There were changing rooms in the back, better put there were rooms within a room. Ryu took a seat in a comfortable chair. He wondered why the clerk told them to behave when they got back here. Now he knew, there wasn't any way anyone could see them, and what they were doing. Or intended to do. His mind wandered to Toyotama, he could feel she was angry, annoyed, hurt. But why did he feel this? Betrayal? He grabbed a hold of this feeling, this weight and lifted it off with a quick jerk using his mental strength.

Toyotama's emotions were becoming infectious. He buried his face in his hands sighing quietly. He was in for it. To make things worse, his Sekirei he had no doubt would ask him what happened today, what went wrong. When he almost snapped, it slipped his mind that they could feel what he felt, but that didn't register until now. Then he was far too angry to think of anything besides snapping Mitsuki's neck. If Ahiko and Toyotama weren't there...

"Ryu-sama." Hari's delicate voice caught his attention as she stepped out of the changing room. His eyes nearly bugged out from their sockets. She was clad in a black one piece lingerie that left little to the imagination. "Do you like it?" She asked turning over so he could see every part of her body. He gulped struggling to keep his composure, the outfit did little to cover her backside and nothing at all to cover any part of her legs. He traced his eyes down the entire length of her lithe yet toned legs, his blood began to get hot.

"Y-yes." He stuttered clearing his throat. "You look great in it."

"I'll get this too then!" She beamed a smile at him happy that her Ashikabi found her outfit attractive. She went to begin taking it off.

"Hari.. Changing room." Hari looked at Ryu her eyes widened suddenly. "I forgot sorry." She apologized, quickly going back into the changing room. He wiped the small amount of blood that came out of his nose, he was a little annoyed being in here for over an hour, but this was a plus watching her pose in different outfits. The worse part is, was that she did to make him happy, not aware of the implications said clothing invoked.

"How does this look on me?" Ahiko asked as she stepped out of her changing room. Ryu carefully looked at her, kami help him if she's in the same outfit he'd faint from blood loss. Luckily she wasn't. He breathed a sigh. Ahiko wore a pair of black sweats, and a t-shirt that did little to hide her ample breasts. She stared at him with the same innocence Musubi, Kusano, and now Hari did. Thanks goodness she was clothed. "It looks great, but..." He trailed off scratching the top of his head. He thought she'd be trying on outfits like Hari was, not exactly this.

"Everything else was too tight and I just needed to get out of those rags." She said with a sad sigh taking a seat next to him crossing her legs. She wasn't a girly girl, and not too picky. She tried on clothes that were like Hari's but her breasts were too big and firm she could barely breathe and her butt was too big she could barely fit on the undergarments without straining. But she couldn't complain, this was MUCH better than walking around with clothes half torn looking like she was wearing house rags. She felt a lot better not being exposed, unlike some of his Sekirei Ahiko knew what modesty was, and did her best to keep hers. "My boobs are so big and my booty..." She said trailing off when she heard Hari speak.

"How about this one?" He heard Hari call as she stepped in front of them giving them a twirl. This time she was wearing a black one piece that had a golden loop where the fabric connected holding the entire outfit together. Her breasts, and stomach were nearly showing as if she were naked. This outfit though had a little more cover around her backside in a small skirt that covered it halfway. She finished her twirl looking to Ryu for his opinion.

Said Ryu was struggling once again to get a hold of himself. Damn it, today was his luckiest and unluckiest day. "I-It's great Hari-chan." He said in a slightly shaking voice swallowing the lump in his throat. Ahiko didn't miss her old friend's hesitancy or just plain inability to answer. "Ryu, don't even think about having sex with her in that room." Ahiko said in a dangerously low voice. Ryu blanched at that looking at Ahiko with wide eyes.

"Seriously?!"

"Sex?" Hari asked tilting her head to the side looking at them curiously. "Oh! Hari knows all about sex. Like blow jobs and hand jobs; oh and then there's deep throating and those tongue moves Ahko-chan was always asking about." She said with a small smile, nodding to herself. "We showed each other, Ahiko was a little nervous but she has really soft lips!" Ryu and Ahiko looked at each other for a few minutes both unable to speak.

"Don't ask..." Ahiko said glancing at Ryu out the corner of her eye. "He likes your outfit. And remember that was supposed to be a secret!?" She finished Hari blinked a few times before scratching the tip of her nose.

"I'm sorry. I forgot." She said sincerely before smiling. "'l'll get this outfit too." She gushed in excitement starting to take it off right in front of them.

"Hari... The room." Ryu said clearing his throat quietly.

"Oops! I forgot again, sorry!" She apologized going back into the room. Ryu shook his head helplessly. Hari had the body every guy dreamed of, well every Sekirei did for that matter, but she had no idea what she was doing to him and that just made it worse, he found himself getting excited. Ahiko shook her head a few times leaning back in her chair. "I want this to stay between me and you got it?"

Ryu nodded dumbly. "Umm.. Sure Ahiko" He said lamely looking at her slightly puzzled. "But I am curious about that tongue trick, and how does she know you have soft lips?" Ahiko nodded hiding her face under her bangs as it turned a bright red from a blush, she giggled lightly at Ryu's nearly flustered appearance. This could turn out to be fun for her despite Hari spilling a secret that she'd rather not have spoken at all. "Just wondering, how many outfits did she pick out?"

"About fifty." Ahiko answered like it was normal.

"Fifty- FIFTY!?" Ryu exclaimed his head shooting up, hitting the wall. "Ow!" He groaned massaging the back of his head. Any harder and he was sure he'd put a hole through the wall. He always knew he had a hard head but this was just a little too literal. Ahiko tried to hide her smirk, and failed miserably. "And they're all just like that." A trickle of blood ran from Ryu's nose. "She thinks that makes you happy when she wears them."

"It does..." Ryu said running a hand through his hair. "But... She thinks it in a different way." He threw his hands up in defeat, It was clear now he was going to die, he was going to die! "She's a good girl." Ahiko said snapping him from his stupor. "She's so innocent, we can explain it to her later." Ahiko said, Ryu just nodded his head clearing his mind of dirty thoughts, was his mom right, was he just a raging beast!? After I get a few turns myself that is. Ahiko thought with a small grin. Forty five minutes, thirty nose bleeds, and fifty outfits later Ryu stood at the front register. He felt extremely light headed probably from all the blood he lost.

"You know, I might have to buy some of these outfits." Ahiko said looking up at the ceiling touching her finger to her chin humming to herself.

"We can be twins and make Ryu-sama happy together!" Hari said jovially with a wide smile her eyes glistening like stars. Ryu didn't try to make a response anything said would just dig him in a hole. He couldn't be 'close' with Hari and Ahiko wasn't helping with her subtle teasing and comments. It didn't hep when Hari tried to walk out of the changing room dressed in the skimpiest outfit he'd ever seen, he and Ahiko instantly stopped her. She apologized like the other times when she took off her clothes in front of them instead of the changing room. Now she was dressed in something much more modest.

"Did you find everything?" The clerk asked starting to strip off the security tags off of everything after she scanned them putting neatly into bags.

"Yeah, we should be okay for now." Ryu answered just happy the shopping was over.

Ryu, Ahiko, and Hari exited the mall. The heat of the warm day smacked them in the face, though they didn't seem to be fazed by it. That was an experience? Ryu noted to himself mentally exiting the mall with Ahiko and Hari on either side of him. He'd never understand woman and clothes, or their obsession with shoes. It was a good thing he had cash to spare, he guessed Hari was a girly girl. But now that he thought about it, he didn't know much about his Sekirei's abilities. He made a mental note to get on that, if he was going to win he'd need his cards in hand.

Hari wore a pair of skinny black jeans, silver flats, and a top like her old one except it went up just above her breasts only showing some cleavage. She was confused on why she had to change she liked her clothing it was stylish, but the prospect of shopping was too alluring. Ahiko looked at her feet blankly as her sandals made quiet sounds each time she took a step. They looked comfy and her feet didn't hurt anymore, she was happy with her choice of clothing she didn't care what she wore to be honest as long as it covered her body from prying eyes. "Enough shopping for the day, Hari?" She asked turning to look at her friend curiously.

"Mmm.." She tapped her chin looking thoughtfully at each bag. "For now." She replied after a moment of thinking. She got everything she wanted, for now.

"That's good.." Ryu said quietly so only he could hear himself. If he had to spend another minute waiting to leave the mall he would just die. He got several nosebleeds when Hari showed him different outfits asking for his opinion. He was tempted but he to try something but he had self control, and the great wall of Toyotama was waiting for him back at the Inn. More so, she was just too innocent. She'd accept everything he had to offer even if she didn't know what it was.

"Now to meet your land lady." Ahiko said clutching his right arm in her own pressing it between her breasts. She was looking forward to meet this woman who had the privilege to meet and get to know Ryu. And she needed to figure things out like what the hell was going on. Being chased, almost kissed by a prude, and Sekirei it was all too much to take in at once. Hopefully Ryu could give her insight. "And, I could use a bath."

It was a pretty uneventful day at the Izumo Inn. Yashima was engrossed in yet another book, Nanaha was cleaning the room, Uzume took a nap for most of the day before visiting her friend, Yomi was napping after sparring with Miya and a hot bath, and Toyotama was swinging her staff furiously at the air. Having extra tenants meant extra clothes, and that's why Miya was tending to at this time. She had them neatly hanging from the line looking up at the sky with slight concern. It was getting pretty late now, Kagari sat on the back porch one arm lazily resting on his elevated leg. It was certainly a relaxing day, he glanced at Miya with a small smirk. It looked like she fussing.

"Everyone's so late. It'll be dinner time soon." Miya said putting a hand on her cheek.

"Heh." Kagari chuckled. "When you're like that, you look like their mother, Miya." The miko turned around with a serene smile on her face, her dark aura blazing around her, her famous hannya mask flaring into existence glowering at the white haired man. "Did you say mother?" She asked sweetly. The moment he seen the mask Kagari turned his head away from her, a chill running down his spine. "No! Big sister! You look like a big sister!" He corrected anxiously.

"I guess you're right. From their point of view, I am really kind of their big sister." She said softly. Kagari smiled slightly, his eyes getting slightly softer.

"We're back!" Musubi's called from the front door as she opened it. Kagari looked back over his shoulder.

"Ah, they're back." Miya said still holding her hand to her cheek. The door the the room slid open courtesy of Musubi. The miko's eyes widened in shock, raising a hand over her mouth she looked at the scene. "Oh dear!"

Minato stood there with a sheepish smile on his face. To his right was Tsukiumi clinging to his arm like he'd vanish if she let go. The second year ronin complained once about her grip but a glare silenced him from protesting further. In front of him was Kusano staring up at Miya with a blank expression. Lastly Musubi was the most animate besides Minato she had her arms extended over her head a small smile on her face.

"We've just come back." Minato said sheepishly.

"Land lady we've just come back!" Musubi seconded in her bubbly voice.

"Minato, who is this woman?" Tsukiumi asked looking her over. She was dressed in traditional miko attire consisting of purple hakama, wooden sandals, and a white kimono tied by a purple sash. She was slender yet shapely.

"She's Miya Asama, she's the land lady here." Minato replied. Miya closed her eyes, tilting her head to the side and smiling softly. Minato felt his blood run cold, he didn't need to see a hannya mask to know he was in trouble, Miya was scary enough without that mask. "Sahashi-san... Who is she?" Miya asked sweetly. Not surprisingly the second year ronin could only babble incoherent dribbles while his fingers twitched nervously.

"I'm his wife." Tsuikumi declared proudly.

"W-wife?!" Minato exclaimed looking back at her, shock consuming his expression in this instant.

Tsukiumi looked at him with red cheeks. "What art thou so surprised at? We have gotten married, so I've become thy wife."

"Wife..." Musubi said quietly feeling her heart become tangled. Was this confusion? Jealousy? She turned away from Minato willing herself to find the answer. Kusano clenched her fists, her face narrowed with anger as fire erupted behind her and Musubi. She let out a growl skipping to her older brother clinging tightly to his leg, kicking away at the water Sekirei growling each time. "What's with this little brat!? Get away from him!"

"Musubi-chan what's wrong?"

"I am!" Musubi turned around throwing her arms over head head happily, clinging to Minato's arm. "His wife too!" She declared happily

"Out of my way! The real wife is me!" Tsukiumi ranted. Matsu giggled to herself watching the scene unfold with amusement and interest. "This is a soap opera world. Soap opera world!"

"You're actually paying attention?" Kagari asked in a bored tone of voice leaning against the wall with his arms folded across his chest.

The wisdom Sekirei turned her head to look at him adjusting her glasses as she did so. "Of course! This is just like soap opera, a total soap opera..." She turned forward again giggling quietly. "This is too good to pass up.

"What a lame joke..." Kagari lamented opening his eyes to watch Minato slowly retreat from the advancing Tsukiumi. To think he made Tsukiumi, who hated Ashikabi so much, emerge..." The slver haired man narrowed his eyes slightly analyzing the ronin. Minato Sahashi... He's a mysterious man.

Tsukiumi shot her arm out to the side, water gathering in a violent spiral. "Now we shall fight!"

"That's what I want!" Musubi yelled clenching her gloved hands with a confident smile on her face. Kusano animatedly joined in siding with Musubi.

"Enough!" Miya said firmly. Seconds later her wooden stick connected with both of their heads before they even had time to react. "I won't allow any violence here in Masion Izumo."

She is... Good!

"I'm sorry land lady." Musubi said with tears watering her eyes as she massaged her skull. And her bumps just healed too!" Miya closed her eyes smiling sweetly at the newcomer. "How about you?" She asked in a merry tone, a hannya mask materializing over her in a dark ominous cloud. Tsukiumi kept her composure just barely, her voice shaking slightly. "They say when in Rome, do as the Romans do. I shall obey the land lady here..."

Minato had his back against the door shaking in terror, he could do little to stop his Sekirei from fighting. Kusano clung to his leg tightly shaking in fright, she never felt such an ominous and dark presence before. "Land lady... Ah, this is..."

"The Sekirei Plan." Miya smiled, but it was a sad smile. Minato overcame his fright at the moment, replaced by shock. Matsu hid herself behind the side wall during the commotion.

"H-how did you...?"

"I already told you. My husband worked in the MBI's research section. And you know Ryu is an Ashikabi."

"Then when Ku-chan came..."

"Yes, I could guess the situation..." Miya paused looking at the newest addition to her Inn. "You are his Sekirei, right?" She smiled warmly. "Welcome to Maison Izumo." Tsuikumi straightened her posture her ample breasts jiggling for a second. "I'm his wife, Tsukiumi. Pleased to meet thee, land lady." She declared proudly.

"I'm his wife, too!" Musubi cheered jumping anime style with a grin on her face. Tsukiumi turned around with an angry look on her face glaring at Musubi who held her smile giggling. She let out a small huff of annoyance turning away from her.

"Ryu!?" Toyotama walked into the main foyer from the back dripping with sweat. She looked at every in tow before frowning slightly. She resisted the urge to scream there'd be time for that later, along with pounding him into the ground. "Oh, I'll be in the bath." She quickly dismissed herself before her emotions got the better of her.

"Toyotama-san, you forgot to introduce yourself to our newest tenant." Miya said with a small smile a dark aura flaring up around her. She knew why Toyotama was upset, and she really wanted Ryu to speak with her she'd been in the yard swinging at air for nearly two hours. Most Sekirei were jealous, but Toyotama was more vocal about it. She could understand, but it wasn't her problem. Toyotama eyed the blonde carefully narrowing her eyes. "Name's Toyotama I look forward to getting to know you." She said dryly turning on her heel and heading upstairs.

What's wrong with Toyotama? Minato thought before his entire arm lost feeling. He turned his head to see Tsukiumi glaring at him, her crystal blue eyes glowing red. "Minato... Is thou... Thy Sekirei too!?"

"N-no, no!" Minato yelled in fear, he couldn't feel his fingers anymore. And he couldn't get loose from her grip.

Miya giggled behind her hand. "No, no. She is not Sahashi-san's Sekirei. There's another tenant that lives here. The other girls you'll meet soon are his Sekirei." Miya smiled sweetly, a dark aura flaring around her. "I hope there'll be no violence."

"No!" Minato and Tsukiumi exclaimed at the same time. Miya laughed behind her hand turning on her heel.

"Now, let's get everyone seated dinner will be done soon." Minato followed her without questions Tsukiumi clinging to his arm every step of the way. He didn't want to die, and he wanted to feel his finger tips, not pins and needles. How did he get himself into this? As they entered the dining room Minato glanced around looking for his friend, but Ryu was no where in sight. Where did he go? He wondered taking a seat on the right side of the table.

"You live in the north?" Hari asked with wide eyes staring at Ryu like he was a ghost. Some of the color drained from her face.

"Yeah..." Ryu looked at her with a raised eyebrow. A second ago she was alright and bubbly. He wanted to say she was even ditzy to some extent. "Is that bad?"

"H-Hannya of the North resides there! We can't go." She said quickly fear glimmering in her eyes. She wasn't as well informed as the other contestants. But she was into the gossip, she kept her ears open, she knew the rumors of the demon that controlled the north. Nobody dared to claim it as their own, she was stronger than all of them put together. This was one place she didn't want to go, she didn't want to get within the north.

"Don't worry." Ahiko said soothingly wrapping an arm around her shoulder pulling her close. "It'll be okay, I'm right here with you." She knew Hari wasn't exactly a fighter, the girl was too nice, too sweet, too innocent to be a fighter. She didn't have the heart to deliver the finishing blow, and wouldn't make the first move she was almost human in a sense. Hari looked up at her with pleading eyes, the same look she gave her when they woke up together. She didn't want Hari to fret, but she was going with Ryu and Hari would just have to deal. "We need a place to stay, and a bath." She reasoned softly.

Hari opened her mouth to protest but closed it a second later. She did need a bath, and she didn't want to live on the streets. "Okay.." She resigned lowering her head. Ahiko gave her a tight squeeze. "Don't worry Hari-chan!" Hari felt tingles going down her spine at the comforting words spoken, she trusted Ahiko she even loved her as a sister. She'd have faith. Ryu watched the entire thing with slight confusion, slight admiration. He couldn't hope to calm Hari down, he knew that much, but Ahiko pacified her like a mother hen.

They walked the rest of the way in silence. It was a hectic day, everything just kept moving and moving at a rapid pace. He hadn't slept for eighteen hours, he probably smelled horrible even though he put on deodorant. A very irate Toyotama was waiting for him back at the Inn and he had the pleasure of explaining all of this to Miya once he got back. But it was worth it in the end, seeing Hari's smiling face and Ahiko's energetic personality bursting as it always did made it all worthwhile. But it left him unsettled how was Ahiko here, and how was she a Sekirei? He put the questions aside before he wracked his brain more, Izumo Inn came up just down the block.

Now that he seen it from outside the Inn was quite massive. Compared to the rest of the houses around it. He dared to say it took up the entire block, he could see the second floor all the way from where they were so it had to have a lot of size to it. But he'd never guess that from being inside of it. Hari still looked a little on edge but a comforting hand on her shoulder from Ahiko kept her from visibly shaking. Ahiko was completely calm almost serene. He took the lead walking up the stairs and pushing the door open slipping off his zori. He could hear commotion coming from the main room and a new voice.

"So this is where you live. How cozy." Ahiko noted as she took in the layout of the Inn.

"This is the place." Ryu replied sighing quietly, he perked up when the aroma of food wafted through the walls and into his nostrils. "Miya, I'm home!"

"I like it." Hari seconded.

Miya appeared in front of the doorway with a slightly shocked expression as she looked at her son with the two well endowed woman. "Welcome back Ryu-san, I see you've brought new tenants?" She asked sweetly closing her eyes and tilting her head sideways.

Ryu struggled to speak. Something told him to just shut up but he'd rather explain himself before he had razor thin cuts all over his body again. "That's right! I'm Ahiko, you must be the land lady he told me about!" Well, so much for silence...

"And I'm Hari, his Sekirei." She gushed happily looking at Miya with a curious expression. She glanced at Ryu, specifically his head, she looked back and forth a few times. She couldn't put all of the pieces together but curiosity got the better of her. "Um, I don't mean to be rude, but are you two related?"

Ryu and Miya exchanged a subtle glance before looking back at Hari. "Why do you ask?" Ryu asked a little uneasy.

"Well, you both have such pretty eyes. I just had to ask." Hari explained honestly. Miya giggled behind her hand though her aura was flaring up Ryu knew that sweet giggle. "I assure you it is coincidence Hari-san." Miya opened her eyes looking at the three in tow.

"Ryu..." he trailed off looking at the stairs to go up. This was what he was dreading, the great wall of Toyotama. He didn't know how to explain his actions, he wasn't sure if he could. He was used to his Sekirei following his lead not questioning him and certainly not running away from him. That was new to him, usually they were running and diving towards him, mostly Uzume since she enjoyed little antics. But this was his problem and he didn't doubt Toyotama gave everyone the cold shoulder because of his choice. So he'd fix it.

"I understand Miya-san. Could you show them their rooms?" He asked though he knew he didn't have to.

"Yes, but after dinner..." She looked at the multitude of bags in Hari's arms. "Just set those there dear, dinner is ready and we should get introductions out of the way." She said merrily. Though she wouldn't say it out loud she enjoyed how lively her Inn was becoming. Ryu nodded moving to the stairs at slow pace he was in no hurry. That just left the three girls present, company in the dining room. "So, you're his Sekirei too?" Miya turned to Ahiko who nodded. "Welcome to Maison Izumo." She said happily. Hari put the last bag on the floor in the corner before smiling happily. "Thank you for having me!"

"Fufufu," Miya laughed. "You flatter me. Come let's eat." On cue Ahiko's stomach began to grumble like an earthquake shaking the floorboards under them. "It's a good thing Nanaha and Musubi made extras." With that she turned on her heel leading them to the dining room.

Ryu contemplated what he should say. But what could he say? He clearly made her mad. He didn't know Toyotama as well as he should have, he never took her for the jealous type. She was like a second Uzume except she had a very bad temper. He sighed sliding the door open to the changing room spotting her clothes folded neatly in her basket. How and why she designated a basket hers he'd never know.

He slid off his tattered kimono and smoothly took off his hakama and shorts in one smooth motion. He folded the clothing neatly setting it in a basket and heading towards the door. He stopped when he thought he heard crying, but that couldn't be right... He slid the door open staring at a very naked Toyotama. She locked eyes with him before letting out a heated growl turning her head to the side. "What do you want!?" Ryu closed the door slowly walking to the bathtub before plopping himself down into it wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her so she was straddling him.

"W-What are you doing?" She asked slightly anger and flustered her face turning a shade of red. Ryu screwed up, he knew he did and nothing he said would fix this situation. He hurt Toyotama and had no idea how to make it up to her. He grabbed the back of her head pulling her in for a passionate kiss. Toyotama pounded on his chest in protest but slowly melted with the kiss as brilliant red wings protruded from the back of her neck.

"I know if I said sorry you'd just laugh at me or hit me." He said quietly parting his lips from hers resting his head on her mounds of flesh. "And if I tried to explain you wouldn't listen and yell at me." He said quietly squeezing her tighter. Toyotama wanted to punch him through the floor and then some more, but being so close to him almost melted all of her anger. She wrapped her arms around him nuzzling her face in the crook of his neck.

"You know I'm mad at you." She said quietly.

"I know..." He wasn't one to give up but he could feel how mad she really was. "Is there a way I could make it up to you?" He asked moving his head side to side. He silently gasped when he felt his blood flow rocket downward, Toyotama took the opportunity to grab him slowly applying ministrations.

"There is..." She trailed off gasping when he felt his head brush against her entrance. She wanted to loose herself in pleasure, but she needed to say this first, she had to get this off her chest. "Don't wing anymore Sekirei." She knew she was selfish, a person like Ryu came every once few generations that could actually care and love for his Sekirei and ones that weren't his own. But he was hers he couldn't go out being a hero, it'd only cause him pain in the end. "Do you agree?" She asked in a dangerously low voice, her other hand snaked down to his testes taking hold of them. She looked up at him her teeth slightly grit, her blue eyes burning red, he swore he seen flames. "No more!"

A sweat drop made it's way down Ryu's head. "U-uh, too tight..." He winced when she began to squeeze harder. "Okay! I won't but I can't help it if one happens to react to me! Now could you loosen up before you hurt something?" He asled trying to hide the tears forming in his eyes, he audibly sighed in relief when she loosened her grip from his future children, she continued going throug ministrations finding a rhythm.

"Ryu." She whispered resting her head on his chest closing her eyes. "I know I'm selfish, wanting you all to myself. It was wrong of me to protest, that little runt shouldn't have winged her, or any Sekirei for that matter..." She trailed off remembering her time being chased by Orhia and Katsaguri she was in the same position as Hari and she pleaded with Ryu to protect her. Of course he did it because he chose to, but... "You have a good heart, you love us and take care of us... However, I won't allow you to be a hero." She said firmly moaning silently as she felt him throb almost at the climax. "I'm yours now and forever remember that." Ryu bucked, he groaned quietly as he felt his release, Toyotama lowered her head opening her mouth so it could enter. Ryu widened his eyes slightly, he didn't think she'd do that. After a few moments Toyotama raised her head with a glint in her eyes. "So this is how you taste..." She clicked her tongue a few times before grinning. "I hope there's seconds."

"Toyotama." Ryu said his face turning red. She licked her lips rising from the water stark naked. "Clean yourself up Ryu." She teased leaving the tub soaking wet. "And don't expect me to say sorry, because I'm not." She called back opening the entrance door. Ryu simply nodded his head shocked with his fourth Sekirei at the moment. Satisfied Toyotama entered the changing room with a smirk on her face, she'd rub it in Uzume's face later if she began to tease her again. She wasn't kidding about seconds.

"Well, I guess that takes care of that." Ryu said leaning back against the wall finishing up his bath and making sure to clean himself extra good, Toyotama missed a few spots but that was alright. He was just glad he was able to settle that without her knocking him over the head.

Ahiko looked on in amusement as Tsukiumi was about to pop a vein in her forehead from rage. She had just meant the girl and she found her hilarious. Even if she was angry enough to flood the entire Island of Japan. Hari sat her side with an amused smile she didn't know Minato well but seeing him look so defeated as the angry blonde pointed at the red head with glasses, it was hard not to laugh. Kusano sat with her utensils in hand ready to eat her larger than child proportions of food, Musubi sat with a wide smile a look of bliss on her face as she took in the aroma. Yashima and Nanaha were seated at the far end away from Miya in their usual spots three spots were empty and as usual the two Sekirei were dutifully waiting for their Ryu. Lastly Miya sat at the head of the table with a amused smile.

"What!? didst thou say she's also Minato's Sekirei!?" Tsukiumi yelled pointing an angry finger at Matsu.

"No she isn't..." The ronin said quietly. Thank goodness... He added mentally.

Matsu smiled politely. "Nice to meet you, Tsukiumi-tan." She replied curtly.

"Stop that "tan" thing!"

The irate Sekirei stopped her tirade glancing at the door sliding open. There stood Uzume in all her glory side ponytail kept securely in place, hand on her hip, a trouble making smile on her face. "Whoa! You've got another, again!" She said cheerfully. Minato looked back at her embarrassed, scratching the back of his sheepishly. "I'm sorry." He said lamely.

"Minato, don't tell me she is also..."

"No, no! She's definitely not!" He exclaimed raising his hands in front of his face in a gesture of surrender or maybe to block a stray water ball. Uzume laughed at the ronin's expense, things were going to get interesting around here. She glanced out the door seeing Ryu and Toyotama heading down the stairs. The green haired woman dressed in one of his shirts and sweat pants. Ryu dressed in a pair of shorts and white t shirt his purple hair messily spiked out in every direction. "My Ashikabi is right here!" She said with a small smile her arms seemingly stretched out towards Ryu yanking him towards her. He had little time to do anything but yelp in shock. Toyotama only smirked, it served him right. She'd let it slide with Uzume she just had her way with him after all.

"Ry ry!" Uzume said with a wide grin looking at Tsukiumi. "This is Tsukiumi." She nodded to the blonde. Ryu blinked a few times gathering his wits. How did she do that? He wondered out loud.

"That's good. I'm Tsukiumi. Pleased to meet thee." The blonde declared.

"I'm Uzume."

"I'm Ryu."

"We've already meant." Toyotama said flatly taking her seat at the table.

"So you're Minato's Sekirei." Ryu noted. Ryu and Uzume shared a glance before the grinned. "You're got a lot of competition good luck!" They said with amused grins. Minato did all he could, which was wave his arms in front of him. "Uzume-san! Ryu-san! Stop adding more fuel to the flame!"

"Ha! They aren't even worthy to be called my competition. Because... I am Minato's real wife." She said proudly with a smirk, her teeth shining in the light.

Kusano and Musubi rose from their seats the youngest Sekirei throwing her arms over her head growling with each thrust. Musubi puffed her cheeks out angrily. "I am his real wife, too!" She shouted.

"Dost thou understand what "real wife" means?" Tsuikumi asked turning her focus on her. "No, I don't." Musubi said with a small frown. Minato sunk his head in defeat, his Sekirei... Matsu looked off from the other end of the table giggling constantly at the antics. Hari stifled a giggle she had to admit this was funny, Ahiko kept up her amused smile but struggled not to laugh.

"Here, Minato-san. Open your mouth wide." Musubi said as she brought the chopsticks closer to him.

"Minato, I'm sure thou understandest that if thou shouldst eat that, thy life would be forfeit." Tsukiumi said calmly, her chopsticks vibrating in her hands before finally snapping into pieces. Minato looked at the piece food in the chopsticks with wide eyes, shaking from fright. "Ah. Thank you, but I can eat by myself..." He said in a shaky voice his arms barely able to sit still from his quivering.

"Here!" Kusano said happily shoving a piece of fish into his mouth before he could finish his entire statement.

"You're only a child!"

"This place has become quite lively." Ryu said shoving a piece of fish into his mouth chewing it with a small smile.

"Yes it'll be more fun." Miya said happily.

During dinner Ryu was bombarded by his Sekirei's emotions. Mostly Nanaha and Yashima. He felt a mix of jealousy, worry, fear, and slight anger. Ahiko's emotions were calm and soothing it helped quell the headache he was about to get from his two shyer Sekirei. Toyotama was satisfied although Ryu could sense a want coming from her. Hari was happier more than anything and liked the tenants of Maison Izumo, she thought they were funny. Uzume more than anything was curious, he knew most of their emotions were the result of his choice to wing Hari, maybe that's why Yashima and Nanaha glared at her for a few seconds before going upstairs, luckily the bubbly girl didn't notice it and went on talking animatedly with Musubi.

The rest of dinner went by quietly with some idle chatter. Matsu told Miya Kagari went out to work and wouldn't be eating lunch. Ryu wondered where he went, it was still early for him to leave but he didn't dwell on it for long.

"Ahiko-san, you can take a bath now." Miya said as she rinsed off the last dish shelving it with the others. Ahiko was very well mannered and more than willing to help, though she loved all her birdies Ahiko seemed to be a little more... Mature?

"Thank you Miya-dono." Ahiko chimed taking the gloves off and looking towards Hari with a blank expression. After they ate Miya showed them to their room, Hari brought all of her bags with and accidentally tripped luckily only one bag spilled and it didn't have her sleep ware or lingerie. Hari followed Ahiko back downstairs waiting for her to get finished helping miya.

"That Minato..." Tsukiumi said quietly as she slipped off her dress. "I told him I'd wash his back, but he refrained." She brought her foot out of her dress folding it neatly and setting in a basket. She entered the bathroom taking a seat on the stoll next to Musubi her hair tied up in elaborate loops. "Sharing bath and berth are privileges of Ashikabi." The water wielder said as she crossed her legs.

"What is sharing a berth?" Musubi asked blinking twice.

"It's when a man and woman sleep cocooned together." Tsukiumi answered without looking at her comrade.

"Cocooned?" The busty brunette asked out loud.

"Hey anyone in here!?" Ahiko called from the other side opening the door with a towel wrapped around her body, that did little to hide her curves. "Oi, Musubi-chan!" She grinned, Hari blushed slightly as she entered the bathroom with a towel wrapped around her body as well. She wasn't used to feeling so... Open.

"Ahiko-chan! Hari-chan!" Musubi liked her new friends. "I'll wash your back!"

Minato sat on the back porch with Kusano, he found the silence refreshing. Today was nothing short of ten heart attacks for the second year ronin, but he somehow managed to get through it all keeping his head on his shoulders. To top it off he had another Sekirei, was he lucky or cursed? He thought the first, he had very few friends in his lifetime, especially girlfriends. He was awkward, spineless, and couldn't summon the nerve. But then Musubi fell from the sky, when his life was in shambles, falling apart at the seems, she graced him with her presence, and gave him something to fight for. A lot has happened since then, and he found out Ryu was also an Ashikabi. Not long after they meant his life took a turn for the worse, or the best, finding himself in a game controlled by a mad man was a little unnerving.

But he couldn't be all mad. He found people to care for, and more importantly cared for him. He sneezed suddenly wiping his nose with his finger looking at the moon. "Ugh, I feel a chill. I did get doused with water a lot today..." He said offhandedly.

"Hey, onii-chan." Kusano broke his train of thought looking at him. "Who do you like?" She asked.

"Y-You can't just ask me out of the blue like that." He said anxiously scratching the back of his head laughing nervously. Kusano stayed silent looking at him intently with an innocence only a child could have. Minato smiled softly. "Well... I like all of you. Musubi-chan, Tsukiumi, Matsu-san, and Ku-chan, too." He replied smiling at her softly resting his chin in his hands, Kusano smiled gleefully her cheeks heating up. "All of you chose someone like me who doesn't have any special abilities or qualifications. So I want to repay you for caring for me. Something I can do..." He smiled sheepishly. "Well, I don't even know what I can do yet, though." His eyes widened slightly when Kusano's little arms wrapped around his neck her eyes glistening. "Was that too complicated for you, Ku-chan?" Kusano kissed him on the cheek. "Ku-chan?"

"I like you very much, big brother. Stay with me forever." Her green eyes got bigger. "And then, when I get bigger, please make me your wife." She said excitedly.

Musubi and Tsukiumi bolted up to their feet splashing the water as they did so. "What was that!? I just felt like someone got the better of me." Tsukiumi said.

"Me, too." Musubi seconded.

Minato looked up at the moon with soft eyes. Pondering everything he knew so far. Really it'd be best if we can stay like this, with no fights at all... He thought.

Ryu laid on his futon staring up at the ceiling, like he always did when he was in self reflection. As always he hoped it'd provide all of his answers, but that wasn't the case. I won't let you be a hero. Toyotama's words rang through his mind. He said it himself before, he's not a hero. But... He desired to save all the Sekirei from this game, this sick and twisted game. These feelings that pulsated through him that brought him joy and dismay all the same, he wanted to protect these. He never realized until now, that he did save people. Back in the country during the conflicts over land, Yashima from Junichi, Kuzuri from Junichi, Nanaha from Himura, Kusano from Hayato, Hari from Hayato. Reality finally hit, he was indeed a hero in the eyes of some.

"Come in." He said glancing at the door before sitting up and moving to his window to enjoy the full moon. He always enjoyed watching the moon growing up, it was one of the only things that gave him clarity. If it wasn't for these little things and his master, he didn't know who he would be. He felt a pair or arms wrap around his neck and mounds of flesh press into his back. "Hey, what are you doing all lonely and quiet?"

"Just thinking is all..." Ryu trailed off glancing behind him to look at his first Sekirei. "Are you going to try and squash my balls or glare at me?" He asked with a raised eyebrow. His Sekirei were all pretty cold to him even his little Yashima seemed upset with him and his choices. Uzume grinned taking a seat opposite of him on the window sill resting her arm lazily on her leg as she inclined it. "So you got yourself two more Sekirei look at you." She teased.

"Yeah... But." He stopped talking his emotions were getting the better of him. He was better than this he was calm and collected even in the most hazy and chaotic of situations he kept his cool. "Not everyone has the same view on it as you do." He said quietly. It was hard to soak it in, but Yashima sent him a scowl, his sweet little Yashima. "Is it wrong?"

"Whatever you feel in your heart is what's important." Uzume said looking up at the moon, its light reflecting in her brown pools. "We're all different, we do things we don't intend to, say things we don't mean it's all part of being mortal." She looked at him with a small smile getting closer to him. "I know in my heart I'll always stride to do my best for you, to protect you." She grabbed his hands into her own putting them on her heart. "It is you who made my heart skip beats, that made my body a furnace." She gave him a quick peck on the lips taking advantage of his stupor. "You took the Discipline Squad all by yourself just so me and Matsu could escape, you didn't even know us and you were willing to risk your life for us." Ryu blinked a couple times opening his mouth to speak but Uzume put a finger to his lips. "Am I mad? The answer is no. Am I jealous? Nah, now I have more to join in on the fun." Ryu sighed mentally leave it to Uzume to kill the moment, but he was thankful for it. "I love you, and that will never change, all of your flaws, mistakes, strengths, I love it and accept it all."

"You know, only you would bring up a six some in a conversation like this." Ryu said shaking his head and laughing. He needed this, a conversation. Uzume understood him, his habits, his quirks. It was almost like she was created just for him to have and nobody else. He wrapped his arms around her waist pulling her as close as she could get until her breasts began to push her away, she opened her mouth to speak but Ryu slammed his lips into hers kissing her passionately. Uzume wrapped her arms around his neck deepening the kiss as golden wings bursted from the back of her neck folding around them in a brilliant light. After a few seconds they parted their lips, brown eyes meeting violet eyes. "Thank you Uzume, I'll do my best to help you too." He said quietly brushing a strand of her hair behind her ear, Uzume's cheeks turned bright red from the gesture.

"I made you blush." Ryu teased.

"Shush." Uzume said hitting him in the chest before resting her head on it. "Don't rub it in and don't tell anyone." She said quietly snuggling the side of her head a little more. A certain violet haired miko stood outside of the door, she seen Uzume enter and had the urge to go in there and dish out punishment. But chose against it, she was glad that she did. Her son was conflicted, she'd let it slide this one time. A small smile graced her face as she felt the wave of emotions exchanged flow through her. Uzume was a lucky girl, and she couldn't be more proud of her son

"Number 09, 83, and 82. I've confirmed their emergences." Takami said standing several feet behind the white haired Minaka who as always was standing just at the edge of the tower with a gleeful smile. He really got on her last nerve, but she couldn't do much to stop him she could only 'regulate' his insanity to some degree.

"It's time." He said quietly looking at the city intently. "The time has come. The economy, technologies, networks..." He paused for a moment his eyes getting a sharp glint. "There's no longer nothing to fear. For the sake of the lovely birds who flew to land, I shall willingly play the fool." He raised his arm over his head bending his fingers. "It's a festival! The stage Shinto Teito! The Sekirei Plan moves to phase two!" He shouted to the sky triumphantly.