Yashima ran a brush through her hair, she was pleased today. She got a good sparring session in just a few minutes ago and enjoyed a hot bath. It was going on three in the afternoon, just a few more hours until the party. Until her fool proof plan was set into motion, she had to thank Toyotama later. For being a bitch as she put it bluntly, and being more aggressive than the others, she gave her a good plan. If Ryu wouldn't do it on his own, she'd seduce him then once he's beyond drunk.

He had told her in confidence, that he doesn't drink because he can't function. Which was understandable seeing someone drunk was like watching a one man circus they were leaning and jumping, just before falling. But Ryu agreed to it, she was just taking advantage of it, she made sure to wear her blue ribbons neatly in her hair, her gray doe eyes glistening brightly, one would consider it adorable, they glistened in the light.

She felt a confidence, she had been training with Ryu for a few weeks now, and her speed as well as skills increased, she had a ways to go still. But she was getting closer. Nanaha, she couldn't wait to see the look on her face when she had Ryu in her room all to herself. She was ready to rub it in their fat noses, and didn't care about Toyotama's temper, nothing would stop her tonight.

Giggling quietly she adjusted her ribbons, staring into the mirror with her doe eyes, Ryu always told her she had eyes puppy eyes. He didn't forget about her, he always made sure she was secure, but the others were much more intimate with him, and there was a pecking order now as it were and the spots varied. She was already pushing her way around, nobody was going to stop this.

Ryu was her Ashikabi, and tonight was the next step to her claim. She understood he had other Sekirei, but she was his second or third so that counted for more than something. She was entitled, it was her right to have Ryu to herself, it wasn't a question. He may have spent a lot of time with all of them, not excluding her, but she wanted alone time. She hoped this would work, and not backfire, her timing had to be perfect.

"So what kind of house are we getting?"

"Not sure."

"Ryu-kun, you can't be serious."

One with a lot of rooms."

Ahiko giggled softly resting her head on his shoulder inhaling his manly scent. It was strange before she didn't really sniff him, as weird as that sounded. But, she did more now, much more there was just something... Arousing about it. She remembered lessons on pheromones it was basic things really, it's what attracted people to the other and the opposite. But that aside she was excited that they were getting a home, their own home, and Ryu entrusted her with helping him. Maybe it wasn't so bad she was dressed like this. "Well, we should get a place with a good amount of closets."

"Noted." Ryu said with a nod, being mindful of her slouched head. He had been moving for the last twenty minutes, and made his way down to street level. He wasn't surprised to barely see anyone around ever since Minaka claimed the city as his own more and more citizens were heading for the hills, quite literally. He didn't mind carrying Ahiko still, in fact he was enjoying it. Her presence was always like a blanket surrounding him, it wasn't protective but more understanding and lucid. "Don't tell me you're going to start getting clothes like Hari..." Ryu said with an audible groan that vibrated through his entire body. He always had a deeper voice but he never thought of it. Ahiko did however, and struggled not to laugh as his ends tickled her cheek.

"Of course not." Ahiko replied in a chipper tone. "I like jogging pants, they're comfy. Nothing like this outfit. But if it makes Hari happy." She sighed shrugging her shoulders she couldn't really argue against the cheerful Sekirei she was just so giddish and her eyes lit up every time she dressed Ahiko up, so how could she say no? She couldn't, well she did but Hari ran out of the room and came running back in ten minutes later, and after a few moments she found herself in the clothes she was wearing now. She put them on and Hari made sure everything was even.

They traveled in silence, until Ahiko decided to break it. "How much further?"

"A few blocks."

"Set me down then."

Ryu didn't argue and let go, despite wearing heels she landed balanced, a little more awkward than usual but nothing too alarming. The main reason she hated these shoes was because the restriction with movement, and the odd sense of balance. She enjoyed the silence between them, she couldn't shake this nagging feeling she had but she suppressed it, she had to remain focused.

Benitsubasa groaned loudly, it was another one of those days. Those days when Koto wanted to go and do something completely useless. And to make matters worse Luna came along, she had nothing against her personally, but that girl had a million excuses not to do something. She was lazy like Haihane in a sense, but she still had a grudging respect for her. It was hard to measure up their individual strength, Karasuba was obviously the strongest, and then Koto but she could still catch up, she hated taking orders from him.

Haihane looked pleased as they walked down the barren sidewalk, normally she'd see people roaming around going from point A to point B. It was so mundane it was as if they were programmed, such a trivial life. Boring. She couldn't imagine being one, she had a good standing in the Discipline Squad and she wasn't going to give that up for anything. She made sure to set her DVR for her TV shows, she definitely didn't want to hear Beni now. There was a catch with this mission, they could compete if they wanted to. "So, you're like for real, for real?" Haihane questioned for the dozenth time.

"She already said yes." Benitsubasa scoffed as she picked up her pace nearing Karasuba who walked at the front as usual. "Clean out your ears."

Koto shook his head as the two began to banter, honestly they bickered like a married old couple. Their personalities couldn't be anymore different, everything from how they fought to spoke was different, Sekirei were diverse, even more so than humans, he was a sword type, although he was trained in hand to hand combat by Yume. Of course he knew he was still outclassed, Yume and Karasuba were in a whole different league, and Karasuba had the nickname of the Wolf, and that was to be feared.

"It's curious." Karasuba spoke for the first time, keeping her eyes pointed forward as she continued to speak. "Minaka is investing a lot of time in this."

"It's better we reign this guy in, rather than him having free reign in this city. We've already got one." He narrowed his eyes as he pointedly said the last part. He was no fool, he knew there were rumors for the longest time. But Karasuba did seem to change from before, though not much, but one key thing was she wasn't as cold. Before she cared very little for him, she trained him until he couldn't move, he could only thank Yume without her he was sure he'd die from exhaustion.

Karasuba smiled at the reminder of her hunk of an Ashikabi. He was making things more interesting, she had a hunch he was behind this whole escape thing it was just like him to be so soft. It was sickening how he almost coddled some of his Sekirei, and several weren't worthy in her opinion. She could easily kill one or two, but the backlash would be hell. "Are you entering?" She changed the subject.

"Yes." Koto replied simply, clenching the hilt of his sword. "It'd be the best way to gather intel, besides I could use the exercise." He added, cracking his neck a few times, causing Luna to grimace.

"I hate when you do that..." She said with a loud sigh.

"I know it's nasty." Benitsubasa chimed in, smirking in a snarky manner. She did anything to piss Koto off, he maybe her superior but she wasn't going to follow orders completely that just wasn't her. She smacked her clenched fist into her free hand, her smirk widening. The thought of a good fight was too inviting, and she was double glad since there were handicap matches daily. Sometimes it was six on one like she seen, and they guy with the crazy hair cut through all of them like butter leaving a bloodbath in his wake. "As for entering, hell yes! You in claws? What about you Luna, or are you going to make another excuse?" She quipped, looking at both of them.

"Shut up." Koto said, noticing Luna's eyebrow twitch. He previously wondered why she watched so much TV or spent her hours training. Now he understood, Beni was like a firecracker that cracked all over your skin scorching you down to the toes. He trained too, about seven hours a day actually, nothing like Karasuba's ten hour, how she kept it up that long he'd never know. But, he appreciated the finer things, he'd relax, read a book or cook a meal and eat it in silence.

"I was, but I'd rather watch. I'll be cheering for you though washboard."

"Contrary to what you may think. Beni-kun, I can fight, very well I'll add despite you not having the opportunity to face me yourself. That may change soon however, your way too mouthy."

"Well, excuuussseee me." Benitsubasa said sarcastically sneering at Luna and Haihane. "And as for you claws just clamp your trap."

"I said shut up." Koto said again, subtly pulling Luna closer to him until she was at his side. He hated putting up with Beni's crap, and Haihane would and could only add fuel to the fire, the lounge room was enough proof of that. He could have sworn he head choked screams, cracking walls, and collapsing chairs. Karasuba did indeed dish out punishment, if it wasn't during sparring, it was for little things or major things like aforementioned. Luna was calm and optimistic it took a lot to piss her off, and in a sense she was extremely hard headed, that being said for her to respond the way she did was a little startling.

He didn't want her unveiling that chain sword, that she could separate into segments and lengthen at will. That thing was more than dangerous on its own, but Luna knew how to maneuver and used her footwork to keep you at bay, and could slash at a moment's notice. More than once he clashed his sword with her own blades, if there was one thing they had in common it was being competitive. Benitsubasa stuck her tongue at him before looking away with her arms folded over her chest.

"Tsk, so grumpy." Haihane said in a chastising manner, flicking her claws together. "It's kind of funny, we can just walk in there. No questions asked."

"Well, from what I was told there's people seven feet there, and massive to boot. I would think after seeing that so often you'd be used to anything. Don't forget..." Luna frowned slightly as she continued, "Minaka lifted the weapons ban, that's been in place for over four hundred years, there's a lot more violence out there, and there's said to be a rise of swordsman." She added with a serious expression, she rarely spoke so serious, normally she was relaxed and just free living. But, she noticed a more than significant rise in the crime and violence, everything was in chaos near the borders and exits, it was a surprise there weren't wildfires weeping across the city.

"So we bet?" Benitsubasa asked after a quiet few moments, they were making good ground, since they were naturally faster. A fast human walk was a casual walk for her. She wasn't keen on the whole betting thing, she found that part stupid and ridiculous, she didn't want to give money away.

"Yes." Karasuba replied looking at all of them sharply. "It's mandatory, this is one of he ways people make money here in Teito. If you're not a part of the game you're basically screwed." Karasuba said with little emotion. She didn't feel any sympathy for the humans, in her mind, her eyes they were all pathetic. Disgusting, and weak, they committed so many crimes against her kind. Musubi a prime example she didn't care about the kidnapping then, it was the mission, but she made them suffer. Every single soldier and person that stood in her way was cut down, she remembered the look on Yume's face when she was standing before piles of bodies.

"Alright..." Benitsubasa conceded.

Kagari clenched his teeth, his hand pressed on his chest. He didn't acknowledge it, but there was a change. For some reason his body was switching. It was disturbing, his face contorted as hatred swept over him. Minaka the bastard he would burn him alive and revel in his screams. He thought about what or who could cause this, he didn't notice anything out of place.

Ryu was still the same although a bit more disciplined and harder than before. He wasn't the same goof, and he could honestly understand. A lot of changes were just dropped on him, not t mention those bonds must have taken a toll on him mentally and emotionally. There was just no way around, and Sekirei bond was extremely deep, it effected all aspects, you could say they were one in the same. He didn't mention it before, but some of his Sekirei were a bit on the emotional side.

"Damn it..." He gritted out, feeling his skin almost burn. It felt like he was being cooked from the inside, normally he'd work but it was getting too hard to handle. The change couldn't be stopped, he would find out who caused this and kill them. He carefully left his room, being sure to stay quiet as he navigated his way to the bathroom.

"You really want to escape the capitol? You do understand the consequences of doing so?" Matsu asked with a deep frown, her voice serious. The few times she decided to be serious and spoke with a keen intelligent tone.

"Well..." Haruka began but Matsu cut him off.

"I'll be frank with you..." Matsu sighed softly, "Two things will happen. Either you will get swarmed by MBI troops, or have to deal with the Discipline Squad and trust you don't want to cross paths with them.. And even if I do hack into the main MBI satellite it'd only be good for three hours, and if you managed to find a route, the Discipline Squad would show up." She is afraid of Karasuba, she wasn't sure why Ryu winged. She was dangerous, while Matsu was no saint Karasuba enjoyed killing, she remembered seeing her coated in it. But there was Koto, the second in command, he was known as the demon second in command. He had four wins. clearly he outclassed a good majority of the other Sekirei.

"You said you encountered one already?" Minato asked with a grim expression.

Kuno nodded with a terrified look in her eyes. "It was the Blue Sekirei. Haihane..." Her voice was small and trembling and this was the first time she spoke. Matsu resisted the urge to shake her head, it was almost a crime to have someone as fragile as Kuno fighting in a tournament that was basically a blood sport. But that was one of the keen points of this entire game, Kuno was a variant thrown into a map of more variants.

"You'll not only be going up against her, but four others, and one of those four is Karasuba..." Matsu shivered, she wasn't as scary as Miya, no where close, but she still scared her. Her presence alone screamed death.

Haruka frowned slightly, looking at Kuno. He wouldn't be doing this is the circumstances were different, if he had a stronger Sekirei or one that knew conventional combat he'd have no need. But that wasn't the case, and he loved Kuno as awkward as it was, their meeting was strange, she grabbed his hand started talking about Ashikabis. He was happy at first, not completely sure, but as time went on he began to loathe it, not to mention they had to watch their back now, the woman in that leather suit was dangerous. He seen his life flash before his eyes several times. how someone could move so swiftly and with no hesitation, it was mind boggling.

"I understand. But, I still have to try." Haruka said firmly.

"So we're in agreement then?" Matsu questioned, her fingers flashing across her keyboard. She wasn't sure what Ryu was going to do or say, it was clear it bothered him greatly. But she couldn't think of that now, she had to busy herself, since he wasn't here at the moment. Seeing everyone nod in confirmation, she was about to continue, but her eyes went to Tsukiumi, the blonde looked angry. It was beyond angry but angry perfectly described it.

"Tsukiumi?" Minato asked, his eyes darting to her.

"I refuse." She said with an edge to her voice, looking away from him."

"But-" Musubi began as Kusano growled at the Water Sekirei, but Tsukiumi ignored the tiny Sekirei. Haruka frowned about to say something as well, Minato acted fast.

"It's okay, I won't force you Tsukiumi. Thank you for being honest." Minato smiled kindly.

The blonde Sekirei felt her heart skip a beat, that smile so gentle and warm. It was strange, at first she detested Minato, for the simple fact he was an Ashikabi and a weak one at that, but overtime she seen he was kind hearted person. He genuinely wanted to help, and as much as she loved it, though she wouldn't say it loud, it bothered her. This Haruka should be doing this on his own, in fact it shouldn't even be occurring, they were Sekirei! They were born to fight and here there was one cowering before the obstacle instead of overcoming in. She sneered at Kuno, causing the young girl to whimper. "I'm going to leave, Minato." Tsukiumi said longing at him for a long moment, before getting up and exiting Matsu's room.

It doesn't get any easier... Minato ruefully thought, forcing a smile he looked at Haruka. "Don't worry, we'll still find a way." Minato assured, he already said he would help him, and regardless of anything he always kept his word.

"Don't worry Minato-san I won't lose!" Musubi assured hugging him tightly, her breasts pressing into his face, forcing a blush across his cheeks. Minato managed to pry her off, smiling softly as he rubbed the top of her head.

"Thank you so much." Kuno said her voice unsteady. "If I wasn't so weak you wouldn't need to go through so much trouble."

"It's a little too early to be thanking me.." Minato said with a weary sigh, he wasn't sure if he wanted to see Seo. Ryu had been acting strangely, and he'd rather have Seo safe than a pile of broken bones.

"Can you believe someone is actually stupid enough to try and escape?" Haihane asked, sounding genuinely amused. "Who would be that stupid, one of us is enough, but if that were to happen we'd all be forced into action.."

Koto looked at her with a strange expression. "They'd be forcing our hand, we've had people who disobey the rules. And the several loudmouth politicians, but an actual escape it's unheard of unless..." Koto turned his had stare onto Karasuba, who ignored him. She knew what the thought was, Ryu was assisting in the escape, and she believed it so, but a small part of her was telling her to wait, if they went making assumptions everything could fall out.

"I guess it was bout to happen sooner or later." Luna said with a small shrug, she didn't like having to terminate her sisters. She'd even ask them repeatedly to stand down, to simply play by the rules. It was never ending bullshit, but chin up and deal with it. More often than not things got violent and she was forced to act, though Benitsubasa enjoyed being on active duty.

"For now we'll stay patient." Karasuba remarked, hearing a chorus of agreement. "Our focus is needed on this assignment,"

She shook her head slightly, good thing Koto was the second in command and did the best he could keeping these two in line. She had no tolerance for in fighting and resorted to violence as she previously demonstrated, Beni wouldn't be sitting down for a month. Haihane was next as soon as this mission was done with, it'd be a sparring session straight from hell.

Karei was in what she would consider a chipper mood, yes chipper. She had a wide vocabulary, that's what happens when you have someone like Takami as your personal adjuster, and to be more forward lack of adjustments. Takami was stern and strict, but wanted what was best she spent her day studying intensely learning geometry by the time she was three, by six she was doing advance physics, by fourteen she was doing college work, of course she never slacked on her skills. Brains and strength were a deadly mix, and she didn't brag but she was fricking sexy as Uzume fondly put it, must have been her outfit or boots. Uzume could get weird when she was drunk.

Chiho was doing well, Karei learned her way around the hospital her sharp mind memorizing the ins and outs, the little short cuts and paths that lead to dead ends. She was happy to see her so talkative and animate, they were talking about Uzume and Karei retelling events of the day, laughing every so often. Between Minato's Sekirei and Ryu's it was a comical scene and naturally she only added fuel to the fire to entertain and amuse herself, Chiho would probably scold her, but some things she didn't need to know. "Yeah, so Ryu got like sixteen bottles of sake, the expensive kind too!" Karei said sounding excited, in actuality she was she enjoyed good drink and people to drink with, she blamed Kazehana when they were out on late night ventures and Uzume would show up, but she was a smoker too. Another thing Chiho didn't need to know.

"Sixteen?" Chiho asked slightly shocked. "Oh, how is Ryu-kun. I haven't seen him in a long while, is he well?"

Karei nodded. "He's doing well." She replied, leaving out the part that she was naked in the same bed as him, and for a moment was checking him out. She shook the thoughts off, her heart, body, and soul belonged to Chiho, and yes she had those type of feelings for the young girl, and it was awkward at first, but slowly Chiho showed more affection. But Karei enjoyed hugging and cuddling with her more than anything else. "Yeah, sixteen I guess there's a party. I helped plan it too ya know, Uzume was pretty happy and Kazehana was herself." Karei said cheerfully grabbing both of Chiho's hands, massaging them gently.

"Sounds like fun." Chiho laughed, to Karei's relief she didn't cough. She's better today. She said mentally feeling a pulse of relief. "The next time you see Ryu, could you tell him I want to see him." Chiho said, her voice held a fondness but not like a lover, more like a brother somebody she looked up to. Karei frowned slightly, she wanted to be that, damn it she was going to have to pull out the stops now. Good thing she had another three hours.

"Hey, Chiho. You know how I'm a gymnast and all, well there's the new stretch I want to you to see." Karei didn't care if she sounded shameless, or caused Chiho to blush, she grinned at the sight pulling her into a tight hug, She was just too cute, Karei loved her to death, she treasured her Chiho understood her as she understood Chiho they were made for each other, and she knew Chiho had hesitation when it came to doing that. But a hug and spending time was simply enough.

"K-Karei!" Chiho exclaimed face the brightest shade of red, it surpassed even Minato's blush. Chiho looked away, she knew Karei was a gymnast. One of the things she'd do is show her some moves. Anything from a handstand, bridge, to rolling herself into a ball. The last one was a little... It made her feel something she didn't think she'd feel, attraction to that extent. "I just want to speak with Ryu-kun, Uzume-san told me he was busy, but he sends me his best wishes." Chiho giggled slightly snuggling closer to Karei. "Would you really do that?"

"For you. No question." Karei said, a slow and growing lecherous grin gracing her face. "I can wear a leotard."

Chiho felt blood rushing to her nose. "I love you, Chiho." Karei said above a whisper wrapping her arms around her head and pulling her into her bosom. Chiho smiled softly, closing her eyes as she returned the embrace. Karei was always so warm, she always smiled and tried to make her laugh, at times she wondered if she was a burden, but never brought it up. She knew that'd hurt Karei a lot.

"I love you too."

Yashima trotted down the stairs with her head held high. She was more than confident at this point, Toyotama, Nanaha, she didn't care who it was they wouldn't bring down her spirits. Her gray eyes glistened, her dainty appearance preventing a lot of creeks from the wooden floorboards. So they were moving soon, well that meant that Ryu would have his own room, the one he considered his. And that's where she would sleep.

That was entitled to her as far as she was concerned, she'd be sleeping with him. But for now she had to make her sake was hidden away where Nanaha wouldn't find it. Her heart raced with anticipation she couldn't wait for later, she'd experience what the others did. What they always talked about, and she was completely left out because they never went that far, she gave him a blow job a few times, and he came on her, but never in her. And didn't even make a move to have her sheathe his member. But that would change tonight.

It was her time.

She smiled to herself, her gray eyes glistening more as she came around a corner. Her plan was already set into motion, now she just had to wait, and in a few hours Ryu would be her's and that's it. A soft giggle escaped her lips and her smile grew slightly. "Ryu-kun is mine, it's time they learn."