A/N: This chapter will be in Ren's perspective again. Without anything else to say, let's do this!
Ice Chronicles
Chapter 20: Final Entities Pt. Five
There was a huge blank dimension that I've somehow ended up at. I looked around then at my hands.
"I'm…alive? Or is this my resting place? My arm; it doesn't hurt anymore. And my vertebral column; it's fixed," I said to myself. I kept closing and reopening my hands. There was no sign of blood or scars anywhere.
"I see that you're awake," someone said. The voice scared the hell out of me. I turned around and my eyes widened. I saw Yume clear as day, but her attire was completely different. She was the exact same outfit Karasuba wears.
"Yume; what are you doing here?" I asked her. She proceeded forward and placed her hand on my shoulders. She smiled at me.
"I'm glad you're alright. Going against the Disciplinary Squad isn't an easy thing to do for a human, but you've managed to pull it off. Now it's time to wake up and see the world again. It's time to come back to us. We need you back," She told me. She placed her hand on my cheek.
"Remember that you have another bird to save. Like us, she also needs you; we will see you when you wake up."
Right after saying that, Yume disappeared without a trace. Then taking her place was the sekirei I'm still looking for, but again her appearance wasn't clearly visible.
"And what the hell happened to you?" She interrogated. I could only scratch the side of my face.
"I got into a fight with the Disciplinary Squad," I replied. I heard her clap her hands together.
"Well isn't that nice? My ashikabi is such a badass. To take on the Disciplinary Squad and still survive, I'm such a lucky sekirei," she stated. "But what you should've done is have your other sekirei watching so that they could ambush them."
"Wait. You said I survived. So it's true that I didn't die?" I asked her. I could see her head move up and down.
"Yes, you did survive; I can still feel your presence," she replied. "By the way, what the hell is taking you so long to find me?"
"Hey I have been busy the past few days; I was actually about to look for you until the Disciplinary Squad showed up," I said.
"Excuses excuses; but I suppose I can forgive you considering your condition," she told me.
"And what about you? You could've also searched for me," I pointed out.
"You said to wait and so; I'm waiting," she stated. I just sighed.
"I give up," I replied. I saw her move closer then suddenly bitch slap me. I stumbled back and held my cheek with both hands.
"Ahhhh! What was that for?" I interrogated.
"For scaring the hell out of me," she answered. I rubbed my cheek, but the pain was still there.
"I felt a sharp pain in my heart and I knew something must have happened to you. So that's why I slapped you. Now wake up!" She yelled. She vanished as well, leaving me to myself. I looked at my hands again and tightened them. I took a deep breath, looked forward, and proceeded. A bright pink light flashed, telling me to walk into it. I did so and left this giant blank world. I reopened my eyes and saw that I was in a hospital room and bed. I sat up, but immediately went back down after feeling an intense pain.
I tried it again but just a little slower. I managed to get away with only a little pain. I looked around the room and at myself. I was covered in bandages. There was a mirror across from where I sat. My face, my arms, and my body; all were covered in bandages.
'Man, I got my ass kicked.' I thought. I moved my right arm, but it was a horrible idea. It hurt like hell. My arm was definitely broken.
"You shouldn't be up yet," someone stated. I turned my head and saw a slender woman with grey hair and grey eyes. She was wearing a black top with a white lab coat and trousers.
(A/N: Takami had the scar from protecting Kusano, but since this isn't the case, she doesn't have the scar over her left eye.)
"Who are you?" I asked. She had a clipboard in her hand.
"My name is Takami Sahashi," she introduced. "If you're wondering where you are, we're in a hospital endorsed by MB; this hospital is designed to help injured ashikabis."
"Oh, I see. But how did I get here?" I questioned.
"Your girls carried you," someone stated. I looked at the door and saw my Uncle Clyde leaning against it.
"Uncle Clyde? What are you doing here?" I asked him. He walked into the room.
"Uh, I believe I'm checking up on my nephew, who got his ass kicked by the Disciplinary Squad," he remarked.
"You don't have to be a smartass," I replied.
"Hm, so this is your nephew," Takami stated. "I'm amazed you managed to survive against the Disciplinary Squad. While you did survive, you were severely injured. As you know, your right arm is broken. It will take time for it to heal; and there is a minor fracture in your vertebral column. Thing is it's in the area where it bends the most, so I suggest you be careful when trying to sit up. Just relax and don't do anything stupid and you'll be fine in no time."
I used my good arm and scratched the back of my head.
"How long was I out?" I asked.
"Remarkably, it's only been a day; however, we would like to keep you here for a while before sending you home," Takami said as she wrote on the clipboard. "Now let me ask you something; when you were fighting the Disciplinary Squad, did you experience anything dissimilar?"
"Um, well I did unlock a hidden ability as an ashikabi," I revealed. She looked up from the clipboard then at me.
"Can you explain it?" Takami asked. I nodded and began telling them about my ability.
"When I first comprehended it, I could move faster than ever before. My speed could even match that of the Disciplinary Squad. Another thing is that I could perceive assaults that were ordinarily faster in a much more leisurely motion," I explained. "But can you tell me why speed was my preferred element?"
"I'm afraid not," Takami replied.
"I bet it's because of your passion for walking," uncle stated. "Since you're always out walking about, you've augmented your fortitude and speed more than your other attributes. That's only my opinion, but that may be the most coherent elucidation."
"Then how about instigation period?" I questioned.
"That's something you may need to decipher on your own," Takami told her.
"Ugh, seriously, no more nerd talk; my brain is about to explode," someone spoke up. We looked at the door and saw my sekirei standing there with Yomi being the first in line.
"How long have you girls been standing there?" I asked them.
"Long enough to hear the nerd conversation; I mean seriously, Matsu and Takehito are bad enough. We don't need three more people talking the same way," Yomi replied. The seven walked in and gathered around the bed. Takami and my uncle were discussing some things while I talked to my sekirei.
"Hey girls; I appreciate you carrying me here," I stated. "Were there any troubles on the way here?"
"After the Disciplinary Squad left, more attackers appeared. While Akitsu and Yomi carried you, Musubi and the others fought them off for you to escape," Matsu explained. "Once we got you here, your uncle and Takami patched you up."
"Ren, we have some things to take care of so we'll see you later. Don't do anything stupid and rest up," uncle ordered.
"Yeah yeah, I'll be fine," I replied. Takami and my uncle left the room, leaving me and my sekirei. The moment the door closed the seven jumped at me and wrapped me in a very tight embrace.
"AHHH! Not to hard girls! AHHH!" I screamed. They let me go, and I lay back down as I literally squirmed in pain.
"Oh Ren we're so sorry," Musubi apologized. I sat back up and breathed heavily from enduring the pain.
"I'm okay, but please one at a time. I want you Musubi to take off your combat gloves," I told them. She took off her gloves, and I gave the girls their hugs and kisses. Then; I was suddenly bitch slapped four separate times.
"AHHH! WHY?!"
I looked up, but saw two demonic auras. They weren't as intense as Miya or Takehito's, but it was enough to scare me. The users happened to be Tskumi and Yomi with Uzume and Matsu being the stray hands.
"Okay, I understand that you girls are mad for me worrying you; but did you really have to slap me?"
"We did," Tskumi and Yomi said in unison. I finished rubbing my cheek and sighed.
"Fine, get the yelling out of the way," I stated. The two played rock paper scissors with Yomi being the winner. She practically pushed the others out into the hall and shut the door then locked it. She walked to the end of bed and had a certain look in her eyes.
"I know that look Yomi."
She smiled at me.
"I just want a passionate one. I won't yell; but only if you give me a passionate kiss," she said. Yomi got on the bed and crawled up to me. She closed the distance between us and we kissed each other.
"Do you know how much trouble you're in? When you leave here, you will be punished. The seven of us thought of some punishments, and you said you would accept any that we give you."
Yomi cupped my cheek.
"For your punishment from me, you will be my slave for a day. And yes, I said slave. For one day, you will do what I say without questions."
She sat down beside me.
"Another thing is that you need to stop endangering yourself. The night we brought you here I had a nightmare about you. Don't get me wrong Ren; I love fighting for you and am always ready for combat, but I don't like seeing you in such a severe condition."
I used my good hand and cupped her cheek.
"I'm sorry for worrying you Yomi; I'll be more careful from now on. I promise," I told her. She smiled and nodded. Yomi walked to the door and grabbed the knob.
"Remember what your punishment is; we all agreed to do different things," she said and walked out. Tskumi then came in and locked the door. She walked to the middle of the room and looked at me with her normal angry face and crossed arms.
"Uh, hello honey," I said.
"Don't you honey me," she snapped. I put my hand back down.
"Do you have any idea how terrified I was? I was so worried that I probably had the most terrifying nightmare I've ever had in my life. And all because you wanted to check on something," she scolded.
"I'm sorry Tskumi," I said.
"I'm not done yet!" She exclaimed. I flinched at her tone. Over the next several minutes, Tskumi was pacing back and forth scolding me; it really resembled a mom scolding her child.
"You said that in return for letting you go on your 'last walk', someone would accompany you whenever you wanted to go walking again. Is that not what you said?"
"Yes, I said that," I confirmed.
"Then remember those words," she stated. Tskumi then summoned a stream of water.
"Tskumi?" I called out.
'I do not like where this is going.' I said in my head.
"Ren; I love you, I really do. But you have to learn that every action has a reaction," Tskumi stated. "This will make sure you never do this again!"
Tskumi snapped her arm like throwing a whip, making the water fly at me and hit me in the face. I was forced to lie back down, but the water didn't hurt at all. I was about to sit back up, but Tskumi pinned me down. She made sure not to put force on any injured or sore parts. She brought her face closer and kissed me on the lips. She broke the kiss and looked me in the eye.
"No more getting yourself into trouble, understood?" She asked softly.
"I understand; I promise," I said with a short nod. She smiled and got off of me.
"I will not tell you the punishment," she declared. I sighed.
"I won't like it," I replied. She laughed.
"That's exactly what punishment means," she said. Tskumi walked to the door, but stop directly at it. She turned to look at me.
"I'm glad you're alright Ren."
Tskumi left the room, and Uzume took her turn. She walked in with her hands behind her back.
"Hello darling, are you feeling alright?" She asked.
"Aside from being slapped four times, I'm feeling great," I responded. She laughed at my comment.
"Well, you deserved it," she said and sat beside me.
"For the record Ren; when I wake up from sleeping, I don't want to be told you're in serious trouble and need our help. Just letting you know. Now then, I won't tell you my punishment until it's my turn. I want to build suspense."
"I'm not gonna like it am I?" I asked her. She rested her head on my shoulder.
"It depends on what you think of the punishment. I will, but I don't know about you," she said. Uzume placed her hand on my cheek.
"You sure you okay; you're not in any more pain are you?"
"No, the only thing that hurt is my cheek," I replied. She laughed again.
"Again, you deserved it; but I'm glad you're alright. I have another friend in the hospital, I don't need my darling in one as well," Uzume said. "Promise to be careful next time?"
"Yeah, I promise," I replied. We shared a kiss and Uzume left the room. Matsu came in next and fixed her glasses.
"I'm gonna be honest Matsu, I'm more scared of what your punishment might be," I told her. She puffed her cheeks out.
"Now that's mean," she complained. "Why do you think mine are worse than the others?"
"I'm sorry, but you're always talking about experimenting and this is basically a free shot at it," I told her.
"Well this isn't the experiment I keep talking about. When it's my turn, just know that you may end up very sore," she said. I shook a little.
"Does it violate the rules of the inn?" I asked.
"No everything falls within," Matsu said with her trademark grin on.
"I have no choice but to accept," I stated. She wrapped her arms around my neck and hugged me.
"I'm gonna have so much fun," Matsu said. She kissed my cheek and got off the bed. "Rest easy Ren; and good luck."
Matsu left the room, allowing Kazehana to walk in. She came up to the bed and sat on my lap. She placed her hand on my cheek and smiled.
"I'm glad to see that you're alright darling," she said.
"I'm glad to see you too Kazehana," I replied. She giggled and kissed the cheek where I got slapped.
"I hope you will accept my request," Kazehana said.
"Like I said, I will accept any punishment you give me; I can't go back on my word," I replied. She removed her hand from my cheek.
"Well this isn't a punishment. The opposite actually; I want you to go out with me again. That's all I want; however, during our date, you are forbidden from using my name. You have to call me sweet nicknames," she explained. "Then maybe that night we can do what comes after a kiss."
Kazehana got off of my lap and walked to the door.
"Rest easy darling; I love you."
She blew me a kiss and walked out the door. I just finished processing what she said and blushed. Akitsu then proceeded in and I cleared my head. She walked to the bed.
"I'm happy to see that you're doing well master," she stated.
"Yeah, I'm happy to see you too Akitsu," I replied.
"Are you hurt master? I know that your cheek must be in pain," she said. I laughed nervously.
"Yeah, but I guess I deserve it for worrying you girls so much," I told her. Akitsu cupped my cheek and kissed the cheek that got slapped. She used her ice breath to cool down my cheek. She pulled back and looked me in the eye.
"Thanks Akitsu."
"You're welcome master," she replied and sat down beside me.
"Did you also have nightmares?" I asked her. She rested her head on my shoulder.
"I wish I didn't; it felt so real," she said.
"You don't have to talk about it. It's over now; and I'm right here with you," I replied. "So do you have a punishment?"
"I cannot punish my master; I'm just glad you're safe, I'll just tell everyone that I thought of one," she told me.
"Thanks Akitsu," I told her. We shared a kiss, and Akitsu proceeded to the door.
"Get well master," she said and left the room.
"Now all that leaves is Musubi; or Yume since we're the only two," I said to myself. Musubi finally walked in and shut the door. I was just gonna assume she's Musubi.
"You're the last one Musubi."
"Are you feeling well Ren?" Musubi asked.
"Yeah I'm feeling great. My girls came to visit; and I'm still alive after that battle," I replied smiling. She returned my smile.
"We were all worried about you," she pointed out. I scratched the back of my head.
"Yeah, I'm sorry about that. I honestly didn't think the Disciplinary Squad would attack me," I told her. She dropped the smile and looked at the ground.
"Ren; I have a request," she stated. My focus shot back to her.
"Ren, I have a confession to make. When I'm with you, I get this wonderful feeling inside my heart. You always make me smile and will even risk his life to protect me. You're always thinking of me and put us before you. I can get stronger because I have you to help me."
"Musubi," I whispered. She grabbed my hand, making sure it was the good one and placed it between hers.
"I wish to deepen our love; and so, here's my request," she announced. She looked me in the eyes.
"Ren, will you personally show me how to have sex?"
My eyes widened and my mouth dropped.
"Do you remember the question you asked Tskumi and Uzume? This is my answer."
"Musubi; I can grant your request; however, do you truly believe I deserve such an honor? I asked Tskumi the same question and now I'm asking you. If you truly believe that I am worthy, then I will grant your request," I replied as seriously as possible. I even cupped her cheek with my good hand to keep our eyes locked.
"Yes, I truly do believe you deserve it," she replied. I pulled her closer and kissed her on the lips. After I broke the kiss, I smiled at her.
"I'm afraid we can't at the moment, but I promise that when everything is back to normal and we're back at our house; then I will gladly grant your request," I told her. She showed me her trademark smile and we kissed again.
"Thank you Ren," Musubi stated. She walked to the door.
"We'll see you soon Ren."
With that said and done, Musubi walked out the door. I'm pretty sure all seven of them went back to the inn. I looked out the window and smiled.
"Sigh, I have a lot of things to look forward to. Talking about all this made me tired," I said to myself. I was about to lie back down; but suddenly, my wounds started to open up and I was in so much pain.
"Ahhh! Why are my wounds opening back up?"
I heard someone walk in and struggled to turn my head. When I saw who came in, it made since to me why this was happening.
"Now I know why my wounds suddenly reopened. What do you want with me; Karasuba?"
She walked in with her devilish smile and her sword beside her.
"I just wanted to make sure you haven't died. Going up against the Disciplinary Squad and surviving is pretty good for a human. Benitsubasa and Haihane reported that you put an excellent fight for a human. You've earned my respect. Now I know Musubi will get stronger with you as her ashikabi," she told me. She titled my head up with the sheath of the sword. She brought her face closer.
"But don't forget about what happens if she loses before I face her. I highly suggest you remember that fact. And don't think that because you survived against the Disciplinary Squad means you're untouchable."
"Hm, you should also remember Karasuba; I've come a long way with my sekirei. We won't be defeated; I can guarantee you that," I stated. Her smile widened. She took the sheath away, allowing my head to fall.
"That's what I want to hear; just don't forget those words. I sure won't," Karasuba stated. "Also, tell your uncle I said hello."
"Huh? You know my uncle?" I asked. She leaned against the wall.
"Of course I would know the Disciplinary Squad's own tuner," she revealed.
"This is the first time I've ever heard it," I replied.
"I'll admit; he's actually a human I like," she said.
"Hm, you also have weird tastes," I pointed out. I could feel the pain intensifying even more. I was starting to lose focus from blood loss. I managed to shake it off for a while.
"I suggest you leave. Your presence is causing my wounds to open back up."
She laughed and walked out still smiling. I quickly called in the nurse to tend to my wounds again. After she did, I looked at ground and thought about what Karasuba said.
'Remember Karasuba; I won't let anyone take my girls away from me. When you square off, my Musubi will be the winner.' I said in thought. I drifted off to sleep. When I woke up, it was nighttime. I just sighed.
"Damn my earliness."
I rubbed my eyes to get adjusted to the dark. Then I started to hear noises. I looked around, but I didn't see anyone. I sat up but was gently pushed back down. I saw this black figure hovering above me.
"Who are you?"
There was a girly giggle that sounded very familiar. I reached up with my good hand and cupped the person's cheek. The person placed their hand on top of mine. I stroked the person's hair; it felt smooth. That's when I felt a certain strand and it came to me.
"Musubi? Is that you?"
I felt their lips press against mine and saw a pair of wings flash and flutter. In the light, I could definitely see Musubi. She broke the kiss and turned on the lamp, letting me get a clear view of her.
"Hello," she greeted smiling.
'Wait. Why would Musubi sneak over in the middle of the night? She would never do that. This isn't Musubi.
"Yume, what are doing here in the middle of the night?" I questioned. She rested on top of me with her head on my chest.
"She got lonely and missed you. So after everyone fell asleep, I took over and snuck over here," she explained. She hovered back over me.
"So can I stay? Please?"
"Sigh, fine; you can stay," I told her. She lay back down on top of me.
"Thank you; I'm not putting too much pressure on you am I?" She asked. I put my good hand on her back.
"You're fine," I replied. "I honestly was getting lonely too."
Yume started giggling.
"Then I'm glad I came," she said. "Also, I came to warn you about the others. They were serious about punishing you for worrying them. They even decided the order in which to go in."
I sighed.
"Okay, let me hear it," I told her. She flipped herself over so she was on her back.
"Alright; they decided to let Musubi, Matsu, and Uzume go first. Because they still haven't had their dates yet. Akitsu will go after Uzume; she technically hasn't had her date either, and they wanted those who haven't get their turn. After Akitsu, Kazehana, Tskumi, and finally Yomi will go in that order. That's the order; and if you wing another sekirei during this period, she will have to go last," she elaborated.
"That reminds me, how many sekirei are left?" I asked. Yume flipped back over and rested her head on my chest.
"According to Takehito, there are only two left. You also need to see Jason's recent sekireis. I know one will blow you away," she said.
"So there are two more out there. I know she has to be one of them," I stated.
"Eight sekirei huh; are we not enough for you Ren?" Yume teased. She raised her head and tapped my cheek.
"I'm also amazed at what Musubi said to you; I had nothing to do with that."
"I knew it wasn't you. Her emotions were all the real deal," I replied. "My answer was also true."
"Hmhmhm, it was; so what are you gonna do on that day?" Yume asked.
"Sigh, I honestly don't know. I never thought I would have to teach someone how to have sex while doing that person," I replied. "Wait a minute; since you share Musubi's body, but your spirit is inside her; doesn't that mean I will technically be doing you both?"
"If that's how you want to see it; and what about your punishments?" She asked back. I sighed.
"I might die," I stated. She couldn't help but laugh.
"Maybe it won't so bad; it's only because they were worried about you," she said. "You did get off easy though with Kazehana and Musubi. I don't know about Akitsu yet though."
I thought about what she said.
"Yume; is it true that every ashikabi has a hidden ability?" I asked.
"Mmm-hmm, yes, they do. I heard about yours when you first explained it to your uncle," Yume replied. I smiled after I remembered the name.
"I call it 'Zonin Thunder', I told her.
"Really? That's the best you could up with?" She questioned.
"Says you; I happen to like the name. It was either that or 'Flash of Lightning', but that's too common," I answered. "I just have to figure out how to activate it on command."
"What did you to activate it the first time?" Yume asked. I scratched the side of my face.
"Let's see; I was already badly injured. I was thinking negative thoughts, but I quickly tried to get rid of it and thought about you girls. When I realized what I needed to do, that's when it happened," I explained.
"Hmm, I see. Only after realization; but now you should be able to use it willingly. This may not work, but how about a chant?" Yume suggested. I thought about it.
"A chant huh? Like one a sekirei chants? I like that idea; my own norito. Hahaha, oh this is gonna be sweet," I replied happily. "I bet I can think of a cool one too."
"I'm glad you like the idea. Let me here it when you thought of it," Yume told me. I nodded and started thinking over the next ten minutes.
"Yume; are you still awake?" I asked.
"Yeah, have you thought of something?" She asked back.
"Heheee, listen to this,"
'The lightning flashed and the thunder crashed; make my speed reach a pinnacle that cannot be surpassed. Lightning and thunder come together and fuse inside this being. Make my speed increase further. Grant me the power of 'Zonin Thunder'.'
"How's that?" I asked. Yume started laughing.
"You have a way with words; I like it. It fits you quite nicely," she told me. She hovered above me again.
"It's been a while since we've been together. Before I give Musubi possession, can we have a little session?" Yume asked. I smiled at her request.
"Sure," I agreed. She returned my smiled and cupped both my cheeks. She pressed her lips to mine in a passionate kiss. I took it up a notch and poked her lips with my tongue. She allowed entrance and we fondled each other's tongues. Yume elicited a muffled moan as our lips moved in unison. She pushed down gently and deepened the kiss. We broke the kiss to get some air, and Yume kissed my forehead.
"Thank you Ren; I love you," She declared.
"I love you too Yume," I stated. Next thing I know, she passed out asleep on my chest with her trademark smile. I gently stroked her hair and smiled.
'The third phase is almost here. I better ask Takehito what's going to happen.' I said in thought. I looked down at now Musubi and saw her smiling so happily, causing me to smile as well.
"Sleep tight Musubi."
I drifted back to sleep and let the rest of the night run its course.
A/N: Hello guys; I have the next chapter ready and waiting to be read. I hope you enjoy this chapter. I think I'm getting with speeches. The speech I had Musubi tell sounds pretty good don't you think? I have selected the punishments already, but if you want you can still send me some ideas. If you have an idea for the next chapter, I'm always listening. Another thing is, something happened to my email, so I had to change it. Hopefully, it will still work like the old one, and I will still see what you send me. I just don't get it though; it was working fine a few days ago and now I can't even login to it. Well I'm pretty sure you don't care. This has been MalevolentDarkness16, wishing you a good life. I will see you guys next time.