Anybody ever hear a rooster, in real life? Not on a show? There's one right by my house that does it all day starting at 3am.
Oh man.. That same dream. Minato mused mentally rubbing the sleep from his eyes as he sat up. "What was her name again?" An image of his dream flashed in his mind with vigor. "Kusano..." He said quietly still not sure what to make of this entire situation. He hadn't been an Ashikabi for more than two days and already his life was spiraling out of control.
"Oh good morning Minato-san." Musubi said cheerfully folding up her futon.
"M-Musubi those clothes?" Minato asked trying to suppress his nosebleed. Musubi hummed a tune to herself as she carried her futon setting it on the top shelf.
"Yeah, they're easy to move in." She said like it was so obvious. The second year ronin scratched the back of his head with a nervous smile.
"That is what they're made for, but maybe wear something a little-" he stopped his statement turning towards their window to see what those sounds were. He looked on to see his landlady and Ryu both clasping their sword handles tightly.
Miya stood completely relaxed, inhaling a deep breath to calm her senses. Her eyes narrowed in concentration, she drew her sword at lightning speeds as leaves fell around and over her. One unlucky leaf was cut in half as it sailed to the ground. Miya felt eyes looming over her, she glanced up smiling warmly.
"Oh, good morning you two."
"WOAH!" Musubi gushed her eyes turning into small stars. Minato looked at her nervously what did she plan to do? "Landlady!" Musubi shouted jumping out of the window, she landed gracefully getting into her stance as her amble breasts moved slightly. "Will you spar with me?"
Miya laughed quietly. "Alright, but I won't go easy on you." She said setting her eyes in concentration.
"That's what I want!"
"Musubi wait!" Minato yelled nervously turning around and heading for his door. Sliding it open with speed that would make Haihane turn blue he continued down the hall thumping down the staircase until he was at the back door.
"Here I come!" Musubi declared with a little grin charging at Miya aiming a punch for her shoulder but the miko rolled her shoulder to the side dodging the attack.
"Musubi hold it!" Minato exclaimed running forward but was stopped by a strong grasp.
"Come on let them have it." Uzume said with a small smile leaning against him in just her white nightie and panties.
"B-But Musubi! She's strong!" Minato argued.
"Don't worry Miya can handle herself." Uzume said with a small grin.
"Ha!" Musubi exclaimed throwing a quick uppercut which Miya easily parried. She smiled slightly bopping Musubi on the back of her head. "Ow!"
"You left yourself open. You're putting too much strength in your shoulder. Let your strength flow naturally." Miya instructed the younger Sekirei.
"It was interesting!" Musubi said with the same bright smile charging in after Miya.
"She has a lot of energy." Ryu said with a small smile watching Miya dodge another punch. He walked passed Uzume and Minato to get dressed for the day.
"We'll have to fight each other one day whether we like it or not?" Uzume said with a hint of sadness letting go of Minato. He glanced back at her with a curious expression.
"Why will you have to fight?"
"Because, we're Sekirei." Uzume said with a small sad smile. Minato looked at her slightly confused, and slightly sad. "Miya, breakfast some of us have places to be!" Uzume shouted.
"That's right I'm going to be late! My new job starts today!" Minato exclaimed.
Ryu scratched the back of his head making his way down the stairs dressed in his usual attire. He glanced around idly looking for Minato. He wasn't going to be late the first day of the job, the foreman literally handed them the job. He was about to yell his name when the second year ronin slid a few feet in front of him like he was being chased by a pack of elephants. With a sigh he paced after the him before he got out the door.
"Minato-san." Miya said from the kitchen. Minato froze in his tracks glancing back at her.
"I packed you and Ryu a lunch, make sure you eat it." Miya said handing them both a box wrapped in a cloth.
"Wow, thanks Miya if it's anything like your dinners it'll be delicious." Minato said with a small smile.
"You flatter me." She laughed quietly behind her hand.
"Do your best Minato-san!" Musubi cheered from Miya's side.
"A-Ah, right." He answered nervously.
"H-Have a good day Ryu-sama." Yashima said quietly from the other side of Miya. He figured she'd woken up about five minutes ago when they were both storming through the house.
"Thanks I'll see you after work." Ryu said with a small smile. Yashima's cheeks heated up slightly she just nodded her head with a small smile before she flustered herself.
Ryu grunted slightly as the weight of the steel beam began to press into his shoulder as they began to move. Th other construction worker on the other end was barely able to carry the large beam, he was supposed to be able to lift it himself however Ryu had offered to help the struggling worker. They set the large beam down onto the ground with a sigh of relief.
"Hey, thanks for the hand." The man said offering his hand to Ryu.
"Yup." Ryu said shaking the man's hand. "Better get back to it." The man nodded his head as Ryu walked away going to pick up the shovel and pickaxe he had dropped before he had gone to help that man. Stuffing his shovel into his wheel barrel and leaning the axe up on the side he maneuvered over to where he had been digging holes for new posts to go into.
Ever since Ryu and Minato arrived at the construction site , they had been working non stop. It was for a small residential building next to a large arboretum that seemingly sprouted a forest over night a couple of days ago. There were still a few news crews investigating and reporting the strange occurrence.
Working for another hour or so Ryu heard the boss call out for lunch which made Ryu sigh, having done nothing for the past couple of months apart from lay about Maison Izumo and train, working here had taken it out of him but he was getting through easily and getting back into the swing of things. Walking over to where he had agreed to meet Minato for lunch he sat down wiping the sweat from his brow that had formed there before opening the lunch Miya made for him.
"How's it going so far?" Minato questioned making Ryu look up, chopsticks in his mouth as the other resident sat beside him, his own boxed lunch in his lap.
"Not too bad." Ryu told him taking a small breath as he leaned back working the kinks out of his back "I've worked here for a while now." Ryu chuckled.
"The boss told me he's always happy to have you here." Minato told him beginning to eat his lunch. "Told me if you ever want a job, contact him." Ryu nodded stuffing a rice ball in his mouth before raising an eyebrow at the other man who had sat beside Minato and was practically drooling on him. Minato turned in surprise and jumped slightly.
"Hey." The man grinned before staring at Minato's food making Ryu raise an eyebrow.
"C-Can I help you?" Minato questioned. "Would y-you care for some of this?" He asked gesturing toward the food.
"Really? Sure thanks man." He smiled taking a rice ball, Ryu shook his head in amusement as he continued eating his own food, leaning back on the concrete pipes they were sitting on.
"This taste like..." The man started making Minato tilt his head to the side.
"Like what?"
"So, you guys a couple of college students or what?" He asked looking over Minato to Ryu who was eating the lunch.
"Well, uh, we have to pass the entrance exams first. I failed the last few times I've taken it, he's still deciding on whether he wants to go or not." Minato told him gesturing towards Ryu.
"Should, suppose to be the best years of your life." The man said with a grin.
"What about you?" Minato questioned.
"Yeah I'm in college, my sixth year. At this rate I'll never graduate." He laughed giving Minato a thumbs up before looking down at Minato's lunch once more. "Oh, that chicken looks good." Ryu's eyes shot upward as he heard running and looked down, watching with wide eyes as a girl dressed as a maid came out of the air and slammed her foot into the side of the man's head sending him toppling to the ground in a twitching heap.
"Seriously, these Sekirei are just popping up like flies." Ryu said under his breath as he recognized the of the two girls as Sekirei, if their breasts and shape were anything to go by. Minato sat there frozen in shock as he began to recognize the girl as one of the S&M lightning twins that chased him and Musubi the other day before Musubi kissed him.
"Hey, you're one of those twins that shoot lightning!" Minato shouted pointing at the Sekirei making her turn back to him. As Minato abruptly stood up his lunch had fallen from his lap and fell across the ground making Ryu shake his head. Miya was going to be pissed her food got wasted. "Ah! That lunch my land lady made it for me for my first day of work and now it's ruined!"
"Um, sorry about that." Hikari said not really knowing what to do besides apologize, as Minato had collapsed to his knees practically crying over the lost food. Ryu couldn't blame him the food was good, and Miya didn't like her cooking being wasted.
"Well you should be." Seo told her making her turn to him, fire blazing in her eyes as she grabbed him by the collar of his work shirt.
"Well, you should be sorry for mooching food off of him!" She shot back.
"Well what a small world! Who thought we'd run into a couple of Ashikabi eating lunch." Ryu looked up to see Seo looking down at him. "What's your name youngster?"
"Who you calling Youngster? Does it really matter?" Ryu questioned standing up, his height toweing over Seo's and his a lot stronger than his as well making the brown haired man step back. "You got a problem here or what?"
"Hey, watch how you talk to him buddy!" Hikari shouted, poking her finger on his chest. "We're his Sekirei and we'll kick your ass."
"Ah, Hikari he looks pretty strong." Hibiki said taking her sister's arm and trying to pull her away.
"I don't care how strong this guy is! He's just an Ashikabi!"
If only they knew... He mused mentally he'd break them in half without batting an eyelash. "Man, are all Sekirei quick tempered jeez?" Ryu questioned. The only ones he hadn't seen that were bad tempered or easily angered were Uzume, Nanaha, and Musubi. Karasuba had a quick temper, if that, well she was a bloodthirsty killing machine and Miya... Well she had rules that needed to be followed or there would be consequences.
"So, these two are your Sekirei?" Minato asked Seo who nodded as he folded his arms behind his head as we watched Hikari, Hibiki, and Ryu argue.
"How many you got?" Seo asked.
"What, Sekirei? Oh just one." Minato answered.
"And him?" Seo questioned as he gestured towards Ryu.
"Eight, some are crazy powerful from what I know." Minato told him.
"Eight huh." Seo mused quietly. "Hibiki, Hikari, leave it be." Seo called out. "Sorry for the fuss, come on girls."
"But Seo!" Hikari shouted.
"Just come on." Seo mumbled with a wave over his shoulder at the other two Ashikabi.
The day continued on, Ryu and Minato working hard well into the hours of the afternoon to where daylight started to fade behind the large buildings covering the work site in an orange glow. Ryu stretched his shoulders leaning up against the shovel waiting for Minato to finish filling in the concrete as another worker worked in around the post.
"Alright! Get on out!" The boss's voice called out as they finished planting the post in the ground. Ryu wiped his hand across his brow letting out a quiet sigh. "That's it for today! Head on home!"
"We're a bit early aren't we?" Minato questioned as he and Ryu walked over to where they put all the equipment, however Seo slapped him on the back.
"That's because of these guys." The brown haired man said pointing up at the MBI choppers flying about. "You guys got the message about the green girl right? That's what I assume you're here for.
"Yeah, actually. we're here for work and that's it." Ryu told him placing his shovel on the rack. Taking his gloves off he looked over to see Seo leaning on Minato with a grin. Ryu felt an urge to strangle the sharp eyed man, he was one of the lazier workers, no that was putting it mildly, he was good for shit.
"How about we find this green girl?" He asked.
"If it has to do with Sekirei or Minaka you can shove it. But, Karasuba maybe playing this as well." Seo took a step back in shock, Ryu looked at him with a puzzled expression raising his eyebrow at Seo's wide eyed expression. "Something the matter there?"
"Y-You're the Ashikabi of number four, the Black fucking Sekirei!" He shouted in shock.
Ryu winced from the loud shout. "You can call her Karasuba, for short." Ryu told him throwing his gloves into the pile. "Okay?" Seo took a step back with an awkward laugh.
"Something wrong Seo?" Minato questioned with a curious expression.
"Wrong!? No not at all except your friend's a psychopath!" Seo shouted.
"WHAT!?" Ryu snapped. "If you got a problem with me, say it to my face! We can settle it!"
Karasuba is the leader of the Disciplinary Squad! Do you know what she does to Sekirei!? To Ashikabi that don't follow the rules of the game!?"
"She kills them." Ryu told him flatly with a small shrug, Minato widened his eyes at how casual Ryu sounded, it was as if he was discussing the weather. "But she is my Sekirei, and I am her Ashikabi." Ryu told him. "So, please anymore problems you have with my Sekirei please do tell." Ryu questioned narrowing his eyes at Seo who rose his hands up in surrender.
"Yes do make sure you say it to my face." Seo felt chills roll down his spine as he turned his head to see gray flowing hair dancing in the wind, and the black sheath of a sword ready to be drawn. She stood there with an impassive scowl on her face, it was weird to see on her, any time he saw here she had that same lazy grin. She strode forward keeping her eyes pointed on Seo, then flicked them over to Ryu. "Seo, you're still the same disgusting monkey of a bum you were before, but at least you're actually working for a living. I'd have to agree with my Ashikabi, is there a problem... Because I can solve it." Her eyes gleamed.
"I'm sure with the two of us we can start by peeling off his skin." Ryu suggested as if he was talking about what was on the news earlier this morning. He looked at Karasuba with a bored expression on his face, "but he would scream a lot so you'd have to cut his tongue."
Seo swallowed as he began to sweat bullets, eh could've sworn he seen that smile and the air go cold around him. But he couldn't be related to her. And Karasuba winged him, so there must have been something... Dark about him, he quickly decided he didn't want to find out. "No way, I got nothing against you man, you do what you do and I'll do what I do." He wrapped an arm around Minato's neck leading the black haired youth from Ryu all the while talking. Ryu snickered out loud as he could've sworn Seo almost soiled his pants, he turned to Karasuba who still had the same look as before.
"You associate yourself with garbage like that?" She sounded angry and offended. That wasn't good he didn't want Karasuba going on a rampage because a moron who couldn't at least show up to work on time or pull his weight around the site, he cursed himself for not bringing his sword. She noticed him tense but her glare didn't lessen any bit in fact she intensified it enjoying watching his squirm. Ryu wasn't sure what, but something happened between those two and now he was somehow in the middle with a angry black Sekirei.
"I am your Ashikabi Karasuba." Ryu stated as if that would explain the entire situation for her, but he was slightly angry and he made no qualm about hiding it. He hated being in the middle of things, especially things that had nothing to do with him. "Would I associate myself with him?"
"Cheeky," Karasuba commented tapping him on the side of his face with her gloved hand, she hated to admit it. But she did miss Ryu, touching him brought back a torrent of feelings that she didn't want to openly show him at the moment, or any time soon for that matter. His violet irises were still piercing and sharp as before, but they had a softer look as she stared into them, and his body was as solid as before if not more so he must have been training. Good. She bit her bottom lip slightly, everything screaming for her to take his clothes off and mash her lips with his own. "No, but I thought you'd at least break his arm, maybe a leg and finger." She said offhandedly as she retracted her hand, smiling again.
It was a splendid idea, maybe he would do just that later on. He had a feeling he needed to keep an eye on that bum. "I'm considering it."
Karasuba laughed quietly it sounded genuine for a moment, but then she got serious. Which didn't surprise Ryu too much, Karasuba was different and he knew if it was anything remotely positive she'd keep it private or it'd be quick. "I need to head back for an assignment, but I wanted to stop by and see how my monkey was progressing." She smirked seeing an annoyed scowl form on his face, how she enjoyed annoying him. "I know about Miya..." Ryu opened his mouth to speak, but Karasuba locked eyes with him for a moment, he shut it letting her finish. "I'm at MBI most of the time, do you not think I wouldn't find out?" It was a rhetorical question, she snaked her arm down, grabbing his crotch roughly, Ryu looked at her with slight alarm which turned to a frown later, "We'll talk about it later... But for now can you do something for me?" Her voice was calm and soft.
"Anything." Ryu said once he was sure she wasn't going to give him a hard squeeze just to prove a point or take out her anger. Despite all of her faults, and untamed blood lust she was his Sekirei and he seen a side of Karasuba he was sure no one else ever seen, and despite the rumors he didn't care everyone had their own Pandora's box, you just left it be. His breath stopped in his throat as she leaned forward putting her mouth right by the side of his neck and ear.
"Make this game interesting, make my blood rush with excitement would ya? And..." She gave a slight kneading motion, slightly surprised at how energetic he still was, maybe she'd need to take him back with her, no, no, she would wait until later then she'd have him all to herself. "You're going to make up for out time apart, and I get double what all of your Sekirei get." She released him, giving him a kiss on the cheek. "Get stronger my Ashikabi, I'll see you soon." She smiled as she turned on a heel and walked away, her gray blowing mysteriously in the wind as her visage faded after several seconds and a few rooftop jumps.
I should've seen that coming... But I don't like the sound of 'talking' about it, I think it's more like she swings that sword at me and I dodge or block and try to get as far away as possible... Ryu glanced down letting out a quiet sigh, his life was sure getting complicated, how did he find himself stuck between these two. He was brought out of his deep musings by a shaking voice.
"Ah, Ryu, I'm going to ah, hang out with S-Seo for a bit I figured he could teach me some things about being an Ashikabi, you know... So... Uh.." Minato spoke nervously, ryu could tell he was grasping at the straws.
"Relax, Minato." Ryu smiled placing a hand on his shoulder. Just because the guy gets on my nerves that doesn't mean you can't hang out with him. You think that'd bother me?" He chuckled lightly. "But I meant what I said I'm going to help, sounds like a good fight." Ryu said with a small smile of excitement.
"A-Ah, sure thing!" Minato smiled as he began to walk back toward Seo to tell him the news. Ryu glanced around feeling two familiar presences.
"Musubi, Yashima?" Ryu questioned turning his head to the side to look at the two Sekirei. Minato froze in his tracks turning mechnically around to look at Musubi with a smile on her face.
"Minato-san!" She gushed.
"Who's she?" Seo asked wrapping an arm around Minato's neck with a lascivious grin as he took in the woman before him. She had huge breasts, a slender waist, a perfectly shaped and toned butt, and those legs!
"A-Ah this is Musubi-can, My S-Sekirei." Minato explained nervously looking at her as if to say what are you doing here why aren't you at home? But it was safe right, Seo did have Sekirei and he asked about it first.
"Not bad." Seo said with a lustful smile placing his hand under his chin observing Musubi. He had a healthy respect for the female body, and was a master of measuring breasts, she must have had the biggest ones he'd ever seen. And those legs, those luscious legs.
Ryu could've sworn he could smell ozone, he glanced at Yashima who looked like she was ready to run and fight.
"Seo, what do you think you're doing!?" Hikari yelled slamming a fist on his jaw sending him flying back hitting the concrete with a thud. Seo slowly recovered throwing his hands up in surrender.
"W-Wait!" He begged.
"You said that we're the only Sekirei for you, and you go ogling number 88." Hibiki said opening her palm as lightning began to fizzle out of it crackling and snapping in the air as it got more violent. Seo kept begging them to listen and trying to explain but it fell on deaf ears as he screamed to the world when volts shocked his entire system.
Musubi's expression changed from cheerful to serious all in a matter of three seconds. Ryu never seen someone switch moods so fast, and Musubi look so serious. "It's you!" She shouted pointing at the twins.
My Kami... Ryu thought groaning exasperatedly. They were getting no where and it looked like Musubi was readdy to fight. He was about to speak up but Minato put a hand on Musubi's shoulder. She turned to see why.
"Musubi-chan me and Seo are friends." Minato explained awkwardly between Seo coughing up black smoke and wiping soot from his jacket and Ryu and Yashima just watching them it was more than embarrassing.
"Oh!" Musubi smiled again completely forgetting about the lightning twins turning to face her Ashikabi dutifully. "You forgot your cell phone." She said with a smile extending her hands forward with it inside of them.
Minato blinked slightly confused and a little shocked. "You came all this way to give me my cell phone?"
Musubi nodded. "You always take your phone, and you forgot it so I brought it." She gave another smile. Minato didn't know what it meant to be a Ashikabi, or anything about this plan, but he couldn't help but smile back at her rubbing her head lovingly.
"Thank you Musubi-chan." He said with a kind smile. Musubi simply nodded.
"We should go before it gets dark." Ryu suggested cutting through the moment with a iron fist, there was no time for this side show, he scowled slightly walking towards Minato and Seo with Yashima trailing behind him with the hammer resting on her shoulder. Minaka is just sick! He shouted mentally, every Ashikabi must've been gunning for 108 by now. That poor girl must be scared beyond belief.
"Right, let's go." Seo said getting serious all of the sudden Hikari and Hibiki walked on both sides of him. Ryu was surprised and glad that the man got serious, finally. And not ogling over Yashima was a plus in Ryu's eyes.
"R-Right!" Minato said running to catch up with them with Musubi in tow asking where they were going. Ryu and Yashima walked a little ways behind Minato and Musubi. It didn't take long for them to get to the entrance, however it was completely guarded. Five trained soldiers were stationed, behind them were all terrain attack vehicles, and lastly a set of cones cut everything off.
"So, we just go through them." Ryu said with a blank expression looking between his group. He wasn't sure about Seo, he didn't seem like the bad of a guy, kind of a tool, but other than that he seemed fine.
"Exactly." Seo said confidently looking at his two Sekirei with a sharp eyed grin. Hikari and Hibiki nodded to each other standing up from their post. They were looking for a way to blow off steam, and this was perfect. They clasped their hands together while extending their other arm out. A few seconds later lightning began to engulf them and the air was thick with ozone.
They smirked with confidence as the first bolt shot off smashing overhead into one of the vehicles causing a small explosion smoke and the starting stages of a fire bellowed, the second bolt stuck not a second later exploding against the second vehicle. The soldiers panicked trying to find any place to hide. Hikari and Hibiki stood with smirks that held a hint of malice to them while Seo couldn't wipe a smirk off of his face.
Ryu looked over the scene with a small smirk, anything to hurt MBI was good in his mind. Even if it was caused by those annoying twins. But there wasn't anymore time to waste, he stepped forward glancing at Yashima, who didn't look scared at all, more on guard.
"Come on that's our cue kid."
"A-Ah, I'll be right there." Minato said scared half to death as he clung to one of the pillars nearby. Mom remember when I was little and you warned me about falling into the bad crowd. I think I just did.
The entire place was covered in thick vines and trees that coiled and wrapped around everything like veins running through a body, Branches sprawled in every direction, keeping out most of if not all of the sunlight from entering. Ryu and Minato looked around a little alarmed at the magnitude of the vegetative growth, who had this kind of power? Seo stood their with his hands in his pockets glancing around with an observing eye.
"Man it looks like a jungle in here..." Minato said out loud finally gathering his bearing to speak coherently.
An understatement... Ryu thought. However caused this was extremely powerful, and could be dangerous regardless of looks. He stretched his senses shocked at what he found, this entire dense forest was created all from one person, their ki was flowing through everything around him even the ground.
"Yeah I'll say. I've got no idea where to start looking, do you?"
Minato was brought of his his sight seeing by the question mechanically turning his head forward. He took a few steps stopping dead in his tracks as he came face to face with a yellow green aura. Housing something, or something, someone was exuding it. Several thick green cords swirled around interconnecting every few seconds. Suddenly the aura faded and in its place clothed in a white light was a girl no older than twelve with blonde hair reaching her ankles almost, wearing a white one piece dress, with big green innocent eyes.
"It's you." Minato said dumbly.
The girl moved one hand from in front of her mouth, numbly extending her arm towards the sunlight that was somehow shining into the mammoth forest.
"You're over there somewhere?" The girl nodded slightly with a smile, her eyes getting twice as big. She slowly began to fade away, Minato shook his head reaching an arm out. "Kuu wait!" He said stumbling forward his head hitting Seo's chest.
"Hey, what's the deal do you have a crush on me?" Seo asked. Minato looked apprehensive at the mentioning of that. His eyes getting smaller as he spoke.
"No I don't there was a uh..."
"Girl in a dress right?" Seo asked.
"Wait, that means you saw her too?" Minato asked and stated at the same time still trying to come over his shock.
"Did you?" Hikari asked.
Hibiki nodded no.
"Was she the one from the message?" Seo asked right after. Minato's eyes widened then returned back to normal but he had a thoughtful look on his face.
"I'm not sure, but I still have to find her." Minato said resolutely.
Seo traced his hand under his chin, a grin forming on his face as she studied Minato.
"She's really scared and all alone. She's a kid I have to help her." Minato said.
Seo pondered on his own thoughts before grinning again turning around so his back was facing Minato. "I was a little skeptical about that message. But, now I've changed my mind. So I'll help you both out. You and her, let's find the green girl. Minato looked shocked for a moment but Ryu brought him out of his stupor.
"Let's go Minato!" Ryu almost yelled.
Smoke seeded into the air from the contorted and charred remains of the vehicles at the front gate of the arboretum. A figure dressed in all black with a black cape that fanned out behind the lone figure stood staring at the wreckage. Out of all of the ways to enter, it was through the front that whoever decided to go in did.
"Straight through the front gate, a flashy entrance. I wonder who's responsible?" Homura mused to himself.
"Well, well. Long time no see flame breath." A cocky voice said from behind him.
"Speaking of the devil. If it's not for number thirty four three, Mitsuki." Homura nearly spat turning around to face her. The woman had brown hair and eyes. She wore a black gown with matching gloves and stockings. Around her neck was a tied red ribbon.
Ryu glanced behind him, sensing four life forces, by the feel of it they were Sekirei no doubt about it. But one was off the charts, it towered over the others. This isn't good, I may have to fight. He began to feel his body, more like his conscious pull towards something, finally his vision went white and he returned to his mind scape.
"Why am I here?"
"You're getting yourself into trouble again. If you didn't want them to know you were half alien, you should've kept your nose out of this." A very annoyed answer came from his master who stood a few feet away from him, arms folded eyes closed.
"I am not!" Ryu argued trying to hide a blush, he hadn't been scolded in a long while.
"Who's this green girl another one of those 'Sekirei' is she?"
"Well I would assume so. I got a message today about it. But she's only a child!" He said narrowing his eyes and balling his fists until they were white from the strain. "So, I'm helping my friend get to her before another Ashikabi does."
"And, you do realize there is one 'Sekirei' that is a stand out." His master said not taking this entire thing lightly, or good for that matter. Just what the hell did Ryu do?
"Yeah, that's why I came with." Ryu said not wanting to waste anymore time. He began to focus and felt a burst. Of something opening his eyes he turned to look at Minato who's face was nearly pink.
"How much do you know about Sekirei and Ashikabi?" Seo asked looking at Ryu.
Ryu knew the basics of the entire thing, thanks to Matsu. He'd have to remember to thank her again. "I know that when you kiss, you bond or something." Ryu said offhandedly not sure why this was a topic of interest. "But, there are Ashikabi out there that will force a Sekirei into this, a life of servitude and they have no choice." Seo nodded his head slightly studying him, Minato looked at Ryu like he just killed a kitten. Minato didn't know much abut, but forcing them into winging that was just wrong.
Then everything stopped. More like the Sekirei, Ryu nearly slammed into Yashima by accident. He looked ahead taking in the sight. A tall man with messy silver hair stood with an impassive face, he had an orange scarf wrapped around his neck, his hand on his sheathed sword. He was dressed in all black with geta.
"N-N-N-Number five..." Yashima squeaked visibly shaking.
"Shit a single number!" Hikari snapped extending her arm forward lightning crackling into existence.
"I'm afraid I can't let you pass. My master wants the green girl." Mutsu said with a hard gaze locking onto all of them.
"R-Ryu..." Yashima looked up at him with big eyes. He couldn't remember a time when he seen her look so... Scared, the time he left the Inn was different. But this was just... Not good, and it began to unnerve him. While Yashima was figedity she never showed this degree of fear, he could almost taste it, it was in her body language and those big gray eyes.
"Hikari, wait!" Hibiki shouted before she did anything too rash.
Minato wasn't sure what was going on, but from the way that man was looking at all of them he began to shake visibly. "Minato."
"Ryu." He whispered, or he just had a hard time finding voice.
"I want you guys to go up ahead, Yashima will come with you and assist. There's another one close to the green girl, when you run into her Yashima and Musubi are to work together understand?" Ryu asked in a low voice clasping the handle of his sword tightly. He only fought someone of this caliber once and that was karasuba, but this man wasn't at her level. Even if he was close he wasn't at that level.
"O-Okay but what about you?" Minato asked with a hint of fear. Beside Seo Ryu was his only friend, in fact Ryu had been his only friend.
"I'm going to stay here and hold him off." Ryu said narrowing his eyes as he eyed up Mutsu, it had been a while since he actually had a fair fight; Miya would steam roll over her, though she still held back she actually used her blade. He couldn't help but grin proud inwardly, it was worth getting thrown into the fence. Yashima looked at Ryu worriedly. She didn't know a lot about the Sekirei Plan s a whole aside from she had to fight, but she knew enough to fear the man before her. And her Ashikabi was going to fight him, alone?
"Ryu..." She said quietly. She'd obey him, but she wanted to stay at his side to protect him even though he was more than capable of handling himself after sparring with him for the last few weeks, but he was going against Mutsu! The Number Five, earth specialist, he was one of the strongest Sekirei around and a single number
"Enough talk." Ryu said firmly. "Do you understand the plan Minato?" The youth simply nodded with a worried look on his face. Ryu looked at Yashima with a blank expression, grabbing her cheeks and pulling her into a tender kiss, her eyes widened as a blush formed on her face. She didn't mind kisses, but did he have to do it in front of everyone? She moaned quietly into his mouth as a surge of heat bursted out of her back in the shape of light blue lotus wings. Seo turned around narrowing his eyes at the spectacle, who did he think he was trying to fight Mutsu all alone? He turned his head getting a good look at Yashima before turning away, she had a nice tight little body, and her outfit only accentuated that. He shook his head, there were bigger things to worry about at this moment, he could ogle later, now they had to get passed Mutsu.
Mutsu's eyebrows narrowed slightly. They're all Ashikabi? He grabbed the handle of his sword tighter narrowing his eyes. "I'd rather avoid conflict."
Ryu parted his lips from Yashima's staring into her gray eyes that shone like stars. "For assurance." He whispered, taking a step passed her going over a strategy to combat Mutsu. Yashima felt her spine shiver with pleasure, she gained a determined look nodding her head quickly.
"I-I'll do my best." She said.
"You guys got any ideas?" Seo asked turning back to look at the other two Ashikabi, keeping his eyes on something else besides Ryu though, that guy just gave him the creeps, especially after his conversation with Karasuba. However, hoped one of them had a plan, somebody sure as hell better have one, even with all of his knowledge he wasn't confident he could beat Mutsu. First he'd have to get close enough to touch him, and with Mutsu that was impossible.
"Stand aside." Ryu said walking through the gap he created trying to gently push the Sekirei to the side in front him, he directed his full attention to Mutsu, his violet irises piercing with intensity. Ryu could see he was experienced from the way he spoke in a calm and composed tone to his body language, he was the type of person that could analyze a situation, make an escape plan, and follow through with it all the while making no visible motion of the plan. Nothing like Musubi or Yashima which just charged forward and never put any thought into the attack strategy, were all Sekirei like that? He seen wars, and was in wars; He'd have to be careful, one wrong move and the fight was over.
"Hey watch it!" Hikari shouted as he pushed passed her.
"You don't have to worry about them." Ryu said sternly slowly unsheathing his sword keeping is eyes fixated on Mutsu. "Your fight is with me now!" Ryu shouted charging forward at lightning speeds, his foot slid across the ground propelling him forward with a quick twist the sword swept through the air, Mutsu's eyes widened taken aback by his speed but nonetheless he unsheathed his own sword blocking the brutal slash, there was no need to keep the sword sheathed against someone like him, he narrowed his eyes ever so slightly as he dug his feet into the ground and pushed forward with a quick pivot to break through his strength and deliver the finishing strike.
"What are you waiting for! GO!" Ryu yelled feeling himself starting to slide from the strength of the blow.
"Right come on kid!" Seo shouted running forward and passed them, Minato glanced at Ryu who didn't spare a glance back. He hoped he'd be alright, but he had his own task to finish. He had to help Kuu. Yashima glanced back at her Ashikabi sending a pulse of affection before she ran catching up to the others.
Ryu grunted quickly sliding his sword upward, the air clanged and spraks flew as their swords separated both sliding back a few feet. This time it was Mutsu who attacked first coming forward with a thrust, Ryu briskly parried the attack flicking his arm to the side, his sword arcing towards the neck of the fifth Sekirei. Mutsu's trained senses alerted him he raised his sword deftly blocking the attack. He was quick to counter though aiming another thrust forward but Ryu spun to the side distancing himself. He barely had a second to react before Mutsu was upon him slashing with precise and timed movements, Ryu leapt back, Mutsu's blade tearing into the ground where his feet once were. He narrowed his eyes leaping towards Ryu with another slash.
Ryu swung his sword upward using the momentum he'd gain from the swing to block, and mis-balance Mutsu. Their swords clashed with a sharp ring, Mutsu using his advantage of gravity to power down on Ryu's block. Shit. He cursed mentally pushing up and to the side breaking through Mutsu's guard landing on the ground a second later and flipping back a few inches sliding to a stop.
Mutsu was powerful, in the term. Karasuba was FAST, she could change her attacks in mid swing and even attack while blocking, but she was FAST; there was a reason why she was feared by everyone involved with anything remotely to do with Sekirei, she had a knack for making her mad, that's putting it lightly. However, this man standing before him had strength behind the blows to crush boulders in one swing and split the very earth with a powerful stab, he found himself having to back up and formulate a plan of attack, he was strong himself, very strong but brute strength wasn't going to win this, he needed wits on his side, hs eyes widened slightly when he seen Mutsu sheath his sword and clasp the saya with two hands.
Better move! Ryu didn't know what attack the man was going to use, but like any experienced warrior he moved in any direction with a large leap anything it was better to move than be a sitting duck to a follow up strike, or a sneak attack, he recalled his rigorous training, one this was stressed always move. Ryu did however, think it was weird that he'd attack from a distance, shit! He exclaimed mentally as bended his knees landing roughly and leapt to the side a second later.
And not second too late.
Mutsu slammed his sword into the ground. "Smashing point!" He yelled forcing the saya into the ground even more. A second later a wave of asphalt and dirt flew up in jagged pillars and slabs tearing into and through the nearby branches kicking up dust and debris. Some debrs was flung several feet away as the ground rumbled slightly.
So, earth based and uses a sword... Ryu mused maneuvering through the wave of debris as smoke covered the surrounding area.
"W-What was that!?" Minato exclaimed turning back to where the boom came from. His eyes widened in disbelief as he took in the sight of several tall trees collapsing to the ground.
"Just keep moving!" Seo yelled over the boom. Minato nodded running faster, Musubi spared a glance behind her to see what could cause so much destruction. Yashima narrowed her eyebrows slightly, she could feel his exhilaration Ryu was enjoying this fight, much like she would against another Sekirei.
"Well, well." Yomi made her presence known by slashing through a row of thick branches. Minato's eyes nearly bulged out of his head at the sight.
"How many came?" Seo asked with a hint of annoyance and fear.
"Go on Minato-sama." Musubi said. Minato turned back to face his Sekirei who's face was set in firm determination a fire burning in her eyes that put the young ronin in awe. "B-But.."
"Remember Ryu-san's plan." Musubi said soon after punching her right fist into her hand bouncing from one foot to the other in excitement. "Me and Yashima-chan can handle this, you go ahead."
"W-We can?" Yashima asked quietly.
Minato grasped at the straws. He didn't want to lose Musubi he couldn't say that he loved her, but he was fond of her. And in time he'd love her very much. But again he had to help Kuu. He sighed exasperatedly looking at Musubi with a hint of worry. "Work as a team, okay?"
"You can count on us!" Musubi said with a grin throwing out a few practice punches.
"Heh, that's all taken care of come on." Seo said nodding to Minato.
"No you don't!" Mitsuha shouted putting on a burst of speed to take out the sharp eyed man and hopefully the young ronin all in one motion. Hikari and Hibiki got in front of their Ashikabi lightning crackling around them reaching up to a million volts, it'd shock her to death and then some.
"You fight is with me!" Musubi shouted punching Mitsuha in the ribs, the blonde haired Sekirei flipped end over end slamming into a branch with a loud thud.
"Musubi.." Minato said in awe. She turned back smiling in excitement and confidence.
"Go." She said before turning back around. Minato wordlessly followed after Seo who was several paces in front of him. He made a quick prayer that Musubi would be alright.
"Y-YOU!" Mitsuha shrieked picking herself up from her broken heap panting briskly as she felt blood trickle from a gash on her forehead. "I'll kill you!" She yelled running towards Musubi only seeing red. Yashima frowned running towards the whip wielder to even the odds, she swung her hammer with ease at the same time Mitsuha swung hers.
Their weapons clashed, Yashima straining for a moment as she overcame Mitsuha sending her sliding back. Musubi took that opening running towards Mitsuha at speeds that would make Olympic sprinters faint.
Mitsuha braced herself for the attack swinging her whip violently. Musubi's eyes widened as she caught sight of the the small projectiles of wind a second later, she leapt to the side dodging them ignoring the chips of debris in her frontal vision she put on another burst of speed aiming a punch for Mitusha's ribs, Mitsuha leapt back but she took the feint Musubi's leg shot out hitting her square in the abdomen sending her back again. With a growl Mitusha lashed her whip into a nearby tree halting herself to a stop while carving cracking the dense oak as if it were bone.
Mitsuha narrowed her eyes running forward at lightning speeds, Musubi frowned charging at her with her fist cocked back ready to swing forward. They were inches apart when Mitsuha suddenly flicked her whip kicking up wind and debris in a giant plum cloud.
Musubi covered her eyes to keep dirt from getting in them, but that's the opening Mitsuha needed with a thrust she wrapped the whip around Musubi's ribs. Number eight eight gasped before slamming into the trunk of a tree just barely covering herself up before impact. Mitsuha was about to goad but was quickly on the guard as Yashima swung her hammer aiming to take off her head. Rolling to the side Mitsuha watched with slight shock as the hammer completed its arc colliding with a tree shattering its foundations to small pieces sending debris as far as thirty feet away.
"Look out Yashima-san!" Musubi cried trailing behind Mitsuha
"Too late!" Mitusha crowed as she cracked her whip down on Yashima who barely had the time to raise her heavier weapon in defense.
Yashima cringed letting out a cry of agony as the very tip of Mitsuha's whip wrapped around and tore into her left shoulder and arm constricting painfully. The curved tip passing just over her guard while wrapping around her exposed shoulder, taking advantage of her extension. Mitsuha gave another tug grinning viciously as Yashima cried out in pain, satisfied with her captive she was about to yank again, this time ripping her entire arm from its socket, the whip was torn away along with Mitsuha when Musubi charged in and punched the woman from behind, sending her off into the tree line a few feet ahead crashing with a loud thud.
"Are you okay?" Musubi asked, staring at the wound intently.
Yashima grimaced slightly in pain as she fought passed the piercing pain she felt and her burning lungs. "I-I'm fine." She spoke quietly. "She's too fast for me." The girl admitted with a pitiful expression. "I don't know why Ryu-sama wanted me to help... The best I can do is block her attacks." She glanced over at her wound that twitched as blood poured out of it leaking all the way down to her wrist. "And not very good either."
"Don't worry." Musubi patted the girl on the shoulder, being careful to avoid the wound. "We can beat her!"
"How can you be so sure?" The girl asked in a whisper, fidgeting slightly under the more bubbly girl's exuberance.
"Easy!" She slammed her fist into her palm with a grin on her face. "We'll win because of team work!"
"T-Teamwork." Yashima squeaked.
"Mhmm!" The bustier of the two nodded rapidly. "Ryu-sama and Minato-sama told us to fight together so they want us to work together as a team!" By now Musubi was hopping back and forth on the balls of her feet pounding her fists together waiting for Yashima's response.
The girl in question found her feet far more interesting at the moment. Ryu-sama... She stiffened when she felt Musubi's arms around her.
"What-?"
"Don't worry." Musubi smiled warmly. "I know it must be hard, your heart isn't in this battle you're confused and anxious. But I know-" the energetic girl's surprisingly soft voice filled her ears sending little shocks up the hammer Sekirei's spine. Yashima gulped quietly listening to the woman. "-Don't worry." She repeated, rubbing the girl on the back. "I know you can do it."
Yashima's heart leaped and skipped the same time at the comfortable touch and words of encouragement, a small smile reached her lips as she hugged Musubi. "Thank you."
"I'll do anything for my little birds." Musubi whispered smiling, her eyes flashing to Yume's yin-yang symbols for a second before the bubbly cheerfulness of Musubi came back with a vengeance. "Allrrihggtt! Let's finish this!" Musubi broke from the other Sekirei's grasp and turned back to Mitsuha who was now clawing her way out of the foliage Musubi punched her into.
"I-" she growled pulling herself from a thorn bush which had covered her in head to toe in thick barbs of pricks. "AM GOING-" each barb stuck painfully into her skin, drawing tiny dots of blood which dripped down her body."TO KILL YOU!" The girl tightened the grip on her whip and screamed in anger lashing out at the two Sekirei with an extremely powerful distortion of wind and razor leather.
A hammer slammed down in front of Musubi kicking up debris and blocking the onslaught. Yashima's back pressed to the back of her as the distortions continued slamming into the face of it rocking her entire body. Several nik's dug into the corners of the hammer beginning to put small cuts into it But the material it was made out of was much stronger and more dense than normal steel so it weathered the attack well.
"Teamwork? Yashima asked with a grimace as she moved the hammer back into place onto her shoulder.
"Teamwork!" Musubi agreed, giggling happily. "Let's have a good fight!" Musubi charged forwards toward Mitusha with Yashima running not far behind, her hammer trailing behind her, ready to defend Musubi from any oncoming attacks.
"AGH! You two bitches are soo annoying!"
"Name's Mutsu." The male Sekirei replied calmly, hands comfortably at his sides where he had his sword gripped in his left his right hand hovering over the blade.
"Ryu, I don't suppose you'll stand down?" Ryu gripped his sword tighter when the man shook his head stiffly.
"No I don't think I will." His friendly response didn't get a response from Ryu except a small twitch from the man's sword hand. "I don't suppose you'll back off and leave." At least he was a hopeful Sekirei.
Ryu shook his head as well, parroting his earlier words. "No, I don't think so."
"Pity." Mutsu mumbled under his breath, resting a hand on the sword's handle. He blinked an immediately felt his instincts tell him to raise his sword, that alone saved his life. Steel met steel sending sparks flying. Mutsu refocused on his face in front of him. All he saw were the violet eyes and the thin line of Ryu's mouth as he growled in his face.
"Yeah we'll go with that."
Mutsu was using his earth powers to keep him at a good distance, but it was better to utilize his earth powers than to run away. Maybe he wasn't that great with his kenjutsu then? He seen several warriors use the earth as a weapon, but they were good at close quarter combat as a result, well if he wanted to play long distance, two could play at that game.
Zori hit solid ground and dug in as Ryu sank into a crouch concentrating on his opponent and the ground around him. Let's see how he likes this! Energy began to gather around his arm, coalescing into his blade growing in intensity, as he measured the distance around him and Mutsu.
Mutsu watched the whole process in apprehension. What is he up to? Th earth user kept his saya near the ground in case he had to throw up a quick defense, which proved to be a good thing in this case.
"SHOCK-" Ryu swung the blade forward, releasing the gathered energy in a large arcing burst. "-WAVE!" The crescent of energy flew like an arrow straight for Mutsu. He slammed his sheath into the ground, the small quake launching several foot thick slabs of earth up to block the attack.
Only for the energy blade to slice through it like nothing.
Mutsu's eyes widened again as a frantic half uttered curse escaped his lips. Desperate the man leaned as far back as he could, the attack slicing a lock of his hair as he fell back on his butt.
What the hell was that? He thought frantically as he quickly got his feet, noting that Ryu was preparing another shock wave. That looked just like one of Miya's attacks. This kid couldn't be one of her's could it? Mutsu shook his head. No way, she wouldn't have been with anyone but Takehito and he's been long dead... But still... Snapping back into the fight Mutsu dodged the next shock wave by leaping over it, only to block a slash from Ryu who had followed behind the attack.
Blade met blade once again as the two clashed in mid air, breaking off as gravity once again took hold to land on either side of the gash that was formed earlier.
"That attack just now..." Mutsu asked slowly. "Did someone named Miya teach you it?"
"No." Ryu replied evenly. "It's one of my original techniques." Technically the technique was his master's and Ryu merely modified it to tear the ground apart. It was normally used to take out dozens of people with a quick draw, but he improvised it just in case. It was still one of his original techniques that he made in a tight spot. But, Miya and him had been sparring since... It has been a long time... He thought for a moment before turning his attention back to his opponent.
Mutsu breathed a sigh of relief, at least he wasn't related to Miya. His presence was similar to her's as was the color of his power. For a moment there he really though Ryu was Miya's kid... Just the thought of that sent chills down the normally composed Sekirei's spine.
"Ryu-sama!" Mutsu snapped to attention, leaping back as four girls landed beside Ryu ready to fight at a seconds' notice, judging from their outfits and weapons they were Sekirei, his eyes widened slightly as he vaguely glanced behind him already putting two and two together. Five Sekirei...
"I was wondering what was taking you! But I see you're fighting again!" Toyotama said with a hint of annoyance. A phone call wouldn't have hurt.
"Don't yell at Ryu-san like that!" Yomi spoke up with a small frown, it was adorable.
"You're fighting him? Uzume asked with a hint of fear as she eyed Mutsu wearily then the surroundings, to put it simply it looked like a hurricane went off in this forest, entire trees and branches longer than her were on the ground.
Time to make a tactical retreat, although I will have to figure more out about you, Ryu. Mutsu thought clasping his sword tightly slamming the saya into the ground. "Breaking point!" Dozens of foot thick slabs shot out of the ground, Mutsu took this time to leap to the side running toward his Ashikabi's location. Ryu narrowed his eyes stretching his senses out to lock onto Mutsu again.
"It's just a distraction don't worry." Ryu shouted over the debris falling.
"R-Right." Nanaha said sticking close to him. Once the debris settled Toyotama whirled on Ryu glowering at him.
"What is this?!"
"I was helping Minato..." Ryu's eyes widened. "Minato!" He said with some urgency as he turned on his heel and ran towards his location in a blur of speed.
"See! So stop yelling at Ashikabi-sama!" Yomi stomped her foot down for emphasis.
"Hey wait up now where are you going?!" Toyotama shouted running after him, the three girls following after her. Life was sure getting more interesting.
"Stop dodging!" Mitusha yowled. Just as she predicted Yashima blocked it with her hammer. Mitusha yelled, jumping forward kicking both feet out, both feet slammed into the face of the hammer in a forward kick. Tipping the hammer onto Yashima.
The hammer using Sekirei's eyes widened in surprise and fear as her weapon pitched forward taking her along for the ride. However Musubi already saw the attack coming and leaped up, flipping over the falling weapon and girl in one bound.
"I have you now, bitch!" Mitsuha shouted, lashing her whip hoping to cut Musubi in half or squeeze her until she bled to death. She wasn't prepared for or expecting Musubi to at the last minute duck the attack punching her in the stomach. Spit and a small amount of blood flew from the girl's mouth as Musubi's fist ground into her internal organs, sending her flying back into a tree.
"D-Damn y-ou!" Mitusha gasped spitting out a bit more blood as she struggled to look ahead. A shadow fell over her and she looked up into the face of Yashima, her hammer raised over her head and a determined expression on her face.
"Fu-" she didn't get the chance to finish her words.
"Oh, I see." Uzume nodded understandingly but her facial expression was one of worry. Why in the hell would Ryu just decide to do this on his own?
"Doesn't make me any happier, what if you got killed!?" Toyotama snapped punching Ryu across the back of the head almost making him trip over his own feet.
Ryu glared back at her massaging the bump on his head. "That hurt! And I won't!" Ryu said fiercely. He had no intention of dying anytime soon.
"I'm going to kill you if you ever hit Ryu-san again!" Yomi was at Ryu's side gently rubbing the bump wincing every so often, Toyotama just hit him. Who did she think she was, after this fight she was going to put the bitchy amazon back in her place.
"We should get to Minato-san." Nanaha interjected steering the coversation back on course.
"No need." Toyotama said coming to a stop in front of the messy haired teenager holding a little girl in his hands. Around him was Seo, Hikari, and Hibiki. Matsu had Mikogami by the wrist he looked worse for wear but otherwise fine. And lastly Yashima and Musubi were standing over a fallen Mitsuha. Ryu narrowed his focusing on Mutsu with deadly intent as he analyzed the tall and stoic man standing several feet away from him.
"We're leaving." Mutsu said informing his Ashikabi of his sudden intentions. The earth Sekirei's eyes flicked to Mitusha once more. She was either unconscious, dead, or terminated lying in crater half an inch deep. Neither of those were a good thing considering he was now outnumbered nearly ten to one. "What should I do about her?"
The bratty Ashikabi looked at Mitusha for a moment before raising his nose to her. "Leave her, if she survives she'll come back, if not..." He left his answer open.
"You sure?" Mutsu asked wanting to be sure.
"I do not tolerate failure." He said with finality earning a glare from Ryu and a sigh from Mutsu.
"Very well." Mutsu said tonelessly raising his sword up over his head, slamming his sheath into the ground, raising up the earth between them and Ryu's team, along with several other openings in the trees that was in their general direction, letting them escape unhindered.
"Well, that's that I guess." Ryu shrugged twitching slightly when he seen Yashima's wound.
"Thanks Ryu." Minato said walking towards him with Kusano in his arms peacefully sleeping.
"Don't mention it." Ryu chimed, a small smile tugging on his lips. She's okay.
"Ah sure.." Minato said nervously.
Ryu spun on his heels to look face his Sekirei. "You did good." Ryu said he set a hand down on Yashima's shoulder reassuringly. He was happy to see her blush slightly, but not as bad. Was she coming out of her shell finally? "I will tend to your wound when we get back." He said quickly.
He glanced back at the woman who lied unmoving still. "Is she alright?" He asked with a quiet voice, he never wanted to harm the Sekirei to a severe extent. That meant killing them or leaving them brutally wounded. Musubi looked at him sadly as did Yashima both finding their shoes and boots to be interesting again. Her clothes were torn off practically, Yashima's last attack shredding them into nothing upon impact.
"I-I removed her crest." Musubi spoke up nervously. For the short time she knew Ryu. He was the nicest person she meant, not to mention he was really strong and sparred with her whenever she asked, and he could eat just as fast and almost as much as she could, if she could have any other Ashikabi other than Minato it would be him, but her heart was taken. However there was a look in his eyes made her shiver slightly in fear. That wasn't a normal look, it was mysterious, violent, and dark; and for some reason it put her on edge, though her Ashikabi didn't seem to notice.
"Is that bad?" Minato asked not sure what that all meant.
"It means that she can't be with her Ashikabi anymore." Yashima said quietly avoiding Ryu's gaze. She didn't want to be scolded again if she were to be, and it wasn't her choice exactly, although she in part delivered the finishing blow. She couldn't help but feel good with the retribution that bitch cut into her shoulder and arm.
Ryu gave the place a once over. Seo and his Sekirei left sometime during the commotion between Mutsu and his earth technique and his own Sekirei. Good riddance. He struggled with his feelings, a part of him wanted to save all of the Sekirei from this plan, but he couldn't wing all of them. And another part of him rejected the idea it could turn out worse yet, they obey their Ashikabi no matter what even if they were saved, they'd only go down the same path as before. He only hoped it wouldn't come down to him cutting one or more down with his sword, despite being beautiful they were very, very dangerous and like mentioned before would follow anything their Ashikabi wills.
"Can we go back now, I'm hungry! Toyotama wanted to rush out here for a fight." Uzume whined. She felt a pang through the bond, she didn't even think twice about it. She knew Ryu was in combat, the pang wasn't fear, but excitement there was a rushing almost exhilarating feeling there. He enjoyed the fight just as much as she would, although she'd never fight Mutsu. She got in her outfit and set off to find her Ashikabi. She'd be damned if anyone or anything even dared to think of bringing harm to him.
"Yeah let's go Ryu!" Yomi seconded as she wrapped his arm in both of hers shoving it into her chest.
"Hey!" Toyotama snapped angrily.
There girls... He thought smiling to himself, it was comforting to see that despite what they went through nothing changed between them."Don't worry about it. I guess. Yashima Musubi, you're okay that's all that matters." Ryu said. That's all that mattered in the end of this entire mess that was going to cause a headache to come on at any second now, if Yashima was terminated like Mitusha or left a bloody mess on the brink of death he would attack Hayato straight forward and burn everything the little runt had into the ground. MBI helicopters flew about over head not landing quite yet.
"Uh oh! It's MBI we blew a bunch of stuff up!" Minato yelped in fear.
"They're not here for us." Toyotama said impatiently barely sparing a glance at the quivering messy haired teen. She almost felt disgusted to be around him he was so... Weak. "They're here to get that girl! Now let's get out of here." She asked tapping her foot on the ground impatiently.