Truth Revealed
When they had exited the Botanical Garden, Harry, Akitsu, Minato, and Musubi separated from Seo, Hikari, and Hibiki. The four, with Kusano on Harry's back and Akitsu wearing his trench coat to hide her exposed breasts, started heading back to the inn.
"Um, Potte- Harry-san," Minato corrected himself seeing Harry's look. "What was that sword and dagger you used? They looked like they were ornamental, but you seemed to be able to use them like actual weapons."
"I suppose they do look more like something you would hang up or something," Harry said. "They were both something that I had the goblins-"
"Goblins?" Minato interrupted with a squeak.
"That's right. They are rather bloodthirsty little buggers that run the wizards bank," Harry explained. "Anyway I had them make three items for me. Two of them were the weapons you saw and represented one of my wives." This got Akitsu's attention and she looked at her Ashikabi curiously. "The sword was for Luna Peverell, which I named Eris because she could be very mischievous when she wanted to." Harry couldn't hold in a chuckle as he thought of Luna's impish smile when she had something planned. "The dagger represents Daphne Black, which I named Metis for her cunning and craftiness."
"And the last one?" Musubi asked, curiously.
Harry paused under an overhanging tree, which hid them from any satellites looking down on them. He held out his arm and, in a flash, a shield appeared on it. It was a round shield that had a golden outer ring while the middle was crimson and had a lion standing on its hind legs emblazoned on the front with a ruby eye.
"This shield represents Hermione Potter my first girlfriend and wife. I named it Athena for her knowledge and wisdom," he answered. He sent the shield back to his pouch, where he had stored it, and they continued walking.
"Uh, why do they all have different last names?" Minato asked, tentatively.
Harry glanced at the boy walking next to him. He had the feeling that he had some confidence issues and that feeling was just increasing the more time he spent with him. If he was like this when he and his Sekirei eventually got into a fight he would have to help the boy grow a backbone.
"The purebloods care a great deal about family names. I was a Potter, descended from an ancient family called the Peverells, and I was made Head of the House of Black because of my godfather's will and the fact that I had Black blood in me," the immortal explained. "The Ministry wanted me to have at least one wife for each name. I could've had more, but didn't fall for anyone else."
"So will we run into any of your children?" Musubi asked, her head tilted cutely to the side.
"I highly doubt that," Harry said. "They live in Britain and are quite happy there."
That caused Minato to blink. Harry spoke like he had kids that could take care of themselves. However, he barely looked older than him and they could only be few years old, otherwise he would have had kids when he was only a teenager. Even then the kids would be too young to take care of themselves.
"Something wrong Minato-san?" Harry asked.
Minato started slightly, "S-sorry Harry-san, it's just that you seem too young to have kids that can take care of themselves."
"Looks mean very little with a witch and wizard Minato-san," Harry said with a smirk. "Our magic keeps us looking rather young for a while before our bodies actually start aging. I'm much older than I look."
He was only stretching the truth there. A wizard and witches magic did keep them looking young for quite some time, but Harry would show some signs of age if he wasn't immortal. He would especially have laugh lines from how much he smiled and laughed after Riddle was dealt with.
"Really!?" Minato exclaimed in shock.
"Indeed," the immortal confirmed.
The rest of the walk was made in relative silence, with Musubi's chatter being the only sound. Harry was just glad that he cast Muffliato on Kusano so that she wouldn't be woken up.
They eventually reached the inn and walked inside before announcing they were back. Miya immediately walked up to them.
"Welcome back you four," she greeted happily. She then got a closer look at Harry, "Oh, you found young Ku. That's wonderful!"
At that moment Kusano, woke up and glanced around. "Where am I?" she questioned sleepily. Her stomach suddenly growled. "I'm hungry."
"Oh, you poor dear. Of course you would be hungry after being trapped in that forest," Miya said. "Hang on a moment and I'll make you something."
XxXxXx
After their late dinner, Harry saw Minato sitting on the porch* staring at the tree in the back with Kusano sitting next to him. Curious, he Disillusioned himself and listened to what they said.
"That tree… I had always thought that it was strange that Musubi-chan and I didn't get very hurt when we fell through it," he said. "However, considering your power does that mean..?"
Kusano stared at the tree for a moment before saying, "I heard a voice… saying 'help me.' So, Ku asked this tree to help."
Minato looked surprised for a moment before smiling, "I see. So you and this tree saved my life. Let me say this formally then." He lifted a hand and petted her head, "Thank you, Kusano-chan."
The young Sekirei blushed, but smiled at the young man. Smiling himself, Harry walked back inside to get ready for bed. Just as he reappeared, he came across Miya.
She smiled slightly before saying, "Hello, Harry-san. I was wondering if you knew where Ku-chan was? It is getting late and I was going to take her to sleep in my room."
Harry stared at her for moment, "Why would she sleep with you? Shouldn't she stay with me?" She opened her mouth to say something, but he quickly stepped forward and leant down, being a foot taller than her, to where he was an inch from her face and said, "I'd be careful what you say Asama-san. I've heard some of the things you say to Minato-san and, while disheartened, he doesn't take it too hard. However, while I ignored your statement about just having my way with Akitsu, which I can understand considering we are both adults, I won't stand for you insinuating that I will do something to a child.**"
Miya flinched despite herself at the use of her last name, the connection she knew she had with him making it all the worse. She looked into his eyes and had to stop herself from recoiling, his face was neutral, but his eyes actually glowed with barely contained anger. She actually wasn't sure if she would be able to beat him if she pushed the man in front of her too far. She looked down, feeling guilty for assuming Harry, who had helped Akitsu immensely and hadn't taken advantage of her, would do anything to Kusano.
"I'm sorry," she apologized quietly. "You've done nothing to display you would do such a thing. The only excuse I can make is that I worry about the Sekirei and who they eventually get their wings from. From what you told me that Yomi said, her Ashikabi likely thinks of Sekirei as something to collect and thinking that young Ku-chan could have ended up with him..."
Calming down, Harry lifted her chin to look her in the eyes, "I can understand that Miya-san. However, I didn't think that you would just accuse me of trying anything without knowing me."
"I am sorry, Potter-san." Miya took a deep breath before saying, "She can sleep with you, but I prefer if I helped her bathe."
"I have no problem with that Miya-san," he agreed. Then, without thinking, Harry kissed her on the cheek. His eyes widened at what he did since he knew she still loved her husband. "I-I'm sorry Miya-san. I'll see you tomorrow, good night." With that he took off to his room.
Miya stared at the empty space in shock, her face completely red. She touched the cheek that Harry had kissed and couldn't help the warmth that bloomed inside her when she thought about it. She didn't know why he did it, but from his reaction he still considered her feelings toward her husband. That warmed her heart even more since, apparently, he was her Ashikabi and he could easily wing her, but held himself back. She was sure that he knew too. The reason being was because just kissing Akitsu wouldn't be enough to wing her, no matter how much power he had. She hadn't really thought of it before, but soon realized that he would have to have an odd understanding of souls to be able to heal her. This lead her to not ruling out that he could feel the same pull she did.
Shaking herself, she turned around and headed to tell Kusano and Minato it was time to head to bed.
'Stupid, stupid,' Harry mentally berated himself. 'What the hell was that!? You know she still loves her husband and you go and kiss her! I know it was just her cheek but still! I really hope she doesn't hate me for doing that.'
"I doubt she'll hate you," Morana chimed into his thoughts. "She might be rather baffled and somewhat distant for a little while, but she won't hate you for that."
"How can you be sure? You can't see into her mind and know what she's thinking," he argued.
"Not without using Legilimency, no," Death agreed. "However, she doesn't really seem like the kind of person to hate you for something like that. Like I said she might be rather distant and maybe upset, but she won't hate you."
"I suppose we'll see tomorrow," he replied as he entered their room and found her and Akitsu already there. The two were in much more modest nightgowns since Ku was going to be sleeping with them, though Morana looked somewhat miffed about it while Akitsu looked rather disappointed. "Relax you two, I can easily cast an illusion on you two to make it two where Ku will see what you are wearing now and not see what you are actually wearing."
The two perked up at that and Morana grabbed Akitsu's wrist before they went behind the screen he had put there in case someone walked in. At that moment Ku walked into the room dressed into orange pajama pants and shirt. She was sleepily rubbing her eyes and yawned.
Harry smiled and walked over and picked her up. As he did, he waved his hand and put a small illusion on her that would only affect her at night and the clothing that Akitsu and Morana wore. He cast it just in time as, a second later, the two walked out from behind the screen. Akitsu was wearing the same chemise from last night while Morana was actually wearing less, being only clad in a black lacy bra and panties. Harry deadpanned at the embodiment of Death. Of course she would take this as a chance to dress as scantily as she could. Thankfully, judging from the lack of reaction from Ku, his spell was working perfectly.
Shaking his head, he got into bed and placed the young Sekirei on his chest. Once he was comfortable Akitsu and Morana got into bed with him, each one taking an arm to hold before sleep slowly claimed them.
Next morning…
Miya was in the bath with Kusano, after getting her from her room with Harry. She was currently washing the young Sekirei's hair when she saw her Sekirei Crest and froze. For the most part it looked normal, however she noticed the symbol surrounding the yin-yang symbol.
She scowled at the sight. Harry had just told her that he wouldn't do something to her and yet here she was with something wrong with her crest.
After washing Kusano as quickly as she could and helping her dress, Miya strode to Harry's room just as he was exiting. Grabbing his collar she pulled him down and gave him a hard stare.
"What did you do to Kusano and, I'm assuming, Akitsu?" she questioned, a dangerous tone in her voice.
Harry stared at her for a moment, his eyes seeming to be searching for something. She was about to say something when he finally spoke.
"I don't know what you are talking about Miya-san," he said.
His answer actually threw her off slightly. She had somewhat figured he would deny it, but was more sure that he would throw their previous conversation at her. There was also the fact that he still called her Miya, unlike last night when she was about to accuse him.
"T-then what about their Sekirei Crests?" she asked.
"I'm not sure what you mean," he answered, truthfully. He glanced behind her and said, "Akitsu, would you mind showing me your crest?"
Miya turned to see Akitsu standing behind her looking ready to defend her Ashikabi. She felt slightly bad for threatening the fragile Sekirei's Ashikabi, but she wanted to know what had happened to Kusano and, most likely, her.
The ice Sekirei hesitated for a moment before turning around and lowering her shirt to reveal her mark. Miya released him so he could take a closer look.
Harry bent down to look at the crest. He analyzed it for a moment before noticing what Miya was talking about. His eyes widened in shock at seeing a modified version of the Deathly Hallows symbol.
"Shite," he muttered. Running a hand down his face, he told Akitsu to lift her shirt. Once she had he turned to Miya. "I don't know how or why that appeared on them, but I do know what it is." He sighed before saying, "It seems that I'm going to have to tell you more about me than I had told you before."
Beckoning her to follow, he walked into his room, Akitsu and, moment later, Kusano following behind him.
Miya hesitated before following after them in. She whirled around when the door closed and a strange squelching sound came from it. She gave Harry a hard look.
"It's just a door sealing charm. I don't want anyone else to know at the moment," he said, shrugging. "I plan to tell everyone eventually, but we did just meet you all. The only reason I'm telling you is because of this unexpected development."
Suddenly she felt something wash over her that caused the reaction she had been ignoring flare slightly. Her cheeks flushed and her heart started beating faster. Glancing to the side, she saw Akitsu blushing, as was Kusano, though she looked less affected. She glared slightly at Harry, who actually looked rather embarrassed.
"Sorry about that Miya-san," he apologized. "I was just making sure that there weren't any cameras or listening devices in the room again. For some reason there were quite a few in here when I entered." He arched a brow at her, "Those didn't belong to you did they?"
Miya's expression had softened slightly at hearing his explanation, though she didn't really understand how that worked. She then tensed slightly at his question. She stared at him for a moment before she spoke.
"I'm going to have to keep that to myself for now," she answered.
"I suppose I can agree to that since I kept things from you," Harry sighed. "Anyway like I said, I don't know how that symbol became a part of their crest, but I know what it is."
"How do you not know how it got there but know what it is?" she asked, suspiciously. "And what is it?"
"I swear to you Miya-san that I didn't know anything about it," he said, trying to convey his truthfulness. "As for what it is, it is a modified version of the symbol of the Deathly Hallows. They are three items of great power." He conjured a paper and pen. He drew a triangle, "The Cloak of Invisibility which hides you completely from view, with a few exceptions," he drew a line down the middle, "the Elder Wand is a more powerful wand than a normal one," finally he drew a circle, "and the Resurrection Stone, which can summon a shade of anyone you know that has passed away. All three of these items make up the Deathly Hallows and were created by an incredibly powerful being."
"Who would that be?" Miya asked, curiously. She tried to ignore the temptation of the stone.
"Morana!" Harry called out.
Miya stared at him for moment wondering what he was doing when, suddenly, a woman appeared out of nowhere next to Harry. While she didn't think she needed it, Miya was really wishing she had grabbed her sword.
"Miya, this is Morana," he said, rather unnecessarily considering he had just shouted her name. "She is the one that created the hallows." He paused for a moment before adding, "She is also Death."
Miya stared at the two of them before saying, "You are joking, right?"
"Not even a little," Harry said, smiling. "Anyway, the person to bring this items together becomes the Master of Death." He gave Morana a kiss, "Though I went in a different direction with that. The possession of all three artifacts also makes the wielder immortal." He paused then asked, "Should I show them?"
"Miya and Akitsu-chan sure, but I'm not sure if you should show Ku-chan," Morana told him.
"If we get in a fight she will likely see something like it eventually, especially if we run into that one that almost found us at MBI," he countered, though he didn't really want to show the young Sekirei either. "I don't really want any of them to worry if I suddenly 'die'."
"...I'll let you decide," she said after a moment.
Harry thought for a minute before coming to a decision. Holding out his hand, he summoned Metis, "Let me prove it to you."
Then, before his words really registered, he thrust the dagger into his chest, right into his heart. Miya and Akitsu stared in horror as Harry's body crumpled to the ground, blood seeping from the wound. The silence stretched several minutes before Morana sighed and rolled Harry onto his back. She proceeded to pull the dagger from his chest, letting the blood flow freely.
Akitsu felt panic and despair grip her as she watched the blood pooling around her Ashikabi. She had finally found him and suddenly he was dead, and by his own hand. Tears slowly started streaming down her face.
She glanced at Harry's newest Sekirei, Ku, and saw it hadn't really registered with her what had happened. Moving over, Akitsu wrapped her arms around the young girl. Ku didn't seem to notice as she continued to stare at her Ashikabi and the older Sekirei waited for them to be terminated.
Miya stared at Harry with several emotions warring within her. The man hadn't been here, but two days yet he had endeared himself slightly to her and felt as if another part of her died as she stared at the young man's corpse. She tried to keep a distance between them, but that didn't stop her from noticing that he cared for Akitsu and would have cared for Kusano.
This had led her to wonder how it would feel to once more have those kinds of things directed to her from someone special. She hadn't been sure if she wanted to be winged by him, but now she would never know if she would want to or not nor what it would have felt like.
"Before you start freaking out, you should have noticed that both Akitsu-chan and Ku-chan are perfectly fine," Morana said.
The older Sekirei were startled to realize that she was right. They both knew that the death of one's Ashikabi meant that their Sekirei were terminated. Yet, somehow, Akitsu and Kusano were perfectly fine.
Movement caught their attention and the looked over to Harry. They noticed that the wound was suddenly gone. He raised a hand to his chest and groaned.
"Bloody hell," he muttered, sitting up and rubbing where the wound had been. "Just because I can survive shite like that doesn't mean it doesn't freaking hurt."
He suddenly felt two bodies collide with him. He looked down and was surprised to see it was Miya that had tackled him. He then saw Ku rush to him and hold onto him tightly.
Harry flinched when he felt the pain emanating from Miya and Akitsu. Ku felt more confused than anything, but she was very sad at seeing Akitsu acting the way she was. He rubbed Akitsu's back comfortingly and petted Ku's head. He glanced at Miya curiously, rather surprised she reacted so strongly. He knew about the connection sure, but figured that until they actually bonded she wouldn't feel like this.
Deciding to give her, and his Sekirei, a moment to pull themselves together, he said, "So, like I said, I know what the symbol is, or should be, but not why it has become part of their Sekirei Crest."
"Well, while you were busy giving them heart attacks, I decided to check them out," Morana spoke up. "It turns out that their souls are more intertwined then I thought. I didn't notice because I only checked yours and that was only a quick look. It's actually similar to the familiar bond in how it works."
Harry stared at Morana in shock, "Are you saying what I think you are?"
"That's right," Death nodded. She then turned to the Sekirei and clarified, "You aren't immortal like Harry is, but you will not age or die of natural means."
Akitsu was shocked to hear that she wouldn't have to leave her Ashikabi, but was incredibly grateful for it. All she had to do was make sure that she survived the Sekirei Plan.
"We won't lose Harry-kun?" Ku asked.
Morana smiled at the young Sekirei, "As long you are careful then neither you nor Harry will lose the other."
Ku smiled and snuggled into her Ashikabi. She didn't completely understand everything that was said or had happened, but she understood that she wouldn't be separated from her Ashikabi.
"Po- Harry-san," Miya spoke up, uncertainly.
Harry was surprised by her suddenly calling him by his first name. He looked down into the Sekirei's copper eyes questioningly.
"I… I'm still not sure how to handle what's happening," she confessed. "I've gone through my life knowing that I wouldn't be able to be winged by anyone. I had thought that Takehito would be the closest I would come to that, but all of the sudden you appear and I find myself reacting to you."
Akitsu looked at Miya in shock and a bit of fear. If the strongest Sekirei was reacting to Harry, what would he need her for.
Sensing this, Harry ran a hand through her hair. Akitsu immediately leaned into his touch as he comforted her.
Miya noticed and said, "That is another reason I don't know what to do. Akitsu is still rather fragile and I didn't know what would happen if you winged Sekirei number 01."
Harry blinked, "You are the first Sekirei?"
"Of our group of Sekirei," she clarified. "There have been other Sekirei before us. Anyway, I kept myself from doing anything, because of Akitsu as well as…"
"You still love your husband," the immortal finished. "I know you do Miya." He paused for a moment before saying, "I have an idea."
He stood up before helping the other three to their feet. Once they were standing again, he turned the ring, that was the Resurrection Stone, three times while focusing on one name.
A moment later a man with gray messy hair that hid a part of his face, and wore a turtleneck sweater and sweatpants covered by a white lab coat appeared in the middle of the room. The only thing strange about the man was that he was see through.
"T-Takehito!?" Miya exclaimed in shock.
The man smiled at the woman before turning to Harry, "Thank you for letting me talk to Miya. There were things I had wanted to talk to her about, but couldn't because of what happened."
Harry nodded to him, "I felt like she could use some closure and the only way to do that was to talk to you. You will be able to stay as long as you want Takehito-san, but I'm sure I don't have to tell you about the consequences for staying here too long and I don't mean for you."
"Of course," he assured the immortal.
Harry nodded before steering his Sekirei out of the room. "Let's give them some privacy. Don't worry about breakfast Miya-san, I can take care of it," he called over his shoulder.
XxXxXx
He walked down to the kitchen and started on breakfast while Akitsu and Ku set the table. He was just finishing when he felt the wards reacting. He left the inn to see a girl with pale skin, long brown hair unconscious on the front step, her hands and feet bound. She was wearing a bikini top over her modest bust, a strange skirt and loincloth combination*, long fingerless gloves that almost reached her shoulders, leggings that went up to her thighs, and knee high boots. He also noticed small scorch marks on her skin and clothes, most likely from the electric shocks that the wards hit her with.
With a wave of his hand, he healed her small injuries. He then levitated her inside and onto the couch. At that moment, Minato walked into the room and blinked at the unconscious girl on the couch.
"Um…"
"She tried getting through the wards Minato," Harry told him. "I don't know her exact intentions, but they were enough for the wards to intercept her." He then turned to her and pointed, "Rennervate."
The woman's, interestingly, golden eyes slowly opened and she glanced around. When her eyes landed on the two men, her eyes snapped open and she shot up. She tried to grab her weapon, but realized that she was bound. She glared at the two, making one step back while the other was unaffected.
Harry heard footsteps approaching and said, "Let's wait until after we eat before we start asking her what she was doing here."
"Uh… Harry-san?" Minato spoke up. When he arched a brow at the young man, he continued, "I was wondering if we should let her eat something. It would be kind of cruel to just eat in front of her and not let her have anything."
The woman stared at him in shock and, while Harry wasn't very surprised, he hadn't really been expecting it. He glanced at the woman for a moment before shrugging.
"You'll have to feed her because until I'm sure she doesn't mean any of us any harm I'm not untieing her," Harry stated.
Minato blushed slightly, but nodded in acceptance.
Once more Harry waved his hand and levitated the woman over to the table. He made sure that she was only a foot off of the ground so that there wasn't any accidental peeping. She noticed this and, while incredibly surprised by what just did, actually sent him a thankful look.
Saki was, if she was honest with herself, rather confused. She had been following the two Ashikabi and three Sekirei after they had found the Green Girl. When they neared where the Hanya of the North lived, she had felt a strange feeling of wanting to leave the area and found herself several blocks away before she was aware of it.
She had tried several times with the same results. She had decided to try one last time in the morning and was finally successful when she focused on getting through. Halfway to her destination, however, she had been electrocuted. This had caused her to stumble to the ground from the rooftop she was on.
She had jumped back onto the roof and looked for whoever had attacked her with her sword drawn, but couldn't find anyone nearby. She had started heading toward her target and was shocked again when she only had a fourth of the distance left. It had been slightly stronger, but only enough to notice.
After that she had hesitated in moving forward but decided she had come this far to go all the way. It was when she had finally glimpsed the inn that she had been told they were staying at that she blacked out.
When she woke up she found that she was inside a building she didn't know. She saw her target, Harry Potter, standing over her and immediately tried to get her sword only to find her arms and legs were tied up. She had glared at him, but he remained unfazed, unlike his companion. Her target then said that after they ate they would question her about her motives. She was somewhat worried about what that would entail.
It was what the other man said that threw her for a loop. He suggested that she eat with them instead of just leaving her on the couch. Now, somehow, she was being levitated across the room by Potter. She had noticed that he kept her close to the ground and she sent him a thankful look knowing why he had done it.
So here she was, sitting at a table eating with several Sekirei and two Ashikabi. Granted she was still tied up, but this was not what she was expecting when Minaka had sent her out to spy on someone he found interesting. Judging from whatever had affected, hurt, and incapacitated her and what Potter had done, he had a right to be interested.
"H-hey," a voice spoke breaking her out of her thoughts. She looked over to see the young man who had suggested she eat with them hold out some food for her. "You sh-should eat something."
Saki blushed slightly at having to be fed, but opened her mouth. When she tasted the food, she had to hold back a moan at the flavor. It was the most delicious food she had ever had.
She suddenly became aware that her heart was beating rapidly and breathing rather heavily. She realized that it happened when the young man in front of her got close.
'A-am I reacting to him?' she thought in shock. She hadn't been expecting to find her Ashikabi or at least not someone she would react to. She expected that Minaka would have someone in MBI wing her, but now she could be winged by the person that was supposed to be her Ashikabi. 'It could be worse. He's seems rather timid, but if he is acting this way to a possible enemy then he probably would treat his Sekirei even better.'
When he moved close again, Saki shot forward and planted her lips against his.
Harry watched in only mild surprise as the Sekirei just about jumped Minato and kissed him. He had felt the two's souls pulling toward each other and had activated his Soul Sight to confirm it. His soul was indeed reaching out to hers. He also took note of the outer signs. Her face was flushed and breathing heavily.
He was brought out of his thoughts by a gray light. He turned to see dark gray wings erupting from the Sekirei's crest. After a moment she pulled back, her breathing still rather heavy.
The immortal placed an elbow on the table before resting his head in his hand. "It looks like you winged another Sekirei Minato-san," he said. "I certainly didn't imagine this outcome for a Sekirei that was trying to breach my wards."
The woman's head snapped to him, "What do you mean wards?"
"How about you introduce yourself first?" Harry suggested. "You didn't really mention it before."
Blushing slightly, she said, "Sekirei #55 Saki."
"Well Saki-san to answer your question, wards are what you encountered trying to get here," he told her. "When you found yourself leaving, the electrocution, and finally being knocked out."
Saki stared at him in astonishment, "How?"
"How about an exchange?" he offered. "I'll tell you about myself and you tell us what you were sent here to do."
When she nodded he banished the ropes tying her and began explaining everything he had told Minato and the others. When he was finished she stared at him dumbfounded for a few minutes before she snapped out of it.
"Well, it is probably a good thing that your friend here was my Ashikabi," she said. At Harry's arched eyebrow she continued, somewhat sheepishly, "I was supposed to spy on you and tell Minaka everything I found out."
Harry nodded his head and suddenly felt his ring, which was warm since summoning Takehito, go cold. He stood up and told them he would be back in a moment. Walking back to his room, he saw Miya on her knees, tears streaming down her face. Striding over to her, he pulled the distraught woman into a comforting hug. She immediately latched onto him and held tightly onto him as she continued to cry.
He didn't say anything and just rubbed circles in her back. He'd never spoken to a deceased love one, for fear of never letting them go, but he knew the pain of them dying and could understand what she was feeling.
It took several minutes before her breathing evened out, making him look down and see that Miya had fallen asleep. He didn't really blame her, it had been an emotional morning. Picking her up bridal style, Harry carried her over to his bed and laid her down. Once she was comfortable, he summoned Takehito again.
"So, how did it go?" he asked.
"As well as one would think when talking to the deceased spirit of someone you love," the spirit answered.
"Is it safe to assume the only reason she was crying was because you had to leave?" the immortal asked, hopefully.
Thankfully, Takehito nodded in affirmation. "Yes, that was the reason. I'm not going to say anything about what we talked about as that is her right to tell you," he stated.
"I expected nothing less, Takehito-san," Harry said. "Tell me this at least. Do you think that talking to you helped?" he asked, a pleading expression on his face. He knew it would be painful for her, but he really hoped it would help her in the end.
Takehito smiled at the care the immortal showed for the woman he loved. "Yes, Harry-san, I believe talking to me helped her."
Harry released a breath he didn't know he was holding. He looked down at Miya, moving a stray strand of hair away from her face. He felt the stone go cold once more, telling him Takehito left.
Conjuring a chair, he sat down next to his bed to wait for Miya to awaken, feeling she shouldn't be alone when she woke up. Casting a Patronus, he sent a message to the others telling them to go about their day and not worry about him. When he turned back his gaze locked with copper eyes.
Miya's eyes slowly opened as she felt an immensely happy feeling wash over her. When her eyes were completely open, they widened slightly at seeing a white stag standing in front of Harry, who was talking to it like he was speaking to the others. When he finished talking the stag turned and went through the wall. He then turned around and their eyes met.
They stared at each other for moment before Miya quietly asked, "That wasn't a dream was it?"
Harry took one of her hands and gently rubbed circles on the back with his thumb before he said, "No, Miya it wasn't a dream. You were really able to talk to Takehito-san."
Tears pricked Miya eyes as she squeezed his hand and whispered, "Thank you."
"It wasn't a problem Miya," he said, smiling softly. "I was able to help and I did."
Miya felt her face heat up and heart start to race. She removed her hand from his grasp and wrapped her arms around his neck.
She pulled him close and whispered, "I think I'm ready Harry."
"Are you sure Miya?" he asked, wanting her to be sure.
In answer, she brought him the rest of the way down and kissed him. They didn't see them because she was laying down, but light purple wings appeared from her crest and the now normal symbol appearing on it.
Harry felt a great deal more of his magic siphoned from him than he had with Akitsu and Ku. He supposed it made sense. If everyone was scared of dealing with her she had to be very strong. He also felt Miya's powerful soul connecting with his. When the light died down, the two separated and looked deep into each other's eyes.
"This is the sword of my Pledge. Slice down the enemies of my Ashikabi**," she said, softly.
Harry smiled while he stroked her cheek with his thumb. "I think you should rest some more Miya. You are rather emotionally drained, so just stay in bed for a while alright?" he said, tenderly.
Miya wanted to protest, but found she couldn't muster anything up to do it. With a resigned nod, she settled back into the bed.
Harry gave her a gentle kiss before standing and saying, "I'm going to tell Akitsu-chan and Ku-chan the news and make sure that Akitsu doesn't overreact."
She nodded in understanding before laying back and letting sleep take her. As she fell asleep, a smile spread across her face as her mind filled with the thoughts of having an Ashikabi and, she was sure, of being able to love again.
* I don't know if that is what that area is called, but that's the only thing I could think it could be.
** I don't know if this seems unlike Miya or not. I'm just going by how she interacts with Minato with Kusano.
* It really does look like a combination of a loincloth and a skirt.
** I will likely not have a Sekirei say something every time after a winging.