Koto walked with slow measured steps. Pushing his way through the crowd wasn't a difficult task as much as it was irritating. He shoved aside dozens of people, but another five hundred would swamp him and on more than one occasion he had to dodge a spilling bear or bottle of liquor. The smell was strong and awful, while he did drink he never did enjoy the strong smell. That being said he wasn't going to get on it his clothes and that meant throwing people from his walking path.

But now, he was content. He got to fight, even if it wasn't much to acknowledge. He made his way through the crowd and was now in the ring. His eyes flicked from side to side, it looked like it had six or eight sides, and as he seen before it was elevated with fences around the perimeter to keep the fighters in. If he had to say it was something it would be a death trap, nobody could do much once they were locked in. Of course the barriers were broke more than once, and six people at times were flying from ten feet onto hundreds, even thousands of onlookers.

"Over here little man." The gruff voice caught his attention. He turned his head up looking at the tan skinned man that stood easily at six and a half feet. He was tall himself, but nowhere near six and half feet. The man was well built, muscular and strong. He held an ax in his right hand, and a crowbar in his left hand. He wasn't as muscular as some of the combatants he seen in this building, but it was impressive he had to admit that at least. Too bad it didn't do much good.

"Ichiro, let's break this little runt and get that prize money!" Han, a short and stocky peach tone skinned man said with a devious smirk. He was the shortest of the group of four and his weapon of choice was a chain, which he swung lazily as he eyed Koto. There tournaments had no rules, anything and everything was legal, he seen a lot of characters in his day, but never one with orange hair.

"You forget you may have me to compete with?" Gen said with a cocky tone. Gen was tall and lean, with light skin and messy brown hair that fell to his ears. He held a spear firmly in his left hand and had a tanto strapped to the side of his right hip. He was about the same height as Ichiro but wasn't nearly as massive.

"You've yet to beat me." Koto said, drawing his sword and taking the typical stance anyone with kenjutsu training took before battle. The hilt clasped in both hands held straight in front of him.

"Mouthy runt." Aiko grumbled, taking slow steps towards the orange haired teenager. Aiko was in the middle. He stood at about six foot four and had a lean, muscular build. His hair was the shortest, almost nonexistent. He had slightly tanned skin and cold, unforgiving brown eyes that set him apart from the rest of his team. He held a short sword with his right hand, and a chain was slung around his neck. Koto took this time to observe his opponents as the announcer stepped towards the middle between them, looking back and forth. The first person that had to be defeated was Gen and Ichiro those two seemed to have a sync in combat, the other two wouldn't be much trouble, but fighting them two on one wasn't an option. They'd all charge at the same time.

"In one corner we have. Gen, Ichiro, Han, and Aiko. We've seen great things from them. They entered this tournament nine months ago and have become champs in their own right!" The announcer said with flare smirking as the crowd exploded with cheers and boos, and he could he sworn he seen somebody get hit over the head with a beer bottle. Oh well that was common here. He looked at Koto, shivering when he seen the look in his eyes. "And in this corner we have Hamura. He is a new contestant, and if I say so myself I look forward to seeing what he can do are you with me!?" He exclaimed, the crowd exploded ten times louder than before, Koto winced slightly not use to the loud noise, he glanced up to where his team mates were sitting all of them looking on with interest, Luna and Haihane smiled giving a thumbs up, Luna winking as she did so copying Haihane.

"FIGHT!" The announcer roared, and made a beeline for the exit, quickly shutting the door.

Gen used the strength in his legs to jump up and a few feet away from Koto, his partners copying the move as they shut off any inch of escape from Koto. It was made even more clear when he heard the familiar sound of a chain slamming onto the floor. His eyes shot towards Ichiro who grinned with maliciousness that he rarely ever seen on Sekirei, let alone humans. "Nice hair punk. Tooo bad you're going to need to wash the blood out with that dye." He guffawed at the orange haired commander.

Gen charged, his weapon rocketing towards Koto. The commander dodged by the fraction of an inch, bending his front leg and jolting forward. He felt the resistance of flesh and bone give way, blood splattered as he skewered Gen with a stab. His eyes widened as he caught the sight of an ax, with super reflexes he yanked his blade out, jumping back and blocking the vicious swing. He felt his wrists jar ever so slightly from the force, and with a burst of strength he pushed the weapon aside, slashing forward. Ichiro tried to dodge, but his boy couldn't move fast enough and Koto's sword ripped a gash from his collarbone all the way to his hips. With a choked gasp he fell back, blood showering the ground, the crowds burst of cheers reverberated in his ears.

"Gen! Ichiro! You!" Han ran towards him with blind fury shining in his eyes, he attacked first swinging and jumping. Koto dodged and parried each move, forced to stay on the defensive as Aiko joined him team mate his own weapon flashing through the air. Koto focused energy into his legs, with a pivot he dodged the collaboration attack from the two of them, their eyes widened for a second before screams of pain ripped from their lungs as two gouges formed on their torsos, Aiko collapsed with a wet thud and Han fell back his eyes rolling behind his head. Koto stood completely still, swiping his sword to the side ridding it of the blood and sheathing it smoothly.

"And your winner by four straight kills! Hamura!" The announcer's voice cut through the tense and excited atmosphere, Koto ignored the boisterous man as he exited the ring quickly making his way through the crowd. He wasn't expecting them to sacrifice their own members, that was something he'd never think of doing. No matter how much Beni pissed him off or Haihane lazing around and watching TV he'd never send them to their death. Luna, he couldn't think of doing that to her ever, though things got complicated between them, they were always close and would remain close. Sure that no one was watching him, he jumped up towards the platform where the others were waiting, his first sight Benitsubasa's frown.

"What's with that ugly mug?" He quipped with a smirk.

"Shut up." Benitsubasa growled.

Luna, laughed despite the exchange. She had her eyes trained on the fight the entire time and was as always amazed with Koto. The way he weaved through the chain and deflected that ax was precise and measured. She would have taken a different approach, perhaps she would have taken longer to defeat them, but where Koto liked to fight up close she kept herself at a distance attacking with her chain sword. "She lost a bet with Haihane." Luna explained the pink haired Sekirei's anger, laughing again.

"You guys were betting?" Koto frowned slightly.

"Yeah. Beni-kun here said it'd take you longer than two minutes." Karasuba informed him, her own laugh coming to the surface. But unlike before Benitsubasa didn't snap out in a response, instead she scowled folding her arms under her breasts.

"And how long did it take?" Koto asked, slightly interested.

"A minute and thirty seconds. Not including the introduction." Haihane responded waving around a few hundred yen, she did enjoy having fun. That included pissing off Beni and winning bet against her. She had no doubt Koto would finish this match in under two minutes, Beni was too proud too brazen, Haihane wasn't like that and though she was proud and cocky she knew when she was beat.

"Humans are big on spectacles." Luna noted absently recalling the flamboyant introductions. "I'll never understand the meaning behind such theatrics."

"Trust me even if you did, you wouldn't understand." Benitsubasa added.

Ahiko took a deep breath suppressing the urge to shudder. She didn't know what came over her, one moment she was holding Ryu enjoying his warmth and the next she was naked, she was never one to lose control of herself especially to get into a situation like this. Her eyes hazed over, she blinked once, twice, three times, her vision sharpened back to its normal clarity and she caught the sight of violet. "Ah!" She moaned throwing her head back as she felt another thrust hit her sweet spot. "Ah! Ryu-kun!"

"I was wondering when you were going to come around." He said giving her a small, tender kiss on her full lips. She tasted like honey, peaches, and hint of tea. He knew the tea was from Miya earlier in the day. He enjoyed her taste, their tongues dancing for dominance as one flicked and other coiled. He was a little hesitant on doing it right here, but the thought was long passed thrown out the window. Breaking the kiss, he sighed softly, nuzzling his head in her shoulder inhaling her honey-cinnamon scent.

"I'm... Okay." She responded after a few breaths, moving a few bangs from over her face. She felt her hand slick with sweat and adjusted herself on the floor. The motion shifted Ryu inside of her, forcing a moan from her lips and arch from her back. She remembered Hari telling her about all the great things Hari went on about while they were venturing through the city, Hari knew too much. At times Ahiko found herself blushing and spluttering at some of the things that came out of her mouth, but there were books on the subject. That being said she couldn't argue with Hari, this was great even if it hurt a bit. Ryu was... Well endowed, and she'd never think of that when they were just kids.

"You sure? You seemed a bit hazed over." Ryu asked, he looked at her carefully. For a moment when he lost himself in the heat and desire, Ahiko's eyes almost turned a gray than a deep red before turning gray again. Of course it could just be him, he was more mindful, more weary than he often was and could have just imagined it; damn Matsu and her perverse ways he didn't care too much about it at first. But, now, now he was getting fed up. Uzume was acting strangely, Karei came out of nowhere, and though he had no grudge against the tall and very shapely Sekirei something was just off.

"Yes." She breathed, grabbing a handful of his hair. "Should we go back?"

Ryu sighed loudly his breath hitting the side of her neck, a giggle escaped her lips. "No." He said stubbornly, he knew what she was getting at. He was sure the Inn was bustling with activity and noise, and she didn't want to step on anyone's toes. Too bad, chances like this were rare and few and he was going to take full advantage. "I don't get a chance like this often."

"You lecher!" Ahiko feigned shock as she tapped his nose a few times, a teasing smile on her lips as her eyes filled with mirth. She recalled Miya warning her that Ryu could be lecherous, but she didn't believe that. Lecherous was such a pointed term, maybe a horny toad was more of an option to use. But, now she understood what Miya was saying, Ryu could be quite convincing, especially if he was talking while thrusting into her insides, the feeling of her walls squeezing against his member was enough to take away any sense. "Miya told me about your beastly ways."

"Is that right?" Ryu asked, a humorous chuckle escaping his lips. Miya, Miya she had her nerve saying anything like that. Although he knew she said it with fondness and didn't mean anything bad by it, there was still truth in that statement. She was more likely referring to the night they shared when she was wearing Matsu's outfit; that was a shocker. Firstly that Miya could wear it and it fit, just barely, she was more than tempting in that outfit and she knew it when she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him. He made worth all the while by making sure she walked with a limp, much easier said than done but he managed it.

"Yes, she said you lack control." Ahiko said with her own smile. Ryu lost control few times, when he was angry was one and the most prominent. The second was when he was training or fighting and got into the battle, the last and perhaps more profound one at this moment was during love making or anything along those lines. At first glance Ryu looked menacing, imposing, and extremely cold; he would put the harshest killer into a crumbling heap of tears and make entire blocks shiver from his presence. But he wasn't cold, he was very, very passionate from his small fleeting kisses on her neck, to his careful kneading of her breasts and contours of her ribs. Perhaps, she was the only one who understood Ryu better than anyone. "Ahhh!" She moaned loudly, her legs tightening around his waist as she bit into his shoulder, her entire body trembling.

Ryu made no verbal response, instead he slammed his lips onto her's cutting off another moan. He enjoyed feeling her body quake and her back arch from his touch. Uzume was wild and crazy in bed she was down for anything and did anything, Toyotama enjoyed the struggle for who was dominant who was going to be on top, Matsu... Well no words could describe that. But, Ahiko was different, she was submissive, welcoming, she surrendered herself and while she enjoyed the fight for dominance she didn't enjoy nowhere near as much as Toyotama. He felt his heart pounding in his throat as another moan was muffled by their kiss, those sweet moans. So quiet and soft. He felt Ahiko tapping his back, at first it was slow but picked up in pace, and finally he broke the kiss taking a deep breath as Ahiko gasped loudly. "God, I thought I was going to die." Ahiko said breathlessly, her lips parted and eyes locked with his.

"I'll take that as a compliment." Ryu said with a small smirk as he kneaded her breasts, his fingers brushing across her hard nipples. Forcing another shudder from her.

"R-Ryu! AH!"

"Just another hour then we can leave."

"Did you have to kill them though? They've been cleaning up blood for the last ten minutes!" Benitsubasa exclaimed frustrated with Koto. There didn't need to be kills, knockouts and submissions were fair game as well, but she shouldn't have expected anything else from Koto.

"It was entertaining." Haihane defended.

Luna ignored the two having an exchange again, she was used to it by now. The Discipline Squad, all three generations seemed to have conflicting and opposing personalities. The first generation had to be the shining example of this, all five were so different joined under one cause. Protect the Sekirei, she didn't remember the events, obviously she was still in development. But she remembered Yume, those gleaming eyes full of love and compassion, she envied number eight for that reason alone.

Luna had a hard time showing her emotions, she wasn't cold or cruel. Quite the opposite in fact, she was more relaxed, laid back she enjoyed the simpler things in life. Like buying shoes, dresses, and HDTV something Haihane got her into. Before she didn't watch TV she didn't understand why humans were so infatuated with fake lives. That's what TV was for, fake, portrayed, scripted, she couldn't find the joy and excitement people did from watching TV; Haihane helped with her need to record. More than once Luna found herself setting the DVR. She inched closer to Koto, the events from earlier still fresh in her mind, she didn't know what came over her.

To her surprise he didn't move away from her like she thought he would. Things were a little awkward between them and she wasn't sure how or what she fet for him. It was more than just admiration for his skills and intelligence, more than just a camaraderie that went back years before they joined the squad, it was more so much more. And it scared her, this wasn't supposed to happen, they were supposed to bond and eventually mate with humans, not each other. But, a part of her wanted Koto in that way, to feel his fingers brush on her skin, his lips meet her's. She waited, and waited for herself to react to her 'destined one' but it never happened, and it wouldn't if it didn't already.

"Luna?" Koto said quietly, his eyes locking onto her. "What's bothering you?"

"I was just thinking..." She answered vaguely.

"Sorry about the wait folks. I haven't seen so much blood until now! Anyways, onto the next event. Would Mikoto proceed to the ring along with Marico, Jokuo, and Harico.

Before Koto could make a response Benitsubasa made a loud whooping sound and pumped her fist above her head. "Hell yeah! It's my turn, get ready Koto, I'm going to best your time." She strode forward until she was on the very edge, it seemed they were going to be jumping and hopping for quite some time, for a moment she wondered if that was the reason Luna didn't want to compete.

"Be my guest." Was his simple response.

"I'll be cheering for ya Beni!" Haihane said with a wide grin. "Show em who's boss." She looked at Karasuba and Luna with a raised eyebrow. "You two?"

"Oh, um, do your best!" Luna said happily with a smile.

"What she said." Karasuba said not missing a beat turning back to the ring.

Karei gave a small, tender kiss on Chiho's forehead moving her bangs from the top of her nose. She carefully got out of the bed, making sure not to rouse her from her sleep. Visiting hours would be ending soon unfortunately, and while she could easily sneak in, which she did, at the moment she didn't want to trouble herself or her Ashikabi.

Chiho had been in better condition than she had been in a while. The disease, she wasn't sure what it was named, or even if it had a name, got worse. Increasingly so in the last few weeks, Chiho went from talking and being animate to wheezing painfully and barely able to open her eyes. Anger bubbled from the pit of her stomach, all of her strength, all of her skills, and yet she couldn't do anything to help Chiho. She watched her suffer every day now, her condition getting worse.

It didn't help that to top things off she still worked for Higa. That stupid prick she'd castrate him and then make him eat his little dick, but she couldn't do that now. Not while Chiho was still under his thumb, the risk of that bastard sending up some of his Sekirei to hurt Chiho was too high. It would and could happen that man didn't care what length he had to go to, as long as he got what he wanted. He had her, Chiho, and dozens of others. She silently moved to the door, despite wearing high heeled boots, with a breath she gave one last look at Chiho, finally she was asleep and not in pain. She shut the door, making her way down the hall.

At this time of day there was barely anyone in except for the higher 'ranking' doctors and nurses. Some of them were on break, and some left having been there since before sunrise. She usually came when it was still dark and the sun had yet to make its steady rise. The first time she snuck in she got a loud gasp from Chiho and then a scolding, Chiho said it was against the rules but appreciated it and then proceeded to hold Karei close. She took a chance and grabbed Chiho's ass, that got a reaction she wasn't expecting.

"Number 23, Karei." The anger that receded from just before came back ten times worse. Her hands clenched into tight fists and her indigo eyes narrowed severely. She didn't turn around to face who was speaking to her, she'd do that if she respected the person. Human or Ashikabi she always gave her full attention, but not for this leech.

"Kakizaki." Her voice strained as she tried to sound polite and not hostile.

"Number 95 and her Ashiakbi escaped." Higa's second in command said his voice filled with disdain despite the smirk on his face. Karei was always fun to antagonize, she had a terrible temper, and seemed with him a short leash. But he made sure she knew her place, and whether or not Karei liked doing her jobs she did them for the sake of Chiho. He frowned when she refused to turn around. "Higa-san is most displeased, it is unlike you to let a target escape." He stepped forward his eyes observing her keenly.

An image of Musubi and Tsukiumi flashed through her mind causing her to clench her fists tighter. Damn those stupid... She clenched her teeth, turning around slightly giving him a side glare. "Someone interfered!" She said through gritted teeth, it was going on an insult of her pride as a Sekirei. To speak so flippant about her skills, it was... Infuriating. She had a perfect track record, every assignment regardless of her own misgivings she completed with perfection or something keenly close to it. Her adjuster was Takami, and even though she had a hand in almost all the adjustments done to the Sekirei, she personally adjusted Karei. "I'll terminate her and if her Ashikabi gets in my way I'll get rid of him as well..." She didn't tense or make a sound as Kakizaki stepped passed her, that sickening smile still on his face.

"You seem mad." He said it as if he were obvious. But even the most novice fighter could feel her killing intent radiating like a plague around her. "See to it that this mission is complete within the next two days." He smirked wider seeing her eyes blaze with hatred all directed at him, but she contained it well, he knew she could kill him at anytime. He was more careful when it came to her and Uzume, Karei especially since she could literally kill him in a flash with those swords.

"It will be done." She said swallowing all of her emotions, fears, and thoughts forcing no emotion to enter her voice. She watched him leave never once did he turn to look back at her not even when turned the corner. Uzume... She felt a pang of guilt, she was good friends with Chiho and was also Higa's slave. Karei put the blame on herself, if only she didn't talk to her about her turmoil, why she cried alone at night. Uzume unlike other Sekirei was a real sister she never fought against her, and always helped Karei out. It clenched her heart that things were going to only get worse, and Uzume sooner rather than later would be approached. Tonight she was going out drink Kazehana and then smoke herself silly, she needed to be numb to this pain. This anger. And with the silence of a cat she jumped out from the sixth story window.

"Hey, there." Karei looked to the side, not all surprised to see Kazehana running beside her easily keeping pace. The buxom Sekirei had a habit of popping up on her from nowhere and at the worse times when she least expected it. It was going to be hard forcing what she felt down and locking it away for the moment but she had to. "Going to the party."

"Hell yes!" Karei replied.

"That a girl!" Kazehana said cheerfully, pulling out a sake bottle from thin air chugging down the contents. After she got her fill she removed it from her lips, making a sound keen to enjoyment. "What do you we start early?"

Karei would normally object, but she wasn't going to hold anything back tonight. She grabbed the bottle, taking a long and deep swig. She felt the sake burn the inside of her mouth, and as she swallowed it burned the back of her throat all the way to her stomach. She took another drink getting the same effect and passed it back to Kazehana. Of course, Kazehana would get only the best sake.

Yashima was getting worried as she watched everyone gather around, all talkative and all festive. Even Toyotama was smiling and having a good time, and that was a lot considering she spent her time scowling. She had everything in order, the four sake bottles were by her hidden well under some party decorations, nobody would look for them there.

Ryu had yet to come back, she didn't think buying a house would take this long. Shouldn't it be easy, get in and get out buy the home and then come back to the Inn? What could he be doing? She didn't see Ahiko around so figured he took her along, and even if she tried to be mad Yashima couldn't be. There was no way she'd steal four bottles of sake if those two were present. Ryu was extremely perceptive and could read even the slightest hint of emotions, it got her into a lot of trouble and the others, especially Matsu. Then there was Ahiko who had a great intuition and despite her behavior Yashima knew it was just an act to get closer to Ryu.

Plopping a piece of chocolate into her mouth she looked at the TV. Ryu, had been more than happy to get another TV and put it near the kitchen area. When Miya asked why in her very scary way, Ryu responded with 'I get bored looking at the walls while I eat.' Needless to say Miya didn't find his blunt answer in the least and whacked him over the head with a pot, though she didn't make him remove the TV. That was so long ago, before things got so complicated within their group. He had winged more and more Sekirei after her.

Part of her was jealous, she should be enough. She should be the only one that enough to satiate him in every way. But another part of her couldn't be mad at the way things went, the more Sekirei he had the safer he'd be, and she wanted that more than anything. But that didn't include stealing her time with him and dragging him away when she wanted to spend time with him. Ryu made sure she was happy, but she wanted more, and more, she just wanted him to herself.

"Where is that man?" Yomi asked curiosity in her tone as she spoke to Toyotama, there were a dozen conversations going on but Yashima chose to tune in on this one.

"Who knows, he is buying a house." Toyotama said with a shrug as she glanced out the window. "But, I think he'll be back soon."

"How do you know?" Yomi asked, genuinely confused.

"She doesn't." Yashima chimed in, her gray eyes getting bigger as she locked them with Toyotama's.

Ignoring her comment since she'd get it from Miya for laying into Yashima like she did before. Kami, it felt good to choke that little stuck up, snotty girl. But, she couldn't do that now, and instead of hitting her she simply looked away from her scoffing. "Anyways, I just know I can't really explain." Toyotama shrugged again though she smiled slightly, it wasn't cocky or challenging, but genuine and loving. "Just like the sky is blue, the sun sets and the moon rises, I know he'll always come back. Just trust me."

"I wouldn't." Yashima muttered to herself, what was Toyotama playing at?

As the conversation continued, nobody noticed Miya rise up from her perch whispering something in Kusano's ear before excusing herself. She could feel a tingling on the back of her mind, a flutter in her heart, a rush in her blood, and a warmth that radiated from the pit of her stomach. It was always so overwhelming she just wanted to kiss him pushing all of these feelings into that kiss. But a kiss couldn't do it justice, it was so much more. She neared the front door just as it closed, she spotted Ryu slipping off his zori as Ahiko grabbed his arm barely balancing as she took off her heels. The scene brought a small smile to her face as she laughed, "my my this is quite the picture."

"It's not what it looks like." Ahiko responded, her tone chipper as she didn't feel the pain from wearing those heels. How could Hari give her six inch high heels!? Those were for experienced woman wearing those type of shoes, she swore she was going to fall and so she grabbed Ryu. No way was she going to twist her ankle because she took off a shoe.

"Oh..." Miya looked confused as Ahiko walked up to her a small smile on her face. "Whatever do you mean?"

"She's just teasing." Ryu said, walking towards Miya not missing the small hitch in her breath that caused her chest to heave ever so slightly. Ahiko didn't seem to notice it, and that just showed how subtle it was. Miya was a master at hiding even her deepest thoughts and emotions, maybe it was because she was his Sekirei or he was always perceptive, but he seen it when Miya first stepped near the doorway. "You can go change Ahiko. Thanks!"

"Finally!" She cried in joy running towards the staircase, forgetting she was wearing a skirt and almost fell.

"I missed you." Miya said making sure no one was around as she wrapped him up in a hug.

"I know." He said with a small smile, giving her a tender kiss on the lips. Her lavender scent going into his nostrils almost having a sedative effect. He remembered feeling something similar after their night of love making. Who knew Miya was such an expert? And her costume collection was more diverse than Uzume's. "Sounds like a party." He noted hearing the loud shouts of his Sekirei and Minato's.

"It is." Miya said releasing him and walking back towards the center of the noise. "This was originally for you, so let's not keep them waiting."

"Always so proper Miya-san."

"Of course. Somebody has to keep the beast that you are in line."

Ryu smirked. Good luck with that, even Matsu passed out before I did. And that's saying something she's like a machine.