zens of water projectiles streaked through the air homing towards the ground, Minato turned on his heel putting on a burst of speed to outrun the attack. The first of dozens hit the ground with shattering force causing a small explosion, Minato was swept up in the blast sent hurdling several feet away landing on his back with a thud. Tsukiumi landed a few feet in front of him staring at him intently.
"Wait! Please just listen to me for now!" Minato almost pleaded looking at her with conviction in his eyes.
"Not on your life!" Was the blonde Sekirei's response. She summoned her energy focusing it into the palm of her head as she raised it above her head; a vortex of water surging around her. She nodded dumbly once, shock stopping her for a moment.
"Ku-chan!" Minato said slightly shocked at the little Sekirei standing in front of him with her arm out to her sides, her pot on top of her hand. Her eyes slightly saddened. "No, don't bully my onii-chan!" She screamed clenching her eyes shut as her power exploded from the small plant itself. In an instant dozens of branches shot out slamming into the side of one building embedding itself.
"Wait Ku-chan!" Minato said anxiously putting a hand on her shoulder. Her mouth a gaped as the green glow in her eyes suddenly faded like she turned off a switch. Kusano dimmed her eyes a glimmer of sadness fleeting across them. Tsukiumi recovered from her stupor focusing on her attack as more columns of water surged around her. "I must make her our companion at any cost." He started. "That's why..." A memory of Yomi lying unmoving on the ground and his own Sekirei flashing through his mind again. He slowly stood to his feet looking ahead. "That's why I must do it." He said with slight confidence looking at Kusano with a soft smile, Kusano looked up at him with a cute little smile her cheeks slightly red.
"What is this little girl?" Tsuikiumi asked out loud with a frown. She stepped back her eyes widening in horror as she put the pieces together. "No, it can't be..." She growled causing Minato to flinch back raising his arms in surrender. "You got your claws into such a little child!?" She yelled indignantly pointing her finger accusingly at the second year ronin.
"Claws?" Minato stuttered looking at Kusano with wide eyes then back at the blonde. Kusano narrowed her eyes growling quietly, well it sounded like a growl.
"Filthy! Thou art a filthy man!" She yelled as water spiraled around her in a small storm. Minato stumbled fear taking over his motor skills, or lack there of. Tsuikiumi waved her hand gracefully pointing her finger towards Minato releasing a torrent of water directly for him. "Water celebration!" She shouted as the blast of water hit home sending him flying back into a nearby wall kicking up a mess of dust.
One cloud of smoke signified the battle taking place. With all the attacks, it was surprising that there was only one cloud. If one were to look from a rooftop they'd see it instantly. Tsukiumi folded her arms under her breasts looking down at Minato with a scowl. "I didn't even use one hundredth of my power for the last attack. What does such a weak monkey want to say to me?"
Minato cringed slightly at the words, but he didn't let him faze him. He was used to it by now, he was a failure he resigned himself as a failure, but that was before. Now, Now he had something to fight for, a purpose. He slowly stood up his bangs hiding his eyes. "I want you to be... My Sekirei." He declared turning around. Tsukumi was taken a beck by his declaration. He had guts that was for sure.
"W-what?" She asked completely stunned.
Seo looked down with a smirk at the scene. He had to give Minato credit where it was due he had taste and was lucky. As a man that appreciated the female body Tsukiumi was a specimen.
The water Sekirei clenched her fists struggling to process what he said. Her kncukles turned white as she vibrated with rage. That was it, she'd heard enough. She wasn't going to be winged by some human, she had her strength and her strength alone she didn't need him or anyone else. "Didst thou just tell me... To be thy Sekirei?" She asked in a dangerously low voice.
"That's right!" Minato yelled up to her. "I- we need your power." He quickly corrected.
"How couldst thou be so shameless in public?!"
"Shameless?"
"I thought I would spare thy life, but..." Tsukiumi's shoulder shook as she got angrier. Minato looked confused taking a step forward. "I shall obliterate thee after all!" Tsukiumi yelled focusing on her power, water shot out around in narrow loops circulating around meeting in the center of her palm forming a large sphere.
"That's bad, she's dead serious!" Hibiki exclaimed looking on nervously. Minato stood still awaiting his fate, he'd do everything in his power to get her to join them. To save her from a fate worse than death. Kusano looked on worriedly, she wanted to protect her big brother but he asked her to restrain her power. Tsukiumi felt a pang of anger hit her, her hand twitched for a second as she stretched her arm back about to throw the deadly vortex. Minato's eyes widened, fear paralyzing him. Water crashed through cement with no effort driving further into the side of the building, bits and pieces of cement flew out in every direction a small tremor radiating through the ground.
"Onii-chan!" Kusano exclaimed running to his side and holding him tightly. The attack just missed the ronin by inches, he looked stupified for a moment before coming out of his stupor from Kusano's touch. She missed, whether it was luck or deep down she missed on purpose, he was thankful either way.
"I was so angry I missed my aim. I'll eliminate thee next time!" She said breathlessly standing up to her feet a second later glaring at him.
"Even so I can't move until you listen to me." Minato with conviction in his voice and eyes pushing himself up to his feet. She clutched both hands on her heart closing her eyes tightly, she felt a pull and a twist her entire body heating up, but her heart. It was so conflicted, something was pulling her towards this young man, but what? Why!? Why does my chest feel like this...? She raised her arm over her head a torrent of water surging from the ground in wild swirls.
"Wait! Your opponents are us, right?!" Hikari yelled. It was about time somebody stepped in and put this blonde in her place, and she was happy to do it.
Tsukiumi glanced at them calmly but her eyes burned with fire. The water became more violent whipping around her entire body causing high winds to rip through the area. "Haven't learned your lesson yet? She asked smugly. Hikari laughed, she was woefully ignorant and that'd be her downfall.
"A Sekirei not yet emerged doesn't know anything!" She said knowingly with a smirk while Hibiki kept her eyes closed not saying a word.
"Seo!" The freelancer turned around with a bored expression on his bushy face, he kept his hands in his pockets. And moved carefully making sure the cat, his money spinner didn't get away. He was wondering what was taking his girls so long. Tsukiumi froze in shock staring at the sharp eyed man her eyes widening. She didn't have any idea this man was an Ashikabi, she'd never guess. This man! Is he an Ashikabi, too...!? Se scratched the side of his head lazily he didn't think they'd need to use their Norito, but they were up against a single number, with a very fowl temper.
"Geez, guess I've got no choice." He said walking behind Hikari and Hibiki wrapping an arm around each of their waists pushing them right up on his body. Hikari and Hibiki both looked annoyed with their Ashikabi's clear display. "Hey, close your eyes, kid! This is a little too stimulating for ya." He said in a cocky tone of voice with a slight smirk on his face.
"Enough! Just do it!" Hikari demanded.
"Wh-what are thou going to do?" She asked with slight hesitation not sure what to expect. Was she feeling fear...? No, no way she beat them before and she'd do it again.
Hikari's cheeks flushed as her lips collided with Seo's, she felt a flare of heat pulse through her. Throwing her head back she let out a soft moan as bright white lotus wings erupted from the back of her neck illuminating the area in a ethereal glow.
"Don't look Ku-chan!" Minato yelled anxiously covering Kusano's eyes as she tried to sneak a peek.
Hibiki's eyes fluttered for a moment as her body turned into a small furnace, her cheeks flushing as she meant Seo's lips for a passionate kiss. She threw her head back her mouth gaping slightly as bright white wings flared from the back of her neck sparkling for a moment. Minato looked at the scene with a blank expression, why did that look so familiar?
"Wh-what are ye doing?!" Tsukiumi asked nervously pointing a finger at the twins shakily.
"This is how..."
"...Sekireis fight."
Hikari and Hibiki interlocked their fingers raising their arms above their head. "Thunderstorm of our pact, destroy our Ashikabi's misfortune!" They chanted. Pink lightning began to arc around them growing in intensity. Coils of energy began to spiral out several feet sucking itself back into the ball of deadly pink volts. This wasn't their average attack, this would fry Tsukiumi inside and out. The water Sekirei looked up at the dark cloud hovering just above the lightning, her posture uneasy as she studied the attack.
This is an incantation only emerged Sekireis can use...
"That is..." Minato said dumbly.
The special words to chant when we use our major power... Every Sekirei has his or her own incantation.
"The incantation..."
Hikari and Hibiki pointed their arms forward, the lightning storm twisting to their will as it lanced forward.
"-God's song!"
"-God's song!"
The lightning lance downward splitting the cement in half with no effort at all continuing on its course. The entire area was blocked out by the bright light surging violently. Even the cement walls and nearby buildings were not able to be seen. Tsukiumi's eyes widened in shock her body froze in place as volatile pink light clouded her vision. Minato ran towards her his body moving on its own before he even knew what was going on,. "Watch out!" He exclaimed.
Matsu bolted up from her relaxed posture with a troubled expression. Her computers beeping and wailing. "High energy reaction!" She said quickly running her fingers over her keyboard clutching her the ear set on the left side of her face. "They are in big trouble. Hello Musubi-tan?"
Musubi looked and looked but couldn't find any trace of her Minato. She covered most of the area she was to look in. When a cloud of smoke and lance of light caught her attention she looked at the scene with a curious expression and slight confusion. "Thunder?" She asked herself, it wasn't supposed to rain today and it was sunny. A high pitched ringing brought her out of her thoughts as she dug through her pockey flipping the phone open. "Matsu-san!" She answered the phone putting in on speaker.
"Go to the place on the map I'll send you. Mina-tan might be in danger!" Matsu said with fear in her voice from the other end. Musubi glanced to the side her instincts kicking in, she knew where to go now. She leapt from the post of a telephone wire quickly leaping from roof to roof closing in on her destination.
A blue jacket blurred into clarity behind that a lance of lightning striking the ground. She was alive, but how? This man saved her?
"He's in our way." Hikari said.
Tsukiumi rose up moving back in complete shock. Her eyes widening like blue saucers as she stared at the second year ronin. He did save her! She felt a pang of anger, then confusion. Why did he? "Thou." She said but lost her voice when she glanced to the side. Her mouth nearly dropping in shock. The ground was cratered smoldering as smoke rose from the outer edges. The only high ground remaining was where they stood and a small pillar at the very beginning of the alleyway. Everything else had been obliterated by the powerful lightning attack.
Hikari and Hibiki didn't just charge the attack to defeat the water Sekirei, no they meant to vaporize every last atom of her. Leaving no dust or charred remains, almost as if she spontaneously combusted.
"We can't have him as collateral damage, you know?" Hibiki said smirking viciously with Hikari as they stared her down.
Minato felt like he had been hit with a hammer, a lot of hammers. It wasn't his best idea. But it definitely wasn't his worse, he slowly gathered his wits turning to look at her with a sheepish expression. "A-are you okay?"
This man protected me with his own body... Tsukiumi observed mentally, a wave of shock slamming into her. Even after all she'd done why did he save her? She berated him, and more importantly insulted him and his species, yet he did this. Again why? She snapped back to the battle at hand watching the twins join hands again.
"We won't miss next time." Hikari declared.
"Is that the best thou canst do?" She asked with annoyance, leaping into the air a second later, turning her body forward using her added momentum to flip. A mass of water swirled into her palm slowly coalescing into a dense whip. She let the attack fly with reckless abandon, she'd teach these twins respect, teach this Ashikabi respect, and more importantly save her pride. Hikari and Hibiki disjointed their hands at the last second the lance of water flying between them harmlessly moistening the air for brief seconds. Seo stood with his hands in his pockets, before he could react the water smashed into him knocking him off of his feet, he hit the ground with a thud. The cute kitty tucked in his shirt ran as fast as it could with its chance of escape finally presented.
"It escaped." He grunted angrily, he was so mad angry mark began to appear on his cheeks as he watched his meal ticket, his money maker run away. "Hey, stop there!" Seo yelled, Tsukiumi flipping back onto her branch landing gracefully just as she heard him yell. Sparks flew from metal as his boots seemingly sid and dug into the gutters just above her he bounded in the air landing on the branch keeping his legs wide.
"Seo-san, please calm down!" Minato called nervously. Seo walked towards her paying no heed. She attacked his friend Minato, soaked his girls, soaked him, and the damned cat got away. Tsuikumi took a step back reaching her arm back. "Don't come any closer!" She threatened swinging her arm forward with all of her strength, Seo snatched her wrist clutching it tightly as he pushed her back. He put a hand on her chin lifting her head so she was eye level with him. "How will you pay me back huh?"
"Why my strength is?" She asked with fear in her voice. For the first time she couldn't fight, she couldn't call on her power. This man, this Ashikabi reduced her to nothing but a weak mess, worse than that she was at his mercy. Minato looked at the scene shaking in fright not sure what to do. "You stomped over my girls too, didn't you?" She had enough, she wouldn't be violated, condescended by this monkey! She focused straining with all of her mental strength but it was no good.
I can't work up an ounce of my strength... why? The thought entered her mind as fear washed over her. She couldn't do anything.
"My ability as Ashikabi is endorsed by Takehito. It's a bit special." He explained coolly keeping his sharp eyes pointed at her, a small smirk creasing his face. He glanced behind him for a moment. "Now, how will you pay for this?" Seo glanced back at Minato who looked up with shock, he glanced back up at her sharply. "Well, how about I force you to emerge and make you into my dedicated slave?" He asked getting inches in front of her face. Tsuikumi moved her head back, fear visibly showing in her deep blue eyes. Minato's eyes dilated in horror when he heard that, was this man serious? Seo put a hand on her hip pulling her closer to him, mustering what strength she could she pushed his arm back though it didn't do any good.
No, this is not the man. I don't want it. The one... The one I want is...
"S-seo san!" Minato exclaimed. Wait, he sounded too close, a little too close. The freelancer turned around staring at the second year ronin who's eyes were set in conviction. No Minato wouldn't let Tsukiumi have a fate worse than death, she was not a slave, not Seo's slave, she was his Sekirei! "Let her go, please!" He said with an angry look in his eyes before he could consciously react he felt his knuckles slam against the man's jaw. He held back a cry of pain he'd never been in a fight before, and won, but he recalled a saying about punching someone in the face. And he remembered it well now, he felt like he broke his finger. Tsukiumi's eyes widened at that, was he really going this all for her, just for her? "She is not a slave... She is my Sekirei!" He said his eyes becoming hard just for a moment, Tsukiumi was awe struck by this man, her face flushed he really was a man of mettle, for a monkey anyways.
Seo smirked standing up to his feet his lips was swollen slightly from the blow. He deserved that one for sure."Seo!" Hikari yelled as a lance of lightning streaked through the air electrocuting him. The freelancer could only scream in pain as deadly volts ran through his body. "Are you cheating on us in front our eyes? Quite the nerve." Hikari barked. Smoke and soot flaked off of Seo as he coughed out a black cloud. "You told us were the only Sekireis for you, didn't you?" She asked angrily lightning surging from her and Hibki's finger tips.
"I haven't done anything yet, listen to me first!" He exclaimed raising his hand in surrender. He cried out in pain as another, or few lances struck into him jolting him to the bone. Quite literally.
Tsuikumi landed gracefully on the ground a few inches from Minato looking at him with a calmness. "Thou..." She paused staring into his confused and slightly shocked face. "Calledst me... My Sekirei." She said with a small blush on her cheeks. "Thou must take the responsibility."
"R-responsibility?" Minato stuttered fumbling over his words still flustered. A gallon of water splashed over his head shaking him out of his stupor.
"Don't play dumb! Thou hast has said I was thy Sekirei, correct!?" The water Sekirei asked haughtily her arm extended forward ready to bring down a flood on him if she deemed it necessary. "Y-yes I did ma'am!" Minato exclaimed helplessly fright causing him to shake and lose oxygen in his head causing his face to turn blue at the moment. Note to self don't make her mad.
"Not only wert thou not afraid of me, but thou also protected me with thy own flesh. Furthermore, thou savedest me from the wicked Ashikabi." Tsukiumi walked towards him slowly feeling calmer the closer she got. "For a monkey, thou art a man of mettle." She proclaimed bringing a hand over her heart. She didn't feel rage, or hatred, but calmness at peace, almost serene. "Strange... My heart which once clamored so loudly in protest, is surprisingly calm now. What is thy name?"
"Minato. I'm Minato Sahashi."
"Minato..."
"I-I don't know anything about you, but... The reason I met you in my dream must be... Because we could definitely grow to understand one another." He said with conviction. "So...!" He exclaimed abruptly. Tsukiumi was taken a back by his declaration.
"Thou art a magical man." She said quietly lowering her head, sh raised it up again a second later with pride in her eyes as she folded her arms under her ample breasts. "Very well! I, the Sekirei Tsukiumi accept the marriage proposal with good grace!"
"M-marriage proposal?" Minato asked nervously. Tsukiumi closed the distance between her and Minato in the blink of an eye angrily grabbing him by the collar of shirt glowering at him. "Thou hast said I'm thy Sekirei!" She growled, Minato looked at her with a mix of fear and shock.
"I did, I did! I'm sorry!" He said quickly before he was doused with another gallon of water.
"Minato!"
"Yes?"
"From now on, the only one allowed to kill thee is me, Tsukiumi." She said softly with a peaceful look on her face as her lips meant his in a surprise kiss. Minato could only widen his eyes in shock not expecting it to happen at that very second in time. Blue wings bursted from the back of her neck folding around the debris as they expanded to their full size she felt a rush of heat pour itself tingling every part of her being her heart skipping a beat, or a few as the warmth enveloped her. Wh-What is this feeling welling up from my heart... Something warm and strong... So this is emergence...
Seo, Hikari, and Hibiki looked at the endearing scene. A small smirk played itself on Seo's lips as he watched Minato wing another Sekirei. And one with a 'banging' body. Tsukiumi suddenly turned on her heel walking a few feet away from Minato keeping her back to him. She couldn't come off as a complete love sick teenager. She composed herself the best she could. "Tsu-Tsukiumi-san!"
"Tsuikumi is fine thou hast become my Ashikabi... With this as a wedding ceremony." She said quietly turning around to face him with a peaceful look on her face. "Many... Years to come." Minato's eyes widened for a second before his irises got smaller, a small grin creasing his face.
"We just wasted a fight?" Hikari asked.
"Seems like it."
Kusano wiggled her head out of the bush she was hiding in with a small smile, an instant later she ran to Minato's side clinging to his leg. Tsukiumi felt anger bubbling inside of her, this was still hard to swallow. Maybe she'd never swallow it completely, but it was a child she had no worries. "Ku-chan!"
"As I thought... That little child is thy Sekirei..." Her eyebrow twitched. "Well, she's a mere child so I can tolerate it, but..." She kept her hand just below her chin trying to reign in her anger. It wasn't a big deal she was the real wife. "-The real wife is me..."
"Minato san!" Musubi's bubbly voice called before she landed daintily at his side cupping her hands in front of her looking at him with a wide smile. "Are you alright?" Tsukiumi began to shake with anger, a pang of jealousy flowing through her. So he had two Sekirei?
"Musubi-chan!"
"Oh good, you weren't in any danger." The busty brunette said with relief and happiness.
Minato nodded pointing towards Tsukiumi. He figured it was best to get introductions out of the way before moving further. "Yes. See, she's Tsukiumi-san. She joined our group." Minato explained sheepishly. Musubi could hardly contain her excitement before turning around to face her new sister beaming a smile. Tsukiumi almost look crazed, her eyes filled with anger a dark aura of malice surging around her. She told herself he was her Ashikabi, but she didn't care this was unacceptable on his behalf!
"Minato... Thou... Thou... How many Sekireis does thee have?" She asked shakily. Minato put a hand behind his head smiling sheepishly. "Um... You are..." He trailed off as he heard his phone buzzing. "Mina-tan! Mina-tan!" Matsu said with concern over the other end as she stared at her screens for information, or lack there of. "What happened!? I can't identify the situation. All I can see are trees!"Minato pulled the phone away from his ear looking at Tsukiumi with another sheepish smile. "...The fourth."
No! Tsukiumi vibrated with anger, one could see the angry marks pulsing all over her face as her eyes narrowed in on her Ashikabi. She ut her right foot down firmly concentrating her power into the center of her hand. Light winds picked up and water spiraled around her hand turning into a small sphere. "Wa?" Minato asked dumbly. Tsukiumi reached her hand back throwing it forward as hard as she could. "Water celebration!" She shouted unleashing a torrent of water on Minato, he let out an incoherent yell as he was knocked off of his feet onto his back from the attack. Musubi and Kusano looked down at him with concern and worry, another torrent of water splashed down on him soaking him for good measure.
Three figures leapt from rooftop to rooftop scoping the city for anything strange. Ahiko stayed a few feet in front of Ryu and Toyotama. Ryu didn't mind too much if she was leading the search, she knew where to go and where to look. They landed on a rooftop before leaping across it landing on another one.
"How do you know each other?" Toyotama asked glancing at Ryu.
"A childhood friend." He nodded looking at her for a moment. "She was my first friend." He replied planting his foot down for a second before leaping forward.
"You had friends?" Toyotama asked with a small laugh.
"Yes I did." Ryu said scowling at her. He may have been naive growing up, but that didn't mean he didn't have friends. He wasn't isolated even though he lived over 100km away from Shinto Teito. It was only natural for him to build bonds. With the few people he knew that is.
"But, high school?" She asked raising an eyebrow.
"It was long before I moved," he replied. "When I moved here, it was different." Toyotama nodded wordlessly following the two of them.
Ryu stared at Ahiko for a moment before his eyes widened slightly. He could feel energy pouring through her much like his own Sekirei. But that couldn't be... Ahiko was human, she wasn't a hybrid like him, or full Sekirei like Toyotama. It had to be Minaka's work there was just no other way around it.
At this point why would he be surprised? He found aliens in a ship, claimed an island as his own and wiped out international forces. It seemed that Minaka could do anything he set his mind to, but somethings were better left uncharted like putting Ahiko in this game.
"We're getting close!" Ahiko called back putting on a burst of speed.
"Who's Hari?" Ryu asked looking at Toyotama with a blank expression.
"Number 82." She answered dutifully happy to be of assistance for her Ashikabi. She didn't know much about her, by the time she was adjusted and released there was still a bit of time before some of the eighties got adjusted. "I don't know her abilities or her strengths." She admitted. "When I was roaming the city looking for my Ashikabi she was still being adjusted."
"I see." Ryu nodded with a thoughtful look on his face. But that still didn't explain a lot of things. He shoved the thoughts aside for the moment. Toyotama glanced at her Ashikabi before looking ahead once more. Who was this woman? And how did she know Ryu? She felt a pang of jealousy before she shoved those thoughts to the back of her mind, she had to be ready, she had a feeling there was going to be a battle.
"Shit!" Ahiko cursed suddenly stopping on a gravel rooftop looking over into a park right across from them. Ryu and Toyotama skidded to a stop on the roof stopping a few inches from her looking in the general direction she was looking in. The first thing he spotted was a woman wearing a red collarless shirt with black stripes. She wore a matching white skirt than went up to the middle of her thighs, Ryu noted that her body was well covered aside from her long and toned legs showing, and some cleavage from her top. She wore strapped black high heels, and had her hair done up in a high ponytail. Standing behind her was a tall man with messy silver hair with an orange scarf wrapped around his neck. In front of him was a teenage boy wearing an expensive white suit with a condescending smile on his face. "Those other two were just a distraction!"
Ryu walked up to her putting a hand on her shoulder. "We'll save her don't worry." He assured.
"Shit, Mutsu again." Toyotama hissed clenching her staff tightly. She knew enough about the single numbers to have a good nerve to turn tail and run but she'd be damned if she didn't help her Ryu.
Ahiko's gasped quietly. What was this feeling, why did she feel so hot? She felt heat crawling through her spreading to her finger tips and toes. It was like she was set on fire, she turned into a small furnace. Her breaths were short and strained, and her face flushed. She was overwhelmed by this feeling, she felt naked, vulnerable beside Ryu, what was this?
What is this heat?
Toyotama stared at the scene in front of her with a slight frown. This woman was having a reaction to Ryu. She wasn't very pleased about it, but what could she do? Ahiko was reacting because Ryu was compatible with her. She didn't like the fact she'd have to share with yet another Sekirei, but what choice did she have? She couldn't deny her the right of emerging, it'd be selfish of her. "I'm so... Hot!" Ahiko moaned quietly. Toyotama nodded to herself she was right. "She's reacting to you." Toyotama stated.
"What?" Ryu and Ahiko asked turning to look back at her.
She wasn't happy about sharing but this had to be done. "She's reacting to you, you have to kiss her." Toyotama glanced down at the park seeing the teenage boy advance on the woman causing her to shake slightly. "If you want to save your friend kiss." She said quickly. Ryu opened his mouth to speak but was silenced when Ahiko slammed her lips into his closing her eyes. She felt raging heat, so much warmth coursing through like blood in her veins, except it was fire that was cooled by their kiss. The heat slowly focused in her back as bright green wings flared from her back expanding to their full length flapping once. She deepened the kiss moaning into his mouth as the light show got more intense. Nearby people shouted in shock at the light show running for their lives, they didn't know what was going on, nor cared. They wanted nothing to do with this. Ahiko's wings slowly faded away, a coolness enveloping her.
Hayato glanced up at the spectacle in anger. Mutsu kept his eyes focused on the roof waiting to see if they'd make a move. Hari looked up quizzically she seen people running and curiosity got the best of her at the moment. A smile creased her face as she took in the green lotus wings above "Ahiko-chan got her wings, she's emerged!" She gushed happily. She felt someone grip her arm and yank her forward, Hayato grabbed her by the chin raising her head her eyes widened for a moment fear glimmering in her them as she got closer to meeting his lips. "No!" She cried.
"Mutsu, make sure they don't interfere." Hayato ordered.
"Yes." Mutsu said tonelessly.
"Better get our asses in gear." Toyotama yelled jumping off of the roof and landing in front of the teenager and Mutsu stabbing her staff into the ground.
"Right!" Ahiko shouted jumping off of the roof and landing beside her sister glowering at Mutsu and Hayato. Ryu landed a few feet in front of them leveling a glare with Mutsu.
"Mutsu, funny looks like we meet again..." Ryu said drawing his sword and pointing it forward. "You chased Ahiko around the city, I'll never forgive you." Mutsu moved his hand over the handle of his sword looking for an opening between the three of them but couldn't find any. He knew from their first encounter that Ryu had great speed and strength to boot, he could even read into his moves at times. Then there was Ahiko who he knew nothing abut save for the fact she was number 83, she was the most dangerous out of them being the wild card. And lastly there was Toyotama he knew enough about her, she used a staff to fight and was on the run for quite some time. He didn't doubt he could take Toyotama alone, but there was the chance the other two could attack his Ashikabi. This fight wasn't worth it, they'd lost this one. He turned around taking a few steps grabbing Hayato by his wrists pulling him towards him until he was close enough that he wrapped his arm around his waist holding him under his arm.
"Mutsu, what is the meaning of this!?" He yelled. "I want number 82!"
"We're going to retreat." He said calmly.
"Retreat!? Why, fight them!" Hayato yelled again. "I can't let them have my prize!"
"The chances of winning are slim in this situation. Don't forget why we came here, battles are easy to come by new Sekirei are not, so we're pulling back." He explained with a sharp edge to his tone not wanting to hear any of Hayato's objections.
Ryu's eyes widened slightly. Mutsu was able to decipher the situation at hand, come up with a plan, and follow through with that plan all in the span of a few seconds. This man was not to be underestimated by any means. He knew Mutsu was experienced and head and shoulders above most of the Sekirei, there were exceptions.
"But-Agh! Fine!" Hayato relented rubbing his temples to reign his headache. "Your decision making is giving me a headache today!" Mutsu glanced at Ryu waiting to see if he was going to make a move moving carefully both holding a glare before the silver haired man bound several feet in one jump heading towards the car they arrived in. Mutsu glanced back on last time, two times now, twice the man interfered. He was proving to be troublesome.
"Ahiko-chan!" Hari shouted running towards her with a smile. Ahiko ran towards her with open arms returning the embrace, wrapping her up in a tight hug, lifting her off of the ground and spinning her around.
"Are you okay?" Ahiko asked looking at her with slight concern.
"Yeah, thanks to you and your two friends that mean little Ashikabi couldn't get me." She replied with a few nods. "You've emerged! You have your wings! Congratulations!" She gushed. Ahiko smiled widely she was happy her sister was safe and sound now. She looked at Ryu and Toyotama who stood there watching the two of them with slightly blank expressions. She looked at Hari again then at Ryu, this went on a couple times.
Toyotama narrowed her eyes frowning as she picked up on what was going on, at least what would. Ryu winging Ahiko was different, she was reacting to him and there was no other way around it. There was no way in hell Ryu was going to wing Hari.
"No it's not happening!" She said with finality glaring at Ahiko.
"Yes it is!" Ahiko yelled back with finality puffing her cheeks out angrily. "I'm not letting some pig put their grimy hands all over my best friend!"
Toyotama shook her head rapidly. No, no, no hell no! She wasn't going to share Ryu with yet another Sekirei. "He's not winging her and that's final!"
"Don't I get a say in this?" Ryu asked incredulously with a raised eyebrow. What was he a winging machine? Well... He sighed mentally that's how it looked as far as things went now.
"No!"
"Well then..." He folded his arms looking to the side with a scowl.
"I am not sharing Ryu with anyone else!" Toyotama snapped. "The answer is no I'm not budging!" She wasn't having it Ryu winged her because it had to be done, this didn't have to be done.
"My answer is yes! And I'm not budging either!" Ahiko said frowning the best she could.
"Ahiko-chan, scary.." Hari said gripping her torn sleeve shaking slightly.
"No!"
"Yes!"
"No!"
"Yes!"
Ryu shook his head helplessly. These women were going to be the death of him, he just knew they'd be. He opened his eyes raising an eyebrow at the two of them. Why were they looking at him like that? Ahiko and Toyotama looked at him expectantly waiting for an answer, Toyotama tapped her foot impatiently on the ground with her hand on her hips, Ahiko stood there staring at him awaiting his final answer. "I thought I don't get a say..." He said sarcastically rolling his eyes.
"Just answer!"
Ryu groaned as loud as he could smacking himself on the forehead. There was no right answer if he said yes to winging he knew Toyotama would have a fit, if he said no Ahiko would. Hari was one of the few unwinged Sekirei left. He couldn't just leave her out here she was like a piece of meat in ring full of hounds. There were too many Ashikabi that'd just scoop her just to add another number. With people like Junichi, Himura, Higa, and now Hayato running around there would be no place for her to hide. "I'm going to die, why me?" He said to himself running a hand through his long purple hair sighing.
"Alright, come here." He said resigning himself to defeat, he hung his head sighing quietly.
"What!?" Toyotama asked appalled and shocked looking at Ryu like he was a ghost. "Seriously?" Before Ryu could even open his mouth to say anything she leapt up onto a rooftop heading back north to Izumo. He stared at the space where she once was. She was pissed off, well that was an understatement. He didn't want to deal with her temper, he was sure she'd let him hear it. But he couldn't leave Hari out here on the streets. He could feel her anger, but beneath all of that she was hurting.
"Why me?" He whispered shaking his head.
"Does she wear the pants?" Ahiko asked jokingly.
"She wishes." Ryu said looking at her. Toyotama tried to be dominant in their love making. She enjoyed the struggle as much as he did, she was fiesty and crazy, but he always remained dominant.
"Pants?" Hari asked with a confused face looking at the two of them tilting her head to the side. "What about pants?"
"It's nothing Hari-chan, now go give him a big kiss." Ahiko said happily pushing her towards Ryu until they were inches apart. She didn't want to be a burden to Ryu if she was winged. But she couldn't say she didn't want Ryu to be her Ashikabi, after all he was Ahiko's so he had to a good person for her to react to him. Naturally she wanted to be his Sekirei she was indebted to him for saving her, and she'd be with her sister all the time so it was a win, win situation. Plus he was smoking that was always a plus, she seen a lot of men during her time at MBI watching videos so she could adjust to the human world where she'd be released and Ryu was quite the specimen. But...
"You don't have to if you-" Hari started but was cut off.
"It's fine. I'll deal with Toyotama later." He said groaning inwardly, he never took her for the jealous type. But, it was clear if she wasn't before she was now. And she was a gossiper now he knew Miya would know or the others would at least ask why she was grumpy. Great.
He couldn't be mad at Hari though. If she was reacting to him, it was only natural. He was a match for her. He knew first hand now just how serious they take the kiss, it was more than being husband and wife they were soul mates or pretty damn close to being just that. They felt what he felt and vice versa, it was still a lot to get used to. And now he'd be adding to that. I'm going to die! I'm going to die! He shouted mentally. Hari looked at him with curiosity he was a lot taller than her, she didn't know one of Japanese descent could grow to be so tall. She didn't want to be a burden or a load to carry, she knew Toyotama was mad. And was honestly afraid of walking into that storm.
"Come here." Ryu said quietly wrapping an arm around her waist pulling her close to his torso. Hari instantly turned a shade of red feeling his toned muscles brush against her skin. Ryu couldn't be mad at Hari for this. It was fate, it was destiny, or just some higher power that enjoyed watching him squirm. He learned when he left the first time, that regardless of what goes on he couldn't be mad at his Sekirei they were there to support and love him. He felt like such an ass back then, and he was an ass for leaving the way he did but he needed time and space, this was a new start. Ryu gently placed his lips onto her kissing her passionately. Hari's eyes widened for a second as she turned into a small furnace overwhelmed by the sensation pulsing its way through every part of her being, the heat traveled at blinding speeds reaching the back of her neck. She moaned into his mouth sticking her tongue into it dodging it with his. Bright pink lotus wings flared from her back expanding in size slowly lightning the park. Ahiko looked in amazement as the wings turned slightly around her body seemingly having a mind of their own. Ryu cracked one eye open catching the light show smiling softly he'd never get tired of seeing that.
He slowly broke the kiss as her wings faded away. Hari placed her hands on his chest sighing happily, looking up into his eyes. "Ashikabi-sama." She said lovingly. Looking at Ahiko with a wide smile.
"We emerged sis!" She gushed. Ahiko nodded, she still didn't know what just what the hell was going on this winging business and emerging, Ashikabis and a bunch of other brain wracking things.
"Details, details." Ahiko said waving her hand a few times. She'd figure this out later.
"I hope Miya doesn't kill me..." Ryu said hanging his head in defeat. He didn't know what his mom would think if he brought home two more Sekirei.
"Miya? Who's that?" Ahiko asked walking up to the side of him staring at him with a curious expression her mouth open slightly. It reminded him of Musubi and Kusano whenever they were curious.
"She's my land lady." Ryu answered with a quiet sigh. It was better that NO ONE knew she was his Sekirei yet. That would cause chaos no doubt, and worse people would search for him and try to wing him. He growled mentally, that wouldn't happen he'd break their neck first. He was not a toy.
"Oh! I can't wait to meet her." Ahiko said cheerfully looking at Hari who had his left hand clutched tightly with both of her hands leaning against him.
"I'm sure she feels the same." Ryu said dejectedly running a hand through his hair. He had a stroke of bad luck, or good considering on how one looked at it. He had his work cut out for him. He'd heave to deal with the great wall of Toyotama, then his mother, and his other Sekirei. Hopefully they'd understand and not flip out like Toyotama did. He glanced at Hari taking in her outfit, although it wasn't revealing it was just a little too... Too? He began to wonder if Minaka had a thousand different fetishes the whips twins, bondage twins, whips, it was all there like those weird hentais his roommate watched. "Well, let's be on our way." He was counting down how much time he had to live, why did a higher power have to torture him for amusement.
"Can we go to the mall first?" Ahiko asked latching onto his other arm squeezing it between her ample breasts, she cleared her throat gently flicking her eyes toward Hari. Ryu looked at Hari and her outfit it was a bit provocative any guy would kill just to be within her presence, and any Ashikabi would go to any length to get their grimy hands on her, and she didn't look like the type to exactly... Fight, in a sense she reminded him of Musubi in innocence. Ahiko had a good point. He didn't need every guy in a two black radius ogling her like drooling dogs.
"I like shopping and fashion," Hari said with a wide smile getting excited at the prospect. Ahiko smiled softly. She didn't know why but she was just protective over this girl, it was more than just being a Sekirei. She was her sister, when she awoke Hari was right there by her side. Not long after were they being chased and then split up.
"Let's go then." He replied. If Miya seen him come home with Hari dressed the way she was... Son or not he was going to be in for a training session from hell that would no doubt leave him with cuts and bruises. He groaned quietly he was dealing with so much the bonds, their emotions, this sick and twisted game. He wished he was six years old again getting another lecture from his master. Speaking of master he'd need to go to his mind scape later.
His mind wandered to Minato. The second year ronin seemed to be flustered with this entire thing, and his friend had a stroke of good luck, or bad depending on how one looked at it. But Ryu was happy there was somebody else who actually cared for the Sekirei, Minato maybe spineless but he had a good heart. I wonder if he's faring better than I am... Ryu mused mentally.
It was about a half hour later when they walked into the parking lot in the front of the mall. There were some cars parked here and there. With MBI making its presence known, more so now a lot of people turned tail and ran for the hills. That meant there were good deals going on at this moment, even better deals then when he first came here months ago. He did a once over, when he came there were a lot more cars though not much.
"Okay Hari-chan, we're going to get you a new outfit." Ahiko said as they made their way through the entrance. Hari looked around with a small smile taking in each store. She had seen information on malls back at MBI they were supposed to be these big and crowded places where people went to shop and eat. Her expectations were a little high, she looked from side to side slightly confused. Where was everyone?
"Where is everyone? And what's wrong with the outfit I'm wearing now?" Hari asked tilting her head to the side blinking a few times. She didn't see anything wrong with it, it was comfortable. And it was the only clothes she had since she woke up so she just had to deal. But she liked her skirt and the shoes were cute.
"Nothing at all.. Just a little dirty so let's get you some new clothes." Ahiko replied. She looked at Ryu staring into space, she wondered why it seemed he was looking for something but pushed it aside for now, she needed to get Hari into a little more concealing clothing. "Ryu, you ready?" She asked tilting her head slightly.
He shook his head brought out of his musings. He couldn't sense Higa within at least five hundred yards in any direction from this mall. Maybe the man finally took a hint, or he didn't. It happened so long ago, but the fight was still fresh in his mind when he was ambushed by Ichiya and Oshino. How did they find out where he lived, he was certain no one except for Husui knew. But, that man couldn't have sold him out to Higa, his boss would chop off all of his fingers and then his head. He sighed quietly, nodding his head. "Yeah." He replied.
"Kay!" Hari chirped scanning each store with a careful eye. She really liked her outfit, but Ahiko was right. She needed a change of clothes she didn't like being dirty. But each store she spotted didn't really spark her interest.
"Hey, let's go in this one." Ahiko said pointing to a store several feet in front of them. "They're having a sale, I need to get out of these rags before some pervert ogles me." She said with a small scowl. One of the many reasons she stuck by Hari's side was because of that. Men. She was innocent, and couldn't pick up on the nasty remarks that were directed her way. A quick use of her shadow manipulation sent them sprawling into garbage cans where they rightfully belonged. The entire time Hari was confused, and Ahiko couldn't blame her.
"Mmm?" Ryu looked at it with a raised eyebrow. The first thing he spotted was lingerie right in front of the store on some mannequins. He struggled to hide his blush, while he seen his other Sekirei nude and dressed in revealing clothes, mostly Toyotama and Uzume. He'd never seen Ahiko in anything of that sort or Hari and was a little curious admittedly. "Alright." He shrugged.
"Can I get whatever I want?!" Hari asked with big watery eyes. She really liked the clothes she was seeing. They had everything from skirts to sweat suits.
When they entered the store they got weird looks from the little customers in there and the employees. Ahiko's entire outfit was torn, it was better to say she had put on rags instead of actual clothing. Ryu's purple hair made him stand out, and Hari was grabbing the attention of every guy in there. "Yes, yes." Ryu nodded looking around at the shelves once they entered. His left arm felt lighter instantly as he seen Hari's figure retreat into the many, many, shelves of clothing.