Thanks for all of the reviews as usual. Like I said in the chapter before, this chapter isn't really too important to the story, but it's still worth taking a look at.
Chapter 11
"Get up Minato!" Benitsubasa screamed.
"Just give me ten more minutes, please."
"Come on! You said you would take Ku to the zoo today."
"I'm too tired, have Mutsu take you guys."
"I don't think he's that good with kids, but whatever."
Benitsubasa walked out of Minato's room and knocked on Mutsu's door.
"What do you want?"
"Minato told me to tell you that you're taking us to the zoo today."
The door opened, revealing Mutsu.
"He said what?"
"You're taking us to the zoo. So get ready, we're leaving in ten minutes."
She turned around and joined the others, who had gathered at the door. Mutsu sighed and decided to get dressed.
"You seriously owe me Minato." He grumbled as he put on his scarf.
"Come on Mutsu! Let's go!" He heard Kazehana yell out.
"All right, I'm coming." He strode out of his room and immediately walked over to Kusano.
"Did you remember to put on sunscreen?"
She nodded no.
"Kusano, you'll get sunburned if you don't, please go put some on. We're not leaving until you do." Mutsu said in a gentle voice.
The other Sekirei looked on in amazement.
Once Kusano left to put on sunscreen, Mutsu noticed the odd looks he was getting.
"What? I don't want her to get sunburned all right?"
Yomi smiled, "Aw, Mutsu, you'd be such a good father!"
"Now now, let's not go overboard here."
"I'm ready!" Kusano skipped back to the group.
Mutsu picked her up and put her on his shoulders, "All right then, let's go."
The group happily made their way to the zoo, with Mutsu and Kusano leading them.
"Seriously, who's this guy and what happened to the real Mutsu?" Benitsubasa asked Kazehana.
"I don't know, but I like this Mutsu much better." A smile reached her face as she heard Mutsu chuckle at something Kusano said. "I think it's because of how much he cares about Kusano. She's so innocent, I think that he wants to shield her from the evils of the world."
"Sorry to ruin the mood, but have you guys ever thought about what's going to happen if they have to fight?" Uzume asked.
"I'm not sure, but I don't think Mutsu could ever bring himself to hurt Ku." Kazehana answered.
"Look, I don't know about you, but I don't want to talk about this right now." Yomi said.
Uzume turned to her, "I know, none of us want to talk about this, but don't tell me you guys never think about it."
"I do, but for some reason, it doesn't bother me too much. I don't know why, but I just get the feeling that Minato will find a way around the rules and we never have to fight each other." Benitsubasa answered.
Uzume nodded, "I certainly hope so."
"Hey guys, look, we're here!" Kusano yelled out. Mutsu walked over to the ticket stand and bought everyone their tickets.
"All right Kusano, don't run too far ahead, I'm not sure we'll be able to catch up."
Mutsu set her on the ground and she took his hand.
"All right, what do you want to see first?"
She thought about it for a second before answering, "The lions!"
Mutsu checked the map before leading the group to them. When they arrived, they saw two lions loafing around.
"They aren't doing anything!" Kusano cried out.
"They are probably sleeping right now." Yomi offered.
Mutsu took his sword and subtly tapped the ground with it, creating a small shockwave. Immediately, the lions woke up.
"Hey look Kusano, they got up." He put her back on his shoulder for a better view. A smile spread across his face as he listened to her observations.
"Let's go see the birds now!" Mutsu nodded and led them to the aviary.
"What's going on with these birds?" Benitsubasa asked as several birds landed on her head and began pecking at her.
"I'm pretty sure it's just because they don't like you." Akitsu said.
Mutsu stood back and took in the sight of Kusano laughing as a parrot landed on her shoulder and began repeating everything she said.
"Everyone's pretty relaxed, considering the situation." Uzume said.
Mutsu nodded, "It's the calm before the storm."
"You know it's not going to last."
"I'm aware."
"What are you going to do?"
Mutsu looked at her, "What do you mean?"
"I mean, what are you going to do if you have to fight Kusano?"
Mutsu looked back at Kusano, who was now playing with a toucan. "I don't know."
"Would you be able to do it?"
"No." He answered honestly.
Uzume nodded, "I thought so. Well, I guess we'll find out what happens when the time comes."
She walked away, leaving Mutsu alone with his thoughts.
"Hey, can we go see the giraffes?" His thoughts were interrupted by Kusano tugging on his pants.
He put on a smile, "Sure!" He held her hand and led the group off to see the giraffes. He looked at the wonder on her face as she observed the giraffes and sighed.
"Welcome back you guys." Minato said as his Sekirei entered the apartment.
"Shh, Ku's asleep." Benitsubasa said.
"I'll put her to bed." Mutsu carried her off to Benitsubasa's room. As he tucked her in, he made sure to place the stuffed monkey he had bought for her that day in her arms.
He sat down at the foot of the bed and he studied her face as she slept.
"She really looks calm, doesn't she?" Mutsu turned around and saw Minato sit down next to him.
"Uzume told me what you said earlier today."
"I meant it. I just think that I couldn't bring myself to harm her if I had to." Mutsu studied his hands, "Crazy, isn't it? I had no qualms about killing solders on Kamikura or fighting those twins, but when it comes to a little girl, I can't even lift a finger against her. I'm powerless."
"It's not crazy, she never asked to be put in this position. I wouldn't be able to fight her either. She will never fight anyone unless she has to, you know that."
"It's just that I don't want to see her grow up in a world where she has to kill. She's far too good for that." Mutsu admitted.
"It's all right, I'll make sure she never has to, and I'll do my best to make sure everyone comes out alive. I promise." With that, Minato left the room.
"Thank you." Mutsu took one more look at Kusano's sleeping form.
Still, if it comes down to it, I've made my choice.
This chapter came out more serious than I originally intended, but Mutsu needed a way to bond with Minato, and their little heart to heart did just that. The next chapter, and the rest of the story in general will be more serious, as the Sekirei Plan progresses. As always, suggestions are welcomed.