The familiar stale stench flared from her nostrils, reaching the back of her throat filling her mouth with a stale tast. She really need to cut down on cigarettes, quitting wasn't going to happen in the foreseeable future. Takami stood dressed in her white lab coat, focus on the small electronic device in her hand. It showed a rough outline of the Shinto Teito, every alley, in, out, tower, skyscraper, it didn't matter it was all on here.

That was the least of her worries though, Minaka demanded that Teito be seized with even more security. On one hand there was no way she was going to argue against that point or could argue against, facts were facts and she could swallow her pride and admit it. But, on the other hand this would cause nothing short of mayhem and chaos, more than it had caused in the last several weeks. Overlooking the bridge incident wasn't even a possibility there was just no way she could bring herself to do it, and it doubled since Minato was a part of it.

Dispensing so many soldiers all at once was complicated, there were so many variables that needed to be accounted for, and also the fact she simply couldn't maneuver so many all on her own. One variable was Sekirei and Ashikabi, there were stupid ones out there, and no doubt they would try to escape or use this very brief pause in isolation to make a run for it, MBI had superior technology, but that was a moot point when going up against three Sekirei willing to do anything. The second variable should have been the first, confusion. No confusion in the power ladder, but confusion as to what posts to guard, in addition to the standard ones she and Minaka designated at least three dozen more were added. The third variable was the chain of command amongst their soldiers, arguments were inevitable, and she knew one or two units would deny ever receiving her personal message.

Which brought her to her current place, just outside of MBI tower flanked by all terrain vehicles, soldiers on opposing sides, and helicopters blitzed the air dozens of meters behind her, all around her more soldiers ran to their positions silently awaiting their next order. At least her confidence hadn't waned in the least, seeing so many well trained and armed soldiers, ready and willing to move out was enough to make her sigh with relief. Teito was becoming a dangerous place and she wanted to make sure lawlessness didn't start spreading. "Where are they? They were supposed to be here an hour ago already..." She asked herself quietly, inhaling on her cigarette.

"Tamaki-san!" A soldier ran up to her, bowing slightly. "The majority of us are present and awaiting your orders!"

"Excellent to hear, Daisuke-san." She replied, nodding slightly and waving him towards a post. She was going to need to be even more aware, even more vigilant, even more nosey than what she had been, how she has been. I didn't want Minato or Yukari to become a part of this-both of them have, Minato even made an enemy out of MBI... I can't stop it now. But, I can prevent certain things from happening and protect them... She shook her head. I have an eerie feeling, I don't like where this situation is going... She was always planning for the future, and had been for quite some time, but this was one thing she never accounted for. Who would ever think of yet alone try to escape?

"Takami!" Karasuba's voice snapped her to attention, the gray haired Sekirei calling over from behind her flanked by the rest of the squad. "We'd have got here sooner, but you know how Minaka is..." She smirked despite herself. "He just doesn't know when to shut up." She paused, taking a look around at everyone gathered, her comrades one by one looked around in shock, confusion, and amazement. "Minaka is finally deciding to get serious... I guess Yume's presencehas had a more profound effect than I previously anticipated." She said to herself stroking her chin as she lost herself in her thoughts.

"He's in another one of those moods?" Takami asked, massaging her forehead with her palm.

"Pretty much." Koto replied with a small shrug. He was happy to finally be away from that loudmouth and start tightening security. There was no way in hell another escape was going to take place, ever. He noticed her slightly bemused expression as she observed Kai and his Sekirei, shoving his hands into his sleeves he continued. "This is Kai, our newest recruit along with his Sekirei respectively, of course." Koto gestured to the brown haired male, who gave a small bow. Being polite never hurt anyone. His Sekirei settled on a simple wave, in Kaiha's case it was rater flippant.

"Ah, so you're the Kai I've heard so much of from Saki-san." Takami nodded recalling hearing nothing but praise of him. She was skeptical naturally, but if Saki who was completely Loyal to MBI more over Minaka, then Kai must have been something else. She sighed, flicking her butt away, and pulled out another cigarette. She'd just have to wait and see. "It's nice to finally meet you in person." She nodded, turning her focus onto Storm. "And, who is this?"

"Just call her Firestorm..." Karasuba replied with clear disinterest. Takami always was a bit too nosey and liked to prod. "What was your strategy for this operation?" Karasuba asked, steering the conversation back on track.

"Well, to start with." Takami welcomed the subject change, pacing towards the wall and leaned against it making herself comfortable. "I was going to execute a three point plan. First troops would be stationed all throughout the east, west, and south, they will converge with whatever unit is currently stationed there and filter out. In addition there will be troops near the border of the north-where it begins. The majority of the troops will locate and be stationed at one of the ports, bridges, or airports in preparation of an attack, this will also keep the perimeters tight and anyone even thinking about escaping should be discouraged. There will be air coverage twenty four hours and seven days a week, there will be six to eight hour cycles..." She paused, narrowing her eyes slightly. "Haihane and Benitsubasa I would like you two to lead troops into the west, Kai, Firestorm, and Akiko I want you to flank them from forty paces away. Koto, Luna, Natsu, and Yahan I want you to lead troops into the east. Lastly, Kujou, Kaiha and Saki I want you to flank them from thirty paces away. Once you all complete this, converge to the borders of the east, we will go in together. Karasuba you'll be with me." She looked around, taking note of the silence. "Any arguments?"

"No way!" Benitsubasa grinned, slamming a fist into her glove. "Sounds like a plan to me!"

"Oh, so you have no argument?" Haihane asked, almost mockingly. No it was mockingly. "No why do I have to? What are we doing? Can I kick someone's ass-"

"Claws!" Benitsubasa snarled, cutting Haihane off before she could continue on with her quips. "If you don't shut up I'm going to be kicking your ass!" She glowered at the mummy Sekirei, she didn't care if she was having an outburst in front of everyone. It was better to let them all know not to mess with her sooner rather than later, Haihane would be the perfect example of what not to do.

"I'd like to see you-"

"Shut up. Both of you." Koto grunted, eyes glinting with annoyance. "There's more important things that taken precedence, stop your childish bickering!" He glared at the two girls, locking eyes with Benitsubasa. She always had to be rebellious and mouthy, he was in not in the mood to even tolerate her outbursts. Was she really that childish she'd let herself become distracted with his banter? "You know what, Haihane take my spot with Luna, Natsu, and Yahan. I'll be taking your spot with Benitsubasa."

"What!? Why!?" Haihane wailed.

"I don't want to be stuck with you!" Benitsubasa frowned.

"It's over with! You have no choice or say in the matter, now shut up!" Koto snapped, eyes glinting fully now as he folded his arms over his chest. To his happiness, neither of the two even tried to argue against his point, though Benitsubasa looked away with a scowl marring her face. "I'm not going to let your ridiculous folly interfere with this, Haihane you will be taking my spot. Benitsubasa I'm going with you, do you have any arguments!?"

"No, no!" Haihane said with a nervous grin. Koto going on a rampage at this very moment was something she didn't want to happen, nor was it a thought she wanted to entertain. Nobody in their right mind would want to face the Demon's wrath. "You're the boss! I'll stick with Luna-san. We make quite the pair!"

I...don't like the way that sounds... Luna thought.

Koto walked in front of Benitsubasa, she had been turned away from him scowling and muttering curses, not that he cared about her little tantrum. He wanted to make sure she got the point. "And you?"

"Fine!" She snapped, sneering at him. Had they been in the tower near the sparring hall, she was positive they would be heading there right now. As it was they weren't, so Koto nodded his head walking away from her and settling back into his previous spot.

"Whew..." Natsu wiped some sweat from her brow. "Now I see why he's called the Demon Commander..." She had never seen such a cold and glinting stare in her entire life, even Kai who had a cold glare couldn't measure up to Koto, there was just that sheer presence...

"You're telling me..." Yahan muttered.

"Well, it wasn't that bad..." Kai said quietly, looking at his two on edge Sekirei.

"Of course not. Not to you." Natsu commented.

Kai shrugged.

"Now that it is settled, let us be on our way." Karasuba said, cutting the silence, and snapping everyone to attention. "There's a narrow time window for all of this to get finished, the Ashikabi and Sekirei are gutsy and are probably chomping at the bit this very moment formulating a plan to escape or trying to escape. If any unit encounters escapees or suspected escapees..." She glanced at Takami.

"Don't let them escape. If they persist terminate them..." Takami swallowed thickly, it wasn't easy to say. She adjusted a good majority of the Sekirei, while her primary focus went to Karei. However, it didn't change the fact she didn't like the terminations or the Sekirei Plan itself, but she couldn't do anything to stop it... Especially now everything was in place.

Akiko smiled. "I wonder which unit will be the ones to encounter these escapees."

"Probably mine. I've always had strong luck." Haihane replied.

"We'll just see about that." Benitsubasa challenged.

Minato inhaled a bit stiffly carefully dusting his dresser which he purchased before with the money he earned from his construction job. It wasn't too large or grand, but it was quaint and he was rather fond of it. It also beat keeping all his clothes in the closet as a half folded mess. Vaguely, he could hear his Sekirei in the bath house talking and bantering amongst themselves. Or was that Ryu's Sekirei? He shook his head, getting his answer when he heard 'thee' only Tsukiumi would speaking using old English.

He let out a soft sigh, setting the duster down and admiring his handy work. He was never a messy person to begin with, even his modest apartment he lived in before was nearly spotless despite the living conditions the landlord put him and the other tenants through. Naturally, he maintained a clean room at Maison Izumo out of personal habits that he developed over the years, and Miya had rules that needed to be followed and were enforced with lethal force. He smiled despite himself, yes it was much better being here than at his old apartment. It just felt right. "Now, just need to get the dirty clothes so Miya-san can do laundry later." He mused, standing up and setting the duster on his nightstand, and exited the room searching for a basket.

He found the basket in a small room. He grabbed the basket, making his way back towards the main room where it normally was. He had stored it there before since he was in a hurry. "One. Two. Three." He muttered softly, counting his steps as he descended down the flight of stairs, he could see what he was doing but it felt better to double check with this method. One too many times had he tripped down the stairs not paying close attention. "Ahh! Sorry about that!" Minato replied quickly, looking over the basket, into a pair of brown eyes. Normally he would have thought it was Musubi, he almost mistook them for Musubi's, but these eyes held a much more mature gleam to them nothing like Musubi's bubbly innocent eyes. "Uh, Yume-san?" Minato questioned, it never hurt to double check.

"Oops! Sorry about that." Yume waved an apology, moving over to the side as Minato maneuvered around her out into the hall. "I wasn't paying attention to where I was going."

"Ah, it's okay." Minato laughed nervously, no matter how many times he seen a Sekirei he'd never get used to it. Were they all so buxom and developed? Don't look at her boobs. Don't look at her boobs. He screamed to himself mentally, hoping the mantra would work and stem his eyes away from her breasts, and to his relief it actually worked and instead he flicked his eyes up staring into her own. "I should have been paying more attention coming down, it's not your fault, you've only been living her for a day, not even..." He contemplated the last part, he wasn't sure how long she had been here, but it wasn't very long. He caught his eyes drifting towards her breasts and forced them back up.

"Well, I'm still sorry for getting in your way. Minato-san." Yume smiled slightly, titling her head. Her eyes widened and a quiet giggle escaped her lips, seeing his bemused expression Yume responded. "First I get in your way and now I'm distracting you from your chores, please forgive me Minato-san! I'll let you get back to it." She sauntered away, and Minato despite himself couldn't take his eyes off of her ass. There was a sway to it, and he wasn't sure if she was doing it on purpose or not, it did have a natural sashay to it.

"Oh boy..." Minato said softly, finally turning his focus back onto his task. He didn't want Yume to think he thought of her as a burden. But, he didn't want to come off as a pervert, because he wasn't, but who could blame him for staring at it? "I swear... I think I'm going to die one of these days." He sighed softly, going about finishing his task and pushing all images of Yume's perfect ass from his mind. "And, this means my Sekirei are finished with their bath." He quickened his steps, he wasn't expecting them to get finished so fast, normally it was a good hour or two before they were finished. He entered the main room, setting the basket down and took a moment to glance around noticing it was empty, but a heavenly aroma was wafting through the walls and smothering the entire room, like clockwork his stomach growled, gnawing for nourishment. "Agh! That actually hurt..." He grimaced, rubbing his stomach and making his way towards the kitchen.

Ryu was a bit peeved, of course... But, at this moment he felt relaxed and at peace.

To say he was an expert cook or a chef Ramsey well that would be giving him too much credit. He could cook basic meals, but when it came to presenting food well he was sure his looked sloppy compared to some expert chef's... But, it tasted great and was going in his stomach-who cared who it looked. He wasn't cooking at a high class restaurant either, just his modest apartment and after that at his current home. Miya took care of the cooking, insisting it was fine and she enjoyed it, but he wanted to help even a little bit. "You know, Ryu-kun." Miya's soft voice snapped him from his current task, which was slicing the daikon radishes, he turned towards her waiting for her to finish, "It's been a very, very long time since we've just been alone." She gestured around the kitchen, and true to her word they were indeed alone.

"It has been a long time." Ryu agreed with a small nod. It felt odd to say considering he did live here at one point, and by all means seen Miya everyday and night. But, the times they were actually alone, undisturbed, he could count those times on one hand. His Sekirei could be a handful, and Minato's were a handful, all of that chaos needed monitoring and he found Miya dishing out her wooden stick whacks on the skull more and more often-it was rather amusing. But, again they weren't alone. "Not that I mind it or anything, Miya-san. As long as I get to be around you and spend a little time, that's enough for me." He smiled a little, something he found himself doing less and less recently. How long has it been since they were intimate?

"Ryu-kun, you still have the bad habit." Miya smacked him on the shoulder.

"Huh?"

"You need to learn to filter your thoughts..." She blushed just a little. "And at times keep certain thoughts to yourself and not project them."

"Oh, my bad..." Ryu looked sheepish, he did have a bad habit of doing that. He really didn't need to worry about that with his other Sekirei, they were either too carefree or just didn't look into him that much, Ahiko was always aware but she never voiced anything, and Uzume knew what made him tick. She even knew the exact time he'd wake up to use the bathroom every morning, she'd be sprawled out to his side rather than clinging onto him like she normally did. He took a breath, pushing the thoughts of Miya and intimacy to the back of his mind. "I'll work on that more." He added lamely, going back to cutting the radishes.

"I guess you just can't help it." Miya sighed, feigning shock. He did really good, but at times, like now he'd just let those thoughts leak. Of course she was more aware of it than any of his other Sekirei, perhaps except for Karasuba... Anyways, she did have these same feelings, it had been a long time since they were truly intimate. A few kisses and cuddling were nice, she enjoyed cuddling very much, but that feeling of him inside... It made her yearn, at first she was ashamed and disappointed she never let these urges get to her always shooing them away, but she was still a woman. "It's okay, I really don't mind it. After all it's not like your saying these things out loud..." She laughed softly, seeing him almost start sputtering. "But, Ryu-kun. I am still a woman and I do have needs..."

"Miya-san..."

"Just keep that in mind." She waved off his shocked and bemused expression, changing the subject. "Matsu-san has informed me that she will be leaving in the coming weeks. Now, you know I've kept her on a tight and strict leash here... She has terrible illicit habits, and is shameless." This was of course stating the obvious, given she and Ryu both called Matsu shameless, utterly shameless. "Listen. I don't want you encouraging her and her bad habits. She is easily manageable here as you've seen since living here, however at your house she may try to cut loose. I do not want you to have a child born out of wedlock, because neither of you could control yourselves..."

"Woah! Woah!" Ryu fell on the back of his head, literally, struggling to catch his breath and steady his vision. "Miya-san I have no intentions of having a kid, especially anytime soon... Given the circumstances it'd be another headache and Minaka that crazy son of a bitch there's no telling what he'd try to do or think of doing..." Slowly, he stood back up, dusting off his kimono and straightening his back.

"I'm just saying~~" Miya said innocently.

"I'm... Going to let the others know it's almost done." Ryu said quickly, making his way out of the kitchen. And, that reminds me I need to talk to Matsu about this whole wife thing... Why wasn't I a part of this conversation? He scowled slightly, shaking his head. Better yet why was I never told or informed of this?

The groups dispersed. It happened all too fast. Ordinarily moving this many men would take a good few days, however the Sekirei were much stronger and often not intelligent. Takami was never surprised to see their prowess on display, but even more important, something she could never overlook is how they worked as a single unit, and forged towards their goal. She appreciated this, she'd never mention it aloud of course, Minaka always had a few screws loose, more seemed to be coming loose as the days went by. At least, he was urgent enough to call this plan into action-though she did most of the organizing. Yume... How is she still alive? Where has she been all of this time? What was she doing... Takami frowned, she had no answers. The records themselves stated Yume vanished without a trace years ago, the fact she was here meant that was lie... But, information was withheld from her-Minaka withheld it. That crazy son of a bitch... She scowled, reaching for a cigarette, but realized with anger she smoked her whole pack.

"You're quiet..." Takami said, looking at Karasuba with a careful but calm gaze. The Black Sekirei had been silent the entire time, to be more accurate since the helicopter departed. It wasn't unusual to her, Karasuba was never much of a talker preferring to let her actions do the talking. It was more like a deafening and bone chilling roar, in that essence. Her curiosity and suspicion rose when Karasuba declined to answer, it was either that or she didn't hear her, which would be understandable considering the pilot was giving her feedback every second keeping a bird's eye view of the entire operation. But, again it wasn't like Karasuba to not make some sort of response even if it is short.

Karasuba turned her gaze from out the window and focused it onto Takami. Before she wouldn't appreciate such scenery, but since Ryu wormed his way into her heart she learned to appreciate the smaller things due in part to his insistence on just sitting outside. She grabbed a hold of the thought, pushing it to the back of her mind, she would never say it out loud to anyone except for him. It felt wrong to think of such things while being in Takami's presence. Another thought replaced that, and it wasn't hard to choose it, yes she chose her next train. Yume. How long had she been out there hiding and growing weaker? Karasuba knew she didn't vanish, Takehito bless the man's heart managed to bring Musubi from her coma without Yume needing to sacrifice her core. Karasuba grit her teeth, holding down the angry snarl that wanted to escape her lips. "I was just thinking..." She replied, quickly turning her eyes away from Takami and focusing back on the scenery. The gall she has to ever dare to consider doing such a ridiculous thing...

Takami decided to make no response. It was better that way, and something told her just not to disturb Karasuba at this moment. She could go from zero to a million in the span of a nanosecond. Takami couldn't remember how many times that sword was rammed through the door to her room when Minaka first discovered them, and often times it was rammed through even when she came. She had bigger things to worry about than that at this moment, Minato and Yukari, the lock down-well more lock down of Teito, she paid attention the news just not for the sake of amusement like Minaka did. There were ronin emerging like cockroaches, bandits and thieves, the Yakuza, the Triads, and smaller street gangs were all starting to fight for control and power. MBI is going to be stuck right in the middle, I'll even say it has a big part to do with this...

"Takami-san! Karasuba-san!" The voice of the plot shook them both respectively from their thoughts.

"What is it?" Takami asked, furrowing her brows.

"The unit Kai-san is leading has encountered some resistance!" He replied with haste, carefully maneuvering up and around so they wouldn't be caught in the crossfire. "I'm picking up six hostiles! Three Ashikabi and three Sekirei... And, the Ashikabi seem to be trying to fight!"

"Focus on the Sekirei! Do not use any lethal force!" Takami urged.

"Delay that order." Takami whirled, holding back her scream of outrage. No. No. No! Ashikabi were never meant to be harmed, they were off limits at ALL times. It was one of the rules she put in, just in case Yukari or Minato got involved. Minato couldn't fight worth a damn, couldn't even make a proper fist, and Yukari while being more confident than him was arrogant and didn't think things through. If either of them tried to fight the squad, or any Sekirei and Ashikabi for that matter... "If those stupid monkeys have a death wish who are we to deny them a slow and painful end?" Karasuba asked, a mocking tone creeping into her voice. "Terminate those Sekirei, if the Ashikabi want to get involved so be it."

"Karasuba, that's outrageous!" Takami snapped.

Karasuba glanced at her out the corner of her eye, narrowing it. "You're the head researcher for MBI." As far as Karasuba was concerned this had nothing to do with Takami, this was something that concerned the squad and only the squad. She meant Takami's scathing look with a light glare. "This has nothing to do with you. You should remember the place, you certainly don't fight-and have no business barking out orders." Their glares clashed neither speaking a single word, for a long moment there was only silence aside from the rapidly spinning propellers of the helicopter, and finally they broke the staring contest-Takami first. "This is the order. My order. If those stupid Ashikabi want to get involved then they will be dealt the same fate, but if they retreat, well by all means don't persist."

"Understood, Karasuba-san!" The pilot relayed the order.

Minato to say the least was hungry, he wasn't sure why. It's not like he was sparring with Miya. It didn't stop him from stuffing his face though, and he was careful not to make a pig of himself.

His mom raised him better.

He surveyed the room, choosing not to chime in with the usual chatter that surrounded Maison Izumo, no instead he stayed silent enjoying Miya's cooking. His mind was heavy, so much had changed and was changing, he could feel it. He would consider it paranoia, but after this recent turn of events, he was going to stick to his instincts. It's only going to get worse... He mused in silence, doing well to cover his expression, no need to worry his Sekirei. But still... He sighed, shaking his head and letting the thought pass, what good would it do anyways?

"Yo, where's Matsu?" He thanked the sudden outburst, his focus and thoughts steering to the buxom girl.

"Probably in her room on that computer." Toyotama quipped. Matsu was always in one place, and nobody had to guess where.

Miya sighed softly, it wasn't like Matsu to be late. "Ryu-san, could you go and get her?"

"Sure." Ryu replied, getting up from his spot and leaving the room.

It only took him a few minutes to get to her room, behind the secret door. Well, not much of a secret anymore. He took a small breath preparing himself for whatever Matsu was about to do, she didn't always scheme, but when she did he was prepared for whatever she'd throw his way. "Matsu, dinner is done." Ryu called from the other side of the door, knocking to further his point and alert her to his presence. He waited and waited, only silence greeting him, with a scowl he pushed on the door, stepping in. "Matsu."

"Hmmm..." Matsu was oddly quiet, and judging from her posture which was rigid, something was bothering her.

"What's bothering you?" Ryu asked with a bit of hast.

"There was a pair of Ashikabi and Sekirei trying to escape..." Matsu informed him, turning back with a small frown on her face. Ryu never seen her look so serious before, it was very alarming. "The Discipline Squad stopped them, it's just as I feared. Due to our..." She paused, not sure if she should say success or not, it wasn't exactly a success. "Haruka and Kuno managing to escape," Matsu quickly added, "More are getting the courage to try the same thing, or are just that fed up with this entire thing. In any case it's not good..."

"But, that's not what is bothering you."

"There are more members on the Discipline Squad..." Matsu said, dreading every word as it left her mouth. Ryu crossed his arms, lips thinning into a line. "It is a substantial increase, I was anticipating this-but I didn't think it would actually happen. And, with that escape MBI will no doubt tighten security more than what they have been, the timing couldn't be anymore perfect. If anyone does try to escape again, as stupid as it may be, there will be no chance of success." She furrowed her brows, a heavy breath leaving her, this wasn't even the least of her worries though.

"And, since the only safe route has been destroyed, they will be forced to go through the heavily guarded areas which will lead to..."

"Conflict." Matsu finished, sighing she stood up taking her mind and focus from her screen. She was five minutes late, but she and everyone else who lived her were never to be late for dinner. Thirty seconds or thirty minutes, Miya didn't like her food being wasted, and didn't like her rules being broken. "Shall we go?"

They have more members... I guess that'd be Koto. I'll ask Matsu the details later, in any case this isn't good... Now more than ever... Ryu pressed the thought down, nodding his head at her. "That reminds me, we really need to talk about this marriage thing, you becoming my wife."

"I am all ears, Ryu-dono."

"What was that just now?"