"Hmmmm, you're doing well Chiho-san. In good condition I am relieved." Her doctor commented with a pleased but slightly suspicious look as he read over the results of this test. Her lung functions were up by seventy percent, which was very remarkable and her pulse was much stronger than usual, she wasn't wheezing like normal, and she showed no signs of pain which would be the result of her internal organs deteriorating slowly. "You've made a remarkable recovery."

"Thank you." Chiho said with a polite air, still laying down comfortably. She could never thank Ryu enough for helping her, even if it was only temporary she was grateful. She didn't need to worry about going into a fit of coughs, tiring herself with the most basic things such as walking, and she could actually walk! Her body was strong and vital and she felt great, the best part for her however was seeing Karei so elated and happy. She laughed and giggled along with her adorable Sekirei with no restraints this time, and she had to admit it was nice. Her mind wandered to Karei, she knew she was out at the moment because the doctor came in, she was hiding somewhere close, she used to scold her for sneaking in but now she looked forward to the late night visits.

"If your body remains in this condition we'll be able to let you out in a few weeks time." The aged doctor gave a small and curt smile, seeing her eyes literally light up like stars, if he knew who Musubi was he'd compare it to that, but since he didn't he just settled on widening his smile. He continued filing through the papers on his clipboard, there were other things like her heart rate, blood pressure, brain activity, lung functioning, kidneys, and the whole works; but everything was checked off, she was healthy as any human woman could be, even her carbs, protein, and fat ratio were picture perfect. "Go outside if you wish but be in soon since visiting hours are over at eight sharp. Or just rest." He said as he rose and left the room, closing the door quietly.

A few hours slowly passed and she was still alone, Chiho just looked around the bleak room. The room where she spent most of her life in a losing battle against a disease, something that pained Karei to no end. No matter how she hid it behind that lovely smile or firm but gentle hug, Chiho could see it in her eyes, pain and fear, and unshed tears. No need for that. She thought pushing the negative thoughts away. "Chiho-kun~" Karei's wistful tone made her perk up and look to the door, a smile adorned her face as she sent a wave of affection her way.

"Come in!"

And Karei entered the room, slowly, and Chiho felt her entire face burn. Normally Karei wore something to cover her skin, to cloth her developed body. Chiho made sure that she wasn't showing off to much at all times, but this. Chiho was at a loss of words. "Surprise!" Karei jovially shouted as she threw her arms up showing off her breasts. She was wearing a strapless, black skin tight dress, with a thick black belt just under her breasts pushing them up slightly. It flowed down almost to the middle of her thights hugging every curve along the way leaving nothing to the imagination, there was a good bit of cleavage exposed, and her long and sleek legs were on show, and her perfectly shaped ass was barely restrained by the dress. Chiho sniffed once, her eyes snapped wide as she felt blood trickling from her nostrils. "You've got a nose bleed." Karei said sounding happy. "So you like my surprise!" She sauntered over to Chiho, swaying her hips and making no move to hide her body from her eyes.

"K-K-Karei-chan!" Chiho exclaimed, her entire face burning and cheeks cramping. "T-That dress! Your breasts are showing and so are your legs!"

"I know silly! I was saving this just for you." Karei whispered as she climbed up onto Chiho's bed, relishing as her Ashikabi blushed and tried to retrain herself. She knew Chiho was a good girl and would never take advantage of her, but it was so much fun enticing her. "I've always wanted to wear this, now I have the chance." She placed both hands on either side of Chiho and slowly, methodically like a feline made her way onto Chiho's hips. "May I have a kiss?" Karei whispered, leaning in closer to capture Chiho's soft and delectable lips, but halted just an inch away, blinking a few times. "Chiho-kun?" She gently smacked her cheek, but Chiho gave no response though a small smile was on her face. "Oh no, you fainted!" Karei gathered her head into her arms pressing it into her bosoms. "I guess the dress was a bit too much?" She questioned the ceiling, she wasn't expecting an answer and didn't get one.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

It was getting late, the sun which blazed from the time it rose to the wee hours of late evening was finally beginning it's slow descent, casting the sky in brilliant oranges, reds, and yellows it was sight to behold. Not many would look up to the sky, but Ryu found closure as he stared up at the spectacle. His Sekirei, as he figured were hard at work and for once getting along, but that could be due in part to unpacking all of their belongings and sorting them in their respective rooms, luckily for him he didn't own that much aside from clothes and his sword which he always kept close he organized everything and what he didn't just threw in the closet. It's been quite a day... He mused silently, leaning back until the wall supported his back, he let out a quiet sigh; for once things were quiet and what one would consider normal.

"Thinking?" Ryu turned to his side, looking into Ahiko's big round eyes. He would like to say he was surprised that she knew he was in deep thought, but she knew him longer than anyone and could read him like a book. She let out a content breath as she crawled onto his lap, facing forwards and leaning forward until her forehead rested in the crook of his neck, it was something she would do. Distract him from answering, she had to know the way she made him feel whenever she was in a position like this, and her breasts were pushing against his chest. "It's so nice that I can finally cuddle with you." She whispered not moving from her position as she made herself comfortable. "Miya-dono would be having a fit right about now."

Ryu swallowed once, nodding his head in agreement as he recalled the one too many times Miya would just pop up at the wrong time with both him and Minato. That's all he could do, it was the truth. Despite loosening some of the rules, she still reinforced them with an iron fist, and those who disobeyed were subjected to the boken, or the ladle in Musubi's case and the wooden stick in Tsukiumi's case. It was amusing and almost awe inspiring watching her reign in even the rowdiest Sekiriei, Toyotama being one. But, it was also painful since he was caught in the middle more times than he count in the very beginning, even now he felt a chill whenever she'd flare her famous mark or bring out its friends. "Ahiko."

The long haired woman craned her head up, righting herself , but remained on his hips. A curious expression adorning her face. "What?" She asked, tilting her head ever so slightly, she looked more inquisitive than the usual curiousness that Musubi held in her eyes when she did the same thing, but then again Ahiko was more mature and not as innocent, but definitely more modest. That was clear even to a blind person, Musubi didn't care if she was walking stark naked to the dinner table, to her it was just another day. "Oh." I see. She thought resisting the urge to smirk, an inviting position. She turned around with super speed, leaning back so she was resting between Ryu's legs, her head on his stomach as she brought her legs up slightly. It wasn't as risqué as the last one, but it seemed more inviting. "Boobs." She said with a shake of her head.

"Boobs." Ryu echoed, thankful that at least they weren't right in his face. Not that he minded if they were in his face, but at the moment he had to save his stamina for Yomi tonight, and Ahiko didn't want that at the moment. Even if she unknowingly set the mood and was doing a little more than just adjusting herself on his lap. He instinctively wrapped her in a hug, as Ahiko let out a startled yelp as a loud, deafening loud crack of lightning screeched through the air followed by the reverberations of thunder. Ryu looked slightly bemused as it began to down pour, he too was slightly jolted by the sudden crack of lightning.

"What's vibrating?" Ahiko asked after a moment of collecting herself. She was not expecting that, something or someone must have been hit by that bolt. And it was supposed to be a clear day. She thought with a humorless smile, so much for the weather channel being of any use, one minute it was clear and the next it was raining cats and dogs now, literally. And if it was any solace she could hear the rain drops thudding on the rooftop above, good thing she made her way into the house after Ryu finished the meeting and retreated to his room to unwind. With a start Ryu shoved his hand into his hakama's pocket and brought out his phone, one that didn't break from his sparring or one he didn't sell.

Who could be calling me? "Hello?" He queried into the other end.

"Ryu-san. It's Minato."

Ryu straightened his back slightly, curious. He wasn't sure why Minato was calling him, they weren't hostile towards one another, but text messaging and phone calls wasn't on their to do list.. "Minato-san." He said keeping his voice leveled and using the honorific to remain polite, after all Minato addressed him out of respect he'd do the same. "Not that I mind really, but why are you calling me?" Ryu questioned still a bit confused.

"Um, it's a bit complicated, I should really wait until you get here."

"It's raining like crazy out there!" Ryu almost exclaimed glancing right out his window to see the rain falling as fast and steady as it was before. "Is it important?"

"Yeah I know. I'm sorry, but we should speak face to face. It'd be better to avoid confusion."

Ryu scratched his head, Minato sounded on edge slightly for some reason. It couldn't be because of him, Ryu never did anything to him, so it couldn't be him. There was the possibility it was Miya, but for his Sekirei to behaving like that still was a little unbelievable. "No promises, but I may be there in a half hour." He said after a moment of deliberation feeling Ahiko's head shift upward and he didn't need to look down to see that she was curious as to what he was doing and who he was talking to. He really, really wanted to stay inside and not get soaked, but whatever Minato wanted to talk about seemed important.

"Thanks, and could you bring all of your Sekirei?"

Now this was surprising, it completely shocked Ryu that Minato would want him to bring all of them with. It was even more surprising he was suggesting that he bring them with, for starters Toyotama would not be going outside for anything since it was raining. She was going to stay put in the house where it was warm and dry, and he wasn't even going to try getting her to come with, Yomi wasn't going to ruin her outfit, Uzume despite being down for anything was doubtful to go to the inn in this kind of weather, Hari was an automatic no; she could be so girly. And there was Nanaha and Yashima, but it was doubtful even they would come with, Maybe Yashima... "I don't know about all of them, but I think one or two may come with." He said a bit unsure himself.

"That's fine. See you when you get here. Oh, and we're having another party."

"Didn't we just have one?" Ryu almost blanched recalling his horrible hangover.

"Yeah, but we're having another one. See you when you get here."

With nothing more to say, Ryu ended the call, sliding his phone back into his pocket and rested the back of his head against the wall. Well, now he had to go since he said he may stop over, Minato would be sure to understand if he didn't circumstances and weather alone would prove to be rather detrimental. And, there was a party, another party he didn't even want to think of sake; he had enough for a lifetime and wasn't going to repeat that ever again. Ahiko murmured something as she scooted away from him, turning to look at him with an exasperated look on her face. "Are we going to the inn?"

"I am, but you don't have to."

"Nonsense, where you go, I go."

"But..."

"It's just water, I'll go tell Hari I'm going." She rose to her full height, twisting once to the left and then the right getting a satisfying series of cracks from her back. "Did he say what he wanted."

"No, he didn't, but there is a party." Ryu shrugged once. "I forgot to call Miya..."

"And, is that bad?"

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Minato breathed out slowly, shutting his phone slowly he rose from his seat in his room and headed back out. While his Sekirei already knew, he felt better doing this in private rather than out in the open, and then there was the simple fact that Miya didn't know, and he wasn't sure what she'd do if she found out he was about to pull of such an operation like this; helping Kuno and Harua escape the capital while living under her roof. Speaking of which he better get back to the dining room before his Sekirei got a little too out of hand, Kuruse aside since she seemed to exude a calm air the others were going to be getting into something soon.

"It's been six months..." He mused absently, his steps slow and deliberate as he neared the staircase. Six months, in six months what he once knew as normal and reality was thrown out the window and flushed down the toilet. Not only was he in a relationship with a buxom and cheerful brunette known as Musubi, that was also a Sekirei, he had three more, and though time passed and he was adjusting it was still a lot to take in. However, there was a positive to all of this, he found a place he could call home for the moment and all of his Sekirei were safe. His ears perked as he heard a shout, probably from Tsukiumi, he hastened his steps and reached the dining room, eyes almost bulging from the scene.

It was something he wasn't expecting, Matsu was hovering over Kuno with a lecherous look in her eyes as she made groping motions Kuno was completely terrified it looked like, craning his head he watched Musubi talk animatedly with Miya and Kusano, the landlady nodding and laughing along, Kazehana was kind of in the middle of everything and speaking to Kagari about something or another, Haruka was seated a few feet away from the group just observing them with an almost blank expression on his face, and lastly Kuruse was looking directly at him. He wasn't sure what to make of it, but something told him to sit down, and before he could think of doing anything he was already seated next to her. "Are you having fun?" He asked after a few quiet moments, he was still awkward and shy around such a beautiful girl, though she wasn't as buxom as Musubi, Kuruse was still a beauty.

Kuruse was silent for a moment. "It is lively." She replied with a small smile. It was a lightening experience for her, here she was in the middle of a party when she should be fighting to the death or pandering for her Ashikabi's every whim and desire, but she wasn't doing either at the moment. She was just... Relaxing, enjoying the food Miya spent a lot of time cooking, she wasn't thrusting her trident through some unfortunate opponent, this wasn't what she was expecting when she came here and revealed she was his Sekirei, but it wasn't bad. It was... Nice. She felt a tingle of nervousness in the back of her mind, taking note of Minato's somewhat hesitant expression. "Have you tried any of the food?"

"Not yet." Minato said, picking up what he was sure was yakitori and took a bite, taking one entire piece of the chicken. He felt his taste buds explode, the sauce was rich but not too overwhelming and the meat was tender, there was also a subtle but very noticeable spice as well. Kuruse copied his action but picked up two instead and began to work on one at a fever pace, the ronin took a breath and grimaced, reaching for the nearest cup he emptied its contents sighing in relief.

"My what manners." Kuruse said with a light laugh.

"I-It was too spicy." Minato returned with a sheepish expression.

"You know at times like this you should say eating yakitori with a pretty girl like you taste worlds apart than when I'm eating alone."

"Pretty?"

"You don't think I'm pretty?"

"N-No, I do..." Minato looked away for a moment as Kuruse laughed softly, mirth shimmering in her eyes. She meant nothing by her previous question, it was just to frazzle her Ashikabi and see how he'd react. Like she figured he'd say he thought she was pretty, she didn't know much about him as of yet, but from what she observed so far he was kind and warm, though he had serious confidence problems, that was something she didn't like but didn't say anything about it. She'd love him either way. They sat in a comfortable silence, Kuruse eating the platters of food set before them, and Minato eating some as well though not nearly as much and didn't try another yakitori since it was really spicy, sipping down some more juice he turned his head, spotting Haruka in the same spot as before. "Kuruse-san I'll be right back." She gave a small nod since she was chewing, and Minato took his chance and seated himself beside Haruka.

"I have to thank you again." Haruka spoke up after a few seconds.

"No, there's no need." Minato chuckled a bit nervously as he waved his hands in front of him in a dismissive manner. "I didn't do anything that deserves your gratitude."

"If it wasn't for you we may be out on the streets still or on the run. Having to look over our shoulders every second even if we take a walk around the block, I feel like ever since I've become a part of this game my life is..." Haruka lowered his head slightly, clenching the fabric of his jeans tightly. Before he lived a simple life, he lived in a one room apartment, took his tests and studied as much as he could, girls were never really interested in him, and he wouldn't subject himself to the humiliation he'd endure from rejection. But, then Kuno came into his life, he couldn't just leave her without any food in that box in the middle of winter, but when she was speaking of Sekirei and Ashikabi he was confused. "It's gotten better, but at the same time it's just spiraled." Haruka said a bit weary.

"I see what you mean." Minato nodded a few times, he experienced the same thoughts a few weeks prior to this, and still had those feelings swimming through him. It's not that he didn't love his girls, or cherish them, but he wasn't sure how to approach them. How was he supposed to talk to them, naturally he'd treat him with dignity and respect but for the deeper more intimate parts of a relationship he was lost. He watched Ryu reign in his Sekirei, though at times it was still hectic to behold, and couldn't help but wonder how he wasn't on the brink of losing his sanity. "But, we're having a moment like this." Minato smiled slightly watching Kusano laugh like only a child could, "we're not fighting, our Sekirei aren't fighting. It's not so bad, as long as we can have moments like these."

"Not sure how you do it!" Haruka smacked him on the shoulder, jolting him slightly from his seat. "Finding the positive in even a mess like this..." Haruka paused mulling over a thought. "Why don't you come with us?" He asked. Minato looked at him with slightly wide eyes, escape with him? Well in all honestly Minato never thought about that in the least, not until now however. But, he couldn't answer, he had no answer, his mind was screaming to take the chance to escape, even his heart was telling him to take the chance, but a smaller part of him was urging him not to. Urging him to not run away, to stay behind. Oblivious to Minato's mulling Haruka continued. "You can live with all of them in peace, you wouldn't need to watch your back all the time. You wouldn't need to be a part of this shady game, you could be free and with your Sekirei, all of them happy, you'd be happy."

Kazehana laughed heartily as Miya told a story about the early days when Ryu moved into the inn and Uzume was up to her games again. No matter how many times she heard it she could never get over her little sister's silliness, it was surprising that she winged someone like Ryu who was always so serious and no nonsense, but it turned out he had a goofy side to him as well. She flicked her dark orbs towards Minato as she took a slow sip of her sake, noticing the almost blank expression on his face the look of deep thought, she could hear bits and pieces of their conversation if she tried. So, what will you do Minato? She asked silently as she turned her eyes away from, though her small smile grew ever so slightly. "You really thought Ryu-kun was Miya-san?" Kazehana questioned with a slightly bemused expression to the fidgeting Kagari.

"I didn't know it was him! They look the same from the back." Kagari said a bit defensively. Hoping that Kazehana wouldn't make a swift retort on his answer. It was bit over the top, and he set himself up for it with his own response.

"But, Ryu-kun has black hair and Miya-san has purple." Kazehana said with a laugh.

"I know..." Kagari rubbed his forehead, sighing softly. It wasn't his fault he got the two mixed up, they almost looked the same when you were looking at their backs, hair color aside that would be the only difference, and even with that Kagari still thought he was Miya. It was strange, he didn't put much thought on it then, just chalked it up to a simple mistake...

"I think someone is at the door." Miya spoke up, rising from her perch and leaving the room. "Who on Earth would come in this weather?" She asked herself, glancing out the window to see the rain had no sign of letting up. She quickened her steps slightly, not wanting to keep whoever it was out there waiting too long, she didn't want the catching a cold on her account. She reached the front door, feeling a very familiar presence, two familiar presences to be precise, quickly she opened the door. "Ryu-san and Ahiko-san? A phone call would have been nice, but you didn't need to come here. I don't want you catching a cold." She frowned slightly as she moved gesturing for them to enter, and they did with super speed, Ryu slipping off his zori, and Ahiko slipping off her shoes.

"It's good to see you again Miya-dono!" Ahiko said pulling her hair into one thick ponytail and securing it.

"As it is you." Miya said with a small smile, laughing into her hand as she tilted her head to the side. "You're a very polite woman."

"Well, you were teaching me." Ahiko gave a big smile, sniffing the air, and almost instantly her stomach growled.

"Please go and eat." Miya ushered her towards the hallway, once she was out of view Miya turned her attention to Ryu. "And as for you."

"Um?" Ryu looked clueless for a moment.

"Coming here in the pouring rain, with Ahiko-san." Miya stated tapping him on the nose. "What were you thinking? You two could catch a cold, and your hair is soaking wet." She ran a hand through his thick locks, starting to fuss over him.

"I'm okay." Ryu said with a small smile, gently grabbing Miya's wrist rubbing the back of her hand with his thumb. Miya froze in her spot, resisting the urge to blush, Ryu wouldn't dare pull anything like earlier out here. Or she'd need to throw him into the wall. "I won't be here long, Minato wanted to talk to me and it seemed important so I came." He continued in a soft tone, making no move to release her wrist continuing to rub the back of her hand.

"Here I thought you came just to grope me." Miya said teasingly.

"I maybe a lecher at times, but I am not that lecherous." Ryu said scowling a little.

"At times?"

"I'm not that lecherous," Ryu conceded. Winning an argument with Miya was impossible, and he was a lecher.

"I'll go let Minato-san know you're here."

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Ryu sighed as he set himself against the wall looking at the group assembled in front of him. The first was Haruka and Kuno, both of them looking at him with skeptical and careful gazes, he blew that off without any effort. If he wanted to attack them he would have done so by now and there isn't a thing they could do about it, the second person was Minato seated a few inches to the side of them, and lastly Ahiko who sat a few inches to his side stuffing her face with Miya's cooking. "Well, I'm here even though it's pouring outside. Now what is it that you wanted?" Ryu asked keeping his voice leveled.

"Are you sure about him?" Haruka whispered to Minato, casting a nervous glance at Ryu who didn't move from his spot or bother looking at him. "He seems a bit..."

"Just trust me." Minato said quietly, clearing his throat and turning to look at Ryu with a calm expression despite being a nervous wreck on the inside. Ryu was a kind man, he watched over his Sekirei and helped Minato out whenever he could, seeing as they were both busy with their Sekirei or something or another most of the time they rarely got time to speak so casually, but he had nothing against the long haired man. "Thanks for coming on such short notice." Minato said bowing his head slightly in an apologetic fashion.

"It seemed important." Ryu gave a shrug as if that explained it all. "So, shoot."

"We're listening." Ahiko seconded as she swallowed a large sum of food, sighing contently as she patted her belly. Much better, I didn't know I could get that hungry.

"Just one moment..." A familiar voice sounded from the other side of the door, one Ryu knew well, and wasn't surprised when he seen Matsu slide the door open wearing a shirt of his and a pair of shorts. Immediately he felt a pang of anger, why was Matsu here? He wasn't so ignorant to believe that she wouldn't come to see him after what he did, but at this exact moment in time it couldn't be mere coincidence. And, he was sure that Matsu would rather drag him off somewhere than waste time speaking. "Sorry, go on."

Nodding awkwardly Minato continued. "I won't try to coat it. Will you help us escape the capital?"

Ryu's eyes widened as did Ahiko's and she did her best to go slack jawed since it was filled with food, they both exchanged looks before they looked back at Minato his eyes slightly harder than before. He's not joking... Ryu thought to himself as he folded his arms over his chest, groaning softly. He should have figured he was contacted because he was only needed for something, it's not like him and Minato were super close or anything, but a nice hi and enjoy a meal wouldn't hurt. His eyes flicked on Matsu, unwavering and piercing and he could only sigh mentally as she looked sheepishly at her feet. "Who is trying to escape?" Ryu questioned before Minato could answer Haruka and Kuno raised their hands. "You do know when you try, the Discipline Squad is going to be all over you before you can say Amaterasu, and you'll be dealing with Karasuba."

"I am aware." Minato said gulping slightly.

"You're aware of who you'll encounter, but not their power!" Ryu almost snapped, but kept his tone leveled and composed though it was hard. He opened his kimono slightly exposing his abdomen where there was a rather nasty scar running along the contours of his lower ribs. Ahiko gasped softly eyes snapping towards the scar, Matsu brought a hand to her mouth forcing back the cry that wanted to escape her lips, Haruka and Kuno looked with shock as did Minato. "You see that scar, I got that when I first fought Karasuba..." His voice held no emotion, and it seemed like he was on autopilot. "If she did that to me, imagine what she will do to you. And, not even her but the other members of the squad. This is suicide or you're just plan stupid." He said bluntly.

"Now just hold on!" Haruka shouted angrily. "Who do you think you are to call Kuno stupid!?"

"Shut your mouth boy." Ryu growled.

"Calm down." Minato said hastily noticing Ryu's eyes narrow and the room itself almost shake and get colder. He didn't know what was going on, but he could see anger flashing in Ryu's eyes and the last thing he wanted was Ryu to get mad. He seen him spar and train, he didn't want to be on his bad side, he wanted his help, "Sorry, he gets a bit emotional." Minato nodded to Haruka who looked on edge as held Kuno close who was trembling, no doubt they could feel the change he did. "I know what lies ahead for me, but I ask you for your help."

"It's not my choice." Ryu stated simply, relaxing his aura and closing his kimono again. "I'll leave it to my Sekirei to decide. Matsu and Ahiko." He turned his gaze onto them waiting for an answer.

"I've helped with this, and promised to help so for me it's a yes." Matsu stated.

"I'll do what you do." Ahiko said looking a bit sheepish since she almost had half a biscuit in her mouth. Ryu sighed hearing that response so it was one to zero, no wonder Minato wanted him to bring his other Sekirei. In fact, he should have that way he could save the hassle of having to call them, with a start he rummaged through his pocket pulling out his phone and dialing Toyotama's number, knowing she would answer.

"Are you coming back yet? I'm so horny! Why did you leave anyways, it's raining like crazy?!" Ryu nearly blanched hearing the bluntness of Toyotama's statement.

"I'll be there soon, but I need to ask you something, and I want you to ask the others for me too. Okay?"

"Something smells off about this, but your wish is my command. What's your question?"

"Will you help Minato, help Haruka and Kuno escape the capital.

"Hell no!" Well that was cleared up he thought dully. "And then MBI can hassle us, no thanks! Hey! Hey! You idiots get over here!"

"I'm not an idiot!" That must have been Yashima.

"Whatever! Just shut up and answer this question for Ryu. Do you want to help Minato help Haruka and Kuno escape the capital?"

"No way, I don't want to get into trouble with MBI." Yashima answered with no hesitation.

"It's too risky, too much can go wrong I'm out." Nanaha answered next. Ryu rubbed his chin, so it was two to one now.

"I think he should, Ryu-kun is the best! Hari answered in her normal cheerful tone.

"I'd help, but like Nanaha said... It's just too risky." Yomi answered sounding crestfallen, and he could only imagine her face right now. So it was a tie, he looked at Ahiko with a careful gaze as she finished off the rest of her platter of food and cleaned off her fingers. "Thanks, I'll be home soon." Hearing a chorus from the other side he ended the call before Toyotama could make another retort about having sex, he knew this was coming with moving out. She wasn't sexually starved but now she was free and she was going to take full advantage of it.

"What?" Ahiko asked slightly bemused.

"It's three for three. Three of my Sekirei want to help, three don't." He stated. He wasn't going to include Miya who remained neutral for good reason, and Karasuba who already made it clear who's side she is on. Everything was going smoothly today, no incidents, no arguments, why was this happening now? He sighed quietly raking a hand through his hair and turned his eyes back on Ahiko. "So yes or no do you want to help?"

"I can't just decide!" Ahiko exclaimed looking panicked and conflicted, on one hand she wanted to help them escape. She wanted Haruka and Kuno to be happy but at the same time it wasn't worth all of the trouble they would get in the long run and afterwards, and say if it did work then that'd mean while they're away happy and skipping they'd be dealing with the consequences. She knew one person who would say yes is Hari, the next would be Matsu who already said she was helping out. Uzume was probably still sleeping so she didn't count. Her eyes flicked to everyone in the room and she felt her gut twist and sink, how could she decide? She was the tie breaker if she said yes they would help, if she said no they wouldn't. What if Minato died? That would mean Musubi and Kusano would die as well, and she never wanted to see either of those two die, but there was the chance one of her own comrades could die and she didn't want that either. "Damn it! You know I hate being in situations like this! How do you expect me to choose!? How can I?"

"Just... Decide..." Ryu said feeling a rush of fear and panic course through him. "This isn't my choice. It is your's just like the other's."

Damn it I hate this... Why am I stuck in this crevice with no way out!? Ahiko wondered with vigor, clenching her hand into a fist. "I'm sorry, but... No." She whispered looking away from everyone in the room, even Ryu. "My answer is no..." She repeated her voice quieter than before, she didn't want to see the crestfallen looks on their faces, the devastation on Kuno's face, she couldn't bear it.

"You-" Haruka started but Minato cut him off expertly before he could say anything that would rile Ryu up.

"It's okay Ahiko-san... I figured the answer would be a no anyways." Minato gave one small shrug. "But, it's fine. No need to feel sad or upset, I understand. I'll just go tomorrow like planned."

"You're doing this tomorrow?!" Ryu questioned, his composure shattering again for the second time.

"Yeah, it's for the best. Now that four Ashikabi are meeting we're bound to attract attention sooner rather than later." Minato replied.

Damn it... Ryu thought. "It's not much, but I wish you... Luck."

"Thanks I'll need it." Minato smiled slightly.

Ahiko could only feel her heart sink, her stomach twist, and her shoulders shake as they left the inn giving their quick goodbyes to Minato and the others before breaking out into a sprint back towards their home. What was I supposed to say? Minato isn't my lover, nor are his Sekirei my comrades... Ahiko thought with a sad expression, the weather seemed to fit the day and mood perfectly. It was crappy, and she felt like complete shit, she just wanted to get back home and retreat to the room her and Hari were going to share, but not before giving Ryu a hug. Then she would retreat. Ryu wanted to give her a hug, wanted to stop running and just wrap her up despite it raining like cats and dogs, he wanted to kiss her and say it was okay, but he didn't. She wanted space at this moment and he'd give it to her, besides that both of them wanted to get out of this weather as soon as possible.

For anyone who doesn't know Yakitori are skewered pieces of grilled chicken with seasoned salt or sauce. Every part of the chicken is normally used, white meat, dark meat, gizzards, skin, and other organs.