AN: Really not trying to make this a monthly fic, but this chapter was a bit hard to pull together. Plus I finally got around to making a new playthrough of Elden Ring for the DLC...
The dim light of the streetlamps flickered above them, casting long shadows across the deserted street. The recent battle seemed so trivial now, compared to the incredulous rage present on Momo's face. Reiji almost wished he and Amebane were still fighting; at least then he wouldn't find himself almost scared of his typically cheerful coworker.
Momo's eyes, usually bright with enthusiasm and curiosity, now blazed with a mixture of disbelief and fury. Her hands were clenched into fists at her sides, her knuckles white as she tried to make sense of the insanity she had just witnessed. Reiji could see her chest rising and falling with every deep, angry breath she took. The sight was almost enough to make him flinch. This wasn't the Momo he knew—the one who always had a smile on her face, who greeted him every day at work with a cheerful wave, and who had been a beacon of normalcy in his otherwise chaotic life.
He sighed, desperately wanting a smoke, but held himself back. The Cat's Eye Café he took Uzume and Akitsu to had been fantastic, but he knew his wallet would be hurting for a while yet. He'd have to conserve his smokes for the time being, or choose between soothing his cravings or getting food for himself and Akitsu—and he supposed he'd have to include Amebane in that list as well, cause there was no way in hell Reiji could expect Amebane to be capable of holding a job.
Reiji rubbed a hand over his face, the reality of his situation pressing down on him like a heavy weight. He leaned back against one of the storefronts, thankfully closed at this hour, and looked at the others. Uzume stood next to Akitsu, looking serious, and keeping a careful eye on Amebane; it seemed that despite her earlier words, she wasn't stupid enough to assume Amebane would be their friend right after the winging. There was a tension in Uzume's posture, an alertness that Reiji hadn't seen in her before. It was as if she was ready to spring into action at a moment's notice, should Amebane try anything.
Akitsu had her eyes on Reiji, meeting his gaze with her normal impassive expression, but she gave him a small nod, a silent reassurance that she was by his side no matter what. Her presence was a strange comfort to Reiji—her quiet loyalty, her steadfastness. But even that comfort was tinged with a hint of sadness, knowing that Akitsu could never be truly his in the way that a Sekirei should be bonded to their Ashikabi. Their connection was real, but incomplete, a constant reminder of the limitations placed on them by forces outside their control.
Amebane, newly winged and already bristling with irritation, lounged against a nearby tree, his eyes narrowed in contempt as he observed the scene. There was a predatory gleam in Amebane's gaze, a reminder that this Sekirei was not like the others. He was cold, calculating, and every bit as dangerous as Reiji had feared. The bond between them was fresh, but already strained by mutual distrust. Reiji could feel it—a knot of unease in his gut whenever Amebane was near.
Reiji knew he couldn't delay the conversation any longer. The longer he let Momo stew in her emotions, the worse this was going to get. He pushed off the wall and turned to meet Momo's gaze. Her eyes bored into him, demanding answers, and he couldn't blame her. She had every right to be furious, confused, and scared.
"Alright, Momo. Just...listen, alright?" Reiji began, his voice steady but carrying the weight of everything he was about to unload on her. "I can explain everything, but you might not believe it."
Momo's eyes flared, and she took a step closer, her frustration boiling over. "I saw everything, Reiji!" she shouted, her voice cracking with the intensity of her emotions. "What the hell are they?! They—they're not human, are they?!"
Reiji felt a pang in his chest at the fear and confusion in her voice. This was exactly what he had wanted to avoid—dragging someone like Momo, who had nothing to do with the Sekirei Plan, into this mess. But there was no avoiding it now. The truth was out, and it was ugly.
"...No, they're not," Reiji admitted, his voice softer now, almost resigned.
"And...are you...?" Momo began, her voice trembling slightly as she hesitated to finish the question. She looked at him with a mixture of dread and desperate hope, as if she needed him to confirm that at least one thing in her world hadn't changed.
"I'm human," Reiji told her firmly, his tone leaving no room for doubt. "I'm still the same guy you've worked with every day. But these three—" He gestured to Uzume, Akitsu, and Amebane, "—they're different. They're called Sekirei."
Momo blinked, trying to process the unfamiliar word. "Sekirei...?"
"Yeah," Reiji continued, running a hand through his hair in frustration. "They're not human, Momo. They're something else—people with powers forced to fight in some battle royale called the Sekirei Plan. It's run by MBI, the same corporation that controls half the city. The Sekirei are supposed to bond with people like me—Ashikabi—to gain power and fight each other until there's only one left."
Momo looked at Amebane, who smirked at her obvious discomfort. "So...when you kissed him..."
"That's the bonding process." Uzume explained. "Ashikabi and Sekirei must share their DNA with each other in order to bond."
"Is that why you kissed me?! You were trying to-to 'bond' with me?!" Momo shouted at Amebane.
The Fist-Type Sekirei shrugged. "An expert told me bonding with someone you react to will give you a better boost to your power. Though if I knew who I really reacted to, I would've just gone for Yoshino..." He said, with a sneer directed at Reiji.
Momo's fear morphed into rage at the mention of her friend. "Leave Yoshino out of this!" she shrieked, her voice cracking with emotion.
Amebane's expression didn't change, his gaze cold and unfeeling. "Tch, you don't have to worry. She's useless to me now anyway."
"You're not making this easy, Amebane." Uzume growled
Amebane grinned at Uzume's growl, his eyes flashing with a dangerous mix of arrogance and hostility. "Keep quiet, bitch," he spat, his voice laced with venom as he turned his gaze to Uzume. "You're not winged yet, are you? That means you're fair game, far as I'm concerned. If we fought—"
Before Amebane could finish his sentence, Reiji stepped forward, his presence suddenly towering over the Fist-Type Sekirei. The usually composed Reiji had reached his limit, and his voice was low, deadly, as he cut Amebane off. "You try to start anything with Uzume, I will make damn sure you lose this Game."
The words hung heavy in the air, and for a moment, the street was dead silent. Reiji's eyes bore into Amebane's with a cold, unyielding intensity that made even the arrogant Sekirei hesitate. This wasn't just a warning—it was a promise.
Reiji didn't stop there. He stepped even closer, his voice now a harsh whisper, filled with all the frustration and anger that had been building up since the moment Amebane had forced himself into their lives. "I don't give a solitary fuck if you're my Sekirei; far as I'm concerned, I winged you as a goddamn charity case. Got it?"
Amebane's grin faltered, the fire in his eyes flickering as he took in Reiji's words. For the first time since they had crossed paths, Amebane seemed to realize that Reiji wasn't someone who would be easily pushed around. The sneer on his face slowly faded, replaced by a tight-lipped frown as he weighed his options. He wasn't used to being talked down to like this, especially not by a Human, but something in Reiji's tone—something raw and unyielding—made him pause.
Uzume, who had been watching the exchange with a tense readiness, relaxed slightly at Reiji's intervention. She knew Amebane was a loose cannon, and the last thing they needed was for him to cause more trouble. But Reiji's firm stance had put the aggressive Sekirei in his place, at least for now.
Amebane finally backed down, his gaze dropping from Reiji's. He muttered something under his breath, too low for anyone to hear, before turning away and shoving his hands into his pockets. The defiance in his posture was still there, but it was tempered now, subdued by the realization that Reiji wasn't going to tolerate his bullshit.
Akitsu, who had been silent through the entire exchange, gave Reiji a small nod of approval, her usual stoic expression unchanged. But there was a slight glint in her eyes that spoke of her respect for how Reiji had handled the situation.
Reiji took a deep breath. "Momo, I know this is a lot to take in. And I won't blame you if you want to walk away from all this. But I need you to know that whatever happens, I'll protect you. I won't let you get dragged into this any more than you already have."
Momo's eyes welled with unshed tears, her emotions clearly in turmoil. "I...I don't know if I can handle this, Reiji. It's too much. But..." She glanced at Amebane again, her expression hardening. "But I won't pretend I didn't see anything either. Just...just tell me what I need to do to stay safe."
Before Reiji could respond, the unmistakable sound of helicopter blades slicing through the air drew everyone's attention upward. The helicopter descended rapidly, hovering above the group with a mechanical precision that was almost unnerving. The side door slid open with a hiss, and two figures leaped out, one holding the other, as the helicopter veered off and disappeared into the night sky.
The first figure landed with a soft thud, her pink hair catching the light from the streetlamps. She was dressed in a black kimono, her toned physique evident even in the loose folds of her clothing. She gently set down the man she had been carrying—a tall, handsome figure in a sleek suit with brown hair. He adjusted his tie with a practiced ease, completely unfazed by the drop or the situation at hand. In contrast, the pink-haired woman's cheeks were flushed a deep red, the close contact clearly having flustered her.
The man took a step forward, his expression calm and composed. "Matsumoto-san? I'm with MBI," he introduced himself smoothly, his voice carrying a professional authority. "Ashikabi of the Disciplinary Squad, Natsuo Ichinomi. And this here is Sekirei #105, Benitsubasa."
Benitsubasa, the pink-haired woman, cast a glance at Reiji, her expression shifting from embarrassment to one of unimpressed disdain. "This is the guy who got the Discarded Number? He doesn't seem like much..." she remarked, her tone dismissive.
Reiji felt a flash of irritation at her rudeness, but he kept his expression neutral. He was already on edge from everything that had happened, and the last thing he needed was to get into a confrontation with the Disciplinary Squad. Still, the casual disrespect stung, especially coming from someone who had no idea what he'd been through.
Momo, who had been on the verge of tears moments ago, now stared at the newcomers with a mixture of awe and apprehension. The sudden appearance of MBI's enforcers only deepened the sense of unreality that had been steadily growing since the night began.
Natsuo, noticing the tension, smiled slightly, though the expression didn't quite reach his eyes. "Now, now, Benitsubasa, let's not be too hasty in our judgments. Matsumoto-san here has managed to survive quite a bit already, and that's no small feat." He turned his attention back to Reiji, his gaze assessing. "You've been through quite the ordeal tonight, haven't you?"
Reiji nodded slowly, still unsure of how to respond. "Yeah... you could say that," he replied, keeping his voice steady.
Natsuo's smile widened just a fraction, a hint of amusement flickering in his eyes. "Well, let's make things easier on you, then." He produced a small stack of papers from inside his suit jacket and held them out to Momo. "Non-Disclosure Agreement. Sign it, and you're free to go. This will ensure that anything you've seen or heard tonight stays confidential. Breaking the agreement, of course, would have consequences, but I'm sure you understand the importance of keeping this little secret."
Momo took the papers with trembling hands, her eyes scanning the dense legal text. The weight of the situation pressed down on her, and the reality of what she was about to sign began to sink in. She hesitated, biting her lip, as she considered the implications of what the document represented.
As she did, Reiji furrowed his brows, his mind flashing back to his earlier encounter with Minaka. Something about this didn't sit right with him. "An NDA? Minaka told me—"
"Ah yes, I heard about that," Natsuo interjected smoothly, cutting Reiji off with a knowing smile. "Solitary confinement for six months if you didn't play ball, yes?" He chuckled lightly, as if the idea were a quaint joke rather than a serious threat. "How silly, not to mention illegal! Why lock someone up when you can just make them sign an NDA and sue them into oblivion if they break it?"
Reiji felt a flicker of irritation at Natsuo's casual dismissal of Minaka's earlier threat. The ease with which Natsuo handled the situation, as though it were all just a game, only added to his unease. It was clear that MBI had ways of controlling people that were far more subtle—and perhaps even more effective—than brute force.
Momo, still clutching the papers, looked up at Natsuo with wide, uncertain eyes. "I just need to sign it and not say anything, right? Then I'm free to go?" she asked hesitantly, her voice barely above a whisper. The thought of being bound by this agreement, of carrying the weight of these secrets, made her feel small and vulnerable.
"Exactly," Natsuo replied, his tone gentle but firm, as though he were reassuring a nervous child. "Keep quiet about what you've learned today, and MBI won't bother you at all." His smile widened again, as if to emphasize how simple and straightforward the arrangement was.
Looking at Reiji for assurance, Momo signs her name on the dotted line of the NDA.
When she finished, she handed the papers back to Natsuo, who accepted them with a nod of approval. "Thank you, Kirayama-san. I appreciate your cooperation," he said, slipping the signed NDA back into his jacket. His tone was smooth, almost soothing, as if he genuinely believed he was doing her a favor.
Momo swallowed hard, trying to push down the lump in her throat. "So... that's it? I can go now?"
Natsuo nodded. "That's it. You're free to go. Just remember—keep everything you've seen and heard tonight to yourself, and there won't be any problems."
"Right. I promise, I won't tell anyone," Momo assured him quickly, her voice tight as she glanced once more at the Sekirei gathered around. Her eyes lingered on Reiji, a mix of confusion, fear, and hurt in her gaze. Then, almost as if the weight of it all was too much to bear, she turned sharply away. "I... I'll be off, then."
"I'll walk you to the station—" Reiji began, instinctively reaching out to her.
"No!" Momo shouted, her voice cutting through the air as she kept her back turned to him. "I mean... I can do it myself. Thanks." Her words came out clipped, barely masking the turmoil underneath. Without giving him another chance to respond, she hurried off, her footsteps echoing against the pavement as she quickly disappeared from the sight of the Ashikabi and their Sekirei.
Reiji stood frozen, his outstretched hand slowly lowering to his side as Momo's form faded into the darkness. Gritting his teeth, he reached into his pocket and pulled out his pack of cigarettes, the need for a smoke suddenly overwhelming. His fingers trembled slightly as he fished one out, fumbling with the lighter.
Before he could get it lit, a flame appeared in his peripheral vision. Reiji looked up to see Natsuo holding a lighter out to him, the small flame dancing steadily in the night air. Grunting in thanks, Reiji leaned forward and lit his cigarette on the offered flame, taking a deep drag as the nicotine began to work its way through his system.
"There are very good reasons for leaving normal people out of the Sekirei game, Matsumoto-san," Natsuo said calmly, slipping the lighter back into his pocket. His tone was gentle, almost instructive, as if he were explaining something mundane rather than discussing matters of life and death. "There are many people interested in hearing what Kirayama-san would have to say... and many of them are willing to do whatever it takes to get those answers."
Reiji exhaled a stream of smoke, his jaw tightening as he processed Natsuo's words. The idea of Momo being targeted, dragged into this nightmare even further, made his blood boil. "Then why the fuck did you just let her run off like that?!" Reiji yelled around his cigarette, the anger bubbling to the surface. "If someone goes for her—"
"Then they'll die," Natsuo interrupted cheerfully, his smile widening as if he were discussing the weather rather than human lives. "MBI will have eyes on her now, and we happen to have quite the skilled agent in Shinto Teito who excels in jobs like this. So long as Kirayama-san sticks to the NDA, she will be protected."
The casual way in which Natsuo spoke only served to aggravate Reiji further. He clenched his fists, trying to suppress the surge of anger that threatened to overtake him. The thought of Momo being under constant surveillance, her life now tethered to the whims of MBI, left a bitter taste in his mouth. But there was little he could do about it now, and he knew it.
"So, you're telling me she's safe as long as she keeps her mouth shut?" Reiji asked, his voice low and rough, as he took another drag of his cigarette.
Natsuo nodded, still smiling. "Precisely. MBI takes care of its own, and that includes anyone who might be a risk to the game. Consider it... insurance." His eyes gleamed with a hint of something darker, a reminder that beneath the polished exterior, there was a cold, calculating mind at work.
Reiji blew out another cloud of smoke, his gaze hardening as he looked at Natsuo. "I don't like it," he muttered, more to himself than to anyone else. But what choice did he have? He was playing a game he didn't want to be part of, with rules he barely understood. All he could do now was try to survive, and keep those he cared about safe in the process.
Natsuo chuckled softly, the sound almost sympathetic. "You're not the first Ashikabi to feel that way, Matsumoto-san, and you won't be the last. But trust me, things will get much easier once you accept how the game is played." He nodded politely, his demeanor never wavering. "Farewell, Matsumoto-san. Ah, also..." He paused, his eyes drifting toward Uzume, who instinctively took a step back. "Farewell to you as well, #10. Don't give us a reason to go after you, alright?" His words were light, almost playful, but the threat underneath was unmistakable.
Uzume's face tightened, but she said nothing, holding Natsuo's gaze without flinching. Natsuo just smiled, and turned to leave, walking down the street. Benitsubasa shot them all with a withering glare before turning on her heel and following her Ashikabi.
With the Disciplinary Squad gone, Reiji allowed himself a moment to relax, leaning against the wall again, eyes closed. He took another drag from his cigarette, the quiet night air finally settling around them, though the tension still lingered like a bad taste in the back of his throat.
"Reiji-sama..." Akitsu's voice was soft, breaking the silence. Her calm, unwavering presence had been a source of comfort throughout the ordeal, but even she seemed concerned. "Are you alright?"
Reiji took a beat before responding, tapping the ash off the end of his cigarette with a casual flick of his thumb. "Nope," he answered simply, the word carrying a weight he didn't bother to disguise. "But I'm used to it."
He turned his gaze to Uzume, his eyes narrowing slightly as he recalled the odd exchange with Natsuo. "What was with that guy back there, near the end? Why'd he single you out like that?"
Uzume hesitated, a flicker of discomfort passing across her normally confident face. For a moment, she didn't meet his gaze, as though weighing what to say next. Finally, she sighed, a hint of apology creeping into her voice. "...It's a long story," she said quietly, her usual teasing tone absent. "And it's not fully mine to tell. All I can say is I did something MBI didn't like, in order to help a friend, so my departure was a bit... tense."
"What do you mean by 'tense'?" Reiji asked.
Uzume winced, clearly not wanting to dive too deeply into the subject. "Let's just say I burned a few bridges when I left MBI. Some people aren't too happy about it, especially those close to Minaka." She gave a humorless chuckle. "Natsuo was just reminding me that they're still watching. That's all."
Akitsu shifted slightly, sensing the unease in the air but remaining silent. Her loyalty to Reiji was unwavering, and she trusted his decisions, but she couldn't shake the feeling that there was something deeper brewing beneath the surface.
Reiji took a slow drag from his cigarette, letting the silence linger between them for a moment. He didn't like how vague Uzume was being, but he trusted her enough not to push her for more details—at least not yet. She had her reasons for staying quiet, and right now, he had enough problems on his plate. He needed allies, not more conflict.
"Alright," he finally said, exhaling a stream of smoke. "You don't have to tell me everything. Just know, if MBI comes after you, they'll have to go through me first."
Uzume smiled at that, though there was a sadness behind her eyes. "Thanks, Reiji. But I don't plan on giving them any reason to come after me... or you."
Reiji crushed his cigarette under his heel, feeling the exhaustion of the night settling into his bones. It had been a long, chaotic ordeal, and even though the immediate danger had passed, he knew there were more challenges waiting just around the corner.
"Let's get moving," he muttered, turning to the others. "We still have a lot to figure out."
"About time." Amebane said, seemingly over Reiji talking down to him earlier. "I'm starving; what've you got to eat?"
Reiji groaned.
Minato walked through the quiet streets on his way back to Izumo Inn, the weight of an early day hanging over him. The construction site had been bustling with activity earlier, but the foreman had unexpectedly sent everyone home a couple of hours before their normal ending time. Something to do with the Botanical Gardens, though the foreman didn't have many more details than that. Minato hadn't thought much of it at the time, but now, as he made his way through the evening air, he found his thoughts drifting to Seo.
It was strange. Seo had always been a friendly, if eccentric, presence on the job. He was the type of guy who could make even the toughest day at the construction site a bit lighter with his carefree attitude and lazy grin. But he had been a no-show today, and the foreman had been grumbling that Seo just called him, said he quit, and that was that. Seo might have been a bit of a slacker, but he had been a familiar face. Someone Minato had come to rely on in a way.
'I wonder what happened to him...' Minato thought briefly, the worry settling in his gut before he shook it off. Seo was probably fine, knowing him. Maybe he had found a better job, and wanted to get into it quickly. It wouldn't be the most surprising thing, considering Seo's personality.
As the inn came into view, Minato sighed, glad to be home early. The day had been shorter than expected, but tiring all the same. Pushing open the gate, he stepped into the inn's yard, feeling the familiar sense of peace wash over him. Izumo Inn had become more than just a place to stay—it was home now, even with the ever-present chaos brought by his Sekirei.
He climbed the stairs to his room, the familiar creak of the wooden floorboards under his feet. As he entered, Minato immediately noticed his phone sitting on the bed where he had left it earlier that morning.
'I left it here all day,' he realized with a frown. 'I should probably check if I got any calls or messages...'
But before he could reach for the phone, a cheerful voice called out behind him. "Minato!"
Turning, he saw Musubi, her ever-enthusiastic smile beaming as she approached, closely followed by Kaho, who wore a much more reserved expression but still seemed happy to see him.
"Welcome home, Minato-sama!" Musubi chirped, bouncing on her feet. "How was work today?"
Kaho offered a nod, standing beside her fellow Sekirei. "Yes, Minato-sama, you're back earlier than usual. Was something wrong?"
Minato smiled at their concern, momentarily forgetting about the phone. "Nothing was wrong, just... something happened near the Botanical Gardens. The workers were all sent home early."
"Botanical Gardens?" Musubi echoed, tilting her head in curiosity. "That sounds like a beautiful place. Is something special going on there?"
"I'm not sure," Minato admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. "The foreman didn't say much, just that we had to leave. It's probably nothing to worry about."
Kaho nodded thoughtfully. "Still, it's good to have you back early. Perhaps we can use the extra time to relax before dinner."
Musubi's eyes lit up at that. "Ooh, yes! Let's wash up together, Minato-sama! You must be tired after working all day."
Minato chuckled softly, feeling a little lighter in their presence. "That sounds like a good idea."
He followed his Sekirei down the hall, leaving the phone forgotten on his bed. As they made their way to the bath, the warmth of their voices filling the inn, Minato didn't realize just how important that missed text was. The message that had been sent to all Ashikabi, sitting unread on his phone, was a declaration from Minaka:
The Green Girl Event has officially begun. The prize? Sekirei #108, Kusano. Find her at the Botanical Gardens. Good luck, Ashikabi!
As Minato's evening continued peacefully with Musubi and Kaho, unaware of the chaos brewing just outside the walls of the inn, other Ashikabi across the city had already begun to move with the news of the 'Green Girl'.
The roar of Sanada's motorcycle echoed through the streets of the western part of the city as he rode through with his usual trio of Sekirei clinging to him. Kuzuri, Kujika, and Shijime were all smiles, their hair whipping in the wind as they leaned into the tight turns with Sanada. They each had an exuberance that matched their Ashikabi's free spirit—mischievous and lighthearted, but deeply protective of him. And for his part, Sanada treated them with a genuine affection, often calling them his "lovelies."
"You're gonna wreck this bike one day, Sanada-sama!" Kujika teased, leaning over his shoulder as the motorcycle zoomed around a corner.
Kuzuri laughed heartily, her hair dancing in the wind. "If we crash, we crash together, right, Sanada-sama?"
Sanada grinned beneath his helmet. "That's right! We live life full throttle, no holding back!"
Shijime, no less excitable when it came to Sanada, let out a gleeful cheer as they took another tight corner. "Sanada-sama, this is the best!"
Slowing down at a stoplight, Sanada checked his phone as it buzzed.
The Green Girl Event has officially begun. The prize? Sekirei #108, Kusano. Find her at the Botanical Gardens. Good luck, Ashikabi!
"No thanks!" Sanada said with a laugh, deleting the message and putting his phone back in his jacket pocket. "I got all the Sekirei I need...or want."
Kujika giggled from behind him, resting her chin on his shoulder. "Sanada-sama is too cool to play Minaka's games."
"Damn right," Sanada replied. "We don't need another Sekirei when we've got this much fun already."
With a burst of speed, Sanada leaned into another corner, the engine purring beneath him. But just as Shijime let out another cheer of excitement, her long sleeves fluttered dangerously close to the bike's rear tire. Before anyone could react, her sleeve got caught, and the next thing they knew, the bike wobbled violently.
"Whoa—!" Sanada barely had time to shout before the entire motorcycle skidded out from under them, the four of them tumbling in a comical crash across the street. The sound of scraping metal and yelps filled the air as they slid to a stop.
"...I told you!" Kujika laughed.
In the Headquarters of the Teito Alliance, Kaito snorted as he snapped his phone closed. "Well, isn't this convenient? The 'Green Girl' event, right after we just made progress on another front. Minaka's always got the worst timing." He complained, leaning back in his chair.
He put his phone away with a shake of his head. "Not that I'd say no to another Sekirei, but we've got bigger priorities." He glanced at Kurogane and grinned, tapping his finger to his temple. "We can't afford to chase after every prize Minaka dangles in front of us, especially not when we've got work to do."
"Yes, m'lord." Kurogane said from her spot nearby, the ever present knight standing with one hand on the handle of her blade.
"Besides!" Kaito leaned back in his chair, his smirk growing. "We've already got something cooking here."
He gestured to the far side of the room, where a young, unwinged Sekirei sat in a broken heap, covered in dark bruises and her white kimono-like garment was in tatters-her sleeves seemed to have been detached by choice, but the same couldn't be said for the thin strips covering her modesty. Her long black twintails framed her face, reaching her breasts, but did little to cover the blood on her face.
"She's a real catch, wouldn't you say?" Kaito said, admiring the unconscious Sekirei. "Perfect timing too. We don't need to chase the Green Girl when we've got her right here. Brilliant work, Kurogane."
"I live to serve, m'lord." Kurogane bowed her head, a small smile coming to her face from her Ashikabi's praise.
"She fought quite a bit, I see..." Kaito remarked, clicking his tongue as he walked over. He looked at her wounds and sighed. "You're positive she wasn't terminated already?"
Kurogane nodded. "I held back my blows near the end." She informed Kaito. "She wished to reunite with her 'sister'..."
"Well, I'll make it happen, if I can." Kaito promised as he approached the unconscious Sekirei and knelt beside her, gently placing his hand on her cheek. "Alright, sweetheart," he murmured softly, though his words were more for show than genuine affection. "Let's make this official."
Without hesitation, Kaito pressed his lips to hers, the bond forming instantly as brilliant rays of light shone from her back. Kurogane watched silently, ever the guardian, as the winging ceremony completed itself. The girl stirred slightly, her eyes fluttering open as she felt the bond take hold, the Sekirei crest taking form on her back.
"What... where...?" she mumbled, her voice weak and groggy, still reeling from her awakening.
Kaito flashed her a charming smile, the kind of smile that had won him over in countless situations. "Welcome to the Teito Alliance, my little Sekirei," he said warmly, his tone smooth and confident. "My name is Kaito Takahashi... but you can call me your Ashikabi."
The girl blinked, her eyes welling up as the truth began to settle in. Her lips quivered, and though she tried to hold back, tears began to spill down her cheeks. With a shaky voice, she introduced herself. "I—I am #40, Shi. I'm... glad to meet you. My Ashikabi."
Kaito's expression softened, though behind the comforting facade, his mind was already racing. "Shi, huh? You're safe now," he reassured her, his voice carrying a practiced warmth. "You're part of something bigger, and I'll take care of you."
Shi nodded faintly, though the sadness and anxiety were still evident in her eyes. She had been unwinged for so long, wandering without purpose, and now her fate had been sealed by a man she barely knew.
Kurogane stepped forward, her dark eyes gleaming with quiet intensity. Tall, muscular, and built for battle, she carried herself with an unshakable confidence. Her voice, low and calm, broke the silence. "What's next, m'lord?" she asked, her tone steady, as though this was just another step in their carefully laid plans.
Kaito stood, brushing off his hands as he turned to face Kurogane, a satisfied grin playing on his lips. "We move on, that's what. Who cares about #108? We've got bigger fish to fry," he said, his tone casual yet focused. He glanced back at Shi, still kneeling on the floor, her hands gripping her arms tightly. "She's just the start."
Shi remained on the ground, processing everything that had just happened. She could feel the bond now, coursing through her, binding her to Kaito. The weight of it was immense, but there was nothing she could do to change what had already been done. Her path was no longer hers to control.
AN: Green Girl Event happening for realsies next chapter. Already got it halfway done. Would've just made it one chapter, but I needed to get something out. Next chapter will have a Seo appearance, and Mikogami.