Disclaimer: Sekirei and all associated characters and symbols are the exclusive property of Sakurako Gokurakuin and her associates. Fate/stay night and all associated characters and symbols are the exclusive property of Type-Moon and its associates. The story "In Flight" is written by Gabriel Blessing. No financial gain is intended or made by this story.
I woke with Rin on my right and Saber on my left. The situation was so comfortable, so familiar, that I just lay there for a moment, enjoying the feeling. For a few heartbeats I thought only of how wonderful it was to have them back and nothing of what lay beyond the four walls of my room. Then the moment passed, and I shifted in their embrace.
"Shirou?"
I looked over at Saber, whose eyes were concerned. "It's fine, Saber. I'm just going to go cook breakfast." On my other side, Rin grumbled and latched harder onto me, burying her head in my chest.
"Would you like me to go with you?" Saber asked softly.
I considered it for a moment. Saber enjoyed sleeping in, and since it helped her conserve energy, it wasn't a habit that Rin or I discouraged. However, that didn't mean she wasn't aware of her surroundings at all times, which meant it was difficult to not wake her. Undoubtedly being in an unfamiliar environment meant that Saber was even more sensitive to possible disruptions (and threats) around her than normal. "Why don't you stay with Rin?" I suggested. "Everyone is likely to sleep a little late this morning, with the party last night. I'll send someone up to get you when it's breakfast time."
"…one of the others. Of course." Sadness touched her eyes for a moment, and my stomach twisted. Rin had always been more obvious in her feelings than Saber. Usually it took quiet moments like this for me to really understand what the former Servant was thinking. That was only a glimpse, but for Saber, it was a huge tell. This was why my wish was impossible, a selfish thing I didn't deserve.
Saber nodded to herself. "That would be acceptable. I look forward to enjoying your cooking again."
"Would you like anything in particular?" I asked, mostly out of habit, though I knew what the answer would be.
"Anything you make will be fine," Saber assured me.
That might have been so, but after three years together both Rin and I had found dishes that Saber was especially fond of. If I had the ingredients in the kitchen I'd try and make at least one of them; it was the least I could do. With a move perfected by practice, we swapped positions, allowing Rin to cling to Saber instead. I kissed my blond lover lightly, then headed downstairs to work on breakfast. With Saber and Rin joining us, I would need to make more than usual. I quickly began to work, gathering ingredients and tools after pulling on my apron.
"Good morning, Emiya-san."
"Morning, Miya-san." I looked up from the fish I was preparing as Miya entered the kitchen.
"I have clarified the Izumo House rules with Tohsaka-san. We had an interesting discussion about some of them." Miya looked amused. "She has a very quick mind."
"She does," I agreed, nodding. "What was she debating?"
"She agreed that prohibiting violence was wise, especially under current circumstances, as tensions are likely to arise between your Sekirei and them. However, she was quite adamant that not all… physical expressions of affection qualify as 'lewd behavior.'" A smile tugged at Miya's lips. "It took us quite some time to reach a compromise. I did tell her she could find other lodgings, but she insisted she would take you with her in that case, and that would leave me without anyone paying rent."
"And she argued…?" I almost wished I'd gotten to see this.
"That for behavior to be lewd it must be obscene, and for it to be obscene it must be against the standards of decency for a society."
"And so…?" I asked when she paused, clearly waiting for me to prod for the results.
"We came to an agreement that public acts of a sexual nature are against the standards of Japanese society, but private acts between consenting adults within the confides of one's own room, provided they cause no disruption to others, cannot be considered lewd," Miya summarized. "After quite a bit of debate, I have come to accept Tohsaka-san's definition. She managed to counter every objection to it that I raised."
I smiled. That sounded exactly like Rin. Sometimes I thought she should've been a lawyer instead of a magus. "That seems to be a good compromise."
"Hmm. See to it there are no public incidents, Emiya-san, or I'll banish you from the kitchen." With that, Miya left the room. I sighed. It seemed that even if I could now counter her mask, Miya was not without means to punish me.
Well, I'd just have to not give her any reason to do so.
Honestly, that was more of a compromise on that rule than I had ever expected to get, and I was happy to have it. The situation being what it was with Saber, I couldn't stop having sex with her even if I wanted to — and I most certainly did not want to — unless I wanted to handicap her. I continued to work on breakfast, my flock slowly drifting into the kitchen and dining room as they woke up. As I reached the last stage in my preparations I looked for the closest of my girls. "Musubi, would you mind knocking on my door and making sure Saber and Rin are awake?"
"Of course, Shirou-san!" She quickly left the room, a bounce in her step. I noted, with no little amusement, that Kuu hurried to follow her. A few minutes later the pair of Sekirei returned, Saber being led to her seat by Kuu, who'd taken possession of her hand.
I handed the last of the dishes over to Homura, who was helping ferry them to the table, and went to the fridge, pouring a large glass of milk. As I entered the dining room, I felt a smile tug at my lips as Rin managed to make it to the table. She was up, dressed, and nominally awake, but the sharpness in her eyes was missing. Rin hated mornings with a passion. Her only defense for required early days was an ability to run on autopilot until her mind caught up with her body. Luckily, I had something that could help with that.
"Morning, Rin." I passed her the milk, which she took by reflex, then quickly chugged.
She blinked a few times before focusing on me, her mind finally catching up to the rest of her. "Morning, Shirou."
"Breakfast is ready." I glanced over the table. My usual place was vacant, of course. Kuu and Tsukiumi had resumed their places from last night, since Musubi had given over her newly assigned Tuesday to the water user. Akitsu was next to Tsukiumi already, and Matsu was between Kazehana and Homura. "Why don't you sit next to Musubi?" That would put her between the fighter and Miya, which should be a relatively safe place.
"Sure." Rin shrugged and took her seat.
For a few minutes, we all enjoyed the meal in silence. "So, what's the plan for today?" Rin asked after a while. "Are you working?"
"This afternoon," I confirmed. "I know Saber wanted to spar…"
"After the breakfast dishes are done, then?" Saber asked. I nodded. By the time I managed to wash the dishes and put away the leftovers, even with help, I should be ready. Sekirei tended to eat a lot by themselves, and Saber could easily match any of them.
"Would it be permissible for me to watch?" Miya asked. Her eyes lingered on Saber, clearly intrigued.
"I don't mind if Saber doesn't." I glanced around at my flock, who all looked interested. They'd all seen me fight at one time or another, but I had a feeling that this one would be something else.
"That is fine," Saber acquiesced.
"After that, Saber and I should probably get our things moved in," Rin added. "We have to check out by ten."
Thinking about it, I realized that the two of them hadn't shown up with any luggage. I hadn't even considered where their things must be, but I supposed it only made sense that they hadn't shown up in Japan with only the clothing on their backs. Part of me was surprised that Rin had allowed her bags to remain in an unoccupied room for so long, but on the other hand… well. I knew what type of defenses Rin put on her suitcases. Any thief trying to make off with their belongings would get a lot more than they'd bargained for. "Do you need help?" I asked. It would be a bit tight with travel time, but I didn't want them to have to carry their things all the way across the city. Saber tended to pack lightly, but Rin usually insisted on carrying her most important magecraft implements and texts along with her more mundane travel items.
"I'll go!" Musubi offered. "Helping Shirou-san move in was fun."
"That'll work." Rin shrugged. "Then later we need to at least start catching up on what the Sekirei Plan is and what you've been up to."
I nodded. "Maybe after dinner?"
"Matsu can start working with Rin-tan and Saber-tan once they get their things moved in," Matsu suggested. "Shirou-tan doesn't really need to be there for that."
"And after we are familiar with the situation we shall have a strategy session," Saber declared.
I smiled. Ah, a strategy session — the term conjured up fond memories amid grim situations. Even after the Grail War they had been necessary from time to time, mostly when Saber and Rin could accompany on my trips. "Matsu, how long do you think it'll take?"
"Hmmm. Well, Matsu thinks Rin-tan and Saber-tan need to know as much about the Sekirei and the Plan as Shirou-tan… maybe tomorrow would be a good idea?" she suggested. "Matsu can show Rin-tan and Saber-tan the profiles today, and they can read them some tonight."
"Profiles?" Rin asked.
"Matsu hacked MBI's databases. We have files on every Ashikabi and Sekirei, as well as their abilities," I explained. Technically there was one missing entry from the Sekirei list, but Miya wasn't an enemy, so it didn't matter.
Both Rin's and Saber's eyes widened in surprise. "That will be very helpful. I trust you have profiles of your own Sekirei as well?" Saber asked. I nodded. "Very well. We shall study this information so we are able to help craft a strategy suited to the strengths and weaknesses of your subordinates."
I blinked at the term Saber had used. I would hardly call them that, especially since they didn't have a military mindset, but… "Just let me know when you're ready."
Conversation drifted to my flock's plans for the day, which were pretty typical: chores, mostly, with the exception of Musubi and Matsu, who had their own special tasks to deal with helping Saber and Rin. I only kept half my attention on the conversation until I heard Matsu say something definitely intended to start trouble.
"And we all know what Tsukiumi-tan is going to be doing later tonight!" She smirked.
I glanced at Miya, who raised an eyebrow, but didn't react just yet. Tsukiumi flushed. "Well, as Shirou's legal wife—"
Rin slammed down her cup. "Since when?"
Everyone, including me, stiffened in surprise, looking at her. I was so used to Tsukiumi's customary address for me that I hadn't even considered how Rin and Saber would react to it.
"Since he winged me," Tsukiumi declared, squaring her shoulders and meeting Rin's icy glare with determination.
"A prana contract isn't a marriage," Rin countered.
"Indeed," Saber agreed, her eyes narrowed, frowning. "To claim such a thing is absurd."
"Saber, Rin, it's all right," I interjected. "It's just something she says."
"No, it is not all right," Saber said firmly. "Marriage is a legal commitment important for the welfare of society."
"Uh, Saber, it might have been that way in your time, but…" I tried to calm her down.
"No, Shirou," she insisted. "A marriage might tie two kingdoms together, or cement a trade alliance, or provide a stable environment for rearing children. It is not something to be taken lightly."
"The act of winging is the same as marriage for a Sekirei," Tsukiumi declared. "Shirou asked to wing me, and I accepted. That makes him my husband."
"And Tsukiumi loves Shirou-san!" Musubi added.
"Love?" Saber glanced at her dismissively. "Love has nothing to do with marriage."
Tsukiumi and Musubi froze, staring at the King of Knights in shock. Kuu made a distressed noise and clung to my arm, while Kazehana just shook her head sadly. Neither Homura nor Matsu said anything, though the hacker pushed her glasses up and the flame user glanced to the side with an indecipherable expression.
I winced. "Saber," I said hastily, trying to do damage control, "it was important for you because you were a king. Things are different nowadays, especially for, uh, commoners." As a Servant, Saber had picked up a great deal of knowledge of the current era, but sometimes the subtler changes in social constructs eluded her. "The Sekirei feel that winging is the same as marriage, and I don't mind treating it that way, really…"
"Well, that's pretty stupid," Rin said bluntly, and I winced again. "Even if they're Sekirei, you're human." She folded her arms. "If they really intend to spend all their lives with you, living among humans, they can't expect you to constantly play by their rules."
Saber nodded firmly in agreement. "Furthermore, making such a statement will only cause dissension between you and your comrades, Tsukiumi. It is nothing more than an attempt to place yourself above them, which will result in conflict Shirou will have to waste valuable time and resources to solve."
"Not to mention confusing any normal person who hears it on the street," Rin muttered. "No one calls themselves a 'legal wife.' You're either a wife or not."
Tsukiumi turned to me, looking a little uncertain. It was true that Saber and Rin both had valid points. Saber was undoubtedly speaking from her experience as a leader of knights, men who tended to boast of their own prowess and challenge each other for dominance. She might very well have been correct, had it not been for the bond. Not Human, I reminded myself. Tsukiumi's comment had become a part of the daily routine, as had the others' responses to it. The bond kept my flock in tune with each other and relatively happy, so that the Sekirei took no offense to comments like that.
There was no such bond to keep their relationship with Saber and Rin cordial, though.
"It would be better if you didn't say that, Tsukiumi," I said apologetically. "You're all important to me," Even though I was trying to let her down gently, Tsukiumi folded her arms and looked away, glaring, clearly upset even if she wasn't saying anything. "And Rin is right. It could cause problems if someone heard you." I gave her and Saber a look, silently asking them to drop the subject.
Saber gave a small nod of agreement. Rin rolled her eyes a bit, but didn't say anything else… until she slowly smirked. It was a terribly familiar expression that made me reflexively lean back a little. She was about to say something that was going to make my life complicated, I knew it. "Besides, if prana contracts made people into wives, Shirou would be mine."
For a moment, silence reigned, and then the Sekirei in the room spoke in unison. "Eeeeeeeeeh?"
"Oh, didn't Shirou tell you that?" Rin's smirk grew. "I had a prana contract with him while we were still in high school."
"That— that doesn't make me your wife!" I spluttered.
"No, I believe Rin is correct in this matter." Saber had a serene little smile on her face. "You are most capable when it comes to all the skills necessary for a wife."
"Cleaning, cooking, gossiping at the market…" Rin ticked them off on her fingers. I dropped my forehead into my hand. I wasn't going to live this one down anytime soon.
"But why did Rin-tan and Shirou-tan have a prana contract?" Matsu asked, looking curious. "Did it have something to do with the Grail War?"
Rin dropped her smirk in surprise, shooting me a glance. "Matsu, when we're going over things later, I want you to tell me how much everyone is aware of in terms of magecraft."
"Sure thing, Rin-tan. So, what was the prana contract for?" Matsu was grinning. I had a sneaking suspicion she might have watched the 'ritual' last night and knew exactly what a prana contract entailed.
"It allowed Shirou to use his strongest ability. He didn't have the power for it." Rin shrugged, but didn't say anything more specific. She wouldn't reveal my mysteries any more than I would hers.
"That sounds familiar…" Homura mused.
"She helped him use his Norito!" Musubi exclaimed. "Rin-san is Shirou-san's Ashikabi!"
"Ah — Ashikabi-sama's Ashikabi?" Akitsu blinked, sounding confused.
"Now wait a second!" Rin objected. "What did I just say about using Sekirei terms for humans?"
"But Landlady-san says that Shirou-san is part Sekirei!" Musubi bounced in her seat. "So of course he needs an Ashikabi!"
"Shirou, you're part alien and never told me?" Rin asked dryly.
"And if Saber-tan is getting energy from both of them, does that make them both her Ashikabi?" I glanced at Matsu, who had a mischievous look in her eyes and wasn't even trying to hide her smirk. Clearly she was just having fun poking at us.
"Everyone knows you can't have two Ashikabi," Homura snapped. "Stop being ridiculous, Matsu!"
"But if Rin is Shirou's Ashikabi, what does that make us?" Tsukiumi asked. "A Sekirei can't have Sekirei." It was an interesting question, and one that made most of the Sekirei pause in thought.
"This is all completely pointless," Rin declared dismissively. "Shirou's definitely human. I'd have noticed by now if he weren't." Considering all of the experiments we'd done to figure out Avalon's abilities, she probably would have. "Besides, I don't want him or Saber to be my Sekirei. I like our relationship just fine the way it is." She rolled her eyes.
"I think you underestimate the depth of our bond." Kazehana spoke for the first time since Rin and Saber had entered the room, her voice cool.
Rin met Kazehana's gaze evenly. "And I think you underestimate the strength of our relationship. I've known Shirou for three years, and during that time we've gone through things together that you couldn't even imagine."
Tension built between the two. I glanced at Miya, expecting her to do something to break it, but she did nothing, only meeting my eyes calmly, as if indicating this was my responsibility. I looked around the table, noting the anxious posture of my Sekirei. Saber's eyes met mine, and she nodded, putting down her chopsticks delicately. "Shirou, if we are to spar before Rin and I retrieve our belongings, we need to begin soon. It seems everyone has finished their meal."
Thank you, Saber. I quickly started gathering dishes. "Time to clean up, everyone."
"Let's hurry so Shirou-san and Saber-san can spar!" Musubi said cheerfully, the tension of the previous few moments already gone completely. "Come on!"
Dishes quickly began heading back into the kitchen. I stopped by Tsukiumi, standing by the sink. "I'm sorry about what Rin and Saber said." That was not the way I wanted to repay her for her gift of a night.
Tsukiumi bit her lip, frowning. "…But it was true."
"As they see it, at least," I agreed. "They don't really know much about Sekirei yet, so they don't understand how you can all work together despite things like that."
"Still, it is not a wife's place to cause disruption in the household." Tsukiumi nodded to herself, resolutely straightening her shoulders. "I shall take more care with what I say."
"Thank you." It seemed an inadequate response to her changing one of her behaviors just so Rin and Saber could be more comfortable, but it was the best I could think of.
Tsukiumi flushed slightly. "Hmph! As if I would allow myself to be less than the best wi- partner for you, Shirou." Tossing her hair, she turned her attention to the sink.
Half an hour later I found myself in the courtyard, defending against Saber's assault. Sweat dripped down my back as I retreated, my practice blade catching another strike coming for my right side. Saber was definitely not holding back, wielding her shinai with a vengeance, attacking every hole in my defense. I side-stepped, blocked with my right blade, and struck with my left, managing to land a glancing hit on her arm before her sword slipped free from of my block and knocked my left blade aside. We broke and circled, and I tried to get my breath back, feeling my lungs ache. We had already been practicing for ten minutes, and I was feeling the strain of keeping up with Saber for that long.
"The problem I see with the digital workshop idea," Rin commented on the sidelines, engrossed with Matsu's tablet, "is the recording of some aspects of formalcraft."
"Oh?" Matsu asked. She sounded like she was only half paying attention to Rin, trying to split her attention between the magus beside her and the fight her Ashikabi was in.
"Well, there are some symbols and circles that are extremely reactive. When we write them in books we make sure to use materials to make them as stable as possible so they aren't accidentally activated by touch or even ambient mana." Rin tapped the screen in front of her. "I don't know how you could do that here."
"Could electricity set them off?"
"I don't know. Maybe incomplete—"
I lost track of the conversation as Saber advanced again. I met her straight on this time, trying to find a break in her defense I could utilize. I couldn't keep this up forever. Saber parried my attempts with some difficulty, then pushed forward with a powerful strike, breaking my left blade. I almost stumbled before managing to project a new copy of my weapon, put off balance by the sheer strength of her blow, but my right blade managed to come up and stop the attack before it reached my torso.
Saber stepped back, frowning at me. "Break."
"I can keep going," I insisted, as I usually did.
"This is practice, Shirou, not a battle." Saber lowered her weapon, but I still gave it a wary look. Saber had insisted on a projected copy of Tora-shinai rather than an ordinary shinai today. The aura around it was enough to give the battle a bit of an extra edge. I couldn't help but wonder if it was part of the reason Saber seemed a bit more… direct in her corrections than she sometimes was.
Or she could be taking her frustration regarding our current situation out on me. It didn't make a difference either way, really.
"Right." I managed to walk over to the porch, my legs feeling like jelly as I released my reinforcement. Musubi glommed onto me the moment I sat down.
"Shirou-san and Saber-san are so strong!" she cheered, and bounced up to try and hug Saber the same way, only for Saber to neatly sidestep the move. I winced as Musubi fell to the ground, but she just stood right back up, stars in her eyes. "Saber-san, will you train with me too?"
Saber looked her over. "You do not appear to be a swordswoman."
"No! Musubi fights with her fists and her heart!" she declared.
"And lasers," Homura muttered, passing me a cup of water.
"Lasers?" Rin asked, her eyebrows going up.
"I do not have much skill at hand-to-hand combat. Perhaps you should speak with Rin," Saber suggested.
"Rin-san, you fight?" Musubi asked, turning to look at her.
Rin blinked, surprised to find herself the center of attention. Even Miya looked interested. "Well," she demurred, "it's an occupational hazard if you're going to be around Shirou very long."
"We should train together, then!" Musubi said cheerfully.
"I'm only human, you know." Rin crossed her arms, balancing the tablet on her folded legs. "I don't make a habit of confronting those stronger than me with my fists."
I felt my lips quirk. Not a habit, maybe, but… well. There had been Caster.
"But Shirou-san does it," Musubi protested.
"Shirou specializes in that sort of thing. If I had to fight a Sekirei, I'd be trying to take them out from a distance." Rin grabbed the tablet as it started to slide out of her lap.
"Oh." Musubi sagged in disappointment.
"Rin-tan, it's almost nine thirty," Matsu put in.
"Ah, we'd better go, then." Rin passed Matsu the tablet and got to her feet. "We'll be back soon."
Homura coughed a bit to catch my attention, and I looked at her. "That's why you have that sort of style, isn't it?" she asked. "Because you fight enemies like Saber."
"Well, there's really no one else like Saber in existence, but…" I shrugged. "Most things I fight are a lot stronger than me. Controlling the flow of battle gives me one of the few advantages I have." Seeing Homura's dissatisfaction with the answer, I continued, "Look at it this way. I'm a lot better than I used to be, and I'll continue to get better, especially with Saber's help."
"If you insist. But… remember we're here to help you as well." Homura's expression was almost fierce.
I glanced around, noting that it was mirrored on the faces of all my Sekirei, even Kuu. I met Matsu's eyes, remembering the lecture she'd given me. "I will." I would take them with me into battle, but I would not allow them to be hurt — I couldn't. I stood. "I'm going to get cleaned up before I have to go out. I'll see you all in a little bit."
I was a good repairman, in part because of my magecraft, but between travel and work time, it was nearly six by the time I returned to Izumo House. I checked in with the members of my flock downstairs and asked Akitsu to stay with them before heading to Uzume's old room, where Rin and Saber were now staying. I knocked lightly. "It's me."
"Come in!" I opened the door at Rin's invitation and stepped inside. It seemed they had already unpacked, as their suitcases were safely stowed away, all save one bag. That, I knew, held the rarest and most expensive of the magecraft implements Rin always carried with her, including her gems. That bag wouldn't be unpacked unless it was being used, and it would always go with her if she had to leave the house. Rin had no intention of abandoning it somewhere. "Just got back?" the magus asked. She had the tablet in front of her, Saber at her side. They'd apparently been reviewing something on it when I'd interrupted them.
"Yeah." I let my eyes sweep the room, mostly out of habit, and noticed a staff in the corner. "You finished it?"
"Mmhmm." Rin looked very pleased with herself. "Go ahead. I know you want to see it."
I picked up the staff. Years ago, before we'd left Fuyuki, we'd found a similar one in Rin's house that had belonged to her father. That staff had been attuned to fire. Rin, as an Average One, would have been able to use it, of course, but it only gave her a focus for one of the five elements she could manipulate. Rin had dreamed of making a staff with similar properties, but focused on all four of the major elements. I'd helped her analyze the existing staff and had been surprised at how much the design process for Rin's new weapon had interested me, since my magecraft was focused on replication. Rin, however, had taken it as a sign that I was really a creator by nature.
I gave the staff a bit a twirl. It was nicely balanced, a difficult thing to achieve with how the gems it held were situated. "Are you planning on taking lessons?" An item like this could serve not only as a Mystic Code, but a mundane weapon as well.
"Already started," she confirmed. "It's slow going, but Saber says I'm improving."
I chuckled. "How did you get this through customs?"
"Whatever do you mean, Emiya-kun?" Rin smirked. "That is clearly a walking stick."
I glanced at the large gems embedded in it: one by the base to work with earth energies, three more towards the top for fire, water, and wind. "Can't imagine how it could possibly be anything else." I replaced the staff in the corner of the room before moving to join her and Saber on the floor. "Get caught up?"
"We know the basics of the Sekirei, their history, the Jinki, and as much of the Sekirei Plan as Matsu was able to tell us," Saber confirmed. "She has shown us how to access her files on the Sekirei, and we have been studying them to gain a better understanding of our foes."
"Tomorrow afternoon we're supposed to watch some footage of past fights so we can see exactly what Sekirei are capable of." Rin rolled her shoulders. "I can't imagine how long it took you to memorize one hundred and eight of these profiles, not to mention the ones on the Ashikabi."
"There are substantially fewer now," Saber commented. "We should be able to make specific plans for our enemies tomorrow by the latest."
I nodded. "I see you're all moved in."
"Musubi was a great help there," Saber said. "She is very strong."
"Speaking of Musubi, what is wrong with that girl?" Rin looked at me. "Don't tell me you haven't noticed."
"No, I have." I sighed. "She's distorted."
Saber and Rin both froze, exchanging glances. "Shirou, do you mean…?" Saber trailed off.
"She was kidnapped, and Saved by someone who believed in love more than anything else," I summarized. I didn't really feel comfortable talking about it — it wasn't my story to tell.
Hearing the emphasis I placed on that one word, Rin and Saber both winced. "Well, now I know why everything I say rolls right off of her," Rin grumbled. "Talking her out of believing that love conquers all would probably be about as successful as trying to convince you not to save everyone." She sighed. "Is she going to be a danger to herself?"
I shook my head. "She's all right, and Tsukiumi isn't bad at keeping an eye on her." That gave me an opening to discuss something I had been meaning to bring up with them. "Rin, about this morning-"
"Shirou, you're going to tell me you're fine with it, and I'm going to want to hit you," Rin said bluntly. "You're human, they're not, and they need to learn to play by human rules to get by in this world. And don't tell me they can't — Miya, Homura, and Matsu aren't doing a bad job," she pointed out. So, she had noticed that our landlady wasn't human either. I'd wondered how long it would take. "Having a gaggle of girls around you who can't even interact with human society without making people stare is a surefire way to get unwanted attention. If you're lucky it'll only be mortal law enforcement."
If I wasn't, it could be one of half a dozen supernatural beings or organizations, some of which would likely consider Sekirei tasty. I could see Rin's point, but… "You didn't have to be so blunt about it."
"And you could've dealt with it sooner so I didn't have to," she shot back. Standing up, she began shuffling through the clothes she had brought, looking for something.
I bit my lip on a retort. It wasn't like I hadn't tried to get Musubi and Akitsu more adjusted to social norms. It was just difficult to make them stick. Rin, however, wouldn't accept that, and would probably argue I should have done more. It would be a pointless debate that would only make us angry, so I changed the subject. "What are you doing?"
"Since you're home, I thought I'd get changed so we can go for a run before dinner." Rin traded what she'd been wearing for a t-shirt and light pants. "I don't know your usual route."
"I don't have one," I confessed. Running was a habit I'd fallen out of after leaving London, though Rin and I used to go together several times a week to help keep in shape. Rin was a firm believer that a magus needed to fit in body as well as mind, which had led to her doing things like pushups before bed and collecting various pieces of exercise equipment in her basement. We had all worked out there before we had moved to London, though in Saber's case it was more from a general fascination with the devices than any real need to.
"Why not?" Rin asked, looking surprised.
"I tried when I first got here, but with everything else…" The Sekirei Plan, not to mention working and trying to make advances on my own in my workshop, had consumed my life. Not only that, but my runs while in cram school had also been strangely lonely. Rin and I hadn't talked when we went together, mostly focusing on what we were doing, but she had always been there. It was similar to how I'd spent time with Saber in the dojo or a practice ring. Running alone always reminded me of what I'd lost. Not only that, but I'd also been reluctant to leave my flock behind, even if they should have been safe in Miya's care.
"Then you begin again today." Saber's voice brooked no argument. "Change and meet Rin downstairs."
"Right. Just one more thing before you go." Rin reached down and tossed me a bag. I looked into it and flushed a little. Why had she tossed me a box of condoms? "Between the whole 'part Sekirei' nonsense and some of the things Matsu's said, I figured Sekirei and humans are cross-fertile," she said matter-of-factly, not looking at me.
"I, uh…" Crap. I hadn't thought about that at all. Then again, Rin had always taken care of that issue in our relationship, and it wasn't possible with Saber because of… well.
"You've been lucky so far, but think about how well you'd be able to evade MBI with babies in tow." Her voice grew a little more lighthearted, but there was still an edge to it, deep down. "Don't worry, I made sure I got you the right size."
She was definitely unhappy, but… I had no idea what I could say to make things better. I helplessly glanced at Saber, but her face was carefully expressionless as her eyes met mine. I sighed. "…I'll just go get changed, then," I said, and quickly retreated, making sure not to leave the box behind. I didn't want to make things worse than they already were.
Stashing the box somewhere out of sight, I grabbed a shirt and pants for exercising, changing into them quickly. "We're going out for a bit," I told my flock when I came downstairs to join Rin. "We'll be back in time to make dinner."
We headed out the door to a chorus of farewells. As we left the yard, Rin stopped and looked over my shoulder. "Shirou, what is she doing?"
I followed her gaze to Akitsu. "Akitsu usually follows me. With the Plan and all, I thought it was a better idea than trying to talk her out of it," I said, a bit defensively.
Rin raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "Isn't that weird for you?"
I shrugged; I'd gotten used to it, after all, so it really didn't bother me anymore. Rin gave the Sekirei beside me a glare, and I glanced at her, silently asking her not to make this an issue. Biting her lip, Rin nodded reluctantly, clearly not wanting to relinquish the privacy that had been characteristic of past runs. "In any case, let's get going already." She set off at a light jog, and I followed, Akitsu faithfully trailing behind me.
After about fifteen minutes I realized why Saber had been so insistent I start again.
Physical skill and conditioning were things that required maintenance. During my time in Fuyuki I had regularly exercised even before the Grail War, and after I'd summoned Saber I had only intensified my routine. In Shin Tokyo, though, I had been limited first by the small apartment I'd rented, and then by everything else that had happened. When we had first moved into Izumo House, I'd managed to exercise regularly, mostly conditioning moves I had used in Fuyuki, before I made breakfast in the mornings. But as the Sekirei Plan had picked up, and the size of my flock had increased, I'd found myself with more and more things to handle. Sometimes my morning workouts suffered from the insanity in my life, either being shortened or skipped altogether. And even if I did get a workout, it wasn't the same as training with Saber, who could push me further than I could go on my own.
I wondered if Saber really had been pushing me this morning or if I'd just gotten rusty.
I swore then and there that I wouldn't allow this to happen again. I needed to be in good shape in order to save others and defend my flock. With Rin and Saber here, I could ask for their help in things like strategy and training.
After a little while, we turned back and started to retrace our steps. Rin often glanced back at Akitsu as she steadily jogged behind us, her chains clinking rhythmically in time with our strides. As we came in sight of Izumo House, she dropped back, falling in line with the Sekirei. I tensed, looking back over my shoulder at them.
"Akitsu, can I ask you something?" Not waiting for a response, Rin continued, "Why do you follow Shirou around?"
Akitsu continued to jog for a moment or two before she responded. "Ashikabi-sama is kind and warm. I was broken, and he fixed me."
A curiously complicated expression crossed over Rin's face. "He's good at that," she said in a soft voice. She lengthened her stride to catch up with me. "Shirou, we're going to the store tomorrow."
"Eh?" I blinked at her in surprise.
"Well, she can't keep running in that." Rin gestured back towards Akitsu. "We need to get her something more comfortable — something that won't make people stare." She shook her head. "I have no idea what you were thinking, letting her wear chains, of all things."
"Ah," said Akitsu. "I like them."
"Well, they're not good for exercising, and if you want to come along, I don't want everyone gawking at us," Rin said crossly. "So tomorrow we go shopping."
Gratitude washed over me. Not only was Rin not forcing Akitsu to stay behind, but she was willing to help her continue to run with us. "Thank you," I said, giving her my most genuine smile.
Rin pinked a bit. "Hmph. Thank me when you get the bill." We entered the inn again, pausing in the genkan to change into our house slippers.
"I need to start dinner," I said, by way of excusing myself.
"Want help?" Rin offered.
I paused. It had been a long time since we'd cooked together. While we were staying in London we'd tried, but the tiny kitchenette in our apartment had made it a lot harder than it had been at either of our homes in Fuyuki. Another set of experienced hands would certainly be welcome, with the number of mouths to feed, though cooking with someone else always made me think of Sakura. I glanced at Rin, noting the bittersweet expression on her face. It seemed I wasn't the only one.
"That would be great." I forcefully shoved the memories aside.
"Maybe someday I'll even whip up the menu. It'd be good for them to try something besides Japanese food," Rin said, smiling slightly as she followed me into the kitchen.
"Just not mapo tofu," I muttered. After my past experiences with it, I never wanted to touch the stuff again.
"Deal."
With two of us working, we were able to finish preparing dinner by our regular time, even with the late start. The meal itself was much calmer than breakfast. Kazehana had apparently warmed up enough to talk with the other members of my flock and managed to exchange a few cordial remarks with Saber, though she and Rin very carefully didn't interact. Besides me, Tsukiumi regularly fidgeted and glanced at the clock. It took me a moment to realize the reason for her anxiousness, and then I nearly hit my head at my own stupidity. Of course. Tsukiumi had tonight to herself.
Soon the meal was completed and we were back in the kitchen. The task of cleaning up seemed to fly by, and it wasn't long until we had returned to the dining room, sipping cups of tea and sharing small talk. Tsukiumi became increasingly tense beside me, and I knew it was time to head upstairs before she did or said something she'd regret. "I think it's time for bed," I said, raising my voice a little.
"Sounds like a good idea," Rin agreed, getting to her feet. We looked at each other, and then Rin glanced at Tsukiumi, who'd risen at the same time I had, and froze. For a moment, her eyes burned with bitter frustration, but then she slammed her mask down. "After all," she continued, as if nothing had happened, "we have to go shopping tomorrow."
"Shopping, Rin-san?" Musubi asked.
"Well, if Akitsu is going to come running with us again she needs better clothes for it."
The Sekirei brightened at the mention of physical training. "Musubi wants to go too!"
"Why don't we work that out tomorrow?" Saber suggested. "For tonight, I think it would be wise for Rin and me to study those profiles some more before bed." She moved to the magus's side, Kuu trailing her. "Shall we put this one to bed together tonight, Rin? I believe you might know a good bedtime story for her."
"Me?" Rin looked flustered. "I'm not really a good storyteller—"
"Please, Rin-neechan!" Kuu begged.
I took advantage of the distraction my youngest Sekirei was making and quickly headed upstairs to my room with Tsukiumi. She lingered near the door as I laid out the futon, acutely aware of her watching me.
Finally finished, I sat, turning to look at Tsukiumi. She was apparently deep in thought, chewing her thumb as she often did when she was nervous. "Um…" I cleared my throat. "Aren't you coming to bed?"
Tsukiumi started, blushing furiously at the question. "O-of course!" She smartly marched across the room and settled on the futon, trying to mask the uncertainty in her eyes.
To be honest, I was feeling a little uncertain myself — pretty stupid, considering it wasn't like I was inexperienced with sex, but I knew Tsukiumi had been skittish about the idea when I'd first winged her. And even if she'd seemed more than willing the last time we'd, ah, discussed it… well. I had some experience dealing with tsunderes claiming to be more prepared for certain things than they actually were.
I firmly pushed that memory aside. I didn't want to compare the women in my life to each other like that; they didn't deserve it. Even so, though, that didn't mean prior experience wouldn't be useful.
"Tsukiumi," I began, and hesitated. I had the feeling that if I outright told her 'we don't have to have sex if you're not comfortable with it' I'd just get yelled at, but I wanted to say something now, because I knew the further things got the harder it would be to stop. "We don't have to do anything you're not comfortable with," I finally said.
Tsukiumi gave me a flat look. "Shirou, you are my hus—" She stopped, bit her lip, and corrected herself "—my Ashikabi. I-I am yours to do with as you please." Flushing again, she ducked her head, glancing away. "And… I would not mind you holding me again as you did before."
I swallowed hard, remembering the last time I'd touched her. "All right," I murmured, and reached out to pull her to me. I would do my best by her and give her the attention she wanted and deserved. It was a small enough way to give her happiness.
I awoke to the feel of Tsukiumi's body against mine, the Sekirei deeply asleep. I carefully eased away from her before dressing. Last night had been… awkward. Not only had it been Tsukiumi's first time, but despite all my efforts not to think about it I had been acutely aware that Rin and Saber were right down the hall, and that they more likely than not knew exactly what we were doing.
I couldn't stop seeing the looks on their faces when I'd left for bed with someone else.
It wasn't fair, though, not to give Tsukiumi what she had wished for. Though Rin and Saber might debate the wording, I was essentially married to my Sekirei. They had a right to ask for certain things, even if I wasn't sure I loved them. They were all physically stunning, so it wasn't as if it were difficult to find them attractive…
I forced my thoughts aside, headed downstairs, and started breakfast.
This morning I had the kitchen to myself. I worked quickly, knowing that all too soon I would have not only hungry Sekirei but also a hungry Saber to feed. I listened as I chopped, simmered, and cooked, hearing the house start to come alive as its occupants woke and readied themselves for the day ahead. I was almost finished with my preparations when I heard footsteps entering the kitchen. I looked up, surprised to see Rin and Saber there, mostly because of the time.
Before I could say anything, Rin marched over and seized me by the apron, yanking me down for a long, deep kiss. I almost dropped my spatula in my haste to wrap an arm around her as she pressed her body against mine. She slowly pulled back, a smirk on her lips. "Good morning, Shirou."
"Uh. Morning," I responded automatically, trying to calm my breathing.
"Well, Saber?" Rin stepped away from me. "Why don't you show Shirou your new outfit?"
Saber pinked but stepped forward, and at Rin's urging, turned. I felt my breath catch. The black jeans hugged her hips, accenting her slim figure. Her shirt was blue, and from the front seemed relatively modest, but as she turned the back was revealed to be completely open except for thick ribbons at the neck and waist, the only things that held the shirt to her body. My hand twitched, wanting to touch the exposed skin, knowing the reaction I would get from running my fingers along her spine. "It is more revealing than I am used to," Saber admitted, "but Rin thought you would like it."
Like it? This was torture. I glanced at Rin, whose knowing smirk only grew. "Why is it only Wednesday?" I muttered.
"Because Wednesday comes between Tuesday and Thursday, obviously," she replied matter-of-factly, and snatched a serving dish and headed out to the dining room before I could respond.
"It seems Rin is in a roguish mood this morning," Saber told me.
I carefully placed a stack of dishes into her hands. "Thanks for the warning," I grumbled. Great. Not something I needed to start out my day.
Musubi and Matsu soon entered, helping us ferry the rest of the meal out to the table. When everything was finally in place I sat down, this time with Akitsu at my right. Saber was still by Kuu's side, but this time she had Musubi on her left. Rin was wedged between Matsu and Homura, asking both of them about their abilities. Tsukiumi was quiet on Akitsu's other side for most of the meal. I looked at her with concern. It wasn't like her to be so withdrawn. "Is something wrong?"
She looked up at me. "Of course not!" she said in a clipped tone that cut off all further discussion, and went back to brooding over her breakfast.
I frowned at her response, but decided to let the issue drop for now. I didn't want to force her to talk about it in front of everyone else, especially if it might've had something to do with last night. Matsu, on the other hand… "Matsu, are you all right?" I asked, concerned. She wasn't quite as animated as usual, looking visibly tired.
"Matsu is fine, Shirou-tan!" she assured me. "Rin-tan just mentioned some interesting things yesterday, so Matsu was up late trying to figure out a better way to catalogue magus information."
"Don't make a habit of it," I cautioned. I needed her sharp.
"Matsu won't, Shirou-tan," she promised, and grinned. "Well, we all know Tsukiumi-tan had a good time last night!"
"Wh— why you…!" Tsukiumi flushed, roused from her pensive mood by Matsu's barb. "How dare you speak so openly about my private time with Shirou!? Water—!"
Miya glanced at me and raised her eyebrows, and I nodded. "Ohoho." The landlady smiled, and darkness began to gather behind her. I caught Homura's frantic look, but just shook my head slightly. Just because I could counter Miya didn't mean I always would, especially when the culprit deserved it. "Both violence and lewd conversation are—"
To my left, there was a sudden rush of prana. All eyes turned to stare at Saber, who had instantly shot to her feet and was now armed and armored, Excalibur held invisibly before her in a guard position. In response, faster than it took to draw in a breath, Miya dropped her mask, hands open before her in a motion of peace. The two stared at each other for a long moment, silently measuring each other.
"Saber, it's okay!" I quickly interjected. "That's just Asama-san's way of imposing order."
"Wait, what was that?" Rin asked.
"Ara?" Miya raised a hand to her mouth, but her gaze never left Saber, who'd dismissed her weapon and armor but maintained her wary posture, her eyes focused on Miya with hawklike intensity. "I have no idea what you're talking about, Tohsaka-san."
"You think I don't know a mystery when it happens right in front of me?" Rin huffed, then leaned over the table, studying Miya. "Some sort of apparition was forming - can you do it again?"
Homura's jaw dropped. "Wh— why would you want to see it again!?" She shook her head in disbelief. "Are all magi this crazy?"
"I'm not crazy!" Rin objected. "I just want to know how it works!"
"Just like Shirou-tan!" Matsu started laughing.
Rin turned to stare at me, hard. "I want your notes."
"They were destroyed when the Fraga attacked," I said apologetically. I caught the glare that Homura was giving me, unsubtly reminding me of my own promise not to teach anyone else how the technique worked, and nodded slightly, causing her to relax. Of course, I fully suspected Rin would figure it out in half the time I had, so the end result would be the same in either case.
"Hmmm." Rin pursed her lips thoughtfully. "So that's how Miya enforces the house rules?"
"Don't even think about it!" I warned her, recognizing the glint in her eyes. Rin could go a bit overboard when it came to research, and the last thing I wanted was to provoke Miya. I valued my kitchen time.
She scowled at me. "How else am I going to figure it out? Studying a phenomenon in action is critical to—"
"Weren't you going shopping today?" I interrupted.
Rin narrowed her eyes. "Yes. That doesn't mean I can't study it later, though."
"Perhaps, Rin, it would be wise to take all of the Sekirei with us. I believe they may all benefit from training." Rin and I turned in unison to look at Saber, who'd finally relaxed. "You have not been doing team practice, have you?" I shook my head. "Then it would be good to start now," she declared.
"This is going to get really expensive," Rin mused. "The bras alone are going to cost at least twenty to thirty thousand yen. Where's the best lingerie shop around here?"
"W-wait a second!" I threw up my hands in a stopping motion. "Why would you need to go to a place like that? I thought you were just getting Akitsu something different to run in!"
"They obviously need good sports bras, idiot!" Rin snapped. "How they don't have backaches already I don't even know!"
"Probably a difference in our biology," Matsu suggested.
I shifted uneasily. I had only been in a lingerie store once, and that was still up on my list of most embarrassing experiences ever. If Saber hadn't been so insistent — and Rin hadn't encouraged her, the minx — I never would've gone in the first place. The idea of going with my entire flock was more than a bit terrifying. "I don't think I should go with you," I finally said. "Isn't this more of a girl thing?"
"Well, you can't expect me to pay for it all." Rin crossed her arms and glared at me.
I made a face. Yes, the money for it could definitely be a problem. I was paying rent for two rooms already, and was trying to save some money on the side for our eventual departure. MBI dropped off copies of the Sekirei's regular outfits whenever they were destroyed, but they didn't seem to have a lot of variety. "Maybe this isn't a good idea after all…"
"What about the MBI card, Shirou-tan?" Matsu suggested. Rin looked at her curiously. "Matsu knows Shirou-tan doesn't want to use it because he doesn't want to be tracked, but it isn't like we aren't being tracked anyway." One of her hands went to rest on her neck, reminding me of the transmitter in her spine. "There shouldn't be anything too incriminating about clothing purchases, should there?"
"No," I admitted. Workout clothes were hardly something that should cause flags. I was reluctant to use the card, but it might be for the best in this situation.
"Wait, what's this card do?" Rin asked.
"MBI gives each Sekirei and Ashikabi an unlimited credit card to make purchases with, to fund their activities in the Plan," Homura explained.
"And you haven't been using it?" Rin stared at me like I'd grown an extra head. "Do you have any idea what you could've done with it?"
"Buy up all the jewels in the city?" I asked dryly.
Rin flushed. "As if there wouldn't be so much dross among them," she sniffed, and pounded her fist on the table. "Still, Shirou! We could invest in all sorts of things—"
"I don't like being tied to MBI any more than I have to be," I countered.
"I think Matsu's right," Kazehana offered. "Clothing isn't likely to cause any suspicion."
"You want to go too?" I was surprised. I didn't think Kazehana would want to go anywhere with Rin, considering the friction that was still evident between them.
Kazehana smirked. "Let's just say I want to pick out something special for Saturday."
I carefully didn't look at Rin or Saber. Saturday. Kazehana's day. And with the new rules in place…
Saturday was going to be interesting.
"Matsu, I'll give my card to you. Can you make sure that it works even if I'm not there?" I asked. Matsu nodded. It wasn't long after that till everyone finished the meal and we'd cleaned up. Most of my flock went with Saber and Rin, Musubi excitedly offering to carry Saber while they roof-hopped. I headed upstairs to find the tablet. I had a project of my own I wanted to try.
It shouldn't have, but the explosion took me completely by surprise.
"Shirou!" Hands grasped my arms and helped me into a sitting position. "Are you all right?"
"Fine." I shook my head, trying to clear out the ringing in my ears. It took me a moment to recognize the person supporting me. Homura was the only member of my flock who had stayed home from the shopping trip, assuring Saber and Rin that she didn't need anything. When I had left Izumo House to take a short trip into the woods we'd used for Norito practice, she had insisted on accompanying me since Akitsu was gone.
And from the size of the crater in front of me, it was a good thing I had decided to experiment here, and not in the inn. Miya would have murdered me.
"Shirou, what were you doing?" Homura let go as I regained my balance.
I looked around quickly and managed to find the piece of paper I had been using for notes. Thankfully it was intact. "Well, Matsu's been helping me with my magecraft, and I wanted to try a few things out. Since I haven't replaced my workshop, I thought this would be the best place." I'd barely had a chance to investigate the digital workshop Matsu had made me before Rin and Saber had arrived, and since I had a free day and everyone else had left, it seemed like a good time to see what exactly it could do. I'd spent the morning playing with the tablet, writing up a list of possible rune combinations to try out. Some had worked exactly as I had expected. A few had been duds, not doing anything at all.
This was the first one that had exploded in my face.
I stared at the characters on the page. I had no idea why it had reacted the way it had. I knew I had typed in the right terms, and it was supposed to be a warding boundary field, not an offensive spell…
"Did you have these types of problems in your workshop?" Homura sounded resigned.
"Nothing this large," I admitted. I glanced at the crater again. It was small compared to the one Musubi had made, but it was still nothing to sneeze at. "I hadn't had a lot of time to try new combinations before Matsu came up with the search engine." I wished I'd brought the tablet with me so I could try other combinations, but with the overcast sky, I didn't want to get it wet if it rained. Though with the explosion it was just as well I'd left it home.
"Doesn't look like it's working very well," my companion said drily.
I shook my head. It did work, just not perfectly. "It's a start, but I'll have to be careful how I use it." It was a powerful tool, but one I couldn't rely on in a rush. Thankfully I hadn't actually been attempting to ward anything besides an empty field. If I had used it on a house…
Well. Best not to think about it.
Homura went to retrieve the book she'd dropped when she had rushed to my side. Silent for a few minutes, she turned the novel over in her hands. "She isn't what I expected," she finally said.
"Huh?" I glanced over at the book. It was the one Saber had signed Monday night. "Oh. Saber."
Homura nodded. "I never thought I'd actually meet King Arthur, but… she isn't what I envisioned at all." Being a female version of a king universally regarded as male would do that, I thought. Homura thumbed through the pages. "She's so… normal."
"She is now, most of the time," I agreed. When she had first been summoned things had been different. She'd been focused on the Holy Grail War above all else, but after three years in this time she had mostly adapted. For a moment, I thought of the scene this morning. I had stared up at Saber as she challenged Miya, ready to defend me and anyone else who needed it. It had brought back memories of our first meeting, where she had stood over me before chasing after Lancer and saving me from another death. "Most of the time," I repeated softly.
Homura's eyes met mine, and understanding flashed between us. Saber might be normal most of the time, but inside she was still the King of Knights. She could fit in to today's society, but she would never stop being what she was.
Not unlike the Sekirei beside me.
Homura glanced at her watch. "It's getting close to lunch time. We should probably head back."
I nodded and stuffed my notes into my pocket. I only hoped everyone would be back in time for lunch. I could remember being the beast of burden for some shopping trips that had taken all day.
When we returned to the inn we were greeted by the cheerful bustle of my flock. Several of them were flitting in and out of the kitchen, putting various foodstuffs away. "Welcome back, Shirou-san!" Musubi said cheerfully.
"I thought you were going clothes shopping." I automatically started helping out.
"We did, but Miya-san sent us with a list of things we needed," Musubi replied. "They were having a good sale today!" She darted around the kitchen, putting away vegetables, then stopped abruptly in front of me. "Look, Shirou-san!" She bounced up and down several times. "They don't move as much anymore!" She gestured excitedly to her chest.
I really, really needed to work on discretion with her.
"That's… very good, Musubi," I managed.
"I wish I'd known about this months ago! This is going to make it so much easier to fight!"
Rin entered, getting herself a glass of water. "Men don't think about those sorts of things, Musubi."
"Well, thank you very much, Rin-san!" Musubi smiled brilliantly at her before she ran out. "I'm going to go train with Landlady-san until lunch!"
"She's certainly excitable." Rin shook her head, but there was a fondness on her face that I hadn't seen before.
"And you are evil," I told her. "Did you put her up to that?"
Rin gave me an entirely innocent look that I didn't believe for a second. "Why, Emiya-kun, why on earth would I do that?"
"You really are in a mischievous mood today," I muttered. "Are they ready for lunch?"
"That's why we headed back," Rin admitted. She fell into place beside me as I started sorting out the food still on the counter. "The Sekirei eat more than Saber does."
"I do not eat that much," Saber protested as she entered the kitchen, carrying a large bag of rice. "Hunger is the enemy and must be kept at bay whenever possible."
"Hunger is the enemy!" Kuu repeated, following close on Saber's heels, a smaller bag in her hands.
I blinked. The girl's dark blond hair, with the exception of her bangs in the front, had been tied up into a bun like her new idol's, fastened with a green ribbon. I glanced at Saber, who pinked. "She asked if we could do it, and it seemed like a simple enough request."
"Getting her a few hair ribbons really didn't cost much," Rin added.
"Kuu is pretty like Sa-neechan!" the Sekirei announced. "Do you like it, Oniichan?"
"It looks very good on you," I assured her. Kuu beamed at me and quickly hugged one of my legs before scampering off into the other room. "She's really taken to you," I commented to Saber.
"I am not sure why," she replied, shaking her head. "I am not very good with children, but I shall do the best I can with her. I do not get the impression that your other Sekirei are good role models." Saber frowned.
Well, she had a point there. I was already concerned about what growing up in... well, in a harem was doing to her mindset, considering some of the games she had invented for her stuffed animals. "Thank you," I said sincerely.
Saber smiled. "It is nothing, Shirou. I trust we will practice later?"
"How about after lunch?" I suggested, more than happy to start my reconditioning. "We can go for our run after dinner today, Rin."
"Sounds good, though if we're bringing everyone along, it might be better to go someplace relatively unoccupied." Rin glanced at Saber. "Are you sure this is a good idea?"
Saber nodded. "I believe it would be wise. I do not know how much the Sekirei can develop their abilities physically, but if nothing else, it would be a simple activity to help them all work together."
I nodded, though I made a mental note to explain to my girlfriends the levels of synchronicity the bond seemed to give my flock sometime soon. I didn't disagree with the idea, however. If the Sekirei could strengthen themselves physically it would only help them. Matsu and Kuu were particularly vulnerable in that area. While I would never ask either to fight, it would be helpful if they could at least get away from danger.
"After we get back from running, I want to discuss the situation with the Jinki and go over all the magus activity you've encountered in detail." Rin finished her water and leaned against the counter. "I've thought about your plan, but I'm not sure it'll work."
"Why not?" I asked as I started making lunch.
"For one thing, we don't know there isn't another surprise like the tracking chips in the Sekirei." Rin tapped her fingers on the cabinet closest to her. "It's standard magus practice to make sure that if a subject escapes your control it can't survive on its own, one way or another."
"They have a plan to shoot down any escaping Ashikabi and pick up the terminated Sekirei," I pointed out.
"Matsu said as much, but I wouldn't put it past them to have some sort of poison waiting in the Sekirei to be activated either. From what I can understand, they've gained a lot of advanced knowledge from the Sekirei's ship. That means we can't predict what they can or can't do."
So they might have planted some sort of biological bomb in the Sekirei. I nodded in acknowledgment of the possibility. I knew more about technology now than I had before, but I was hardly an expert. "Something to have Matsu look into."
"She might be able to find it in herself or others, which is my hope," agreed Rin. "I don't think we should trust all the information she can get to. I have a hard time believing they'd leave it all out there for any Sekirei with her abilities to tap."
"She's the only one left in the running anymore, since brain types are rare, but I agree with you. I've thought the same thing," I admitted.
"I have another idea on how to deal with them, but I'm still working out the specifics." I looked at Rin, interested. Something in her tone suggested it might be more permanent than just hiding them. "I said I'm working on it, so it isn't worth mentioning yet." She shook her head. "Even if we do run, though, we can't run forever. We need to go to the Clock Tower at some point, or things are going to get ugly."
I swallowed. "Rin, I can't go back there. You know they'll take one look at the Sekirei and I'll never see them again."
"Maybe, maybe not," came her reply. "We wouldn't have to necessarily bring them, after all. They could stay in Fuyuki."
I shifted a little uneasily and didn't say anything. It was a reasonable plan, but not one that made me comfortable. On the other hand, Rin did need to go back to the Clock Tower with me if we didn't want to be hunted for the rest of our lives. She had made it clear in the past that she hadn't intended to stay in London forever, only long enough to make connections and build up her own magecraft to the point she could focus on her own research rather than learning from others, so it wasn't as if my flock and I would never be together again. Still, the idea troubled me.
Rin sighed, then continued, "In any case, we need hiding places for the Jinki. I thought we could stash one in the chest at my house, but I wouldn't want to put them all in there."
I wasn't keen on that idea at all. I thought I knew which chest she meant; it had caused us all sorts of problems already. "I thought about giving one to the fae," I said instead of addressing her idea.
"It's worth a try," Rin agreed, flashing a grin at Saber. "We know someone who has connections, after all." She pushed off the counter. "I'll let you get started cooking. I want to work on those wards I started Monday."
I nodded and turned my hands to my task. It'd be good idea to have a strategy session together. "Just like old times," I murmured, and focused on the daikon in front of me.
Notes:
We swear there will be no conversations over a meal next chapter. It's just such a convenient setting. We have no idea if you could plant some sort of remote detonated poison capsule in the Sekirei, but it doesn't seem completely implausible since they're supposed to have super tech in this universe, plus Rin and Shirou don't really know what they're talking about, so they could be completely wrong. :3 We love fallible character point of view.
Also, we have no idea why, but we couldn't find/remember a single instance of Shirou training instead of fighting in IF. Could never be mentioned, but you'd think it would've come up at least once…
Thanks to Tenrou29 and SatireSwift for their continued feedback.
Edit: Ascarde had sharper eyes than us. There are some mentions that Shirou exercises in the morning before breakfast back before Yukari moves into Izumo House. However, since we weren't the only ones who found it weird it wasn't mentioned more, we thought it seemed plausible that he hadn't been getting it in as regularly. The chapter has been edited to account for this. Thanks to Ascarde for letting us know.
As far as the thing with Matsu's digital workshop, machine translators are notorious for flubbing nuances. We find it hard to believe a rune translator would be perfect all the time.