AN: Two things first; to the guest reviewing with suggestions of Reiji's flock, I just want to remind you that his flock has already been settled. All six members have already been selected, I got drafts of future chapters with them, art has been done with them and Reiji, the flock is 100% complete. I do appreciate your interest in the story though, so I guess I can confirm that Uzume shall be joining the flock...eventually.
I'll be keeping the rest secret, however as Sekirei join the flock the story image shall change to reflect this. It's just Akitsu and Reiji for the moment, but I'll be updating it with the newcomers once they join. If anyone wishes to see better quality images, you can check out the AO3 version of Troubleshooter which has the full image posted in the chapter. FFN keeps cropping it really hard...
Second, the upload schedule for this fic. I had that month or so long hiatus, and I used that time to get a good idea of where I want to go with this fic; the issue really becomes how to get there, lol. I'll be aiming for a semi-weekly update, give or take a few days. I only really have a couple hours of time to write a day.
Homura traveled through the bustling streets of Shinto Teito, navigating the maze-like alleys and crowded avenues with purpose. The city, with its mix of modern skyscrapers and older, worn-down buildings, was a testament to its diverse population. He was heading to one of the lower-end districts, an area where anyone could find a room if they had a bit of cash. These districts were havens for those with unstable incomes, offering affordable accommodations in a city where traditional apartments were often out of reach for many. The area had a rough charm, with small shops, street vendors, and a sense of community among its residents.
After some searching, Homura finally arrived at the right building. It was a run-down apartment complex, the kind that had seen better days. The exterior was weathered, with peeling paint and a few broken windows patched up with cardboard. Despite its appearance, it was a place where people could find refuge, and that's what mattered. Standing in front of the entrance, he spotted a familiar disheveled figure leaning against the wall, a cigarette dangling from his lips.
"Seo!" Homura called out, striding towards the man. Seo, looking up from his musings, seemed a bit surprised to see him.
"Hey, Homura! Surprise seeing you here," Seo greeted, a smirk playing on his lips as he exhaled a cloud of smoke. He straightened up, his casual demeanor shifting slightly as he narrowed his eyes, contemplating the reason for Homura's visit. "This isn't about Hibiki and Hikari, is it?"
Homura shook his head, his white hair catching the light as he did. The thought of the lightning twins, Hibiki and Hikari, brought a flash of memories. They had clashed several times, often over unwinged Sekirei. Homura understood their motives; in their own way, the twins were trying to spare the Sekirei from the heartbreak of finding their destined Ashikabi only to lose everything in Minaka's cruel game.
"No, this isn't about them," Homura replied firmly. "It's something else that just came up."
Seo raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. "The stuff going on at the Botanical Gardens?" he asked. "Heard MBI was going to take care of it one of these days."
"Not that either," Homura denied. "But it is a bit relevant. Takami has me guarding it so no one can sneak in and forcibly wing #108. Takami had taken her out on a walk when some bratty kid attacked her with his Sekirei and caused the whole mess."
Seo's eyes widened a little at the news. "Shit, how is she?"
"Mostly recovered, apart from a scar on her eye, from what she told me the last time we talked," Homura replied, his expression darkening with the memory. The attack on #108, or Kusano, had been brutal and unexpected. Kusano was a sweet and innocent Sekirei, and hearing that she had been hurt had ignited a fierce protective instinct in him. "But that's not why I'm here. I need your help with something."
"Shoot," Seo told him, stubbing out his cigarette and giving Homura his full attention.
"There's a group of Ashikabi targeting unwinged Sekirei," Homura revealed, his voice tense with urgency. When Minato had introduced Kaho to him and the others the night before, Homura had been shocked to learn of a group actively hunting down unwinged Sekirei. As the guardian of the unwinged Sekirei, this was a direct threat to his mission. However, he couldn't be everywhere at once, and Takami's current request was already eating into the time he would spend on patrol. If not for the timely intervention of Minato and Musubi, Kaho would have been forcibly winged by an Ashikabi of the Alliance.
"A group of Ashikabi, eh?" Seo mused, scratching his chin thoughtfully. The idea of organized groups targeting the vulnerable Sekirei was troubling, to say the least.
"The Teito Alliance," Homura clarified, his tone darkening. "They're well-organized and determined. They see unwinged Sekirei as easy targets, and they're not afraid to use force."
Seo nodded, his expression serious. "Alright, that sounds like a real problem. I'll start asking around, see what I can find out. But you know this isn't going to be easy, right?"
Homura nodded. "I know. I'm willing to pay you for your time—"
"Well shit, that's all I needed to hear!" Seo laughed with a grin, his mood lightening considerably. "Might as well quit my job at the construction site, it wasn't really working out for me anyway."
"And the twins will be okay with you quitting another job?" Homura asked with a raised brow, knowing Seo's track record with steady employment wasn't exactly stellar.
"Ah, they'll complain for a bit but they'll get over it," the Ashikabi replied, waving off the concern with a casual flick of his hand. "Besides, this time it's for a good cause, right? Keep an eye on #108 and I'll see what I can scrounge up on this Alliance."
Homura couldn't help but smile slightly at Seo's enthusiasm. Despite his laid-back demeanor, Seo had a knack for getting things done when it really mattered. "Thanks, Seo. I appreciate it. And make sure you stay safe. These guys aren't playing around."
Seo gave a mock salute. "No worries, I've handled worse. Just make sure that little girl stays out of harm's way."
With that, Homura turned to leave, his mind already shifting back to the Botanical Gardens and the task of protecting Kusano. The weight of responsibility pressed heavily on his shoulders, but having Seo on the case provided a small measure of relief. He knew he could trust Seo to dig up whatever information he could find on the Teito Alliance.
As he walked through the bustling streets of Shinto Teito, Homura couldn't shake the feeling that this was just the beginning of something much larger. The Sekirei Plan was already a dangerous game, but with the introduction of the Teito Alliance, the stakes had been raised even higher. He just hoped they could stay one step ahead of their enemies and keep the unwinged Sekirei safe.
Back in his apartment, Seo watched Homura disappear into the crowd before closing the door behind him. He leaned against the wall, contemplating the task ahead. The Teito Alliance was a new and dangerous player in the game, but if there was one thing Seo was good at, it was sniffing out trouble. He smirked to himself, already forming a plan.
The first step would be to hit the usual spots—bars, informants, and anyone else who might have an ear to the ground. The construction site job had been a drag anyway, and this would be a much more interesting use of his skills. Plus, with Homura willing to pay, he'd have some cash to throw around for information.
With renewed purpose, Seo grabbed his coat and headed out, ready to dive into the underbelly of the city. As he stepped into the street, he couldn't help but chuckle at the thought of Hibiki and Hikari's reactions. They'd definitely give him an earful, but deep down, he knew they'd understand. This was about protecting their own, and that was something they could all get behind.
The night before hadn't been too great.
While Reiji and Momo were eventually let go, the incident with the mugger and the subsequent questioning by the police had meant the streetlights were already on by the time Reiji returned to the apartment. As he walked through the dimly lit streets, his thoughts kept drifting back to Akitsu. He worried about her being alone, wondering if she felt abandoned or anxious in his absence.
When he had finally opened the door to his apartment, he was greeted by the familiar sight of Akitsu. She didn't seem to mind that he was late returning home, merely welcoming him back with a small smile. Her gentle demeanor and the way she softly said, "Welcome back, Reiji-sama," momentarily alleviated his guilt. Yet, as much as her outward calm reassured him, Reiji honestly didn't know what was going through her mind most of the time. Akitsu had a way of hiding her true feelings behind a serene mask, and it was often difficult to discern whether she was genuinely at ease or simply putting on a brave face for his sake.
Even if Akitsu really didn't mind and wasn't just putting on a poker face, Reiji felt bad about leaving her at home all by herself for much longer than intended. The apartment, though small and cozy, could feel unbearably lonely without company from Reiji's own experience.
He felt the need to make it up to her, somehow, but he was scheduled for work in a few hours, and this one was to be night shift. If he was lucky, he would get out before dawn, and could return in time to share breakfast with Akitsu before knocking out. If not...
Well, he'd think of something.
The Ashikabi and his Sekirei were seated on Reiji's couch, mindlessly watching the news. The muted drone of the news anchor filled the room, blending with the ambient city noises outside the window. Akitsu had her head resting on Reiji's shoulder, her body relaxed against his, and he absentmindedly ran his fingers through her soft hair. It was the sort of relaxed affection he hadn't shared with a woman in years, if ever, and he closed his eyes and exhaled slowly.
"Doki Doki Morning~!" Reiji's phone began to ring, and he clicked his teeth as he opened his eyes. He grabbed it, having to move Akitsu off his shoulder to do so, and flipped open his phone when he saw the caller ID. "Hey, Reiji here. Need something, boss?"
"Morning, Reiji." His manager greeted. "How are you feeling?"
"Good, sir." Reiji replied. "Why do you ask?"
"Ah, Momo told me about what happened to you two last night." The manager told him. "A mugger attacked the two of you, is that right?"
So Momo had told the manager? He hadn't been expecting that. To be honest, he had barely paid a thought to the incident once the police had told them that no charges would be filed. "Yeah, but I dealt with it. We had to deal with the cops for a bit afterwards, but they let us go without incident."
The manager's sigh of relief was audible through the phone. "I'm glad to hear that you're okay. Listen, Reiji, I want you to take the day off. You've been working hard, and after what happened, you deserve a break."
Reiji was taken aback. His manager was typically a stickler for work schedules and rarely gave out days off without a solid reason. "Are you sure? I mean, I'm fine. It wasn't that big of a deal."
"I'm sure," his manager insisted. "Take the day, Reiji. Rest and come back refreshed tomorrow."
"Thanks, boss." Reiji said, hanging up. He looked at Akitsu, who was looking at him curiously with a tilt of her head. "Boss gave me the day off because of the mugging incident last night."
"Mugging...?" Akitsu asked.
Belatedly, Reiji remembered he hadn't told Akitsu why he was late; he had just been so tired from work and dealing with the authorities that he had been rather quick to go to bed. "Some guy attacked me with a knife last night while I was walking my coworker to the station." He explained to her, then shook his head with a slight grin. "'Course, I knocked him out flat. Had to deal with the authorities though; couldn't just leave the guy knocked out and expect that to solve the problem for good."
He was startled when Akitsu grabbed his face with a surprisingly strong grip for such a waif of a woman. She looked into his eyes, and Reiji found himself speechless; it was like that night in the park a few nights ago, but he could see life in her eyes now. Not the dead eyes that had greeted him before. Akitsu spoke to him, voice clear. "...Be careful, Reiji-sama." She told him. "Please."
"...yeah. Alright." Reiji agreed, not rejecting the kiss she laid on him after. It was a gentle kiss, not as heavy as the one she gave him the first night they met. Eventually they pulled apart, Akitsu giving a small smile as they did so.
Reiji coughed to regain his composure, standing up off the couch. "Since we've got the day off, we might as well enjoy it." He told Akitsu, trying to sound more enthusiastic and less affected by the kiss. "Anything you want to do first?"
Surprisingly, Akitsu nodded, looking out the window. "There was something..." She stated, thinking. "The landlady came by yesterday, and she mentioned some gatherings...
"Ah, you met Kiyoko, huh?" Reiji said, scratching the back of his head nervously. Kiyoko could be difficult, on occasion. She wasn't rude, but she could become overbearing quickly, and Reiji had spent more than one day off assisting her with trivial tasks and listening to stories of her youth.
And the mention of gatherings was another thing to be concerned about. Oh, there wasn't anything illegal going on or anything, and it really was people from the community gathering to keep in touch with everyone else, but the only people who attended were old timers with nothing better to do. Reiji had made the mistake of going to one once out of curiosity and had been locked in a shogi game against a man who looked old enough to be his ancestor from the Warring States era. Old bastard had even convinced Reiji to bet on the game then demolished him in only a few minutes.
Needless to say, Reiji really didn't want to go. But Akitsu was looking at him now, practically pleading with him, and he wasn't a big enough jerk to say no.
"Alright, sure." Reiji said, struggling to put on a smile. "Let's check one out."
The small smile that graced Akitsu's face almost made it worth it.
Uzume wasn't having the best of times at the moment.
The usually cheerful Sekirei was sitting on the balcony of Izumo Inn, leaning against a post as she tried to ignore the excited chattering from inside. Minato had brought home another Sekirei last night, #87 Kaho. The girl was in rough shape when she was brought in, having fought off some scumbag Ashikabi who wanted to wing her by force before Minato and Musubi intervened. She had thankfully recovered fairly quickly, and even now she was chattering away with Musubi about some inane topic while they waited for Minato.
Part of Uzume wanted to join them, but a deeper part of her resisted. As much as she didn't want to admit it, she was jealous of the two Sekirei, for both of them had found their fated Ashikabi. Hearing how happy they were, and the way Minato had worried about Kaho's condition despite having just met her, even made Uzume briefly consider asking if Minato would wing her too. But eventually...she decided against it.
Not to say there was anything wrong with Minato; he was nice enough, and Musubi spoke the world of him. Uzume doubted he knew Uzume was a Sekirei, or just what Chiho was to her, but he had even given his condolences to her after hearing that she had lost someone. He was, all in all, a good man.
But he wasn't her destined one. Even after becoming a stronger Ashikabi from winging both Musubi and Kaho, nothing about him drew Uzume the way that Chiho had. And Uzume's promise to Chiho had been clear.
"I love you, Uzume." Chiho said. "So please...please move on. Find an Ashikabi who you react to, someone you can love, and someone who will love you. Please, promise me..."
The pain in Chiho's eyes had been unbearable, and Uzume had vowed to honor her wishes. But the path to moving on was proving to be more difficult than she had anticipated.
Sighing deeply, Uzume decided she needed some fresh air, some space to clear her head. The walls of Izumo Inn felt like they were closing in on her, filled with reminders of the happiness that seemed just out of her reach. She stood up from the balcony, casting one last glance inside where Musubi and Kaho were still immersed in their conversation. With a heavy heart, she slipped out of the inn, hoping that a walk would help lift her spirits.
As she wandered through the streets, her thoughts continued to swirl. She walked without any particular destination in mind, just letting her feet carry her wherever they wanted to go. The sounds of the city became a dull hum in the background as she lost herself in her thoughts. She passed by shops and cafes, the bustling energy of the city doing little to lift her spirits.
Maybe...she wasn't meant to have an Ashikabi? Fate had led her to Chiho then ripped her away just as easily. If only she had insisted further, made Chiho understand how important this was-
She cuts off the thought as it forms, refusing to blame Chiho for this. Chiho had just wanted Uzume to be happy with someone who could be there with her, and Chiho knew it couldn't be herself. Uzume refused to blame Chiho for thinking of Uzume's own happiness.
She sighed deeply, feeling the weight of her loneliness pressing down on her. Her feet continued to carry her aimlessly through the city, her thoughts a tangled mess of what-ifs and unresolved grief. Just as she was about to turn a corner, she heard someone call her name.
"Oy! Uzume!" a man's voice called out. She turned with a raised brow to see who had called her. To her surprise, it was Reiji and Akitsu, the pair she had run into a couple of days prior at the clothing store.
Reiji had a hand raised in greeting, still wearing his black jacket and gray beanie, and standing a head above most of the crowd around them. His tall stature made him easy to spot, even in the bustling streets of Teito. Akitsu was at his side in her white kimono, her usual calm presence tinged with a touch of sadness. The kimono contrasted sharply with the modern urban environment, drawing a few curious glances from passersby. Her eyes, which usually held a serene, almost detached quality, seemed clouded with a hint of disappointment today.
"Reiji, Akitsu!" Uzume greeted them, walking towards them with a warm smile. Her voice was cheerful, trying to lift the spirits of the small group. "Didn't expect to run into you guys today." Her eyes flickered between the two, quickly noticing Akitsu's subdued demeanor.
Reiji shrugged. "Got another day off, so I thought it would be good for Akitsu and I to get out of the house and hang out for a bit." He told Uzume, then softened his voice a bit so Akitsu couldn't hear. "Akitsu wanted to do a community gathering thing at our apartment building, but I guess they aren't meeting today so she's feeling a bit down. Any ideas to cheer her up?"
Uzume put a finger to her chin thoughtfully, her brow furrowing as she considered the options. "Hm... There's a little cafe nearby that's pretty nice," she mentioned after a moment. "You could take her there and hang out for a bit, and think of something else after. They have pretty good coffee there."
Reiji's expression brightened at the suggestion. "That sounds like a good idea," he said with consideration. "Yeah, I like it. Hey, Akitsu! Want to try out a cafe?"
"A cafe?" Akitsu wondered aloud, her eyes reflecting curiosity and a hint of hesitation. She had never been to one before, and the idea was intriguing yet unfamiliar. "...Alright," she agreed with a nod, deciding to trust Reiji's judgment.
Uzume smiled warmly at Akitsu's willingness to try something new. "You guys have fun, then," she said, genuinely happy to see Akitsu's mood improving.
Akitsu looked at Uzume, her expression thoughtful. "Do you want to come with us?" she asked, her voice gentle but inviting. The offer was sincere, and Uzume could sense that Akitsu genuinely wanted her company.
Uzume was taken aback, but felt a surge of warmth at the invitation. "Yes, I'd love to!" she agreed, already feeling her spirits rising. Maybe this would help take her mind off Chiho? The thought of spending time with Reiji and Akitsu, and sharing in their day, was suddenly very appealing. "I'm sure we'll all have a great time!" she added, her enthusiasm genuine.
Reiji nodded in agreement, glad to see Akitsu was interested in the idea. "Then let's get going," he said, his own mood lifting as he saw the positive effect Uzume's presence was having on Akitsu.
As they walked towards the cafe, Uzume kept the conversation lively, pointing out interesting sights and sharing anecdotes about the neighborhood. Her vibrant energy was infectious, bringing a lightness to their steps. Reiji could see Akitsu slowly relaxing, her earlier sadness dissipating with each step. The quiet admiration and curiosity in Akitsu's eyes were slowly being replaced with genuine interest and engagement.
Uzume led them to a small cafe with a charming triangular roof and a welcoming atmosphere. The sign above the door read "Cat's Eye Cafe," adorned with a playful logo of a cat winking. It was decently busy, with a few of the outside tables occupied by people enjoying bakery items and coffee. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods wafted through the air, mingling with the sounds of soft chatter and the occasional clink of china. The setting was both lively and cozy, making it an ideal spot for their outing.
The trio entered the cafe, greeted by the warm ambiance and the soft murmur of conversations. The interior was tastefully decorated with comfortable seating and charming decor that gave the place a homely feel. They found a comfortable spot by the window, where the sunlight streamed in, casting a warm glow over the table. Reiji helped Akitsu into her seat before sitting down himself, while Uzume took a seat across from them, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.
"This place has the best pastries," Uzume said, picking up a menu and scanning through it with a knowing smile. "You have to try the croissants. They're absolutely divine."
Akitsu looked at the menu, her eyes widening at the variety of options. It was clear that this was a new experience for her, and she seemed both intrigued and a little overwhelmed. "Everything looks so good," she murmured, a small smile playing on her lips as she glanced at the pictures of the various dishes.
A shadow fell over the table, and the three looked up to see a large man wearing shades and an apron. "What can I get you?" he asked, pulling out a notepad and pen. Reiji was briefly gobsmacked by the man who was even taller than he was, which was a rare occurrence. He quickly pulled himself together, determined not to let his surprise show.
Reiji briefly looked at the menu, then told the waiter his order. "Large coffee with cream and sugar, apple scone, and the bagel sandwich—sausage, over-easy egg." He told the man, his voice steady. His father had always told him that women like decisive men, so he must always get his order out quickly.
...Though on second thought, his dad got divorced and didn't seem to have any luck with women since then, so maybe it wasn't the best advice to follow. Reiji mentally shrugged off the thought, deciding that decisiveness in ordering food was probably harmless enough.
The man nodded after taking the order, then looked at Uzume and Akitsu. They both gave orders of their own (even larger than Reiji's), and the waiter walked off to put their order in.
"You know, I don't think I've ever come here before." Reiji remarked, leaning back in his chair. "Are they new?"
Uzume shook her head. "Nah, they've been here for a while. They just prefer sticking to word of mouth for advertising. I think part of the charm of this place is that it doesn't get too busy like most other cafes in Shinto Teito, so it keeps the cozy atmosphere."
Reiji looked around, at various people sitting at tables just enjoying their meals and conversations. He wasn't much of a cafe kinda guy, but he had occasionally been dragged to coffee joints by past girlfriends; they were often packed to the brim of people who had a tendency to get on Reiji's nerves, and he wasn't ashamed to admit he was kicked out of more than one in the past.
When the waiter returned with their drinks and food, the table quickly filled with the delicious aromas of freshly brewed coffee, warm pastries, and savory sandwiches. The sight of the beautifully presented dishes lifted their spirits even more. They thanked the waiter as he set everything down, and soon enough, they were diving into their meals with gusto.
Reiji took a sip of his coffee, savoring the rich flavor before taking a bite of his apple scone. The combination was perfect, and he couldn't help but let out a satisfied sigh. Uzume was right—the food here was exceptional. He glanced at Akitsu, who was delicately nibbling on her strawberry tart, her eyes closing briefly in pleasure.
"This is amazing," Akitsu said softly, her voice filled with genuine delight.
"I told you," Uzume replied with a grin, taking a sip of her latte. The frothy milk left a little mustache on her upper lip, which she quickly wiped away with a giggle. "This place never disappoints." Her eyes sparkled with satisfaction.
Eventually, the waiter returned with the bill, placing it next to Reiji before walking off with a polite nod. Reiji looked at Uzume and Akitsu, both still savoring the last bites of their meals, and smiled. They looked content, and he felt a sense of pride in having brought them here. He glanced down at the bill, intending to do the gentlemanly thing and cover it-
¥16,150.
Reiji's smile froze as he stared at the total. ¥16,000?! The meal was good, admittedly, but ¥16,000?! He blinked, hoping he had misread the amount, but the numbers remained stubbornly unchanged. The shock of the amount hit him like a cold wave, and he felt his heart rate quicken. His mind raced as he tried to process the unexpected expense.
Akitsu, who had been quietly observing him, noticed the change in his expression and the sudden tension in his posture. "Reiji-sama, is something the matter?" she asked, her voice tinged with concern. Her eyes searched his face, trying to understand what had caused his sudden unease.
"N-no," Reiji stuttered, forcing himself to pull out his wallet. He could feel a bead of sweat forming on his forehead, and he quickly wiped it away, hoping neither of them had noticed. "Nothing at all." He plastered a reassuring smile on his face, though it felt more like a grimace. He tried to keep his movements steady as he retrieved his card from his wallet.
Uzume, catching a hint of his discomfort, leaned in slightly. "Are you sure, Reiji?" she asked, her tone light but her eyes sharp with concern. She glanced at the bill and then back at him, a knowing look crossing her face. "If it's too much, we can split it. I don't mind."
Reiji shook his head, trying to maintain his composure. "No, really, it's fine," he insisted, though his voice wavered slightly. He didn't want to spoil the pleasant outing by making a fuss over the bill. "I've got this."
He handed the card to the waiter, who had returned to collect the payment. As the waiter walked away, Reiji took a deep breath, attempting to calm his racing heart. He glanced at Akitsu and Uzume, who were watching him with a mix of curiosity and concern. He gave them another reassuring smile, this one a bit more genuine now that the card was out of his hands. "Really, it's no big deal," he said, trying to sound casual. "Just a bit more than I expected, that's all."
'There goes my smoke fund for next week...' he thought to himself, mentally calculating his budget and realizing he'd have to make some adjustments. The thought of giving up his usual comforts for a week was a bit daunting, but seeing Akitsu and Uzume happy made it feel worth it.
Akitsu reached out and gently placed her hand on his arm, her touch warm and comforting. Her fingers were delicate, yet there was a strength in her grip that conveyed her appreciation and support. "Thank you, Reiji-sama," she said softly, her eyes filled with gratitude. "For everything."
"Yeah, Reiji." Uzume added with a bright smile, her earlier concern replaced by her usual cheerfulness. "Next time we hang out, I'll pay, alright?"
"I'll hold you to that." Reiji told her with a chuckle, which was soon joined by Uzume's infectious laughter.
'Though maybe next time, I'll suggest someplace cheaper...' Uzume thought to herself.
AN: Really wanted to get Reiji's second Sekirei today, but decided to get the chapter out instead. Reiji bonds with Akitsu and Uzume.
Next chapter will be Reiji winging his second Sekirei (though technically it would be the first one he wings). Who will it be? Find out next time. Next chapter should be out sometime next week. Couple guys got fired from work so we've all had to pull extra shifts so I may not write as much.