Hey all! Back for another chapter. I do not own Sekirei or Freezing.
Mangaman – Review: There is a plotline for that too, and you will find out but not for a small while yet. Don't worry though, it's all planned out – It'll be heartbreaking/touching/inspiring – a bit like me lol
Telron – As always #109 is finding things pretty rough, but he's a tough guy! Thanks for your constant reviewing, it always helps spur me on to write more. Sasori will get his moments!
Chapter 10: Elysia
Paris, France
A fist slammed against the table in the boardroom. "They are MY property! I will not allow you to disrupt the goal of this company, nor myself!"
Hiroto Minaka is still President of Mid-Bio Informatics (MBI), and is still arguing his case against the Chevalier. His points were flawed, but not to his own ego. Minaka thinks of the Sekirei as his, toys to be played with until he gets bored. His whole entire plan, down the toilet due to humanity's existence.
"Hiroto Minaka, you are aware of the current affairs in the world today and the threat that humanity is under. The Sekirei may have been affiliated with you in the past, but they are no longer. We have several Sekirei who are linked with Pandora and Limiters alike." A shadowy figure stated. The unfortunate lighting of the room did now allow Minaka to see his face. It concerned him a great deal. He was used to calling the shots, not the other way around.
"That's bullshit! Humanity are not on the verge of extinction and the Sekirei are not war machines for you to utilize in that way, it's what you created Pandoras for."
His reasoning was getting him no where. The fact that he had just said that Sekirei weren't war marchines made him chuckle inwardly.
"That is all for now, President Minaka. The Sekirei will remain out of your possession until the Nova threat has been eradicated. This meeting is over." The shady, yet smooth businessman voiced as the transmission was cut off, and the holographic images of the others in toe dissolved.
That bastard. Who does he think he is!? My game shall be played!
X-X-X-X-X-X
Shintoshi, Japan – A few miles from West Genetics – 3:15pm
The three-now-bound together Sekirei and their Ashikabi were in a café in the city center of Shintoshi. The idea from an hour earlier, to get a drink and bite to eat and to get to know Uzume. Though Sasori had knowledge of Uzume since Izumo, where there had been ups and downs for the bright and playful brunette, he was surprised at how much he didn't know about Uzume.
"You can cook!?" #109 exclaimed. "Since when?"
Uzume laughed aloud, she loved having fun with people, making their faces change expressions in an instant. "Hell yeah I can."
"I don't believe you."
"And why's that Sas?"
'Sas' is Uzume's 'pen' name for Sasori since he first came to Izumo Inn. Like my name had to be shorter than six letters... #109 pondered to himself, growing bored of her games with his head.
"You never cooked, at all... ever... and you walked around in your underwear, that was unforgivable, especially with Kagari and I living there, not to mention when Minato started to live there too."
Amelia's cheeks started to go a little crimson upon hearing the last section of the current discussion. 'Sas' noticed this and gave her a small smile.
"Anyway, this is beside the point, you never cooked. It was always Miya, hell even Tsukiumi tried!... although, fair play it wasn't exactly tasty, but at least she tried." He decided to get the discussion back on topic, much to Amelia's relief. As courageous and strong as Amelia was, she got embarrassed like everyone else in a social situation.
"Well, I was lazy. You knew that." her reply was grating to Sasori's mind.
He sighed and fell back into his chair, "I guess so." The discussion quitened for a while, until Uzume picked it up again, this time turning the tables.
"So, Amelia-san, are you going to share with me?" Uzume asked, whilst leaning inward using her elbows on the table, giving a puppy dog look.
Amelia let off a small sigh, "Where do you want me to begin?"
"How about... how you became a Pandora and meeting #109?" Amelia stiffened, not particularly wanting to share her shady past, not that she had anything to hide, but her past was full of sadness, not what everyone wants to hear.
"W-well... I became a Pandora through the E-Pandora project." Her voice became stale, unemotional as her memories of Rattle and Gina flooded back to her. "I was the first one they tested the Mark III drug on, it failed and made my hair like this." She used her left hand that was free (and not holding coffee) and trailed it down her left silken-coloured bang.
"After that they tried the Mark IV on a different E-Pandora, it failed, killing her. After the 12th Nova clash I was transported here to guard a certain doctor, or scientist... or whatever you can call her." Uzume detected the distain in her voice, the hatred was clear for her to see, that this 'doctor' woman had done something to her Ashikabi in the past. She decided to move on, to spare her troubled thoughts.
"... aaaand what about when you met Sasori? How'd that happen?"
"What does that have to do with knowing her?" #109 interjected.
"I get to know how she winged you. It's only fair."
"How's it fair?"
"You saw her wing me. I want to know too, it's interesting."
Amelia stuttered a little. "N-Now lemme think. It was a few weeks back. It was early in the morning after we had a little run-in with another Pandora. Well... I say 'we'. Sasori had been challenged."
"Challenged?" Uzume's interest peaked oncemore.
"Yeah. To one on one combat, although it was technically three versus one. I may have gotten in the way and speared him to the ground in order to save him."
"N'aww! Sasori needed saving for once!" The brunette's smile practically gleamed all the way to #109 who's head decided to turn into a tomato. The embarrassment overwhelming him.
"The morning after, neither of us could sleep. I went for a walk to clear my head... and came across Sasori training. And well... things went from there. We kissed and well, you know what happens."
Amelia hurriedly finished the explanation. Uzume was swooning over knowing how it happened, while Sasori was in the mood to leave the discussion and find something else to do. As much as he loved Amelia, talking about lovey-dovey stuff was not his forté. It's something only girls like to do... as much as guys like romance, girls talk about it... a lot better than we do. And more openly.
"That's so cuuute!" Uzume squeeled and hugged Amelia who shared a smile. She was slowly getting used to the contact of others again, not so keen on the idea after what had happened in Alaska.
"Just so we're clear, I didn't quite need saving. Although I do appreciate the reasoning." Amelia smiled to Sasori's comment, a smile coming into his expression. It had been a a while since Evans' had seen his smile like that. It was pleasing to her to see it again.
Amelia's phone buzzed and she promptly looked at it, mumbling some swear words under her breath. "What's wrong?" #10 asked.
"I have to go to work now. But you two stay, don't mind my absence. I'll speak to you both later, and please..."
Both Sekirei looked in anticipation.
"Don't get into any more trouble." she pleaded.
#10 and #109 looked a little embarrassed, which made sense. But in both cases trouble found them rather than the other way around. Sasori grinned, "So long as you come back safe, we have a deal."
"I'm only on guard duty, it's not like being a full Pandora. Truthfully I don't see why I have to guard that bitch anyway."
That bitch? Who is she talking about? Uzume wondered. She would ask Sasori later on to gain the details.
"It is unfortunate, but can anything be done?" Sasori asked.
Amelia thought to herself on that for a short while. Her mind trying to figure if there was a way to get out from under the duty to 'guard' Dr. Scarlet Oohara. 'Guard' was a lame term for her job, actually Amelia didn't care whether she lived nor died in the world, nor was she about to start.
"I wish there was. But I can't see any available option to pull out of the role at the moment. Just sit tight, I figure something will happen sooner or later." she said, waving back whilst walking away.
X-X-X-X-X-X
3 hours later – West Genetics Training Simulator
Uzume and Sasori had headed back to West Genetics to 'try' and find something to do. Uzume had overheard Musubi asking to try out the training center in the academy. Which wasn't surprising considering how giddy #88 became when a fight presented itself.
Minato was concerned that Musubi had suggested the idea, but decided it couldn't do any harm to be prepared. The others seemed to care very little at the idea, but Tsukiumi had a peaked interest, #9 and #88 were more alike than most realized, although their attitudes were complete opposite, as Sekirei they were similar.
Musubi was gutting it out with Tsukiumi below in the simulation center, whilst Sasori, Uzume, Kusano and Minato decided to watch from a distance. Minato had given the strict order not to hurt each other too badly, if it came down to it he'd go down to stop it himself. To him, training was fine, but if it got out of hand he wouldn't forgive himself.
The two women duked it out between themselves, Tsukiumi having the initial advantage of range, but Musubi surprising her with agility and reflexes.
"It seems Musubi has gotten a great deal better than the last time I watched her fight." #109 said, impressed by the fist type's speed and reaction times.
Minato merely looked down at the two. Sasori could see the expression of a man who was trying not to worry, but could not help himself. He smiled gently at that. It was good to see an Ashikabi that cared for his Sekirei.
He placed a hand on his right shoulder. "They'll be fine. Besides, they can't take each other out. It doesn't work like that since they have the same Ashikabi."
"Maybe you're right. I still get uneasy when they fight though."
"That just means you care for them. That's a good thing. But you still shouldn't be concerned. They are well aware it's just a spar."
The trio, including the quiet Kusano, watched on for a few moments before a door opened behind them.
Elizabeth Mably walked through with Uzume. "Hey Sas, Elizabeth-san was looking for you so I thought I'd bring her here."
Sasori gave a welcoming grin. "And what do I owe the pleasure Miss Mably?"
Elizabeth walked forward a few more paces, looking graceful as ever. It was in her nature and personality to be the finest in the room, while having the rare complex to not act arrogantly.
"A rematch actually."
Sasori let out a soft "hmm". He reminisced about their last match, where, while it was a learning experience, they couldn't exactly have a brawl.
Next thing he knew Kusano was jumping up and down in a giddy fashion beside him. "Go Sasori, go!" Whilst Kusano was well into her teens, Sasori had fond memories of her as a child, being so young and naïve had strong points for the girl, her happy attitude cheering him up on most ocassions.
"Fine! You're on Miss Mably!" an excitable grin appearing on his character. "I'll meet you down there in a minute. I'll allow you the advantage of setting up."
Hmpf, what's he giving me the advantage for? I don't exactly need it. This time he's done for.
While Mably wasn't vindictive, she did want payback for seeming weak in front of him. It did nothing for the heirarchy of the school if her reputation was not intact. She was #1, theoretically after Ticy Phenyl at West Genetics.
She made her way into the simulation center, where it created an arena, a circular floor that was elevated in the middle. It couldn't of gone higher than six inches above the ground.
Mably heard the elevator reach the bottom of the room, it opened to reveal Sasori, in jeans and hooded top.
"So, still not dressing up?"
"Don't be stupid. I wouldn't do it up there, would I?" he grinned, closing his eyes.
Light spread around him, creating rays of gold outward from him. She could hear a faint shout from him; "Elysian Armour!"
Elizabeth tried to stare into the rays of light, but her eyes were being painfully scarred by how bright it was. She could vaguely see parts of armour evolve from the air and place themselves on Sasori to cover him.
After a few seconds the light show ended, and there stood Sasori, almost seven foot tall and wearing thick, what looked to be metal, armour. Clad in mainly black, he wore the suit of armour, showing a bulky chestpiece with ingravings of a cross in the center. A helmet covered his head, a smooth mask that had tints of yellow tiger strips going inward toward where his mouth would be. Above showed a golden visor. Finally what was left of the helmet, was a flared and eccentric helmet, waves of black armour flowed upward to several points, a bit like majorly spiked up hair, to round off the look.
Holy crap. That's impressive, I'll admit! But his combat prowess should still be the same.
A slightly deeper voice than normal was heard through the mask, to describe it accurately, more sinister than anything.
"Now Miss Mably, let's have some fun!" he roared, as per last time, his golden wings erupted from his back to spread widely.
This'll be good. How can he use them in such a confined space? Mably thought to herself. Being prepared for the worst is the good quality she had.
"Ares Judgement!" Oncemore his silver and red tinted warhammer came to him, standing just short of him in the armour. In a sudden rush, he headed for the blonde Pandora, not giving her any time to prepare for his attack.
Using his wings to propel him further, he attacked with such aggression that Mably panicked for a moment before regaining her composure. Taking a swing from the right of him so his hammer hit through to Mably's side, he found it blocked by one of her S.S.S. Drones. It shattered where it was struck.
Without a word Mably, who was now further away due to leaping back, summoned another with ease and decided to barrage the Paladin Sekirei. In a matter of seconds, several lasers were on him, ripping through his armour. The light of the attack was blinding Mably to what was happening to him, other than he was being shot.
After her light show had ended, she looked through the smoke that had now appeared to see Sasori standing still, not moving an inch.
"A-Are you still awake?" she asked cautiously. Not knowing if it was another 'Amelia' situation and he was actually unconscious.
"Do not take me so lightly!" he bellowed as he gave her a light show of his own. "Solar shot!" The palm of his hand ejected a gold beam aimed directly at the Pandora.
Realizing his armour was untouched she dodged his lightbeam and looked behind at the crater it made in the wall. Whilst this happened, Sasori made a lunge oncemore and caught Mably's stomach with a gut punch, launching her across the room a few meters.
She coughed badly as her arms and hands pushed her up onto her feet. Elizabeth had not expected such a hostile counter-attack, using his solar shot as a distraction.
"You still fight-worthy, Mably?"
The arrogant hint in his voice annoyed Elizabeth Mably to no end. His dropping of the prefix in her name meant all holds that were barred for this match, were no longer there.
"Try that again, I dare you." she had an angry expression now. Sasori could see it all too clearly.
Heh, make her mad... make her stupid. #109 thought.
Meanwhile, Kusano, Uzume and Minato were watching in the observation chamber above, it was attached to the North wall at the top, connecting to the rest of the main building. The simulation center was underground, more for safety reasons than anything else.
"This looks like it could get out of hand." Minato suggested, a concern running through him.
"Nah, Sas won't do anything that'll take her out. If anything he'll make her run out of energy before he does. You forget Minato, she asked him, not the other way around."
#10 was very adamant that Sasori wouldn't hurt the Pandora, merely 'play' with her. She knew Sasori wouldn't harm anyone without good reason, and a skirmish in a training facility was not a good reason.
Kusano was merely cheering Sasori on, despite not knowing the girl, she knew Sasori well, and wanted her friend to win, not really paying attention to the conversation going on around her.
In the meantime, Elizabeth was currently charging her special beam attack with her S.S. System, it took a good thirty seconds for it to charge fully. She had to dodge Sasori's progressive attacks which were getting harder by the attempt.
He took several swings with his Ares' Judgement but barely missed the agile blonde in every bid for a successful strike.
Sasori's thirty seconds were up, and Elizabeth decided to accel behind him to a good distance away. He looked puzzled by why she had taken such a big step back, but then his brain toggled the reason.
"Safeguard!"
A huge shield enveloped him as the thundering barrage of stigmata beam rained down upon him, blasting his protective energy in every singular place possible. It was another situation where the #1 ranked Pandora in third year genetics couldn't see him again due to the light show.
Truthfully she thought she had him now. There's no way someone can protect themselves against a full charged attack of mine. It's over for our Sekirei friend.
There was a pitful of smoke surrounding the area after the beams had stopped their barrage. It gradually started to move.
"Divinity's Shackles!"
Several golden chains cut through the smoke to tie up Elizabeth, who was not ready for the sudden attack. She was unable to move, nor accel properly because of the grip the shackles had on her. For her to accel whilst in someone's control, it could be fatal, ripping off what the chains had hold of.
Sasori lunged out the cloud of smoke his hammer ready with a strike. Elizabeth panicked, It's over! He's going to hit me!
She closed her eyes in anticipation of the thunder-blow that was going to strike her at some point. But it never came.
She opened her eyes, wondering what'd happened. Mably saw his warhammer an inch from her stomach, with it's owner standing in front of her. #109's armour started to change back to his usual overcoat and boots rather than the hoodie-jeans combo.
"I think I win here Miss Mably. While I enjoy a good skirmish, I do not wish to harm those who I am sided with." The dirty-blonde Sekirei said, making his warhammer vanish in the process.
I guess he has a point. I can't exactly deny him, I don't have anything else up my sleeve. "Fine, you win this round. But don't bet this is the last time we fight."
"Alright then." the care gone from his voice. "Why do you have such a big deal against me anyhow?"
"You beat me in front of the third years. As this hierarchy goes, I have... fallen from grace, as it were. I need to reinstate their faith in me being #1."
Sasori wished he never asked. Such menial reason were nonsense to him. He didn't care what people thought of him, the only ones he cared about were his close friends of Izumo Inn, and Amelia.
"You should get thoughts like that out of your head. Being #1 isn't everything."
"My my, #109... that isn't totally true." A new voice appeared.
Mably looked to the side to see who had interrupted their conversation. A tall, grey-haired woman stood away from them. She wore black entirely, with a grey haori. Elizabeth noticed the curved blade she was carrying.
"Who's she, Sasori?"
He turned, his eyes going into a glare. His expression hardening with recklessness. "Trouble."
END OF CHAPTER