I see my poll. So many votes, but there can be more! I added more choices! So, keep on voting people, and don't stop voting!

Anyways-onto the chapter.

The warm water washed away what crimson remained on her. It pooled into the drain, diluting as it traveled and went. The steam hazed her mind. She would have screamed, or even stumbled, seeing blood washing off of her. But, at this point in time, she didn't feel overwhelming fear. She felt remorse, sorrow, agony, and self loathing.

Some of these feelings washed off of her and went down the drain. Others lingered. They pestered. They prodded. She tried to fight them off, but it was useless. There were some things one couldn't fight off, couldn't erase, and couldn't just forget. Seeing people getting cut down-cut down so swiftly their torsos split and blood came flying out...

A strangled gasp escaped her, but she held firm. She put her hand on the tub, taking a deep breath. Even if she felt responsible for their deaths-she didn't do the deed, she didn't order it. That was Higa's Sekirei doing the deed. That was Higa's ordering it. But, a part of her still clawed at her. It ripped at her insides. It ripped at her being. She never went out of her way to cause such severe harm to someone that'd cause death, but...

But...

If she hadn't said anything...No. Higa had Brain-type Sekirei. He had Kochou, who was the closest to him and Kakizaki. He had several more after her. They all had security systems and so forth-they all had eyes, and everything that they seen, Higa seen. If she hadn't spoken up-it could have ended worse, maybe he would have had those people tortured. They would have still been killed, too, but she would have put a target on her back.

Higa would have doubt.

And, she would have to be eliminated.

"Yukari!" Juma knocked on the door. "You've been in there for a while. Are you okay?"

"Y-Yeah!" Yukari answered with some hast. "I'll be done in a minute!"

Yukari stepped out of the shower a few minutes later. Greeted only with silence, she concluded Juma went back downstairs in order to give her privacy. She wrapped her body in a towel, and then did the same with her hair. She dabbed here and there, shivering every once in a while when the cool air hit her skin. Once she had finished eating, Juma basically told her to take a shower. Yukari didn't think to question it. She did vomit after all, and she needed to take about three showers.

She hastily left the bathroom, wet feet making sounds as she went. Part of the hallway was tile, before it became carpet. Yukari wondered if Juma did this on purpose for some reason or another. Her feet felt like ice cubes until they hit the carpet, then there was a calm, steady warmth that enveloped them. Juma's house was bigger than she had been expecting, and had a few rooms for people to sleep in.

Yukari was upstairs now-where her room was. It was the only room on the floor, next to the bathroom. There was more in her room than the one in Higa's tower. There was a bed, nightstand, TV, a cable box of some sort, and even a game system. There was a closet off to the side, and a small little spare room, tucked off to the left.

Juma reasoned that it'd be good for her to have her own space. Yukari had thought she'd get her own room, but Juma meant that literally it seemed. Shiina wasn't in this room, but in room just below her own. Juma was also in her own room. Perhaps Juma was trying to avoid another situation. The off chance she lost her temper again, but this time, that was directed at Juma.

Yukari blinked, shaking her head to clear it. She began to get dressed. It was strange to think that Juma was so kind. In a way, the woman was like a mother hen or bear. She knew the damage she could cause her and Shiina, but Yukari felt there was more to it, if only her mind playing tricks on her. It was almost as if she didn't want such a thing to happen, ever.

'Do I affect her?" Yukari looked at her green carpeted floor.

She had pissed the woman off many times, and even made her angry. Like everyone in Higa's tower, Yukari did everything she could to make her life a living hell. She didn't even back down from Akane whenever she got on a bloodthirsty rants. It led to confrontations between Juma, Akane, Ichiya, Oshino, and at least four other Sekirei. Juma had leveled them all without much trouble, but the situations were just too intense.

Higa valued her. Juma was his right hand. It was second nature that she'd protect what he values. Yukari didn't want to say she got on Higa's good side, but the man wasn't as stringent with her as he was with everyone else. He was always curt and right to the point, brusque even, but that veil on contempt that never left his eyes was just lifted off momentarily when she was in his presence.

But, perhaps Juma valued her, too.

There were only so many lengths a person was willing to go just to protect an asset. Another asset could always be found, and more than ten dozen were stocked on the side in case the need to improvise ever arises. There was more than one reason why Higa valued her, but if she had to guess, it was her connections with Minato, and having nothing to do with her-her connections with MBI.

Maybe Juma found her to be more dangerous.

Or...

Maybe...

Maybe Juma was reacting to her. Shiina wouldn't have just mentioned something like that, unless through his own careful observations, something made him come to that conclusion. It wasn't in his nature to just say stuff like that, even if Juma was another Sekirei. Juma had breathed heavy, she had been faint a few times, she had been red in the face-but Akane, Oshino, Ichiya, and several other Sekirei, including her, had been testing her patience.

For that reason, Yukari didn't think Juma was reacting to her. The woman seemed composed and cool enough now. If she was reacting, she was hiding it well, but according to Shiina there was no way to hide it.

But, Juma being her Sekirei...

Yukari considered the thought, extended her arms and clenched her fingers gently.

Her body is more firm that Musubi-san's...I'd have my own playground.

"Yukari-san."

Yukari woke with a start. She woke to reality. Her eyes were assaulted with color and light. She was dressed now. In an outfit like the one she wore before, except her turtleneck was white, instead of light blue. Her arms were extended like before, but her hands weren't clenching.

Something was stopping them.

Yukari looked in front of her.

Boobs.

Minato probably would have wailed before falling on the back of his head, completely overwhelmed with having just groped his Sekirei, or a woman in general. He would make a first class fool out of himself between his stutters and clumsy maneuvering that'd result in an injury of some sort. However, she wasn't like him, and a part of her wanted to indulge. Juma was smoking hot, if she had to be honest.

But, there was another side of her that was reacting like her brother would-something felt so awkward about her touching Juma like this, in this very moment.

Still, her hands squeezed reflexively.

"S-Sorry!" Yukari scrambled away, flailing her arms like a bird trying to take flight.

She stumbled back, hitting the bed. She fell side first, unable to control her descent. Her hand clutched for the blanket. She pulled it down with her, smacking the nightstand with part of her shoulder, and the side of her head. It fell with a loud thud, the lamp shattering with ease. A pillow ended up flying off the bed, whacking it down.

Juma didn't have the reflexes or reaction time to prevent the destruction. Between her surprise and confusion, and Yukari's hastily made movements, everything happened far too fast. In the time it took Yukari to realized she had been groping her, the girl was already screaming, awkward, and stumbling. Juma could see Yukari hitting the bed before it happened, and yet, her body wouldn't move.

She stared at Yukari, eyes hovering on the glass from the lamp. The nightstand was practically in shambles, part of a side busted off. The bed seemed to be in good condition, however, but it wasn't the same with the blanket. That had been torn in two. She put all of her attention on Yukari, noting how she was nursing her wounds from the incident.

"Are...Are you okay?" Juma asked, unsure.

She put a hand where Yukari had pressed.

"I don't know..." Yukari gasped out, nursing her skull. What would Minato say to me right now...

Shiina came running up the stairs, alarmed. He wore a simple pair of jogging pants and a tank tap.

"Yukari-san, I heard-"

"I-It was nothing, Shiina-san!" Yukari exclaimed, snapping her hands over her mouth.

When did she start to stutter nervously like this?

"What happened?" Shiina turned his eyes on Juma, and they hardened. "Did you attack her..."

Juma didn't look the least bit interested. "You're a million years behind to try and fight me, little boy."

"I don't care. If you hurt Yukari just now..."

Juma took a step towards him, body tense. "I'll break your damn neck when I punch you in the jaw this time. Don't push my patience, stripling!"

"I-It was me. I was daydreaming, and Juma startled me. I got clumsy and made a mess." Yukari interjected, waving her hands rapidly as she came between the two Sekirei.

Juma and Shiina stared at each other, but Juma's glare was downright poisonous. Yukari felt a strange sense of familiarity. Juma was acting in a similar way as Shiina was right now. Perhaps it could be the fact he tried to confront her, but...Juma seemed to be fussing over her, too. Maybe. Yukari wasn't sure. Juma wasn't like Akane-she wouldn't give in to her more physical side, and lash out.

She wouldn't be Higa's right hand, if that were the case.

Someone ruled by their emotions was nothing short of a waste in Higa's eyes.

"Um...Guys..."

They both looked at her, intently.

Yukari scratched the back of her head. She was getting a little anxious. She had been about to jump back when they whirled on her, but remarkably, she just took a step back instead. She didn't want Juma to lash out-the woman looked ready to pounce, and she seen what the woman could do if she was angry. Shiina would be blasted through this wall, and walls after, until he crashes into a building, somewhere in the city.

Juma may not be her Sekirei, but they were living together, so...

Well, that was another complicated train of thought she didn't wish to go down at this moment in time.

"It was my fault. No harm no foul."

She'd have to be the mediator between these two, if it came down to it.

"If you say so." Juma conceded, not taking her eyes off of Shiina.

"Thank you, Juma-san." Yukari said, managing a smile.

She was going to be a wreck after this was all said and done.

"We'll go see your brother now, excuse me." Juma moved towards the door, eyes shifting from Yukari, to Shiina, and back again. "I'm going to warm the car up after doing some things."

Yukari ran to the hall, but only found it empty.

Juma was fast...

"Why do I always have to make her mad..." Yukari muttered, wanting to sulk.

"You have a mission, Kai. I hope you will accept this. It is of the utmost importance."

Minaka stared at Kai, face completely twisted into a crazed grin.

Kai folded his arms over his chest. Truth be told he wasn't comfortable leaving the tower at this point in time, and wouldn't be for a long time. People were going to start butting heads, and it was going to get explosive. He didn't want to leave, and come back, and things are so drastically different. He didn't want Koto and Karasuba to put something in place while he was gone.

The fact Minaka was going to enjoy it, was enjoying it, and would allow it was starting to get to be a bit much for him.

Kai turned his eyes onto Takami-the woman was seated beside Minaka. He looked to Koto and Karasuba-both of them standing at the far side of the room. Their eyes were as flinty and cold as one could possibly imagine. The rest of the Sekirei were all either seated or standing, looking a bit put off and anxious being in such close quarters to Minaka.

Kai could admit the man put him off, but he wasn't going to act anxious in front of him.

"Why does Kai have to do it?" Kaiha asked, brows drawing together. "He's a squad captain-he has other responsibilities."

Minaka nodded, a bare centimeter.

"That is true, but Kai is best suited for this task. It involves Saki, after all."

"What does that have to do with anything?"

"Other than our investigation into Teito University?" Takami asked, nonchalant.

Kaiha sighed, crossing her arms.

"If you must know, Saki has requested help."

Kai nearly jumped through the floor.

Saki knew Teito well, after all she had worked for Minaka before she was winged by Kai. After she was winged, her priority became Kai, but she never shunned her duties to MBI. Saki also had knowledge of Teito University and its inner workings. The staff and students. How many people were coming and going from overseas for studies-the new construction taking place every day, despite the frigid temperatures.

"I can do it then, if that's the case." Kaiha insisted.

Minaka's expression said nothing. "You are not suited for this. If that were the case, you'd be in the spy division, and not a fellow captain yourself."

"Is this long term or short term?" Kai asked, raising his head by a fraction.

Takami sighed, a stream of smoke fully taking the room.

"Would you put that shit out, already?" Koto snapped at the woman.

"We're trying to have a discussion here, you hyper neurotic basket case." Karasuba seconded.

Takami scowled, jamming the cigarette out. "Before I was so rudely interrupted by Koto-san and Karasuba-san, this could become a long term mission depending on how things go."

"The hell is so great about Teito University?" Haihane interjected.

Minaka didn't break his stride. "What is so great?"

Natsuo cleared his throat. "Don't you find it curious that there's construction going on there now? They have things made that are keeping the snow and cold at bay while they build. There's also been some teachers and administrators on leave."

"Do you think Higa had them killed?" Benitsubasa asked, eyes hardening.

"As of right now, we have no proof. Yahan has been working on it, but hasn't yielded any results. Kujou has also come up short handed. Saki was working on it, but soon after, she requested help. Higa is keeping this under wraps. If anyone-student or staff prods too much, they're going to be dealt with. "

Is Higa surrounding himself with supporters...

Kai frowned, his mind rifling through every possible scenario and situation. He knew men like Higa-he knew they cared for nothing other than their own wealth and pride. It was second nature Higa would surround himself with supporters, so his first inclination couldn't be correct. Higa only surrounded himself with supporters.

"Are you saying..." Kai trailed off, eyes locking with Natsuo's. "Higa is making Teito University a fortress?"

"We're not going to rush to that conclusion." Koto said, tone breaking no argument.

Natsuo adjusted his glasses. "I don't think Higa is going that far, but how often do people take a leave of absence all at the same time? If they're family, it is understandable. Coincidence, sure. But, these teachers and administrators had no relation to each other. There's also more than four of them, total."

"Without proof, I guess we can't make a move." Syrus frowned a bit, looking aggravated.

"That's disturbing." Akame put her hand on her Ashikabi's shoulder to keep him still.

"I guess you have a point." Rio agreed with a small shrug. "I still don't get why Kai has to go in, though."

Natsuo cleared his throat, drawing attention to himself once more. Of course, Benitusbasa was almost in his face. "The situation at Teito Univeristy is extremely severe. If Higa is suspicious of anyone, he has them killed. We can safely assume this."

"Basically, Kai is walking into a trap." Koto surmised.

"In that case-"

Kai grabbed Storm by the shoulder, gently. "My Sekirei are in there, I have to go."

"One of us should go with you, too." Storm insisted, clenching his shoulder harder.

"That's too much-"

"Kai..." Storm bit out, eyes starting to glow like fire.

They turned into mini fireballs after a few seconds.

He turned to Minaka, but kept his eyes on Karasuba and Koto. "I accept."

"We're not going to send you in alone, though." Koto said, pointing at Haihane and then Storn. "You'll both go with him."

Haihane was quiet before looking disappointed. "Why? I don't want to!"

"You know a lot about anime and manga. I'm sure you'd fit in just fine without any issue. Might have to lose the bandages, though" Amber reasoned.

Haihane chuckled, a grin spreading across her face.

Amber quickly grabbed onto Syrus, pushing herself against him.

"Claws! I swear, I'll break your fudging fingers!"Benitsubasa snapped, teeth clenched. "Stop playing games! This is serious!"

"If I accept I won't be seeing the sweet asses I've been seeing around here. That includes you." Haihane reasoned.

"The hell did you just say!?"

"You have flat boobs, but your ass and legs~"

Natsuo gestured for Benitsubasa to come by him. She obeyed, and sat next to him. She took a traditional seating stance, resting on her knees.

"I guess I accept, I get to see Storm's fine ass~"

Storm latched onto Kai, scooting behind him.

"So, moving on." Minaka started, not even a second later.

There were many sighs and groans-Koto and Kai both looked like they wanted to sink into the floor. It seemed that this was an extremely serious situation. It wasn't very often Minaka fixated on something. Normally, this meeting would have ended. Natsuo diffused Bensitsubasa-they'd all leave, then they would follow. The mission would pick up shortly after that.

Kaasuba crossed her arms over her chest. eyes narrowing. "What else is there to discuss, Minaka?"

Minaka's expression gave nothing away. "Nothing, I suppose. Exercise caution in Teito University, your lives depend on it."

"I'm sort of surprised you have a car."

"I've been driving you and Shiina around, and you go and say something like that."

Yukari sighed, looking at Juma with a small frown. "I mean it's a pain in this ass to drive in this country."

Shiina smiled shortly, a small laugh escaping his lips.

Juma nodded, eyes a bit wide. But, there was understanding in them. "Higa actually bought me this car. It's better to drive here when it's winter. I never cared for the subways. You can't look at people, and people push you. Someone did it to me once, and I hit them in their stomach."

Shiina had been on the subway more than a few times with Yukari. Besides the bus, it's how she got around the city. He didn't care for them. He never looked at people directly, but things were always awkward in those subways. There was the mad dash, there was the pushing and shoving, then when he got inside everyone had their heads down. It was the strangest thing he'd ever seen.

He could appreciate Juma's car. It was a very nice car, but, nonetheless, it was still a source of mobile transportation through the city. He didn't get pushed or shoved, and he didn't have to squeeze between people either. He had his own space. And, it was faster than the subway as well. There was no doubt Juma had snapped when someone pushed or shoved her.

He could just see throwing a hard hook.

"Are you sure it's okay to be driving us to the north?" He ventured, looking at the back of Juma's head.

Yukari was riding shotgun.

Juma hummed. "Higa isn't going to hold it against me, besides-it's the only place he hasn't been directly. Me being here is something of assurance to him."

"Don't you mean insurance?"

Juma pulled to a stop, looking at Shiina from the corner of her eye. "No. Assurance."

Yukari thought she had it pieced together. "I heard even MBI doesn't really intrude, but lately, they've been pushing into the north. I also heard a rumor that they're going to start patrolling the north as well. Since we're here, well, more over the fact, Juma is here-means he has eyes here. Eyes that aren't cameras or anything of that sort."

Juma let on the gas, moving again. "Exactly. He may want me to tell him the details of her conversations with Minato, but I doubt I'd be able to do that since the Hannya won't allow me entry."

Shiina blinked, eyes widening.

Juma could see his expression in her rear view, and a part of her contained the smirk that wanted to spread across her face. She was feeling a bit smug. "Yukari has full freedom at the moment."

Shiina recovered quick enough. He seen how Higa did things, and he couldn't quite trust what Juma was saying. Certainly, some string were attached to all of this. If Juma, or they, slipped once, it'd be their end. He could be overthinking it as well, and maybe Higa is trusting her completely and he doesn't have his hands in this at all. But, Higa is a control freak. It would be impossible if he didn't have his hand in this somehow. If he didn't have his hand in it, Kakizaki did.

"Are you sure about that?"

"Positive."

Shiina frowned. "Higa is a control freak-he has his hand in this. We don't have any freedom."

Juma kept her focus on the road-it was snowing, and there was a whole bunch of ice. There were salt trucks and everything else driving about, and people as well, despite the terrible weather. However, she could spare a few seconds to tear this little shit a new asshole, and remind him of his place among the power totem pole that was established.

"I'm only going to say this once, Shiina. So shut up and listen. The only person who carries more power than Higa is me. Kakizaki is a little piss ant, who has always appealed to Higa. Yukari has freedom because she is under my charge. Higa, Kakizaki, or any single one of them won't be interfering. It's because I am the second in command, that I can do this."

"I still don't trust you."

Juma snorted, laughing. "Your problem."

"Yukari my Ashikabi."

"And, she is under my charge. Do you need a reminder of where you stand in the power chain of all of this? I'm sure Kakizaki would have fun giving you the lash and pouring alcohol across those wounds when he's done before spraying you with a firehose."

Yukari turned to Shiina, frowning. She had seen that happen before to a few dozen men in the Yakuza, and it wasn't pretty."Be nice, Shiina! She's doing this for me and my protection, so if you can't trust her...Trust me."

Juma held back her laugh, keeping a straight face. If she mad a sound, it'd just lead to another dispute. Shiina's rightful paranoia and her rightful annoyance with that paranoia, would span an argument for days. Shiina still believed that he was protecting Yukari, when that wasn't the case at all. If Higa had so desired-he would have killed Yukari. Send Shiina off on a mission, then take down his Ashikabi.

The boy still had much to learn, but for the sake of silence in the car-she'd let it go, this time.

"Um..." Yukari started, trailing off.

Juma smiled for a second. "I have some errands to run while you're with your brother."

Shiina breathed quietly, hoping the sound wasn't heard. He had been afraid Juma would come, at the very least, insist she'd come for a few minutes. Instead, the woman was backing off and giving them freedom. Actual freedom. Since they were in the north-they'd be able to ove around freely, but that wasn't a good idea. This one liberty Juma was granting them could backfire if they got too careless.

Still, for the sake of knowing-Shiina pressed on. "Errands for Higa?"

"I'm going to the mall to shop for clothes. I need some more since I've been sharing with Yukari."

"Could you get pleated skirts?" Yukari ventured.

Shiina was almost exasperated, but remained silent.

"Pleated skirts..." Juma tilted her head. "Oh, you mean the kind of skirts Velma wears in Scooby Doo."

"Or the ones that I wear. Whichever your prefer." Yukari laughed. "I'm surprised you know what Scooby Doo is."

"I'm not inept, Yukari." Juma remarked, pulling the car to a stop. "Anyways, I'm going to drop you off a few blocks away. I don't want anything unnecessary to happen."

Yukari stepped out of the car, and Shiina stepped in line with her. Yukari walked all the way around to Juma's side and knocked on her window. Juma lowered it a little less than halfway, jade eyes staring into Yukari's.

"Need anything before I leave?" Juma looked a bit curious.

Yukari shook her head, smiling. "Just saying thank you. And, try to get me blue skirts if you can. I like blue."

"Fair enough. Let me see you phone."

Yukari handed Juma her cell phone.

"Here's my number-I'll give you all when I'm on the way, or give me a call when you're ready to leave."

Yukari nodded, watching the car drive off. After a second, she turned to Shiina, finding a grin on her face.

"I can't wait to see my sister." Shiina started.

Yukari giggled, grin widening a good bit. "I wonder if my brother has more Sekirei than before..."

Shiina looked a little uncomfortable, but felt compelled to answer. "I think he has-according to Higa at least."

Yukari rubbed her hands together. "Let's go. I need some warm tea."