arms over her white and blue sailor-ish outfit. The man roughly put an arm around her shoulders and pulled her tight against his chest, to which she rolled her eyes.
"MBI wants to make fools of us and kick us around, eh? I say we kick them right in the nuts! This is our city. Let's make them pay for treating us like shit and kick their asses into next year!" he roared and raised a fist above his head. "Junnichi Tanigawa and number Ninety-Six Midorino will fight - and put a boot up Minaka's fucking ass!"
In his wake, several more hands went up and vocal declarations filled the largely empty warehouse. It didn't take long for the number to swell into majority and caused the reluctant Ashikabi at the front to adjust his glasses as he sighed again. He quickly straightened and put up a hand.
"Youichi Himura, Seventy-Eight Nanaha is my Sekirei... We will fight against this game." he announced tiredly.
A girl with long light brown hair, a low-cut white top and dark orange skirt and knee boots stepped up beside him. She gave him a sweet smile but Youichi just sighed and rolled his shoulder. She raised a two-pronged spear in a gloved hand above her head and smiled up at Zeilla.
Almost every other Ashikabi and Sekirei took note of the office worker pledging himself and Nanaha to the war despite his objections and preference of escape. They all readily raised their hands and their voices together and sent up a chorus of declarations, a couple of Sekirei even letting loose battle cries. Zeilla smiled as the atmosphere of fear was well and truly washed away by excitement and hope. A bit of bravado couldn't hurt either. Only two pairs remained and they pushed to the front.
Two men far older than the rest brought forth their youthful Sekirei with grim looks on their faces. One seemed to be in his sixties, thin and weak. He leaned on his Sekirei for support. The other was probably closer to eighty than he'd like but still had a strong frame and sure footing. His girl stood proudly at his side under an all concealing hooded cloak.
"I've been a soldier for most of my life." the elder spoke, voice tired and over used but still full of strength. "I've taken part in battles once or twice as well. You call yourself a soldier do you, Ashikabi of War?"
Zeilla nodded. "I have received more bullet wounds and broken more bones than anyone in this building." she replied confidently. "I cannot report on the damage I've inflicted upon my targets – we haven't the time, nor did I count my kills."
The man shook his head. "A super-soldier... Governments have tried for decades to create a successful project with that aim and will continue to find failure. Even if you are what you say you are, fighting MBI is completely different for you than it is for us. These kids have never held a gun or run into a warzone where people are getting torn to shreds by explosions and gunfire. You are the only one who can stand beside the Sekirei and fight."
"You have a valid point, sir. I have not been careless, however." she assured. "Sekirei aren't ready for war and so we must train together in order to correct that. Ashikabi who cannot keep up will find use elsewhere or ways to overcome the shortfall can be developed. I doubt anyone wants to sit twiddling their thumbs as their Sekirei fight without them."
The old man grunted and crossed his arms. "I will not take up my rifle and follow you into your war. I am too old and past my time. I will not go home and do nothing either." He took a deep breath and raised his voice. "My name is Reji Koya and I can still knock a beer off the fence from across the street. I will defend any who cannot fight as long as my gun has bullets."
As soon as he finished speaking the Sekirei at his side tilted her head back and raised one arm, revealing herself to have dark skin, a long black skirt and a black hooded shawl. A long, curved dagger was sheathed on her forearm.
"Number Fifty-Seven, Yahan. I will be your blade in the dark, Ashikabi of War." she declared with an audible grin and flashing eyes.
Zeilla saluted the pair smartly. "Thank you both for your service."
The younger yet more fragile elder shared a glance with the fair-haired girl in a short red dress that held his arm to aid him. She smiled brightly and he sighed before clearing his throat and returning his attention to Zeilla.
"I'm old and tired. I want nothing more than to live out my days doing the things I never made time to do in my youth." he began. "But Kuruse here is young, strong and cannot waste away with me while her sisters bleed and die for their happiness. Listen to me, soldier: you better train her well so she survives." he ordered with a sudden firmness unlike his appearance. "And if she dies under your command, I want to hear of it as soon as possible. She has been a great daughter to me and my wife. Promise that much to an old man."
"If anyone of the few Sekirei who live die in my war I will consider my mission a failure." Zeilla stated. "I would be the first to give my life to ensure another survived, but I know it is not always possible. I swear to you I will keep her safe or send you word of her death if I fail."
"My name is Andrew Florentino." he stated. "I will hold you to your word, Ashikabi of War."
The girl briefly rubbed her cheek on his shoulder before raising her joyful face up to the Spartan. "Number Fifty-Four, Kuruse. I only have a trident and my body is not as strong as my sisters, but I will still fight for them and my Ashikabi." she promised.
Zeilla nodded to her and looked over the crowd. "Is there anyone here who has not raised their hand - be it in uncertainty or unwillingness to fight? Nobody can hold it against you if I cannot myself. I am well aware not everybody is able. All I ask is for what support you can offer... Or reasons to the contrary. I will protect you as best I can either way."
It was quiet for almost a minute. Finally, a teenage girl with deep blue hair and dark clothes tentatively slipped through the people at the front, hugging a bundle to her chest and shifting her feet as she noticed everyone watching her.
"Umm... I used to be an Ashikabi." she uttered quietly. "Natsu... Number Seventy-Two... She went out to get groceries one night, and... I thought I had a heart attack. She... Never came back. A man from MBI came and told me she had... Been terminated."
The entire gathering went absolutely silent. The girl sniffed as tears came to her eyes, but she lifted her head and pulled out an object from the purple bundle in her arms. She held it up for everyone to see, even if she ducked her head.
"Natsu used to keep three changes of clothes and so... So many of her throwing knives at home, where my parents thought I was keeping old books. I still have them... And before she... Died... She taught me how to use them."
Zeilla raised a brow.
"I... I'm not a fighter... And I'm afraid to die." the girl sobbed, taking a moment to overcome a lump in her throat. "But... Losing Natsu hurt so much I... I don't want anyone else to feel like that! I want to help in any way I can."
The Spartan was almost lost for words. All her life she had seen so many people who represented the dark side of Humanity, steeped in selfishness, hate, and been surrounded by men and women devoted to fighting for their survival. All that time she had forgotten about the good people in the galaxy. People like this devastated girl.
Zeilla stepped forward, pulled the girl's hand down and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "I can't say that I understand your pain or offer anything to help you mourn. I lost my parents too long ago to remember what family is like and I have never fallen in love - not even with my Sekirei. Despite that, I appreciate you coming forward and telling us of your loss. I personally think its inspiring that you want to help." she said, giving her a gentle squeeze. "I'm not sure what you can do, but I will find something for you."
The teenager sniffed and pressed her face into her fallen Sekirei's clothes. "Thank you. I... My name is Shinobu Izumi Higa. I'll fight for Natsu... And for you."
Zeilla immediately filed the name away for consideration later.
"Well, looks like everybody is on your side, War-san." Seo drawled around another freshly lit cigarette. "By now MBI has got cameras and maybe even Sekirei watching this place. So many Ashikabi in one place... Sekirei that aren't fighting and killing each other... Minaka knows something is up."
Zeilla raised one brow and gave him a sideways look. "What of it?"
Seo took a long drag on his cigarette and blew the smoke down in her direction as he eyed her up and down. "What happens when we all try to go home? The Discipline squad can pick us off one at a time."
"Way ahead of you." she shrugged. "We post guards at the three entrances who will stay within the warehouse so they can't be taken down without sounding the alarm. The rest of my Sekirei can bring supplies so we can stay the night here. In the morning, we will set about retrieving important personal items and more supplies."
The man scratched his stubbled chin and hummed. "Not bad. With all these kids using their MBI cards we can stock up on food and weapons easily... But Minaka can simply block the cards once he knows who is part of this little rebellion."
"Again, I'm ahead of you." Zeilla smirked, releasing the teen to step back and address the crowd.
"Out of caution we cannot keep any MBI expense cards with us. There is no telling what Minaka can do to us using them. Please, for your own sakes as well as ours, give them to the Sekirei Guardian for disposal. We are enemies of MBI now so I doubt they will let us use their own money to prepare for war against them."
The was a rumble of mutterings and a few whispers, but they died down quickly after somebody spoke a few words. Then a hand shot up from the middle of the group.
"Let's all get rid of them as she says." suggested Orihiko Oosumi, Ashikabi of #87 Kaho. "If they won't give us money and might be dangerous then I don't want anything to do with them. Pass them to me and I will take them to number Six."
The crowd quickly murmured in agreement and those that had them began to give them up. Junnichi Tanigawa growled and cursed but still withdrew the black and silver card from his wallet and handed it to the Ashikabi behind him.
Zeilla turned back to Seo. "I understand you know what you are doing when it comes to a vast variety of tasks. Can I ask you to find and direct volunteers in forming barricades out of all the crates and shelving racks in this warehouse? We will also need some way of segregating sleeping areas for male and female. Sanitation may also be a problem. If you need anything you can't find here let me know and I'll do my best to get it."
The Ashikabi rolled his shoulders and cycled a deep breath, letting his cigarette drop and crushing it under a boot. "Alright. I'll see what can be done."
Zeilla came back to the Sekirei-less girl and guided her to one side. "I know she has a scary reputation, but Yukari is a nice person. Tell her I said she needs to look after you for now, until I can sort out some logistical things.
Shinobu sniffed and nodded.
The Spartan let her go and pulled out her phone. She quickly dialed Yashima's number and put it up to her open ear while tapping the mic on her headset.
"Matsu, are you there?"
A few moments later Yashima picked up.
"/ /Um... Hello?/ /"
"It's me. Go find Matsu and tell her I need to talk, then get Ruso and Ikki. I need you three to go shopping together as soon as possible. I'll give Matsu the details. My plan is working well so far."
"/ /Oh! Great! I'll get them right away./ /"
Zeilla hung up and looked around. She spotted the first few pairs to agree among those Seo hadn't recruited who were standing awkwardly and talking.
"Number Seventy-Three!" she called out over the din of chatter and Seo's instructions. "Seventy-Four! Seventy-Eight! Eighty-Seven! Come here with your Ashikabi!"
While they slowly made their way over she waved to Yuuma in the rafters and he dropped down beside her.
"Go back to Yashima and the others. I want you to help them get supplies. Be careful, for as Seo said there could be anything waiting outside. I'm sending you because of your power, but don't get pinned down. Keep moving no matter what."
He nodded and set off towards an exit at a jog.
"/ /Z-tan, you need me?/ /"
"Yes, Matsu." she replied, waving those she called closer. "I need you to find out where my Sekirei can either buy or steal enough bedding and food for the people I've gathered. Do you need a head count of Ashikabi and Sekirei or do you have access to that info?"
"/ /It would be faster to get a tally. I'll get started on the search and adapt when you give me a number./ /"
"You four seem to have some influence over the others." she told the Ashikabi. "I want you to be their representatives and leaders. Talk to them about any questions or concerns they have and bring such to me if you cannot solve them on your own. Can you do that for me?"
Three nodded immediately, though Osamu looked pale. Youichi had to think about it but eventually he agreed as well.
"Great. For now, I want... Youichi to gather the other male Ashikabi and find a place to use as sleeping quarters – make sure you get an idea as to how big it needs to be. Takano, you gather the few female Ashikabi and find them a spot that we can shelter from the males and take into account the number of female Sekirei that will be sleeping with them. Orihiko, count up how many Ashikabi are here including yourselves and myself. Also, take a count of how many Sekirei are here in total. Bring these two numbers to me. Sekirei, wait a moment."
The three of them nodded and with a gesture she sent them off to their tasks.
"And m-me?"
"Hold on a moment, Osamu." she said. "Matsu, you still there?"
"/ /Yep./ /"
"How willing would Miya be to house any non-combatants I find?"
"/ /You know what her rules are like. So long as they will help out around the Inn she'll let them stay and eat./ /"
"Do me a favor and run the idea past her over meal time or when you have a moment to spare."
"/ /Roger./ /"
"Right, Sekirei." she whispered as she took a deep breath. "Namiji, I'd like you to go about and find out what combat style the Sekirei here are most suited to. How many use their body, how many use held weapons like knives and swords, how many use longer weapons like your axe. Can you do that for me?"
The ginger haired alien nodded with a smile, then jogged off with her two wolf-tails trailing in her wake.
"Kaho, Narashino, I want you two to relieve Shiina on guard duty over there and tell him to bring his Ashikabi to me."
Both weapon users nodded and walked towards #107.
"Osumu."
He flinched. "Yes?"
"You don't exactly seem like a people person or a fighter." she stated bluntly.
"Not really, no." he sagged.
Zeilla buried a chuckle. "Well, I have a job for you but it does involve talking to people. I want you go around and talk to anyone who looks nervous or scared like you. Ashikabi and Sekirei both. Ask them if they truly want to fight, but let them know it's okay to be afraid and want to hang back. Can you do that?"
The young man cycled a deep breath and straightened up smartly with a brave face on. "I can do it."
"Go on then. Let me know how many feel like that."
He fumbled a salute with a hesitant smile before looking around and wandering about, wondering where to start.
"Now I come to you, Nanaha." Zeilla said, eyeing her up. "You seem a little... Out of sorts. What's the matter?"
#78 wrung her hands a bit and looked over to where her Ashikabi was attempting to organise the males who weren't involved with Seo's task. She worked her jaw for a moment, then looked down at her feet.
"I... Youichi-san... I'm not sure if he... Returns my feelings." she mumbled quietly. "I try my best to make him happy but he hasn't kissed me since the first time."
Furtively making eye contact the girl stepped closer.
"Um... You told Higa-san that... You aren't in love with your Sekirei. I want to know if Youichi-san loves me like he says. How would he act if he does?"
Zeilla grimaced. "I'm afraid that is something I can't help you with, because I don't know. I don't understand what it is to love someone, much less how someone in love would act. All I can tell you is that some people don't like to show their feelings... And some people take others for granted."
Nanaha's eyes fell back to her orange boots and she fiddled with her black stockings. "I see."
"Well, do you like cooking for him?"
She nodded. "I think I've become really good since I started learning at MBI, but... He usually only says a quick thank-you prayer and complains about anything he doesn't like."
"Ungrateful boy." Zeilla muttered. "Don't worry about him for now. I'd like you to find out who feels confident enough in their ability to prepare food to try doing so for everyone. I want you to try your hand at managing them, because we can't have everyone try at once and make a mess. Get the most confident to take charge for tonight. Alright, Nanaha?"
The Sekirei brightened a bit and nodded. "I could start by asking the Ashikabi for whose Sekirei are good cooks."
"Good idea. Get to it."
As #78 skipped off to where the females were talking to a rather nervous Takano Koji, Zeilla spotted Orihiko making his way back to her at a fast walk. She met him half way and checked that Matsu was still listening. Another Sekirei and an Ashikabi were with him.
"War-san, I have the numbers." he quickly informed and handed her a scrap of paper. "I also found these two who want to talk to you privately."
"Thanks. Talk to Seo to see what needs doing to get this warehouse in order and if you can help make them happen."
He nodded and jogged off right away.
Zeilla quickly read the numbers out for Matsu and was told some supplies had been located. With the knowledge that one less thing needed worrying about the Spartan sized up the pair before her.
"Well, what can I do for you two?"
The Sekirei and Ashikabi shared a glance and set their jaws.
Zeilla suddenly had a feeling she wasn't going to like what they had to say.
