Ice Chronicles
Chapter 75: Unexpected Turnabout
Several days have passed since the start of this war. Things were a lot more intense during the day than at night. We had to split people into different shifts to make sure the enemy didn't get the drop on us. It looked like things were starting to slow down a bit as time progressed. Thankfully, there were rations and supplies our helicopters sent when it wasn't so hot. The number of enemy soldiers has decreased over the last couple of days, giving everyone time to regain their strength. But we had to remain vigilant. The possibility of more reinforcements appearing is high.
Unfortunately, our side finally suffered a couple of casualties. Takehito and Takami were reported dead by Musubi. The poor fist-type practically broke down in tears as she contacted me about the news. I could hear her sobs and picture her heart breaking at the scene. I've yet to see the situation myself so I don't know how bad it is, but I do feel bad for Miya though. When she finds out her husband is dead, I can only imagine how distraught she'll be. The same goes for Yukari and Minato; the two will be heartbroken when they find out about Takami.
Kai remained unconscious while Matsu did her best to patch him up. He's breathing just fine but needs time to rest before he regains consciousness. With his sekirei around, we had all the protection we needed at the control room, and Musubi was taking over the area Takehito and Takami were with her group. That leaves everyone else outside with the last hundred soldiers.
It's been a very intense battle, but I'm surprised that we only suffered two casualties on my end. I shouldn't be saying that, jinxes and such, but I'm still amazed. I was still shaken up by the whole thing at first, but many slaps to the back of the head by Matsu, and lectures by her and uncle helped straighten me up; however, I could've done without the slaps. Who knew Matsu could hit so hard; she looked frail as all hell, but she really knows how to slap someone. I remember when Tsukiumi punched me in the face one day for doubting myself; it hurt like hell. Matsu is a brain-type while Tsukiumi and elemental-type, and yet the two can hit physically hard as shit. If they can hit that hard, I shudder to think how hard Chiho can hit. She isn't a sekirei, thankfully, but she has eight aunties that are and they've done their fair amount of bonding with her.
Anyway, if we're doing this great, I wonder how Jason and the others must be doing. We would receive news about their progress from our soldiers back at the home front and destruction and chaos were the only two words that could describe the conditions. From what the reports told us, there were gunshots and explosions everywhere, along with secret agents that just easily demolishes the competition, probably the sekirei, and then there were fire everywhere. That one was either from Homura or just the destruction, most likely both. Either way, we've suffered some more casualties on that side, just the soldiers though, not so much with the secret agents; and since the remaining ashikabis I knew were Seo, Jason, Ryan, Mikogami, Sanada, and Yukari, there must be A LOT of destruction, especially with Sanada's aggressive group. I could still picture the hurt look on his face when I learned his other three sekirei perished in the Higa assault.
We could retreat back to Teito to lend a hand, but Minaka forbid it, saying we are most needed here at the island. Why he says that I do not know, but just by looking at the still serious expression on his countenance, I can safely say that he's not joking. I just wonder what our next plan is. With Takehito and Takami gone, we would need to get more people on the weaponries before reinforcements show up, assuming more actually do. Though there is one that bugs me.
"Minaka, what ever happened to Akira?" I asked the white haired man, who gave me a side stare. Everyone else looked at me in confusion. "I haven't seen him at all since that time I was in the hospital after Higa's takedown, and I know how he's related to you."
Things were silent for a while, as everyone looked from me, to Minaka, and back again. The white haired man went back to his monitors.
"I told him and his fiancée to leave a long time ago," he answered. "You're not the only one who gets bad feelings; I knew something was about to happened and made sure to have anyone else not involved with the Sekirei Plan leave. He needed a little more convincing I'm afraid though so I had to tell him personally. I never knew he could be so stubborn however, he gets that from his mother I guess, but he's long gone."
"Hm, well that's a load off," I responded with a sigh.
"Kai!" I heard Kuruse scream. We all turned to the injured swordsman and saw him raise his head to see the scene.
"What? What…happened?" He asked groggily.
"You idiot," Kuruse stated. "You went on a suicide mission."
He stared at her confusedly, but then remembered what he did,
"So how are you feeling?" I asked him. He let out a sigh and sat up, much to his sekirei's disapproval.
"I've been better. What's the situation?"
"I think we're in the clear. The enemies' numbers are dwindling and no more have appeared. Unfortunately, we lost Takehito and Takami," I explained. We could see his expression immediately change to anger.
"Damn it," he cursed softly. "And I have to tell Minato and Yukari this too. How long have I been out?"
"A couple of days," Matsu answered bluntly. Kai's eyeballs nearly popped out of their sockets.
"Did you say a couple of days?" He questioned. "I've been out for a couple days? How? I was just shot in the shoulder and leg; how did I stay unconscious for a couple of days?"
"You lost a lot of blood and exhausted yourself well beyond your limits. You needed time to recharge," my brain-type answered back. "Your sekirei found you, don't know how they knew where to find you, and I patched you up."
Kai groaned in annoyance.
"So you mean to tell me that while you were all fighting and risking your lives, I was asleep?" He questioned. We all looked each other before facing him again, letting our silence answer for us. He let out another sigh and hopped off the table he was resting on.
"Wait a minute, you shouldn't move like that," Kuruse warned her ashikabi. The rest agreed with her, but Kai didn't. He stretched out his limbs and then looked around for something. He took his sword and gave it a twirl before leaning it against his shoulder.
"Since we're not in too much heat right now, I'm going to see how Takehito and Takami look. I need to see this for myself."
"Then let me go with you," I told him. "Uncle and I need to man the weaponry in case more reinforcements really do show up. It's best if your sekirei separate so some can protect Matsu, Minaka, and Natsuo in our absence."
"I concur," uncle nodded his head. "Ren and I need to mount up."
"Fine, let's go," Kai then looked towards his sekirei. "Natsu, Namiji, Saki, and Yahan; I want you three to stay here while the rest of us head out."
"Yes sir boss man," Yahan responded with a sly smirk. My group left the control room and hurried to where Musubi and her group were stationed. Matsu kept us up to date with what's going on; the sekirei were almost done taking out the soldiers on the island. However, my team and I had to kick it into overdrive. I knew it wouldn't take long, but more reinforcements have been spotted approaching the island. Kai dashed on ahead to warn Musubi and the others while the rest of us just picked up the pace. At times like this I wish I had Kai's sp…
"I am such an idiot," I sighed. My uncle just patted my shoulder, making me feel even worse. The fact that he knew what I wasn't thinking and didn't tell me made me feel even more like an idiot. "I'm going on ahead."
Following Kai's example, I used my quick footing and raced to my destination. It took a lot longer than I expected but I could see Musubi and the others fighting the enemy. I quickly took cover so I wouldn't be spotted and only advanced when I was positive I wouldn't be compromised.
"Damn, I didn't expect them to get here so fast," I analyzed the situation. "Let's see; there's barely any room for me to run without being detected. I can't go around and I damn sure can't go through."
I decided to wait it out. By the time my uncle caught up, the enemy soldiers were a lot less than before, but I could tell our soldiers were getting tired as well. Now is the perfect chance to advance without drawing too much attention. I moved onward and closed in on my destination. However, bullets began whizzing past me, forcing me to maneuver around in an attempt to avoid becoming swish cheese. Unfortunately, I was shot in the leg and fell on the ground with a thud. Instead of staying still, I used the momentum to roll out of the way of more bullets. I just barely made it to safety, but the pain in my leg was intense. I've never been shot before; it's incredibly painful to say the least. Now I've been punched, kicked, even stabbed, but I've never been shot. Well I've been shot AT, but not actually have a bullet hit me.
"Ren, are you okay?" I heard Musubi's worried voice.
"Yeah…I'm fine," I told her. "Just give me a minute."
She helped me stand and stood beside me as we heard the battle continue. Gunshots could still be heard followed by the sounds of battle cries. The pain in my leg was still bad.
"Okay Musubi, tell me what happened when you arrived to see Takehito and Takami," I said to my fist-type. She looked frightened to tell me, and I could understand why. She told me before that Takami was her adjuster and they were pretty close. As for Takehito, Musubi saw how close he was to Miya and how happy they made each other. Now that she saw the MBI higher ups dead, she's taken a strong blow. I patted her head gently.
"It's okay Musubi; I understand, but now is not the time to be down. I'm sorry to say that something like this was inevitable."
I let out a sigh. "We can't let that stop us though. There's still a lot more to do and we need to stay focused, understand?"
She nodded back wordlessly. I took a peek to see the battlefield and regretted it instantly as a bullet whizzed right past me. I saw my life flash right before my eyes at that instant and fell back with Musubi worriedly kneeling beside me. She hugged me tightly and cried on my shoulder.
"I'm okay Musubi," I reassured her. "I'm okay."
"Rn; I've seen other sekirei be killed, but that's just because we were fighting for our ashikabis, but I've never seen humans die before; I don't like it," she responded and tightened her hold on me.
"It's a tough sight, especially if it's someone close to you," I told her and wrapped my arms around her. I had to pry her off to stand up and then took another quick peek at the battlefield. I was safe this time, thankfully, but the battle still went on. "Let me tell you something Musubi; you may can escape death sometimes, but not every time. People will die Musubi; that's a fact, and no one can change that. You understand what I'm saying?"
"Yes," she spoke softly. I patted her head again.
"War never ends well and I know you see that now. Here's a warning; there's always the liar and the honest, but it's still war."
I placed both hands on her shoulders. "It's the moment to fight. What are you going to do?"
"To fight," she said softly. I shook my head no.
"Say it like you mean it."
"It's the moment to fight," she said a little louder.
"Louder!" I exclaimed.
"It's the moment to fight!" she yelled, getting her Musubi glow back.
"What are we gonna do?" I questioned.
"Fight!" Musubi threw her fists in the air.
"Now let's go!" I pointed towards battle and watched Musubi move, but she quickly came back and wrapped her arms around me while giving me a big kiss on the lips. She then hurried back into battle while I formulated a plan to get to my destination. The safest thing I could do is wait. It wouldn't do any good to go around the island and risk being compromised, neither is standing still, but the latter is a lot safer than the former.
"How long is this battle going to last? I need to move," I complained and took another quick peek; and since lady luck hates me, another bullet whizzes right past me, causing my life to flash right before my eyes again. I jumped back and panted hard as my chest raced with intensity. "I may die here; I just realized that again."
"You're not the only one," my uncle suddenly appeared. He was panting even harder than I was and had sweat pouring down his face. "Man, I'm getting too old for this. Early retirement sounds like a great idea right about now."
"What about money?" I questioned. Uncle gasped from lack of air.
"Do you… know how much I make? I have enough for the next century," he said. I just nodded and wondered what uncle would do with all that money, but then remember how my uncle is and how auntie Amaryllis is when around my uncle; I quickly erased those ideas from my head and focused on the matter at hand.
"You okay uncle?" I asked him. He just nodded and gave me a thumbs up. He rested against the rocks and regained his strength. I on the other hand, kept watch of the battle. It was now reaching an end, as Karasuba suddenly joined the fray and hacked away at the enemy with her trademark smile across her lips. That blade of hers was practically bathed in blood. Watching her fight for the first time, I noticed that she moved quite gracefully to be honest. She took her foes on directly but maneuvered gracefully around the battlefield, and quite swiftly I might add. The entire time, her wicked smile never disappeared and only grew the more foes she took down. The pile of dead bodies increased rapidly as Karasuba took out the very last soldier.
With the fight finally over, Uncle Clyde and I proceeded to the party. Karasuba's gaze focused on us and a big smile tugged at her lips.
"Well look who's here," she greeted me. "How does it feel being on the battlefield?"
I shrugged my shoulders. "It's intense to say the least, but nothing I can't handle. What are you doing here though; I thought you were at the front of the island last time I checked."
"About that, I decided it would be better to fight with my friend Musubi," she grinned wickedly. Her grin made a bead of sweat roll down the side of my face. "Also, I wanted you around when I finally challenge Musubi here."
We were all taken by surprise by Karasuba's statement. Even Kai was surprised.
"I'm sorry, what did you just say?" I asked for clarification. Karasuba turned her sights on Musubi.
"I figured that since we're at war here, there may be a slight chance our ashikabi will perish; and if that happens, we will perish as well. If that happens, then the promise we made can never be fulfilled. So Musubi, why don't we settle things here right now?"
"How about no?" I answered for Musubi. "We don't have time for this. We're in the middle of a war; we can't have our units fighting each other just to fulfil a promise made. I mean no disrespect, but this needs to be."
Something whacked me on the back of the head and sent me to the ground in pain. I couldn't even comprehend things before passing out. When I opened my eyes, I was laying with my head in Toyotama's lap. She looked down at me with a smile on her face.
"You awake now?" She asked. I was too dazed to answer; it felt like everything was racing at a million miles per hour. Toyo traced a finger around my cheek. "I would ask how you feel, but your expression says it all."
The last thing I remember is Karasuba challenging Musubi and trying to talk her out of it, but then something hit me and then knocked me unconscious.
"What? What happened after I tried to stop Karasuba?" I asked the green haired beauty, who frowned and shook her head no.
"She said to everyone besides Musubi to leave or be cut down by her. Even with all of us together, your uncle said to leave. He knew no of us could take Karasuba down so we had to leave her and Musubi to fight," she explained. I covered my face with my hand and sighed deeply.
"Un-freaking-believable," I said and sat up. I looked around and noticed the unfamiliar setting; we weren't outside anymore so that must mean we're in the place where Takehito and Takami died. There was an intense aura over the place, mostly from the look on Kai's face. No doubt, it was rage as it looked down on Takami's lifeless body. I could see his fists clenching tightly.
I stared at Toyo for a minute, seeing her bruised face and weary smile. This time, I traced a finger around her cheek, causing her to turn red slightly.
"You've been fighting a lot huh?"
"You can say that again," she responded with a sigh. "Don't get me wrong; you know I love to fight, but we've been at this for over a week now."
"Well what war ends after just one day?" I asked back. "At least we've only suffered a couple of casualties here. Can you imagine how hectic it must be back home?"
Toyo wrapped her arms around me in a tight hug.
"I'm more worried about you," she stated. "While we're out fighting, you're in the back giving us instructions, but one un-expectance can change all that. Like that flanking we weren't prepared for; I thought we lost you for a sec."
"Yeah, I thought we were a goner too, but did you know Matsu is very well adept in using guns?"
Toyo stared at me in disbelief.
"Matsu knows how to use a gun? Since when?"
"Beats me; she sure took us by surprise though when she took out a wave of soldiers by herself," I explained how Matsu went commando on us and taught me how to use a gun. Toyo's face just continued to show her surprise that my most perverted sekirei knows how to use a gun better than a well-trained sniper.
I analyzed the weaponries and tried to comprehend the machinery, but I failed horribly at that. Hell even my uncle lost me at voice-command. Kai was starting to look a little better; he had his sekirei comfort him, but I could tell he wanted to go out and swing his sword at the attackers.
Although, I'm really worried about how Musubi and Karasuba are doing, more so the former. Musubi is indeed strong, but even I feel like she doesn't stand a chance against Karasuba. Saying the Black Sekirei is a monster is an understatement. I've never seen Karasuba fight with my very own eyes, but I can tell just by looking at her and the stories from Matsu that Karasuba is more than a monster. I will admit that she is incredibly attractive, sexy even, but she's fierce with a sword as I've seen a few minutes before she issued that challenge to Musubi, who will be at a major disadvantage against Karasuba. With Musubi being a fist-type, she will have to get in real close in order to do any real damage. She may have Yume's light powers, but she doesn't have full control yet, even after all that training, she just couldn't get the complete force of it. She can only do the enhancements and Bear Palm, but that's it. And the enhancements don't last long and takes a lot of out her. Musubi versus Karasuba will be anything but quick.
"Ren, you okay?" Toyotama asked with her hand landing on my shoulder. I hesitantly nodded my head and took a deep breath.
"Yeah, I'm just worried about Musubi; she's facing her most fearsome opponent right now and things are not in her favor. She at too big a disadvantage."
"Why do you say that?" Toyo questioned. I explained all the cons I managed to come up and Toyo agreed with me for the most part.
"I just hope she wins this, because let me tell you; Karasuba is a very powerful opponent and there will be no rematch after this. So either Musubi dies, Karasuba dies, or they both die," I said.
"Let's focus on something else," Toyo suggested and walked with me to where Uncle Clyde was.
"Uncle, how does it look?" I asked him. He let out a heavy sigh.
"The enemy is sending more reinforcements, sekirei are starting to get exhausted, and we need to send more people back to Matsu and Minaka."
"That's my cue then," Toyo spoke up. "I'll head back to Matsu and the Game Master. Ren, you stay here; it's way too dangerous for you to be out there."
"I thought I was the tactician here," I stated. Toyo smirked and wrapped her arms around my neck before closing in for a kiss.
"I'm just making sure you stay safe," she said afterwards. "We're going to win this war."
"Damn right we are," I nodded back in full agreement. The troops headed out while some of us remained behind. Kai remained a little quieter than normal, no doubt still a little pissed about what happened. I saw him gripping his sword tightly with the sheath raised a little. Occasionally, he would glance at me wordlessly, and his eyes would ask me to let him to go 'even the eyes.' I knew the moment I said go, he would already be gone, and lightning, not courteous of the Lightning Twins, but Kai, would began filling the place in a deadly barrage.
Uncle Clyde could tell what Kai wanted to do as well, and I could see the look of rage on his face too. Not one, but two of his fellow higher up members were killed and who knows who's next.
"No, I can't think like that." I thought to myself with a shake of my head. The battle has only been going on for a couple of days now and I'm already having such thoughts. With that kind of thinking, I'm amazed I haven't been shot and killed yet.
To help keep my mind focused, I switched the monitors over to where Musubi and Karasuba were locked in fierce combat. It was the only thing I could think of to keep my mind off negative thoughts; however, I was wrong when I played close attention to the fight. Musubi and Karasuba moved around in a swift display of punches and strikes. They dashed across their battlefield, dodging the other's strikes, counterattacking, and landing their respective hits. I saw Karasuba showing a wide and wicked grin as she swung her sword swiftly and accurately; it seemed like her attacks always hit their mark, even though it looked like she missed. Musubi was on the defensive, either dodging the attacks, or blocking with her gloves as she held her ground against the Black Sekirei. Who knows how long it has been since the two started fighting; I surely don't because I was knocked out beforehand, but that's beside the point.
I watched the fight intensely and saw how far back Musubi was being pushed. Some points, she would be able to counter and push Karasuba back, but at the moment, the sword wielding sekirei is definitely in the lead. Knowing Musubi though, she got Karasuba started on how the bond between sekirei and ashikabi will prevail while Karasuba retorts that strength comes from one's own skills, something like that. In a way, I agree with Karasuba more in that regard. While it's true a strong bond can HELP people become stronger, it's the matter of how such power is used. In both aspects, there's a flaw, but it takes a lot more than love and a strong bond to win a fight; I didn't want to say this to Musubi since I know how adamant she is in this regard. Well that and I know Yume would have…other things to say if she heard me talk like that. If Tsukiumi can punch so hard, I'm really terrified to experience how hard a more experienced fist fighter can hit, especially one who claimed to be stronger than the Black Sekirei herself. The thought alone made me shudder. Anyway, Musubi and Karasuba went at ferociously. The looks on their faces, one of pure bliss and exhilaration. Musubi's clothes were already in tatters while Karasuba just had marks and bruises around her.
If I could describe their fight with just one word, it would be impossible to do so. No word, let alone multiples can fully describe the intensity and force that's being emanated. Although, I've never seen such a happy smile across Musubi's lips; she was definitely having the time of her life, but the question is whose life will perish at the end of this.
My uncle and I took over Takehito and Takami's job and provided cover fire for the sekirei at the front. More reinforcements came and we needed to provide the cover fire. We let Kai go out to provide assistance at our end, but the guy didn't waste time and hurried out with his sword ready, and as I predicted, lightning began to fly.
Hours passed and fights were still going strong. Musubi and Karasuba were on their last legs, especially Musubi. Both could barely stand to deal the final blow. Blood was splattered around them in some kind of wicked art piece. It was beautiful yet scary at the same time.
The fight up front was still going strong as well. The sekirei were fighting with everything they got, but the enemies' numbers were just overwhelming. Even with covering fire at a widespread execution, there's still too many to take out at once. I handled the land troops while uncle attacked the ones still at sea and the air. If they manage to make it to land, it would be my job to take them out while the island's human prevention thing weakens them long enough to take them out quickly. The widespread assault covers the base of the shores so they won't get very far up said shores. Working on this machine reminds me greatly of Carmen, my A.I program back home. I've wondered how she was doing, but didn't have the means to contact her, and also because I didn't want to distract her from her job, take out every single enemy who dares pass that house and she can hit. I can't express how grateful I am to have her with me; she's been a very big help. When I told her goodbye and gave her that mission, she responded with, "Director, permission to speak freely?"
Of course I gave her permission; I'm surprised she hasn't asked for it earlier but that's just Carmen being Carmen.
"I wish to thank you, Ren," she told me. She actually used my real name and spoke without the monotone or computerized voice. It was like an actual person speaking to me, communicating with me. I was surprised to hear her voice. "I've been watching you and your team, collecting data, and never once did I feel afraid to keep going. Despite being created to obey your commands and help make you stronger, I wish to say,"
I remember how she paused as if she was about to cry.
"It has been an honor serving you Ren," Carmen declared. "I know it's me who obey your orders, but this time, may I give you one before you leave?"
Of course, I agreed again. Carmen was truly speaking to me for the first time and I didn't want to deny her a last request.
"I want you and everyone else to return home safely. And when you do, can you and Matsu present me with that surprise you offered?"
It was after that did Carmen ended the conversation and got to work. I haven't spoken to her since then, but with her first order made, I made it a top priority to get it done. So did my girls; we all promised to get back to her, and that's exactly what we intend to do.
Someone tried to communicate with me, but there was a ton of static on the other end. I couldn't really understand what was happening.
"Ren," I managed to make out Matsu's voice.
"Matsu? I'm here, what's going on?" I asked back. There was more static.
"Shit…static…need…static…immediately…static…HURRY!" she cried. Too much static interfered with the conversation and forced the communication to end. I didn't waste time and called Kai back with a Code Red. He moved like the wind and appeared in just a few seconds with a heavy pant. The guy's clothes were in tatters and blood stained his sword. He flung the red substance off and faced me.
"What's the problem?" He asked. I put the machine on autopilot and had it continue the widespread assault. I on the other hand, rushed to the swordsman with a few guns strapped to my back and sides, just like Matsu instructed me. I had a very ominous feeling about this.
"Kai, we need to get back to Matsu and Minaka," I stated. "Matsu just contacted me and sounded like there was major trouble; we need to hurry!"
Seconds later, the two of us were running at full speed to where we left Matsu and the rest. I didn't know how, nor did I care how, but I was able to keep up with Kai at his max speed. I was being driven by something to run even faster than I ever have, but I welcomed it. I wanted to go faster, even faster to make it, but I had to settle on this right now. Neither Kai nor I said a word and dashed across the rocky ground. Along the way, Kai used his sword to cut down the enemy troops and clear a path for us to take. No matter how many times I see it, I'm always amazed how Kai is able to use lightning. He used it with deadly precision and power, as if it's just second nature to him, which at this point, I'm sure it is.
We entered the back door of the control room and followed the familiar corridors. Blood, fresh blood at that, filled the halls in an entire canvas, coating the walls. The smell was intoxicating and almost made me faint. It was so strong and the smell was everywhere. I looked Kai and he was completely composed and ran with the lightning still surging around his sword.
It was like a massacre inside this building, which just seemed to stretch on forever. The layout was the same but I forgot how big it actually is. It took us quite a bit of time, but we finally made it to the room; however, I froze instantly. Destruction, that's the only word I could use to describe the scene. The entire room was destroyed with machinery splattered everywhere. I could see the electricity crackling where some of the wires were separated. That's not all though, the blood was strongest here. I looked at Kai for any thoughts, but I slowly backed away from him as I saw his lightning suddenly erupt fiercely and blew away things around us. The element was fierce and I could feel the volts from where I stood, more particularly the entrance.
"Kai, what's wrong?" I was too afraid to ask. He didn't respond and walked deeper in the room. Began moving around the debris, searching the room for something. I looked around as well, and saw a pile moving. I rushed to it and quickly removed the debris; when I spotted that familiar orange hair, I gasped and moved faster. Matsu pushed the last piece off her and coughed violently as she leaned on me and held me tightly.
"Matsu, are you okay?" I asked and picked her up bridal style. I could see blood falling down the side of her bruised face. She was hurt pretty badly, grunting in pain every time she was jostled slightly. "Come on Matsu, speak to me."
"I'll…live," she said softly. "But…the rest."
"Safe your strength Matsu. We'll get you out of here," I promised her. She fluttered her eyes open and looked at me with pleading eyes.
"I'm sorry Ren. We were…ambushed and…overwhelmed. There was…nothing I could…do," she soon passed out. I checked her breathing and felt it to be faint. She's still alive, thank goodness. However,
"Saki!" Kai cried out. I turned my head towards him and saw him trying to wake up an unconscious Saki, who was looked even worse than Matsu. Kai shook and called out to her, but she never responded. I approached him with Matsu still in my arms. Beside Saki were the rest of Kai's sekirei that we had stay with her. All of them were unconscious and beaten like Saki. Kai worked on waking them, but he just couldn't get them to wake up. In the meantime, I looked around for Natsuo and Minaka. Well, I found the former; he was barely alive and no doubt suffered some broken bones. I wasn't sure whether or not he would make it much longer, but he knew. He knew that Musubi and Karasuba are fighting and wanted to stay alive to keep Karasuba alive long enough for her battle to come to an end. That, and because he doesn't want Benitsubasa and Haihane to perish as well. I can understand that.
I looked back to Kai one more time, but I didn't want to interrupt his moment. It's been about twenty minutes since we've arrived and found Matsu and the others. In that time, Kai's sekirei still haven't responded in any form. If Matsu, who is a lot more fragile than the other sekirei, is alive, albeit passed out, but alive nonetheless, then something must be horribly wrong with Kai's sekirei. I didn't have the heart to ask him if I was right.
When I searched the last pile of debris, I finally found Minaka. I honestly didn't expect to uncover him as I did. Well, I had better rephrase that. I never expected to see the day where Hiroto Minaka came up dead.
A/N: Well that ends yet another chapter. And yeah, I'm ending it on a cliffhanger. And now, next chapter is all you've been waiting for; the Finale of Ice Chronicles. I hope you all stay tuned to see how the story ends.