A/N: This will be a special mini chapter. It will take place after Jason winged Kuno, but Minaka's announcement never aired and the Disciplinary Squad never attacked. Think of this as an alternate path if you would. It won't be during the main story. And now; let us begin.

Ice Chronicles

Chapter 21: Birthday Surprise

I just woke up from a good night's sleep. I stretched my arms out and looked beside me, but Tskumi wasn't next to me. I was the only one in the room, which is weird because I'm usually the first one up.

"I guess my body decided to be lazy for once and let me sleep in," I said to myself. "I guess Tskumi decided to let me sleep in as well."

I grabbed some clean clothes and went to take my shower. I was honestly expecting someone to sneak up on me, but I was wrong. After cleaning myself, I went into the living room. There was no one in sight; it was completely empty. I checked the entire house, but found no one. I even checked the backyard and still found no one. Now I'm back in the living room sitting on the couch thinking.

"Where is everyone? This is strange; I wonder if something happened. I sure hope not."

I heard something in the kitchen and went to check it out. Nothing was out of the ordinary. I scratched my head.

"Seriously, what's going on?"

I turned to leave the kitchen, but saw a note on the fridge. It was for me from my girls. It said,

"Dear Darling,

We know you are wondering where we are this morning. The answer is Izumo Inn; we needed to discuss some things with Takehito and Miya. We know you'll miss us so here's a list of some items we need you to get. In the drawer, Musubi has left her MBI card so you have the funds to buy everything. Have fun and take your time. Just think of this as a nice refreshing stroll. We'll be back when you finish.

We love you.

Sincerely,

Your Sekirei.

"Hm, well at least they're safe. I was worried for nothing. I guess I better start this list; from the way it looks, it may take a while." I said. I put the list and card in my pocket. I stepped outside and felt the cool breeze flowing. The sky was its beautiful azure. There were little clouds and the sun was bright.

"It feels good out there; it's the perfect time to go out on a walk."

I headed for my first destination. For some reason, it said to grab a gift for your next sekirei.

"How do they know another sekirei is reacting to me?"

As if on cue, my phone went off. The ID said Izumo Inn, so I quickly answered.

"Hello?"

"Ren; it's me Musubi," she said in her cheerful tone.

"Hey Musubi," I replied. "What are you girls up to?"

"Well, everyone wanted to see how you're doing with the items so some of us are gonna take turns talking to you to help pass the time. Everyone wanted me to start and then we'll call at certain times to check up on you," she explained.

"Okay then; I'm glad everyone is safe and sound. I thought something happened and started to get worried," I replied. "Also, how did you know another sekirei is reacting to me?"

"Huh? You have another sekirei reacting to you? That's great Ren. That will make your eight sekirei," she stated.

"I guess no one told you," I said.

"Oh Ren, how many items have you gathered so far?" Musubi asked.

"I haven't even gotten the first one yet," I answered. I could hear her talking to someone else.

"Ren; I'm sorry, but I have to go. Bye," Musubi stated.

"Wait a minute Musubi," I called out. It was too late and she hung up. I sighed and just hung up as well.

"I wonder what she was talking about."

I went to the same store I got the girls' gifts and bought another present for the girl in my dreams. After doing so, I check that off the list and went after the next item, which was just some food.

Before I went inside the store, my phone went off again; but it was someone different. I went to the side and leaned against the wall then answered the phone.

"Hello Chris," I greeted.

"So how's my little brother doing?" My youngest older brother questioned.

"I'm doing some errands for my girlfriend," I told him. I could hear him laughing on the other end.

"So dad was right; you do have a girlfriend. I thought he just made that up. Well congratulations then; so how many times have you done it?" He asked. I face palmed myself, knowing he was about to ask that. I couldn't escape the question so I just answered.

"I've done it three times."

He was clapping his hands.

"Ah, my little brother is slowly becoming a man; but don't think you've got us beat," Chris told me. I just thought of a great idea.

"Would you like to see a picture of her?" I asked him.

"Definitely," he responded. I smiled and found the picture I wanted. It only took three seconds for him to reply.

"Ren; is this?"

"That is correct; she's my girlfriend. Her name is Kazehana; and she is a fantastic woman," I boasted smiling. I could hear him stutter.

'Sorry for showing you off Kazehana.' I said in thought.

"Not bad Ren, not bad at all; I say you got lucky though," he replied.

"Yeah, I did get lucky," I agreed. That's when I remembered what I needed to do.

"Sorry Chris, but I have to finish these errands."

"Is that so? Well before you go, I have something to tell you," he replied.

"I'm listening," I said. "And what did you mean by that first phrase?"

"You know what I mean. Anyway, I just wanted to call and say. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" He shouted. I smiled at his exclamation.

"Thanks Chris; I appreciate it," I replied. He started laughing.

"No problem," he said. "Also; remember to use condoms."

"Don't start with me; I have enough trouble with that from dad and uncle," I replied. Chris burst out laughing.

"Okay then have a good birthday man. Sorry we can't be there, but Blake and Marcus will give you a call sometime later," he said. "Give your girlfriend a kiss and hug."

Chris and I hung up the phone. I walked into the store to get the food requested. Now I just had to get the rest of the items. That's when my phone went off for the third time.

"Yeah?" I greeted.

"Hello darling," Kazehana greeted back.

"Hey honey," I replied. She giggled at my response.

"How are the things coming along?" She asked.

"I just crossed out food on the list and am now headed for the next stop. I should be done soon," I told her.

"Well that's good; I'm bored here," she replied. I couldn't help but laugh.

"What are you guys discussing anyway?" I asked.

"We're just talking about different stories," Kazehana replied. She started talking to someone else.

"Aw, just a little bit more. Oh alright; I'm sorry darling, but I have to go now. I love you."

"Okay, bye honey," I told her. We hung up the phone, and I picked up the pace with the other items. The third thing wasn't an item, but a message. It said,

'Victory is sweetest when you've known defeat.'

I was to think what this meant and couldn't return home until I did. So I just kept walking and went to the park. I sat on a bench in the shade. Coming here reminded me of when I first met Akitsu. I still remember that cool fateful day. As I was thinking, my phone snapped me out with its tone.

"Hello?" I answered.

"Hello master," Akitsu answered back. I chuckled at her impeccable timing.

"Hey Akitsu; what are you doing right now?" I asked her.

"I'm still with the others. We're back at home now and are waiting for your return," she said. "And you master?"

"I was just sitting at the park, thinking of the message you girls wrote," I replied. "Hey; do you remember the first time we met?"

"Of course master; it's a day I will never forget. I'm glad we met each other that day and will always remember what you've done for me. Thank you master," Akitsu stated. I smiled at her statement and finished thinking.

"No Akitsu; thank you," I replied.

"Master?" She called out.

"It's thanks to you Akitsu that I have you and six other wonderful girls by my side. Any guy would be lucky to have any of you; but I somehow managed to get seven willing to stay with me. If that's not luck, then I don't know what is," I replied. "Sometimes; I feel like this is only a dream that I refuse to wake up from. When I do dream, none of you are there. I'd search the ends of the earth, but still couldn't find you anywhere; and I would wake up scared to death. What I'm trying to say is; I don't want you girls to disappear from my life. Sometimes I wonder; what about me is so special that I have seven girls willing to be with me."

There was no response.

"Master," Akitsu whispered. "I never knew you felt that way. Have you always thought that?"

"Yes, for a long time, I've been thinking of how I can prove my worth," I told her.

"Master; you don't need to do anything. There is nothing for you to prove. Everything you've done is enough. When we first met, I knew you were a person who would give me the chance to find happiness. I've been waiting for a person like you to show up in my life and now you finally have. I'm glad we met on that day; and I've been very happy ever since," Akitsu confessed. I knew she was holding back.

"It's okay Akitsu; you don't need to hold back. I know you're trying to hold back your tears," I pointed out. On cue, I could hear Akitsu softly sobbing. I smiled.

"I love you Akitsu."

"*Sniff sniff* I love you too master," Akitsu stated. We hung up the phone, and I got off the bench. I stretched my arms out and grabbed the bags. I checked the list to see if I have everything, but as it turns out, the food was for Miya and Takehito. It said to drop it off at the inn and then head back home. Well on the back anyway. I just sighed and headed for the inn. I knocked on the door, but no one answered. I tried it again, but again no one answered. So instead, I just walked in and left the food on the kitchen counter.

After completing everything, I checked the time and saw it was two thirty.

"Man I've been busy," I said to myself. I made my way back home, but something came to mind.

"Chris called, but how come mom and dad haven't?"

I finally arrived back home; and without any troubles either. I turned the knob and saw that the lights were off and the windows were curtained to block out the light from the sun. I proceeded inside.

"Hello? Girls; are you in here?"

I scratched my head in confusion. Then suddenly, the lights turned on and.

"SURPRISE!"

My seven sekirei plus my mom, Auntie Amaryllis, Jason, and his sekirei popped out. I also saw Miya Takehito, my Uncle Clyde, and dad standing beside them. There were decorations put up around the house. Streamers, balloons, the works, and there was a big sign with 'Happy Birthday Ren' on it. I smiled at the guests.

"Now it all makes since," I told everyone. "Not being here when I woke up, sending me on that errand, and checking up on how I was doing. You were planning this from the start and made sure you had enough time to set everything up. How's that? Pretty accurate if I say so myself."

My answer earned a big tackle from my sekirei that ended with me falling to the ground.

"Thanks girls; but how did you know today was my birthday?"

"Your mom and Matsu talked about it one day. We asked Miya and the others to help out and here we are," Yomi explained.

"Well I appreciate it; but can you girls get off of me?" I asked. They complied and got off me, allowing my mom and auntie to get their hugs in.

"Happy birthday sweetheart," mom and auntie said.

"Thanks you guys; I really appreciate it," I replied. After getting all the congratulations out of the way, we started the party everyone set up. Everything was well thought out. The food was amazing and I even received some presents. When my phone went off, I snuck off to answer it.

"Yeah?"

"Hey Ren,"

It was my second oldest brother, Marcus. Out of the four of us, he's the most laidback.

"Hello Marcus," I greeted.

"Hey man, happy birthday," he replied.

"Thanks; did Chris tell you?" I asked. He started laughing.

"Yep, and I must say; she's hot. So how many times?" Marcus asked.

"Sigh, three," I told him.

"Hahahahahaaa, ahh, our littlest brother is a man now. But you still got a lot to learn," he told me.

"Oh yeah? I think I've learned enough," I retorted.

"Is that a challenge?" Marcus asked.

"No, just a statement," I answered. He started laughing again.

"Then I wish you luck," Marcus said. "Blake should call you later. Have fun with your girl tonight."

"You and Chris said the exact same thing," I pointed out.

"We know what be going down. Just because we aren't there doesn't mean we're clueless at what goes on," he replied.

"Yeah yeah, just don't be getting any bright ideas," I said. Marcus laughed again, and we said our goodbyes. Sometime later, Miya and Takehito went back home. The moment they did, Kazehana brought out this bottle of sake. It didn't take long for her, my dad and uncle, Matsu, Yomi, and even Tskumi to get drunk.

"Jason, don't follow their habits. Trust me; I had to go through double hanya masks," I told him.

"I'm not even old enough to drive let alone drink," he replied. He and Kusano were playing a game of cards. Thing is, she was completely kicking his ass. They both had a pile of money. Jason had about ten coins; however, Ku had about twenty times Jason's amount.

"Alright Ku; you may have beaten me ten times already, but I've got this one in the bag," he boasted. He had a confident smile on face, but so did Ku.

Two minutes later; Jason was on his hands and knees while Ku was smiling happily. All the coins Jason had was now Ku's.

"How are you so good at this?" Jason asked her. She giggled and gave him the victory sign.

"Uzume taught me," she stated.

"Well that explains it," I spoke up. I kneeled in front of Ku.

"Ku, do you mind if I play with you?"

"Sure," she said with a short nod. She gave me some of her coins and now we sit across each other with a full hand of cards. Jason was sitting against the wall watching. I didn't know a thing about cards so I just moved them around in a random order.

"Alright Ku; are you ready?" I asked. She had an intense concentration look and nodded. Somehow; I actually managed to beat her. Jason was wide-eyed while Ku just had her mouth dropped. I closed her mouth and looked at the two.

"I got lucky."

"Yes, you did," Jason stated.

"Hey, at least I beat her," I retorted. He couldn't come with anything to say. I walked back into the living room. My mom, dad, auntie, and uncle already left. As for the sekirei, Kuno was in a corner scared to death. Kazehana, Yomi, and Tskumi were passed out. Ikki, Musubi, Akitsu, and Ikki were watching television. Matsu however, was the one that's scaring Kuno. Jason gathered his girls with Kuno running behind him. They said their goodbyes and left. A moment later, my phone went off for hopefully the last time. I knew who it had to be and answered.

"Hey Blake," I greeted. Blake is my oldest brother. And out of the four of us, we're the most well-mannered; I beat him by a margin

"Hello birthday boy; it's been a while," he replied.

"Yeah, it has; I got a call from Chris and Marcus earlier," I told him.

"I know; they showed me a picture of your girlfriend," Blake responded. "She's a very beautiful woman. I honestly didn't know you had it in you."

"Gee thanks," I said sarcastically.

'Little do they know that I have more than one girl.' I said in thought.

"Sorry, I'm just a little surprised. I didn't mean to offend you," Blake stated.

"Nah, it's okay. I did get lucky though," I replied.

"I'm not even gonna ask," he said.

"Good, because I was getting tired of being asked that question," I pointed out.

"Well I have to go now. Happy birthday Ren," Blake congratulated. I smiled at his comment.

"Thanks Blake; I'll see you later," I replied and hung up the phone. I looked out the window and saw the moon high above the sky. I asked the girls to come outside with me. All of us were looking at the starry night sky.

"So Ren, what did you want to talk about?" Matsu asked. I turned my focus to the girls.

"When Akitsu was talking to me, did you notice her crying?" I asked back.

"Hey yeah; I've been meaning to ask that. What happened?" Yomi questioned. I looked back at the sky.

"Do you girls remember the first we met?" I asked. They nodded yes.

"Then let me ask you a very important question."

I looked back at the girls with a serious expression.

"What is so special about me that the seven of you are willing to stay by my side?"

A gust of wind kicked up and blew. Everyone was quiet.

"Sometimes, I have dreams where none of you are with me anymore. I would search the entire world, but couldn't find any of you. I would wake up panting and scared to death. At other times, I feel like this whole thing is just a dream I refuse to wake up from. That's what I'm afraid of, that this is just one big dream and when I wake up, it'll just be me. Any guy would be lucky to have any of you; but I somehow managed to get seven willing to stay with me. I don't want you girls to disappear from my life. So let me ask again; what is so special about me that you seven are willing to stay?"

Everything was silent again. Kazehana was the first to speak up. She walked forward and placed her hand on my cheek.

"Now what reason do we have to stay with you darling?" She asked. "We've made this choice after recognizing you as our ashikabi. We need no other reason except that we love you. Do you love us Ren?"

"Yes, of course I love you girls, but,"

Kazehana put her finger on my lips.

"Ren; if you truly do love us then there's no need to question our decision. This is not a dream; but a reality. Everything you see is real. We are real, your love for us is real, our love for you is real, and every waking moment we spend with each other is real. If you want to know, I love you because of your heart," she revealed. She rested her head and hands on my chest.

"As for me Ren, I love how determined you are," Uzume stated. "You're not one to give up so easily. Usually one gives up after a certain point, but you keep going. That's what I love about you."

She joined Kazehana and rested her head on my chest.

"I love how smart you are," Matsu declared. "At times you like to mess around, but when the situation calls for it, your strategic side comes to play. Both sides make my heart race."

"I love how caring you can be," Musubi revealed. "You always put others before yourself and focus on everyone instead of just one person. That's what I love about you."

"I love that observing side of you," Yomi stated. "You don't just rush things; you like to observe and execute. I love that about you."

They joined the others and gathered around me.

"Ren; I love your maturity," Tskumi said. "You're very mature and well-mannered. I find myself entranced when we speak to each other. That's what I love about you."

"Master, I was lonely until I met you. It was fate that made us meet that day; and I haven't regretted it since. If there's one thing I love about you master, it would be how decisive you are," Akitsu declared. "On that day, I told you not to bother with me; but you decided to stay instead. That's what I love about you master."

They joined the others and completed the circle.

"We love you Ren," they all said in unison. I smiled at them and tried to hold back the tears that started to surface.

"I love you too girls. I love you too," I repeated. I couldn't hold it back anymore and just let the tears fall down my face.

"Thank you girls; for everything."

They looked at me with happy smiles.

"Happy Birthday Ren," they congratulated.

A/N: Well guys I hope you guys enjoy this special chapter. It is actually my birthday today; I'm turning sixteen. Like in the story, I want you to be honest with me. What do you like most about this story? Is there something I need to improve on or is it great like it is. A writer thrives on their readers' opinion; and I got this far thanks to you guys. I will probably do another special chapter for Christmas. It depends on how far I get in the story arc. Well, I've wasted enough of your time. This has been MalevolentDarkness16, who is now 16. I hope you guys enjoy; and Happy Birthday.