Is anyone that reads this one of those artists? That draw on devianart or whatever.. And do all that fanart and OC stuff? That do all those drawings for other stories and all of that good stuff? If you are you should really, really, really PM me and draw for me!

Those three left... The wild haired man thought as he walked away from the dismembered bodies and pools of blood just a few feet away. He was pitted against eight people in total along with a surprise contestant who attacked out of nowhere. Needless to say he won, and was still undefeated in this fighting rink, but he was far from happy.

He could feel that orange haired man's eyes on him, observing him carefully, if the stare wasn't enough his skills with the sword were extraordinary. And those two women were just as vicious, and even he gasped when he watched the one with gray hair literally carve a path through her opponents leaving their bodies fractured and cut where one wouldn't think of the body being split. The tournament was over, the spectators all departed in any direction like a swarm of ants crowding around any and all exits, some even jumping out of windows. However, he just strolled well ahead the crowd of morons, too high and drunk for their own good.

Hamura... Mikoto... And Karasuba... He looked at the night sky with his piercing and sharp irises, his haori billowing gently in the cool breeze tat was like a wave of relief through the city. His mind wandered to those three, the three that caught his attention right away, of course he seen skilled swordsman and fighters in the tournament but he never seen ones move so swiftly and with such agility. It matched his own, though he knew they were holding back, but he could read movements and predict them to some extent, but it was hard with them especially Karasuba. He smiled with malice, a chuckle escaping his lips as his eyes traveled through the city and landed on the tower. "Looks like I am prey." He mused his chuckle growing into a laugh. "A target of their curiosity and thoughts... How interesting. I hope we cross swords soon..."

He was nothing but a blur to the naked eye, his blade gleamed in its arcing and swiping movements shining through the dimly lit room as it slashed and cut through several bamboo pillars and cement pillars alike. He was at it now for a good two hours and the warm up was long over, now he was working on his technique and tactical placement of his attacks, skewing the trajectory by just a few inches, stabbing instead of cutting, using a side slash instead of an overhead swing. His attack style was direct and powerful with a deadly speed, he could attack in short bursts moving at speeds that would make Olympic track stars green with envy, and he could maintain his endurance and attack in longer bursts pushing the tempo of the battle. But at the moment he wasn't facing any opponent, but he was always ready to adapt and learn, what worked against one person wouldn't work against another, he learned that with his four wins. Sekirei were all different, from personality to their battle tactics.

"You're training hard..." Koto didn't pause in his swing as he continued flipping across the ground, he paid no mind to the voice that interrupted him, he followed through slicing across a cement pillar, skewing his trajectory up and to the side he slashed through it again letting the pieces fall before him. He swiped his blade downward taking a short breath as he slowly sheathed it, he glanced at the stumps around him, cement and bamboo both reduced to pieces and dust to the point it hung in the air of the room around him. He turned his head over to Karasuba, taking in her visage. She was wearing nothing save for a white bath robe and her feet were bare. "Your Iadio has improved. It is remarkably more precise."

"I've had a long time to improve." Koto said looking at her for a moment longer before turning back around. It was rare to get a compliment from Karasuba that wasn't mocking or demeaning. Of course, he wanted her acknowledgement but he wasn't going to go out of his way to seek her stamp of approval and lose sight of himself in the process. Benitsubasa did that, constantly and it sickened him, but he remembered when he was the same constantly trying to get her praise and approval, it rarely happened. He didn't take her praise lightly, but his mind was drifting with thoughts and memories. Promise me Koto-kun...

"That you have," Karasuba agreed not taking her eyes off of him as she leaned against the wall watching him carefully. Koto always kept to himself for the most part, he was the second in command and was busy most of the time considering she was out on business, she rarely paid him any mind when he was younger and under her tutelage. Yume always spent time with him, talking to him and encouraging him. Karasuba wasn't so nice and was cold, very cold to the point of leaving him unable to move. "Something on your mind?" She asked after a few silent minutes passed and neither moved from their post.

"Why ask?" Koto questioned looking back at her with a blank expression, those piercing eyes glinting behind his messy bangs. He certainly grew up, she noticed as she looked at him carefully. He was taller now, had her by a few inches, and he was leaned and ripped to the bone she could see his back and shoulder muscles from where she stood, and his hair got much longer, but his eyes.. His eyes had that glint, that gleam that she wanted to see in her subordinates.

"I know when my decchi is troubled." Karasuba shrugged with a small smile as she sauntered towards him stopping a few inches away from him. "So spill it what has your mind wandering?"

"Nothing of great importance."

"Lie." Karasuba said with a dull tone. "If it wasn't important you wouldn't be thinking about it. It wouldn't have you so troubled."

"You're in a robe." Koto said.

"Let me make this clear. I care so little if you see me in my underwear or nude that it is probably a miracle. There should be a shrine here." Karasuba quipped as she folded her arms under her breasts, smirking when she heard him chuckle. "Now tell me what's really bothering you."

Koto stopped his chuckling and sighed. There was no way he was going to tell her about his encounter with Luna, that was nobody's business and Luna asked him to keep it between them and he'd do just that. He wasn't bothered by it as much as he was confused and thoughtful, how could they be together when it went against everything they knew? Damn.. He groaned mentally pushing the thought away, that's not what was troubling him. It was his promise to Yume, to protect their sisters and brothers, she was gone now, just as she said could happen, and now he was stuck. He had his duty enforce the rules and make sure nobody is breaking them. He went after the likes of Hayato and Higa, but he could only do so much and fighting Mutsu would be a long battle and would put half the city under the ocean. "I was just thinking about Yume..." Koto whispered. He knew how Karasuba got whenever that name was mentioned, there were three names and Yume was one of them.

"Is that right?" Karasuba asked her tone didn't change but the way her words flowed did. They were direct and clipped and he could feel anger boiling under that placid mask she was wearing. Yume, the fool who sacrificed herself for that retched weakling Musubi who was better off dead than alive, the fool who went on and on about love and all of its glories, the fool who was so naive and blind to the crimes humans committed, the same fool who could so easily overlook those crimes and atrocities for the simple fact they were their Ashikabis. Bullshit! She hissed mentally, her teeth gritting slightly, the mere thought of Yume was enough to infuriate her. How could she leave like that? Give her core to Musubi, who wasn't anything except a foolish child who was completely naive to the world? "Koto-kun?"

"She wanted me to promise her I'd protect our brothers and sisters... To teach them love and how to love.." He was talking to himself more than Karasuba but it felt good to speak to someone, Luna understood him without even saying a word. But, he wanted to talk of his turmoil that was growing steadily inside.

"And did you do something so foolish and inane as making a promise like that?" Karasuba spat.

"No..." Koto clenched his fists, feeling shame for admitting it. He admired Yume, she was like a mother to him, but he couldn't make a promise like that. He didn't know what love was at that time, he didn't want an Ashikabi at that times, he wasn't thinking of the outside world, he just wanted to train and get stronger that's all that mattered to him back then. Of course he always listened to Yume, he never scoffed at her words, and took them to heart more than he should have. But again she was like a mother to him, she rubbed his head when he was down, hugged him when he wanted someone to hold him though he wouldn't say it out loud. She'd help him up after a rigorous training session, or tell Karasuba that enough was enough. But he couldn't protect them, not when they were so eager to try and escape. "I didn't... I didn't know what love was, I still don't, I wasn't thinking of having an Ashikabi then... I was oblivious to their crimes against each other... And my kin."

"Koto-kun.." Karasuba's tone was soft but serious, and he looked at her giving her all of his attention. "You have your duty, no ornamental words and inane ideals will ever cloud that.. You will do what must be done, whether that means killing a Sekirei or an Ashikabi you will do what your duty requires." Though her voice was soft her eyes were stern. "They break the rules knowing the outcome. Whether it's you, me, Luna, Beni, or Haihane they get what they deserve for crossing paths with us."

"My duty.." Koto muttered to himself.

"Your duty." Karasuba retorted with a nod, turning on her heel and exiting his room. "Don't let her inane bull crap cloud your judgement. Show no hesitation on those who disobey.."

Koto was left alone his thoughts still drifting, but he felt at ease. There was something in Karasuba that was more tender, more gentle, it was small barely noticeable, and at times it was hard to tell it was there. But he could hear it, if it was only faint like a dying flame, Karasuba changed her cold heart lost some of its ice. "I should get some rest." He mumbled to himself as he opened the door, heading down a maze of halls, stairways, and corridors until he stumbled upon a familiar door.

"Come in." A soft voice said from the other side.

Koto entered slowly and carefully, Luna was covered up with her blankets her eyes barely open as she regarded him. She could see his orange fiery hair that complimented his method of attacking, and that passion she felt during their encounter. So much passion. Koto walked towards her bed, taking a seat and laying down soon after next to her despite still being dressed. "Koto-kun..." Luna whispered, she went to move her covers but a stench hit her nose. "Out of the bed, right now, and take a shower you pig." She said with a small frown on her face which made her look adorable.

"Come on." He said with a groan throwing his head back on the pillow.

"If you want to sleep in this bed you will wash up right now, and don't even think about wearing those clothes to bed." She stated firmly not moving an inch but held a gaze with him. She may have feelings for him, wanted to feel his touch and his manhood slip between her folds, but she didn't want him all stinky and sweaty with his training clothes on in her bed, she had rules that needed to be obeyed.

"I can't sleep in here naked!" He protested.

"You're going to wash up." Luna started with the same tone though her eyes showed there was no arguing at this point. "And come lay down and sleep with me, not in those dirty clothes." She was fully aware of the implication of him being naked in her bed with her, but she didn't care she was not going to have that musty haori on her pillow, or those stinky hakama on her blankets. "I've seen you naked before." She added, giving him a gentle shove off of her bed, but he landed on his feet without any effort. She patted the spot next to her, smiling softly. "I'll keep your spot warm, kay?"

"There's no arguing with you." He resigned himself with a sigh though he smiled. "I'll be back in fifth teen.

The sun began its slow and steady rise, like a shining beacon in the sky, it painted said sky in a series of light blues and oranges mixing with a light red instead of navy blue and sheets of black that blanketed the sky above hours before. Cicadas happily buzzed about and rang the air with their siren like a natural alarm clock. The sounds traveled through the window as sun light wafted through the opening, lingering on the side of Minato's face. He squinted, bringing his free hand to the side of his face brushing against it as if it'd stave the light away to no avail.

After a few minutes of bathing in the golden light Minato stifled a yawn and cracked his eyes open, sighing as he stared up at the ceiling his gray eyes wandering around. Truth be told he was tired, very much exhausted no thanks to his Sekirei. Luckily he slept with Haruka and not Musubi he wasn't sure what a tipsy Musubi entailed and if her behavior sober was anything to go by he'd be in for the deep waters if she was tipsy, drunk was unthinkable. He tried to will himself to go back to sleep for another hour or two, since he didn't have work he slept in an hour extra. He was used to Ryu knocking on the door or pounding on his wall a half hour before they had to go to work, he had to thank Ryu for getting him that job. It was just unofrtunate that job was shelved a while ago, and he wasn't happy about it, how was he supposed to support his Sekirei and pay rent without a job.

Thankfully Miya never confronted him in the matter, but only in jest with her light giggles and fleeting smiles. At times he was put in a trance with her beauty, though he'd never admit it out loud, he had his own Sekirei to love and appreciate, though he wasn't sure how to go about that considering one was immature, another was just a child, and the other was fiery possessive blonde. Groaning as he rose from his futon, throwing the blankets to the side he walked over to the closet grabbing his white t shirt and slipping it on. Normally he'd allow himself to drift in his sea of thoughts in the morning, but he wasn't so lucky today he had a lot of things to do.

The first was he needed to speak with Matsu about the plan and find out where Seo lived. He was glad she was willing to help him, despite not being his Sekirei, he felt relief at the fact and had to find a way to repay his gratitude. Second he needed to speak with Tsuikiumi about yesterday, he had no intention of making her mad or for her to react that way, but somehow he did and felt increasingly guilty. The Sekirei were so confusing, Musubi was a bundle of cheer and joy that supported him in everything, Kusano was animate, and Tsuikiumi had to be the most difficult to understand. She rarely if ever smiled and she was fiery, he had a hard time reigning her in. He paused, hearing a soft groan come from Haruka as the brown haired teen began to stir himself. "Minato?" He questioned groggily sitting up and rubbing his eyes. "Where are you going?"

"I have a few chores to do." Minato answered, it was the truth after all. One of the ways he made up for his lack of payment here was by doing chores. Miya happily offered it to him as an alternative, and he couldn't be that put out about doing it since it was his way of paying and it helped him take his mind off of the game he got himself stuck in. However, he didn't tell him he was going to speak with Matsu about the plan of escape, and locating a certain scum as Miya and Ryu called him for his assistance. He didn't like that cold and stoic look in Ryu's eyes when he seen all of them in Matsu's room, there was anger behind those violet eyes but they way didn't flinch and just gleamed put him on edge.

"Oh.." Haruka scratched the back of his head, stifling a yawn as he moved the covers aside and began to fold his futon while folding the sheets. He was too tired to ask him any further questions and he was more concerned about where Kuno was, but he couldn't feel distress of fear coming through their link so he was at ease, but still wanted to see her. He sniffed himself a few times, grimacing as he caught a thick odor, in all of the chaos and madness that ensured in the last few days he forgot to bathe. "Minato, could you show me to the bath house?"

"Sure." Minato answered with an easy tone as he moved to the sliding door, opening it swiftly and letting Haruka exit before he did. Minato was well familiar with the Inn at this point, though it was spacious and had multiple rooms he made sure to scout certain things to help him navigate. Like Matsu's hidden room and the staircase right by it, there was also the back windows where he spoke with Musubi a while back, and then there was Ryu's room which was at the end of the hall. The bath house was outside, a few yards away from the Inn itself. Minato guided him through the large back lot riddled with footsteps and small craters or cuts from the sparring Musubi did with Ryu, Miya, or his Sekirei, he honestly though Ryu was crazy sparring with Musubi at first. The air was hot but there was a cool breeze to offset the thick heat, he stood a few feet back as Haruka made his way up the stairs glancing back at him in question.

"You sure it's okay?" He asked.

Minato nodded. "Yeah, Miya-san would insist." He took a breath as he turned around once Haruka was in the bath house and made his way back towards the house. He had a lot to do with so little time, he realized. First he needed to speak with Tsukiumi but that was much easier said than done since he hadn't seen her since he agreed to help yesterday, then he had to speak to Matsu and have her locate where Seo lived, and then the fun part getting him to help them out. He froze spotting Ahiko and Hari walking towards him, Hari was holding her forehead as if she was hit in the head with a lead pipe and Ahiko was quietly talking to her as if she was scolding her.

"Good morning Minato-san." Ahiko said with a polite air and easy smile, she glanced towards the bath house. "Are you taking a bath?"

"Oh no." He shook his head. "Haruka-san is, I've got a few things to do today." He replied vaguely. "Have you seen Tsukiumi?"

"Can't say I have." Hari responded grimacing with a whine as she closed her eyes. "Ouch... That hurt.."

"I told you to take it easy." Ahiko said in a chiding manner looking at Hari with a small frown, the normally cheerful Sekirei looked down at her feet shuffling them with a guilty expression. "You could check Matsu's room, or Musubi's room." Ahiko offered gesturing towards the direction they were in, she didn't talk to Tsukiumi that much the blonde was normally scowling and frowning not at her in particular but she still was nonetheless. Not very inviting and she got the sense Tsukiumi didn't want her around Minato, well she wouldn't need to worry about that since she'd be out of her hair soon enough. But she couldn't help but notice Tsukiumi looked much more annoyed than usual yesterday.

"Thanks." Minato said with a tired expression as he walked away taking her advice in kind.

"Somebody is in the dog house." Ahiko commented as she watched Minato's form retreat back into the inn.

"We don't have a dog house though." Hari said looking around her surroundings with confusion evident on her face. "Imouto what do you mean?" She grimaced again. "My head hurts!"

"It's a figure of speech, and I told you to take it easy." Ahiko said rubbing the top of her head affectionately. "Let's take a bath, I'll wash your back kay?"

"Kay!" Hari beamed. "I'll wash your front too!"

"Um, I don't think that's needed." Ahiko cleared her throat gently, fighting off a blush and awkwardness that was about to envelope her.

"But why? I did it before, let me do it again." Hari pressed frowning slightly as they entered the changing room, both undressing from their shorts and tank tops putting them in a basket and wrapping a towel around their bodies. Ahiko didn't respond as she went through the process of getting naked and wrapping a towel around her torso, she couldn't argue with Hari she couldn't say no, but what she wanted was just too awkward. Even if they were sharing Ryu Ahiko couldn't exactly share herself, and it didn't help Hari would straddle her to keep her still. "Imouto!"

"Hey is anyone in there?" Ahiko called from the door, ignoring Hari.

"Ah, yeah." Haruka replied, there was a long pause before he spoke again. "Come in if you want."

Ahiko motioned to slide the door open but Hari stopped her by grabbing her wrist, though there was no force behind the grasp. "Let me wash your front. I swear this time I won't... Touch you there or kiss you, it was an accident."

"Okay." Ahiko sighed resigning herself to her defeat. "But if you kiss me at all." You did enough last night... And Ryu already asked me about that whole tongue and kissing thing... I'll never win against her.

"I won't promise!" Hari said with a firm tone, giving Ahiko's hand a firm squeeze of assurance as the long haired woman slid the door open, her vision being clouded by steam and mist, she entered first followed quickly after by Hari. She was all too eager to get in the bath and Ahiko didn't get in her way as she quickly discarded her towel, paying no mind to the blush that instantly surged on Haruka's face and plopped herself into the bath sighing in joy. Laughing softly at her antics Ahiko made her way to the bath discarding her towel as she sunk herself in a few inches from Hari leaning her back against the wall. Ahh.. There's nothing like a hot bath..

A few silent moments passed, Ahiko and Hari busied themselves with scrubbing their bodies and submerging themselves in the water until their hair stuck to their shoulders like a dark drape. Miya probably wouldn't be happy they were doing it, but Ahiko did always enjoy being in water and swimming, though this was a far cry from a pool. Haruka did his best to not let his eyes linger on their naked bodies, though the steam covered them up well, he was still a gentleman and they were clearly not his or Minato's. "Haruka, that's your name right?"

"Uh, yeah." He answered looking at Ahiko with a curious gaze. "Why?"

"Ah, so you're Kuno's Ashikabi." Hari stated with a certain cheerfulness in her tone that put Haruka at ease despite the question regarding his Sekirei. That was a topic he was hesitant on speaking on besides for her safety obviously, he couldn't help but feel shame. It was wrong and terrible, she always let him know with that dejected look that made his heart wrench.

"Yeah." He answered with uncertainty.

"I'm happy she found such a good and kind Ashikabi.. I can see you really care about her, I'd tell her myself, but she's always been so shy." Hari began with excitement as Ahiko shook her head at her antics. "We weren't really close, but we were still friends she was really fun to talk to." Ahiko, of course had no idea what Hari was talking about since she didn't know of any other Sekirei besides Hari and now Ryu's Sekirei.

"T-Thanks..." Haruka said with a small blush not used to being complimented by such a cute girl.

"Hari, stop it." Ahiko gave her a light tap on the head. "You're embarrassing him."

Day light wafted through the windows and Ryu let out a long shaky groan that sounded more like a croak. He didn't move from his spot entangled with Uzume, true to her word she didn't move from her post although she had her legs wrapped around one of his and her hands resting on his chest feeling the steady beat of his heart. He brought one hand up to his face in a vain attempt to block the sun, but the ever warm rays shined through the cracks of his hand and hit his eyes causing him to groan again, a splitting pain ripping through his head forcing him to stay still. "Ugh, my head..." He groaned finally opening his eyes seeing as he wasn't going to be getting any sleep.

"No no." Uzume whispered sleepily, snuggling her head more in the crook of his neck. "Sleep, sleep, sleep some more just a bit longer." She said softly before she surrendered to it again and her breathing was a slow rhythm. He never could quite understand how she could sleep for so long, even with the fact her habits of sleeping rubbed off on him he was up at least by ten thirty, Uzume was asleep well into the late afternoon. Ryu carefully removed her arms from his neck setting them aside, and pried her legs off of his, she stirred for a moment before going still again.

Sure that she was still asleep her made his way down the hall and into the bathroom. He turned the sink on looking himself over in the mirror. He looked beyond wild the spikes in his hair were prominent and there were a few at the crown that stuck out messily as if he was electrocuted, he was used to his hair being in a high ponytail, and until now he didn't realize how long it got. With vigor he dipped his hands into the flowing water, it was a bit cool, and he splashed it onto his face a few times savoring the feeling it brought. He turned the sink off, moving to the shower and pushing the white curtain decorated with long vines and cherry trees, his hands already adjusting the knobs. Water guzzled out from the faucet and without any hesitation he pulled up the knob and the water rushed out from the shower head. "Shower..." He muttered stepping in since he was already naked not bothering to close the curtain as he let the water run down his body.

"Ry Ry!" Uzume whined as she sauntered into the room, completely naked and pouting. She looked just as wild as he did and her brown hair was splayed in every direction. "Why'd you move!? You always move!"

"Shower..." Ryu answered as he sat with a blank expression on his face, the water soaking his hair and body. Uzume giggled softly at his current visage, he looked wiped out and exhausted. More likely the former considering they didn't stop their lovemaking for hours, literally. They finally stopped when her legs were shaking and her womanhood throbbed painfully, he tried opening her legs but every time they'd shake, For once she was thankful that they stopped and decided to rest instead. A small smirk graced her face as she slowly set herself into the tub scooting closer to him.

"Someone's hung over." She teased grabbing a bar of soap and starting to lather his muscular chest with it.

"Quiet. Zu." He replied letting her soap him up, though he already did that more than a few times before she came in. He should have been out the shower ten minutes ago, but he needed to sit down as a dizzy spell hit him. It wasn't anywhere near as bad as the ones last night but he still needed to sit down, and the water coursing over him was good for relaxation.

"You used my nickname!" She squealed with excitement wrapping him up in a hug and pressing her breasts against his chest. "Oh Ry Ry! I have the perfect way to repay you.. Remember my promise last night?"

He wanted to say stop with the squealing and calling him Ry Ry, but those words never came out and instead he put his hands on her hips drawing her closer until she was just rubbing against his crotch. "I do recall you saying it'd be a good morning." He said with a small smirk giving her hips a small squeeze, Uzume slowly placed butterfly kisses onto his neck desire and so much of it flooding through her, just like when she woke up the other day and stayed naked and cuddled with him. She took a deep breath her head roaming lower than his hips, but she stopped, Ryu grabbing a handful of her hair giving it a small yank.

"Ohhh eager aren't we?" Uzume asked with a teasing smile, licking her lips for good measure.

"Don't tease me.." Ryu said barely controlling himself.

"Carry me back to the Inn."

"Why-"

"I am so sore Ryu-kun I could hardly walk in here and I'm limping. Besides." She dived her head downward, moaning as she felt him swell and pulse with life her tongue expertly traveling around his head, his grip tightened and he hissed in pleasure. She slowly released him from her mouth, "I rarely do this, and I'll make sure you have a great release." Before he could retort she put her head down again, any words of argument that wanted to escape were sealed away.