Hey guys! Back for round... 11 this time. Just wanted to reply to the reviews oncemore since questions were asked last go.

A Shadow In Chains:- Cheers dude, always welcome a new review, hopefully this one will be just as good!

Mangaman:- As far as your review goes, thanks very much. I hope I can pull up to standard! As for Akitsu, while I do like her character, I don't think I will do much with her at the current time, but we'll see if that changes in the future at some point.

Telron:- Again, thanks for the review man, when I saw it I was like Hmm, it could go either way, and I totally freaked out and wanted to try and swindle a certain purple haired Sekirei into it, but I had a story set in mind for this one. But that peaked my interest, I might work something weird out, whether it'll work or I'll go through with it is a different matter, haha.

Chapter 11: Running Red

"I hope you aren't teaching the wrong basics to be successful, #109. You of all people should know aiming for the top is everything." The grey-haired Sekirei spoke oncemore.

Sasori's eyes manifested with pure hatred. His glare becoming powerful to the onlookers. Minato was stunned to see the Black Sekirei in the same gymnasium as them. Kusano was worried, and a little scared. She had heard stories and saw her fight with Musubi on occasion. Minato took out his phone and started dialling a number.

"Still not the talkative type? I'm not surprised. You never were a quick witted guy." Her tone becoming smooth and was blatantly hitting up a fight.

"Hey, you're not authorized on these grounds!" Mably retorted, finally realizing she was not friendly to the blonde Sekirei beside her.

"And are you going to 'escort' me off then?" a sadistic grin appearing.

Elizabeth made to move to 'escort' her out but Sasori grabbed her arm tightly, making her legs stop in their tracks. "You try, and you die." he simply put.

"Wha-?" she was about to protest before being interrupted.

"What he means is, you put your dirty human hands on me, and I'll cut them off. Simple." The newcomer explained.

"Bullshit!" She tried to lunge but Sasori held onto her.

"Do not even go there. You will die." He reasoned. She gave him a glare, as scornful as his own. But he turned to her, "I mean it!", his eyes having looking watery, yet no tears.

Shit, she must be trouble. I guess if I can't go against him in training, I'd be no match for someone he calls 'trouble' in a real fight. She grew angry at herself for being so helpless, but these were... 'alien' affairs.

He turned back to the Sekirei. "What do you want, Karasuba?"

"Do I have to want anything?"

"Don't play with me #4, what do you want?"

"Well, I got transferred to East Genetics, which is pretty... fun." Her eyes gleamed of sadism. Much to Sasori's disgust. As far as he knew, Karasuba loved making people feel unworthy, and wanted them to try and fight her. Her love for blood was all too chilling for him.

"And that has to do with why you're here because...?"

"Because I thought I'd check up on Musubi-chan, see if we were still on after this pathetic invasion has been dealt with."

"Sorry to disappoint, but clearly Musubi isn't here."

"Irrelevent. Quit pointing the obvious. Unless you want to taste my blade."

"Not interested Karasuba. At least not right now. Besides, who says Minaka's going to get his game back on track?"

"I think I've said too much. Whoops." she smiled innocently. Which irritated the hell out of Sasori.

"I should've known the hound would know something."

Karasuba's eyes narrowed to being compared to a dog. She knew her job was serving Minaka through her Ashikabi, yet it still annoyed the shit out of her to be compared to a servant.

"You're an odd one though. Being, quite frankly, a bitch to all you see, yet to Musubi you're kind and... how to put it... 'big sisterly'. I wonder what you're planning there, hmm?"

It was no longer possible for Karasuba's eyes to narrow further, it would make them shut completely. "Pity I don't have to answer to you. Otherwise I might tell you." she smirked.

Sasori started laughing softly. Karasuba's smirk disappeared completely, "What's so funny, #109?"

"You may not answer to me, but Minaka, I'm sure you do... 'woof woof'." he said, still holding a gentle laugh to his own amusement.

"Not a lot of people say things like that to me. I suggest you follow their example." Her eyes gaining a solid deathly stare. She wanted a fight to erupt now, and she would love every minute of it.

"And where would be the fun in that?"

Elizabeth tugged Sasori's arm cuff. He looked round to see a, quite frank, worried Miss Mably. "Are you sure you should be antagonizing her like that?"

He looked round from her to Karasuba again. "Perhaps your right. Making a dog go beserk isn't exactly ideal in a place like this. Maybe next time #4."

Karasuba almost pouted at his decision, but as she turned she spoke four words. "Yeah... maybe next time." A glinting smile coming across her psychotic expression. She made way for the fire escape on the left side of the hall.

While Sasori was not afraid of fight between himself and the disciplinary squad's head honcho, he respected Karasuba for her fighting prowess, her powerful demeanor, probably helped by her psychotic tendencies were admirable in the Sekirei world. But he wondered how she operated without the need for 'love' or 'relationship'.

Elizabeth Mably finally stood all the way up, now by Sasori's side. "What's her problem? She looks as if she has no care for others, at all."

The Paladin Sekirei chuckled, "That's because she doesn't . She enjoys killing, and does it well."

"You mean she enjoys killing a lot?"

Sasori turned to Mably with an expression that said 'Are you stupid?'. "No, I mean, she's a damn good fighter, and she'll spill your guts if she wants to."

Elizabeth gulped loudly. "Anyway..." Sasori started, as his bright aura returned, changing clothing for him into his ragged, hooded longcoat. His boots returning to the normal brown, knee height leather he usually wore. "We should probably leave here. I hate that she would know where we are while we don't know her wareabouts. I should probably find a way to warn Amelia that #4 is in town."

"She matters to you a lot, huh?" Mably enquired, almost jealous that the E-Pandora had found someone so powerful as a partner.

"I wouldn't expect a human to understand. Sekirei are strange beings I'll admit. But in answer to your question, yes I do, a great deal in fact."

He laughed in his head at him calling his own race strange. To human standards they were rightfully extra-terresterial. However, after being on Earth all his life, he felt more human than he did Sekirei. Truthfully he wondered what it'd be like without the powers he had, but in the appearance of the Nova, he was happy he had some form of defence and offence against them. It reminded him, that others were not so lucky, and he should embrace the ability to fight for what he believed in.

He decided to leave out the information that if Amelia would to suddenly stop breathing, and therefore cease living, that he would die along with her. He shuddered to the thought. It was something he hoped and wished would never happen.

Minato came running through the elevator doors to the bottom floor where Elizabeth and Sasori were still standing. "Are you two okay? What did she want?" he asked, getting increasingly worried by the second.

"I don't know, but you should find Musubi. She was looking for her, and I think both of us know where it's going, Minato." Sasori gave his reply, his own concern rising for #88.

X-X-X-X-X

#4 had found Musubi, with the stock of her sword against Musubi's stomach in a threatening way. She started walking off when the group came toward her, with Musubi in a slight state of confusion. "Is everything okay, Musubi?" Minato asked his first Sekirei, concern and worry ringing through the question.

"Oh yeah, Karasuba was just reminding me about our promise! I never forget it." The answer was innocent, which meant Musubi was alright.

Minato blew a sigh of relief. While he knew Musubi was strong, and perhaps the strongest of his Sekirei without being literal, he got uncomfortable and less-confident when the Black Sekirei showed herself.

"Well, it's also strange to see her at West Genetics. I never thought I'd see her again if I'm to be honest." #109 spoke up.

"See who?" came a female voice. The arm of said person snaking itself around Sasori's. Amelia had finished her shift, much to her happiness, and found her Sekirei. While Uzume was behind her, having met her afterward. Uzume hadn't told her about the dealings with #4 as of yet, she thought it would only worry her, especially if no events had actually taken place besides verbal communication.

"Another Sekirei, goes by the name of Karasuba, or the Black Sekirei." Sasori answered, smiling happily that he had the attention of his Ashikabi. Despite being serious, every Sekirei enjoyed the attention of their Ashikabi. It was just a natural thing.

"The Black Sekirei?"

The group nodded to her, as if a classroom was telling the teacher the same answer. "She's incredibly violent, and one would say... blood thirsty." The blonde haired Paladin finished off his description.

"Does the school know someone like that is around here?"

Despite only coming into the conversation, Amelia had a damn good point. If no one knew about her presence, it would need to be noted, and thus they made their way to Sister Margaret's office.

The group made their statement in her office, as Sister Margaret neither had a worried expression or a concerned one as what would have been expected. "We are aware of Number Four's entrance to the school, her Ashikabi is monitoring her movements." She continued by pulling out a remote control and pointing it at the blank wall to the right of her whilst clicking a button.

In a moment a television set appeared from the wall, with it sliding into place from behind a section of wall that was shoved aside for it. It showed Karasuba talking to her Ashikabi, a well kept young gentleman who looked wealthy and wore a dark suit. Karasuba's weapon was still holstered. It didn't appear as if Karasuba was going to try anything, as it were, she was merely smiling, which was a surprise to everyone in the room and grinning happily whilst students and instructors alike were moving around them.

"Whatever is going on between those two, Karasuba isn't acting like the real her. It's almost like an illusion of a calm grim reaper." Sasori shuddered. "Even for her Ashikabi, she's too happy."

.

"That worries me... a lot." the dark-haired Ashikabi of the North added. While Minato trusted Musubi, it did not stop the humungous amount of worry that deployed itself in his brain everytime a confrontation ensued.

Minato knew of Musubi's promise to #4, and knew it was important to her. He knew what Karasuba was after, after seeing a 'pinky-promise' that Musubi offered her. That damn promise might get her killed. Argh, I hate this damn world!

Amelia looked over to Minato, seeing a little anguish on his face. She understood the situation, even though this business was fairly new to her, she appreciated having someone... or two certain people, close to her, and to look out for her. She tried to do so in return, again being very similar to Minato. The only difference besides gender between the two Ashikabi's was that Amelia could fight for what she believed, unlike Minato who seemed to have strong opinions, but cower at certain times.

Back to the screen, the two had blatantly finished their business, ending with Karasuba looking at the camera that was following her, with a careless wave to it.

"Whoa, how does she do that?" #108 said in wonder. It was almost like a creepy magic trick to her.

Kusano pondered the intellect of #4 when Sasori gave her the answer. "While #4 may be a bloodthirster of sorts, she is smart, and it'll catch those who think she isn't off guard. I'll say this once, and only once, She is not stupid."

"I guess being head of the discipline squad you'd have to be pretty clever." Minato added his five cents.

"Nuh-uh, there's no 'pretty clever' about it. She's a genius when it comes to fighting. In fact, I'd give it on par with Kazehana." Sasori continued.

"Kazehana? Why compare #4 with her?"

"Despite Kazehana's drinking problem... she is smart, and you have to credit her for it. She may be playful and joke about but when it gets down to business, she packs a punch. She also has as much experience in fighting as #4." More like a gale force wind punch...

Uzume noted her fellow Sekirei's actions and words, I've never seen this side to Sasori before. Back in Izumo he always kept to himself unless it was dinner time. I've never really seen this, strategist side of him before. While I bet he's not as knowledgeable as Matsu, he knows his way around the block.

"Well, I guess #4 is leaving the campus, so looks like there's no need to panic." Sasori stated, continuing to watch Karasuba leave to board a transport with her Ashikabi outside the school through the camera's monitoring her movements.

Uzume had now tightly wrapped herself around Amelia's left arm who was standing to the left of her first Sekirei, #109. "Perhaps we should grab something to eat. Maybe Musubi can enlighten us about this 'promise'?" His head squinted in Musubi's direction, his left eyebrow raised a little in a piqued interest expression.

The group nodded agreement and they headed to the canteen to hear Musubi's side of the story. Whatever their promise was, the rest of the group hadn't known about it... and Minato, was reluctant to share such a promise on his own. If Musubi wanted to tell them, it was up to her to do so. He would not be viewed as distrustful by his first Sekirei.

As they were leaving Sister Margaret's office, a last sentence came from her mouth. "Despite her actions in her file, she would be useful against the Nova. Do not engage her."

Sasori's mind flipped when she said that. Immediately pushing past Uzume to stand in front of the Sister's desk. He stood, towering her as she sat in front of him. "You cannot control what you do not understand, Sister Margaret."

"I'm aware. But it would hamper our efforts of defence against the next incursion."

"You are a fool if you believe her an asset against the Nova. She doesn't care who she kills, so long as she does it."

"I will not repeat myself."

#109 stood there, grating his teeth as Uzume and Amelia watched on behind him, even Uzume having concern for her fellow Sekirei's actions.

"I would consider the Nova more of a person than she is." A grim tone hitting his words as they flew into the Sister's ears.

"Sadly you are neither Nova or a person. Now, take your leave."

That hit Sasori hard. The one thing he had compared himself to in life was a human. He felt like one, looked like one, and moved like one. It struck a raw nerve.

He slammed his fist into the table, leaving a crater in the desk with splinters coming out. "Ignorant woman!"

"Calm do-"

"A damn ignorant woman! How can someone so blind and narrow be the head of a school!?"

A few seconds passed with silence as the two stared each other down. A chill had entered the room. Uzume started to close the distance between her and #109 and placed a hand on his left shoulder. "Sas, come on. It's no use."

He turned his head to the side, his left eye being visible to #10. His eyes were filled with a golden fury. "This is the first time..." he started. His eyes obtaining a gloss to them. "That I have ever... EVER... wanted to harm a human being."

Uzume knew how he felt. She had a bad past too, she considered herself unlucky but relented from comparing his situation to hers. Calming #109 down was her main priority.

Next in line to help was Evans. She hugged him from behind, trying to pull him out of his trance. She knew it would work because he got sort of flustered when in contact with the opposite sex. Not, in an embarrassed way, but a not-used-to-it way.

"Sasori please" she asked softly.

He continued to breathe heavily. His stare now back to Sister Margaret. "You're no better than him." The only person in the room who knew who Sasori was referring to was Uzume.

"Who would you compare me with?" Margaret asked. Her tone staying calm.

"None other than Hiroto Minaka." he answered, a small grin coming to his face. "Along with him, you are the only people I would never care for."

He continued, "Were you to hit the floor right after we left this room... would I care?"... "After all... IGNORANCE IS BLISS."

By this point, Amelia had given up trying to hug his back to calm him down and just stood by Uzume. He turned, letting his eyes return to normal and started walking out the room to meet the others who were no doubt in the canteen by now.

The door closed softly as Amelia closed it mouthing "Sorry".

Sister Margaret looked from the door to her desk. It's a shame that they think that. Good soldiers are hard to come by, but emotions get in the way. I wonder how he will cope in the coming Carnival?

Not being educated on Sekirei as MBI were, Sister Margaret lacked the fundamental knowledge that emotion was power for a Sekirei.

X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X

Down the hallway it was all quiet. The three were on their way to the canteen, Uzume and Amelia were side by side with Sasori trailing behind closely. Amelia broke the silence, "Sasori..." #109 stopped, looking down at his feet.

The other two stopped after, noticing he had done so. Uzume continued for Amelia. "Look, Sas... I know what she said was hard to hear, but..."

He fell to his knees. Amelia knelt down and looked at him with his head down still. She placeed her hands on his shoulders to comfort him. "Sas..." she said softly.

He slowly looked up, there were tears silently rolling down his cheeks. His eyes were glossy, looking into his Ashikabi's own comforting ones. "This... this is the first time..."

"The first time?" Evans asked, more gentle than before.

"The first time..." he sniffed. "That I've been called, nothing."

She immediately embraced him in a hug, pressing his head against her chest. Even in a situation like this it made him blush a little. "Listen to me." she said.

"You are not nothing. You're a Sekirei. You are Sasori, #109. A powerful PERSON. You're my Sekirei, and know this... There will always be someone who loves you."

She lifted his head again, the tears had stopped rolling down his face.

"Me." she drifted into him, their lips locking in a loving kiss, her affection and feeling flowing through their bond. His wings sprouted from his back, filling the halls and rooms alike with the aura of gold.

Uzume stood, glad that the situation had been resolved so easily, preening at the love and attention being shown. She herself made a remark in her head about choosing the right person as her ashikabi. #10 also noticed that Sasori's wings were larger than before. Probably because their bond is deeper now than it was...

A minute passed as the two sat in each others arms. "Are you okay?" Amelia asked.

"Y-yeah. Thank you."

She smiled, pulling him up with her to his feet. "We should probably meet the others now. They'll no doubt ask what took us so long."

"Well, we can't tell them Sas was crying." Uzume grinned. "That would just make his pride disappear!"

Sasori pouted playfully. "We can always say Uzume ran around naked. That's plausable enough." he retaliated.

"Hey! I only did that once."

"Once?" he said, his tone hinting at a 'are you serious?' attitude.

It was Uzume's turn to pout. "Enough guys" Amelia laughed. "We'll think of something on the way. But for the record, I'm glad you two are my Sekirei."

The two Sekirei blushed heavily at the remark, but both smiled in reply. "We feel the same way." Uzume voiced for them both.

They continued walking to the canteen to hear Musubi's side of the promise, whatever it would be. Sister Margaret's remark still bugged Sasori deeply, but her opinion didn't matter too much over his Ashikabi's. What he did not foresee, is Sister Margaret watching his reaction on the camera outside her office.

X-X-X-X-X-X

Alright. End of chapter 11 here, I know it might've been somewhat boring but as many people say 'The Plot Thickens'...

Stay tuned for Chapter 12 and keep reviewing as always! If you have any thoughts on the story, want to see something different or have an idea in mind, go ahead and suggest it. It'll help me anyhoot! :)

Take care!