Chapter 5

"E-Excuse me…" Yuma's voice was shaking. The disbelief could not be hidden. She, along with Musubi, looks to Noctis. "What was your answer? I didn't catch it." She did, everyone did but it looked like the two women had trouble accepting it.

"No. That's my answer. I won't be your Ashikabi." Noctis did his best not to wince under their expressions. It wasn't easy though, the two looked as if they've been told that they have a terminal illness. The look of dread, of fear. It made Noctis feel kinda bad. Especially since he is the one doing this to them.

"W-Why?" Yume managed to croak out. Her body was shaking alongside Musubi's. "Why don't you want to be our Ashikabi?"

"Because…" Noctis thought about his words carefully. This was something important to the Sekirei. Noctis may not fully understand it but he still didn't want to be an ass about it. "I don't know you. I don't know you or your friend. There's no way I can marry you."

"What are you talking about? Can't you see!" Yume pointed to herself and Musubi. "We are reacting, that means that we are destined to be together. We don't have to know each other to realize we love you."

"Yume's right!" Cried a distressed Musubi. "My body is reacting to you, that means we are destined to be together. To love you, forever and ever."

Love. How can they say that so easily? To Noctis, it was word that he rarely said. The only people he loved was his father, his friends and Luna. Even then it was an emotion he kept to himself, never telling the others how he felt about them. Hell, he didn't let his three brothers know till their last moments together. That is what it took.

So seeing these two women confess their 'love' to him is nothing short of surreal. The fact that they are so certain on their love for him makes this all the more difficult for Noctis.

"That's not how love works. Not to me. You're asking me to love you for the rest of our lives. I'll say it again. I don't even know you." This wasn't easy for Noctis. Again he found it difficult to look straight at them. The expression's on their faces wasn't comforting.

"So?" Cried out Musubi. "When can get to know each other after words. After we've become one."

"Musubi's right. After you've winged us we can spend time getting to know one another and we will no longer be acting like this."

That did make some sense, although…

"And if it doesn't work out? What then? Can you just undo this 'winging' and find someone else?" If the answer is yes then Noctis might actually go along with this. At least that way if things turn sour there's nothing stopping the two girls from finding someone else.

"N-No." Yume said weekly. "Once we have been winged then that's it. A Sekirei can not be winged by anyone else. They are bound to that Ashikabi for the rest of their life."

"So even if things didn't work out you two wouldn't be able to find someone else. Once you've been winged then that's it?"

"Yes-But!" Excalmied Yume, stopping Noctis from getting another word in. "But that won't happen. This thing we are feeling is more than just a reaction. It is destiny, it is fate. It's telling us that you, Noctis, are the ones we are destined to be with. Fate pulled us together, from across planets, so that we may be with one another."

"Destiny? Do you really believe that." Asked Noct.

"I do."

"And so do I!" Yelled Musubi. "It was destiny that brought us here to this planet. It was destiny that brought Yume and I to you. Destiny wants us to be together! Do you not believe in Destiny, Noctis?"

That was quite the question that Musubi just handed to Noctis. Did the young man believe in destiny? Yes he did, after all it was destiny that foretold that he would need to sacrifice his life for the world. It was the stars that took his father's life. That it took Luna's life, along with so many others…

All so Noctis could fulfill a prophecy that was over two thousand years in the works.

Still, even if Noctis did believe that this is destiny that didn't mean he liked it. If destiny's idea of paying him for his sacrifice was by throwing two women at him then it's all the more reason why Noctis should leave this place while he still can.

He's had enough of it back in Eos.

"I do believe in destiny but I refuse to believe that this is destiny. Take it from me, this isn't fate. I don't think I meant to be with either of you two." His destiny was to save his home and that's it.

"But-I…" Musubi struggled for words. She looked to Yume then Noctis. Her eyes were looking for something to use as leverage. She found it when her eyes landed upon Akitsu, the scrap number. "But what about her!?" She pointed to Akitsu. "She's a Sekirei too, why do you let her be at your side?"

Noctis could feel the ice woman's star get more intense. He looked to her and saw a bit of fear in her eyes. It was clear that the woman didn't like the question. Still, Musubi raised a good point. Why keep Akitsu if she too was a Sekirei?

"She didn't try to jump me and force me into a bond of marriage." Noctis said that with the most serious expression. "Plus I kinda already told her I'd look after her, until she is ready to go out on her own. I'm not really comfortable with going back on my word." Now that Noctis thinks about it, that may no longer be a thing. If Akitsu follows the same rules as these sekirei then it could mean that Akitsu plans to stay with him forever. He isn't too sure about that theory though. The young man couldn't help but wonder why Akitsu, if she is a sekirei like Yume and Musubi, hasn't attempted to kiss him. The only thing intimate that this woman has done is sleep right next to him on the same bed.

Now wasn't the time for that though. What Noctis needed to focus on was leaving this area while making sure these two women don't try anything. They don't look like bad people but if they are serious about this whole winging thing then it's best that Noctis be ready for anything.

Desperate people do desperate things, after all.

"That's my answer. Look, I;m sorry but I won't be your Ashikabi." Noctis gave them one last look of sympathy before turning away.

"But you can't just leave us!" Exclaimed Musubi.

"Yes I can…again, I'm sorry."

"Bu-But I-" Musubi was cut off with a hand was placed of her shoulder. The young woman looked up and saw Yume staring right at her. She could see the tears in the older sekirei eyes. That caused Musubi eye's to let loose all the discomfort and pain she was feeling too. She leaped to Yume and began crying on her shoulder. The older sekirei simply hugged her.

"There, there Musubi." She said gently. Like an older sister would after their younger sibling got hurt in an accident. Yume switched her attention from Musubi to Noctis. Her red teary eyes met Noctis's ocean blue.

Noctis would be lying if he said that he was able to maintain contact with her. The sight of a woman crying left an uneasy feeling in his stomach. Maybe it's because of Gladio, who would always tell them that you should always treat a woman right. It was not question that out of the four of them Gladio was the one who knew how to do that. He was the only one of them who had a lover towards the end of their journey together.

Still, this is uncomfortable. Though knowing that Noctis was the reason for this distress didn't sway his decision. He will not wing these two women.

"If...If that's your final answer Noctis then we'll take our leave." Those words came out heavy, like if each one was a pain to say. Yume slowly released Musubi and the two went to the edge of the roof, it looked like they were going to jump off and onto the floor. "Goodbye Noctis. Please, take care of Akitsu. She needs someone who can give her what she wants."

What she wants? Noctis didn't know what that was and he didn't get a chance to ask as the two women lept of the roof and into the alley. Noct watched them go. In just a few minutes they were gone. He wondered if that was the last he'll ever see of them. Given how big this city is, chances are yes.

Noctis released a sigh that he's been holding since the start of his conversation. The young man wanted nothing more than to go home, unwind and eat a nice meal.

"Akitsu…" Though that may have to wait, now that Noct finally knows what a sekirei is. He'll have a few questions for his roommate once they get back and unwind. "Let's go."

"As you wish master."

"Yume!"

"I know Musubi. I know"

"H-He, He said-"

"Shh, it's okay. Let it out."

"But I thought that-*sniff*-I thought that we were destined to be together!"

"Yes Musubi, now please. Try to get a hold of yourself." Yume said that as tenderly as she could. After they left the rooftop the two made themselves back to Yume's home. It was a small apartment home located in one of the many buildings of this city. Nothing fancy, as Yume never planned to stay ever except for rest. Whenever she wasn't resting she was out looking for her ashikabi…

Well, it looks like that may not happen anymore.

Either way, Musubi was currently crying on the shoulders of her older friend. Yume just sat there patiently as she waited for Musubi to compose herself. Though that wasn't easy from the looks of it.

"Yume…" Musubi began weakly. "W-What now. I'm not gonna have an Ashikabi?"

"Don't say that!" Yume said with vigor. She pulled Musbi away and held her firmly by her shoulders. "I know that things are looking bad but trust me when I say this Musubi. You will be together with your Ashikabi. You are destined to be together."

"B-But…"

"Musubi, I know this isn't how you envisioned this. I didn't see this coming either, but that doesn't mean you just give up. We found our Ashikabi, we just need to show him how much we love him. Once we do that, we'll finally be together, all of us."

Yume tenderly wiped a tear from Musubi's eyes. Despite the confident words it didn't look like they had much effect on the girl. Yume could only sigh sadness. She tried her best to cheer her friend up, but to no avail. Not that Yume blames her. After what just happened Yume was just as distraught as Musubi. Only she was able to hide it much better.

"Get some rest Musubi, you look tired."

"O-Ok, what about you?"

"I'll be the living room. I won't be going anywhere, ok?"

"Ok, thank you Yume."

"Don't mention it."

Yume left the bedroom and gently closed the door. Hopefully a some rest will be able to help Musubi, the poor girl.

"*sigh*" Yume releases all the stress that these past three hours have given her. "I found you, I finally found you and I get rejected. Why? Why give me an Ashikabi if he is going to reject me?" Asked Yume as she looked up. She wasn't talking to anyone in particular, simply asking a question she had to get off her chest.

If only she had another chance. A chance to talk to Noctis, to show him that they are destined to be together. But without any information on where he lives then it's impossible.

Well….perhaps not impossible. There was one option left, a risky one. Dare she take it?

"Fine, I won't give up. We are destined to be together. It's just going to take a little work." Yes she would, if it's for love then there is nothing Yume won't do. Yume pulled out her phone and made her way to the couch. She need to make a call to someone she hoped to never speak to again.

She dialed the number and it rang a few times until someone finally answered.

"Hello?"

"Hello Minaka Hiroto, it's me, Yume."

The director of the Sekirei plan and the head of MBI. Minaka Hiroto was the man who discovered the crashed ship of the Sekirei species while they were all in stasis. His discovery of the species is what led to the creation of MBI and allowed him to become one of the most powerful and influential men in the world. He is also a bane to most of the Sekirei on this planet for what they are forced to do.

"Sekirei number 08? Is that really you?" The director is in disbelief, Yume didn't blame him. To be honest she was not fond of the man and would rather not speak to him unless it's absolutely necessary.

And right now, it definitely is.

"Yes, it is me director."

"Yume! How have you been? It's been quite some time since we've talked. Did you call to rejoin the disciplinary squad? Karasuba has missed you and won't stop asking about you."

"No, director." Honestly talking to man was an exhausting ordeal. His energetic and borderline annoying voice came into conflict was Yume's fatigue. She could feel a headache forming with every passing second. "I did not call about that?"

"Oh poo….Well what did you call for?"

"I've called to call in a favor."

"Oh? A favor?" This is where things got a bit dicey. His tone became a bit more sharper. It still matiend that egotistical and energetic tone but there was an underline too it. A underline that told Yume she needed to be careful with her words. "I don't remember MBI ever owing you anything 08."

"I've put many years into the disciplinary squad. Does that not count for something?"

"It would have." Said Minaka. "If you had not chosen to leave with the disciplinary squad right when the Sekirei plan is about to begin."

So the director was still sore about that? It's true Yume left the squad about a month ago but it was for the best of reasons.

"I gave you my reason director. I've been on that team for years and I was no closer to finding my ashikabi. I left because I wanted to focus on finding him before anything else."

"Mmm, true, true. I can't fault you for that. Though Karasuba may not see it like that. She is still quite sore about that you know?"

"I'll talk to her another time. In the meantime may I please have your help?" She was all but pleading at this point."

"Of course!" He exclaimed an odd joy.

"I need your help in locating someone."

"Oh, and who might this someone be?"

"...My ashikabi."

The line was dead for just a few moments until finally the director spoke up.

"Is this true number 08? Did you finally find your ashikabi?" It seems that even the director himself was surprised that she was reacting to someone. Yume couldn't help but feel a little insulted at that.

"Yes, Both me and sekirei number 88, musubi, reacted to a man earlier this morning. The reason I'm calling you this is because he rejected us…" Damn, just saying that made her heart hurt.

"He rejected to two of you? Did he give any reason why?" It seems the director's curiosity has been peaked as he sounded fully invested into this conversation.

"Not exactly. It might be due to multiple reasons. We faced a reaction that was rather intense, compared to other sekire's, because of that Musubi practically assaulted him. Which left a rather poor impression on our part."

"I see number 88 still needs some growing up to do." The director said dismissively. "Continue 08."

"Well because of that we weren't able to kiss him right off the bat. He had a few questions that we had to answer. One of them being the purpose of the winging. When explained it's role he...didn't take to kindly to it. When we told him that it was love he rejected and said that love takes more than that."

"Hmm, he sounds like an old fashion type of man. Can't say I blame him, I rejected a sekirei before in order to be with the one I love." Ah yes, If Yume could remember correctly that was Kazhana, the wind sekirei. The poor woman was rejected because the director loved someone else. It was unfortunate for both of them as the directors lover ended up leaving him. "Though I must ask Yume, exactly how much did you tell him?"

Uh oh, things were about to get bad.

"I told him everything except MBI's involvement with the sekirei and the sekirei plan." Yume had overlooked a mistake. The existence of the alien Sekirei were supposed to be kept a secret. Only Ashikabis, who have at least one sekirei winged, may know about their existence and where they came from. Yume was betting on the fact that their winging process would go smoothly. She never would have guessed that Noctis would have turn them down. "But Director there is-"

"That is not good 08." Interrupted the director. "The existence of the sekirei plan and its details are to to be kept a secret."

"I didn't tell him about the plan!" Yume said as fat as she could before the director did something to poor Noctis. "I did tell about the sekirei but nothing of the plan."

"Why?" Asked a genuinely curious director.

"Because…" Yume took a moment to sigh pure defeat. "Because our first meeting didn't exactly go as plan. Our reaction to him was more intense that I expected. I was able to control myself but Musubi caved in and almost assaulted the man." She still doesn't know what caused such an intense emotion. "He was quite upset about that. He demanded questions that I answered in hope of gaining his trust and winging him."

"But that didn't work out."

"No, no it did not."

"Even so 08, revealing information to a unwinged Ashikabi is still a violation. I will have to take action." Said the Director.

"But that's the thing, he has a Sekirei. The former 07, after she escaped she met him and became declared herself his Sekirei, even though she couldn't be winged."

The line was quite after that. Yume was starting to get worried. She knew that she was putting Noctis in danger like this but she had no choice. The director has files or can get files on just about anyone in this city. She was her ticket to finding out where Noctis lives. If Yume knows where he lives then she can visit him and do her best to have Noctis wing her and hopefully Musubi.

Yume knows how wrong this is but she couldn't help. She finally found an Ashikabi after all these years. She will not let this slip by, she will find love no matter what.

Though that may not happen now, depending on what the director says. She hopes that by Noctis having Akitsu as an unwinged sekirei then the director will let it slide. If not...then she needs to find him ASAP and forcefully wing him. It's not a nice thing to do but she won't have a choice.

"So the scrapped number decide to be his sekirei? Interesting." Yume held out a breath she didn't know she was holding. His name mischievous tone was showing itself which meant that the director was going to allow this. "I'm going to guess that this man has something so with your favor?"

Finally, what Yume has been waiting for. Now she focus on finding him.

"Yes, I want to know if you can tell me where he lives? I want another chance. To convince him that we are meant to be."

"Of course! Of course!" She heard what sounded like a computer turning on. It looks like the director was actually going to help her. "I'm going to need a name and a description."

"A young man, early twenties. Black hair, blue eyes. Not that tall, 5'10 at the most. Light complected, goes by the name Noctis Lucis Caelum."

The sound of typing came through the phone.

It soon stopped….and then nothing could be heard.

"Director?" Yume called out to him. She pulled the phone away from her ear and doubled checked to make sure the call was still going on. It was, so why was the other end so quiet?

"Number 08, could you repeat that name again?" His tone, there was a disturbing amount of calmness and seriousness to it. It made the hairs on her neck stand up.

"H-His name is Noctis Lucis Caelum."

Once again there was no sound. It made Yume nervous, the director was always an energetic man who wouldn't stop talking. Having this quiet for this long is nerve racking.

"And would you mind telling me what exactly you experienced during your reaction?"

"The things every sekirei would upon meeting their destine one, only more intense. Usually a sekirei would feel flushed and small increase in breathing but mine and Musubi's where nothing like that. Musubi couldn't control herself and I could barley restrain myself as well. My entire body felt like on fire and just looking at him sent me in a frenzy."

More typing, followed by the sound of humming.

"Interesting…"

"Director?"

"Thank you 08. I'll text you his address in a few minutes. May I you do your best in winging him."

The director hanged up before Yume could ask what this was all about. A few minutes later and a text was received, having the information of Noctis. Not only did tell him where he lived but also his place of employment. It even had his schedule displayed.

This was surreal.

Yume may not know what this was all about with the directors odd behavior but at least she got what she wanted. Now the only thing left was going to his place and convincing him to wing her and musubi. It won't be long till Yume and her Ashikabi are together forever.

"Finally, home."

Noctis placed the clothing down on the table and fell right onto his sofa. The man was so tired that he didn't have the strength to cook. He bought some takeout on the way back for him and Akitsu but he could eat that later. Right now he wanted nothing more to eat.

"Master? What should I do?" Asked the ice sekirei, who was currently holding a bag of food in her left hand.

He didn't even care about the situation with Akitsu. At least not right now, that can be fixed later.

"Go get dressed into your new clothes or something." Noctis snuggled up to the couch. "Just don't wake me up unless it's an emergency or something."

He waited for the sounds of footsteps to leave the room but it never came. Instead Noctis could have sworn he heard the sound of fabric hitting the floor.

"Akitsu? Wha-Holy crap!" Noctis covered his eyes and looked away. He had too, for Akitsu started to undress in the middle of the living room. Again.

"Akitsu! What are you doing!"

"Changing." She said simply.

"In the bathroom, Akitsu, go change in the bathroom." Noctis pointed with one hand and kept his eyes covered with another. "I remember telling you this the first time I let you into my home. Which was yesterday."

"Ah, I forgot." The lack of remorse made Noctis wonder if she was doing this on purpose.

She grabbed her bag and headed to the bathroom. Yet she didn't feel the need to put her old clothes back on. Meaning she walked naked without a care. Leaving poor Noctis even more exhausted than he was before.

"It's only been two days and I'm already regretting my choice." He looked up to the ceiling, in hopes that would provide the answers he needed. It didn't, just an ugly color.

There was so much to figure out now. Now that he knew what the relationship between an Ashikabi and Sekirei truly means. When Akitsu asked him to be his sekirei she was asking if she could be his wife. Suddenly everything she said yesterday started to make sense. If love and marriage are truly a big

"I can think about all this another time." Right now, the only thing Noctis needed was long nap.

*ring, ring*

"I am going to kill someone…"Noctis promised nothing but pain and torment to whoever was calling him right now. He picked up the phone and checked the number. He didn't recognize it. So it wasn't his job, that much was sure.

He answered the phone.

"Hello?"

"Hello!" Noctis immediately pulled the phone away from his ear. Whoever it was that was talking to him needed to lower his voice. "Good afternoon Mr. Caelum, glad that we can have his face to face conversation."

Face to face? ...Oh, Noctis figured out what he meant. This wasn't a phone call, it was a FaceTime. Noctis could see the man from his phone screen. It is a middle aged man with tall, white spiky hair. He wore a pair of glasses that covers his eyes and his entire outfit was completely white. It even had collars that pointed upwards, giving him a flamboyant appearance. His energetic tone only cemented that thought.

"Um who are you?" He's someone important, given his appearance, but Noctis just can't put a name on him.

"How rude! Don't you know who I am?" Noct shook his head. "I am Hiroko Minata, the head of MBI."

MBI? Noctis knew what that is. One of the biggest corporations in this world. It began as a pharmacy corporation but soon grew and branched out into other fields. Television, networks, technology, you name it and MBI probably has a field in it. Now the question here is what they want with Noctis.

Noctis would have asked but he didn't get a chance to.

"I suppose you're wondering why I'm calling you. After all you haven't had much interaction with my company."

No Noctis hasn't, but how does he know that?

"I'll cut to the chase, you have been selected."

"Selected? Selected for what?" Noctis got up from the couch, realizing that he needed to pay close attention to whatever is happening.

"Why to participate in the sekirei plan! Congratulations are in order! Not many have this opportunity you know?"

His words of praise did nothing but confused the young man.

"Sekirei plan? Was is that?...wait, you know what a sekirei is?" Is this guy an Ashikabi, like what Yume was talking about earlier?

"Of course." Noctis waited for him to elaborate but he never is not good. "But enough about that, I'm here to inform you about the sekirei plan. Which you have been selected."

Noctis didn't say anything but he did get up from off the sofa. Whatever this thing is, it sounds bad. He gave the dramatic man his full attention, even though Noct didn't want too.

"The sekirei plan involves the one hundred and sekirei, along with their Ashikabi. The goal is simple, a battle royal where the last one standing wins the prize! Any questions!"

Noctis didn't say anything, on the account that he was too shocked for words.

"To stunnded for words? Then allow me to continue, as an Ashikabi you are now in a fight encompassing the entire city of Tokyo! Your role, as an Ashikabi, is to assist and make sure your sekirei is the last one standing! Defeating all the other one hundred and seven sekireis!"

"What!?" Noctis finally managed to say. "Are you insane? Who organize a thing like that and what kind of idiots would participate?" A battle royal? What kind of situation did Noctis get himself into?

"Why MBI of course." The man simply said. "We've set up the entire game board. Oh and by the way, There are some rules you need to follow."

"Rules? What are you talking about, I'm going to participate!"

The director ignored Noctis.

"First, no fighting in public places. Any battle caught with civilians will be met with punishment. Second, this is all a secret. Any word of this and MBI will know and will result in punishment. Third, leaving is strictly forbidden. From here on out you will be unable to leave the city. Every bridge checkpoint and airport will be heavily guarded by MBI soldiers. " The smile he gave Noctis pissed him off more than it should have. Actually it's been a while since Noctis has been this ticked off.

Great, just great. Not only is now going to have to fend for his life, Noctis is now officially stuck in this city till this whole damn thing is over. Who knows how long that will take, who knows if he'll still be alive.

"Any questions?" The director asked.

"Yeah." Noct said rudely. "Did you not here the part of me not playing this battle whatever? I don't even have a sekirei!"

Noctis felt a bit uneasy when he saw the director take a more sinister smile.

"Oh but that's not true is it? After all, the scrapped number, Akitsu, is with you."

Noctis became wide eyed at that.

"How do you know that?" He asked softly. Akitsu has only been with him for two days. There is no way anyone could have known that!

"MBI has eyes on every sekirei, Noctis Lucis Caelum." He knew his full name too. That made things even worse. "Even the scrapped ones." How though? How does this company have so much info on a alien race. No matter where Noctis looked he couldn't find a single shred of info on Sekirei yet this guy's talking about them like it he's a damn expert.

There is a possibility that he has a sekirei of his own. That could be it.

"You decided to take in the scrapped number and care for her. Therefore you are now a participant in the sekirei plan. Whether you like it or not."

So the only reason Noctis is in this stupid mess is because of Akitsu? Is that it? Then it's simple, all Noctis needed to do is get rid of Akitsu and then…

A life without an Ashikabi, would be worse than death.

And then he could...

I'm broken. I have nowhere to go…

Noctis would be...

I want to stay with you…

"Mr. Caleum." The directors voice broke his trance. He looked to his plams and saw them covered in sweat. "Would like to hear to more of the rules?"

All he had to do was get ride of her and then his was good. That's all Noctis had to do, and yet he found himself unable to do so. He couldn't go Akitsu and tell her to leave. He found it to be wrong. Which meant that he needs to...

"...Yes. What else do I need to know?"

Noctis cursed himself, he cursed himself and his stupidity.

To be continued...

Sorry for the long wait. Hopefully you enjoyed this chapter and hopefully I can bring another one out before another five months. Until then.