Me again with another update! This may sound a bit redundant but thanks for the reviews! Yada yada and so forth.
"You just should have handed her over."
"Tell it to Enma!"
Koto and Mutsu broke off their stalemate again, Koto sliding back as Mutsu pressed his attack swinging down his saya again. Mutsu may have had more experience there was no arguing that but Koto was trained by Karasuba and Yume, and he survived Karasuba's harshest and most brutal trials. He learned to react without a thought, and just as he trained, he swung his sword up leaning his torso forward as he clashed with the iron saya sparks flying through the air as their weapons screeched against each other. Mutsu pressed forward, breaking the clash and attacked again, Koto ducked under the saya and narrowly parried a kick that was aimed for his ribs.
Taking advantage of the lapse Koto sprung forward, his sword cutting through the distance as he extended his arm forward. Mutsu's eyes widened as he caught the sight of gleaming steel, moving his head to the side feeling the air whoosh passed him he struck out with his saya. Koto dodged again and they raced across the ground one swinging the other blocking, almost as if they were taking turns with their attacks, Mutsu's saya collided with Koto's blade pressing against it until sparks showered them like fireworks. Mutsu wasn't one to drag things out, he got things done quick and efficiently, but Koto was strong and skilled beyond his appearance and was keeping up with Mutsu move for move. Although the earth Sekirei perhaps has the edge in strength and skill while Koto had an edge in speed and dexterity.
With two cries they clashed again, an agonizing screech pierced the air as steel collided with steel, their feet compressing the concrete below them sending out a powerful ripple that snaked spiderweb cracks out around them, Mutsu struck out with his fist but Koto already reacted pushing more energy into his arms and pushed Mutsu to the side just barely but it was enough to knock skew his punch. Halting his body with his front foot, Mutsu looked at Koto with narrowed eyes, and slowly drew his sword from its saya. "About time you draw your sword." Koto said with an intense gleam in his eyes. "For a second there I thought you weren't going to take me serious."
"I didn't want to cut you down." Mutsu replied tonelessly a small frown adorning his face as he let his saya dropped to the ground with a loud clang. "I wanted to avoid having to resort to bloodshed." He sighed bringing the blade down to his hip and bending his knees slightly. "But you leave me no choice, I'll end this and then Luna will be coming back with me." He stated in the same toneless voice, as if it was a simple fact. Like the sun rose in the day and the moon rose in the night, while that was something that would never change, and Koto could admit that, Luna was not part of that category, she is his.
"You're mistaken." Koto sneered at the older Sekirei. Setting his right leg behind him he forced more energy into his legs, and he sprung forward closing the distance in a second slashing upward, faster than lightning Mutsu already seen it coming and brought his sword down blocking the attack. They locked eyes as they pushed for control, both blades gleaming brightly, Koto stepped to the side in a move to knock him off balance but Mutsu stepped with him in the same move, with a growl both of them ran disappearing from sight. The ground rumbled and shook as dozens of gouges and cuts tore through the cement road and buildings nearby showering the area with glass and debris forcing Hayato to cover his head, but his Sekirei were quick to jump to his aid Akitsu forming an ice wall above him. "RAAAH!" Koto's voice echoed, as he phased into sight at the same times as Mutsu his blade already carving forward slamming into Mutsu's own strike that caused the two shoot off in opposite directions; Koto sliding a few feet in front of Luna who watched with a mysterious, almost hollow expression and Mutsu slid just in front of Hayato.
This wasn't supposed to be happening, Mutsu was one of the strongest Sekirei. He never encountered any problems like this! "Akitsu! Mitsuki! Taki!" He shouted anger filling his tone as he point a finger at Koto with hell fire in his eyes. "Help Mutsu take that guy down and bring that girl to me!" He ordered and not a second sooner his Sekirei were already on the move.
"Luna..." Koto said lowly.
"I know, I'm ready." She said with a soft tone.
"NO!" Mutsu barked whirling on the three Sekirei causing them to stop dead in their tracks and Hayato to look stunned at his reaction. Normally he wouldn't object so strongly to Hayato's orders and followed them regardless of his own misgivings, but this was one thing he wasn't going to allow. He knew that look in Koto's eyes, he saw the same look in Karasuba's eyes when they were in the squad, a true killer, someone who wouldn't hesitate to strike anyone down if he said he would kill death would follow swiftly. "Do not try to face him... The gap is far too vast between you and him." Mutsu said with a sense of urgency as he stared at the four of them with narrowed eyes. Well excluding Akitsu, but her duty was to protect Hayato.
"Why!?" Hayato asked annoyingly. "Mitsuki!"
Before Mutsu could grab a hold of her, the blonde Sekirei was already bolting towards Koto with a sinister smirk on her face. She was going to enjoy beating him to a pulp and the dragging Luna away reveling as she kicked and screamed. She didn't care about Karasuba and the other members, Mutsu could deal with them when the time came, and to defy an order which he did was unacceptable. But that was fine by her she'd complete this task and then get all of Hayato's attention for a job well done. "Mitsuki!" Mutsu shouted, but she ignored his shout as she lashed out with her whips, her eyes zoning in on Luna, dark orbs meant light orbs. "You're mine bitch!" With a quick flick her whips shot towards Luna's neck and face. Luna brought her weapon halfway from her hip but froze as the air shifted and distorted as a blur of movement caught everyone's attention even Hayato's, blood gushed up into the air splattering on nearby buildings and as far as Hayato who got some on his suit.
"You should have listened." Koto hissed as he pressed his blade deeper into Mitsuki's back, the tip coated in the sticky substance. Mitsuki barely opened her eyes a pain croak escaping her lips as she coughed violently. Taki's eyes widened as she watched her comrade hopelessly impaled on the sword as it dug deeper protruding from her back, Akitsu's eyes widened a fraction emotion fleeting across her features, Mutsu growled narrowing his eyes to slits, and Hayato... Hayato looked horrified as a pool of blood formed under Mitsuki, the liquid staining and soaking her dress. "I'd kill you and anyone who tries to bring Luna to him, remember?" He looked into her dulling eyes and with a sharp yank he tore the blade from her chest letting her drop limply to the ground.
"Mitsuki!" Hayato cried running forward but Mutsu grabbed him by the back of his shirt hoisting him in the air as he began to kick and yell his arms snaking out to grab her. "Let me go! Let me go! Mitsuki!" Hayato exclaimed his thrashing became more violent and his voice growing in despair as he seen the pool flowing steadily outwards, Mitsuki didn't move or answer his cries she was completely still. "Mutsu let me go! Kill that punk!" Hayato roared as anger replaced his despair.
"I really suggest you leave." Luna said her tone serious as she looked at three standing in front of her. "Before you're next." She felt a little sorry for Mitsuki but she should have listened, it'd be different if she didn't get a warning from her and Koto, but she did. And she didn't heed the warning even after Mutsu told her to stand down and come back she attacked with such malice and hate that it sickened Luna to her core, those whips were aimed right for her face no doubt a ploy to blind her so she couldn't fight back, and she wouldn't be quick enough to react since even if she extended her sword. But.. I'm not winged.. I caused this.. She thought feeling her eyes mist over. She was afraid of this happening, though it was kind of different than what she was expecting.
"You!" Hayato's eyes blazed. "You bitch! You'll pay! This isn't over!" Hayato spat with venom in his tone as he glared at the two of them.
"Beat it." Koto said in a dark tone, his bangs covering his eyes as he stared ahead. He could smell blood, so much blood as it flowed to his zori and flooded his nostrils, he could taste it's thickness in the back of his throat. "Throw a tantrum somewhere else you're wasting my time." Koto slowly raised his sword, glancing at the crimson substance running down in steady streams and with a quick flick to the side he splattered it onto the ground bringing it up and resting it on his shoulder.
"We'll meet again." Mutsu said in a low tone as he glared at Koto and Luna.
"So be it." Koto replied. He didn't loosen his posture at all as he watched Mutsu set the irate Hayato down and speak quietly to which the young boy nodded his head once very sharply and stalked off into his limo followed by his three Sekirei. Koto didn't take his eyes off of them, his glare down right murderous if looks could kill the limo would blow up from the heat behind those eyes, with a start the limo peeled off heading in the direction it came and slowly faded into the distance. Once he was sure they weren't coming back and did a quick sweep of the area making sure none of his Sekirei were lingering around he sheathed his sword slowly with soft clink and turned to Luna, surprised to see her almost in a daze. "Luna-chan." He said carefully, her eyes darted to him and he swore he saw a tear fall before she lunged up onto a rooftop and traveled back to the tower not sparing a glance back.
"I've got to go!" She called as she faded into the distance.
"Damn it... What's wrong with her?" Koto growled as he rummaged through his pocket, fishing out his cell phone and pressing three for speed dial. He couldn't help but feel worried with Luna's reaction just now, she never just ran off like that, not since their first argument and that was when she joined the squad a long time ago. They always talked, she always stuck to his side, they were comrades and teammates and though he had a hard time grasping it they were lovers. "Damn it, damn it..." He muttered angrily.
"Koto-kun that was quite the show!" Minaka exclaimed through the other end of the phone. "Your skills have improved vastly-"
"Just send someone to pick up Mitsuki, I'll check if the soldiers are dead." Before he could get an answer he ended the call stuffing it back into his pocket with a loud sigh. Why did Luna just run off like that? It couldn't be the sight of death or blood, she won her fair share of matches although she didn't impale her opponents like he just did to Mitsuki, but it was either that or Luna possibly going blind and being hauled off with that brat, and he wasn't going to allow to happen. Raking a hand through his air, he glanced to the sky searching for helicopters that should have been coming at any moment, he'd talk to her when he returned to the tower, but for now he needed to focus on this.
He walked over to each soldier, bending down to check for a pulse but stopped seeing burn marks around their necks to the point where he seen the bone, it was gruesome, no doubt the work of Mitsuki. "They're all dead, Luna ran off, I'm pissed off and now I have to wait for them to come and pick this up..." He let out a humorless laugh, what a turn of events and the day was only beginning, he looked at his clothes noticing blood splatter he didn't grimace from the drying spots or lingering scent.
Minato found himself more shocked than he'd normally be. Having three Sekirei fighting for his affection should have prepared him for this, it would happen eventually he knew it would. Some higher power enjoyed laughing at him seeing him struggle through life, here he was seated in the dining room with Musubi, Haruka and Kuno in the next room over waiting for them. He had a lot of his plate today and in the coming days, now that he knew where Seo lived it was time to pay the man a visit, and once that was done with they'd need to pick an appropriate time to begin the whole venture.
He was partly shocked seeing just how cute the girl was, now he wasn't a lecher by any stretch. Miya's rules and discipline to see them followed made sure of that if he ever got any ideas, which he didn't. He was raised better and truth be told his mother and sister were cruel to him, one would tease the other belittle, sighing softly he pushed the thought aside looking at the auburn haired woman. His gray eyes studied her carefully, she had gray-blue eyes and auburn hair that fell just above her shoulders with a blue ribbon tied on the right side, her outfit was as strange as he figured it would be; it was a dark colored dress that went just above the middle of her thighs with a white stripe going around the bottom of it, and a golden belt secured around her stomach. Over this she wore a white short sleeved denim jacket with a high collar and kept it unbuttoned. To finish off her outfit she wore black stockings.
Musubi was looking over at the girl curiously, blinking a couple times as she took in her appearance. Miya sat with a detached look on her face as she watched the entire exchange, the silence was thick and never one to be in these situations Yomi excused herself. Clearing her throat softly, she gained everyone's attention, and continued on with a soft smile. "I'm Miya Asama, the landlady of Maison Izumo." She started watching the girl give a small bow, there was nothing wrong with being polite and it actually made Miya happy that someone had some manners. "You've come here looking for Minato-san, may I ask what is it that you wish to ask him?"
The girl looked at Miya for a long moment her eyes studying the long haired beauty in front of her before flicking to Minato who looked at her with interest and then Musubi who was looking at her with complete curiosity. Well, there was no sense in hiding any secrets now. "I heard rumors about Ashikabis in the north." The girl's voice calm and confident. "I've been having dreams, and while I was searching today I came upon this place and I had to knock.. I just had a feeling. I got here, though, from the east where I was chased until I got well into the north." For obvious reasons nobody wanted to see if there were more rumors true about the north, when the Hannya already resided here.
"You must be hungry." Miya said, her eyes filling with a small amount of worry as she looked at the girl more carefully. Now that she looked she could see the signs of not eating enough, from the lithe build and rhythm of her breathing. "Let me get you something." She offered before anyone could complain and reject the idea Miya was already gone and came back a few moments later with a sandwich and bottle of water handing them both to the younger Sekirei.
"That's terrible." Minato said his eyes softening as he looked at her with a small smile trying to be assuring. "What's your name?" He felt kind of strange asking her for her name, but he wasn't going to call her girl or woman or anything like that, and judging from her appearance she was a Sekirei. Another important factor since they went by numbers, something he'd never understand in this lifetime, so knowing her name was even more crucial.
"I'm Sekirei number 54, Kuruse." The girl said giving a small bow of her head, which Minato laughed nervously. He wasn't into the mannerisms and all of that, nor was he used to someone actually bowing before him, but he bowed his head back being polite before answering. She took a drink of water and began to eat her sandwich.
"I am Minato Sahashi." He said raising his head, gesturing over to Musubi with his hand. "And this is Musubi-san, and you've already met Miya-san." He nodded to the landlady. He took a small breath. "Tsukiumi isn't here, and Ku-chan is taking a nap." He explained, he figured that she had to know Musubi was a Sekirei judging from the look of calm on Kuruse's face when facing the big breasted and bubbly Musubi. Now came the difficult part, why was she here besides just to see him? Was she here for help obviously she got chased so she needed help, but he couldn't help her. Resisting the urge to sigh, he scratched the back of his head. "What do you want with me exactly?"
"This may sound weird. But you're my Ashikabi." Kuruse said with an almost deadpan expression, though there was a hint of a smile on her face as her cheeks turned a shade of red. Miya's eyes widened at the girl's statement, to come out and just say it like that was surprising to say the least, and surprising would be a severe understatement. Musubi's eyes widened slightly as she looked at Kuruse more intently making the smaller girl look almost uncomfortable, and lastly Minato had a look of utter shock and disbelief on his face. His first instinct told him to say no, but he recalled the dire situation he was in now, and honestly needed all the help he could get.
"You're Minato-san's Ashikabi?" Musubi echoed the question.
"I am?" Minato repeated looking at Kuruse more intently.
"Yes I am certain." Kuruse said resolutely, nodding her head a few time affirm that it was indeed true.
He wasn't sure how to react to this, how could he react to this? He still wasn't used to the whole Sekirei Game or the Sekirei themselves. Tsukiumi and Musubi were a handful enough and that's not including Kusano who still demanded just as much attention as they both did. Thankfully that attention came in spending time with him while watching TV or coloring while she sat next to him. He couldn't have a problem with that in the least, it was much better that she was coloring and giggling than fighting. Should he wing Kuruse? No, hell no. He shouldn't he'd catch hell and nothing short from Tsukiumi and she's mad enough without needing to add this, and to mention he couldn't really support her. "Ara, what a thing to say." Miya said with a light tone.
"That's really nice." Minato said with genuine relief, Kuruse raised her head looking him in the eyes her own almost glowing. "But are you sure?" She looked confused but didn't say anything, Minato took this as a form to continue and with some hesitation he did. "Right now I'm living here thanks to Miya-san even though I have no way to pay her.. In other words I'm in dire straights." He said with an expression that was close to wounded, that's what Kuruse thought he looked like. Wounded as if the thought of her wanting to be with him forever was terrible just for those reasons, maybe it wouldn't be easy, but she knew what needed to be done.
"It doesn't matter." Kuruse said, smiling with assurance. "As long as I am with you, Ashikabi-sama."
Minato laughed nervously, scratching the back of his head. That was another thing he had yet to get used to, and he wasn't sure if he ever would. "You can just call me Minato."
"Sahashi-san." Kuruse said after a moment.
That works too. He thought still scratching the back of his head. Things were certainly getting interesting, now he was going to have another Sekirei and that wouldn't go over well. But from what he observed so far she wasn't like Tsukiumi or Musubi, she was more calm and quiet, but that could change after she seen the rivalry between the two. Just focus on it when the time comes. He thought ruefully, hating to push it back, but he had more important things to do, he gulped quietly looking to Miya who gave a small nod and left them in privacy.
"Looks like it's actually going to happen." Miya said once she was strolling down the hall. He can still visit though.
Uzume sighed happily as she lovingly rubbed her stomach before patting it. She couldn't recall ever being that hungry in her life, of course she ate a lot more than the average human and her stomach growled when empty, but she never ate that much food before. It was great! She said to herself mentally blowing off the fact she made a slob of herself, she did read that sex burns a lot of calories, and her and Ryu were humping like animals last night as Miya would so gracefully and tactly put it before flaring up that mask.
"I'm stuffed." Ryu said catching her attention as he inhaled deeply with a smile. He usually didn't miss meals or go hours without eating, but last night had been an exception, rightfully so, and to add to that he must have been at it with Uzume well into the night early morning. Good thing he had great endurance and was used to Matsu's more demanding and passionate nights; who knew that one girl needed so much attention. He turned his eyes on Uzume as he adjusted her on his back, her eyes glittering with curiosity and content. "Now we can focus on moving to the new place and picking rooms." Ryu said thoughtfully, Uzume just gave a nod.
"Sounds fine by me." She nuzzled her face in the back of his neck. "I'm going to take a nap okay?"
"No." Ryu said almost instantly and to get his point across, and make sure she wasn't really dozing off he began to bounce her up and down getting a quiet yelp out of her. There wasn't anytime to sleep, especially since it looked like he was stuck carrying her for the rest of the day. That was enough, he wasn't a portable mattress too. "You can go to sleep when we're done moving." Ryu said with a firm tone, usually he wouldn't care if she slept while he was carrying her, but now was one of those times when he wouldn't be so laid back.
"That's easy for you to say." Uzume whispered, wrapping her arms around the front of his neck resting her hands on his chest. She smile to herself giving them a squeeze before resting her head on his shoulder. "I barely got any sleep, and I can hardly walk." She smiled feeling the dull ache between her legs a constant reminder of a night she'd never forget, she never knew Ryu could get like continued pointing out the obvious which caused Ryu to close his eyes as he recalled just how late they were up, he was already riled up no thanks to Yashima's plan, but Uzume tripled that with her outfit and then her not at all subtle advances. But she did have a point, he could understand the fact that she could barely walk, and that brought a small smirk to his face it felt good getting her back twice as good. "Miya-san is right about you! Last night you were a beast!"
"Now, now. You're the one that said to pin you against the wall with you legs over your head." Ryu remarked while clicking his tongue. "Yes I believe it was something like that." Uzume blushed slightly, happy he didn't see her scarlet cheeks, so she got a little out of control too, but it wasn't her fault. She needed Ryu, all of him, it was a strange feeling, it was different than before though. She wanted his kisses down her neck, his hand trailing down her side to her womanhood. She wanted more skin contact, everything and anything, so weird. But, she loved it. "We're almost there, and besides everyone should already be packed and ready to go."
"I hope so." Uzume murmured feeling herself beginning to doze off but fought it off. "What if they're not?"
"Then they will be." Ryu said in a dangerously low voice.
Scares the crap out of me sometimes... Uzume thought.
"You can sleep to your heart's content later." Ryu said leaning his head into Uzume's inhaling her scent. That was something completely new, he never really smelled anyone. But it did something to him, it was a more primal instinct.
"I love you so much." Uzume gently placed kisses on the side of his neck. He was always so energetic and full of life, she had to compare it to Musubi how they both just had limitless energy. Here he was after one of the most passionate nights that she could remember in a long time and he was walking and didn't seem effected, though his eyes were a bit red probably from the lack of sleep and hangover. "After we get home?" She asked softly. Home. She thought with a smile, she liked the sound of that, her home with Ryu.
"Yeah." Ryu replied with a small nod, turning into the front yard of the inn glancing around for a long moment. He always intended to move out, but things just kept piling on one after the other and he just never had the time to get around to it. It was a bit sad he had a lot of memories here, this is where he met Miya, where Matsu would snatch him up in her room and pop out from the ceiling in the morning when he was eating breakfast saying she wanted to talk, but he could visit often and they didn't live that far away. Maybe it'd be good to work on a teleportation technique. He filed that thought away for another time, doing a quick sweep of the area he didn't pick up Minato's energy within the Inn, nor Haruka or Kuno's. Good that'll make things easier. He thought, frowning slightly, now that he wasn't around he could talk to Matsu.