Karasuba took her leave as soon as Minaka shouted one last time. Naturally, no one was going to question her as to where she was going or who she was going to see. Even if they had an idea, or an accusation, that was all it was. As sure as it was that Minaka would grin tomorrow, it was certain that everyone-even Miya, will give her a clear path. Well, there was Ryu. He would put himself right in front of her.

Thinking of him, she felt her mood dim. Like a deflation. Though she would never admit out loud, she was bonded deeply with Ryu. When he lost his three Sekirei she felt everything he did. When he struggled with the betrayals, she felt the same struggle. She had nearly pleaded with him not to feel so angry or sad about it. She even brought up Seo, a total slime.

Her fingers felt prickly. Numb. Her lungs were heavy. She smiled. For a moment Karasuba felt lost. Like she had fell into a pit, and it was so vast, so huge, and never ending, that she forgot who she was. A laugh escaped her lips. Short. Rushed. Her fingers clutched against her scalp, and she squeezed. There was pain, but it couldn't begin to compare...

Snarling, Karasuba struck the wall beside her. The elevator of course, wasn't effected. The feeling washing over Karasuba didn't fade either. It did more persist. It felt like it was sticking and it would never go away. Her lips cracked into a strained grin, and another laugh escaped her lips.

And another.

I...I am feeling what my Ashikabi-kun is feeling...

Karasuba realized this with a start, and did what she could to compose herself. Ryu seemed to be coming to a crossroads. Where did one step when it came to line between sanity and insanity turn into a gait? Where did one step when it came to becoming a killer?

Because she was so deeply bonded, she had to go through this...Ryu was suffering. He was truly suffering. There was no way he could release what was building up inside of him, and quite frankly, it scared her. If it was this intense for her, where she was lashing out physically and emotionally, she couldn't imagine what Ryu was enduring.

All of his Sekirei, including her, had kept him grounded. He had imprinted himself on them, and in return, they imprinted themselves onto him. It was more than just a bond, though she would never say this. Ryu losing three precious Sekirei...Ryu suffering three betrayals after that, from Uzume on top of it...

My... Karasuba couldn't stop the thought from coming. Her heart ached. My poor Ashikabi...

Karasuba didn't want Ryu to go down a path of killing Sekirei...It would be extreme, an extreme that would eat away at what he truly is. No different than if he were to become a killing machine. But, it was possible Ryu would develop such thoughts. He would very well kill his own Sekirei, or at the very least, beat them up very bad if they moved against him.

But, that had been before. Karasuba couldn't guess what he would do now. She was almost tempted to see what he would do, but there were no unwinged Sekirei running around. Well, there was one, but Minaka had plans for the so called Guardian. If Ryu ran his blade through a Sekirei, and kept it there, until the heart took its last beat, and even after that, and finally...Slide his blade free of the corpse.

He would give it a brief glace and walk away...

If he did that...

The elevator chimed as Karasuba came to the ground floor. The light sound brought her out of her stupor. Her thoughts were all over the place and she knew Ryu was the reason for that. That is why Minaka was having her quell this...If Ryu continued as he was at the moment, there's a chance he would end everything and send all of Japan into the ocean or worse.

There was just no telling, and Minaka wasn't willing to take that risk.

Karasuba really didn't care if Teito was underwater-this jumbled knotted mess of emotion was killing her. It was killing her and she wasn't sure whether she wanted to laugh or cry.

She struck the wall again.

Rage burned in her veins, but she felt there was no way to release it.

RYU!

The door opened, and once again, Karasuba was brought out of her musings. This time...It was by a pair of eyes. Too familiar for her in fact. Karasuba took the time to stare back into the brown orbs, before she slowly, carefully, traced her focus onto Yume's mouth, and then her overall form.

A disguise. Yume wore something that made her look like a traveling grandma. Quite frankly, it didn't suit her. Of course not everyone in MBI was competent, and bluntly, they were stupider than a bag of bricks. Yume getting through and this far wasn't exactly surprising.

"You look ridiculous."

"Miya-san has disguises."

Karasuba nodded towards the windows. "Let's go. You're making yourself stand out again. You always were a pest like that."

Yume nodded herself and followed after her.

She kept her brows drawn tight, eyes resting on Karasuba's back. She didn't hold any ill intent towards her. Not by a long shot. But, she was on guard. Holding ill intent was something Karasuba could feel like flies went to poop. Yume wouldn't give her that edge. She would be passive and calm, for now.

They walked down the street and went into a high end restaurant. It was two stories, and they were led to the second story. They both took a seat and waited for their tea to arrive before they placed their orders. Karasuba got ramen, while Yume did not. Yume ordered Sashimi and several raw sushi rolls. Once their waiter was gone, and they were alone, the two women loosened up.

"You trotted into MBI looking like a gramma. That might work with Matsu wearing such a thing, but you will not get by wearing that. You give yourself away. What is so important that you would come to me so half ass?"

Yume sighed softly. "I suppose you are right. This doesn't really suit me well. I've heard some disturbing rumors..."

Karasuba scowled for a second. "Matsu always a tech freak. She left you guys too damn much when she left."

Yume smirked briefly, enjoying the annoyance in Karasuba's tone. "One of these rumors is about Ryu."

Karasuba sipped her tea, looking over their table and their surroundings. "You don't say?"

Yume noted their position. Tucked off in a corner on the second floor, they were able to see who was coming and going. Had a view of all exits and corridors. More importantly, they were so far off the beaten path that anyone coming towards them was as foolish for trying as they were for exposing themselves.

"None of it is good."

"Why jump right to Ryu, hmm? Because he is my Ashikabi and you want me to get emotional? What about Higa and his movements. His movements right now that fortify his power and hold in this city?"

"Because Ryu is your Ashikabi, Karasuba. It is up to you to bring him back to even if he goes off on that path."

"You have to be kidding me Yume. He lost three Sekirei and has suffered three betrayals from his Sekirei, one being Uzume, who was his first. This all happened nearly back to back."

"You can get through to him."

"No."

"Yes you can."

"You misunderstand, Yume."

"I don't. You can reason with him and not provoke him."

"Impossible."

Yume felt the need to grab Karasuba by the throat and apply some good needed pressure, but refrained. She narrowed her eyes instead, taking a sip of her tea.

"Even if your points are valid depending on the perspective...It is your duty to love him and bring him back. If he continues to suffer and despair, he will start to hate, and when he does that...It may very well eat away at him and become his power. He would be utterly consumed in darkness."

Karasuba grinned like a wolf. "Does the idea of him becoming a monster consume by hate frighten you that much?"

"It is a hate born from despair and suffering. There will be no end to it, and if he uses this as a source of power like you have and do...He may not be able to be stopped!" Yume set her hand on the table.

Karasuba noted the gesture, setting both of her hands on the table. Their server came back with their food, and after a short bow the woman left. Karasuba quietly began to eat her ramen when it cooled. Yume took her time savoring her raw fish and raw sushi.

"As you were saying, Yume?"

Yume wiped her mouth carefully. "I don't want you to be a toxic influence. Miya thinks you can do Ryu no good at all and she doesn't want you around him or speaking to him-I want to prove her wrong."

"Funny that she uses the word toxic..."

"Karasuba..." Yume said, tone growing more firm.

"I wonder if Ryu is more toxic to me, or if I am more toxic to him...Maybe that is why we are Sekirei and Ashikabi bonded. He has rubbed off on me in a lot of ways, and just the same...I have rubbed off on him."

"Karasuba..." Yume repeated, brows furrowing.

Karasuba would have slurped her noodles, but instead, she just ate them silently. She did she best to ignore Yume, because right now, she was riding on her ass so hard it was annoying. It was like a flashback that came back to reality.

This wasn't taken lightly by Yume. She ate a piece of sushi with some vigor. She glared at Karasuba, struggling not to strike the table with her palm. If they were alone and in private, she would have palmed the table and probably flip the whole thing over. This was infuriating. Karasuba fully understood what it would mean if Ryu went on the warpath.

She could stop him, but if Yume's gut were right...

Karasuba wasn't going to. Rather, her old comrade believed that she couldn't get through to Ryu in that regard. In some aspect she could, but she had all but given up on trying to appeal to him to not...Yume shook her head, getting annoyed with the train of thought.

"Karasuba..." Yume nearly bit out, almost saying I am not asking.

She didn't dare, but she was coming close.

"You are sweating Yume. Did Seo tell you something unpleasant? Like Ryu running down pairs of Sekirei and Ashikabi. Don't worry-three of those pairs were being chased by us along with some thugs of a local Yakuza group. Higa's legion. Ryu and his Sekirei took out two pairs, I'd say he scratched my back and I scratched his."

Yume shifted, scowling. "You can stop Ryu but you are going to let him spiral down a dark path..."

"You're such a drama queen."

"You run around acting like you don't care about Ryu but you do! It's time you just come out with it."

Karasuba frowned, hissing like a snake before clenching her teeth. "The Third Phase is going to begin, Yume. Nothing can be done to prevent the bloodshed that is going to come. Nothing can be done to prevent this all from moving forward. The Discipline Squad has returned to its original mission, in addition to our current duties. Whoever survives this will be a tried and true killer."

"Minaka would not stoop that low or go that far!" Yume hissed.

Karasuba's eyes glinted as deadly as her blade. "You should meet him when you get the chance. Thought he was crazy before, he was banging his head off of his desk and screaming when I took my leave."

Yume struck the table, gathering the attention of everyone gathered in the room. Eyes aflame with fury, she glared down on Karasuba with all of her intent. If such a thing were to happen she would have to leave the safety of Miya's inn and enter the fray. She would also, have to leave Minato. But, she would make sure to leave him everything she could possibly give.

Koto and Karasuba weren't going to turn Teito into a blood drenched city.

She absolutely refused to let that happen.

Karasuba didn't care of Yume's inner turmoil. She smiled at the woman, despite the fury coming off of her in waves. She turned to their audience.

"Don't mind her. She isn't out in public much."

Karasuba then gripped the hilt of her sword, her lips dipping into a sinister smile. It had been a while since she got to make blood fly. Yume was very, very strong. Unadjusted, just like herself. Her power wasn't tamed or restrained like the later Sekirei. Killing her would be no easy feat and would definitely leave her with some wounds.

But, there had been a close second where she wanted to lash out.

"Do you want to make me excited?" Karasuba asked, tone low, drawing her sword a tenth. "I will have to kill!"

"Please don't fight in here." The server said, trying to be polite and restrain her fear.

There wasn't any security with her. Perhaps, there were none present. But, that wasn't likely. Coming out would be a last resort-they knew of her and her reputation enough, while Yume was just a misinformed woman trying to speak with a cold blooded killer.

Lovely... Karasuba thought. Now I have the inclination to kill and it's not going to go away.

"You..." Yume looked at Karasuba.

Karasuba could feel her rage and fury taking hold. She understood why Ryu hated this woman, and his hatred for her only intensified her own towards Yume. She had forgotten just how mushy and unrealistic Yume could be. Quite frankly, she wanted to run this woman through.

Stab her right through the chest and wait until she stops moving completely.

A corpse and nothing more.

Karasuba would truly savor that. Down to Yume's last little breath before she gasps out a pitiful choke.

This woman just brought the worst out of her.

"You better watch it, Yume. I am not going to warn you again. If you stir my emotions one more time, I will lash out."

Yume had no words to say to the woman. None at all. There was no one out there that was going to bring Ryu back to even. His other Sekirei were following him, loyally as any Sekirei would. Miya betrayed him. Uzume betrayed him. Karasuba didn't do that, and was the only one who would be able to get through to him. But, she was refusing.

This woman was enthralled with mayhem and carnage-she had been a killer before. Carnage and mayhem were second to Karasuba. She preferred to just kill, outright slaughter, and leave stacks of bodies in her wake. But, now, she was reveling in what was to come. She wasn't reveling in that very moment, like she would have before.

"This will not be the last time you see me or we have a conversation like this." Yume said.

She locked her eyes with Karasuba.

"We may not even be talking at a certain point..."

"And, with that..." Karasuba sipped her tea, finishing the rest of her ramen.

She really, really wanted to kill someone.

"This lovely dinner and chat are over. You can depart first. Stay alert, I might just run you through. You should stay out tonight and keep a close eye on all Sekirei-if I find one, I am going to terminate them, and if you don't show up...That is going to be on your hands. I'll even terminate sweet Musubi...She made a good replacement, but now I don't care about her at all."

"You are provoking me." Yume remarked.

"You poked me first. Suffer for your ideals."

"If you even-"

"My Squad is killing ruck right now. Do not make the mistake of crossing us or me. You will regret it Yume."

Yume didn't take her eyes off of Karasuba, even as she departed.

It seems I've made you mad...But, you've made me excited...I look forward to the battles we will be fighting in the future.

Karasuba sighed heavily once she departed, looking up at the moon. Her vision blurred for a second. Then, it blurred again. Sadness or sorrow wasn't something she experienced. Not usually. She really had no reason to be sad or feel sorrow before, but that was before Ryu came into the picture.

A short laugh escaped her lips.

Ryu, you need to get a fucking grip... Karasuba scowled for a moment, increasing her stride. She pulled out her phone.

The times of feeling lost or utterly hopeless were far and few between in Ryu's life. He rarely experienced those types of emotion. But, that had been before. Now all he could feel was despair. He wanted to scream, unleash everything pent up, but it...

He paced back and forth. Under the cover of the cold night, he was barely visible. He crossed his arms over his chest, digging into his right pocket. He swiped his thumb across the screen of his phone.

The moments of indecision were even fewer in his life. He suffered one. It was true he chased down those pairs of Sekirei, but the Discipline Squad had helped him along and lured more out due to their ruthless attack on a group of Yakuza.

Where are you?

Ryu sent the text, more than inclined to smash his phone into a million pieces. Karasuba was always on time or early, he wasn't exactly patient to start with.

The clack of cement caught his ear. The steady and consistent tack sound made him turn in its direction. Karasuba strode towards him in all black, her heels were dangerously long and she wore a black helmet. For a moment, Ryu considered taking it off, but thought better.

"Karasuba."

Slowly, a curtain of gray hair shined in the moonlight.

Karasuba smiled for a brief second, eyes closed.

"R-y-u-k-u-n."

Ryu arched a brow at her mannerisms, scowling. "Yume went and got you excited didn't she?"

"How did you know?"

"That bitch interfered in my battle with Koto. I am going to throttle her!"

Karasuba waved her hand, dismissing the whole thing. It would do no good to tread into that territory at the moment. She would wait to approach that topic with Ryu. It had to be to her advantage. The tangled emotional knot of mess that they were was just too much.

She needed him focused and determined, like before.

A lot has happened, but damn it...

Part of her could not be upset.

"Ryu, let's go for a walk around the pond."

Ryu didn't move. "Did you want to talk to me."

Kaasuba moved ahead by a few feet, waiting for him to follow. When he didn't, she crossed her arms over her chest. "Let's go for a walk around the pond."

Ryu made sure his two katanas were snug on his left side before he closed the gap between them. He took his time, taking a moment to observe Karasuba. Something seemed to be bothering her but he couldn't begin to fathom what that could possibly be.

Going for a walk would lead to the answers that he wanted.

The moon's light reflected off of the pond's surface. The night was as still as the frosty night air. There wasn't a snowflake in sight and the sky was relatively clear off cloud cover. It was a good night to go out for a walk. Ryu let the calm sink in, focusing on the moon's light.

It brought him a strange calm. Everything that ailed him was banished momentarily. So long as he kept his eyes transfixed on the moon. But, the black smoke in his heart lashed out. That terrible force cried out and lashed out at him from the inside.

"Ryu-kun..." Karasuba started, tone careful.

His answer was a heavy sigh. "I don't know what to do or how to feel."

"That much is clear."

Ryu didn't engage the jab from Karasuba. He turned his eyes onto the moon.

"I'm not being coy. Remember, we are Ashikabi and Sekirei-we are bonded. I feel what you feel. I experience what you do. It is a two way street and I will be frank...You're a knotted mess and it is driving me crazy. We are close, after all. It's not like we're estranged."

Ryu couldn't contain his anger. In one movement, he drew his blade and swiped through the air in front of him. He let out a scream, swinging harder and harder until the air distroted in front of him and knocked his bangs aside.

"Uzume, Karei, and Hari have betrayed me! I've lost three Sekirei! I am making plans to take out Hayato and Sanada, but none of that even matters. Excuse me if my emotions are getting a little annoying, Karasuba. I have my own responsibilities and duty."

Karasuba frowned, shifting a little. "I get it."

Ryu didn't comment on that. He only shook his head and continued walking. It seemed to be the only thing he could do at the moment other than return his sword to its scabbard slowly. He could tell Karasuba wasn't trying to be playful or mocking him-she really did get it. She did.

His knots of emotions were really driving her crazy.

It was driving him crazy.

He was so close...Just so close...

One bad day...That is all it takes...

Karasuba spoke, her voice crisp and sharp. "I need you to focus again like before! Whether you want to kill Uzume or bring her back into your fold is up to you. I do not care. I would just prefer if you did it now instead of waiting. The third round is going to begin and I do not want you getting knocked off early on. Things are about to get real bad Ryu and whoever survives this..."

Ryu only shook his head. Karasuba wanted him to make all of those decisions in a heartbeat. It just wasn't possible. He wasn't going to give Karasuba anymore fuel than necessary to engorge his flame. Miya's betrayal was still stinging him as much as Uzume's, if not worse.

But, he wouldn't tell Karasuba that.

He didn't need to give her that kind of ammo. They loved each other and were close, but their relationship had always been a weird one and was give and take. Goading each other and rubbing off each other. If he told her about Miya, that would be the final nail in the coffin.

He would be pushed to the point of no return and unleash his rage and fury and everyone without remorse.

Karasuba did have a point, though. He needed to get focused once more. Losing Sekirei and suffering betrayals didn't mean that he could lose so much focus and become so embroiled with rage that he lost sight of what was most important. His Sekirei. Survival. If he lost sight of that, he would be doomed.

More importantly, his Sekirei would be doomed.

They've always loved me fiercely and fought thrice as fierce for me, that is why...

He had no reason to feel sad about Yashima, Nanaha, and Yomi. They fought to the very end and never thought of giving up. It hadn't even come into their minds at all. They left everything they had. He couldn't besmirch their memory or their efforts. He couldn't forget the way they held him together, even if it killed him.

They had been a part of him. Those parts of him were gone. They had imprinted themselves on him and vice versa, and losing them...All of that was lost as well...

My girls are counting on me...

Ryu clenched his fists, struggling.

He was so close to despair, the pit was right in front of him.

If I die they die. I have the greatest burden. If I am captured or taken hostage they will rush in without a second thought, even Matsu...If these betrayals keep happening, if there are no consequences...Everything is going to erode.

"Ryu?"

"What..." He nearly growled.

He did not like the fact she cut into his line of thought.

If he chose to be aggressive and lash out, it was going to lead him into a head on battle with Miya. He was well aware that he could not best her. That wasn't going to stop him from going down that path though if he committed to it. Miya lied to him. She betrayed him. She deserved to see the end of his blade trained on her with all of his hatred.

Then, he would set his sights on Uzume. He would make it a point to get her and then beat the high hell out of her until she can't even take a shit without crying out in pain. Her betrayal would be the last thing she ever did to him in that regard and would be the last time it happened. If he could get his hands on Hari, he would most certainly break her in half.

He may just run them through and stand there until their hearts stop beating and no more oxygen does to their lungs. The very thought made him shake with horrible anticipation. He would enjoy it. He would enjoy seeing the fear and utter pitiful expressions just before he whacked them.

They betrayed me...

"Have you made a decision?"

Ryu howled in fury. "You're really starting to piss me the fuck off!"

"You need to relax."

"And you need to shut your mouth so I can sort through some things."

"You should have sorted through them already!"

"Bullshit." Ryu snarled. "Bullshit."

Karasuba didn't want to be so forward or blunt about it. That was why she was failing. If she just came right out and told Ryu there was a high chance she'd confront him, or even unleash the full extent of her killing intent upon him. She was the leader of the Discipline Squad. Ryu was the most unpredictable person.

Minaka had never been able to rope him in. Not like everyone else. Even Miya had fallen under his control at some point. Karasuba merely entertained Minaka's lunacy because she got what she wanted in the end. Though, she'd never guess things would be this interesting.

Still...A part of her was cautious.

She was hurting herself, and she knew that if she pressed too much...That pain would eclipse, just as the pain in Ryu eclipsed.

"My dear Ashikabi. Your woes are my own woes. Speak openly, boldly, and clearly. Like you have always spoken."

Something flickered in Ryu's dark eyes. "If I do what I want, it is going to lead me on a collision course with Miya...I cannot best her. Not right now. I have gotten much stronger, but I am still nowhere close to her...In addition to her it will lead me to Kazehana, Karei, Hari, and Uzume. To that extent there is Higa as well. I have Hayato on my radar, and then there is Sanada. I am going to be more than tempted to kill them all."

"And...?" Karasuba waited for the punch line.

Ryu didn't respond.

You've always been this way...

Karasuba understood. Ryu didn't want to stray down that path. That would mean the rumor was true-that there was an austere code put into place that they all had to follow. There was a standard uniform all of his Sekirei wore. And, Ryu held the most burden. He would be a killer, pure and simple.

Or, even worse...

He would be a monster.

And, if that did happen...All of those Sekirei he mentioned would fall by his blade. They would fall through some very painful means.

The very thought made Karasuba near orgasmic. She wondered how it would feel if she were under his oppressive presence, knowing she was going to be killed slowly and methodically. That he was going to pick her up like nothing and bend her until her body popped in half.

She surmised it would probably be as exciting as it was painful. To feel that kind of strength-a horrendous and terrible strength, would make her heart race.

"I am going to be up front with you, Ryu. I need you to really focus. The Discipline Squad is going to be patrolling all of Teito and searching every premise. Even middle schools and high schools. Minaka is concerned that Higa's influence and even Hayato's spread too far in Teito and Japan itself. Minaka has given us the sanction to kill and our primary duty is to kill anyone who is bringing disorder to Teito and Japan itself. If he gives the order that we are to patrol all of Japan-that Japan itself becomes the epicenter for his madness-I need you to be the strongest. Survival of the fittest. You must stand at the top of the mountain!"

"Survival of the fittest is bullshit! Do not approach me with that!" Ryu snapped.

"Then stand at the top of the mountain regardless. I am not asking you. I am telling you."

"You always did say we could be enemies in the end." Ryu remarked, not surprised.

"But, we need each other."

"True."

"So, will you become a killer?"

"Well..." Ryu mused, not meeting her eyes for a long few minutes.

"Look at me, now." Karasuba demanded.

Ryu didn't listen, outright ignoring her.

Karasuba pivoted in front of him, eyeing him critically. His long bangs shaded his dark eyes from her view, but she was careful to read his body language and expression.

"You will look me in the eye when you answer."

Ryu scowled harshly, his entire face darkening like the night. In one snapping movement his hand came around Karasuba's neck like a vise, and he wrenched her towards him. He exhaled furiously, eyes wild with fury. Karasuba kept her own strong grip, but was aware of his power.

It made her heart race and spine tingle.

He squeezed harder, and she moved his wrist a few inches to better defend the hold.

What...Ghastly and horrendous strength...You've acquired...But you are my Ashikabi after all.

"I am not going to become a killer. I am going to become a monster. And I've already chosen my first victim! You want my answer! My answer is this! I am going to get revenge for my three Sekirei. I am going to take out Sanada and claim the West sector as mine! I am going obliterate Higa! I am going to rip off Hayato's head right from his scrawny little shoulders the first chance I get! I've been preparing for all out war and now you've pushed me! Everyone is my target and the only people I care about are my Sekirei!"

"You scratch my back and I will scratch your back. Agree? Keep things interesting for me."

Ryu nodded briefly, expression carved out from stone. He was going to make things really interesting. When he got his hands on Minaka he was going to send the man plummeting through whatever he could find. Hopefully, he'd break the man so badly his body would just be a pulpy mess.

"Minaka will be giving a speech. Everyone is to be present. That is what he said for now, anyways."

"Is that right?" Ryu asked.

Throwing Minaka off of a stage sounded very pleasant. Minaka would be his first victim-before he set his sights on everyone else. He'd clench his fingers around the man's throat and heave him up, he would then throw him down with a ferocity and anguished scream never before heard or seen before.

Minaka's whole body would snap in four different directions.

I am going to enjoy it..Oh I am going to enjoy it...

Karasuba broke free from his grip, but didn't back away. "Frightening strength you have there, that was quite the...Experience."

"I am not the same person you fought before. I told you I've gotten stronger. A lot stronger. I have no intention of stopping ever."

"Clearly. I just didn't think it'd be so drastic. So you will become a monster, it seems. I could feel it just now..This I have to see."

Ryu was silent for a second, looking at his hands. "It would be rude of me not to show up to Minaka's speech when he has it. You can see my transformation into a monster first hand. Maybe you will be my next victim. Maybe I will run you through and stand there until you stop breathing or your heart stops."

Karasuba smirked, biting her lip.

She was really, for real...

This was getting her going so bad she just wanted to throw Ryu down and have him retaliate.

I am a masochist...Who would guess? Glad I learned that sooner than later.

"I will have to work extra hard to ensure that you don't...Surpass me...I am leader of the Discipline Squad after all. Killing me will not be as macabre and nonchalant as you think it to be, at the moment at least."

If Ryu could kill her that easily, he would very well be in a entirely different realm than Miya herself.

But...

Karasuba chuckled inwardly, throbbing with excitement.

Ryu looked around their surroundings before he set his sights on the bright lights of the city. "We should go somewhere to eat."

Karasuba nodded. She wanted to devour him, but she'd be nice for now. "I do have a few more things to speak to you about. Perhaps we can do it over a drink? They are quite long and trying."

Ryu shrugged.

If this was the last moment of normalcy, he would take it for what it was worth.

"Sounds like a plan."

His phone buzzed, and without a second thought he took it out from his pocket.

Karasuba didn't look very amused.

"Don't get moody." Ryu gestured for her to walk.

Karasuba met him. "You can be rude."

"I guess you are rubbing off on me more and more, because you have atrocious manners."

Karasuba snorted.

"You've been around that rigid and pompous prude Miya too long."

It seemed that this was truly the last moment of normalcy he would have.

Oddly enough, it was coming from Karasuba.

"Where are we going?" Ryu asked once they got to the car Karasuba had parked.

"Hotel of some sort. Upscale. We'll get room service. I want to talk to you until we get this sorted out. However long it takes."

"That isn't possible. It isn't a matter of time."

Karasuba stood in front of him, looking into his eyes.

She...Softened and put a hand to his cheek. Her eyes shined with sincerity.

"I know it is not a matter of time. I will not leave your side until...Until you are certain and resolved. I will do that because...I...I..."

Karasuba struggled, but Ryu gripped her hand.

Never, would she be able to say...

But she would always be able to show it and convey it...

But, she was thankful, because Ryu was just like her...

And, for that, she was grateful.

Some things could never be put into words.

Emotions and feelings are to be felt not spoken.

My dear Ashikabi...You may be my only hope...What I want is different from what the rest of the Sekirei...Want...And I know you can give that to me and fulfill it.