"You refuse to learn.. Continue to run away.. Why do you cling to such petty bonds.. They make you weak."

"Those petty bonds... Are the people I have to protect."

"HAHAHAHAH! That's rich! You protect them? It's the other way around isn't it!?"

Ryu clenched his eyes shut. The voice was getting stronger, more aggressive. "It doesn't matter..."

"But it does.. What if one of them dies in battle then what will you do?"

"I'm not going to let it happen!"

"You can't save everyone and you won't.. But you seem to have something for Yashima.. Say if I kill her? Snap her little neck with my bare hands!?"

"Leave her out of this!"

"Ryu? Hey Ryu?" Nanaha broke his train of thought, his eyes focused back on the scenery outside of her window. Currently he was situated in Nanaha's and Yashima's room the former a blushing mess as she was almost half naked. He came here, he couldn't remember why? In fact he couldn't remember when he dazed out, he normally didn't sit in his Sekireis' rooms he had his own room which he was very fond of. It wasn't filled with perverted and loud women, though not all of them were like that.

"Yeah.." He said distracted as he turned to look at her wearing a pair of white shorts that went up passed the middle of her thigh with a loose fitting top. It wasn't indecent or lude, it looked more like something one would wear for combat.

"Think I should wear something more formal?" Nanaha asked glancing at Yashima who was currently slipping on a red skirt.

Honestly, Ryu hated formalities. He didn't waste his time getting to know such things, he treated everyone the same. Pull your weight and don't bog him down and you're all right in his book. He wasn't the most talkative guy or the most popular, he kept to himself his emotions has a strong lock on them. And at times he caged those meager feelings becoming cold, but he was easing his way out of that, seeing as how his Sekirei reacted so miserably whenever he'd shut off the link. It wasn't permanent, but Kami he just wanted something for himself. His peace of mind was no longer his, his mind wasn't his it was shared with all of these women and some weren't so well at handling their emotions. "It's just a party no need for all of that." He said dryly waving his hand showing he really didn't care. He liked Nanaha in clothes like this better, before she was so... Submissive so obedient, but now she was spirited and no so submissive she didn't wear clothes that detracted from her subtle beauty or great features. Like those legs, Ryu recalld fondly how he rubbed them making her gasp and arch her spine.

"Told you." Nanaha said in a snarky tone as she smirked at Yashima, that smirk widening as she watched Yashima frown before trotting in front of Ryu. Nanaha got on her case again for trying to be so proper and formal in front of Ryu. Always wearing skirts and those tight shirts that exposed her cleavage. But Nanaha couldn't blame her besides Hari and Yomi Yashima had yet to experience a night with Ryu like she had. And she could say she never, ever experienced something like that and she wasn't the same afterwards.

"Were you two... Seriously competing over this...?" He said completely exhausted. It's just getting dressed.. Seriously something so trivial...

"Do you like my outfit?" Yashima asked a bit shyly but put emphasis on the question as she exchanged glances with Nanaha. Ryu breathed out a sigh, this was just ridiculous how much and often his Sekirei competed. He truly felt pity for Minato having Tsukiumi and Musubi literally dragging him around and back and forth he never got a minute's peace and if and when he did Kusano wasn't far behind demanding attention. Sometimes in more... Adult ways. Honestly I think they love arguing. Ryu thought with a scowl as he stared at the two of them, Yashima's eyes glistening and hopeful while Nanaha seemed completely content, he never understood Yashima at all. She tried to stick to him like glue and follow him around, all of his Sekirei were independent of free spirits Toyotama and Uzume proved that on the hourly basis. Yashima was so... So clingy... He couldn't describe it properly, but she went out of her way to be his shadow. And that caused a lot of disputes during dinner, since she'd just sit next to him seemingly out of entitlement or she didn't care. That was fought for, and he wasn't surprised when she began to compete. But she had stiff competition and it proved itself when she'd be clutching her stomach or wobbling to her feet.

"It's just clothes and a house party." Ryu said pinching the bridge of his nose. He could deal with Toyotama and Yomi going back and forth because it was settled with a spar afterwards which was very entertaining. But he couldn't deal with these two going at it, or Miya and Karasuba. The former two were just too deadly, too strong, and too resolved when it came to the sword and he knew if he stepped between the two he'd come out with more than a few cuts, whatever tension they had was deep rooted, years before he was born. It wasn't his business but he had to wonder what transpired to have the two so hostile towards the other. Nanaha and Yashima weren't as bad in the murderous rampage aspect, but were bad in the competing aspect. They'd compete over everything from eating to outfits, the last one he didn't get. Clothes were clothes no more and no less.

"But. Do you?" Yashima pressed frowning at him, her gray eyes glistening whether from tears or something else he didn't know or care at the moment. He had way too much on his plate and though a party was meant to loosen up he doubted he'd be doing that during the party. He'd need to keep a close eye on everyone here especially the new guests that Minato brought along.

"Yashima..." Ryu said with a loud sigh."there only clothes. We're not going out. There is no need." He repeated the same thing he said to Nanaha.

"0-Okay.. Fine." Yashima said with a small sniff keeping her tears back. She realized she was losing a lot of ground and favor with Ryu. She first noticed during the meeting when he input caused the entire thing to boil over and explode, it quickly went downhill afterwards as several of her sisters got their night but she didn't. Was she not good enough? Sure she didn't have big boobs or a big ass like the others but she loved him just as much. She felt her eyes start to burn with tears, her heart clenching harshly. H-he hates me... He wants nothing to do with me...

Ryu looked at her with his own frown as he raked a hand through his hair, his violet eyes becoming piercing. "And don't you dare try to pin the depth of my feelings on something so trivial as clothes Yashima. Who do you think I am?!" Ryu said with an edge to his voice as he stood up and abruptly left. Ignoring Nanaha as he opened the sliding door and turned right heading down the hall not even bothering to close the door. Nanaha looked shocked for several seconds, she slowly closed the door, shock being replaced by anger and a lot of it. She turned her icy glare back on Yashima who was sniffing and wiping her eyes, it was a pitiful sight.

"Why can't you just shut up for five seconds? You ruin everything Yashima." Nanaha hissed as she shoved her harshly to the side, Yashima stumbling falling to the floor her skirt fluttering revealing her white panties. Nanaha plopped down roughly on the bed glaring out the window at the clouds in the sky as if they'd warp and shift under her gaze. She didn't miss the edge in Ryu's tone, he only got that when he got strange feelings from them. Whether it was thoughts, feelings, emotions, or desires depending on which one he'd react abruptly like he just had. No wonder he's blocking us off all the time now... She thought with a frown as she watched Yashima pick herself up, the hammer Sekirei glaring at her.

"I don't ruin everything!" She said indignantly her gray eyes glistening more than before as her cheeks puffed out. "You.. You steal Ryu-sama away from me! He's my Ashikabi!" Yashima fumed her face turning red as she vented her emotions. It wasn't fair she had been his third Sekirei, he saved her when no one else did. He was her prince, they were destined to be so much more, she wanted so much more. Children and a home, it was all in her fantasy. But now she was losing ground, Ryu spent more time with the others than her in that sense, while he did take time out for her they never went above just kissing. But the others they got to feel him inside of them, feel is seed swim through them heating their bodies up like mini suns. "You always steal him away from me if you don't the others do!" More tears stared running down her cheeks, "he's my Ashikabi! You hussie!"

"First of all he hates the sama bit." Nanaha said pointing her index finger to signify her explanation. She recalled how furious he could get at certain times when she used the suffix of sama, there was just something about that superiority looking down at her that got under his skin. She knew Ryu was a serious, but laid back person she didn't care for manners that was clear when he ate. San and kun were fine as he put it, and it took her a very, very long time to break her habit. But it looked like Yashima would take, much, much longer. Nanaha frowned deeply, real anger flashing in her brown eyes. "Secondly he is not just your Ashikabi! He is all of ours, he saved your sorry ass." Nanaha snapped advancing on Yashima who didn't appear to be backing down though tears were running down her cheeks. "He saved your sorry ass and you have the nerve to say he's just your's as if I or the other don't exist!?" Nanaha clenched her fists resisting the urge to punch her nose and make it bleed. "Toyotama-san is right. You're nothing but a spoiled, stuck up, snotty little bitch that puts on the tear act. Ryu shields you way too much.."

"She's lying!" Yashima exclaimed more tears streaming down her cheeks as she sniffed quietly. "I am not spoiled you know nothing about me or what I've been through!" She exclaimed walking right up to Nanaha pushing her breasts against her's as she challenged her to smack her or attack her. She knew Ryu would see the bruise then he would ask, and then Nanaha would get it. "You have no right."

"I do know you Yashima..." Nanaha said turning her back towards her and walking away, stopping a few feet away. "Ryu.. Ryu-kun saved you despite his own injuries and misgivings towards the Sekirei and the Sekirei game.. He swallowed what little of his own life he still had and took you in. You've had food, a bed to sleep in, and roof over your head..." Nanaha turned back glaring murderously. "You have no idea.. No idea you little stuck up prude.. I was a hair away from being taken. Ryu-kun saved me and I've done all I can to help him when he's troubled.

"I do the same thing!" Yashima snapped angrily walking at her. "Don't turn away from me when I'm talking to you! You little-" She reached her hand out to forcibly turn Nanaha around but before she could grab her shoulder Nanaha kicked her shin getting a cry of pain from the smaller Sekirei. Yashima tripped forward and Nanaha took advantage of the opening smashing the tip of her elbow on the back of Yashima's head driving her to the floor and watching with a cold expression as the smaller Sekirei clutched her skull and whimpered in pain her shoulders shaking and her legs curling up to her chin.

"Don't ever touch me." Nanaha hissed her eyes narrowing to slits. "You need to grow up Yashima. Honestly." Nanaha opened the sliding door not even sparing a glance back and exited shutting it quietly leaving Yashima writing in pain on the ground.

"Oh what do we have here?"

"Leave me alone.. Toyotama!" Yashima cried her eyes glistening with tears and anger, her entire body shaking.

"Oh please. Cry me a river you stupid little bitch you got what you deserved in my book." Toyotama said with a smirk as she stared at Yashima's balled up form on the floor. This is where she belonged down at her feet broken and battered crying those little doe eyes out, Toyotama didn't find it cruel at all in fact she found it amusing and enjoyable, it was far from mean. It was simply order, and Yashima was going to need to fall in line. "You know it is a party tonight. Not that I think you'll be there longer than five minutes and won't have a drink or two you stuck up wench. But as I said it is a party, maybe if you're lucky you could seduce Ryu in the midst of the druken heaven.. That is if I don't snag him first." She smiled seeing Yashima stop moving and massaging her skull for a moment no doubt mulling this over. "And if I happen to and you dare to interfere I will break you in half. Don't try me." And with her piece spoken the green haired Sekirei took her leave.

"That doesn't sound like a bad plan." Yashima muttered to herself as she slowly stood up on her feet, shaking her head a few times to fight the dizziness. "I'll get Ryu tonight. Before any of you do, and then I'll rub it in your face."

It was a good plan. Ryu just needed to get drunk, and she'd help with that. Then, then she could finally get her alone time, just with him and no one else. She was ready to set her plan in motion.

"It's ridiculous."

"You should be used to it."

"That's very laughable, but this isn't a time for jokes Luna."

"Who said I was joking?"

Koto and Luna sat in the former's private quarters, they were two doors down from each other. Benitsubasa and Haihane's were kiddy corner to theirs and Karasuba's was at the head of the hall. Whether it was by design or some sort of ranking move he didn't know or care. He wouldn't argue over who got to lead the squad. Karasuba was perfect for being their leader, she was cunning, wise, and had patience to see things play out. She also kept Benitsubasa in line. "Koto.. You've been on the squad since the beginning you know who those two are."

"But it never interfered with my work before." Koto said with a loud groan as he threw himself on a large couch, the material seemed to be leather judging from the texture and the sound it made. But he never concerned himself with such trivial things especially when there was something big going on right under his nose.

"Our work." Luna retorted, cracking open a can of soda and chugging it down. "Koto-kun, our work."

He sighed quietly pinching the bridge of his nose. "Look.. My point is. Benitsubasa and Haihane are detrimental to any and all progress we make here. Beni almost blew our cover at the fighting tournament with her big mouth and their incessant arguing. Our lounge is in shambles because of those two. I'm tired of keeping them in line every time I'm supposed to be investigating something or killing some loud mouth. They are a distraction, a big distraction and I hate distractions they slow me down with what I want to get." Koto, Luna observed souned very, very annoyed and his face contorted with anger on several points during his explanation. Of course, she could understand and empathize with him that the two were more trouble than they were worth, but they were a squad and each member had their roles. They couldn't just give the two the boot even if it was for a just reason.

"Koto-san I understand, truly, believe me I do." She said her voice filled with sincerity as she passed him a can of soda. He looked at it for a moment before sighing loudly and opening it taking a big chug as he listened to Luna continue. "Beni and Haihane are distractions, they can't separate work from personal. But they are part of the Discipline squad they have their roles inside of the squad just as we do. We need them regardless of how ridiculous and petty they can be, and more so they compliment each other in combat. Beni is power and brute force and Haihane is speed and swiftness, together they're unstoppable with us and Kara-sama nobody can touch us." She smiled widel taking another drink of her soda satisfied with Koto's silence and contemplative expression.

"I guess I can't argue with that logic..." He said lamely massaging his forehead with his hand.

"And there's me and you." Luna added cheerfully. "You're the strict and hard worker and I'm the laid back fun girl." She grinned.

"Why didn't you let Natsuo wing you?" Koto asked suddenly turning his serious expression to one of curiosity. It was no secret that the man was gay, that's what the rumors were any way. And everyone knew it and was spreading it, he didn't give much thought to he said she said nonsense, but there was a point when he could acknowledge it. Luna, when he first met her was head over heels for Natsuo, not as bad as Beni it was a more mature, adult kind of affection.

"Why didn't you?" Luna asked with a cheeky smirk.

"I don't go that way. If he got within arm's reach of me I'd cut off his arms and beat him to death with them." Koto said with an icy voice.

"Always blunt and straight to the point. No wonder Kara-sama made you the second in command." Luna said with a wistful tone looking up at the ceiling, she didn't mind her place in the squad but she always looked up to Karasuba and did her best to impress the seasoned swordsman. When Koto was promoted but she wasn't she felt her drive vanish and she spent a few days in her room. It's only a ranking we both know that your grace and flexibility can match my speed and power. She recalled Koto saying as he gave a swift kick in the ass, literally to get her back on her duties.

"Just answer."

"Fine, fine." Luna waved her hand casually as she nudged herself closer to him. She never told anyone the reason why, she would skate around the topic or just end it before it even began. Koto was never one to press on a subject, and Benitsubasa could give two shits about her reasons since she had Natsuo all to herself. The stupid, poor, deluded girl actually thought she could change his mind and view on things. And Haihane didn't care as long as she had TV and could spar she was a happy camper. "But promise me Koto-kun that you won't tell anyone. This has to stay between just the two of us." He nodded a few times, grabbing both of her hands in his own giving them a small squeeze, she felt her cheeks get slightly warmer. He looked so kind and gentle, nothing like the hardened warrior he truly was. "I know.. The rumors that Natsuo is gay and he had a lover a long time ago.. And I never really paid any attention to all of that, humans take rumors so seriously it's laughable. But I didn't care one way or another my feelings can't be swayed or changed but..." She paused taking a breath. "Natsuo he's... He's a shell of a man, he has no feelings.. No emotions.. He's hollow with a heart as cold as winter.. He never desired me or Beni and Haihane, and while those two emerged with him for power and love respectively. I simply couldn't, I'm strong now and can get stronger but I can't live a lie."

"Luna... I..." Koto swallowed hard actually speechless. This rarely occurred, in fact this may be the first time it has happened to him. He stiffened as Luna leaned forward resting her forehead on his shoulder, her shoulders shaking slightly. "That's very down to earth coming from you..."

"So sardonic, I guess that's as close to a compliment I'll get. Now hush." Luna whispered pleasantly, something about her voice put him at ease. He relaxed wrapping his arms around her small waist as she wrapped her own around his neck. "Don't say anything... Just... Just hold me." She whispered nuzzling her head in his neck with a small smile. She looked up at him and felt something incredibly soft and sweet to the taste, her eyes opened, widening like saucers as she looked at her lips locked with his own, his eyes closed and a calm look on his face. She fought against it, this was her comrade, her commander she couldn't kiss him or things like that. It wasn't proper. She gripped a handful of his hair deepening the kiss and allowing his tongue access, she wrestled against his letting him stay dominant for a while. It was arousing... She cursed her body as she laid down lengthwise on the couch bringing Koto down with her all the while their lips never left each other.

"K-Koto-san...!" Luna exclaimed as she broke the kiss panting as wildly as her heart thumped.

I thought I was the only one who thought that way. I thought I was alone, but I'm not she understands."Shhh.." Koto hushed her grabbing her cheeks in both hands and kissed her passionately. "Just stay with me. Let go, I'm here." He whispered in her ear forcing a chill down her spine that made her squirm. But try as she did to resist her body didn't obey her command and instead of pushing him away she ripped off his haori and black gi tracing her palms across his muscular torso, a soft moan left her rosy lips as Koto happily gave in kissing the tender skin of her neck moving down to her collarbone, smirking as she arched her back shuddering out another moan.

Miya leapt back dodging Ryu's slash, she spun on her heel striking forward with her saya aiming for below his rib cage. He swung down and to the side deflecting the attack, the force behind it shaking his bones slightly. With another leap, he slid back across the dirt standing a few feet away from Miya. They trained daily constantly honing and refining their skills, progressively Miya upped her power during the spars and while she could beat him with one blow if she chose to, she wanted to test him and push him. She held back, and he capitalized with that forward thrust so long ago that cut her cheek and gave him a concussion and get covered in twelve inches of snow. She smiled slightly enjoying the steady tension around them, "feel better Ryu-kun?"

"Yeah." He answered completely honest as he settled himself into a stance, "a spar with you is just what I needed." He sprung forward with his back foot, drawing the sword with blinding speed slashing upwards, Miya read the movement leaning her head back just dodging his attack, faster than the spectator's eyes could follow Miya smacked the sheath of sword against his stomach. He slid away from her, his hand going to clutch the place that would soon bruise.

Ryu shook it off, he was used to it by now. And he couldn't really be effected by Miya's hits though they did hurt, they were nothing like his master's. He made it a critical point to make him learn to keep his guard up, and that included him knocking him around. But he never complained at any time, he did everything his master told him.

He launched himself forward, blade already pointed forward cutting its path through the space between them, as he expected, Miya nibly ducked under it already on the move to attack. He clenched the end of his hilt with his other hand stabbing forward again, Miya's eyes widened for a brief moment as she snapped her head to the side, lashing out with her sheath. Ryu strained twisting away, thrusting forward again, this time Miya unsheathed her sword in blinding speed, deflecting the stab. Ryu's body rattled from the impact, he landed solidly on the ground sliding back his knuckles paling as he clenched onto his sword as if his life depended on it.

Miya smiled lightly as she let her sword rest at her side. "An impressive technique." She commented, there was some surprise in her eyes. She was fast enough to avoid it all, but she wasn't expecting that kind of attack. "What have you named it?"

"Risshin." Ryu answered adjusting his footing, his chest rising and falling heaving for oxygen, his shoulders shook from the strain and sweat ran down his temples.

"A forward charge followed by three simultaneous stabs. Nothing to scoff at, but..."

"You see that?" Uzume asked taking a bite out of a cookie.

"No, actually." Toyotama replied.

The two sat on the veranda, curiosity got the better of them, and since Kazehana and Karei both left a few minutes earlier they had nothing better to do until the party. They were attracted to the sound of air whooshing and were surprised and not so surprised to see Ryu and Miya going at it again their dance being surrounded by gleaming steal and fluttering purple hair. For Toyotama she was happy Ryu found an output for his growing emotions, he seemed to be dazed out for some reason or another, and she was admittedly worried.

Uzume was shocked and impressed with Ryu's movements and attacks, even though he was at a disadvantage that tactical mind he possessed always showed itself in last minute changes to his attacks or pivots. It was nothing like her attack style where she used her dexterity to attack, flipping and twirling through the air as she controlled his strips of cloth. Ryu was intense every move had his all put behind it, she could almost feel the power being exchanged between the two. Her eyes widened as the two went at it again, Miya taking the charge this time. She glanced at Toyotama who laughed quietly.

"When did Ryu get so... Strong?" Uzume asked.

"I was just thinking the same thing." Toyotama said with a thoughtful expression. "I mean he did always say don't underestimate what people are capable of, but that's just him. Always so observant."

"I never doubted him, but look at him..." Uzume paused staring at the battle in front of her. "I don't think a human could move that fast, and if one could, they wouldn't be able to keep it up for long."

Toyotama's eyes narrowed. Uzume actually sounded smart, and serious. That was nice for a change, honestly she got tired of the pervy and downright immature Sekirei. It could be argued Toyotama could be uptight, which she could be, but she'd rather be like that than a complete pervert like Uzume. "What are you suggesting?"

"Ryu's-"

"I think we've done enough for today." Miya's voic traveled through the wind as the two just stopped completely, Ryu sheathing his sword. "Wouldn't you say?"

"Yeah, I need to take a bath." Ryu nodded in agreement. "Uzume, Toyotama did you get this whole part situated?"

"Well we were, but Miya got all scary!" Uzume said recalling that damned mask.

"Why? I thought you were against it?" Toyotama asked.

For some reason both girls felt a chill run down their spine, and the air got a lot colder. Much colder and it felt like they were being crushed, like the gravity was one thousand times that of earth's. Ryu and Miya both had a ghost of smiles on their faces, Miya's eyes closed while Ryu's head was tilted to the side.

"Uzume let's go. Now that we have the chance."

"Right." Uzume replied to Toyotama, both getting up and lightly running away heaving sighs of relief as they felt the oxygen return to their lungs. "That was weird, don't you agree Toys?"

"I've told you a million times don't call me Toys, and stop calling me Toys!" Toyotama scoffed in annoyance but sobered up quickly. "I'd have to agree."

Ryu wiped the sweat from his brow, the steady thump in his chest reminding him just how close he was. He knew it would be a matter of time before the truth got out, but this soon he wasn't anticipating. He turned his head to the side letting out a soft sigh as a gust of wind rushed passed him throwing his hair all over the place. That was too close, way too close and it brought up another predicament. Miya seemingly reading his mind began to speak.

"When should we tell them about us?" She asked slightly hesitant.

"Not now." Ryu replied, that's the last thing he wanted to announce at the moment.

"We'll have to soon..." Miya let the statement linger.

"I know, but for now could you wash my back?" Ryu asked, hearing the bath calling his name.

"Just washing your back?" Miya asked, mirth shimmering in her eyes and smile.

"Yeah. I promise." Ryu said his voice not holding the amusement it usually did in these conversations. "And I'll wash yours."

"Wow...!" Haruka breathed out as he looked at the dozens of screens surrounding the room. All of them showing a map or some other statistic. He could admit he didn't trust Minato at first, but he seemed like a good guy and they were both similar. He was glad he trusted him. "I didn't know your Sekirei could do this."

"Haruka-sama..." Kuno cried tugging on his sleeve with a pitiful expression on her face.

"Sorry." He sighed feeling slightly guilty.

"Well, Matsu-san isn't my Sekirei." Minato said, it was better to get that bit of information out of the way. He didn't know if he'd survive for longer than a week if he were to wing her.

"Really?" Haruka blinked rapidly. "Is it that other guy?"

"Matsu..." A new voice cut through the air, the person of choice conversation making his presence known. "I thought you were busy. I'll be back after my bath." And with that he left sliding the door shut quietly. The entire room got tense, but nobody was more tense than Matsu though she didn't show it. She wasn't getting any favors with Ryu this way, but she couldn't say no to Minato. He had a kind heart and he wanted to help these two, regardless of the danger and consequences.

How do I talk my way out of this one?