For the Love of Family

by NegimaFan

In the wake of Takehito's death, Takami allows Minato and Yukari to move in with Miya. Now, not only will Miya influence the lives of Takami's kids, her children will influence Miya as well, forever changing not only them, but the fate of the Sekirei and Minaka's plan.

2. My Promise

For the Love of Family - Chapter 2

By NegimaFan

Author's Notes: Well, I was surprised at the response to my first chapter, I am already working on the second chapter. In regards to the pairings, I have pretty much gotten them completed. All the cannon Sekirei for Minato and Yukari will be with them, along with some of my favorites and a few surprises. As for Seo, well, I have got big plans for him when the plan begins (runs hands together and begins to laugh) but that's several chapters away. Now, in this chapter, things take an unexpected turn, and we see the first seeds of the kids influence on Miya.

XXXXXXXXXXXX

Seven Months Later

"After the activation and accelerated growth of the Sekirei that would comprise of the Discipline Squad, further analysis was needed to determine the effects of the growth activation formula as well as the acceleration supplements on a number of Sekirei. The difference in this case being that the Sekirei would not be given the full dosages of the acceleration supplements and instead would be given to them at alternating intervals. The results of our study were rather substantial. Numbers 6 and 8, who were given the acceleration supplements at the first set of intervals, experienced accelerated growth through their childhood, which slowed down once they hit puberty. Numbers 10, 11, and 12, who were given the acceleration supplements at the second set of intervals experienced a normal growth pattern in their childhood that accelerated upon reaching puberty. Finally, Numbers 7 and 9, who were given only the growth activation formula and no acceleration supplements, are growing at the rate of a normal human child. It is unclear how this change in growth will affect them psychologically, though further research may yield-" Takami cut off the recording. For the past several months she had been going through all of Takehito's research, especially his finds in the growth of certain Sekirei throughout the program. Takehito was a genius on the subject and the staff at MBI were struggling to keep up with Minaka's schedule now that he was no longer with them. The studies were just another reminder of just how different Sekirei were from Humans. For example, while most human children begin showing signs of puberty as early as the age of 10, but some Sekirei began showing signs of puberty as early as 8, though so far in only two cases. Not to mention the despite their metabolism being nearly twice as fast as a humans, once they reached adulthood their bodies seemed to slow to a crawl, with no change in their metabolism. After all these years, they had still barely scratched the surface of the Sekirei.

At that moment Takami's intercom beeped, "D-Dr. Sahashi?"

Takami glared at the device before responding, "I thought I explicitly stated that I wanted no interruptions today, and if it's Minaka tell him he can take his order and-"

"I-It's not Minaka-sama, it's...her." Takami's eyes widened as she realized who she was talking about. There was only one person she would be referring to with that amount of fear.

XXXXXXXXXXXX

MBI Lobby - 5 minutes earlier

Ayame was exhausted, another day of turning down potential investors, hopeful employees and others. Many flocked to get on the ground floor of MBI, the largest growing company in Japan, possibly the world. In just a few short years the company went from being a small pharmaceutical company to a multinational corporation. Is was expected that by the year 2019 they would have enough money to buy all of Japan, and a few other countries as well. At the moment Minaka was content with simply owning the tower, but once the plan began he would probably purchase all of Tokyo.

"Excuse me, I would like to speak to Takami-san."

Ayame groaned as she looked up from her terminal, "I'm sorry, but Sahashi-sama explicitly-" she suddenly found her voice caught in her throat, standing in front her with a aura of calm was, "A-Asama Miya."

"Yes? Are you sure she cannot squeeze in a few minutes? I promise that I will be quick."

"Y-Yes! Of course, please wait Asama-sama." She quickly punched in the number for Takami's office.

XXXXXXXXXXXX

Takami was glaring up at Miya, "You know, I have a lot of work to do, and I do not like being interrupted, not even by you."

Miya simply looked at her, "I will be quick then, I just wanted to come to you about Yukari's birthday."

"Wait birthday?!" She quickly scrambled through her paperwork till she found her calendar, "it's not her birthday, it's not until-"

"Next week, I know, but I just wanted to make sure you would come. After what happened with Minato's birthday I did not want a repeat of that incident."

"Look, I'm sorry I didn't make it, things have been hectic here, but it's not as if I forgot. I sent him a gift."

"You sent him a dollhouse."

Takami blinked, "Obviously that was not my gift, it must have-"

"The card read Happy birthday Mina, Takami"

Takami's eye twitched at that, Mina also happened to be the name of Dr. Siroshi's niece. Someone must have gotten the packages mixed up in the MBI delivery room, "Okay, the deliverymen made a mistake, but I still-"

"Do you know how long it took to stop Yukari from teasing him? The poor boy was distraught, he thought you no longer acknowledged him as a boy."

"Look, I'll try to make it up to them, but I-"

"TAKAMI!" The intercom blared, "MY OFFICE! NOW!"

Takami glared, "NOT NOW YOU INSUFFERABLE-"

"NOW!"

Takami slammed her fist on the table, then looked up at Miya, "I'll be right back." She then hurried off to see what was such an emergency.

Miya took a seat and chuckled slightly, "Some things never change, I wonder-"

"Look at these reports!"

Miya looked around for the source of the sound, then turned to the intercom, 'He left it on by accident.' Minaka must have forgotten to hit a button or something. Her first instinct was to turn off the intercom on this end until-

"Things are a disaster, the Sekirei plan is falling behind, at this rate it will take us another 20 years before things are ready."

"Well what do you want me to do about it? With Takehito gone-"

"I will not let that get in the way of my plans, the Gods demand it!"

"The Gods? Or you?"

"(Chuckle) Say what you will about our gift from the Gods, but I hold true to the goal, and I will not let anything stop me. These idiots are slacking off, and I want to make some examples of them?"

"Examples? Minaka, what are you-"

"That list I handed you? Fire them, and be sure to freeze their accounts."

"WHAT?! But their families, their lives-"

"Are insignificant in the grand plan, and they will serve as reminders to the others that I will not tolerate any slacking off or insubordination."

"Listen you raving egomaniac, if you think-"

"Why Takami, you're not thinking of defying me are you?"

A pause, "No."

"I'm sorry?"

"...No."

"So, you will do what I say?"

"Yes...Minaka."

"Wonderful, and can I be assured of your continued support towards the plan?"

"...Yes, I will help your plan come to fruition."

"WONDERFUL! I knew you would come around."

Miya was horrorstruck, 'She's not doing anything to stop the plan!' Miya knew that Takehito would have never have let the plan go through, and she genuinely believed that Takami would have been able to convince Minaka to stop, but it seems she was wrong. Not only was Takami not doing anything to stop it, she was actually helping him.

XXXXXXXXXXXX

Flashback- The day of Takehito's passing

"NO, NO! Takehito," she couldn't take it anymore, she fell into the arms of the woman beside her.

"Miya, I-I'm so sorry."

"H-He was my world my everything!"

"I know, he was truly a wonderful man, and his loss hurt us all."

"Get out!"

"What?"

"Get out! What do you care? Who do you love? You won't even commit to the man you claim to love."

"That has nothing to do with this!"

"Doesn't it? Now who will stand up to Minaka? The other scientists?! YOU?!"

"I don't see you-"

"YOU DO NOT GET TO BRING ME INTO THIS! I TRUSTED YOU AND MINAKA ONCE AND LOOK WHAT HAPPENED THEN?! NO MORE, I HAVE NOTHING NOW, EXCEPT THIS INN!"

"What about the other Sekirei?"

"You mean Minaka's lab rats? What do you care?"

"They're not lab rats, and I care. I love the Sekirei."

"Liar, you don't love anything."

"I LOVE MY KIDS!"

Miya actually flinched, "You, have children?"

"Yes, I have kids, and I love them, just as I love the Sekirei."

"Y-you mean that?"

"Yes, and I promise you I will do everything I can to protect them."

"Do-Do you promise?"

Takami nodded, "Yes."

Miya wiped a few of the tears from her face, "Takami, w-would you mind coming in for some tea?"

Takami nodded, "Of course."

XXXXXXXXXXXX

When Takami came back to the office, Miya was gone. On her desk was a note:

'Yukari's party is at the Inn next week, BE THERE.'

XXXXXXXXXXXX

"Onee-chan!" Yukari hugged Miya, "Will Kaa-san make it to the party?"

"I...hope so, I did make it clear that we want her there."

Yukari looked up at her, "Nee-san what's wrong? Did something bad happen?"

"What? Oh, no sweetie, it's just...your mother can be really stubborn sometimes, and she...doesn't always seem to keep her promises."

Yukari sighed, "I know, she was always making and breaking plans with us, but she still loves us!"

"Yes...yes I'm sure she does."

"YAAAHH!"

Miya looked up, "What was that?"

Yukari giggled, "That's Onii-chan. He's 'entertaining' our guest."

"Guest?" Yukari nodded. Miya ran into the next room, only to see Minato with "KAZEHANA!"

Kazehana gave a rather large smirk, "Hello, Miya. How have you been? The kids are growing like crazy, I noticed."

"What are you doing with Minato?"

"What, I'm just being friendly," she was currently hugging the boy, wedging the back of his head in between her breasts, "You don't mind, so you Minato-kun?"

"I-I-"

"He's just a boy!" Miya glared, "Put him down or I swear," a large Hannya mask began to form behind her.

Kazehana began to panic, "Okay, okay! I'm putting him down, see?" She carefully put Minato down on the floor and backed away slowly.

Miya looked down at Minato, "Are you alright?"

Minato nodded, "Yes, Onee-san."

Yukari laughed, "Oh, I bet loved you it Onii-chan. I mean, just look at her boobs. HA HA!"

Miya turned to the girl, "Yukari?" She asked in her scary/sweet voice, "Is your homework done?"

"Um...almost...no."

"Then I want you to go upstairs and finish it, and I expect it to be done by dinner."

Yukari nodded, "Hai, Onee-chan." She then proceeded upstairs, knowing she would not get any dinner until it was done.

Miya turned back to Minato, "Is YOUR homework done?" Minato silently nodded, "Good, then why don't you take a bath before dinner to get that foul odor off you."

"Hey, I'll have you know lots of men go crazy at the scent of this perfume."

"Kazehana," Miya's Hannya mask began to appear, "if you want to stay here, that's fine, but you had best remember the rules of this inn."

Kazehana shivered slightly, "Y-Yes, Miya-sama. P-please stop, you're scaring Minato."

Miya saw that Minato was indeed shaking, "Oh, Minato-kun," she reached down and embraced him, "there's nothing to be scared of."

"B-But that-"

"That wasn't meant for you, that was meant for her." She turned to glare slightly at Kazehana.

"B-But she didn't do anything wrong, she was just being a little to...friendly."

"Aw, such a brave boy, standing up to scary old Miya like tha-OW OW OW!" Miya stood up and grabbed her by the ear.

"I thinks it's time the two of us a LONG discussion," Miya then dragged the crying woman out of the room.

XXXXXXXXXXXX

That night

Dinner was finished, the children were in bed, and Kazehana had finally gone to sleep after several bottles of Sake. Honestly the woman had no shame. Miya shook her head slightly at the thought of how...expressive...the Wind Sekirei could be. With no one but her awake, Miya now sat the table reflecting on what had happened that day. Minaka's mad plan was going forward, and no one was stopping it. Takami had promised to protect the Sekirei, she claimed that she loved them, and yet, she was simply going along with the plan. She wanted to believe that Takami had simply lied to Minaka, but she had gone through several of Takami's files before leaving, and it was clear that the woman was doing everything Minaka asked of her. Miya was distraught, she didn't know what to do.

'Why is this happening? Why isn't Takami doing anything to stop it? I thought she cared, she promised me. Well, it doesn't matter now, I want no part of it. Takehito wanted me to have a peaceful life, and I will, here at the inn with the children. That is all I need, that is-'

Suddenly there was a banging at the door, "Miya, MIYA!" Miya quickly jumped up at the sound, and rushed to the door. As she opened it she saw Matsu, supported by a weak Uzume.

"What is going on here? What are doing at my inn?"

"Miya," Matsu pleaded through short breath, "please...let us in...we'll explain everything." Miya reluctantly let the two inn and fetched them some food and water as Matsu explained that her escape had been in the planning for some time, and that before he died, Takehito had helped her gain some of the access codes she needed to get information to help her stay safe, and had promised her residency at the inn. Uzume had helped her, and it was not easy. "Especially since, I took this." She pulled out a box she had on her person and placed on the table.

Miya opened it, and when she saw what it was she was horrorstruck, "No," she turned angrily to Mastu, "you stole one of the Jinki?!"

"I-I had to, and not just to secure my freedom, I-"

"Do you have ANY IDEA what you have done?! Minaka will not stop hunting you to get this back, and even if he decides not to bother, others will surely-"

"Minaka's going to give these away!"

Miya stopped yelling, "What? What do you mean give them away?"

"In the third stage of his insane plan, Minaka is going to give the Jinki away as prizes."

Miya's eyes widened as she turned back to look at the Jinki Matsu had brought, 'No, No, NO!' Miya's thoughts were in a swirl, 'He's going to give them away, they're so dangerous and if someone is able to bring them together,' Takehito's funeral flashed through her mind.

"Miya, I'm sorry about this, but I didn't know what else to do, I can't go along with MBI anymore, and they would not let me leave, Minaka found my computer skills to valuable to lose at this stage. I-I-I just couldn't handle it anymore, they would not stop, they would barely let me rest, and I-"

Miya held up a hand, "Enough."

Uzume was shaking, "Miya-sama, what do we do now? I'm sorry about all this, but will you please help her?"

Miya's mind was whirling, she did not want this. She did not want any of this, but most importantly, she could not believe it! What was Minaka thinking? Hell, what was all of MBI thinking? Didn't they know how dangerous the Jinki were? After everything that happened, were they still so blind? Thoughts swirled around her head, as she tried to figure out what to do.

The Sekirei plan will be GLORIOUS!Well, you're quite the killer No. and Duty above all your life, Miya, that's all I want.I promise I'll do everything I can to protect them.I now pronounce you husband and power! Isn't that what big brothers are supposed to do? Protect their sisters no matter what?

Miya's eyes shot open at that last statement, 'Minato,' her thoughts turned to that incident months ago with the bullies, 'he had no powers, and yet he still stood up to others without hesitation...to protect his sister...even though he knew he could not beat them.' She looked back at the Jinki. All her power, all her strength, and a child somehow showed more courage than her. But all she wanted was to be left in peace, and now with the Jinki here, Minaka would surely find out, and when he did...Miya held no delusions that the madman would not hesitate to use Takami's children as leverage for the Jinki if at all possible, not that Miya would allow it. But, 'Takehito wanted me to live my life in peace, that's all he wanted for me, and after he died-'

Thank you Takehito for your noble sacrifice, and may those you saved prosper.

Miya startled herself with that revelation, 'Takehito gave his life for my people, He gave his life, SO THAT THEY COULD LIVE.' Miya was practically screaming in her own mind now. As she stood up, she knew what she had to do, "Matsu-san."

"Y-Yes, Miya-sama?"

"At the top stairs you will find a wall. Behind it, there is secret room, simply press upon the right side of the wall and it will open. Take the Jinki with you and hide there until I get back." She then turned to Uzume, "Uzume-san, I need you to come with me."

"Um, okay, why?"

"We're going to MBI, and I have a feeling Minaka will not agree to seeing me tonight unless I bring at least one of you."

"WHAT?! Go back to MBI? Are you crazy?! After what happened tonight, they'll-"

"It will be fine, I promise, I won't let them punish you for this. Please, trust me."

XXXXXXXXXXXX

It was not difficult for Miya to see Minaka, suffice to say he was curious as to why she arrived with Uzume, especially since the girl had just helped Matsu escape with one of the Jinki. He was hoping that Miya had aided the girl in coming to her senses and had brought the item in question with her along with information to where Matsu was, he wanted her back. The girl was proving useful in hacking into rival companies and government servers in order to gain an upper hand. He, along with Takami and Karasuba , were staring at the two women sitting in Minaka's office. He smiled wickedly at them from behind his desk.

"My, My, Miya-san, this is quite a surprise. I did not expect you of all people to bring her," he gazed at Uzume, who was shaking slightly in her seat, "back for punishment."

"Punishment?"

"But of course, she aided in Matsu's theft and escape, we can't have that. Of course, if she were to return Matsu and the stolen object I would be willing to-"

"There will be no punishment!"

At this Minaka's grin started to widen, "Now, Now, my dear, I am afraid that an example must be set, I mean to have one of the Sekirei steal a Jinki then flee-"

"She was following my instructions!"

"cannot simple be ignor-" Minaka suddenly found himself speechless. He stared at her, not believing what he was hearing.

Karasuba raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "Yara, yara, that is quite bold of you Number One."

Takami simply glared at the woman, shocked at this, "YOUR INSTRUCTIONS?!"

Uzume simply stared at Miya, not believing what she was hearing, 'What is she talking about?'

Miya kept her gaze on Minaka, "When I heard what you were going to do with the Jinki, I knew that I had to prove something to you, to make you see your stupidity before any more harm was done."

Minaka, recovering from his initial shock, actually smiled wider, "Oh ho ho, Karasuba is right, you are quite bold Number One, to challenge the most brilliant mind on earth and presume that I do not prepare for any possible contingency. While I admit some things do get past me, it does take long for those mistakes to be correc-"

Miya stood up, shouting at the top of her lungs, "MY HUSBAND DIED FROM YOU ARROGANCE AND INCOMPENTENCE TOWARDS THE JINKI! NOW YOU PRESUME THAT SUCH A MISTAKE WILL NOT HAPPEN AGAIN?! WHAT CHANGES HAVE YOU MADE, WHAT PRECAUTIONS HAVE YOU SET TO PREVENT SUCH A CATASTROPHE FROM HAPPENING AGAIN? NONE! AND NOW YOU PLAN TO RELEASE THEM AS PRIZES IN YOUR GAME?! HAVE YOU GIVEN NO THOUGHT TO WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF A MADMAN OR SOCIOPATH SOMEHOW GOT HOLD OF ALL THE JINKI?!"

Minaka chuckled, "Say what you will, but the fact remains I am in charge of the Sekirei, the ship, and the Jinki. As you remember."

'Yes, back when I actually believed you cared, before I knew what a truly good man was.' There was nothing she could do to change the past, but she could still change the future. "It is clear to me now that I cannot simply stand by and risk another incident to occur."

"Really now? Well I am afraid I cannot allow you to interfere with my plans, the Gods demand it!"

Miya glared at him, "So you say, and it is that mindset that has made me reach the decision-"

"I think you have wasted enough time so if you could just tell me-"

"that in order to protect the Sekirei-"

"where Matsu is and you can just-"

"I must return...as head of the Discipline Squad."

"go on you-" Minaka was once again speechless, his glasses actually slid down slightly from shock. Takami was babbling, unable to form words. Karasuba went wide eyed. Whatever they were expecting to happen tonight, it was not this. No one could have predicted this.

Uzume actually fell from here seat, 'What the?! AM I GOING CRAZY OR DID I JUST HEAR-?"

Takami started to regain her voice, "I...wha...that's..."

"WONDERFUL!" Minaka jumped from his seat, hands thrown in the air, he was ecstatic, "THIS IS MORE THAN I COULD HAVE HOPED FOR!" He leapt from his desk and ran to shake Miya's hand, "I promise you Miya-san, you will not regret this decision. To have you back with MBI..." his eyes glazed slightly has he began to imagine the possibilities.

Miya quickly slid her hand away from him, "Thank you, Minaka-san. Now in regards to Matsu-"

"All is forgiven," Minaka spread his arms wide, "for finding the flaws in our security I am also prepared to give her a better job here at-"

"She does not wish to return."

Minaka's pouted slightly, like a child, but simply nodded, "Oh, very well. But please let her know that is a position is always available if she desires it."

Miya nodded, "I will. Now in regards to the Jinki-"

Minaka waved a arm, "Keep it," Miya blinked at that remark, she had not expected Minaka to give it up so easily, "think of it as a...sign of good faith."

"...Thank you." She bowed slightly. "I will be back tomorrow to discuss the finalities of this. But please keep in mind that I have other responsibilities, so I can only be here on a part time basis, unless it is a clear emergency."

Minaka continued to smile, "I think we can work with that. However, once the game gets started, we are going to need you here a great deal to keep the order."

"When the time comes, I will do my part."

"Fantastic! Truly this is a sign of the Gods, our path must be noble for you to return to us ."

"I'm sure," Miya said dryly, "well, I must return home, I will see you in the morning," she turned, "come along Uzume, it's time to-"

"Oh, I'm afraid Uzume cannot leave yet," Miya turned, "after all, she-"

"I thought I just made it clear that they were following my instruct-"

"Oh, it has nothing to do with that, but she still has her adjustments to be completed, and they must be done with the facilities we have here."

Miya glared at him, "She can live at the inn, and I can bring her here on the days she needs to get her adjustments done. In fact, I want all the Sekirei Takehito did adjustments on."

Minaka chuckled, "I cannot allow you do that. Apart from the adjustments needed to complete on them, to simply have so many Sekirei free from MBI at this stage-"

"They will still be under the watchful eye of MBI, through me. Is that not good enough?" Minaka said nothing, "Tell me Minaka-san, are you not curious to see how Sekirei who spend a few years on the outside will fare against Sekirei who will remain here at the lab? Would it not add a new element to your game?"

"(Chuckle) You tease me...Very well, I will allow it. But I must insist that they spend at least another six months before they can live with you."

"Very well, but only if Uzume can come with me now. The poor girl has been through enough."

"And whose fault is that?" Miya said nothing, "If it means that much to you...bring her back with you for adjustments in the morning. Now, have a good night."

After Miya left, Takami finally regained control of her voice, "What the HELL are you thinking?" Minaka was now staring out the window, "you're going to let all of this go?! After all the whining, the threats, the-"

"The loss of Matsu and the Jinki is nothing compared to what we just regained," He was practically jumping with excitement, "with Number One once again at my side, no one will ever question me again. Every scientist here will work with all their might to complete their jobs, or risk her wrath!"

Karasuba turned and glared slightly at him, "Yara, yara, am I not good enough for that, Minaka?"

Minaka looked right at her, "My dear, you are TOO good at your job. They know you might just kill them for looking at you the wrong way or simply because you feel like it. I need someone who will only kill from provocation or by my instructions."

Karasuba chuckled, "Well, I agree with you there." In truth she was excited at the prospect of having Number One back. If she was willing to come back here then she was willing to take up the sword, and if she was willing to take up the sword, she was willing to kill. Which meant, 'I might just have that fight with her in the future.'

XXXXXXXXXXXX

As Miya headed back to the inn, Takami had rushed from the tower and caught up with her, "MIYA!"

Miya turned, "Yes? Is there something you still need to discuss?"

"You know damn well what we need to discuss? What was that up there? Minaka might accept your BS story, but not me! What are you thinking? Do you have any idea-"

"Uzume," Miya spoke while still staring at Takami, "please continue to the inn, I will be with you shortly."

"But-"

"Now, Uzume."

"Yes, Miya-sama," the girl bowed, then headed for the inn on her own.

When she was gone, Miya responded, "Uzume and Matsu appeared at my inn tonight in a panic, I had to do something or Minaka would have brought down MBI on them. He would have hunted them for the Jinki."

"And this is your plan? Why couldn't you have just-"

"What? Brought back the Jinki so he could use it as part of his game? Allow him to punish Matsu and Uzume for attempting to flee his tyranny?" Miya shook her head, "I will do what I must to protect my brothers and sisters?"

"Seriously? Now?! After all these years, after your insistence not be bothered and that you no longer want anything to do with MBI, now you start to care about the other Sekirei? After everything I've done to-"

"Why didn't you tell me Minaka was continuing with the Sekirei plan?!"

Takami glared, "You seriously expected Minaka to simply stop on account of what I have to say? Do you really believe that after all this Minaka would simply stop? I am doing all I can to protect them, but thanks to certain items he got from the ship trying to stop him without mash death and destruction is next to impossible."

Miya flinched at the implication, "While I agree that I am to blame for my part in this mess, what about you? You could have stopped it early on, but you did not. Takehito would have-"

"I'M NOT TAKEHITO! It's taking everything I can just to keep Minaka from accidentally turning half the Sekirei into mindless berserkers."

"All the more reason I need to return. I must do my part to help my race, and I cannot do that unless I know Minaka's plans."

Takami looked at her questioningly, "What are you planning?"

Miya shook her head, "I think it's best you not know, I would hate for Minaka to think your conspiring against him."

Takami glared at him, "Do you have any idea, ANY IDEA, what this will do to the kids?! They live with you, and now Minaka-"

"Minaka will not dare lay a hand on them, even he has never been foolish enough to invade my inn or any who live there. Now he will not dare venture near my inn and risk losing my allegiance. Your children are safer than ever. I will make that clear to him tomorrow."

Takami simply continued, "You promised me-"

"I have broken no promise, I will always keep the children safe, even if it costs my life I will keep them safe. The same cannot be said from you."

Takami was livid, "WHAT?! Why you ungrateful-"

"You promised you would keep the Sekirei safe, yet you help Minaka prep them for his plan?"

Tears were now falling from her eyes, "You think I wanted this? All I ever wanted...was for them to be free...I care for them, I do...but...Minaka..."

Miya sighed, "We are both to blame for this, so please, help me. Help me fix our mistakes."

"I...I..."

"You do not need to answer tonight, I have done a great deal to shock you with all I have done. Though, there is one thing I need to ask of you tonight."

Takami raised an eyebrow, "And what would that be?"

XXXXXXXXXXXX

"Onee-chan!" Yukari practically screamed when Miya entered the house, "Where were you? We heard noises, and then we saw Kazehana and the glasses lady fighting, and-"

"Yukari? What are you doing up?" Miya looked and saw Minato, Kazehana, Matsu, and Uzume at the table, "What are all of you doing up?"

Kazehana shrugged, holding up a sake bottle, "I was thirsty, and when I went to get a drink I ran into her," she pointed towards Matsu, "sneaking up the stairs. When I asked what was going on she told me you heading off to..." she realized she almost said MBI in front of the kids, "...to where Takami works. And with she and Matsu being...well..."

Miya shook her head, "It's alright Kazehana,"

Kazehana blinked, "It...is?" Miya was acting strangely forgiving.

Miya looked at the kids, "Minato-kun, come sit here," she pointed to seats at the table, "next to your sister. I have something important to tell you." Miya took a seat across from them, looking weary, "there was an...incident...where you mother works-"

Minato looked worried, "Is Kaa-san alright?!"

"She's fine, Minato-kun, but...Matsu had some disagreements with them...and she left on bad terms. I went there to make sure there were no hard feelings or resentment," She turned to Matsu, "They said that all is forgiven and that if you ever wish to return you are free to do so."

Matsu's eyes widened, "They-they did?"

Kazehana chuckled, "How did you pull that off? We've been asking Uzume what happened but she would not say, she said we needed to hear it from you."

Miya turned to look at Uzume, "thank you, Uzume-chan," the girl nodded slightly, "I appreciate you giving me a chance to explain things."

"O-of course, Miya-sama."

Miya turned back to the children, "What I wanted to tell you both is that...due to...the incompetence going on at the company...and to make sure something like this does not happen again...I told them I was coming back my old job. As you know, before I-"

*CRASH*

Kazehana had dropped the bottle in shock, Matsu's eyes widened, they could not believe what they were hearing. Miya, going back to the Discipline Squad?

The kids were shocked as well, but for a different reason. Yukari cried, "No! Now will never get to see you, just like kaa-san! You will be there all the time..and..and..."

"No! No! Yukari," she reached over the table and grasped the girl's hands, "Look at me...look...at...me" the girl looked at her with teary eyes, "this is only a part-time job, I have made it clear that this home and you two are the priority. I will still be here in the morning to make breakfast and see you off to school, and I will be here when you come home from school. But at times things might arise at I might be a little late. If that happens," she pulled out a cell-phone, "feel free to call me any time. Even if I cannot respond immediately, I will call back as soon as I can. Never hesitate to call me about anything."

"Really," Minato asked, "Kaa-san only says to call her at certain times and not to harass her with-"

"I am not Takami, you can call me anytime you want as much as you want, I will never be bothered by it."

Yukari stared, "When did you get a cell-phone, Onee-chan?"

Miya smiled, "Your mother was able to get one for me, I will give you both the number, and if you ever need me, just call. Now," she kissed them both on the forehead, "you two need to go to bed and get some sleep before tomorrow."

"Yes, Onee-san."

"HAI!" Yukari smiled as she headed back upstairs.

After the children went to bed, Miya spoke again, "Matsu."

"Y-Yes?"

"Where is Mutsu currently?"

"Um, last I heard he was back in Japan for a festival in Kyoto. Why-"

"I want him back in Tokyo at here at the inn by tomorrow night."

"What? But-"

"By tomorrow night, Matsu," she got up and headed off to her room, "it has been a long night and I am tired. No questions right now, I will explain everything tomorrow."

"Explain everything tomorrow?!" Kazehana nearly shouted, "Miya, you leave the inn with Uzume-chan to see Minaka, then you come home telling us you are 'going back to your old job' we deserve an explanation no-"

"Tomorrow, Kazehana. Matsu and I will explain everything, and I mean everything."

Kazehana turned to Matsu, "What is she-"

Matsu gave a weary smile, "You heard Miya-san. Tomorrow."

XXXXXXXXXXXX

The next day

"As you can see, the facilities have been improved upon since you were last here, with a great deal of updates in the security system and lab facilities." Minaka had insisted that Miya be given a tour of the tower before she began working there again, which is why she was being led around by Minaka's clerk, Natsuo, "and here is the training area. These are the other members of the second generation discipline squad. Karasuba you are already familiar with. The other is-"

"Number 8, Yume," Miya said, "it is a pleasure to see you again."

The brown-haired girl smiled, "It is an honor to be working alongside you Miya-sama," she bowed low to the woman, "I am pleased to hand over the reins to you."

"Yes, you were the leader of the second generation squad, I hope that there are no hard feelings."

Yume looked up, "None at all. Truth be told, I am not sure if I am the leading type. But I do what is expected of me to protect my brothers and sisters."

Miya nodded, "I am sure that you would make a fine leader, but as the original leader to the squad I feel that it is my responsibility to lead them now that I am back. Tell me, is there anything important of note that has changed since my leaving?"

Yume nodded slightly, "Yes, as of right now, nearly all of the Sekirei have been moved to MBI. As you know, after the Sekirei reach a certain age or level of Maturity they are brought to this facility permanently. The exceptions being numbers 102 through 108. They are still in stasis, as Minaka-sama wishes to see the long term effects of keeping a number of the Sekirei in stasis for an extended period of growth. Numbers 84-93 are scheduled to arrive in three months, and numbers 94-101 four months later. At that point, all of the Sekirei will be at MBI."

Miya kept her face stoic, but inside she was fuming, 'Long term effects of stasis? Just what are you planning Minaka?' She then replied, "Thank you, Yume-san. Tell me, what do you think of Tokyo so far?"

"Oh, well, I haven't really explored it, I am still in training so I do not get out much and-"

"That's a shame. Well, I insist you get out and explore a little of Tokyo, it will help you be better prepared for the future when the Sekirei are released."

Karasuba scoffed in the background, but said nothing.

Yume looked nervous, "But Minaka-sama said-"

"Well, as your new leader, I insist that you go out and see the city," she then clapped her hands together, "And since seeing the entire city can be overwhelming, I have an idea of how you can get started." She then explained her idea to Yume. The brown-haired girl blushed slightly, while Karasuba looked on the verge of laughter.

"Miya-sama, I-I don't know if-"

"Nonsense, it will be a good experience for you. Just be sure to arrive early next Saturday."

"But-"

"I insist."

Yume turned to Karasuba, "Um...Karasuba...would you perhaps like to..."

"HA HA! No way, I am not that crazy."

Miya smiled, "Remember, next Saturday. Be early." She then turned to leave, she had to prepare for tonight.

XXXXXXXXXXXX

That night

Miya sat down at the table, along with several members of the original discipline squad, save Karasuba. Miya did not trust her, and with a plan this sensitive she needed to keep the number of people to a minimum, "How are Minato and Yukari?"

Kazehana grinned, "They took their 'medicine' and should be safely asleep all night."

Miya nodded, she did not want to put sleeping pills in the children's water, but she could not risk them waking up and listening in to this meeting, she wanted to keep them safe for as long as possible. "Thank you, now to business," she looked around to Mastu, Mustu, and Kazehana, "as you all know, I recently took back my position as head of the discipline squad."

"Yeah," Mustu replied, "I am curious as to what's going on in your head, because I know you would not willing be working for Minaka again to bring about his plan. Right?"

Miya nodded, "What I intend to do, is end this insanity, once and for all."

"And how do you propose to do that," Mutsu waved to his former teammates, "from what I've gathered, Minaka has a number of safeguards in place to prevent any attempts to end the game prematurely, not to mention that the world governments are still hunting us covertly. Or has that changed?"

Miya turned to Matsu, "Matsu, would you like to explain?"

Matsu nodded, then brought out a device that resembled a tablet, placed it on the table, and activated it. Instantly a large hologram showing facts, figures, and reports popped out, "As you can see, the world governments are putting a great deal of pressure on Japan to surrender Minaka's research and findings. The only reason they have not yielded is from bribery, blackmail, and a combination of innovations Minaka as developed from the ship. Without him, the will falter."

"And the reason someone else can't just take over."

"Simple, fear. Remember the early years on Kamikura island, when they brought scientists aboard to aid the Sekirei in their transition? How many of them betrayed us to the government? How many of them divulged secrets on how to find us? Even Takehito and Takami were growing weary from the pressures of all those people breathing down on us. Minaka was the only one who never faltered, and that was why we trusted him with the Jinki. His workers won't betray him as easily as they would Takami or the other scientists, because they know only Minaka would kill people at random for suspected spying. The others might have them arrested, but Minaka would want to make an example of them. Many of them are resentful and would quickly betray us if they had the chance, and at this juncture, Minaka's death would be such an opportunity."

Miya sighed, "And that's just the beginning."

"Indeed," she brought up another hologram, "these are the satellites that MBI will be launching in the next 2-5 years, each one with enough armaments to blow up all of Tokyo in an instant. This is just one of a number of obstacles we are facing."

Mutsu actually laughed, "You make it seem as if this is just a minor obstacle."

Matsu frowned, "Compared to some of the others, it is. I can hack into these with enough power and time, they are dependent on a rather complex, and therefore, hackable network. I am confident that I can bring these down. The other items," she pulled up another hologram, "will be tricky."

Mutsu stared at this newest object, "What the heck is that?" It looked like a large cylindrical generator, but with a number of odd devices protruding from it.

"The full name is long, complex, and unnecessary, but in laymen's terms, it is known as a pulse bomb."

Mutsu raised an eyebrow, "Pulse Bomb."

Matsu nodded, "Yes, specifically made to launch a massive pulse capable or severing the ashikabi/sekirei bond, rendering them terminated. One of these things will send a signal large enough to cover all of Tokyo, and from what I have gathered, Minaka is placing multiple bombs throughout the city."

"Well, who's placing them? We can find them and force them to tell us where the bombs are."

"That's the tricky part, it's not just one person, it's multiple people. Minaka wanted to prevent them from all being found, so he assigned a different scientist with the placement of each bomb. None of them know where the other bombs are or who the other scientists are that placed them. I cannot even eliminate the security staff from possibly being in on it."

"Well, they could not have each placed them alone, there had to have been accomplices-"

"Did you hear of that accident in the ocean 5 months ago" Mutsu shook his head, "A ship owned by MBI exploded off the coast on its way to China to work at one of our sister branches, it exploded out at sea in what they are calling an engine explosion. That ship contained more than 50 engineers and city developers. The kind you would need to place these generators."

Mutsu groaned, "So what you are saying is, we need to find out how many of these pulse bombs were placed, the names of all the possible scientists/security people who placed them, and then get them to divulge where they are located."

Matsu nodded, "All while under Minaka's nose, if he gets wind of this, he will respond. And the worst part is, I know that he placed at least one of the bombs himself. I have no idea how we are going to figure that one out."

Miya sighed, "One thing at a time, please continue."

Mutsu starred at them, "Wait there's more?"

Matsu nodded, "Yes," she activated one final hologram, "this is Minaka's biggest secret."

The hologram only should an image of a single sheet of paper, almost all of which was redacted. The only pieces of information that were viewable were the project name 'Project G.W.' and the term 'In the event of our leader's capture, arrest, disappearance, or death' the rest of the document was blacked out.

Mutsu starred at it, "'Project G.W.?' Dare I even ask what that is?"

Matsu shook her head, "I honestly have no idea," they all turned to her in surprise, "this is the only bit of info I could find, from the first proposal of the project. Nothing else appears, I suspect Minaka has it on a secure server. All I know is, Minaka developed it in the event anyone tries to prevent his Sekirei Plan from coming to fruition. The only other thing I know is that it is not in Space, nor will it be. Even Minaka cannot hind a launch like this, or hide it as a Satellite. The tech advanced tech would be too obvious. As to where and what it is, I don't know."

Mutsu was silent for a moment, then turned to Miya, "What is it you want from us? Because there is no way we are returning to the Discipline Squad. Getting out the first time was hard enough." Kazehana and Matsu nodded.

Miya looked at him, "I want your help, to find the bombs and this 'Project G.W.' I can get information that none of you can get, and you can go places that I cannot without arousing suspicion. Please, I want to end this, and I cannot do it alone. You once helped me protect our brothers and sisters from outside invaders, please help me protect them again."

Matsu nodded, Kazehana smiled and said, "For love, I would do anything, and there's no way I'm going to be separated from my future ashikabi."

Miya raised an eyebrow, "Minaka has not interest in you, and even so-"

"Oh, it's someone else. Though young, I can feel a minute pull from him. I think it's going to grow stronger as he grows. But we will have to see."

Miya's eyes widened, "You had better not be talking about who I think you're talking about." Thoughts of Minato being corrupted by her, sneaking out to bars and love motels ran through her mind.

Kazehana chuckled, "Relax, I'm not going to do anything to him...yet...and risk your wrath. I can be patient...for love." She sighed.

Miya groaned, then looked at Mutsu pleadingly.

Mutsu simply starred silently, then he finally responded, "You really mean it, don't you? You want to end this." Miya nodded, "(sigh) Alright I help you. I cannot believe I'm saying this, but I'll help you."

Miya smiled, tears coming down her eyes, "Thank you, this means a lot to me, so now you just need to move in."

"Wait, move in?! Look, there are still places I want to see before all this madness begins, and-"

"But you promised, and you don't have to be in Tokyo all the time the next few years. In fact, you might be able to help us find information from other branches of MBI. Minaka might have hidden something on the Pulse bombs or Project G.W. at one of the other locations. But when you are in Tokyo, I wish for you to stay here."

Mutsu simply shook his head, "Fine, it's not as if you will take no for an answer."

Miya smiled, "Thank you."

Matsu then chose to speak up again, "There, um, is one final obstacle." Miya and the others turned to her, "Karasuba, she wants this plan to go through. She wants to fight other Sekirei, to prove her power. She has always loved killing, but she's bored with killing humans, she wants a new challenge. What do you do about her."

Miya thought for a moment, "I will see if there is any way to convince her of ending her insane dream of slaughter, there must be something else she wants." She took a deep breath and sighed once again, "We will deal with that in time."

Matsu nodded, "You do realize, of course, that the plan will most likely begin long before we can find out all of Minaka's precautions and end them?"

Miya nodded, "Sadly yes, but I will do everything I can to prevent, or at least slow down, the slaughter."

Matsu nodded, "I'll do what I can to help, but there is no way I can go to MBI and access the computers anymore, there's no way Minaka will let me anywhere near there with being monitored."

Miya looked at her, "I will do what I can, Minaka knows better than to have me followed, as his past attempts have shown him. Still, I need to be careful about what information I access. If he gets wind of any of this-"

"It's all over."

Miya nodded, then got up, "Well thank you for everything. There's little we can do at the moment before I can get more information, but when I do find out more, I will let you know. In the meantime, there is one thing I desperately need your help with."

Mutsu looked at her questioningly, "And what you that be? Nothing too dangerous I hope."

Miya's smiled widened, "An event next week, and it might just be the most dangerous thing you have ever done."

XXXXXXXXXXXX

One week later

When Yume arrived as requested, she could not believe what she was witnessing. She had be trained to fight soldiers, tanks, artillery, but nothing, nothing she had experienced in training had prepared her for this.

"I love your hair." "Wow you're so pretty!" "Your uniform I so cool!"

Children, a massive swarm of children, "Oh my! Um, I don't think...please, don't touch me there! Ah!" One of the more rambunctious children had actually grabbed her butt.

Miya's aura appeared, "Now, now, that wasn't very nice."

"Ah! I'M SORRY!" The boy promptly ran away.

Miya smiled, then looked back at Yume, "I am sorry, children can wild at times."

"Are...are all earth children like this?"

"No, but they can be very excitable."

It was Yukari's birthday, and she had invited a lot of her classmates to the party. Along with Yume, Mutsu, Kazehana and Matsu had also aided in the event. Many of the male parents that had come could not help but stare at the provacative Kazehana or the 'friendly' Matsu, before getting glared at by their wives. Even Mutsu had attracted a great deal of attention, especially from many of the young girls at the party.

"Onee-chan!" Yukari ran up an hugged the woman, "Thank you! This is the best party I've ever had!"

Miya smiled, "That means a lot come from you, Yukari-chan."

Yukari smiled, but then it faultered a little, "Yeah, but...I just..." they heard a knock at the door. Miya approached the door, and when she opened it, there was "KAA-SAN! YOU MADE IT!"

Takami stood there, holding a small gift, "Happy Birthday Yukari."

XXXXXXXXXXXX

Miya sat outside, looking up at the stars. I had been hours since the party had ended, Yukari had a lot of fun. She spent a lot of time playing, and bragging about the elegant necklace she got from her mother. She was glad she made it, it meant a lot to Yukari to have her mother there. As she thought back to the party, she remember all the Discipline Squad members interracting with the humans and smiled, 'This is what is should have been, my people interracting with humanity peacefully, not preparing to fight one another.' A slight movement caused her to look down. There, his head on her lap, was Minato. It had been a long day for him as well, and now he was resting peacefully with her. Yukari was in, having crashed from too much Soda, candy, and cake. But it was her birthday, if there was ever an excuse to have a little excessive fun it was a day like this. She ran her hands through the boys hair as she looked back at the stairs. It was moments like this that she lived for, when everything in the world seemed right.

A tear flowed from Miya as she closed her eyes, 'Forgive me my beloved Takehito...but I cannot give up the sword...not just yet. I must protect my people...and honor the sacrifice that you have made.' It would a long and winding road, but she would make things right, and end Minaka's mad schemes, once and for all.

XXXXXXXXXXXX

Whew, that took a LOT longer than I thought it would, but I had a lot of ground to cover for this chapter. I was going to have this chapter out sooner, but I wanted to cover a certain amount of the story, and it took a lot longer than I thought. In regards to the pulse bombs and 'Project G.W.' I need reasons for why Miya doesn't just end the plan here and now. Minaka is arrogant, but he knows that he cannot completely Miya or any of the Sekirei. Now, I have a question for you all, in regards to the characters Minaka, and Mikogami what is the order of their first and last names? On the wiki site, sometimes the order is first name then last name, other times its last name then first name. I just want to make sure I do not get their first and last names mixed up. The next chapter will deal with the first few months with Miya back leading the squad. I know this might be an odd choice for me, but I have a lot of this story outlined, and believe me there is a reason behind my choices. And if you think having Miya re-joining the squad was a shocker, just wait until you see what's coming. Thanks again for all the reviews, favs, and favorites for my first chapter. It meant a lot. Also, I apologize for any grammar mistakes in this chapter, my spell & grammar checker is acting funny today. Until next time, please keep the reviews coming!