Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto nor Sekirei, all characters, thoughts and ideas that exist in this story that were taken from the original works belong to their specific creators, Masashi Kishimoto and Sakurako Gokurakuin. Only original thoughts and or characters created in this story are my own.
Author's Notes: Well, I start my new job on Tuesday, so that means my updates probably won't be coming as quickly since I'll go from being unemployed to fully employed. That cuts my time to write by quite a bit. I'll still update at least once every three weeks but the updates won't come as fast as they have.
I would have to say this chapter is very bittersweet. There are some touching moments in it, but a dark cloud definitely hangs over the chapter due to the last one.
Oh, and for those of you that have stayed with me through thick and thin, you'll finally be rewarded for all that here, in this chapter.
Review Responses: As I expected I lost readers last chapter, and I got some vitriol in the reviews. Well, I guess that just means I wrote a good chapter I suppose since I was trying to get a reaction out of my readers. If you can read that last chapter and feel nothing then I've obviously failed.
Hanabi's actions towards Ayesha were extreme in the last chapter, that was intentional. Hanabi isn't a nice person. She's just nice to Naruto and her sisters. You can't be an ANBU Captain and BE a nice person; you must always be ready to do the worst. Ayesha has always been considered an enemy in Hanabi's eyes. Couple that with her intense dislike of immortal beings, Ayesha's attempt to warp the one thing she cares more about than everything else combined AND the odd mood swings brought about by pregnancy and well… it becomes far more understandable as to why Hanabi acted like she did. It was also in the heat of the moment and had she not been acting on her emotions she probably wouldn't have gone as far as she did.
Hanabi's actions make sense, Yuuchi's actions make sense. The only actions that were questionable were Naruto's and Miya's. They may have been a little OOC there; I hope you'll all let that slide since I really wanted that scene to occur. Not Kusano's death, but the destruction of Izumo Inn. That NEEDED to happen, you'll see why this chapter.
To the individual that commented on the "Life is precious because it is fleeting…" that's my own personal view. Not everyone shares it, and that's fine. That's another thing that makes life so great, the diversity that exists in all aspects of life, including how life itself is viewed. I'm not going to go into detail as to 'why' I believe that, that's an essay in and of itself, but it can basically be summed in a few statements. If you live long enough, you will accomplish everything, after you've accomplish everything, what's left? Only emptiness. There's also the fact that if you have all of eternity to do something, why would you do anything now? Or tomorrow? Or even within the next million years? The more you have of something, the less value it has. Precious metals are precious because there is only a limited amount. Likewise life is precious because it is limited. I can go on and on with this but I'll leave it with that. Those three statements basically sum up my feelings on the subject.
Naruto can't go into Sage Mode in Shinto Teito because there's no natural energy to absorb. You need to realize this is Earth, not the Elemental Nations. The natural energy is different. The Gaia of Earth does not consider humans or man-made structures as part of 'nature.'
And yes, there are currently two Gaia's on Earth. Earth's Gaia, and the Elemental Nation's Gaia. Confusing, I know, but I has plans! Oh yes I do!
Chapter 36: Transfer of Control
Naruto's face was grim as he carried Ayesha's quaking form in his arms. He left small puddles of water on the floor behind him as moved through Epsilon Point. His clothing, and those of Ayesha, was drenched through from the torrential downpour that was still coming. He was headed for B3; it was time to seal Ayesha up so that she could unknowingly harm anyone else.
MBI had arrived swiftly to retrieve the downed Sekirei. Takami had looked more shocked than he had ever seen her before when she laid eyes on Izumo Inn. He could understand her sentiments.
Izumo Inn had always felt like a solid, immovable object in the storm that was the Sekirei Plan. To see it ravaged so just didn't feel real. Despite her apparent shock over the devastation, Takami had moved swiftly to recover the Sekirei however. Kusano and Sanada's four Sekirei had been bundled up into the three helicopters that had arrived and quickly taken away.
Shijime had been classified as a level three deactivation, Kujika and Kusano a level four, and the other two a level five. Takami had given Naruto a sharp glare when she noticed the condition that Nio had been in. It was similar to what Yashima had experience months prior. Naruto had denied that he had been responsible but he doubted Takami believed him.
Yuuchi had wisely hidden herself when MBI had arrived, her presence would have brought questions he did not want to answer. Naruto would have rather taken the blame for Nio's death than MBI find out about Yuuchi.
After MBI had left Naruto had brought everyone to Epsilon Point, Izumo Inn was no longer habitable. Ayesha was brought here to be sealed while Miya and Yuuchi were brought here to live.
Yuuchi had parted ways the moment they had arrived, heading upstairs to the room she had been provided with earlier. There had been a determined look in her eyes as she left. She was more than likely preparing for a confrontation to come.
Miya and Hanabi had decided to follow him down into the basement.
Naruto had thought Hanabi would have accompanied him to Ayesha's sealing but she parted ways with them just before the stairs leading down to B2. She had given him a sad smile and headed off to her private sanctuary hidden deep within the labyrinth of secret rooms he had built for her.
Naruto could tell that she blamed herself for what happened at Izumo Inn, much like he had. In a sense her guilt was more justifiable than his. She had been the one to cause Kusano to go berserk because she had gotten carried away punishing Ayesha.
Blanc and Yume met them at the foot of the stairs on B2. They were the only other people here. Akitsu was still over at Akeno's and Chime had left to collect the mail from both the lockbox and Beta Point. Blanc and Yume both had concerned looks in their eyes. They could feel the turbulent emotions churning inside their Ashikabi. They could tell something awful had happened. Seeing the pain in Miya's eyes and Ayesha shivering in Naruto's arms only amplified the feeling.
"Miya-san, what happened?" Yume asked softly as she stepped up beside Miya.
Miya glanced over at Yume and shook her smiled sadly, "I will be staying here for a while, I hope you don't mind the intrusion," she said softly.
Yume gave Miya the best smile she could considering the circumstances, "Of course not Miya-san, I don't mind at all."
After that Yume and Blanc settled behind their Ashikabi, following him down to B3. An uncomfortable silence hovered in the air.
As they reached B3 Naruto quickly strode to the center of the room where the stasis pod was waiting. It was all ready to seal Ayesha up. All it needed was an occupant, and the application of chakra in the right spots. Blanc, Yume and Miya stopped a few meters back as Naruto carried Ayesha to the pod.
Ayesha stared at the pod fearfully, "Are you going to hurt me again?" she asked fearfully, clutching to Naruto's shirt as if it was the only thing protecting her.
Hanabi had broken her with her power. She was no longer all-loving. Ayesha had come into contact with something she had never felt before, absolute rejection. Hanabi had rejected her so completely, and hurt her so badly, that for the first time Ayesha had found something she could not accept, could not love, no matter how hard she tried.
For the first time in her life she had felt fear and hatred.
"No, no more pain. You will go to sleep and when you wake up, perhaps the world will be a better place," Naruto said softly as he laid Ayesha within the pod.
"Why will no one accept me," Ayesha whispered, her eyes pleading for an answer.
Naruto sighed and brushed a hand through his wet hair and tried his best to explain it. He had figured it out for the most part on the way down here and now he felt nothing but pity for Ayesha, and it had nothing to do with her influence. Looking her straight in the eyes he laid out the bare unvarnished truth, "Because no one is capable of accepting you. You are a dream born into a time that wasn't ready for you. You are a light too bright for us to look at without being burned. You love everyone and everything, but no one else is capable of the same. It's not that we won't, it's that we can't. For us to accept something absolutely, we have to reject everything else. That brings suffering and misery to those that are rejected. That suffering breeds hatred, anger, jealously, and a desire for vengeance and that is why you suffered today. Perhaps, in time, others will appear like you that are capable of unconditionally accepting everything another has to offer without rejecting those around them. When that time comes I hope they find you, because that is where you belong. This world is not for you. Here you will only be exploited. Here you will only bring suffering, not because you are wrong in your way of thinking, only because we are not yet ready for people like you. Your light is being stained by our darkness. That is why I am putting you to sleep, in the hopes that when you awake, the world, and humanity as a result, will finally be ready to accept you."
The room remained silent for several minutes after Naruto finished his speech. Miya, Yume and Blanc all bowed their heads as they played Naruto's words over and over in the minds. All three had condemned Ayesha, and for Miya she had good reason. However when Ayesha's situation had been revealed like that, they couldn't help but feel sorry for her.
What she had done was horrible and she needed to be sealed away, but at least now they understood why she had done what she did. She had merely reached out to the one person that had accepted her most: The First Sekirei Pillar.
And he had abused her acceptance, her loyalty, her love.
"Will I finally be accepted when I wake up?" Ayesha asked in a small voice.
Naruto gave her a sad look as he placed his hands in the proper locations, "We can only hope. I will try my best to build the foundation for a better future. After that, it's up to the human heart to dictate the path humanity walks."
Ayesha smiled, her first smile since Hanabi broke her, "Then that is what I will do. I will hope."
With one last glance at Ayesha, Naruto activated the seal. The walls of the pod came up and encased Ayesha. Black spidery lines criss-crossed the entire surface. A hum picked up as the seal came to life. Then the pod went dark as time ceased within. Everything became still, frozen in place until such time as she was released.
Suddenly there was a brilliant flash of light. Naruto jumped back, biting off a curse as his hands burned from a sudden rush of intense heat. Multi-colored chakra, the Prime Chakra Element, rushed back to the pod. It had been lying dormant within the walls after Naruto had unlocked the pod to release Yuuchi. Almost as if it had a mind of its own, and after what Naruto learned of Ramen Prime he wasn't going to rule that possibility out, the chakra crawled all over the surface of the pod. The seal he had created changed, warped, and became something different, something beyond even his ability to understand.
"I hope she knows what she's doing…" Naruto said a little apprehensively as he stared at the mind-boggling seal.
I always know what I'm doing… a soft, familiar voice whispered in his ear.
He whirled around looking for the source of the voice. He almost expected to see Ramen standing right there beside him. However he found nothing but air, empty save for a few strands of wispy chakra.
The room was suddenly engulfed by a brilliant white light and when it died down, the pod was gone.
"What the frickin hell was that?!" Blanc demanded in confusion and disbelief as she stared at the empty spot in the middle of the room. "Did you do that?" she asked her Ashikabi.
Naruto shook his head, "No, that was done by someone else, someone… far beyond you or I. I only hope she sent Ayesha to a better place than this."
"Not that she really deserves a better place," Blanc muttered half-heartedly. She didn't know what to feel about Ayesha after everything that had been said and done.
"Everyone deserves a better place," Naruto said softly, "Well, almost everyone." There were a few exceptions, but Ayesha was not one of them. She was simply born too soon and exploited by someone with nothing but bad intentions.
The person that exploited Ayesha however, that was someone that didn't deserve a better place.
"I need a bath," Naruto muttered softly as he glanced down at his wet, blood-stained clothes. He turned and headed for the stairs up to B3. He beckoned to Yume and Blanc and the two quickly joined him at his side. "And then I'm going to have to find something to say to Minato," he said as he wrapped his arms around their shoulders.
That wasn't a conversation he was looking forward to.
"Not just you, I will be there as well. I am the one that took Kuu-chan from him," Miya said firmly as she shifted her shoulders and followed closely behind. Naruto opened his mouth to protest but Miya silenced him with a stern look, "You're not taking this responsibility away from me."
"Yes Miya-chan," Naruto said in resignation. She sounded just like Hanabi when she delivered an ultimatum.
x~X~x
Miya slowly made her way up to the second floor. Her heart still heavy with the day's events. Ayesha was dealt with but it had come at a cost. A cost she wasn't entirely sure justified the end. She had been forced to raise her blade against one of her own yet again, and the Inn Takehito had bought for her was no more.
Izumo Inn and all her belongs were destroyed. Now all she had left of Takehito were her memories, and a grave.
Naruto had granted her the use one of the bedrooms on the second floor. Yuuchi had the northern most guest room, the southern one was hers. It had been given to her, free of charge. She had been given use of it for as long as she liked, an apology for what he believed was his hand in the destruction of her home.
It was kind of him, and she had accepted, but the destruction of Izumo Inn was not his fault. His only fault was in not stopping Hanabi, which she herself was guilty of as well. In fact it was more her fault than his, it was her Inn and thus it was up to her to enforce her own rules.
"Ah, Miya-san, can I speak with you?" Yuuchi asked, her voice floating out into the hallway from her room.
Miya paused, she wasn't really in the mood for conversation. However curiosity tugged at her and Yuuchi wasn't really someone you ignored just because you weren't feeling well. She made her way over to her predecessor's room and paused just within the open doorway. Yuuchi was sitting, lotus style, in the center of the room without a stitch of clothing on. Her eyes were closed and her long red hair pooled around her. She was surrounded by a large Fuinjutsu array.
"Is there something you wanted, Yuuchi-san?" Miya asked.
"I wish for you to return what was originally mine," she replied simply.
Miya didn't even have to guess at what it was that Yuuchi was referring to. There was only one thing that Miya had that Yuuchi once possessed.
"Control over Kouten," Miya said.
"Yes. Control was passed to you when I went into stasis, just in case I didn't wake up. There is no longer any need for you to carry that burden," Yuuchi said softly. She slowly opened her eyes and regarded Miya with a calm, serene look, "You would be free to simply be No. 01, Miya-san."
Miya clutched her chest. Closing her eyes she concentrated on the gentle pulse of her connection with Kouten. She could feel it beating in time with her own heart. It had been a part of her for so long now that she no longer remembered what it felt to be without it. However being No. 00 did come with a price and it was a price she no longer had to pay if she didn't want to.
It didn't take long for Miya to come to a decision.
She no longer wanted to be the Queen.
With a few quick flicks of her hands her clothing came undone and slid down her frame. Stepping out of the pile of clothing on the floor she made her way to sealing array. There was a second circle, smaller than the one Yuuchi sat within, for her. Adopting the same position as her predecessor Miya relaxed her body and waited for Yuuchi to commence the ritual.
This ritual wasn't exactly required, transfer had been given to her without it, but it made things quicker, and far easier.
"Thank you Miya-san, for looking after Kouten for so long," Yuuchi said softly as her chakra began to leak from her body and drift into the seal around her. "You have done well, better than I could have hoped. But this is a burden you no longer need to carry. Live your life free. From here on I, Uzumaki Yuuchi, shall re-take the burden of No. 00."
The sealing array began to glow with a brilliant blue light. Miya couldn't help but let out a soft gasp as she felt Yuuchi's chakra enter her body. It was an odd feeling, like warm gentle fingers were being pushed into her body. There was no pain or discomfort, only warmth. She forced herself to remain relaxed as the gentle strands of chakra touched her core and enveloped the connection that bound her to Kouten.
Miya had been asleep when the connection had been first transferred to her so she wasn't sure what to expect. She had expected something to signify severance, the shift.
But there wasn't anything.
One moment she could feel Kouten, and the next there was nothing, just an emptiness where something had once been. For a moment she felt a twinge of sadness at the loss but it was quickly swept away by the relief of no longer being No. 00.
She sat there for a few more minutes as Yuuchi's chakra slowly left her body. She kept her eyes closed and her body relaxed until the light of the seal faded away and the ritual was complete.
"I, Uzumaki Yuuchi, am No. 00," Yuuchi said formally as she accepted her role as the new Queen of Kouten. She opened her eyes and gave Miya a faint smile, "And you, Miya-san, are now free. Again I thank you for taking care of Kouten for me."
Miya bowed her head in deference. "I am glad to have been of assistance, now I am free to find an Ashikabi," Miya replied just as formally.
Yuuchi's eyes twinkled with amusement, "I think you've already found one, now go, wash yourself, today's events have left their mark on you."
Miya chuckled and held a hand up to her mouth, "Oh my, it sounds like I'm being scolded by my mother," she said lightly. Sorrow still lingered but the lifting of the weight of Kouten had done wonders for her mood.
Yuuchi gave her a wry look, "Just do not expect me to tuck you in at night and read you bed time stories like I used to when you were little."
"Of course not, mother, I am a grown woman now," Miya said with a small laugh as she slowly rose to her feet. Yuuchi wasn't really her mother, but she had helped raise most of the Pillars. She was her senior by many decades. Her small frame and childlike face belied her true age. Even before coming to Earth she almost a century old.
"That remains to be seen," Yuuchi replied and waved Miya away. "Now please, go wash, I need some time alone to familiarize myself with Kouten and the changes that it has gone through since I was last in control."
Miya stepped out of the sealing circle and gathered up her damp, dirty clothes. She left the room quietly. She stopped just outside and took in a long deep breath of air. She felt refreshed after relinquishing control. She hadn't realized just how much Kouten had been weighing her down until now. Now she felt she actually had the strength to confront Kusano's death and the loss of Izumo Inn.
She turned to head to the bathroom but hesitated as she saw the last person she wanted to see. Her mood darkened a little when she came face to face with the one responsible for the destruction of Izumo Inn: Hanabi. There was plenty of blame to be passed around, Ayesha for corrupting Kusano, herself and Naruto for not intervening, even Yuuchi for not being the voice of reason she should have been. However it was Hanabi's insistence to torture Ayesha long after it was necessary that had been the singular greatest reason for its destruction.
Naruto's wife stood hesitantly at the top of the stairs, watching Miya as she slowly made her way towards her. Hanabi's eyes were filled with guilt as she worked her mouth, trying to find the words she wanted to say.
"Hanabi-san," Miya greeted her as she stopped just shy of the staircase. She kept her tone even and controlled.
"Miya-san…" Hanabi trailed off. Taking a deep breath she did something no one had ever seen before.
Hanabi bowed her head.
It wasn't a small tilt of the head or even a bow of the neck. It was a full fledge bend of the waist as Hanabi, for the first time in her life, gave deference to someone other than her father. Not even Naruto had ever seen her like this.
"I'm sorry," Hanabi said, her voice thick with remorse and guilt.
Miya was momentarily taken aback by the sudden display of submissiveness. The two of them were very much alike in that regard, thinking themselves so far above all others that they rarely, if ever, gave way for another. She understood just how hard it was for Hanabi to do this, and how sincere she must be in her apology.
Taking a longer shuddering breath Miya closed her eyes and let go of her blame. Even if Hanabi had been the primary reason Izumo Inn was destroyed, it had not been intentional. The entire situation was one giant unfortunate circumstance for all involved. Murphy's Law decided to run rampant on everyone, all at once. There was no way any of them could have predicted that Kusano would have woken up and walked downstairs like that. And what's more, holding a grudge against the woman married to the man she hoped to bond with was not the best way to start a relationship.
Miya took another deep breath and slowly opened her eyes. She stared at the back of Hanabi's head, which was still bowed before her, "Hanabi-san, what happened today was unfortunate. None of us could have predicted what happened this morning. The blame must be shared equally by all of us. I have constantly said that violence was forbidden at Izumo Inn, but I broke my own rule when I did nothing to intervene," Miya said quietly, her voice filled with emotion as she sifted through a dozen different ones. Her gaze shifted to Hanabi's hands, "And you, you only acted to protect the man we love. You warned her and she ignored you. If you had only killed her once, she would have come back and tried again. She was no stranger to death. So Hanabi-san, lift your head. I forgive you and you will accept my forgiveness because if you do not then I cannot forgive myself and that would be quite annoying," she finished with a hint of amusement and annoyance in her voice.
Hanabi raised her head and gave Miya a grateful smile. There was still pain and sadness lurking within the depths of those pale eyes but her shoulders didn't look as bowed as before. Much like a weight was lifted off her own shoulders when Yuuchi took control of Kouten away from her, Hanabi looked as if a weight had been lifted off hers.
"Yes, I suppose that would be annoying. Again I'm sorry about what happened. I let my anger get the best of me, I've been trained to show restraint but I displayed anything but that this morning," Hanabi apologized a second time. "It won't happen a second time."
"I imagine not, as I do not have a second Izumo Inn to lose," Miya said as she held a hand to her mouth and let out a humorless chuckle.
Hanabi winced at her poor choice of words. She glanced at the clothing in Miya's arms and held her hands out, "I can have those washed for you while you bathe. The tub on this floor is quite large. I can have them back to you in an hour if you wish to enjoy a nice long bath," Hanabi offered.
A real smile crossed Miya's face as she passed her soiled clothing to Hanabi, "Why thank you Hanabi-san, I appreciate the offer."
Turning her back to Hanabi, Miya made her way into the bathroom. A long hot bath was just what she needed right now. And when she finished, she would approach the man she loved and ask to be winged.
x~X~x
"What am I doing here?" Naruto asked his wife curiously. He kept his voice to a whisper so that no one besides Hanabi could hear him. In his arms was Miya's clothing, now cleaned and folded neatly.
He had also changed from his wet, dirty clothes into a set of clean ones after a quick shower.
"You're returning Miya's clothes for her," Hanabi whispered back as if it was the most logical thing ever.
"Well, ya, but why am 'I' the one returning her clothes?" Naruto asked as he glanced into the bathroom. The door of this bathroom was a little tricky; if it wasn't closed just right it would open again. Locking it didn't seem to make a difference, "If you hadn't noticed Miya is in there completely naked."
"Well of course she's naked, her clothes are in your arms. Did you honestly expect her to take a bath with her dirty clothes on?" Hanabi said in exasperation.
"That's not what I'm getting at. Miya will chop me to pieces if I go in there right now," Naruto said as he stared at the opening apprehensively.
"No, she won't," Hanabi said as she placed a hand on Naruto's back and nudged him forward.
Hanabi knew how strongly Miya felt for Naruto. If he went in there right now, he'd come out with another Sekirei added to his harem. Despite the brave front Miya had put up before her earlier she knew the former landlady was hurting inside. She was unable to comfort Miya, but Naruto could. She was also losing her ability to control him, but with Miya at her side that would no longer be an issue. Naruto was the type of man that was impossible for a single alpha female to control. Plus it would be nice to have someone that didn't automatically defer to her opinion on every subject to talk with on a regular basis.
"Hanabi…" Naruto tried to fight against his wife's insistent pushing.
"Naruto-kun, go in there and help her. She needs you. She doesn't have anyone or anything else," Hanabi said softly.
"Hanabi… are you saying…?" she couldn't really be asking him to go in there and wing Miya.
"Just go, alright? Or do you feel nothing for her?"
That was a harsh thing to say. Of course he cared about Miya. Aside from Hanabi there was no one else he felt like he could truly confide in. He remembered all the chases, the pranks, the jokes and the talks. He loved it all, he enjoyed spending time with Miya, "No, no, I care for her it's just that…" he didn't want to replace Hanabi with Miya. The others all let Hanabi take the lead, Miya wouldn't.
"Don't worry about me, I'm not about to let Miya push me aside. I'm willing to let her stand beside you; to your left of course, I have the right," Hanabi said.
Naruto sighed, "Why do I hear the sound of chains jangling in the distance?" he asked quietly.
"I think that's just your imagination," Hanabi said innocently as she averted her eyes.
Naruto let out a small whimper as he noticed Hanabi looking everywhere but at him.
Letting out a small sigh Naruto steeled himself for what was to come. He still felt that Miya was going to cut him into tiny bits the moment he stepped into the bath but his wife was becoming more insistent by the second and he'd rather walk in of his own accord rather than get tossed in on his ass.
That was not a good way to make a very good impression.
"Alright, alright, I'm going, stop pushing," Naruto said as he pulled himself away from Hanabi's hands.
"I knew you'd see it my way," Hanabi said with a smile and backed away. She blew Naruto a kiss, "I love you, and good luck!" she said with a wave of her hand and with that she disappeared down the stairs.
"'I love you and good luck' she says, as she feeds me to the hannya," Naruto grumbled under his breath.
Well, regardless of what Miya did to him, it couldn't be much worse than what he had just gone through this morning. Taking a deep breath he gently pushed the door open and made his way in.
Seeing Miya through more than just a crack in the door he realized Hanabi was right. There was a despondent look on her face as she pushed a little yellow rubber ducky around the bathtub. It was obvious to anyone that the day's events hurt her badly, and would probably affect her for some time to come.
Naruto only hoped that Hanabi was right in that his being here would help cheer Miya up, he didn't like to see her like this. He wanted the old Miya back, the one that loved to tease and chase him around the yard. They had a big yard here at Epsilon Point that he had yet to break in.
"Hey Miya-chan," Naruto said as cheerfully as he could, announcing himself the moment he opened the door. Better that she knew he was coming than to be surprised later.
Miya jumped, startled by his sudden appearance, and quickly covered her chest with one arm, "Naruto-kun! I… what are you doing in here?" she asked as she turned to face him, more than a little confused and curious at his sudden appearance.
Naruto gave his best smile and scratched the back of his head as he tried to come up with an excuse valid enough for Miya not to castrate him, "Ah, well, Hanabi finished washing your clothes and wanted me to bring them to you," he said, holding up her freshly washed clothes for emphasis.
"Oh, why thank you Naruto-kun, that's nice of you," Miya thanked him. Her eyes darted around the room for a moment, "Could you place them over there?" she asked, pointing to a small chair near the bath tub with her free hand.
"Sure Miya-chan!" Naruto said as he quickly padded across the room. Placing the clothes on the chair he turned to Miya, he couldn't help but glance over at the beautiful purple haired woman. He quickly averted his eyes and focused on something else, like his reflection in the mirror. That water was very clear and Miya wasn't taking any measures to protect her modesty beneath the waters.
"Oh? Is something wrong Naruto-kun?" Miya asked lightly as she arched and eyebrow.
"Ah, of course not Miya-chan, everything is alright," Naruto said hurriedly as he tried to reassure her that nothing was out of the ordinary.
An amused smile crossed her face. She had an idea of what it was that caused Naruto to be flustered. The water cascaded down her naked for as she slowly rose up out of the bath. Moving closer to Naruto she sat on the edge of the bathtub and presented her back to him.
"Well, since everything is alright, perhaps Naruto-kun could was my back?" Miya asked
Naruto's eyes widened in surprise as he whipped his head around and stare at Miya. His eyes drank in the shapely curves and the flawless skin of her body. He was genuinely surprised by Miya's request. He had expected anything but that. Although all things considered perhaps he shouldn't be as surprised as he felt.
Sure he had given her a massage in the past, but that had been purely clinical and she had been seriously mentally and emotionally disturbed by Ayesha's influence. And it was true that she was dealing with trauma this time as well, but it was of a different sort.
However Naruto was not one to pass up a chance like this, especially with someone like Miya who was both someone incredibly beautiful and a woman he cared for.
"Of course Miya-chan," Naruto said as he looked around for the soap. Try as he might however he couldn't figure out where it was.
"It's over here Naruto-kun," Miya said as she glanced over her shoulder at him.
Naruto eyes followed the direction of her finger, which so happened to be pointing into the bathtub. Making his way over, he glanced into the water and noticed it sitting innocently at the bottom. Grumbling he rolled up his sleeves and bent into the tub to pick up the soap. Turning his head slightly to pull himself back out of the water his eyes widened comically as he caught sight of a wonderful view.
"Is something the matter Naruto-kun?" Miya asked innocently, the amused look on her face was back again.
Naruto spluttered and quickly backed away from the tub as he tried to calm down. He cursed himself mentally for acting so foolishly. It's not like he had never seen a naked woman before. He shouldn't be getting this flustered over seeing Miya like that.
Of course, this was Miya. She wasn't exactly the average woman. She meant more to him than just some random piece of eye candy to enjoy, but they weren't intimate enough for Naruto to be entirely comfortable with seeing her naked like that.
She stood in a very awkward place for him right now as someone too important to treat so callously, but not so close that he felt comfortable drinking in everything she had to offer.
"Everything is just wonderful Miya-chan," Naruto said in a voice that came out far more strained than he would have liked.
Miya's tinkling laughter made his face glow in embarrassment and annoyance. Pushing those feelings aside he lathered his hands up with soap he began to gently scrub Miya's back. He relished the feel of her soft flesh under his fingertips. This was far different from the time he had given her a massage, back then he had set aside his feelings and didn't take the time to truly enjoy what he had. Now that he was able to concentrate on what he had beneath his hands he wanted more.
Remembering Miya's amusement at his expense he glowered at her back, "That's not funny Miya-chan," Naruto grumbled in annoyance. The former landlady laughed even more causing Naruto's scowl to grow. He wasn't going to let Miya win without a fight. "If you don't watch yourself my beastly urges will get the best of me and my hands will end up in places other than your back!"
Miya's laughter tapered off into small chuckles, "Oh Naruto-kun…" Miya drew out his name. Naruto shivered, he knew that tone of voice, "What have I said before about saying things without the intent of following through with them?" she asked archly.
Naruto froze for an instant. Did he just hear what he thought he heard? Well if she was going to tease him like that, he'd have to show her that Uzumaki Naruto was no coward!
"I believe you said something about making sure to follow through with them," Naruto said as one of his hands slipped around to Miya's front and firmly cup her breast.
"Oh my, so you do remember," Miya said as she covered her mouth with her hand. She made no move to stop Naruto's wandering hand. "A pity I won't have the chance to… teach you that lesson again," Miya said mischievously.
"You're enjoying this aren't you?" Naruto said accusingly as his other hand made its way around to her front.
"Whatever do you mean?" Miya said innocently.
Naruto grumbled to himself. As much as he hated to be teased he was enjoying the feel of Miya's body too much to be upset. If she was giving his hands free reign of her body, he was going to take advantage of that. His hands began to wander all across her body, moving from the tips of her fingers to the bottom of her feet. No inch of her flesh was sparred his touch, none save one location. Even he wasn't brave enough to go near there without express permission.
Teasing or not, Miya couldn't possibly…
"You've forgotten a place Naruto-kun," Miya said playfully as she spread her legs wide.
Well that was permission if he'd ever heard it. As one his hands dipped between her thighs and began to explore the pliable flesh found therein.
Miya sighed luxuriously. She leaned back into Naruto's shoulder and she relished the pleasurable feelings spreading throughout her body. She had always known Naruto was good with his fingers, his massage had proven that much already, but she hadn't known he was this good. If she had known it felt this good she would have acted much sooner.
"Miya?" Naruto asked quietly as he rested his head on her shoulder. He dropped the honorific, for some reason it just didn't fit anymore. He had done it to tease her in the beginning. This was no longer teasing.
"Yes Naruto-kun?" Miya asked. Turning her head she smiled at Naruto. "Is something the matter?"
Naruto felt his heart flutter. He knew this feeling. It was the same feeling he got whenever Hanabi gave him one of her special smiles or whenever Yume declared her love for him or… or whenever any of the people he loved, loved him back.
"I—" he stopped as Miya placed a finger on his lips. "Wha—?" Naruto never got to finish that as the world suddenly turned upside down. He yelped as he landed in the middle of the bathtub with a loud splash.
Naruto quickly stood up, spluttering in indignation. He was completely soaked now. He had just changed into a dry pair of clothes before coming up here as well. Before he could shout obscenities however, Miya's laughter filled the room.
"This isn't funny," Naruto muttered as he stood there dripping water all over the place.
"Hmm, I certainly see why you do it now, it certainly is amusing to be on this end of it for a change," Miya said with a laugh.
Naruto just stared at her incredulously. Did Miya just prank him? No, that couldn't be possible. There's no way the prim and proper, always follow the rules, Hannya of the North actually pulled a prank. And it was a prank on HIM of all people.
He wasn't sure if he should feel offended that he had ended up pranked himself or honored that he had converted yet another individual to the Way of the Prankster.
"I guess I had this one coming," Naruto said with a sigh as he looked down at his wet clothes. He was the one that had pranked her first. Miya had a good memory and held grudges, he'd have to remember that fact in the future if he wanted to play additional pranks on her.
"Oh my, you make it sound as if I hold grudges," Miya said lightly as she rose to her feet.
"You mean you don't?" Naruto asked in disbelief.
"I like to think of it more as lending karmic retribution a helping hand," Miya replied as she started to peal Naruto's wet clothing from his body.
"Isn't that the same thing?" Naruto asked as he let Miya pull his shirt over his head.
"Some might think so," Miya said as tossed the last of Naruto's cloth over the side of the bath.
"But not you of course," Naruto said dryly.
"Of course not, I'm just a kindly widow, recently without a home. I would never consider holding a grudge," Miya said with a playful smile on her face. She wrapped her arms around Naruto's neck and leaned her forehead against his.
Naruto wrapped his own arms around her waist and embraced her tightly, "About that widow part, do you mind if I invalidate it?" Naruto asked quietly.
The smile on Miya's face was absolutely radiant, "Oh I believe I've lived with it long enough. I think it's time you put it to rest."
"Then I will do so gladly, Miya," Naruto said as he brought his lips to hers.
~o~
Blanc was furiously sketching out the latest panel of the manga that she was creating. The tips she had gained the other day from Kaiga and Ashika were invaluable. Looking back at her initial work she felt almost embarrassed by them.
However without them her Ashikabi would never have learned of her hobby, and she would have never been introduced to his associates. For that alone she was thankful of them.
Even if they were completely atrocious.
Her pencil was jerked across the page as the ground violently heaved upwards. The walls shook and the books rattled in their shelves. Blanc stood up in a panic thinking for a single brief moment that an earthquake had struck and the ceiling was going to fall in on her, again.
But then she felt it, deep inside her.
Her head jerked up towards the bathroom on the second floor of her home. Her eyes slowly widened as realization dawned on her. She became heedless to the shaking around her as a small smile spread across her lips.
"Miya…" Blanc whispered in awe.
~o~
Akitsu was talking quietly with Akeno in her home about changes to the Church of Kurama in the future. The two of them were in the living room, seated around the glass table with a cup of tea in front of each.
Their conversation was abruptly interrupted as the floor bucked and began to shake.
Akeno shot to her feet, her eyes wide with fear as she quickly looked for a place to go for cover. So stopped however when she noticed that Akitsu didn't look worried. In fact she looked almost happy.
"Lady Akitsu… is… everything alright?" Akeno asked worriedly. If Akitsu wasn't bothered by the earthquake she wouldn't be either.
"Everything is fine, Akeno-san, everything," Akitsu whispered as she stared across the room and through the wall, looking in the direction of Epsilon.
~o~
Yume paused in her training as the training room on B3 shook violently.
Her head jerked upwards, her eyes staring towards the bathroom on the second floor. She could feel the warmth spreading out across the bond. Only this one was different than the bond she shared with Naruto. It was the bond all Sekirei shared with their Pillar.
It was the bond she shared with Miya.
Yume brought her hands up to her mouth and gasped. A brilliant smile lit up her face as tears of joy began to stream down her cheeks. It had happened. Despite all the bumps along the way, all the anger and sadness, trials and tribulations, it had finally happened.
Miya was winged.
~o~
All across the city, the Sekirei paused in their daily life. As one they turned in the same direction, staring towards the source of the warmth that spread throughout their bodies.
They all knew what was happening, even if they didn't know exactly where, how, or why.
They all knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that 'it' had finally happened.
It was something no one had ever thought possible. Something they had all hoped for, yet feared, would come to pass.
No. 01 had gained her wings.
~o~
The sheer power that rolled off Miya was awe-inspiring. It enveloped the two of them in a glowing cocoon of energy. They barely noticed, embraced as they were with their lips locked with the other. The force that emanated from Miya was so great that the two of them hovered a foot off the ground, slowly spinning in place. The water from the bath swirled around them like a tempest.
From Miya's back sprouted not one, not two, not even a dozen wings, but one hundred and seven different wings of varying colors, shapes and sizes. The wings encircled an enormous yin-yang symbol surrounded by three concentric circles, each with three equally spaced magatama's.
The room was bathed in a brilliant light of all different colors. Each wing represented one of her Sekirei, connected to her through the power of the Jinki under her control. It was an incredible sight.
And one that Naruto almost missed entirely, being completely absorbed by the warmth he now held in his arms.
As the ritual ended the two slowly settled back to the bottom of the tub, bath water raining down all around them. The light from her wings slowly faded as they disappeared back inside her.
Pulling away slightly Naruto gazed deeply into Miya's eyes. She gazed back into his own, her eyes filled with just as much love and affection as his held for her, "That was certainly more intense than any of the others," Naruto said breathlessly.
Miya arched an eyebrow and gave him a coy smile, "Oh my, did Naruto-kun really expect anything less from me?" There was a hint of warning in her voice.
"No, no, of course not," Naruto said hurriedly.
Miya laughed and rubbed her nose against his, "Good, because you are 'my' Ashikabi now."
A sudden chill ran down his back, "Why do I suddenly have a bad feeling," Naruto asked no one in particular.
"Whatever could you mean Naruto-kun?" Miya asked innocently.
Naruto could hear it, the clicking as the chains snapped around him, "It was nothing, Miya," Naruto said forlornly as he realized his predicament.
He now had Hanabi on one side and Miya on the other. Before he could at least escaped to one of his hideouts to get away from Miya, now he no longer had that option. He had the sudden feeling that his days of running rampant were rapidly coming to an end.
Miya gently stroked his cheek and gave him a quick kiss on the lips. One of her hands lightly traced its way down his body. It slipped between his legs and gently grasped what it found there. "I believe once before you used this to play a prank on me," Miya said lightly as her fingers moved gently across the sensitive flesh.
"I thought you already got me back for that when you threw me in the water?" Naruto whimpered, half-scared of what Miya intended to do with him.
Miya laughed, "Oh? Whatever do you mean? I don't remember any such thing."
Naruto blanched. That wasn't good.
"Um… please be gentle?" Naruto pleaded.
Miya laughed again and gently patted his cheek with her other hand, "I won't do anything harmful however…" Naruto trembled as her grip tightened, "You made me fall in love with you," she whispered into his ear, her grip tightened yet again "You made me love you more than I loved Takehito-san. I will have you take responsibility for that. Takehito-san promised me a child; he died before he could keep that promise. I trust you will fulfill that promise in his stead now that you have taken his place in my heart, correct?"
"Yes Miya-sama!" Naruto said in a slightly shrill voice as he stood at attention and saluted her, "One baby coming right up!"
The two paused for a second before identical smiles graced their faces. Laughter bubbled up from within them and they gazed lovingly into each other's eyes. Miya loosened her grip and wrapped her arms around his neck once more.
"Naruto-kun."
"Miya."
No more words needed to be spoken. Bringing his lips to hers he captured them once more in a long passionate kiss, one that she returned with equal fervor. He gently lowered her to the floor of the bath, making sure Miya's head and back rested comfortably against the side of the tub.
Breaking the kiss the two paused to gaze into one another's eyes. Miya nodded her head slightly, she was ready for him, she yearned to be one with him. He held her body gently and slid inside her.
Miya gasped and then let out a long soft sigh filled with pleasure. Her eyes became lidded as her head tilted back against the wall. She savoured in the experience. It felt so wonderful to feel so full, to feel like she had finally become complete. The emptiness left behind when Yuuchi relieved her of Kouten felt so small and insignificant now.
Naruto for his part just laid there at first, buried deep inside her. What he felt was beyond belief. He had been with plenty of others but none had come close to this. It's as if her body had been perfectly moulded to fit his. He wanted to just sit there and soak in the experience forever.
Miya's arms came up and wrapped themselves around him. Her face met his and she gave him a soft, lingering kiss.
That was all it took to overwhelm him. He began to move, undone by her fire, torn to shreds by the passion that she ripped from him. The wet heat that engulfed him set his mind ablaze and threatened to drive him mad. He wanted to be gentle, to make Miya's first time with him special, but he couldn't control himself. She consumed all reason and soon he was plunging into her with abandon, completely drowned in her essence and lost to the world around him.
Miya screamed his name, her nails digging into his back. She could sense his love, his lust, and his desire for her surging across the bond. It was intoxicating. She wanted more. Wrapping her legs around Naruto's waist she began to meet each of his thrusts with a powerful one of her own. She urged him on, to give her everything he had.
And much to her delight he delivered.
The two of them cried out in unison as they were pushed over the edge together. The powerful release shook their bodies as they unleashed everything they had.
If Miya had thought she felt full before, she was wrong. The new sensation that rushed through her body as Naruto's release flooded into her defied description. It was amazing, it was glorious, it was thrilling.
It was exactly what she had always wanted.
"Miya…" Naruto breathed heavily as he stared down at Miya. Gods he was tired, even being with Hanabi for four hours hadn't tired him out like this had. Miya could take everything he had to give and then some.
Breathing just as hard as he was Miya smiled up at Naruto and kissed him on the lips, "Naruto-kun, that… was wonderful. But I'm not convinced I'm carrying your child yet. I believe it's time we retired to my room and made sure," she said as she gave Naruto a brilliant smile.
Naruto returned her smile, "Of course Miya, I was just thinking the same thing," he said as he lifted Miya from the tub and carried her from the bathroom.
"And then I'll want pancakes in the morning, you will see to it that they're ready for me when I wake up, right?" Miya said sweetly as Naruto carried her into the second guest room.
Naruto swallowed hard, somehow that didn't seem particularly fair to him but he wasn't about to tell Miya no. "O-of course Miya, I'll make sure they're ready for you."
Miya let out a small laugh and hugged him tightly. Naruto swallowed hard again as he came to the realization that having two alpha females in his life was probably not a particularly good idea.
Miya fired another radiant smile at him and the passion he felt before began to consume him once more.
Then again, if he got to experience this on a regular basis then maybe it wasn't so bad after all.
x~X~x
Naruto let out a wide yawn as he slowly woke up. Blinking the sleep from his eyes he focused on the wealth of purple hair before him. A soft smile crossed his face as he remembered the day before and the passionate love he and Miya had shared. His arms were wrapped around her waist, holding her tightly against him. He buried his face into her hair and breathed in deep. She smelled of sweat and sex, with just a hint of lavender.
His arousal returned in full force.
However he didn't act upon it. He could feel the gentle rise and fall Miya's of chest. She was asleep, he wasn't going to take advantage of her while she was asleep, although he didn't think she'd have any particular issues with it considering how yesterday had gone.
Still she had requested that he make her pancakes this morning. As much as he didn't want to leave Miya, he didn't want to face a wroth Miya when she woke up to find no food.
Slipping his arms from around her Naruto moved to get up. However before he could make it anywhere Miya's arm shot behind her and wrapped around his neck.
"Oh? Leaving already Naruto-kun?" Miya asked, there was a hint of disappointment in her voice.
"Just for a bit, you said you wanted pancakes, I thought I'd make you some," Naruto said as he moved to get up. He frowned as Miya's grip tightened.
"That was before, I'm not particularly hungry anymore," Miya said as she turned to face him with a coy smile on her face.
Naruto flushed as he remembered what Miya had done to him. That was certainly something none of his Sekirei had ever performed for him, Miya wasn't nearly as sheltered as her poor innocent widow act had made her out to be.
Still, even if Miya had gotten her fill from him, he was still hungry. It had been some time since last he ate. He doubted Miya would let him leave though, not yet anyways. It seemed all those years of pent up sexual frustration were finally releasing itself.
Pulling herself up into his lap she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him. A soft sigh escaped from her lips as Naruto slide inside her once more. The dull ache that had been building inside since she had awoken was quenched in an instant.
Sighing in pleasure Naruto wrapped his arms around Miya and held her close. Before he lost himself in Miya there was something he wanted to say, "Miya I'll make it up to you. I'll rebuild Izumo Inn, better than before, I promise," he said as he rubbed his forehead against hers.
Miya blinked in surprise for a moment before a smile crossed her face, "Is Naruto-kun trying to get rid of me already?" she asked mischievously as she raised an eyebrow at him.
Naruto blinked in surprise, "What? No, never, I just wanted—" he was cut off as Miya gave him a quick kiss.
"I know," Miya said softly and traced his lips with her finger, "And thank you for the sentiment but Izumo Inn was proof of the love between Takehito-san and I. I will never forget Takehito-san, but now I have you, Naruto-kun. What I want now is a proof of love between the two of us."
"Then you don't mind if I build something else there?" Naruto asked curiously.
Miya gave him a thoughtful look, "Of course not, so long as I have a say in what's built," Miya said finally after some deliberation.
Miya let out a small laugh at the confused look Naruto gave her. Capturing his lips once more she did her best to distract him from that train of thought. This place she was in now, this Epsilon Point, was Hanabi's. It was a fine location but no matter how long she stayed here it could never be home. She wanted a place of her own, a place for her and the man she loved.
She wanted a place that symbolized the connection between herself and Naruto, much like Izumo Inn once symbolized the love Takehito-san and she had shared.
The two of them stayed like that for some time, wrapped in each other's embrace, exchanging soft velvety kisses.
Neither knew how long they sat there, joined at the waist, but they were interrupted as the door to their room opened. In walked Hanabi carrying a small tray of pancakes, topped with syrup and several glasses of juice.
"Hanabi!" Naruto said in surprise as his wife slowly made her way to the bed. He had not expected her to come in on him like this, especially not while carrying breakfast.
"Good morning Naruto-kun, Miya-san. I brought some breakfast, I figured you two would be hungry," Hanabi said as she set the tray down on the bedside table. There was a small smile on her face as her eyes flickered from Naruto's eyes to the point of joining and back again.
"Oh my, you are very thoughtful Hanabi-san," Miya said as she turned her head to glance at tray of pancakes, "Thank you."
"You're a life-saver Hanabi!" Naruto said in relief as his stomach growled loudly.
Hanabi flashed him a smile, "Well, I do know you better than anyone else, and that includes your stomach."
"Ah, Miya, do you mind?" Naruto asked hesitantly. Miya seemed really comfortable where she was and didn't appear to be in any hurry to change positions. As enjoyable as it was, it would make eating more difficult.
"Of course not Naruto-kun," Miya said with a smile as she slid off him and moved to the side.
"Thanks!" Naruto said and hurried over to the breakfast Hanabi had prepared.
"You seem to be in a much better mood, Miya-san," Hanabi commented as she took note of the happiness in Miya's eyes and her relaxed posture.
"Of course, Hanabi-san, being with the man you love has that effect," Miya said lightly. She tilted her head as she brought a hand up to her cheek and smiled affectionately at Naruto.
Following her gaze Hanabi couldn't help but smile again, "I know what you mean, being with Naruto-kun always seems to improve my mood."
Naruto was completely oblivious to the conversation around him as he devoured the pancakes. Keeping up with Miya took a lot of energy.
Miya turned back to Hanabi and regarded her seriously, "Why? You didn't have to, and yet you did."
Hanabi brushed a strand of hair from her eyes and sighed as she stared at her husband, "Part of it was because I felt sorry for you, Miya-san. You had just lost everything, mostly because of my mistake. I knew you loved him and I knew he cared for you. It just didn't seem fair to keep the last piece of happiness you had left away from you," Hanabi said softly. Her eyes took on an annoyed look as her gaze to Miya, "But mostly because I am losing control. His actions are becoming more erratic every day. You saw what he did to Shinto Teito after we attack Higa Pharmaceuticals."
"Oh yes, I most certainly did. Hanabi-san feels like she's no longer capable of keeping her husband under control?" Miya asked with a small chuckle.
Hanabi sniffed, "Like you could do any better. I block one direction and he just runs in the other. That's why I want you there to stop him. He can't run if we're on either side."
"All done!" Naruto said in satisfaction as he patted his belly, he let out a large belch. The tray was completely empty, every scrap devoured, and all juice gone.
"Oh my, I suppose I must do my part to help keep him under control then," Miya said as she looked on in disapproval.
"Wait, what? Control?" Naruto blinked suspiciously as he glanced back and forth between the two women. He didn't like the look in their eyes.
"Yes, and I will do my part, to keep him from getting too wild and erratic," Hanabi said as she grinned at Naruto.
"I-I don't like the sounds of that," Naruto said as he raised his hands in protest.
Miya moved beside Naruto and wrapped her arms around him, "Oh? Naruto-kun doesn't want us around him?"
"That's not what I meant, of course I want both of you at my side!" Naruto said hurriedly in protest.
"Good," The two women said in unison and grinned at each other.
"Why do I get the feeling I just threw away the key?" Naruto asked in bewilderment.
"Oh, whatever do you mean Naruto-kun?" the two of them said in unison.
"Ok, now I'm scared."
The two powerful women shared a laugh. Hanabi picked up the tray and turned to leave the bedroom. It was good that the two of them were on the same page; however it was only fair to end it slightly higher up than Miya.
Glancing back over her shoulder she gave Miya's stomach a quick pointed look, "I hope you're successful in conceiving a child, otherwise you'll never catch up to me," Hanabi said lightly before she swept out of the room.
Miya's eyebrow twitched for a moment but she reined it in. Pulling Naruto in close her face became grave and serious.
"Naruto-kun, I believe I want forty-seven," Miya said in a tone that broke no argument.
"Forty-seven? Forty-seven what?" Naruto asked in confusion.
"Children of course," Miya said as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. Naruto's eyes almost bulged from his head but Miya continued on, heedless of his disbelief, "One for each Sekirei that has been terminated due to your actions, whether directly or indirectly. That number will, of course, increase should you be responsible for any further terminations."
"But Miya… that would…"
"Sekirei remain fertile until the day they die," Miya explained. Hanabi may have the lead now, but she would overcome her eventually. Hanabi was not a true Sekirei, she would reach menopause eventually. She, however, as a Sekirei Pillar could continue conceiving for however long she lived and would maintain her youthful look the entire time.
"But…"
"Naruto-kun, I believe you've had more than enough time to digest your breakfast," Miya said as she captured his lips with her own.
Any complaints Naruto may have had died right then and there as the two of them became consumed by the other's passion.
x~X~x
"W-what happened here?" Minato asked in disbelief as he stared at the ruins of Izumo Inn.
The three of them, Homura, Matsu and himself, had just returned to Izumo Inn after a long relaxing week at the hot springs. Although the term 'relaxing' was used loosely as they had all been rather active the entire week.
Matsu and Homura had felt Miya become winged during their last night at the hot spring and all three of them had been eager to return to Izumo Inn to congratulate her.
However they did not expect to return to what looked like ground zero of a massive battle. The thought that something, anything, could happen to Izumo Inn was absolutely ludicrous. It was the last place they thought would suffer the scars of battle left behind by the Sekirei Plan.
Matsu's normally cheerful childlike mannerism was gone. She closed her eyes and began to hack into the satellites overhead and nearby cameras, hoping to figure out a hint of what was going on.
"Looks like there was a battle and Kusano was caught in the middle of it," Homura said as she surveyed the ruined yard. The overgrowth was definitely Kusano's work, but the nature of it was odd. Kusano was never a destructive child, Homura couldn't think of any reason why she would tear Izumo Inn apart like this.
"Kuu-chan?!" Minato asked worriedly. He raced towards the ruined building, his head whipping back and forth as he looked for any sign of survivors. He knew that it was unlikely that he would find anyone, even corpses, but his sense of worry overrode his reason. "KUU-CHAN!" Minato called out for the flower girl.
Matsu let out a long drawn out sigh as she opened her eyes, "Minato-san…" she said sadly as she made to reach out to her Ashikabi.
"What did you find?" Homura asked.
Matsu bit her lip for a moment as she debated what to say. The satellite had been poised over Izumo Inn during the attack. She had no clue what had happened inside but she knew Sanada had attacked in the middle of it.
And she had seen the aftermath, most of it anyways, the images weren't entirely clear.
"I'll tell you," A new voice spoke up from across the yard.
All three of them quickly turned to the new arrival. Across the ruined yard was Hanabi, striding towards them with a grim expression on her face. She wasn't dressed in her normal fatigues, having opted to wear her work clothing, the full ANBU outfit, minus the mask. She looked as if she was going to be the bearer of bad news and was prepared for the worst just in case.
She had arrived through the use of the hiraishin seal there. It was still intact and a small portion of the room around it was free of vines and branches. It was serviceable enough as a landing point but nothing beyond that.
Matsu gasped as she noticed who it was that walked just behind her. There was no way she could forget her. No. 08 Yume, back in her original body. What's more her clothing had changed. No longer did she wear Musubi's regular shrine maiden outfit but was back in her old disciplinary squad uniform. At least it was something very similar to it as Matsu noticed a few select differences between her current outfit and the old one.
Neither of them looked as if they wanted to be here.
"Hanabi-san! Yume-san!" Matsu gasped out in surprise.
"Hanabi-san! What happened here?" Minato asked, his voice filled with concern as he raced across the yard. "Where's Kuu-chan? Where's Miya-san and Naruto-san?"
"Miya-san and Naruto-kun are fine, they're… resting right now," Hanabi said carefully as she stopped a few feet away from Minato.
"Naruto-san winged Miya-san didn't he?" Matsu asked softly as she came up beside her Ashikabi.
"What?! Naruto-san winged Miya-san?" Minato asked in surprise, although he wasn't entirely surprised that it had happened after he thought about it for a moment.
"Yes," Hanabi said, confirming Matsu's suspicion.
"What happened here?" Homura demanded, waving a hand at the ruined Inn where she had spent most of her time after being released.
"Where's Kuu-chan?" Minato asked again, that was what he was worried about most.
"Sanada of the West had his Sekirei kill Kusano-san," Hanabi lied through her teeth.
Dead silence filled the air as the three of them stood there, shell-shocked by the sudden revelation. Never in their wildest imaginations would they have thought that Miya would let that sort of violence happen at Izumo Inn, especially towards Kusano.
"Why did Sanada-san attack?" Minato asked in confusion, it didn't make any sense.
Hanabi had worked out a story that covered every angle before coming here so she was prepared for this question, "It was because of his Sekirei, Nio-san. She was a Sekirei based off the genetic code of Ayesha-san, she carried the same power and regenerative capabilities. She wasn't terminated when Yume defeated her; she came back and was winged by Sanada-san. After that she corrupted him like Ayesha corrupted you, Kusano-san and Tsukiumi-san. Nio-san is the one that caused Sanada-san to attack Izumo Inn," Hanabi said as she laid out the cover story.
Matsu narrowed her eyes suspiciously; something didn't add up, "How does Hanabi-san know all this? Even Matsu-san didn't know about Nio-san and Sanada-san."
Hanabi gave Matsu a level look. Homura and Minato would be easy to convince, Matsu was the only one she really needed to be careful of. She didn't want the truth to come out, she didn't want Minato to know that it was Miya that stabbed Kusano.
Plus if she played her cards right she could create a grudge between Minato and MBI, specifically Minaka. Naruto considered Minato his friend; he wouldn't have the heart to do this unless there was no other choice. She, however, never really cared much for Minato so she had no problems using him like this.
"Naruto-kun tells me much of what he knows. Logic dictates the rest. Blanc-san has the records of all Sekirei and their Ashikabi. Sanada-san's actions here do not follow his normal behavioral patterns. He's not one to start a fight unless provoked. However that was what he did here today and with him was a Sekirei that was originally listed as Mikogami's: Altugle Nio. Having the same family name as Ayesha-san it stands to reason that Nio-san was based off Ayesha-san and that means similar powers. From there common sense dictates the rest," Hanabi said as she laid everything out using cold hard logic and irrefutable facts.
Both of which she was using to shape the truth how she desired to hide the lie she had spoken earlier.
Matsu tapped her glasses as she processed everything Hanabi had said. It did all make sense if looked at objectively. The satellite imagery did catch Sanada breaking into Izumo Inn with his motorcycle and he did have four Sekirei with him. One of which was not included amongst the six he had been known to possess. However it didn't account for several key facts, "Hanabi-san makes sense, however how does Hanabi-san explain the state of Izumo Inn? Miya-san would never allow violence here."
After lying through her teeth to save Miya it was time to lay out a little truth, it would make it easier to swallow the lie she said earlier, "The state of Izumo Inn is my fault. I was unaware of Ayesha-san's immortality. I tried to kill her when she tried to influence Naruto-kun. Kusano-san… unfortunately bore witness to that act," Hanabi said with remorse as she glanced at the ruined structure.
"Oh no!" Minato gasped in horror. Matsu and Homura shared his reaction.
Hanabi nodded sadly, "Kusano-san has a kind heart, she doesn't like to see anyone hurt. When she saw what was left of Ayesha-san her power went out of control."
"And Sanada-san attacked in the middle of it and that's how everything ended up like this," Homura said as she filled in the blanks.
"Yes, Sanada-san identified Kusano as the biggest threat due to her power. It was still raging uncontrollably at the time, attacking everyone including his own Sekirei. Kusano was closest to the door with Ayesha, before we could get to her Sanada ended her," Hanabi said as she connected all the pieces of the story, "Sanada-san's Sekirei, Kuzuri-san, was the one responsible for killing Kusano-san. Naruto-kun ripped her apart for that."
"Damn it!" Minato cried as he collapsed to his knees and pounded the ground impotently.
Homura looked away and clenched her fists in anger. There was nothing she could have done but that didn't ease the sense of helplessness she felt about the entire situation.
Matsu stared at Hanabi for several minutes as she tried to gauge the other's reaction. Something felt off to her, something just didn't feel quite right. She couldn't put her finger to it but she knew that Hanabi wasn't telling the whole truth. Everything she said made sense, all the pieces fit together, it collaborated with what she was able to pick up from the aerial observation.
However something just didn't feel right.
Unfortunately for Matsu, being a master of the Byakugan Hanabi knew exactly what to look for in a person to tell if they're lying or not, and as a result she knew exactly what to erase from her own features and posture.
"Why did this Nio make Sanada attack Izumo Inn?" Homura demanded.
Hanabi shook her head, "I don't know. I do know that Ayesha-san was taking orders from someone else, someone with a lot of control over the Sekirei Plan. That's why she did most of what she did. Maybe Nio-san was taking orders from the same person? Regardless I don't know who that someone else is though…" Hanabi shrugged, "I have guesses but that's all they are, just guesses."
"Who was that other little girl?" Matsu asked suddenly, the satellite imagery had caught a few glimpse of someone she didn't recognize.
Hanabi kept her features schooled. She had hoped Matsu hadn't seen that but that was probably asking for too much. She couldn't lie here though, Matsu was starting to accept her words and she didn't want to do anything to cast suspicion on them.
"That was Yuuchi-san, the Second Sekirei Pillar and the original controller of Kouten before it was passed on to Miya-san," Hanabi said. She had seen the transfer of control happen between Miya and Yuuchi with her eyes.
"And where did she come from?" Matsu demanded. A Sekirei Pillar is not something that just randomly appears from thin air, especially one that was supposed to be long since dead.
"Naruto-kun and I found her in stasis; she had been in there for the past thousand years. Miya-san and Yuuchi-san seem to be on friendly terms. I won't say any more on her situation, that is her story to tell," Hanabi said, ending any more questions about that topic.
Matsu sighed and adjusted her glasses again. Despite her feelings that something was off she couldn't find any holes in Hanabi's story. With the information she had at her disposal everything fit.
"So now what?" Homura asked as she looked around the ruined property. This place was no longer liveable. She didn't really have any possessions to speak of so one place was as good as another so long as she was with her Ashikabi, but they had no place.
"What of Ayesha-san?" Minato asked softly. He was still kneeling in the wet grass, his head bowed in sorrow.
"Ayesha-san has been sealed and sent far away," Hanabi replied as she glanced down at Minato, "She will no longer trouble us, or anyone, again."
"I see," Minato said with both sadness and relief in his voice. He was glad that she was gone, he didn't want to lose his mind like that ever again, but at the same time a piece of him was sad he would never see her again. He slowly rose to his feet and gave Hanabi a small smile. "Thank you Hanabi-san, for telling us all this."
"Miya-san wanted to be here to tell you this but she's… preoccupied at the moment," Hanabi said.
"Miya-tan and Narutan are doing illicit activities!" Matsu said as she made groping motions with her hand. Perverted Matsu was back.
Hanabi had wry smile on her face as she slowly shook her head at Matsu's antics, "Miya-san seems to want to hold Naruto-kun responsible for terminating and killing her Sekirei by making him father the same number."
The three of them blinked in surprise, "That's… a lot…" Homura said slowly. Being close to Takami she knew better than the others just how many that actually was.
"As for 'what now,'" Hanabi said, getting back to the question Homura had asked earlier. She pulled a slip of paper from one of her pockets and handed it to Minato, "Takami-san was here yesterday to pick up the downed Sekirei. She wanted us to pass a message along to you. You're to meet her at that hospital, your sister is in it right—"
"What?! Yukari-san is hurt?" Minato exclaimed, interrupting Hanabi.
"Was she here as well?" Homura demanded.
Matsu kept quiet as she waited for Hanabi to explain further. She knew that Yukari's injury had nothing to do with the events that happened here.
Hanabi's eyebrow twitched at the interruption but kept her cool. She could understand their anxiety, "Higa Izumi almost killed Yukari-san, he's been dealt with, permanently. Your sister has been hospitalized ever since. Your mother is overseeing her well-being. We wanted to tell you but the opportunity never arose," she said.
"So she's fine?" Minato asked worriedly.
"As far as I know, yes, you should go see her though."
Minato placed a hand over his heart and sighed with relief, "Thank you Hanabi-san, we should go, kaa-san can be terrifying," Minato said as he bid Naruto's wife farewell.
Homura wrapped her arms around Matsu and Minato. Taking one last look at the ruined Izumo Inn she jumped to the nearby building and headed for the hospital indicated on the slip of paper.
After they had left Hanabi let out a sigh of relief. She could tell that Matsu suspected something but considering how she hadn't raised any further objections she must have at least bought what she had been fed.
"Why did you lie to Minato-san?" Yume asked disapprovingly.
Hanabi glanced back at Yume, she had almost forgotten Yume had come along, "It's something you'll have to get used to if you're going to spend forever and ever with Naruto-kun. Sometimes it is better to lie than to tell the truth," Hanabi said and slowly made her way through the ruined yard, heading to the front entrance where Kusano had been laid not twenty-four hours earlier. "The truth would have left Minato-san holding a grudge against Miya-san. He may not show it, but the resentment would always be there. Better that he resent someone he'll never meet than someone he has come to trust and respect over these past few months."
"But you still lied to him," Yume protested. She had stayed silent out of respect for Hanabi but she didn't have to like what happened.
Hanabi turned to look Yume in the eye, "This is something you will have to accept about me. In my eyes, a lie is not wrong, it's not bad. It's simply a tool to be used. That is what I was raised to believe," she said, referring to what her father taught her while he was still alive. She was raised to take his place as Hinata had been too kind hearted for the position. Among other things she had been taught to detect a lie, and being able to lie without being detected. "Naruto-kun will soon be dealing with politicians. A politician is really just another term for a professional liar. He's not going to be able to lie to them, that's not in his nature. That will be my job, and it's a job I'm good at, the best really." Her training and her Byakugan gave her an unimaginable advantage in that regard.
"That's a really bad outlook to have Hanabi-san," Yume said disapprovingly.
"I know, and it's why I will bear this burden. I will lie so that the rest of you don't have to," Hanabi said simply, "Anyways we should return. Miya-san has had more than enough time with Naruto-kun. There are some ground rules to lay bare. Certain acts at Epsilon are strictly forbidden," Yume started and stared in horror as a dark aura, reminiscent of what Miya always did, appeared around Hanabi, "And hogging Naruto-kun's time is one of them," she said as she turned to head to their ruined room in Izumo Inn.
Author's Notes: How was that? What do you think about this chapter?
It finally happened, for all of you that stuck with me and my story up until now, it has finally happened. Naruto has winged Miya! Hopefully the scene was satisfactory for everyone. It was a long time coming, I know. I wanted it to be good, you've waited a long time for it. However at the same time I didn't want to drag it out and turn it into a giant smut fest. The explicit content, what little there was, wasn't really the point of the scene. It was just sort of an extra, added in because it wouldn't really be fair to Miya that she didn't have a scene when the others all have multiple. The joining of the two was what the whole scene was about. Overall how it was done fits them, at least I think it does anyways.
If you didn't pick up why the last chapter needed to happen, the destruction if Izumo Inn was the trigger that allowed Hanabi to swallow her pride and push Naruto into Miya's arms. Miya would have asked anyways, but this way it wasn't just Miya forcing her way in, but Hanabi accepting her as well.
My little cousin, who I've had help me out with Hanabi's characterization more than just a few times in the past, said that the only way she would allow another alpha female into her life, in the same capacity as Miya is with Hanabi, would be if there was some external influence that made her want to. Be that a conflict or situation that she needed another to help her with or a traumatic event that moved her heart. In this case it was both. Hanabi needed Miya to help control Naruto, and she felt bad about Miya's situation, doubly so because it was partly her fault.