Well, it appeared that it took me some time again. I got busy with other stuff and IRL, and it just keeps on adding up. But what can you do about that?
When this chapter came around, Ichika was back at his school.
I have to thank VIRUS GO for the help that he gave me when I was writing this chapter.
I hope to get more reviews, but that's what you get when you use an AI to write your stuff. So far, I like the results.
Started on 18/03/2021
Ended on 20/03/2021
So you think you can own me,
well you'd better just think again.
You'd better watch your steps now, woman.
Cause I ain't like those other men
Minato felt his head swimming, but he could hold on. Around the bed, Matsu, Kazehana, and Musubi watched Minato smash Tsukiumi. The red face stood well on the Waterdere.
"Minato, thee can't be serious. You can't show me like this. Not to these concubines." From behind, he was ramming into Tsukiumi. His hands played with her enormous tits so she couldn't bow down. Musubi was playing with the dick and pussy while Kazehana and Matsu watched the scene.
It was supposed to be a fuck now with just the three, but Tsukiumi wanted to get along as the True Wife. So they relented, but Kazehana would need to have a serious talk with their girl. She couldn't keep acting like a girl.
They were going to be mothers, for God's Sake.
The rest of the eight didn't come along. Kusano went without saying Kagari also didn't come along. When asked, the Fire Maiden shook her head. She was OK with something special, but she could keep her distance. For fun, she wouldn't do it yet again. Uzume and Chiho would hang out on their terms.
They had to keep the lovemaking to human levels, so they did it like that. Kazehana and Matsu could join up later.
It was not all sunshine and rainbows, though. Their pregnancy set in, and all women had experienced the positive effects of bringing new life to the world.
Kazehana and Musubi could feel their lower back hurting. Not just with their tits growing, but the children are growing in their bodies. Musubi would have been fine usually, but with the twins, her body was stretched to the limit.
They were tired more often than not as well, and for the first time, neither Kagari nor Chiho didn't mind their smaller breasts. Sure, they still had some hurt, but not too bad compared to the others.
While Kazehana and Musubi bore the brunt, the others also experienced pain. Minato had taken lessons from Ichika on how to massage the lower back and all surrounding areas to alleviate the pain. It was better than some other tricks or medication.
It's a good thing he practiced on Uzume.
And he learned some bits from Ichika.
Not that he regretted the whole thing, but it proved to be one handful to take care of seven pregnant women, six aliens, and one human woman.
He counted his lucky stars that they weren't whiny about it. They sucked up as he did. Those nine months would go by fast. At least, he hoped because it was clear that pregnancy was no fun. But the good news was that he could do this.
His hands traveled south while he touched her clit.
Minato slowly rubbed while Tsukiumi enjoyed herself. Despite the heavy blush and huge teasing from her lover, she couldn't keep hiding the fact that she somewhere enjoyed it. Minato could feel that most of his eyes were on Tsukiumi and not on him.
Matsu and Kazehana were looking at him hungrily, while Musubi could only enjoy the sight. She found it incredible how Tsukiumi was doing it like that. One of the hands went to tweak her nipple while the other just continued on her clit. He didn't let go, of course, and when Tsukiumi got teased by Musubi, licking the action, Minato couldn't hold it in.
The Waterdere fell, exhausted but satisfied. He had enjoyed himself. Looking over to Matsu and Kazehana, Minato had an excellent idea. Without saying anything, they found the dangerous glint in his eyes alluring. Taking Kazehana by her feet, he flipped her over so she lay on her back. Grabbing Matsu, he placed her on top of Kazehana.
Both women giggled when they found out what he had in mind. Minato looked at a dejected Musubi and sighed. Placing her next to the duo, he didn't say a word but put his fingers in her. With his head right next to hers, he softly whispered something, and Musubi gleefully nodded.
Minato put his hands on Matsu's hips with a victorious grin and placed his dick between the two. And just like that, he slid in and out between them. The friction was incredible, and it wasn't just proving to be pleasurable between the two as he hit their clit.
The tits collided as their bodies were forced to lie down on each other. Sure, it wasn't a problem, but they could only enjoy so much with their tits squashed against each other. Next to Matsu and Kazehana lay Musubi, who got fingered by Minato. He played with her pussy and shoved it out the same way as with Matsu and Kazehana.
His eyes were filled with lust, and the three women felt how Minato was fucking them. Oh, this was so much fun. Kazehana felt Matsu kissing her and touching her up. She didn't mind it one bit, of course. The Wisdom Sekirei explored her mouth; They knew that, of course. With just one man around, it would come to that.
Plus, Kazehana liked Uzume and Chiho's play. Now, if she could remember it, she had to save that idea for later. Not that it was possible with how good it was feeling. Pushed down by Matsu's body, Minato's dick between their pussies, and looking at how Minato fingered musubi. Tsukiumi lay next to them. It was clear that higher functions were shut off.
Minato was going at them as they wanted him, and they couldn't help but enjoy how Minato was doing them. Kazehana felt how her pussy was leaking juice and not just her own. Minato had dumped at least one load in her before.
Two things came to Matsu's mind when she saw Kazehana's face.
The abstinence also caused Minato to grow hungry.
And that drink, from a few months ago, had its traces left in her.
Matsu felt how Kazehana pressed her closer. The two just giggled as their fantastic bodies collided. They had to write down ideas for later. It had been clear that both moved faster to get Minato off and to get their pleasure.
Minato groaned like an animal as he felt his release imminent, and before long, the two were there first. Matsu was first as she fell, followed by Kazehana, who let out a shout. Their bodies were painted in seed as Minato collided on top of them.
They were off to blissful sleep; Minato was still awake. He turned to Musubi, who looked gleefully ready to take him like that.
Putting his dick on Musubi's lip, she was already soaked and positively happy that she could receive his love. Minato quickly put it in, and Musubi bounced with her back from the bed. He could only enjoy himself, buried deep and warm inside her.
She could kiss Minato as he pinned her down, her breasts squashed against his chest. He took up her arms and kept her on the bed. Minato enjoyed himself while Musubi moaned out with her tongue, hanging out her mouth while Minato could enjoy her more. She found the pleasure to be there, and when Minato grabbed her tits, he softly played with them.
Their mouths didn't leave each other, though. And they were at ease like this, Just the feeling of their skin. Pulling her up, Minato got Musubi in a seated position, their mouths reattached, and they kissed. He kept her like that.
Her legs went around his ass, and they squeezed him softly like his hands, squeezing her. Of course, it was enough for them like this. Their enjoyment was all there, and just like that, Minato felt his pleasure itching again.
Just like Musubi. The woman could feel her belly bloating by the number of times that Minato had come inside her. She let Minato's mouth go to allow one last moan as she reached her peak. Minato did the same as he flooded her pussy with his cum. With a goofy smile, she beamed at Minato. His head landed between her magnificent breasts.
"That was amazing." He softly nodded to her chest as Morpheus claimed him. Musubi didn't blame him. It was enough for one night; She knew enough then.
Placing Minato in the middle, one side, Kazehana and Matsu, she took the other side with Tsukiumi. It might be a petty side to her, but she wanted to sleep next to her Ashikabi.
They were all naked. They had to make the most of those months together. When they had their kids, it might not be the case.
Musubi closed her eyes, and she fell asleep, as did the others. She snuggled to her Ashikabi, and Tsukiumi's arms encircled her. That Waterdere was a real tsundere.
Line break
When Minato rolled back home, the warm summer sun was setting. Like the others, he was delighted. It had been one crazy day, but for the five of them, it was the most enjoyable.
"We're home," they shouted as they entered the house. Immediately, Kusano came rushing down. Minato was prepared for that, and he quickly lifted Kusano under her arms and hugged the blonde ball of sunshine.
"Welcome home, big brother," Minato smirked while he hugged and received a kiss from the young Sekirei.
"Hey, Kusano." After putting her down, she went over to her big sisters, who greeted the little girl as she began to tell them about her day. Noticing his cue, Minato decided to leave the Sekirei and start typing his reply back to Ichika.
Of course, things could never be simple, as Uzume quickly joined him.
"Hey, hubby." Turning his head, the Veiled Sekirei walked over to her second Ashikabi. Greedy lips claimed him, and she rested her head on his lap.
"Hey, yourself. Did you have a fun day with Chiho?" Uzume nodded as she lay back. Her brown eyes shone at him.
"I can ask you the same thing." Their eyes turned outside where the rest had gathered. Matsu sat outside, doing what Takami had instructed. A large sunhat protected her from the sun.
Tsukiumi enjoyed Miya's lessons while Kagari read again. He wasn't smoking, which Minato was grateful for.
"It went alright." He yawned, feeling how tired he was. That drink had been a great idea, and he would ask for another one if he wanted to keep all his wives content. Being inadequate was the last thing he wanted to be as a husband.
"I see." Their eyes moved to Kazehana and Musubi. It wasn't unusual for Kusano to choose a lap among the Sekirei, preferably either Uzume or Musubi.
The latter currently had her on her lap. Now, the other sight was a bit strange. Chiho was seated on Kazehana's lap. The Wind Flower was quickly the closest to her.
It wasn't difficult, though. She had calmly walked up to Kazehana and asked for the seat. The woman had pulled her up, and she was enjoying herself with Chiho.
"They get along well."
"They do, don't they? What are you doing here, hubby?" Minato sighed while he booted up his computer.
"Something that is way overdue." That was enough for Uzume to let her Ashikabi work on the email. Minato had informed Matsu about the knowledge that Airis and Tatenashi knew more than others. The Sekirei of Wisdom could quickly look up more information about that, but she had done enough for one day.
Minato made one good point: How much could she really do? MBI protected them—a conglomerate that could easily offer more protection than most countries and their strengths. Minato was sure, but they had to take precautions.
Hey Ichika.
Mail took some time; I apologize for that. I have to keep eight girls entertained. At least, that keeps me busy.
It looks like you still have some serious issues, and even more so when I winged Uzume. Well…
He looked at Uzume, who was awake.
"What do you think I felt when I winged you and took Chiho in as lover?" Minato pondered while Uzume's eyes shined at him.
"Joy. I could feel it. Happy to be a part of your family." The Veiled Sekirei told him. She was a bit jealous of Minato and his love for the Sekirei.
So when she could join in, she felt joy.
I was happy. I was pleased to have them in my family. I went to hell and back for them, but I'll keep it at them. I don't think I can handle two more.
Kusano has decent manners. The biggest thing with a child is that you need to be firm. Put your foot down. I have done it with Kusano, and it worked out. She's a delight. But for my own, well, you are putting ideas in my head, little brother.
Matsu has been looking up information about Airis, and we'll see, but so far, I doubt they'll do much. Matsu can put down their entire program. Relay that to the runt.
About Tatenashi, oh, that brings me back.
His eyes went to Uzume, who wanted another kiss.
"I didn't dream about you, but now I think about it. I did that for Kusano and Tsukiumi. Good dreams." Uzume giggled, and Minato knew he had left himself open for an opening.
"Hubby, I gave you pleasant dreams. Don't deny that." Hugging her, Minato nodded at her.
"You sure did." After a bit, the two shook their heads when they looked at their family. It would be rowdy with eight kids around. But oh, she was so looking forward to her son.
It looks like Tatenashi is really irking you. I met people like that. I'll be sure to thank Musubi, Tsukiumi, and Miya in your stead. She'll be happy to hear that your gift is valuable. The Sekirei worked out thanks to you, and they enjoyed it. They're strong, Ichika. Don't you ever forget that?
With the sister, don't start problems if you can avoid them—one thing at a time, Ichika.
I'll keep my eyes open, and we'll keep you posted. Remember this.
Our door is always open, but I need to keep my Sekirei in mind. They come first.
With that, Uzume pulled herself up again. She kissed him again and touched his cheek.
"Don't be a worrywart. You have us. We have you." Minato looked at the family he had created.
"Maybe I can show you a few things Ichika taught me. I think you could use a massage." Uzume immediately took off her top, causing Minato to blush slightly.
She laid down and let her Ashikabi take care of her. A happy groan escaped her as she felt his fingers digging into her soft skin. She kept her bra on because removing it, even in front of her love, would send Miya into a frenzy.
The rest of the Flock outside could only see how Minato slowly worked his fingers over the lower back of Uzume, who purred like a giant cat while Minato continued to press the fingers in, working out the knots. Her tits were on par with Matsu and third to Musubi and Kazehana. Yeah, she could use this.
His fingers moved up to her upper back and her neck. There were other places, but for now, a quick session caused her to relax quite a bit. Minato moved up to touch her upper back, and she groaned when she felt how he worked out her knots. He had really gotten good at this.
Groaning, she was blissfully happy while Minato continued to keep the lessons in mind.
"You've gotten better at this, hubby." Minato grinned while he pressed on. He was sitting behind her and was relieved he was spent, as he would have certainly become aroused by doing this.
"Post your thanks to Ichika. He taught me some tricks. He's better than me." Uzume thought back on the boy. Oh, like the others, she liked that kid.
What a shame that the Sekirei Plan was over. That boy would make one hell of an Ashikabi.
It wasn't right that a boy so bright and friendly was locked up in a school.
"You got the same, right?" Minato didn't need to ask.
Their gut was telling them that big problems were coming up.
"Dinner's ready." With that line, the two stood up and went for dinner.
Minato could enjoy some food with his family. It would be soon, and these would be the last meals that they would cherish in this house that had been their home for years. It was only a few months before they left.
It marked a signal—a turning point.
They weren't the only ones for dinner. Minato raised an eyebrow as his little sister was there as well. Kusano was delighted to see Shiina again.
The Ashikabi gave his brother-in-law a handshake while Shiina grinned.
"Hello, Yukari. Evening, Shiina. What are you doing here?" Miya giggled when the youngest Sahashi glowered at her.
"I called her. I think you need to talk with your sister about the youngest sibling." Shiina sighed when he heard that.
Old fire is hard to snuff out. Minato shared a look with his Sekirei, who assumed what was going on. They heard what was going on from their husband. And how much more Ichika had on his plate.
"After dinner." Minato's tone left little room for argument. When it was over, the Asama couple let them talk.
"I just sent a mail back to Ichika. It looks like he's in even bigger trouble." Musubi crossed her arms while Tsukiumi sighed.
"Didn't Ichika learn enough from his training? I put him through rigorous exercises." Minato sighed when he heard that.
"He is. He is thanking both you and Musubi for that, Tsukiumi. If you hadn't given him such harsh training, he would be even further gone. Matsu, you found out more?" The Wisdom Sekirei wasn't smiling when the attention turned to her.
"Well, I haven't found large breaches in our personal backyard, but it's easy to forget when you think about our opponents. Minato, both Airis and Tatenashi aren't just your average schoolgirls." Minato leaned back and let her speak.
"Airis is a princess of Luxembourg, and Tabane makes her Infinite Stratos. Now, I doubt that she would have to do anything with her, but..."
"Don't put anything past her. We really pissed her off, and morals aren't a thing she had." Yukari shared a look with her brother. Their father was a mad genius but at least had some semblance of a conscience.
"What about Sarashiki?" Kazehana asked, barely concealing her fury.
"There are two of them, from what Ichika wrote. Tatenashi and Kanzashi. We had hoped we didn't have counterparts yet; Kanzashi is mine. While I doubt that she will cause major harm, she isn't after Ichika himself but more because his sister is interested in him. Yet, I'll continue. Tatenashi is the older one, and she's the heiress of the Sarashiki family. They're a pretty big covert operation family fighting another one, Phantom Task."
Matsu took a breath.
"Phantom Task isn't in line with us but with the Infinite Stratos. That links them to Ichika, and through him, it links to us, although we are more worried about what happens in the ISA." They nodded for her to continue.
"Because of the family of the Sarashiki, they have a vast amount of resources, and so, it was easy enough to have something for us."
Yukari took over from her sister-in-law.
"Matsu. Would they be able to harm you, girls?"
"Unlikely, Yukari. They might have found information about us, but we got MBI backing us. It wouldn't be too hard for your mother to arrange a meeting. They can either level the field or take it up. I doubt Takami would see the death of us because of that family." Minato rubbed his eyes.
"We can pull, but that would just mean it's us against them. If they know you girls have children."
Shiina gulped when he saw Minato that angry.
"Could Tatenashi really do something that horrible? Harming unborn babies." Minato relaxed and softly stroked Kusano's hair.
"Don't put it past them." Shifting his attention to his sister, Yukari found a determined look from Minato.
"Remember the plan and Higa, sis? He did the same." Yukari nodded slowly. The more links you had, the more it hurt: their mother, Miya, even Seo, and their friends.
"You are right, brother. What do you have in mind?"
Minato stood up and lifted Kusano off him.
"I am going to take a walk. I need to clear my head and organize what our next moves are."
Looking at his lovers and family, Minato's eyes were resolved.
"Our brother might come back, but we need to take precautions for if he does. Your safety comes first. That is something I had to accept."
With that, the Ashikabi of the North left the meeting. Musubi and Tsukiumi wanted to go after him but were stopped by Kazehana and Uzume. They shook their heads. They felt just the same, but Minato had to make up his mind.
Line break
A young man was also experiencing a change in his life. Ichika wasn't sure if working at the Maid Café was the best possible outcome, but it was preferable to the other proposals he had received.
The monkey suit really bothered him, but Ichika stood ready for the customers. His instincts told him to be prepared for something. The whole school was decorated, and he began to realize that the ISA wasn't that much different from a regular school.
His gaze shifted inside. The place was nicely decorated, and somewhere, Charlotte looked familiar in her outfit. Ichika guessed that she had worn those clothes before somewhere.
As Ichika guided the women in, he hoped that he could keep his sword around. Luckily, he was allowed to carry his Byakushiki. Naturally, the girls were drooling over him.
"Hey there, butler. Why don't you take me to my table?" Turning his head, he was greeted by Rin, who was wearing a short Chinese dress.
Ichika raised an eyebrow as he looked her over.
"Why are you wearing that?" The puffins on her head looked cute, but she had tied her hair up differently.
She blushed and turned away.
"Shut up. We're doing a Chinese café at Class 2." The back was open, and Ichika guessed it fitted her form tightly. He began to think about how some of the girls would look in that. Somewhere, he assumed that Kazehana might wear more accessible clothes.
"What's on your head?" Touching the puffins, she smiled at him.
"It's called a chignon." Ichika sighed when he looked her over.
"Well, either way, take me to my table already!" Minding his manners, he understood he couldn't throw a fuss.
"Sure, sure. Well then, milady, right this way, please." Ichika had been drilled to treat the guests just right, so he went with standard protocol. Inside, it was a mentality of make-do and mend. With some creativity and small stuff, you could make nice things.
At the table, he handed Rin the menu.
"What would you like to order?" Ichika asked his old friend. The green eyes went over the food.
"Well, let's see…" her eyes scanned the menu.
"What's this 'Treat For Your Butler' set?" Ichika cursed inwardly as he thought he had deleted that order. Now, he couldn't escape from it.
They were going to have words. And Miya's gift would do the talking.
"Very well." He said as he brought back a bunch of poki and a cool drink.
"Thanks for waiting, milady." Ichika sat down next to her, his eyes closed, silently thinking up every dirty word that Matsu and Kazehana taught him.
"Okay. Why are you sitting with me?" Rin looked away while he remained quiet. "Well, it's not like I mind it too much."
Ichika remained quiet until Rin asked the revealing question.
"What kind of set is this?"
"One I hoped to get rid of. You get to feed me." Ichika answered while his eyebrows twitched.
"Come again?" Oh good. She was reacting in the usual way. Ichika hated that this was something he had to expect.
"You get to feed your butler. Guess who the lucky guy is?" He wasn't giving Rin enough credit.
"What kind of set is that? A customer has to feed you sweets?"
Rin looked at the poki.
"I had hoped that I got rid of it." Ichika leaned his head on the table as he joined Rin.
"You don't have to do it if you don't want to." He added to her. Frankly, he couldn't care about it.
"I mean. It's already here and everything. So I might as well." She began to move her shoulders as if she was fidgeting.
"Take the chance to treat you." She has a nice idea.
"Say ah." She handed him one poki. His eyes remained shut while he quietly ate the poki. Rin has a nice idea.
"I fed you, so now it's your turn to." Blocking her attempt was Houki. Ichika guessed that she looked adorable like that. It was one modest thing, and it didn't show a lot of skin.
"Milady, I'm sorry, but I'm afraid that is not part of our services." Okay, Ichika was happy someone had common sense, only if they showed it more.
With that, Houki walked off. Rin looked away and took one herself. She devoured it, and they sat down in relative peace. After that, she walked out, and Ichika sat back. Maybe he could go back to the front.
But Ichika was interrupted by a woman approaching him. "Can I have a moment of your time?" An office worker greeted Ichika, who was clad in a black jacket and had her hair in the color of autumn leaves. Her red eyes shone gently at him, but there was a sharpness to them that made him cautious.
"Yes?" Ichika responded, guiding her to another seat. While she appeared friendly, something in his gut warned him to be wary.
"So you're Makigami Reiko?" Ichika chose to let her speak, but he couldn't help noticing her eyes. They were empty, almost hollow.
"Correct. Would you consider using our company's equipment on your Byakushiki?" She sat with her hands crossed, her demeanor professional yet pressing.
Ichika raised his hands in a placating gesture. "Well, it's not my choice to decide that. If you're serious about this proposal, I advise you to talk to my big sister."
Ignoring his suggestion, Reiko grabbed his hand, making Ichika gulp as she began to press. "Come on, don't be like that. What do you think about this additional armor or this auxiliary thruster?" She continued to hold his hand tightly, and Ichika pulled away.
"I told you, I'm not interested. I'm sorry, but I have to go." As he moved to leave, Reiko clicked her tongue and strained her hand in a final, futile attempt to keep him there.
He stood up and was greeted by Takatsuki, who gave him a reassuring smile, and the tension in his shoulders eased.
"I was just about to intervene, Orimura-kun. It looked like you handled that well," the Knight remarked, her tone relaxed.
"Thanks. So, what's up?" Ichika asked, trying to shift away from the earlier discomfort.
She checked her watch, and with a beaming smile, she delivered some excellent news. "You're off for a while. You can go out on your own now. Just be back on time."
Relieved, Ichika nodded, appreciating the break from his duties and the intense encounter. As he walked away, he mulled over the interaction with Reiko, wondering about her true intentions and the implications of her offer.
Now accessible for a while, Ichika decided to wander around the school on his own. He chose solitude, deliberately avoiding the bustling activity of the Music Club and other student groups. He wasn't in the mood to play along.
As he walked, his thoughts drifted to the night Jin had played that unforgettable song, a night Ichika wished could last forever. "We're Blood Brothers," the melody echoed in his mind.
Despite his intent to explore, he eventually found himself back at the café. He checked his phone and smiled upon seeing Minato's response; his reply could wait.
His brief moment of solitude was interrupted when he spotted Tatenashi standing in front of him, dressed in a maid outfit and exuding cheerful energy.
"Ta-da!" She flashed a flier at him, and Ichika sighed, his patience waning.
"Why are you wearing that?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Ichika, I want you to help us with the student council entertainment," Tatenashi closed the flier and narrowed her eyes, focusing intently on him. "An action-packed interactive play!"
Ichika crossed his arms, far from thrilled. "Did my sis give you the okay? You are not my boss." He knew well that Tatenashi's schemes often needed his sister Chifuyu's approval.
But Tatenashi wasn't deterred by rules. "Of course. Now, just come with me!" She hooked her arms around his and dragged him into the changing rooms.
"Just put this on and come to the stage?"
"What the heck is this? It's a prince's outfit. What did you plan?" Ichika examined the outfit skeptically as Tatenashi gave him a mischievous smile and handed him a crown.
"Oh my, Ichika-kun. Don't you trust me?" Ichika dropped the outfit.
"After everything you've pulled on me, no." Her red eyes glittered with mischief but also a hint of threat.
"Do what I say, or I'm going to cause some serious trouble for that manwhore you call your brother and his sluts." Ichika clenched his jaw but maintained his composure, understanding that as long as Tatenashi could threaten them, she held the upper hand.
Reluctantly, Ichika let Tatenashi have her way—for now. "How do you expect me to perform if I have never seen the script?"
Her laugh and nonchalant attitude did nothing to ease Ichika's concerns. "Don't worry about that!" she reassured him. This play is basically improvised anyway. We'll give you all the directions you need." Her eyes sparkled as she lifted the flier. You just do your thing, okay, Ichika."
With that, she walked off, leaving Ichika to his thoughts. She had overlooked one thing, however. He had to change back into his room to go to the whole café, where he had hidden something important.
"Very well. If we have to improvise." Ichika retrieved the katana he had hidden in the locker. Setting the sword down, he hoped that Miya was watching over him. Quickly, he changed into his outfit and placed the sword on his back.
His gut screamed warnings at him, making him wish his best friend was nearby.
Before leaving, he sent a message to Minato:
Watch over me today.
Fully dressed, Ichika walked out, ready to face whatever the school play demanded. "Now, let's get this started." The roof closed, obscuring the sun on what was one of the last sunny days. As the roof replaced the sky with stars, Ichika gulped, apprehensive about what was to come.
"Once upon a time, there was a girl named Cinderella." The spotlight focused on Ichika as he observed the unfolding scene with a nervous gulp. On stage, a girl sat scrubbing the floor intensely.
"No, it's no longer just a name." The telegraphic screen transitioned from the image of the girl cleaning to a dazzling shoe and then to a frantic fight scene.
"Those who gleefully brought down swarms of enemy soldiers across countless balls," the narrator continued, as the audience witnessed the girl delivering a powerful high kick. Ichika squinted, thinking he recognized someone in that depiction.
"That's not how I remember the story," Ichika muttered to himself. If these girls were Cinderella, then he must be cast as the prince—a role he had no desire to fill.
"The most powerful warriors of the world, those who revel in utter destruction." The images flashing on the screen did not make it any easier for the reluctant knight.
"The most appropriate title for these girls... That's Cinderella." On the screen, five Cinderellas appeared, each armed with swords and guns. Ichika had a sinking feeling about what was expected of him next.
"Girls dance around, targeting the confidential data," the narrator's voice boomed as an image of a crown appeared on the screen, suggesting it was perched atop their heads. "Hidden inside the Prince's crown."
As Cinderella was dramatically revealed on the screen, the entire school erupted in fangirl squealing. Ichika stepped back, overwhelmed, muttering, "Oh shit."
[Battle 5 – My Hero One's Justice 2 OST/Soundtrack]
"Once again, tonight, the night of the bloodthirsty Cinderellas begins," Ichika murmured, taking in his surroundings as the lights flared on, placing him center stage in a room filled with anticipation.
"I take a wild guess: Will it be Houki and the others?" Ichika mused aloud, scanning the room nervously. His intuition proved right as he found himself suddenly surrounded.
He cracked his knuckles and assumed a ready stance. From the upper level, Rin descended with a sword in hand. "Oh, fuck."
"That's mine!" she shouted, launching herself at Ichika with a ferocious leap. If not for his quick reflexes, pulling a sword from his back to block her, the attack would have landed. "Rin, what the devil are you doing?" he yelled, parrying her strikes.
"Give me that crown!" Rin demanded, her princess outfit starkly white against her fierce demeanor—clearly, white wasn't her color.
"Yeah, I'm not doing that!" Ichika retorted, thrusting Rin away. She retaliated by throwing a couple of kunai at him, which he deflected with ease.
As the skirmish escalated, Rin launched another set of kunai, causing Ichika to lose his footing momentarily. "Oh, I so have words for that fucking cat."
Rin's leg rose, and with a mighty swing, it came crashing down, making the floor beneath them crumble. "Aren't those made of glass?" Ichika exclaimed, catching his balance.
"Don't worry. They're made from tempered glass," Rin replied, catching her breath.
Ichika countered her next attack with Miya's sword, leading to a tense standoff. It didn't last long; spotting a laser pointer, Ichika began to dodge in unpredictable patterns, anticipating Cecilia's difficulty in targeting him.
"You wait!" Rin yelled after him, but Ichika was already on the move. He found himself cornered at the top of a staircase, a bullet grazing by. "An action-packed interactive play, huh? My ass."
Maneuvering to a balcony that was too high to jump from, Ichika realized he was trapped. From a tower, Cecilia aimed, losing sight of him momentarily but not forgetting his presence.
"I swear. I will win this no matter what!" she declared, locking on once again. The bullet lodged just above Ichika's head. Stuck, Ichika weighed his options. Jumping seemed impossible, but then...
"Ichika, this way!" Charlotte called from below donned another princess outfit. Was it the best option? Securing his sword, Ichika swung down from the balcony, jumping to safety.
Upon landing, he saw Charlotte holding up a shield, protecting them both from incoming fire.
"Thanks," Ichika acknowledged as she maintained the shield. "I'm sure they are right behind you. Go ahead and run!"
Ichika shook his head, standing firmly. "I'll stay here and help you out. In this fight, I wonder why you girls are after the crown?" he queried, puzzled by their intense focus on the seemingly trivial item.
Charlotte sighed, her gaze fixed on the crown. "Well, could you give it to me?" Ichika contemplated handing it over but hesitated.
Then, Tatenashi's voice pierced the air, making Ichika's pulse race. "For the prince, his country means everything. So if he ever loses his crown, which contains the confidential data..." Ichika reluctantly removed the crown, immediately feeling an electric shock.
"He gets electrically shocked by his own remorse!" Ichika recoiled from the shock, regaining his footing and turning towards the source of Tatenashi's voice.
"Tatenashi, I know you can hear me. You are one heinous bitch, and I'm going to ram my sword up your ass and turn you inside out, cunt."
Ignoring the insults, Tatenashi continued her tirade with a theatrical flourish. "Is this prince to his country that unwavering? But all we can do is watch over him. How agonizing!" Ichika gritted his teeth and clutched his sword. He contemplated destroying the crown, but he realized that Tatenashi had likely anticipated such a move.
From above, the situation escalated. "Got you now!" Rin and Cecilia appeared, their expressions set with lethal intent. They were not just playing a role; their actions suggested a real threat.
"Be a good boy, and hold still!" Cecilia taunted, her voice dripping with condescension as if he were merely a pet.
"We gotta move! Follow me!" Ichika shouted, grabbing Charlotte's hand. In his urgency, he didn't see the trap laid out for them. Both he and Charlotte tumbled down, and in his desperate attempt to protect her, Ichika lost grip on Miya's gift.
As they came to a stop, the last thing Ichika saw was the gift stuck above them. He couldn't afford to lose Miya's precious gift.
Charlotte sat up, shaking off the fall, and looked around, seemingly unharmed. "Ichika? Where are you?" she called out into the dimness.
Ichika, disoriented, wondered if he was still alive. "Dark. Where am I? Did I pass away? I can't breathe." His hands reached out in the darkness, searching for something—anything.
But he wasn't dead. He could hear Charlotte's pained moan nearby. His hand touched something unexpectedly soft and round. Confusion took over as he tried to identify the strange object.
"What the? It's soft. And round." A realization dawned on him just as a sliver of light broke through, illuminating Charlotte's flustered face.
"Ichika! I didn't realize you were there!" she exclaimed, quickly sitting up and hastily placing her hands behind her back as if to hide her embarrassment.
Ichika, still a bit dizzy, sat up and scratched his head, trying to piece together the situation. Just as they began to gather their bearings, the relative quiet was shattered by the sound of bullets zipping overhead again.
Charlotte and Ichika exchanged a glance, acknowledging the direness of their situation. "We're not out of this yet," Ichika muttered as they prepared to make another move, staying low and ready to dodge further attacks.
[19 Tekkin Battle – My Hero Academia 2nd OST 1]
"Crap. Gotta run." Ichika bolted up the stairs, leaving Charlotte below as the urgency of the situation demanded swift action. His heart sank as he realized he was without his sword, especially when he encountered his next adversary. Laura stood at the landing, brandishing two knives with a menacing readiness.
"Out of the frying pan, into the fire," Ichika muttered under his breath.
"I have been waiting for you," Laura announced, her knives gleaming as she poised herself for the attack.
"Your crown is mine!" With those words, she lunged at Ichika, who managed to dodge her initial onslaught with relative ease. Laura's technique was reckless, expending too much energy in broad, sweeping moves. However, she managed to slice through the sleeve of his shirt, grazing his skin.
"You want me dead?" she taunted, aiming a knife directly at him while smirking menacingly.
"You're my bride, so give it up already!" The absurdity of her statement under such circumstances almost caught Ichika off guard. Before he could respond, another voice cut through the tension, but it wasn't Tatenashi's.
"It looks like our Prince has found himself a new Princess chasing him," the voice echoed mockingly through the speakers. Suddenly, a cannon aimed in their direction and fired.
Despite the danger Laura posed, Ichika couldn't leave her to face the cannon fire alone. "We are leaving!" he declared, grabbing Laura and sprinting towards a conveniently placed zip line. They descended rapidly, Laura's cheeks flushed with a mix of adrenaline and embarrassment.
Landing safely, Ichika barely caught his breath before saluting her quickly. "Well, I am not waiting around. Cya." He darted away, ducking and weaving with instincts honed from rigorous training. That's when he sensed Houki before even hearing her voice.
"Ichika, this way!" she called, standing by a ladder that led upwards. "Use this to climb to safety!"
With no time to hesitate, Ichika followed, though the position placed him directly below Houki on the ladder—an awkward spot he hadn't anticipated. "Ichika, don't you dare look up!"
"Like I would even think about that! We can have this discussion when we are not climbing a ladder!" he retorted, focusing on the climb rather than the compromising view.
At the top, his frustration with the situation grew. "I swear, when I see that cat, I have words for her!" Houki, regaining her composure, turned to him with a request.
"Could you give me your crown?" Her tone was severe, but Ichika's disdain for the metal piece was palpable.
"It's not going to be easy like that!" No sooner had he spoken than Kanzashi, having caught wind of their plan, pressed another button. A door swung open abruptly, unleashing a giant boulder that thundered down towards them.
Ichika's disdain for Tatenashi surged as he braced for another mad dash. 4I really don't like Tatenashi,'
He thought, calculating his next move in this relentless and chaotic game.
[Boku No Hero Academia OST Villain Invasion]
Grabbing Houki by the hand, Ichika made a decisive move. "We need to get out of here!" As the boulder thundered closer, he spotted an opening in the wall. With no time to spare, he shoved Houki through the gap, following closely behind.
"That was way too close!" Houki exclaimed, her cheeks flushed as she surveyed their cramped hiding spot. Despite the danger, Ichika couldn't help but notice she looked rather cute in the dim light.
"Can you let me go?" she asked, a hint of embarrassment in her voice.
"Sure." Ichika released her hand just as another challenge sprung up.
"That crown is mine!" Laura's voice echoed as she leaped towards them with a knife drawn, her eyes fiercely set on Ichika. He was relieved to see Houki step forward to intercept her, engaging with the soldier.
"What do you think you're doing?" Ichika challenged Laura.
"Stay out of my way, Laura!" Houki retorted sharply.
"That's what I should be telling you!" Laura snapped back, her frustration evident.
Before their altercation could escalate, a haughty laugh cut through the tension, drawing Ichika's gaze upward. "It appears that the commoners are fighting while the royalty is flourishing," sneered Airis, accompanied by Djbril.
"It can never be quiet," Ichika muttered under his breath. Unlike the others, Djbril wore an outfit that awkwardly highlighted her figure, clearly not designed for agility or combat. Airis maintained her usual regal demeanor, her expression unamused.
With a simple command from Airis, Djbril aimed at Ichika. He dodged just in time, the bullet piercing the wall and creating an opening that other students used to flood into the area.
"Just my damned luck," Ichika groaned as chaos ensued. Airis looked on, seemingly entertained by the turmoil. "It appears that many others have now joined in!"
Seeing no advantage in staying, Ichika turned on his heel and dashed away, not caring where he went as long as it led him away from the confrontation. He was so focused on escaping that he barely noticed the surroundings until a trapdoor suddenly opened beneath him, and he tumbled down.
Landing roughly, Ichika thought a thank you might be needed for this unexpected rescue. "They won't find you here," a familiar voice assured him.
His instincts immediately sharpened as he tried to place the voice, his eyes adjusting to the dim light. There, in the shadows, stood the woman who had helped him. His wariness didn't fade.
Something about her tone suggested that this encounter was far from a mere act of goodwill.
"Wait a second? Makigami, what are you doing here?" Ichika crawled up, slowly backing away as his heart pounded like a steel drum. He felt trapped in a dangerous corner.
"I thought I would use the opportunity to steal your Byakushiki," Makigami declared with a sinister tone. Ichika's response was immediate and defensive.
"Byakushiki!" Before Reiko could react, Ichika activated his unit and slammed his fist into her gut. Her face twisted from prettiness to insanity. "I was hoping you would do that!" she hissed. Suddenly, eight mechanical legs sprouted from her back—a spider Infinite Stratos? Ichika wasn't about to back down.
"Don't let me keep you waiting!" Before she could engage, Ichika struck first, delivering a powerful blow that threw her off balance. He wished they weren't confined to such a small room—a shotgun would have been helpful here.
As Reiko, now calling herself Autumn, scrambled to recover, she underestimated Ichika's readiness to fight back. Throwing her against the wall, he noted her Infinite Stratos's design was grotesque, spider-like, and menacing. Contrary to her expectations of scaring him, Ichika relied on his training with Miya to counter her attacks. Each of Autumn's strikes was met with a swift block or counterattack from Ichika.
When Autumn extended an arm, Ichika dodged and used the momentum to destroy one of her mechanical legs. As she lunged forward in fury, Ichika lifted her over his shoulder, demonstrating that even the force of an Infinite Stratos couldn't match a Sekirei's strength.
After flipping her onto the ground, Ichika drove his sword into her back, then sent her flying with a crushing blow from his left fist. As she collapsed, he saw the familiar crazed look in her eyes.
"Why, you brat!" Autumn snarled, deploying an assault rifle. Ichika quickly redirected the gun upwards; bullets sprayed harmlessly into the air as he stabbed her with his sword and kicked her aside.
He could have used some backup. Just then, a familiar voice came through. [Ichika, do you copy?]
"Matsu, am I happy to hear you!" Ichika replied, dodging another barrage from Autumn.
"Who are you talking to, little brat?" Autumn growled, baffled and angry.
"Don't mind me. Matsu, how did you?" Ichika began, trying to keep his focus.
[I had your machine at my spot for the summer. Ichika, you're doing fine. What would you need from your cyber guardian angel?]
"First. Pin my location to Orimura-sensei. Second, tell me what Infinite Stratos I am fighting?" Ichika asked while nimbly avoiding bullets.
"Third. Is Minato around?" he added, hoping for more support.
[I hear you, Ichika. Sit tight. We can help you out] came Minato's reassuring voice.
"I'll be doing the fighting. Matsu, my teacher now," Ichika said confidently as he prepared for another strike, fueled by the guidance and support from his allies. The Wisdom Sekirei was already busily tapping away, coordinating her next moves.
Maya and Chifuyu stared in disbelief at the feed streaming through. "What is going on? I could foresee an attack, but who is sending this, Maya?" Chifuyu demanded, her eyes widening as she watched Ichika fend off his assailant with deft blocks and powerful kicks.
"I don't know. This just came up," Maya replied, swallowing hard.
[This is Matsu. Orimura Chifuyu, worry about your more prominent threats.] Matsu's voice came through crisply, redirecting Chifuyu's attention back to the broader situation even as the feed shifted focus back to Ichika, who managed a smile upon hearing Matsu again.
[Done. Ichika, what's next?] Matsu prompted.
"Matsu, what kind of Infinite Stratos am I facing?" Ichika asked while parrying and slashing at his opponent.
[You expect me to know.] Matsu's tone was playful and teasing.
"Well… Smartest being alive," Ichika quipped, a slight grin on his face despite the intensity of the battle.
It didn't take long for Matsu to respond. [You are fighting Arachne. Stupid name. It's a Second Gen from Uncle Sam. The motif is spiders, though I don't need to tell you that.]
Propelled by his thrusters, Ichika dodged another vicious strike, then counterattacked from above, slamming into his adversary. "Okay, what do I need to know?"
[It's easy enough to see that she has several weapons. Please don't give her an inch to use others. In CQB, you got her beat.] Matsu's advice bolstered Ichika's confidence.
"I trust you, Matsu. Tell me what to do," Ichika said, ready to follow her guidance implicitly.
[I am here for you.] As Matsu encouraged him, Ichika engaged Autumn again, his sword clashing against the mechanical legs, and with a precise kick, he sent her sprawling.
[Follow her!] Ichika pursued relentlessly, catching Autumn off guard as she struggled to articulate her shock. "Who are you? How can you?" Before she could finish, Ichika silenced her with a punch.
Matsu's voice came through just in time. [Fall back.] Dodging a net that sprung towards him, Ichika relaxed slightly, following her commands seamlessly.
"What the hell is my sister doing?" Ichika murmured, just as Chifuyu's voice commanded over the intercom, rallying the students.
"An unknown IS has been detected in the locker room, currently fighting Byakushiki. Orimura is holding his ground. All students with a Personal IS are to deploy and stand by!"
Chifuyu barked out the orders, then explicitly directed, "Alcott and Huang, you two are on patrol for invaders! Airis, Emulail, take the other side. Shinonono, Dunois, and Bodewig are to support Orimura! Go to the locker room!"
Ichika was relieved to hear reinforcements were on the way, but he knew support would take time to arrive. He couldn't afford to wait passively. "Matsu, any tips? I can't seem to put a dent in her."
"Use your Ignition Boost and ram her out of the room!" Matsu's suggestion sparked immediate action. Using his extra speed, Ichika propelled Autumn up through the roof with formidable force. "You freaking little brat!" she cursed, but Ichika, undeterred, slammed her out of the locker room with one brutal punch, watching her fly away into the open.
"Well, it looks like I can't be the sweeping heroine saving the prince," a familiar voice commented wryly. Ichika turned to see Tatenashi Sarashiki, her IS unit deployed and ready. Instead of responding, Ichika merely glared at her.
"I do admit, I am impressed. I wasn't sure how you would handle yourself." Ichika's response was nonverbal but straightforward—a defiant middle finger.
His glare lingered, signaling that this was far from over. With a determined grunt, he flew after Autumn. As he exited, the onlookers saw how Ichika aggressively pursued the unit, now rammed into the ground. Only seconds later, Ichika emerged, his fury unmistakable.
"Matsu, I'm taking a detour. One second," he called out, barely waiting for a response before he darted back to retrieve his sword, still lodged in the ground.
"Lost her sword. Good, you found... " Matsu's voice trailed off as she inhaled sharply. "Ichika, you've got incoming. One more enemy!" she exclaimed.
"What? Which one?" Ichika tensed, scanning his surroundings.
"The Silent Zephyrs. Based on the Blue Tears of Alcott, it's even more advanced than her unit," Matsu explained quickly.
"It's not close to you. Currently, it's engaging Huang and Alcott. It's late to the party," she added, focusing Ichika on his immediate threat.
Ichika's attention returned to Autumn just as she felt the impact of his two swords colliding with her body. Outside, everyone could see Ichika dismantling the machine with ruthless precision.
"He's vicious. He must be working out a system," Matsu observed from behind her screen, noting Ichika's intense focus.
Before he could continue his assault, a bullet of energy whizzed by; turning, Ichika saw another unit with a familiar black-haired pilot. "Madoka?" he wondered aloud, recognizing the newcomer.
"I came to fetch you, Autumn," Madoka announced clearly over the comms.
"I demand you address me with respect," Ichika retorted, his gaze fixed on Madoka, his demeanor unyielding.
"Matsu, orders?" Ichika asked, ready for further instruction.
"Don't go after her. Her unit can tear yours to pieces. Don't let Autumn leave. Focus on her!" Matsu instructed firmly.
As the AIC surrounded Autumn, they were frustratingly late. "I won't let you get away!" Ichika declared though he felt a surge of rage—not just at the attackers, but at the delayed response from his supposed allies. Madoka used this moment to cut through the AIC and provide cover for Autumn, making a swift escape.
"Let it happen, Ichika! I don't know much about the machine," Matsu cautioned as the situation escalated.
Just then, Ichika noticed Autumn detaching something crucial from her unit. "That thing is going to self-destruct! Get them out!" Matsu warned urgently.
Driven by instinct more than thought, Ichika shouted, "Get out! That thing is going to—!" His warning was cut short by a massive explosion. As the smoke cleared, he saw that Tatenashi had shielded them from the blast, her smile brilliant in the chaos.
"Well, it looks like it was a good thing I came around to save those girls and you, Ichika," Tatenashi remarked lightly.
Ichika's response was visceral and immediate. His fist connected with her nose before she could react, his anger boiling over.
"If you hadn't put me in that freaking play of yours, I wouldn't be in this situation to begin with! You've pushed too many buttons, and you didn't back off!" His knee drove into her stomach as she coughed up blood, his fury uncontained.
"That's it! I am done with this school!" His declaration echoed, a definitive end to his tolerance. Minato exchanged a look with Matsu, both understanding the gravity of Ichika's statement. This was indeed the straw that broke the camel's back.
I have only one free weekend, or a normal one, until my dad comes back home. I have a fleeting suspicion that I will be busy in the next few ones. There is a good chance that I will only start picking this up in June or July. But it's what it is.
I have my hobbies, and I have spent four months cooped up.
Saluut.