'What's going on here?' he thought to himself while walking back to his apartment. Sahashi Minato was still trying to make sense of yesterday simply because the cute Miko-girl fell out of the sky then introduced herself as Musubi. She spent a little over a day with him and spent the night with him. He didn't get any sleep since he let her have the bed for the night and images of her plagued his imagination, but somehow he hadn't been able to process any of it.
She was probably the most beautiful woman he ever laid eyes on. A very cute face, a nice well developed figure, and especially the largest breasts he'd ever seen on a woman! Not to say... well... the way she moved her body, the way her jiggle- Ahem! Focus!
He didn't want to imagine the consequences of misbehavior. His mother could be ruthless. The whole time she was in his apartment he was trying to think of how to get rid of her because neither his mother nor the landlord would tolerate the situation, but it was... hard to focus.
Minato did try to question her about their initial encounter but she didn't give a proper answer.
He still felt left in the dark as to what he witnessed. Whatever was going on he definitely didn't want to be involved in. The sooner she left the better - the last thing he wanted was the landlord to discover her and kick him out for contract breach, which would ruin him financially.
As much as he didn't want to kick a beautiful girl out to the streets... He was also surprised a girl like her is homeless. She didn't look it but still...
Another thing on his mind was what this Ashikabi business was supposed to be, since all four of those strangers where talking about it yesterday. He did ask Musubi about that at the apartment, but all she said was something about a person she was 'destined to serve and guide to the higher skies above'. He lost whatever she said after that because she grabbed his hand and placed it on her chest making him blush wildly as his focus was obliterated. When she came to her senses and apologized, the damage was done.
Somehow or other he just finished taking her out for lunch. She ate 10 entrées and completely wiped out his budget for the day. After they left the cheapest restaurant he could find, Musubi asked him if she could make dinner today, to which he agreed with relief. Now he was left in the aftermath of that storm, alone with his own thoughts.
'How am I going to get her to leave?" Minato sighed, plodding along the sidewalk. Nothing was coming to mind so he had mental space to be aware of his surroundings and kept his eyes darting in every direction. Part of that came from the fact that robot thing appeared out of thin air. That shimmer of light stuck in his mind so he had something to look out for.
"If he's invisible he can be anywhere?" Minato wondered under his breath.
Deep down inside there is a part of him curious to see and at the same time really not keen to see the metal man again. It was so absurd to be anything but anime so he almost wasn't sure if that was real or not.
"Hopefully he isn't anything like the creature from that movie." Minato thought out loud, remembering a movie him and his sister watched years ago when they were kids. A western R-rated movie they watched when their mother wasn't around.
It was about some kind of alien who hunted human soldiers in a jungle for sport. Minato remember being scared and freaked out when he saw that movie as a kid. His sister not so much since she actually enjoyed watching the monster disembowel its victims. The robot thing kind of reminded him of the movie, since it was also 7 foot tall and able to turn invisible somehow.
"Hopefully it doesn't take heads as trophies." He sighed again. "I wish this was all a crazy dream, hopefully I wake up and realize this was not real."
He was taken out of his thoughts When he heard a familiar voice.
"Hikari, is that the guy from yesterday?"
Minato stopped dead in his tracks and finally paid attention to where he was going. Meters ahead of him were the twins from yesterday in different outfits. He stared at them in shock when he realized they were clearly staring at him. Not too far away from them he saw another familiar face - the greenette! Despite the different outfit he easily recognized the weapon in her hand.
"Huh?" the other twin blurted out loud enough to turn heads. "Is that the guy who ran off with that Sekirei?"
Something about the situation becoming a commotion caused bystander walking by them to stop and look for a moment, but rapidly they began to find other places to be. Minato took a step back as he decided to follow their lead. Just before he could bolt his name rang out loud and clear in the street.
Looking backward Minato saw Musubi running up through the thinning crowd without a care, waving with one hand and the other cupped around her law.
'oh no!'
"Well now, looks like we accidentally ran into our pray from yesterday."
He looked forward to find the twins sporting predatory grins. Electricity started forming in their hands.
"We sure did." one of them replied with an equally eager tone.
As the brunette got closer Minato tried to warn her of the trouble she was waltzing into. "Musubi, we have to-"
"I forgot to ask! For dinner tonight, what would you like? I was wondering if you'd be-"
"Hey!"
At the shout from one of the aggressors the buxom shrine-maiden slowed to a halt. By the look on her face she instantly recognized them.
"Ah! You are those two meanies who chased me all day yesterday." Musubi pouted. Then she notice the greenette and her attitude flipped. "You're the nice lady with the huge robot that saved me yesterday! Thank you very much!"
"Uh...you're welcome?" the staff-wielder uttered in confusion.
One of the twins took advantage of the distraction and shot a powerful bolt of electricity at Musubi. The impact launched her back a couple of feet with a shriek to land roughly on the pavement. Minato's eyes bulged as he witnessed the sheer power of that lightning-bolt fry Musubi's clothes to the point they blackened and crumbled off her in places that expose all too much of her skin.
His gasp of her name was overshadowed by the greenette's bellow.
"What the hell are you doing?! Our Ashikabi forbid hunting down Unwinged Sekirei!"
"We just want to finish what we started with this one." one of the twins replied before returning her attention to the brunette still laid out haphazardly.
Minato broke from his stupor and rushed to the side of the miko-girl, though clueless as to how to help. "Musubi! Are you alright? Can you hear me?" he frantically asked and picked her head up off the ground by an arm around her shoulders.
"Ready to finish her off, sis'?"
His head snapped back to the twins. Those gleeful grins seems all the more menacing. Sparks crackling in a hand each, they strode closer. Suddenly the greenette appeared in front of the twins and blocked their path to Minato and Musubi.
"I can't let you two do this! Six said not to hunt!"
The three glared at each other.
"Toyotama, get out of the way!" one twin demanded.
"No, I won't" the staff-wielder refused, her weapon readied. "Please don't make me fight you two."
"Guess we'll be having our rematch now!"
"Hikari, wait!" the other twin interrupted, looking concerned. "Toyotama, you do know what will happen if we let her go, right? We're doing this to protect ourselves as well. We can't have her get winged and come after us as an enemy."
The greenette nodded but shifted her staff into a guard position. "I know. But do you remember what our Ashikabi said yesterday? we shouldn't be hunted like sport? Not by Ashikabi nor other Sekirei."
The sisters paused for a moment, and it seemed as if they were considering her words. With a hope the greenette would resolve the stand-off Minato tried to coax Musubi awake. She didn't even flinch from several shakes, and the quiet from the trio standing near-by began to feel dangerous... so...
Minato picked Musubi bridal style and ran like a bat out of hell.
"Hey! They're getting away!"
"Let's get them, Hibiki!"
"Oi! You two! Wait- oof!"
Minato didn't like the shouting he heard, but he dared not glance over his shoulder. He had to put all his effort into hefting Musubi higher in his arms and pumping his legs while looking for an escape.
"I'll get you two for that!" the greenette hollered angrily.
The young man winced. The twins had to be chasing him for her to have called out in his direction. Then nearest side-street seemed further away than it should have been but he refocused on running - he was not keen to get beaten up again!
"Six, we have a situation here." Athena alerted, popping back up on his HUD.
"What now? Is it a hunting party or the girls?"
"Both actually."
"What?"
"I've been watching them ever since they left base." Athena began to clarify as she displayed video . "They just left a store not too long ago and ran into number 88 again."
"Really?" he queried, surprised enough it snuck into his voice.
MBI's satellite footage showed the girls leaving the store wearing new outfits. Within a minute they came across the same young man number 88 ran away with yesterday. Both parties appeared to be completely surprised at the chance encounter, which was confirmed moment later when number 88 showed herself. Hikari attacked number 88 with a lightning attack that knocked her down, which drew a huff out of the Spartan.
"I thought specifically ordered them not to go after her again." he muttered.
"I think Hikari wants to finish what they started yesterday regardless of your orders."
Six watched the rest of footage with a darkening mood and dimming expectations. He hoped Hibiki would stop her sister since she was the more reasonable one, however she proved to be in on it too. As they both moved in to finish of their prey he groaned.
"Six?" Athena getting his attention. "We have to remember MBI raised them to-"
"I know. Tournament. I plan on undoing the damage he did to them, but..."
He needed to spare a moment to consider what it meant for the Sekirei to have twenty years of MBI's strange education. Only once they got rid of the ideas Minaka put in their heads would they be free from him, but that was going to take a long time - and a lot of patience on his part. Until then they would keep starting fights like this, as they had been trained. For now his best plan was to break MBI itself to reduce Minaka's influence in general, and from there slowly disprove the lies they had been told. Without the Sekirei-Game they would have no need to hunt and kill each other, nor be limited to one city to seek out their 'fated one' if they really wanted to.
Perhaps breaking MBI and cancelling this sick plan of a madman would bring them to question all they had been taught. Perhaps then they would think for themselves, hunt for answers instead of blood, and finally be free in their own strength.
Perhaps they would move on with their lives, and leave him to get on with his mission.
Six allowed himself a bit of relief when Toyotama got in between them.
"At least we can count on her." Athena commented.
Six nodded. Even though it had been just three days he could tell Toyotama was a loyal person. Initially he believed Toyotama's devotion came from saving her. Now however he was uncertain if this devotion came from really from saving her, or what she was taught by MBI.
The young man took advantage of Toyotama's distraction to pick up number 88 and run off. The Lightning-Twins almost immediately went after them, knocking down Toyotama in the process who scrambled to her feet and gave chase.
"Where are they now?"
"Marking your tracker and map." Athena answered.
With a nod Six moved as fast as he could in the indicated direction, hoping to stop this before the twins made the situation even worse.
"Also, remember what I said about talking over people?"
"Force of habit." he admitted. "Working on it."
Out front of a typical bar.
"I'm going on break!" yelled a young female voice.
"Ok, I'll take over until you get back, Ayumi." said another female voice.
"I'll be back within the hour."
The doors of the bar opened up and a woman walked out with an athletic build, with a slender but toned physique, and visible abdominals. She had red eyes, and her dark brown hair fell below her waist, tied at the tips to form a dolphin-tail split.
"Now let's see if Uzume's on her break." Ayumi said to herself.
A sudden crack-rumble stopped her in her tracks. As the seconds scrolled by she noticed an increase in pedestrians moving away from the sound. Some of them were just in a hurry, but some were chattering or calling out to others. More crack-thunders changed that to panicked flight with screaming
"Hey, what's going on?" She asked the people running by her, no one answered since they all look panicked.
She got her answer when she heard voices yelling. "Hey! Get back here!"
Across the street she saw a wimpy young man, carrying an almost naked girl in his arms, dodging lightning strikes. A few seconds later the source of the lightning came into view - chasing the young man were two women in similar outfits with matching hair.
"You're only making things worse if you keep running!" yelled the one wearing a skull face T-shirt.
"Hikari, Hibiki stop!"
As another voice rang out amid the crackle of electricity another woman came running right behind the twins, a greenette with a staff in one hand wearing a dark blue sweatshirt and mini skirt and thigh-high boots.
The dark haired brunette could only stare at the scene in confusion and watch them run by her.
Signing with a deep breath, Ayumi muttered to herself in the stillness of the aftermath.
"Another fight between Sekirei. This game is just getting started."
Interruption of her day concluded, she continued on her path to meet up with a friend. She flipped her hair and revealed the Sekirei symbol on the back of her tank top.
Somewhere in the same general location.
Poised on a high building above was the figure of a young man with silver hair and fiery red eyes, clad all in black with a half-mask obscuring his face.
"If I was a 7 foot tall behemoth in futuristic armor, where would I be hiding?" he wondered aloud, gaze searching the ground below.
Then he heard explosions in the distance. A block or two away he could from what he could tell.
"Looks like somebody's causing a ruckus." he huffed, then leaped into the air on a path to see what the commotion was about.
Pausing on top of another all building, he peered down at the streets below. What he saw were three of the Sekirei bonded to the iron giant that he was looking for, and it seemed like the twins found number 88 again. A young man carried and fled from the Lightning-Twins and number 16 was in pursuit.
"Those two at it again..."
Minato was not having a great day. After separating from Musubi his biggest concern was telling her that she couldn't stay at his apartment anymore. Now he was carrying the beautiful and currently unconscious girl, running for his life those S&M twins. Minato thanked whatever god that was looking out for him, that he managed to avoid being hit so far.
"Hey! Musubi! You gotta wake up!" Minato again tried to rouse her. "Please open your eyes!"
After dodging more lightning strikes Minato saw Musubi's eyes open slowly. As she noticed that she was being carried she seemed to snap-awake.
"Minato, what happened?"
Minato smiled with relief and from the look of things wasn't in pain. "You were attacked by those twins again! You got hit, so I picked you up and began to run away, but they're still chasing us!"
Musubi began to blush at the news "You saved me yet again...you are so brave, Minato." she said.
Minato chuckled hearing that, felt more motivated too, then his attention was brought back to the present by a lightning bolt striking to close for comfort. He took a turn into an alley-way to try lose his pursuers. He continued to run as fast as he could in search of an escape. At the same time though Musubi began to feel her entire body heat up - she was amazed by Minato's bravery.
When the twins landed at the entrance to the alley Hikari began to boil. "Dammit! They're getting away! Hibiki, try cut them off!"
The youngest twin nodded and leaped to another street. Toyotama was about to try and talk some sense to them again only for them to take off again.
"This whole hunting shit is really starting to get old." Toyotama sighed angrily as she jumped on the next to keep following. "Fine, if I can't stop the hunters I can at least help their prey escape."
Minato found a place to rest for a bit as he put Musubi down so he could catch his breath before resuming the escape. Once he was able to breath normally he looked at Musubi who was currently suffering from flushed cheeks and breathing heavily.
"Musubi are you okay?"
Musubi got up, laid her hands on his shoulders and leaned against the youth with most of her weight. "Minato help me, please. My body feels so hot...I...I don't know what's happening to me."
Minato was caught between staggering blushing from how close she was - he could feel the hot breath on his face. "What's wrong? Are you sick?"
Before Musubi could respond his legs buckled and both of them to fell to the ground.
Minato hit his head on the ground despite trying to avoid that, but froze when he saw someone land ahead of him. The young man was afraid it was one of the twins, but breathed a sigh of relief as he saw it was the greenette with the staff instead. The woman in question looked down at the two before smiling.
"Looks like I'm interrupting you two."
Minato was confused until Musubi shifted on top of him, and then he registered something warm and soft in his hand. After giving it a good squeeze he heard Musubi moan. He was cupping one of Musubi's breasts
"OH! I didn't mean-!"
"Minato your touch..."
Musubi put her hand on top of Minato's and looked at him with longing eyes that took his words away.
"She is reacting to you. That's good."
Minato looked back at the Staff-wielding Sekirei. "You know what is wrong with Musubi? If you do please tell me so I can help her."
Seeing how the young man cared for number 88 brought a genuine smile to Toyotama's face. "If you want to help her you need to get her to emerge." she said making Minato even more confused.
"Emerge what are you talking about?"
Before she could elaborate the twins landed nearby. Hibiki charged up an attack as soon as her feet hit the ground, and Hibiki was only a second behind.
"You're both trapped like rats." Hikari taunted. "I'd give up if I were you."
Toyotama got into a defensive position. "I won't let you do this. Our Ashikabi was clear about this."
Hikari snorted. "He'll understand our position. Getting rid of someone before they become a threat is good sense."
Toyotama shook her head. "You know how he feels about the game."
Hibiki's expression softened. "Look, Toyotama, you can follow his instruction, but we can't let this go. Please, get out of the way."
"Unless you want the rematch."Hikari added. "I know I owe you from last time."
Toyotama glared at the elder twin. "I'm not backing down. If I have to fight you to protect them, then so be it."
Hikari smirked. "Fine, have it your way."
"We're sorry, Toyotama." Hibiki added.
Minato was freaking out as the twins and the greenette squared off with clear intent to fight while he was stuck in the middle, then he heard Musubi say his name. When he looked into her eyes it seemed like nothing else mattered - they were the only two people in the alley-way. Musubi began to move her face closer to Minato's bit by bit.
Hibiki was the first to notice.
"Shit! Hikari!"
They both moved as fast as they could to stop number 88 from emerging as Toyotama prepared for a two-on-one confrontation. But they were too late.
Musubi's lips met Minato's. Bright pink light burst from and enveloped them. Musubi got up to her knees and cried out in ecstasy as pink wings unfurled from her back. Minato was in awe at the impossible sight.
Toyotama couldn't help but smile, another Sekirei found their destined Ashikabi.
"Dammit! Of all the places she could of emerged it had to be here." Hikari growled, balling her fists.
Hibiki deflated a little. "We almost had her."
Toyotama chuckled. "I guess now she has emerged there is no reason for this asinine hunt anymore, huh."
"Yeah there's no reason to continue." Hibiki admitted with a sigh. "We might not have been able to stop her from emerging..."
"But doesn't mean we can't do anything to the jerk who caused her to emerge." Hikari grinned as electricity began arcing around her fists and sporadically jumping off her body.
"You know it's against the rules to kill an Ashikabi, Hikari." Toyotama balked. "Do you want the Discipline Squad after us?"
Hikari moved toward the prone forms like a predator. "Who said anything about killing him? He'll only wish he was dead when I get through with him."
Minato had only just begun to relax, but found there was still plenty of reason to sweat in fear.
Before Hikari could follow through on her threat, a giant figure suddenly landed in front of her in a cloud of dust as the pavement cracked under his weight. Toyotama smiled seeing their Ashikabi had just arrived. Six wasted no time as he struck Hikari with a palm to the solar plexus knocking the air out of her and forcing her back a couple feet. The Spartan then glared at Hibiki and she raised her hands to assure him she would back down. Six then stood to his full height and returned his attention to number 11.
"Explain why you two decided to hunt down this Sekirei again." The Spartan demanded of them both, annoyance and anger in his voice. "I told you not to, so I hope you have a damn good reason for it."
Hikari moaned in pain. "Why did you have to hit me that hard?" she gasped, rolling over to all fours trying to get some air into her lungs.
"And you two should have either followed my orders about not hunting other Sekirei or actually listened to Toyotama when she told you to let the boy and #88 go. Instead you two decided to go on this stupid hunt."
Hikari glared up at him. "How do you know what happened?"
Athena staged a clearing of her throat. "You do realize I have access to all of MBI's satellites? Keeping an eye on you three is child's-play to me."
Toyotama chuckled and Hibiki face-palmed
"I should have known Athena-san was keeping an eye on us." the younger twin cringed.
Minato was shocked at the sudden shift in his fortunes. First he ran into those S&M Twins as well as the greenette, next Musubi looked like she was suffering a fever before she kissed him causing wings made of light to appear on her back, and now the 7 foot tall robot was back yelling at the twins for chasing them. Minato had no idea if he was dreaming or dead, but right now all he was very happy that neither he nor Musubi were the targets of the robot's wrath.
Once she was able to breath normally again, Hikari got back up on her feet though still holding her stomach. "It wasn't a stupid hunt. We were taking out the competition. Now that she's been winged that bimbo will come after us. Hibiki and I were dealing with a problem before it became a real threat."
" Sound like something the mental patient would say. Six retorted. "I refuse to play his game."
Hikari got more annoyed and scowled all the more. "Well we don't have a choice in the matter. Soon we'll be chased by other Sekirei and we will be forced to fight whether you want to or not. As a soldier you should be all-for us taking out threats to us, as that is an effective way to achieve victory."
Six shook his head. "This isn't battle and we damn sure aren't in a war. This is some stupid tournament where some mad-man gets the last of a dying race to fight and kill each other for his own sick amusement. I refuse to be apart of his stupid game - and you three should see this 'game' for what it really is." the Spartan declared, each word dripping with resentment.
"I agree this game does sound stupid when you say it like that." Hibiki began. "But we have no choice but to compete, Six."
The Spartan looked at the younger twin, "You always have a choice. Like them or not. Instead of fighting each other we should be taking the fight to the mental patient at MBI and free your people."
"Are you nuts?!" Hikari gasped. "We do that and MBI will send the Discipline Squad after us, and if that happens we won't stand a chance! I don't like this idea either, but competing in the Sekirei Plan is the way to survive. Why can't you see that?"
"Because I won't trade one evil for another." Six growled. "I won't be part of some lunatic's genocide. Just because he thinks the fight will be fun or for some stupid religious nonsense, he made up all kinds of stories to dupe you all into it. Now, stop trying to convince me to be part of this stupid game. I won't change my mind about this, is that clear Diana?!" the moment the name left his lips Six cursed at himself.
Hikari, Hibiki and Toyotama were stunned by his emphatic order. Before either of the twins could ask who Diana was, Toyotama decided to speak up.
"It might be best we continue this conversation else where."
"Agreed. But first..."
Six regarded number 88 and Minato who were watching the scene and argument between them. Minato looked like he was unsure if this was real or not and Number 88 look liked she was completely clueless of what was going on.
'So this is the girl Yume saved' Six thought to himself. Encountering this brunette for the second time and knowing the history behind her... he wasn't sure if it was coincidence or if it truly was fate to have met again. He wasn't going to start believing in fate now, however.
"I'd like to apologize for this inconvenience." Six started. "You two probably have a lot of questions, I will answer them to the best of my abilities."
Musubi perked up almost immediately.
"Oh hey! You're the giant robot that helped save me!" said the bubbly brunette who suddenly appeared in front of the spartan. "Thank you!"
Six couldn't help but sigh a little a bit at her as his girls and even Athena couldn't help but laugh.
"I am not a robot." Six replied.
"Are you sure? you look like one." Number 88 said in her own ditzy way.
"Can't argue with that." Athena snickered.
Six groaned for what felt like the millionth time since he'd been teleported through dimensions.
"She is kind of right, you do look like a robot in your armor." Toyotama said with a laugh.
"So true." Hikari chipped in.
Deciding to ignore those remarks he took his attention back to the brunette.
"Anyway, I think two certain-someone's owe you an apology."
The Lightning-Twins flinched a bit when he looked at them.
"Hikari, Hibiki, apologize to her. Now."
Not wanting to earn his wrath the twins bowed their heads.
"We're sorry, please forgive us." they said in perfect sync.
Toyotama couldn't help but laugh a little bit at them, apologizing in such a comedic way. Earning irritated glares from both. She just shrugged them off.
"Was that so hard?" Six huffed. He turned back to Musubi. "Hopefully that's to your satisfaction, miss."
"Ahhh, I think so." she answered, though with a rather blank expression.
Her response made Six raise an eyebrow.
"I can't tell if she's grateful they apologized or not." Athena commented in his ear.
Six shifted his gaze slightly to regard Minato, who flinched a bit at the intensity of a Spartan visor staring right at him. Even though he saved his life just the sight of this 7 foot tall looking machine was very intimidating.
"I owe you an explanation."
"Ah Yes… what's going on here…. who are you …what are you… tournament, madman , Sekirei plan? And those wings of like that came out of Musubi's back…." Minato chattered as he stumbled over his thoughts. "What the hell is going on!?"
"Want me to explain to him what's going on?" Athena offered in his ear.
"No, I will. I don't think I need him freaking out over you too."
"He does look jumpy so maybe try ease the tension."
"Maybe this will help you calm down a bit." Six said as he unclamped the safety mechanisms on his helmet and removed it.
Minato found himself calming down a bit seeing a Human face, though he clearly wasn't Japanese. After a moment he noticed the man's skin was very pale - even by eastern standards. Then he noticed the scars and felt a little intimidated.
"Oh so you're a ghost instead?" chirped Musubi.
Minato gave her a weird look, and the fear came back into his eyes.
The Spartan groaned again. 'What is it with this one?' he thought to himself. The impression he got was number 88 was a ditz.
The troublesome Sekirei trio couldn't help but chuckle. Even Athena let out a laugh in his ear.
"With snow white skin he kind of does look like one." Hibiki giggled.
"Maybe once he's out of his armor we should take him to a tanning salon." Toyotama suggested. "Get some color on the skin. I bet the rest of his body is just as pale."
"I wouldn't mind seeing him in a golden brown color." Hikari remarked on the idea, to which Hibiki and Toyotama nodded in agreement.
"Some sun would do you good." Athena added publicly, making him shake his head in annoyance.
Musubi eyed his helmet tucked under his arm. "Hey, your helmet talks."
Her voice caught the attention of Minato.
"Classified."
The brunette tilted her head to one side. "Class-a-what?"
"Meaning you're not allowed to know." Six clarified through his teeth.
"Oh... ok."
Toyotama edged closer to the Lightning-Twins and put a hand over her mouth to whisper. "Is it me, or does she seem kind of stupid?"
"She does have a thick skull." Hikari replied immediately, then Hibiki jabbed an elbow under her ribs.
"Shush, she'll hear you."
"I don't think she would get offended to begin with." Hikari countered.
"Anyway..." Six began anew, returning his focus to the civilian. "I am Noble Six."
"...Noble six?" Minato echoed, scratching his head. "What kind of title is that?"
"OH! Are you a new Sekirei?!" Musubi perked up, eyes glittering with excitement. "Number Six?! What power can you use?! Can we Fight?!"
Musubi jumped up and down questioning him like a little kid. Six just gave her with an unimpressed glare and let out an annoyed groan. He could hear his three girls behind him chuckling again.
"No, I am not one of you. I am Spartan B-312, Noble Six. Different from a Sekirei." The S3 replied.
"Spartan? what's that?"
Six decided to limit any further interaction with #88 as much as possible. She was difficult in a way he had no patience for.
"Never mind." he grunted, wanting to move along. "And you are?" Six asked with a gesture at Minato.
"I'm…Sahashi Minato, sir!" he nervously supplied.
"Sahashi." Six murmured under his breath, wondering if he was related to Takami somehow.
" Something wrong?" Minato asked nervously seeing the Spartan look at him funny.
"I'll answer your questions now."
"…okay?" Minato said.
"The brunette who kissed you, and the other three..." Six paused to gesture appropriately "... are something called Sekirei."
"Sekirei?"
Six nodded. "Yes, they are alien beings who look like Humans. What sets them apart is they have powers and abilities Humans certainly do not."
"Super-powered aliens?!" Minato echoed, glancing quickly between the females.
"Correct."
Minato's eyebrows attempted to flee towards his hair-line, though unsuccessful. "Musubi? are you really alien?"
Musubi nodded with a smile. "Yep! That's what they told us when we were growing up."
Minato looked at Six's girls to confirm this, and they nodded too.
"Then how did you get here?"
"Oh, an easy one, a spaceship!" Musubi happily answered
"A spaceship…right... of course..." The young man blinked a few times and eyed everyone up, fiddling with hair at the back of his head. "I don't know what to say... this sounds like something from an anime, or its just a dream."
"I hate to tell you, this isn't a dream." Six stated bluntly. "It's reality. Get used to it."
Minato felt like he was ready to faint, or run for the exit of whatever movie-set he'd stumbled into. Such a situation seemed impossible but they were so certain he couldn't help but feel burdened by the knowledge.
"Tell me, are you an alien too?" Minato asked the giant.
"Some what."
"Somewh- why 'some what' you say?"
"All you need to know about me is I'm different from most Humans but unrelated to the Sekirei. Right now that's not important - I bet you're wondering what the light show was just now."
The young man perked up as it occurred to him. "Yeah! What was happening to Musubi before? It was like she had a fever, then those wings of light spread out of her back?"
" When they act like that they are reacting to you." Six explained. "More specifically, your DNA."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"A Sekirei would tell you that you are Musubi's 'destined one' - her Ashikabi." Six answered reluctantly.
" Ashikabi..." Minato began to relax, dialogue seeming to assure him that danger had passed. "And what exactly is that? Yesterday when all met those four where talking about it."
Six gathered his thoughts. "From what I understand, you are now in a symbiotic bond with her. Ashikabi are individuals to whom Sekirei become attached, in both a contractual and emotional sense." Six explained, remembering what Takami coughed up.
Minato was deep in thought just trying to process what the Spartan just said.
"Just to put this simply, that simple kiss was the bonding and the wings its confirmation. In Sekirei terms it was considered a wedding ceremony." Six blurted out. "Other words, you are now husband and wife - as they say."
Minato then blushed bright red. "WHAT!? We're married!?"
His reaction got laughter from Six's girls and even Athena.
"Wait?" Musubi spoke up getting everybody's attention. "We're considered husband and wife?"
The other three Sekirei stared at her, dumbfounded.
"How do you not know?" Toyotama questioned. "It's what they taught us the winging process is."
A big smile appeared on the brunettes face, then she gave Minato a painful bear hug. "I just found out I am your wife!" she yelled out happily.
Minato looked like he was about to pass out and blood started coming out of his nose... although it could have ben from feeling her massive melons pressed up against his body.
"Umm, I think you're hurting him." Hibiki stated, a little disappointed in the situation.
Musubi relented for a moment and examined Minato. "Oh! Sorry!" The brunette yelled letting him go as he collapsed on his knees taking several deep breaths.
"It's….okay..." he panted. Once he caught his breath Minato was able to stand back up. "So.. we are married…Uh…how? We just met yesterday?"
"I'll be honest I don't exactly understand it myself either. I met my Sekirei just as recently." Six glanced back at the alien women, and found that none of them looked apologetic in the least. "The green haired one, Number 16, Toyotama, I met two days ago. Numbers 11 and 12, Hikari and Hibiki, I winged them shortly after your first encounter."
"I...still don't get it..." Minato uttered as a frown pulled his brow down.
"It's what MBI taught them." Six added. "Like it or not, that is what they believe."
"MBI? The company buying out the capital?"
Six nodded. "They are the ones who raised them and released them into the city to find their so-called Ashikabi."
"Wait, so you're telling me they know about them?"
"Yes. The CEO of MBI designed and set-up a tournament for them called the Sekirei plan."
Minato began to look quite lost. "A tournament? Why? For what purpose?"
"My best guess? Hiroto Minaka is a mentally disturbed individual trying to live out some kind of messed up fantasy." Six summarized, certain he was relatively kind all things considered. "Unfortunately he does have a significant amount of power... and you should be receiving a call from him sooner or later."
A ring-tone trilled.
"'Sooner' it is, then." Athena chirped.
"Speak of the devil, and he appears." Six muttered under his breath, then put his helmet back on.
Minato was shocked that the Spartan predicted the phone call, but before he could answer his phone the Spartan held out a hand.
"Phone."
The ronin thought about it and was inclined refuse, but this unusual man did help save both Musubi and himself. Minato complied quickly and placed his phone in that large hand. Once Six had the device he immediately flipped it open and answered the call.
"TA-DA!" a voice crackled through the speakers and a face appeared on the screen, both owned by the most annoying person Six had ever known. "Congratulations! You have been chosen to be the partner of the Sekirei you just winged."
Six clicked his tongue. "Calm down, madman."
Minaka flinched dramatically, but was quick to recover. "Ah, Noble Six. I wasn't expecting to see you on the other end."
"You expected everything to go your way, hm?
Minaka laughed. "Everything is fate, my dear gundam-cosplay! Also, I must say, anyone ever tell you that you need a tan? Wearing armour all the time must be horrible for your skin, too."
Six's eyebrow twitched as the girls tried to hold back their laughter at his expense.
"While we're on the subject of you, Spartan-kun, we've been looking for you as well as numbers 11, 12 and 16. For a whole day we couldn't pick you up on any of our observation satellites or other surveillance feeds across the city. We also are having a hard time tracking your cards and cell phones. Even now we're having a rough time pinpointing your current location with number 88 and Minato Sahashi. Want to explain that to me?"
"They've been looking for us?" Toyotama blurted out loud confused.
The Lightning-Twins glanced at her, equally confused.
"Classified."
Minaka rose a brow and his veiled eye filled the small screen of the phone. "What?"
"How you're not able to find us is for me to know and you to never find out." Six added for emphasis.
"Unacceptable, all participants must be monitored at all ti-"
"I don't care." Six snapped.
There was a moment of silence. The Sekirei shared worried glances.
"You know what, Spartan-kun? I like a challenge!" the madman declared gleefully as he threw his head back and looked down his nose. "I'll make finding you and your Sekirei a fun side objective!"
Six cycled a deep breath in annoyance. "Does nothing depress you?"
"Nope."
Six found himself rolling his eyes. "I suppose its hard to be down when you're as high as a kite."
"Also!" Minaka's eye filled the screen again. "Yesterday our computers were hacked, taking highly important MBI information. You wouldn't happen to know anything about it would you?"
"I have no idea what you're talking about." Six answered plainly.
Minaka seemed to search Six's visor and face-plate for several long seconds. "Hmm, I see. Anyway, you mind telling me why you have young Minato's phone?"
"I already told the kid all he needed to know about Sekirei, Ashikabi, and your idiotic plan." Six growled. "So now you don't need to fill his head with your nonsensical crap. Get off the line, and maybe get off whatever you're dosed-up on."
"You did what?!"
Minaka nearly fell out of his chair if the violent shaking of the camera on his end was any indication. Six wasn't sure if the madman was just dedicated to his drama performance or if he was actually shocked.
"But I had this whole speech planned out. How Minato and Musubi are in a war to end all war! Mortals fighting along side gods! And the winner would get to decide the fate of the world! Those speeches are some of the best parts of my day."
"This is why no one likes you and you have no friends, Minaka."
"I'll have you know I have many friends!"
"Name one?"
After several seconds of silence Six gave an amused snort.
"I am your friend professor!" Musubi happily interjected.
"Ah! Thank you, number 88." Minaka said with abundant relief. "See? I have friends."
Six silently groaned, giving the brunette a quick glance. He had a feeling this one probably fell for every lie this nut-job taught the Sekirei. She then glared through his visor at the little screen, and Minaka's un-earned smugness.
"We're done here. Goodbye."
"What? No! Don't hang up yet!"
Six sighed. "What do you want now? Aren't you a busy man with you company and plan?"
"Give the phone back to young Minato, please. I would still like to do my speech and dazzle the boy on what he is about to experience."
Six felt a frown draw his brows together. "If you don't have anything else productive to add, I'm hanging up."
Minaka groaned like a child not getting his way. "Why are you like this? Don't you think that Minato should know more about the plan.?"
"The only reason you want to talk to him is to just satisfy your own ego. You and I both know you get a kick out of this, acting like an all-knowing prophet ushering in this 'new age of the gods' crap you love to spew. Get over yourself."
"But the introduction to the Sekirei Plan-"Six then decided he wasted enough time and ended the call. After carefully closing the phone he handed it back to Minato. "Here you go kid."
"Ah…Thnak." Minato nervously taking his phone back from the giant.
"Before we leave I think there is something you two need to do, Hikari and Hibiki."
The twins were confused.
"What are you talking about? We already apologized to them, what more is there to say?!" Hikari objected, more than a little annoyed.
Six sighed. "You seriously can't see the problem here? Okay then, I'll help you out. Look at the state #88 is in."
As they looked at Musubi they saw that her clothes were shredded. Rags were covering her nipples, but for the most part her breasts were out and free in the open. The only article of clothing she had that was spared by some miracle, was her panties.
Hikari spoke up, dismissive. "Big deal. Her clothes are ruined. So what?"
Hibiki was quiet as she was trying to figure out what their Ashikabi was getting at.
Six then looked at Toyotama. "I remember you saying when we met your battle attire was the only thing you had to wear right?"
Toyotama nodded and smiled as she understood what he was doing.
Six looked at Musubi and Minato. "I take it your Sekirei only had her miko cosplay outfit to wear, right kid?"
Minato nodded. "Yeah, when I met Musubi she had nowhere to go and the only thing of hers she had was the clothes on her back."
"All of us are in the same position when MBI let's us out into the city. I don't see what the big deal here is." Hikari huffed.
"Hikari wait don't-"
"The big deal here?" Six interrupted Hibiki, taking a step toward Hikari to ensure he had her full attention. "Is that you attacked them and destroyed the only clothes Musubi had to wear."
Hikari finally put two and two together. "Wait... you don't mean...?"
"Yep, as a token of your apology, you two are going to give #88 some of your clothes and you are going to say you're sorry once again as you do it."
Hikari and Hibiki were shocked at this considering they spent so much time find clothes they would look good in to try and please their Ashikabi. The eldest twin then looked at Toyotama and said "Wait how come the pole dancer doesn't need to give the bimbo her clothes?"
While Toyotama was irritated by the title Hikari used for her, Six responded for her in a way that made her smirk.
"Because unlike you two, Toyotama tried to talk you guys out of hunting #88 and even tried to stop you by force if necessary. Because she actually followed orders she gets to keep her stuff, you on the other hand are going to give your favorite clothes to Musubi and apologize for hunting her and threatening the kid here."
Hikari was going to speak up, but Six leaned in a little closer.
"Please, keep arguing with me, so I can make you do it."
Hikari wanted to keep arguing, but wisely kept her mouth shut as she knew she was not going to win this argument. So both the twins walked up to Minato and Musubi and began looking through their clothes to give to the bubbly Sekirei as they had comically big tears falling down their cheeks. After they gave Minato and Musubi several articles of clothing the twins then back up and began bowing repeatedly at the two.
"We're sorry, we're really sorry, for the umpteenth time we are sorry."
Minato looked at the two lightning twins apologize and while he was still scared he couldn't deny he felt sorry for them in this pathetic state.
"Is this good for you two?" Six queried.
Minato then looked at the Spartan. "Yeah, this is more then enough." He then turned to the twins, bowed and rubbed the back of his head as he said "Thank you, and I'm sorry about this."
"Word of advice." Six began. "Be sure to buy your Sekirei lots of clothes. Despite MBI sending replacements for their battle attire, if you get into too many fights she'll go through her wardrobe rather quickly."
Minato nodded. "Thanks for the advice. Musubi and I will be leaving, then. Once again, thanks for the help... ah... Six. I really appreciate it."
Minato bowed and then gave Musubi his jacket so she could cover herself. As they began to leave Musubi looked back waving her hands in the air.
"Bye bye, Mr. Six! We hope to see you again, and please spar with me next time!"
She then turned around and followed her new Ashikabi.
With that troublesome pair departed Six turned to his three Sekirei. "I think its time for us to head home as well. Don't you think, Toyotama?"
The first of the flock nodded with a smile as she turned to her bond sisters. "Come on you two, quit grieving your clothes. We're heading back now but can get more later."
The twins didn't say anything still crying over the clothes they had to give up. As they began to head home.
Athena's avatar popped up on his HUD. "I've collected every scrap of data I could find about that young man."
"Tell me."
"There is a connection between MBI's Takami and Minato - she is his mother. He also has a sister, Yukari, here in the capital as well. It appears they have no direct connection to MBI themselves, however."
The AI brought up pictures and records of all three members of the Sahashi family. As Six looked through Minato's files he saw that the young man while being extraordinarily bright, it seems that the boy had failed the entrance exam to Tokyo University twice. Athena's psychological profile on Minato implied that he was insecure and passive.
"Any record of a father?"
"I couldn't find any data on Minato's father. I searched through the entirety of files one everyone here in japan even the hospital both Minato and Yukari were born in. Minato's father doesn't exist, biology aside."
"Sounds like someone else we know really well." Six observed.
"No evidence to support that theory. Yet. I will let you know if things changes."
"Athena, bring up pictures of both Minato and Minaka."
Once the two photos were on his HUD he noticed similarities in facial structure, more then just coincidence.
"I can tell what you're thinking." Athena's smug voice informed him. "We need more data to be sure."
"Are you also saddened by the fact someone actually chose to breed with that idiot?"
"It does seem to be a problematic plan. Perhaps that is why Takami has ensured no trace of their father exists to their knowledge."
Six nodded slightly in agreement. "Thankfully Minato didn't seem to have any of his father's particular faults."
He then saw something interesting on his HUD. While his Sekirei were close behind him on the motion tracker, there was another blip not to far from their position, following them.
"We have a new friend." he murmured.
"They are just observing for now, it seems." Athena clarified. "How do you want to play this?"
Six thought about it for a moment and re-examined the terrain ahead before speaking. "Bring up a map of our location with tracking data, and send a text message to Toyotama's phone. Tell her we're being followed. I'm gonna lead him somewhere we can get the drop on him."
"Done." She chirped immediately. After several long seconds passed the tiny avatar put a hand to her ear. "Toyotama wants to know where you are going to lead our guest."
"I'm going to lead him to a dead end that is right around here. Send her a map of this area along with directions on how to get to the dead end."
"Will do."
Six then stopped and turned to the others. They took halted, curious expressions on their faces.
"What's wrong, Six?" Hibiki asked.
"You guys go ahead. I forgot to do some recon somewhere."
Toyotama cracked a smile with a glint of excitement in her eye. "Can we ask where it is?"
Six slightly tilted his heat to one side. "You can ask, but you know what I'm going to say."
#16 sighed as she rolled her eyes. "Yeah, I do."
"Don't worry." Athena added via the external helmet speakers. "It won't take long. You three go ahead and head back."
Hikari sighed and glared at Six to make her displeasure known. "Fine. See you when you get back."
With that the three of them left Six alone as the Spartan began to move.
Meanwhile, above the group was a certain figure dressed in all black. This person was known as the Guardian of Unwinged Sekirei. Sekirei #6, Homura; the Flame Sekirei was currently stalking the Spartan that separated from his Sekirei. Homura had got a call from Takami about a 7 foot tall man in armor participating in the Sekirei Plan. She also told him this individual was able to beat back three of Higa's Sekirei with ease, as well as defeat the feisty Lightning-Twins in a fight before eventually Winging them.
At first Homura was very skeptical at the thought of a human handling one Sekirei, let alone defeating three Sekirei in combat with barely a sweat. After seeing what this man in armor did to the Lightning-Twins - knocking down Hikari in one strike and making Hibiki back-off with a glare - Homura believed the man was capable enough to warrant his attention. Takami told him to be careful with this one as it seemed he had military training and was unpredictable.
"Hopefully he hasn't noticed me yet. How to make contact with him... hm."
Homura really didn't want to get into a fight someone that can handle three Winged Sekirei at once. He was content to wait for an opportunity to approach him. Once he noticed that the Ashikabi was leaving his flock behind Homura began to hope that opportunity would come conveniently soon, and followed carefully along the rooftops.
Once the three Sekirei left the alleyways and came out onto another street, Toyotama turned around and leaped high into the air. A moment later the curious Lightning-Twins joined her, and they began to move back in the direction they came from via roof-top.
Hibiki came up next to her. "I thought we were going home. Is something wrong?"
"Six and Athena texted me as we were leaving." #16 replied, trying to keep from gloating about such secret communication. "Apparently we were being followed."
"Good, I could use a real fight." Hikari grumbled. "Does he know who it is? Is it Higa's goons?"
Toyotama shrugged. "Not sure, but Six intends to find out. He wants us to follow him to a dead end to spring the trap on our stalker."
The twins nodded, taking this seriously. As the three of them began to move to where Six was heading they spotted some movement ahead, though no details at such a distance.
Meanwhile Six closed in on the agreed ambush point. "Athena, is our friend was still following?"
"He is still on your tail. Toyotama and the twins have started making their way here."
"Good. Lets see if our stalker can keep up with a Spartan."
Without further warning the Spartan broke into a run.
Homura saw the tall figure suddenly begin to sprint ahead. "Dammit, must have noticed me." he muttered to himself. "Not gonna lose him like this."
Homura then began to race after him, launching himself from building to building in shallow arcs with practiced ease, but even at his full speed he was barely able to keep up with the Spartan.
'There is no way a human can achieve that kind of speed.' Homura thought to himself, frowning. 'Who is this guy?'
Six glanced at Athena's map and motion tracker combo, which showed the stalker was able to keep up with him. The gap was widening slowly. The Spartan made several tight turns in the mess of alleyways and narrow streets of the dense city-scape. His stalker had trouble keeping up, overshooting by wide margins and slow to correct. That seemed to prove his tail was a Sekirei - according to the map, every time they changed direction it was upon a building. Using that to his advantage Six gained a even more of a lead and drew close to the dead end of choice.
Once he arrived and believed the line-of-sight was broken Six triggered his active-camouflage, pressed himself against the wall and waited for the stalker to catch up. The Spartan didn't have to wait long as their stalker landed in the center of the alley looking around for Six wondering where he went. While he cautiously entered the space with a sweeping gaze, Six examined him. Truth be told he wasn't impressed - the man who was following him looked like he was trying to cosplay as a superhero.
"Athena, can you find anything on this Batman wannabe?"
"Give me a second to go through MBI's database. The girls are here."
Right on cue the three Sekirei landed in the mouth of the dead end. The stalker spun around in a ready stance immediately but did not attack.
"What the hell are you doing here, Homura?" Hikari demanded.
"What I'm doing here is none of your business." the black-clad Sekirei retorted. "I can't say I'm surprised you two decided to chase down another Unwinged Sekirei. Still, I'm glad it had a happy ending."
Hikari pointed an accusing finger. "Have you been spying on us, you perv?"
Homura's eye twitched at that remark. "Please, I have a bit more class than you. I only came here after hearing a couple of explosions, and found you two up to your old tricks again." Homura then looked at Toyotama. "You were the one who tried to help that recently Winged Sekirei and her Ashikabi. I appreciate what you did and thankful you stood between them and those two. I know for a fact dealing with the twins is a massive headache all on its own."
Before Toyotama could say anything, Hikari steppe forward, fuming.
"What did you say, wise ass?!"
Homura looked at the eldest twin and saw that not only was she angry, but even the calmer Hibiki was glaring at him with fight in her eyes. "You heard what I said, #11. I have to say, its really sad and pathetic the two of you waste your time chasing down small fry who haven't found their Ashikabi yet. Grow up."
Hikari growled. "Keep talking pal. Remember, you yourself still haven't emerged yet. We on the other hand found our Ashikabi. You should be careful, and stop acting all cocky."
Homura smirked under the mask. "Careful, huh? A flower's life is a short and delicate thing. You don't want to burn to ashes playing with fire, do you?" Homura began to summon flames into his hands as he stared down the twins. "But if you two are really looking for a fight I'll gladly be you're opponent. I've been meaning to blow off a little steam."
"Objection."
Before #06 could react he felt his left hand that was engulfed in flames being grabbed before it was twisted in on itself. Next he felt someone kick the back of his right leg forcing him down on his knees before being wrestled to the ground as the Sekirei Guardian found himself in a hold unable to fight back. Before Homura could try and figure out what was going on he felt cold steel placed firmly against his head. Slowly he turned to find his target was the one pinning him to the ground. What's more, there was a pistol shoved against his temple.
"You're going to answer my questions until I'm satisfied." Six informed the alien in a low voice. "Don't try to resist. If I feel the slightest bit of movement coming from you I could have your brains decorate the floor."
Homura set his jaw. Using his powers wasn't a good idea, for now. Until he could find an opening he had to play along. 'Dammit Takami. Why didn't you mention this guy can turn invisible?'
At MBI's headquarters a certain female scientist sneezed. She rubbed her nose, surprised. "I wonder who's thinking of me..."
Back in the alleyway.
"Name?"
"I am Sekirei number six, Homura. The Sekirei Guardian." Homura answered immediately.
" Guardian?"
"I watch over all Unwinged Sekirei across the city, helping them find their true Ashikabi from the shadows. I protect them from the likes of the big-name Ashikabi - like the South or East - and other vile Ashikabi who want to exploit them for their own power."
"Hmm, then where were you the night when I saved Toyotama from Higa's group? And when the twins first went after number 88?"
"Well… this city is such a large territory. I can't be everywhere at once however." the alien admitted. "I do thank you for helping number 16 and number 88, despite the position you have me in."
Six nodded his appreciation. "As a soldier it is my duty to protect civillians."
"A soldier? Of what?"
Six pressing the gun, a little harder on his temple. "I'm the one asking the questions here, not you."
"OK! Don't have to be so hostile." Homura grimaced.
"Why were you following us?"
"If you were listening before you attacked me, I said I saw #11 and #12 chasing after an Unwinged Sekirei. I was going to stop them, before you showed up."
"Doesn't answer the question. Why you were following us after that?"
"Well... curiosity." he offered, resisting the urge to shrug in case that hurt his shoulder more than it already did. "What are you? That's what I wanna know. You fight and move like us, but I can tell you're not a Sekirei."
Six twitched the gun in warning. He could tell by the voice quality the 'Guardian' wasn't telling him the whole truth. "What are you holding back?"
"I swear that's the truth!"
"Someone ordered you to follow us? Was it the madman?"
"I never take orders from that man!" Homura snarled. "I'm against this game as much as you are."
The AI's avatar popped up again, so Six muted his external speakers.
"What is it, Athena?"
"I was able to gain access to Homura's phone while researching him. He's actually been taking orders from Takami Sahashi." Athena explained as she briefly displayed text messages and phone-call logs between the two. "Seems like she ordered him to keep an eye on you to see whether or not you are a threat to MBI and the Sekirei, and if you're with a rival nation or corporation."
"Luckily for her, I'm not." he murmured, jabbing Homura again - heedless of protests and queries - just to keep him occupied. "Anything else?"
"He was also ordered to make contact with you if you've proven yourself not to be a threat. To recruit you as an ally to help protect other Unwinged Sekirei around the city."
"Interesting game Takami is playing." Six observed.
"So, he's definitely not our enemy. I have a lot of surveillance video on his activities. What will you do with him?"
After a few moments the Spartan simply let the fire user go and smoothly backed away, sidearm ready. Homura quickly scrambled to his feet and gave his full attention to Six, surprised but curious above all else.
Six twitched his gun, then stowed it as he unmuted his external speakers. "Next time Takami wants to talk to me she should come meet me herself."
"Taka…uh… I have no idea who you're talking about."
"Funny." Six scoffed. "I saw the messages between you and Takami. All of them."
Homura's eyes widened.
"I want to know where Takami stands when it comes to this sick 'game' Minaka is playing. Do you know with certainty?" Six asked.
The alien nodded. "She's against it. She disapproves of everything that bastard has done. All she wants for Sekirei is to live peacefully among humans, happy lives with our Ashikabi. I overheard what you said about taking the fight to MBI and freeing us from this game. That's what we all want. We can be allies."
Six considered the case. He felt uneasy. Part of him still felt hesitant about these super-powered aliens living among Humans - possibly because aliens back in his world and time did all they could to exterminate Humans. Considering just how dangerous the Sekirei could be, coexistence seemed fraught with danger. He could imagine one having a very bad day and causing untold amounts of destruction... but the same could be said about Spartans... Emile who didn't care much for civilians, and he wasn't alone on that for various reasons.
On the other hand, this could be a way for humanity to have a better future in this world and time. A close alliance with a powerful alien race. Takami's goal was a noble one at least. Helping the last of these aliens was beyond the scope of his purpose, but it was possibly a variable worth attention.
"Ok. Tell Takami I agree to a meeting with her."
"Does that mean you will help us?" Homura asked little surprised think he wouldn't.
"Yes, on the condition she has no guards and MBI isn't tracking her."
Homura nodded his understanding of the Spartan's demands. "I'll let her know."
"Wait, does that mean we're working for the guardian?" Hikari questioned, not liking the idea of it.
"Looks like it." Hibiki deflated with a sigh. "Payback denied, again.
"Serves you right." Toyotama said smugly, which earned glares from both twins.
"One more thing, Homura." Six added. "Tell Takami, if she ever tries to double cross me, she'll need to beg her god for help."
The four Sekirei shivered at the ice in his voice.
"…Ah…sure… I'll let her know that too." the Fire Sekirei agreed. "Also, how do I contact you?"
"I'll be the one to contact you." Six asserted. "I already have your number."
"Ah..."
"Now, if you'll excuse us, it's time for us to be heading home. A pair of unruly sisters need a bit of discipline." Six stated, looking sidelong at the twins, who couldn't help but flinch.
"Hey, we've already apologized and gave that bimbo our clothes. What more do you want from us?!" Hikari spoke up.
Six ignored her, returning his attention to the self proclaimed Sekirei Guardian. "Don't try to follow us again, number six. Trust me, I'll know."
" Noted." Homura replied. "What will you do to #11 and #12?"
"Never you mind." he dismissed. "Now, your three, let's head back to base."
The Spartan set a swift pace out of the alleyway, forcing the trio to do likewise.
Once the unlikely group were out of sight Homura pulled out his phone to call Takami. To his surprise a message popped up before he could do anything, and it opened itself for his reading.
"Eh? 'Her son turned out better than his father, at least'... what the... oh. I see... So that's your son, Takami."
Homura shook his head and set up the call. The dial-tone rang for a few seconds. "Hello Homura, what do you have to report?"
"I made contact with him." he told her immediately. "He is sympathetic, somewhat, and wants to meet."
"Oh? That's good news."
"The catch is we can't contact him, even if we wanted to." Homura sighed and peeked out of the dead-end after the Spartan. They were long gone. "We wait at his convenience."
There was a brief silence on the line, then a tired exhale. Homura easily pictured the cloud of smoke that must have resulted.
"Well, its better than nothing. Now we have help outside MBI's grasp."
Hopefully you all enjoyed this chapter. Please leave me your thoughts and comments. Because this chapter I tried my best with the interactions between Six, Minato, Musubi, Homura and Six's flock. Hopefully there good.
Ayumi if you're wondering who she is. an OC sekirei I made for this story. I won't reveal too much about , I'll let you all guess who she's based off of.
Diana ,who she. I'll just say she's part of sixes past. Not to give too much away.
Also as a disclaimer I did delete a scene in the last chapter. It was the scene with Six being followed. Most of you could guess it was Yahan that was following him in that chapter if you read it before I tore it down. Let's just say I decided to save her for something else.
Other than that. Big thanks to The Son of Sparda 343 and SoTaWoB for helping me with this chapter.