For the Love of Family - Chapter 4

By NegimaFan

Author's notes: You have no idea how flattered I am with the response I received for my last chapter. I was surprised, though that several of the reviewers did not want Minato winging Tsukiumi. Personally, I like the character, and I think a lot of people do. As stated before, my choices for Minato are decided, and I will reveal them in due time. As for Uzume, she will be winging Chiho, but she will also have a relationship with Minato. To Godric Kharg: Thank you and feel free to use the Tsukiumi back-story I created, I am flattered. To SpecH82: Minato will be changing as he gets older, don't expect him to remain wimpy, and no Minato is not gay. Also, I wish to apologize to you and to many of my readers for what is coming. A big THANK YOU to all my readers, your words mean a lot. Well...this is it, the chapter I have been planning for some time. It proved far harder to write than I expected. The reason being...well...after reading all the heartfelt reviews for my story, I have a strong feeling I am going to be upsetting a lot of people with this chapter. Still, I know that many would also be upset if I did not follow through with my planned story (I know I would) so it is with that notion that I continue my story as planned. I only ask that you keep in mind, this is not bashing any characters, and this was not a spur of the moment decision, I have been planning this since I first outlined my story. With that in mind, let's get this chapter started!

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Miya looked out over the cliff-face, contemplating what had happened that day, of the events that transpired, and what to do now. Tears ran down her cheeks as she looked out onto the horizon. How had this happened, when she came back to the squad she had done it to prevent the loss of any of her fellow Sekirei. Now, before Minaka's mad plan could even begin, one of the children had been clipped of their wings. It should have not come to this, it never even should have happened, but because of Minaka it had. She looked down at the wrapped bundle at her feet, "I am so sorry little one, I am sorry that this happened to you."

"Aw, someone feeling guilty Number One?" Miya whirled around to see Karasuba, a massive grin on her face, "Geez, if you are feeling this guilty now, I wonder what you'll feel when the real fighting begins?"

Miya glared at her, "What do you want Karasuba?"

Karasuba walked up beside Miya and looked out on the horizon, "I just wanted to let you know that Yume-chan is on the way back to MBI with Number 88, as you ordered."

"That's...good."

"I also wanted to thank you."

Miya raised an eyebrow, "Thank me? For what?"

Karasuba turned to her, "For what you said to Yume-chan of course."

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Flashback

"S-She can't be...oh...poor little bird, they...they clipped her of her wings," Yume was crying, "before she could even find her destined love, she was robbed of her life. She deserved a chance."

"Yara, Yara, Number 8, don't be so weepy, there's nothing to be done about it," Karasuba shook her head, "it's better to move on and forget about her."

"Forget about her?! She's was an innocent little child, she was one of our sisters."

"And now she's gone, it's a shame, but there is nothing more you can do for her."

Yume actually glared at her, "You're wrong Karasuba, there is something I can do. Miya-dono," Miya looked up at her, "please give me the child."

Miya looked at her, "Why, Yume-san?"

Yume stood tall, "I wish to give her a chance at life, so I will give her my core."

Karasuba and Miya stared at her. Karasuba finally yelled, "WHAT?!"

"I...I wish to give her my core."

"ARE YOU INSANE?!" Karasuba glared at Yume , "YOU WOULD GIVE UP YOUR CORE JUST SO A LITTLE BRAT YOU NEVER MET BEFORE CAN LIVE ON UNTIL SOMEONE ELSE KILLS HER?!"

"D-Don't say that," Yume cried, "She deserves-"

"SHE DESERVES TO ROT IN THE GROUND, SHE WAS WEAK! SHE-"

"SHE WAS NOT EVEN TRAINED! IF SHE HAD A CHANCE TO GROW SHE COULD BE-"

"ENOUGH!" Miya screamed, "There will be no sacrifices today."

Yume looked at Miya, shocked, "Miya-dono, you cannot possibly be saying-"

"I am sorry, Yume-san, but you and Number 87 are two very different types of Sekirei. Odds are, you tama would not be compatible, and you most likely would be throwing your life away for nothing. Had it been Number 88 then your core would have most likely been compatible, but-" she trailed off, unable to say any more.

"B-But, it's my choice to make, and I am willing to take that chance if it means she could have a chance at finding love."

Miya looked at her, "And what about you? What about your chance at finding love?"

"What?" Yume found herself at a loss for words, "I-I-"

"Yume," Miya placed her free hand on Yume shoulder, speaking to her rather informally now, "you have sacrificed so much for the Sekirei, you deserve a chance at love too. I will not allow you to throw away your chance at love, you know how precious it is. I know how precious it is, so please, live on and find love." Karasuba scoffed at this. Miya sent her a glare before continuing, "Your love for your sister speaks well of you, and is prove of the love you have in your heart. It is a love that deserves to find its partner, do not throw it away so easily."

"B-But, Miya-dono. This little bird had love as well, surely-"

"Yume," tears were now coming down her eyes, "PLEASE, don't give up your core, it will not work. You and her are too different, as I said you Tama is not at all compatible with her body. I already lost a husband and one of my sisters," She looked at the lifeless body in her arm, then back at Yume, "I do not wish to lose you as well."

"I...I..." Yume lowered her head, "I won't, Miya-dono. B-But it hurts, it hurts so much." She pressed a hand to her heart.

"I know it does, Yume, I know," She then stood tall, "please take Number 88 back to MBI, there should be transport ready for pickup by now."

Yume looked up, "Y-Yes, Miya-dono. But what about-"

"I...I will return as well. I just...need some time. Karasuba," Karasuba perked up, "please help me clean the battlefield."

"Clean the battlefield? Are you serious?!"

"Yes, Karasuba," Miya looked at her, eyes glowing slightly, "I am."

"Yara, yara, I'm coming."

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"Why did you tell her that?" Karasuba asked, "There's no way you could know that her core was not compatible, it's never been done before."

Miya simply looked out to the horizon, saying nothing.

"Well? Aren't you going to say something Number One?"

Again, silence.

"Hmph," Karasuba looked back out at the horizon as well, "Well, whatever your reasons, I am grateful. The thought of losing Number 8...It's...unthinkable."

Miya blinked in surprise, "You...actually care about her don't you?"

"Well of course I care about her," Miya's chest begin to fill with hope. Perhaps there was more to her, perhaps- "I am the only one allowed to kill her, and when the time comes I will enjoy it like nothing else."

Instantly Miya's hopes deflated, "Is...is that really the only thing you care about, Karasuba?"

Karasuba chuckled, "Didn't we have this conversation recently, Number One?"

Miya nodded slightly, remembering the conversation from a few weeks ago.

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Flashback

"Karasuba," the woman looked up from her training, into Miya's eyes, "what do you want more than anything? What do you hope to gain from all this?"

Karasuba gave a wide, dark grin, "To see the world burn, Number One."

"I'm serious Karasuba," Miya replied dryly.

"What makes you think I'm not being serious, Number One?" Miya simply stared at her. Karasuba continued to smiled, "Fine. While I would love to see the world burn, there is one thing I want more than anything."

"And what is that?"

Karasuba's grin widened, "A fight."

Miya quirked an eyebrow, "A fight? That's it? You fight all the time, is that not enough?"

Karasuba shook her head, "Not just any fight, the ultimate fight. One that would get my blood boiling and push me to my limits. To really give it my all, then see the look my opponent's face as I finally end their life." Karasuba continued to smiled as dark look in her eye growing colder with each word.

Miya looked on, "Is there really nothing else you desire? Is there no room on your heart for love?"

Karasuba laughed, "I'm not like the other Sekirei, I have no desire to submit to these week humans. No Ashikabi will ever control me, and weaken me like your mate did to you."

Miya's eyes widened, then she glared at Karasuba, "Takehito did not make me weak, he gave my life purpose, and a strength I did not even know I had."

"Please," Karasuba rolled her eyes, "he made you give up your sword and the God's seat to be his live-in maid."

Miya was shaking now, "First off, I was not his maid, I was his wife. Second, I chose to step down, Takehito never made me leave, I wanted to step down."

"Right," Karasuba replied, not convinced, "and not even a year since his passing you're already back, sword in hand, leading the Discipline Squad once again," She chuckled, "and growing stronger every day. Face it, number one, without Takehito's love getting in the way you are as fierce as ever."

Miya was having trouble keeping her anger in check, "Yes I have taken up the sword again, and yes my old strength is returning, but not from losing Takehito. It's because I have new love my life, and new people to protect, people I would do anything for."

"Who? Takami's kids?" She began to howl, "Those little monkeys? They're not worth your time. They're just like the rest of their race: greedy, petty, weak. When they grow up, all that love you feel will be gone, as they either go back to 'mommy' or find a couple of people to bang. When that happens, they'll forget all about their nursemaid."

Tears began to form in Miya's eyes, "All these years, and you have learned nothing. You still feel no love, no compassion, no warmth."

Karasuba shrugged, "So you say, number one, I just think I never gave in to the weaknesses the rest of my race surrendered to."

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"So, Yume-san is the one you wish to kill?" Miya shook her head, "Why? Why do you want to kill the one Sekirei who considers you a friend, the only one who believes there is something more to you?"

Karasuba looked out at the horizon, a glazed look in her eye, "I want to kill her because she is the one Sekirei who considers me a friend and believes in me. I want her to find love, to fight for that love in the Sekirei plan, to be forced to fight her sisters so that she may stay with the one she loves. Then, I want us to be the last two Sekirei, to fight to the bitter end, her love versus my hate, to push ourselves to the very limit. And as the battle reaches its climax...I will kill her, and in her final moments make her see that her boundless love is no match for my limitless hatred for this wretched race." She began to laugh coldly.

"B-But does it have to be Yume? Do all the other Sekirei need to suffer just to fulfill your selfish desires?"

"Yes," Karasuba practically hissed, "it must be her, no other Sekirei is strong enough to challenge me. Except for you, Number One, but you don't fight Sekirei do you? And besides, all that time with Takehito made you soft. Besides I want to fight someone not just for their power, but for their philosophies. Number Eight is opposite of me, no one is better suited for a final fight than her."

"So...you're thanking me for not allowing her to give up her Tama to number 87?"

Karasuba nodded, "I don't know what I would have done if I lost her, to have her give up her core to save a weak little bird like her...I don't think I could have handled it. I probably would have pursued my desire to see the world burn."

"I see," Miya now turned to Karasuba, "then I just have one more thing to say to you Karasuba...thank you."

Karasuba turned slightly, raising an eyebrow, "You're thanking me?"

"For helping me reach my decision."

"Decision? What deci-"

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There are times when the director is shocked, there are times when the director is furious, but it is rare for him to be both shocked and furious at the same time. This is one of those times, "SHE DID WHAT?!"

Yume simply stared, wide-eyed, unable to move, she could not process what was being said, it made no sense, she would never...and yet-

Miya simply looked on, an eerily calm look in her eyes, "It is as I said...Number 4, Karasuba, gave up her core to Number 87. From what the scientists who are examining her tell me, she is expected to make a full recovery."

This...this was inconceivable, for Number four to do something, Yume finally her voice, "B-But Miya-dono you said the Tama would not be-"

"I said your Tama was not compatible, and I never even considered asking Karasuba. But...after she saw what you were willing to do..."

Yume shook her head, "It...it makes no sense...she called her weak...she..."

"Yume," Miya handed her a piece of paper, "she wanted you to have this."

Yume looked at the folded scrap, then slowly, hands shaking slightly, Yume opened the note and read on.

Dear Ms. Fate,

Yara, yara, you are probably wondering why I am doing this. I could tell you that as I saw you willing to go so far to save another's life finally opened my eyes, or that for the first time I finally felt love in my heart...but we both know that isn't true. The truth is, when I saw you willing to give up your core to give the little brat another chance at life, I realized something...you're weak. All I wanted was the ultimate fight, one to push me to the brink, but you'll never give me that, will you? No, you would rather risk your life protecting others than giving it all in a fight to the finish. So, without you to fight me seriously, who else is there? I have killed for so long, it no longer excites me like it used to. And now that I have seen the real you, I now know there is no Sekirei that will fight me with their all either. What's left for me? To be shackled to some monkey, to be winged? I don't want that, I never wanted that, and I refuse to serve one of them. So, with that in mind, I decided to do the one thing you could not do...I am giving up my core to your little bird. Maybe she can find some love in the world, because I have no love for it, nor do I want any. All I ask is you do one thing for me...train her. Make her strong. You think she has the potential to be great? Then DO IT! I will not allow my Tama to be in the body of a weakling! Do this for me, and I will be satisfied, so don't let me down.

Karasuba

Tears formed in Yume's eyes, "I promise, Karasuba."

Minaka held out his hand, "I want to see that!" Yume handed him the letter, he quickly read it, eyes widening as he read on, "I don't believe it!" He threw the letter in the air, only to have it snatched up once again by Yume, "How could you do this?!" Miya stiffened slightly, "How could you allow Number Four to give up her core like this?! She was one of my greatest warriors, not to mention one of my biggest supporters for the Sekirei Plan, do you have any idea what her loss means?! For you to allow her-" Minaka suddenly found Miya's hand wrapped around his throat.

"The ONLY reason this happened was because of YOU! YOU moved up the date of the transport! YOU decided not to tell us about it, leaving it exposed! Because of your incompetence two of my little birds were captured and experimented on! If not for you, I would have been able to protect the transport from the beginning and it would not have needed to come to this! If anyone if to blame for what happened today, it's YOU!" Hand still wrapped around his throat, Minaka was suddenly finding it hard to breath.

"Hgh! Grk!" Minaka clawed helplessly against Miya's hand.

'How easy it would be,' Miya thought, 'to snap his neck right now.' She could do it, no one could stop her. And really, would anyone care? But as this thought came to her, she remember what Matsu told her, about the other governments, the Pulse Bombs, and 'Project G.W.' It was still too early, and she did not want to risk the destruction of her race. There was a chance that Project G.W. was nothing more than a bluff, a smokescreen, but it was still too early to know. Slowly, she let go of Minaka's neck.

Minaka gasped for air, "Don't...do...that...again, or I swear you will regret it." He was shaking slightly, and for the first time in ages Minaka actually felt a pang of genuine fear. Miya had never attacked him like that before, it terrified him.

Miya continued to glare, "I will keep that in mind...so long as you keep in mind that if you make any more decisions like the one that caused this fiasco I will make you regret it."

Minaka was furious, "Now see here, Number One, you forget your place here at MBI. You work for me, you serve me, and you do not tell me how to run things! While you are free to make suggestions or requests, you do not dictate how I run things, that decision lies solely with me."

"Perhaps that is the problem, your childish need to control every aspect of this company."

"Childish?! How you forgotten who saved you and the rest of your people from you imprisonment on that ship? Have you forgotten who stood up the world governments to secure you protection? Have you-"

"I have not forgotten, just as I have not forgotten what your desires have cost me-" she trailed off, thinking of Takehito.

Minaka growled slightly before sitting back in his chair, "Where is Karasuba's body? I wish to have my scientists examine-"

"It's gone."

"GONE?!" Minaka, once again, rose from his seat, "What do you mean gone?"

"I burned it."

"I...wha...d...why would you DO THAT?!" Minaka asked through clenched teeth.

"It was Karasuba's final request. She did not, and I quote, 'Want that puny monkey or any of his other monkeys experimenting on my body, I want a warriors end.' So I burned her body and on the way back stopped at Thermopylae to spread her ashes across it. She always was an admirer of the Spartans."

Minaka was shaking from rage, "You had no right to-"

"Rights?! You are talking to me about rights? After everything you've done-"

"Everything I've done has been for the betterment of the Sekirei!"

"The betterment of the Sekirei?! You arrogant, egotistical-"

"I knew it," the two them turned to Yume, who did not even seem to be paying attention to them. She was holding the letter to her chest, tears rolling down her closed eyes, a small smile gracing her lips, "I knew that there was more to Karasuba than she let on. They always said that she was a monster, but I knew there was something more to her."

"Really?" Minaka asked, his curiosity peaked, "That's not what I got from the letter she wrote."

"That's just Karasuba being Karasuba. Even in the end, she would never admit to feeling any sense of love or compassion, but I knew that there was something more there. Karasuba," Yume's eyes opened slightly, "I promise that I will honor your last request. Kaho will become strong, and so will Musubi. I will train them...to be the best."

Minaka and Miya continued to stare at her, unable to find anything to say. Finally, Miya turned back to Minaka and spoke up, "Director, I...apologize...for my outburst. But, after everything that has happened..."

"Enough," Minaka raised his hand, "just...enough. You are free to go, both of you. Leave me, I have...a lot to think about." He then turned, to look out his window. Miya and Yume nodded, then proceeded to exit the office.

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"Onee-chan!" Yukari ran up to Miya, crying slightly, "Where were you?! You-you didn't answer any of my calls...and...and..."

"Yukari-chan!" Miya consoled the girl, "I am really sorry, there was an incident and...wait, what are you still doing up?" It was now after midnight, "You have school tomorrow."

"W-We couldn't sleep, we were worried about you." She pointed to Minato, who's head was on Kazehana's lap, he was starting to stir, "W-Why didn't you answer my calls? You-you promised."

Giving a rather forlorn smile, Miya reached into her pocket and pulled out her phone, "I am so sorry, Yukari-chan, but...there was an accident," Yukari looked at the phone, it was broken, "I didn't even realize it was broken until I got back, I...there was a lot that happened today, and..." She was now hugging Yukari, and crying into the little girl's shoulder.

"Onee-chan?" Yukari felt Miya's tears on her, "Why are you crying? I forgive you, I was just scared, I sorry if-"

"It's alright Yukari-chan, It's not you...I just...had a long day," She hugged Yukari tighter, "I love you, Yukari-chan."

Yukari froze, "I-I love you too, Onee-chan."

"Onee-san?" Miya looked to see Minato and the others come towards her. Slowly, she let go of Yukari and stood up looking at them, "Are you alright? When we didn't hear from you-"

"I am sorry, I had a very long day, and my phone broke. I will need to get a replacement tomorrow. I am sorry for worrying you."

Minato simply nodded, "It's alright, Onee-san, we were just worried."

"Yes, thou hast been waiting for your return all this time, he refused to go to bed until he heard that thou was alright," Tsukiumi shook her head, "thine actions confuse me, why dost thou worry so much over Miya-dono, she can clearly take care of herself."

"I-I just needed to know, it's not like her to not answer her phone for so long and...well..." Minato found himself unsure of what to say next.

Kazehana chuckled, "Well, I do hope my lap made a good pillow for you Minato-kun," Minato blushed, "In fact, if you ever need a pillow again, just-" she stopped talking, feeling the immense aura.

"Kazehana-san," Miya's hannya mask appeared behind her, "please do not corrupt Minato-kun any further."

"Y-Yes Miya-san."

"Thank you. Now," she looked at the children, "I think it is time for you go to bed."

"Yes, Onee-san."

"Hai, Onee-chan."

"As you wish, Miya-dono."

Uzume giggled, "Good night, Miya-san." They then proceeded to go to bed.

Miya looked over at Kazehana, "Kazehana, are Matsu and Mutsu here?"

Kazehana nodded, "Yes, Mutsu just arrived here the other day. Sorry they were not down here, but they were rather tired and they knew that you would be fine."

"Good, please get them up, and bring them down here...there is something I need to tell you and the others."

"Tell us? Wha-" suddenly there was a ringing, "I think someone is calling you on your landline."

Miya heard it, and went to the phone, picking it up, she answered, "Hello?"

"WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED?!"

Miya pulled the phone away from her ear, "Takami?"

"I want to know exactly what happened, and no BS this time!" Takami was still screaming into the phone.

"Takami-san, please calm down, you'll wake the children if you keep yelling into the phone like that."

"I don't care! I just heard from Minaka about what happened! Do you honestly expect me to believe that Karasuba just-"

"As I told Minaka-san, Karasuba gave up her core to save Number 87." Miya talked calmly into the phone.

"Enough! I want the truth, NOW!"

"I have already told you the truth," Miya repeated in an eerily calm voice.

"I am not Minaka or Yume, so excuse me if I don't take everything you say at face value."

"Takami-san, I have told you everything, please," Miya's voice was starting to crack, "just...It has been a long and trying day for me...I need some time to process all of this...please."

"..." Miya heard a sigh over the phone, "Fine, but I want to know everything at some point."

"I have already told you everything."

"You want to keep doing this? Fine, but I will find out the truth."

"Is it really necessary to keep digging into this? I have already told you what happened."

"..." Miya heard a click Indicating that Takami had hung up.

Miya took a deep sigh, then turned around to see Kazehana, Matsu, and Mutsu staring at her, wide eyed. "Miya-san," Kazehana said in disbelief, "did you say that Karasuba-"

"She gave up her core to Number 87, Kaho. Hers was damaged beyond repair by the invaders." Miya repeated what she had told Minaka.

Matsu found herself unable to speak, and Mutsu finally found his voice, "Miya-san...what is going on?"

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As Takami hung up phone, her mind was swirling. When she heard about what had happened with Karasuba she could not believe it, it made no sense. She read the letter Miya had given Yume over a dozen times, it sounded like Karasuba, and the handwriting matched hers. Still...it did not seem at all like something she would do. Miya's 'story' did not convince her, Minaka, or most of the MBI staff and older Sekirei. In fact, the only mature Sekirei who seemed to genuinely believe the entirety of Miya's story was Yume. Takami pulled out her lighter, hands shaking like crazy, struggling to light the cigarette in her mouth. She had never been so shaken up, not since the days of the first invasion of Kamikura Island. On the one hand, the loss of Karasuba brought her some relief. Karasuba was always far too bloodthirsty, and cruel. One the other hand...what happened to Karasuba scared her a little. Something wasn't right about all this, and while she suspected what most likely happened, she did not want to jump to conclusions until she heard the entire story from Miya. Right now she was still sticking to the story that she told Minaka and Yume, but one way or another she would get the truth from her.

As she puffed out the smoke, she looked out onto the city, 'Miya...what did you do?' Something was going on, especially since not long before Miya's return, MBI's satellites mysteriously went down. That scared her as well, since those surveillance photos were the only clue she could have gotten to help her figure out what happened today. 'Miya, did you-' she pushed the thought away. She would not make assumptions about this, not until she gave Miya the chance to tell her face-to-face what happened.

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The former Discipline Squad members stared at Miya, unable to comprehend what they were hearing. Miya had just relayed to them the same information she had told Minaka, Yume, and Takami. They could not believe it, the Karasuba they knew would have never given up her Tama to another Sekirei. Yet, Miya continued to state that's what happened, she refused to say anything else on the matter.

Kazehana finally spoke up, "Miya...what you're saying...I...I just...can't believe it."

"Believe me, Kazehana, I am as surprised as any of you, but that is what happened," Miya said with a rather distant look in her eye, "Karasuba was tired of this world, and refused to ever allow herself to be winged by an Ashikabi. She had no one left to challenge, well no one willing to anyway."

Mutsu shook her head, "Miya-san, you are among friends...please don't insult us. What really happened?"

"I have already told you what happened."

Matsu place her hands on Miya's shoulders, "Miya-san, we deserve the truth."

"I have told you the truth," Miya stated again.

"Oh really?" Matsu then pulled at Miya's haori, revealing the flesh underneath. She, Kazehana, and Mutsu went wide-eyed at the sight. Miya's arms, her chest, they were covered in bandages. "Miya," Matsu stated as Miya quickly covered herself up, "What the hell is going on? Why won't you tell us the truth?"

Miya glared at the three of them, "You should know better than to do such perverted things, Matsu-san." She let loose the full power of her hannya mask. I didn't work, for the first time ever the three of them did not budge.

Matsu actually glared back, "Perverted?! You come here claiming that Karasuba willingly gave up her core, while you are covered in bandages. This has nothing to do with my tastes, Miya-san, it has to do with the truth."

Mutsu nodded, "We deserve it."

Kazehana looked on, "Miya-san, don't lie to us, tell us what happened . I promise that no matter what we will understand." The truth was the three of them were frightened by this. Karasuba may have been a bloodthirsty killer but she was still a sister, she was one of them. For Miya to do what they suspected she did...as much as they disliked Karasuba, they didn't really want her dead. Secretly, Kazehana had always hoped that Karasuba might have changed once she found love. After all, if Miya could change, why not her. But now...could Miya really go that far? Could she-

"I have already TOLD you the truth."

"Miya-"

"Please," she looked away, tears forming in her eyes, "please...I...have told you the truth...please." They had never seen her like this, she was shaking like crazy.

Mutsu sighed, "Fine, if you say she gave up her Tama for Kaho, we believe you...for now." He then rose up from his seat, a look of pity in his eyes.

Kazehana and Matsu soon rose as well. Kazehana placed a hand on Miya's shoulder, "If you ever need to talk, I am right here for you."

Miya nodded, unable to look her in the eye, "Thank you, Kazehana."

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Minaka sat in his chair, hands steepled in front of his face, looking out at the city from his office. He thought back to all the events that has transpired that day. Without Karasuba, he would be forced to rely on Miya to enforce the plan more than ever now. As he thought back to what Miya said to him, he realized something, she was right, he had grown arrogant. He was reminded of the tale of Icarus, the arrogant child who flew too close to the sun and his wings of wax melted, and he plummeted to the sea. Like Icarus he had grown arrogant and he flew too close to the sun, but unlike Icarus he was forcibly pulled down before the wax fully melted. He was still flying, but instead of soaring like he was before he was now struggling just to continue flying. There was much to be done, and after what Miya did to him he was actually a little afraid. Of course if she had killed him, then she and the rest of the Sekirei, not to mention Tokyo, would be doomed. He had made sure that if the game ended before he wanted, or if someone tried to bring him down, they would all pay.

Suddenly, a beeping sound came from his desk. He turned around in his chair, opened the drawer, and pulled out an electronic keypad. He looked over the information on the keypad, punched in a combination of keys, and the beeping ended. He smirked, satisfied, then placed the device back in the drawer. He then pulled out a manila envelope from another drawer, and opened it. This one contained pictures retrieved from the MBI surveillance satellite shortly before it 'mysteriously' went dark. Minaka chuckled, he made sure that no one but him had this information. After all, what good is blackmail material if too many people had access to it? Inside the envelope were three sets of pictures, the first were of the cliff-face, rock formations, and general layout of the area where Miya, Karasuba, and Yume were dropped off to retrieve to stolen Sekirei. The second set was of the cliff-face shortly before Miya arrived back in Japan, except there was no cliff-face, or rock formations, or anything. The entire area looked like it had been bombarded with a short-range missile attack. The third set was of the area after it had been bombarded with a missile attack. The invaders wanted to make sure that there was no evidence of what they had done lying around. With that, the only evidence of what had transpired was in his hands. While it did not prove exactly what happened, it at least poked a great deal of holes in Miya's story. Now the question was, how to use information? He chuckled, "My dear Number One, you have been rather naughty, haven't you?"

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The Next Morning

Minato walked down the stairs, rubbing his eyes. He did not get a great deal of sleep, especially after Kazehana and Matsu snuck into his room. They told him they needed some company, he had heard that before. However, unlike other times they had tried this, they did not make any suggestive comments, they just lied next to him and held him close. It was if they were in need in some comfort. As he walked downstairs, he smelled smoke. He rushed outside and saw Miya over a trashcan throwing in papers.

"Onee-san?" Miya turned around, "What are you doing?"

"I...just needed to get rid of some old papers."

"But...why do you need to burn them?"

"I...have my reasons," she then placed a hand on his head, "now get ready for school, I will have breakfast ready soon."

"H-Hai, Onee-san," Minato then proceeded back to the inn.

As Minato left, Miya looked back at the burning pile. In the pile, several of the burning letters still had some legible text. Many of them began with the words 'Dear Yume' or 'Hey Ms. Fate' until the fire burned them all to ash. Miya stared solemnly at the pile. All Miya could think at that time was, 'One less obstacle.' She frowned, wishing that it had not come to this.

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2 1/2 Months Later

"Come on, come on," Miya said, clapping her hands, "I want this place spotless. They'll be here soon, and I want everything perfect." She was rushing through the inn, making sure everything was ready.

"Yes, Onee-san," Minato replied as he was finishing the floors with Tsukiumi.

"Onee-chan," Yukari whined as finishing the dusting with Uzume, "is all of this necessary? I mean they're just some-"

"They are our new residents, and I want to show them how nice this inn is on their first day here. Don't you want to give them a good first impression?"

Yukari sighed, defeated, "Hai, Onee-chan."

Miya smiled, "Good," she heard knocking, "Oh, there here. Come one everyone, time to welcome our new residents." The group quickly rushed to the door, and Miya opened it wide, "Welcome to Izumo Inn."

A Silver-haired young man reached out and kissed her hand, "I am very grateful for your hospitality, Miya-sama."

"Aww, you naughty flirt, Homura" Miya blushed.

"Thank you for letting us stay here," A black-haired girl said as she bowed, "we are both grateful."

"Yes, very grateful," The other black-haired girl said.

"Hikari, Hibiki, you are always welcome here," Miya smiled gently at them, "it is a pleasure to have you."

"You are most generous," A tall brunette smiled, "and I promise that we will be proper guests. It means a lot that you are letting us stay here while their adjustments are being finished."

Miya shook her head, "It is no problem, Yume-san. My husband always believed in never turning away anyone in need, and neither will I."

Yume smiled, "Thank you, Miya-dono," She then turned to the two girls at either side of her, "Musubi-chan, Kaho-chan, don't you have something to say?"

"Hai, Musubi is very grateful to be living here, thank you Miya-sama."

"Yes," Kaho bowed slightly, "thank you for your generosity, Landlady-dono."

Miya giggled, "You are very welcome, having so many people at my inn is truly a blessing."

As they entered the inn, Miya looked at Kaho. She read the reports, Kaho had made a full recovery. The only noticeable difference in her is that now her black hair now had a long-eerily familiar-streak of grey running through it.

Miya smiled, it was finally happening. After a number of delays, these Sekirei could finally live at the inn. After the incident, Miya convinced Minaka that Yume should bring Musubi and Kaho to the inn, in order to help them get over the trauma of their capture. So, after some time, he finally allowed them to join Takehito's Sekirei in the move to the inn. Now, finally, they were all here.

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"Okay," Miya said as she had all of them sitting at the table, "before all of you get settled in, I want to inform you of the new sleeping arrangements."

"New arrangements?" Yukari asked, "But we should have just enough rooms for everyone Onee-chan."

"Yes, but I always want to keep at least one or two rooms open for potential boarders. Especially since we are going to have one coming today."

"We are? Who?" Minato asked.

"You'll find out soon enough. Now, as for the arrangements," she pulled out a sketch, "Hikari, Hibiki, you two will be sharing a room," the twins nodded, "as will Kaho and Musubi, along with Yume-san since you will be in one of the largest bedrooms" the girls smiled, satisfied with the decision, "Uzume has asked to room with Kazehana, and I found this fine."

Uzume smiled, "Yeah! I get to room with Oneechan!" She smiled as she hugged Kazehana.

"(Chuckle) You are a friendly one, Uzume-chan."

Miya smiled, "Homura, I hope you don't mind, but when Mutsu stays here do you mind sharing a room with him?"

Homura shook his head, "Of course not, Miya-sama."

"Thank you., Minato-kun you will be rooming alone, but that could change in the future," Minato nodded, "Yukari-chan, Tsukiumi-chan you two will be sharing room-"

"WHAT?!"

"Art thou crazy? To share mine space with this...this...perverted whelp is-"

"Hey, I don't want to share my room with her," pointing at Tsukiumi, "Onee-chan! Why does Minato-nii get to have his own room?"

"For one, there are only a few men in this house, and two when you moved in Minato took the smallest bedroom."

"But...but..."

"You know," Kazehana spoke up, "if it would help I would be happy to share a room with Minato-kun. He could share with me and Uzume-chan and then Tsukiumi and Yukari wouldn't have to share." She hugged Minato while looking over at Uzume, "You don't mind, do you Uzume-chan."

Uzume stared at her for a moment before grinning, "Not at all, Oneechan, it could be fun."

"Well, that settles that," Kazehana said triumphantly, "I guess you'll be moving in our room, Minato-kun."

"What? But I...I..."

"What's wrong? Do you have a problem with me and Uzu-chan?"

"No," he muttered, "you're both very beautiful, but wouldn't-" He couldn't get in another word before both Uzume and Kazehana squeezed him tight.

"Do you hear that," Kazehana practically squealed, "He called us beautiful! Such a sweet boy!"

"Heh heh! He is rather sweet," Uzume squeezed his arm into her breasts, "Well, I guess we better-"

*WHACK* *WHACK*

"Please stop teasing Minato-kun," Miya scolded, "he will not be moving into your room, and Tsukiumi-chan will be sharing a room with Yukari-chan."

"Miya-dono," Tsukiumi spoke up, "I must protest! Why must I share a room with thine perverted brat?"

"Hey!"

Tsukiumi growled, "I see no reason for this, thou hast many free rooms at this inn, why can't-"

"Because I wish to keep some rooms open for potential residents, such as a temporary one who is arriving today."

"Who? Who is this person that will be-"

"Hey is anyone home?" Instantly Tsukiumi's spine went cold.

'No,' Tsukiumi thought, 'it can't be.' But as she finished her thought a woman with dark hair in a lab coat walked in, "BABA?!"

"I told you not to call me that!" Miyajima practically yelled, "My house is being renovated so I will be staying here for a little over a month."

"WHAT?!"

Miya glared at the woman, "You told me it was only for a few weeks."

Miyajima rubbed the back of her head, "Sorry, it turns out the renovations will take longer than expected."

"This is why I must share mine space with the perverted brat?!"

"Aww, it something wrong, Tsukiumi-chan~?" Miyajima practically cooed at her, "Well if it's that big a problem you can always room with me?" She grinned.

Instantly Tsukiumi cowered behind Minato clinging to him, "I-I have changed my mind, I see no reason I cannot share mine space with...with Yukari-chan. Thou...thou art not so bad."

Miyajima chuckled before looking at the boy she was hiding behind, "Oh, what do we have here?" She looked Minato up and down, while the boy just stiffened and stood there, "So...you're boy that captured Tsukiumi-chan's heart? Hmm...not bad, not bad. A little too wimpy for my tastes, but you seem alright." Minato blushed.

Tsukiumi blushed as well, "He-He has not captured mine heart! How many times must I say it? Thou art mistaken!"

"Sure, Tsukiumi-chan, you have no interest in him at all," Miyajima replied, dripping with sarcasm.

"Um, Miyajima-san?" Minato finally spoke up.

Miyajima grinned, "Yes, Minato-kun?"

"Um...why are you staying here? Don't you have family you can stay with?"

Miyajima stiffened slightly before replying, " Tsukiumi-chan is my family."

"Oh, is she your daughter? I didn't know that, my apologies."

"She is not my mother!" Tsukiumi yelled, "for one thing Baba is far too old to be my mother, and for another-"

"How many times have I told you not to call me that?!" Miyajima was starting to lose her patience.

"So is she your grandmother?"

"NO!" Tsukiumi screamed.

"Then why does she-"

"That's enough questioning for now," Miya stated, "Miyajima," She looked the old woman right in the eye, "I want to make something perfectly clear, you are not to do or say anything inappropriate to any of the inn's residents, especially Tsukiumi-chan! If you do..." Miya's hannya mask appeared behind her.

Miyajima merely smirked, though internally she was shaking slightly, "It'll take a lot more than that to scare me. And anyway nothing I say is inappropriate, after all I am just ask is questions? What's wrong with that?"

"Miyajima-san," the woman turned back to Minato, "don't you think that some questions might be inappropriate? Some subjects make people...uncomfortable."

Miyajima chuckled, "That's their problem, there are no inappropriate questions, not for a scientist," She pounded her chest, "and to prove it, ask me any question, whatever you want."

"Okay..." and in that Minato did one of his first acts of complete spontaneity, "Have you ever been married?"

Miyajima froze, then abruptly picked up her bags, "You know, it's been a long day for me, I think I would just like to unpack." She then rushed from the room.

Tsukiumi looked at the empty doorway, then back at Minato, feeling a sense of newfound respect for the boy.

Kazehana grinned, 'Look at him, still just a kid and so...manly~.'

Matsu and Uzume giggled, the rest simply stared.

*Flick*

"OW! Onee-chan," Minato rubbed his forehead.

"What did I just say about inappropriate dialogue?"

"But-"

"The rules apply to you, her, and the rest of the inn's residents."

"Yes, Miya-nee."

"Good, now let's help our new residents get settled."

XXXXXXXXXXXX

Later that day

"Minato" Miya was currently with the boy in his room, "what is it that you wanted to show me?"

Minato shifted awkwardly for a second before pulling out a box, "I found this while I was cleaning the other day." He opened it and Miya gasped.

"Oh, my wedding album!" She quickly grabbed it and flipped through the pages, "I had actually forgotten where I put this! Oh," tears were flowing down her cheeks, "it was the happiest day of my life." After Takehito died, Miya packed up most of the pictures and his belongings and stuffed them into a closet. It hurt too much to look at them. Then, the children came to live at the inn, and then there was her returning to MBI and...well things got so crazy she had nearly forgotten about all of Takehito's things that she stashed away.

"You were very beautiful in your wedding dress."

"Thank you, Minato-kun," Miya kissed his forehead, "you really are sweet."

"Um, thank you, Onee-san but...that's not what I wanted to show you."

Miya blinked, "Oh, what is it, then?"

Minato pulled out a pile of papers from the box, "This...I'm sorry...I saw the album and everything and I got curious...and..."

Miya's eyes widened in horror. In Minato's hand were Takehito's notes and research. Information on the ship, the Ashikabi's, and- 'Oh no.'

"Miya," Minato asked, "are you...and the other girls...Sekirei?"

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Well, there you have it chapter 4, man this was a very, VERY hard chapter to write. Karasuba's core is now in Kaho, and I think many of my readers can guess where I am going with this character. Believe me, as I began writing this story this decision weighed a lot heavier on me than I thought. It was not an easy decision once I actually got to writing this part in full...but it is an important part of my story. The hardest part for me was the letter (I found I needed to have a letter for Yume, but writing a farewell scene for Karasuba proved to be harder than I thought). I do hope I gave the character all the respect she deserves considering the situation. As for the character's reactions, keep in mind this was before Karasuba became a full-blown Sekirei-killer and at the time in my story some of the Sekirei hoped that she was not beyond redemption. Also, the real shock for many of them is asking themselves: Just how far is Miya willing to go? For the conversation Miya had with Minaka and Yume, it was one part truth one part lie. The question is: what parts are the truth and what parts are the lie? This will be revealed...but not next chapter. You will get clues on what exactly happened between the two of them, culminating in a reveal but that's not for some time. The next chapter will have a time skip, as we see the long-term effects of living with Miya, especially now that Minato knows that they're Sekirei. For now, thanks for reading!