With the pregnancy thing, I'ma quote Rumiko Takahashi for a sec.
"I don't think about it and neither should you."
Mostly as it's not gonna be an issue.
Mebbie.
h43r:
More importantly... the conclusion.
=========================================================
Uzume came down the stairs and caught sight of Ikki near the dining area watching tv. Walking up to and stopping short near the table Uzume made sure she was in Ikki's line of vision and the girl blinked as she turned her head away from the tv and towards her.
"Hey," she called out.
"Mmn?" Ikki muttered as she turned to Uzume, "Hey, 'sup sis?"
Uzume looked at the girl and her lips breiflty became a thin line before going back to normal. "We need to talk."
Ikki blinked at her in response.
=============
Elsewhere...
"I-It's okay," Yashima said to the man again as she began to quickly finish up her plate.
Said man was in a grey suit. Nothing too fancy but enough to look important as he kept flashing her a toothy smile. She had been having dinner and was just about finished when this person sat down uninvited in the booth she had been eating at across from her. From there he had begun to compliment her, asked if she was enjoying dinner or if she wanted anything more.
At first she thought he had been the manager of the restaurant or something and said as much. He laughed and waived it off and reaching into his jacket and pulled out a card and handed it to her and called the staff for two drinks. It was then he looked at her weapon and asked about it. She answered him honestly, calling it by name.
"Gravity Hammer? Man, I've been outta the loop for awhile but I'm sorry to say I don't know that series," he laughed and she realzied she was once again thought to be cosplaying with a home-made prop and nearly sighed at how it must have looked with the non-orthodox Sailor fuku she was wearing when the waiter came up to ask what they'd like.
She attempted to waive off the waiter but was drowned out by his voice and laughter when he made his order and finally read what was on the card and blushed hard.
Even she knew of this particular AV Studio.
She then attempted to leave, taking hold of her Hammer but before she could lift it she felt his hand gently grab her other wrist and gently hold onto her.
"Hear me out?"
She gave a wan smile and pulled away out of his surprisingly soft grip and picked up her Hammer. "I'm sorry," she finally got out. "I'm not that interested." And with that she quickly left the restaurant and tried to blend into the crowd, grimacing as the agent quickly followed after her, ignoring the waiter as he brought the drinks. The crowd that she had been hoping to disappear into parted to allow her and her oversized weapon through and she let out a defeated sigh.
"Are you sure?" he pressed again as he walked up behind her, finding her easily.. "A cutie like you could go real far." he tried to entice when he made it abreast of her...
When she increased her speed he rushed up to catch up to her and again attempted to bargain once more. "Trust me, I promise you'll be well taken care of," he reassured. "A girl as pretty as you will be well taken care of in the business." She turned to and walked backwards, ready to reject him again and take to the air when a voice called out behind her.
"She ain't interested."
She slowed down and came to a stop.
No.
"Ain't your business pal. Me and the lovely lady are talking shop."
"You shouldn't try to take what doesn't belong to you."
Please God. Please no...
"Hello Yashima," she heard and the agent began to sputter at the interloper.
She slowly turned.
No... not again. Please, please not again! She mentally cried and nearly sobbed as he stood several feet away from her.
The crowd she had been walking along with kept going, oblivious to what was happening as they passed by.
"Doesn't this shit get old? Me finding you, you running off?"
The agent walked up close to lean into her and whispered. "And this is what the business can protect you from." Louder and straightening out his suit and tie he walked up to Tanigawa. "Hey buddy, me and woman are busy," Reaching Tanigawa he leaned into his private space and ignored the glare. "And if you know what's good for you then take the hint," he whispered dangerously and grinned when Tanigawa's eyes twinkled in barely constrained rage.
"No... NO!" Yashima cried and jumped away to the nearest rooftop.
The agent and the bystanders turned in shock. Taking advantage Junichi pulled his foot back and swung it up as hard as he could between the other man's legs and ran off in the direction Yashima jumped away to, ignoring the shouts and shriek of pain behind him.
"YASHIMAAAAAA!!!!"
=============
Meanwhile...
Ikki walked into Uzume's room and stopped in the center, turning around and seeing Uzume close the door behind her, still facing her so it looked like Uzume's hands were behind her as she heard the door click. "Nice room ya got sis," Ikki muttered distractidly as she sat down on a chair. "Wooow, the cushioning is so soft..."
Uzume blinked at her sister Sekirei's antics before taking a breath and crossing her arms. "Hey."
"Man, where'd you get this?" Ikki contined as she grew all the more enamored with Uzume's chair. "It's soo comfy..."
"Hey, listen!"
Ikki blinked at Uzume's raised tone and rose from her seat. "Eh?"
The first Kurosaki sekirei sighed and folded her arms under her breasts, "I have a good idea already but I wanted to ask you; what're you planning?"
"Plannin'?" Ikki blinked, tilting her head to the side at Uzume's question. "What'cha mean sis?"
Uzume fought off the urge to allow her eyebrow to twitch and took a deep breath, giving a resigned sigh and replying. "What you tried to do with your friend and Ichigo."
"My friend?" Ikki blinked for a moment when her eyes lit up in recognition, "Oh, you mean my lil' sis Nanaha-chan?"
"Yes."
"Ehhehehe..." Ikki sheepishly rubbed the back of her head. "So ya heard how I tired to rush things a bit, huh?
Uzume blinked at the wording. "Rushing isn't close to what I'd begin to say with how you're moving... But I want to ask you; why?"
Ikki frowned slightly in confusion at the question, "Eh, what'cha mean why sis?"
"Why are you pushing her on Ichigo? He doesn't want anymore Sekirei."
"Huh?" Ikki blinked before she waived at her sister sekirei dismisivly. "Aw, c'mon sis don't be silly. 'Course Ichigo-sama wants more sekirei. He's jus' shy is all. Besides he's the perfect choice for Nanaha-chan's Ashikabi. Trust me."
Uzume winced at the simple conclusion the girl had and a part of her didn't disagree with her. More Sekirei were considered a good thing and meant more protection for Ichigo. But seeing him yesterday and earlier...
She shook her head and sighed, "Look, I know what you're thinking, but I've known Ichigo a lot longer. He doesn't want anymore. Please. Drop this and let it go."
Ikki rose an eyebrow at that, "Let it... go?"
Uzume nodded, hoping that the girl would get the idea. "Yes. Please let it go. He doesn't need or want anymore," she informed.
Ikki stared blankly at her sister for a moment before shaking her head, her hand trembling slightly. "Ehhehe... l-look I... I know it.. it kinda sucks to share an Ashikabi but... but ya can't be so selfish sis."
She gave Uzume a sympathetic look as she continued, "I mean... this is the Sekirei Game, right? You can't be so closed minded about Ichigo-sama. He needs us to protect him. To win! And even if he didn't he's the perfect choice for Nanaha-chan's ashikabi. So... so just get over it and let's forget about it, 'kay sis?"
----
"Never a good time?" He repeated. "When was there a 'never a good time'? I only visited every weekend for three monthsà" He stated, some anger finally coming through.
----
"You could have warned me," he stated as both his fists tightened. "At least that way I could have been more careful. At least that way... Damn it, Uzume, I..." He trailed off as he looked away and found himself unsure of what he wanted to say.
---
Uzume's eyebrow did twitch this time as she remembered Ichigo's reaction the other day. "It's not about being close minded!" she snapped before grimacing.
'Dammit, got too fed up there...' she thought but continued. "Ichigo doesn't need anymore," she tried to press, not wanting to know what would happen with Ichigo reacting to another Sekirei wanting him. "Trust me, I know him. He doesn't want her."
Ikki's eye twitched at that, "O...Ok I... I think this is goin' on long enough sis. Y-ya can't be so selfish anymore ok? Remember? This is for Ichigo-sama's sake... B...besides," Ikki continued as her twitching increased. "S-s-s-s-saying things li...l-l-l-like Ichigo-sama d...doesn't wan't Nanaha-chan... th-th-that's just silly!!"
"It's not about being selfish," Uzume repeated a little harder, hoping to impress upon Ikki how bad an idea it was. "And its not about how she is, its just that he doesn't want anymore Sekirei, okay?"
"NO IT'S NOT OK!!!" Ikki shouted back, unable to contain her own shock and anger at what she was hearing. "I'm sitting here tryin' to protect the two people on this planet the most precious to me and you can't seem ta get it through that thick skull of yours that you can't be hogging all of Ichigo-sama's affections anymore! The honeymoon's over Uzume-san! We gotta make sure Ichigo-sama's the best Ashikabi in this Game or he... or he..."
Uzume backed up, surprised by Ikki's outburst before calming herself. "It's not about honeymoon's or anything like that," she bit out, a reminder that she still hadn't had one, "It's about what Ichigo thinks, and I'm telling you. He doesn't want another one. Nothing against your friend or anything, but that's just how it is."
"Do you even wanna win this Game?!" Ikki asked, not believing what the other Sekirei was saying. "Listen to you! You're so far in denial about what Ichigo-sama wants and needs you can't even seperate yourself from him!"
Uzume's eye twitched. "It's not about seperating myself from him its about knowing him and his wants and needs! That I do know! And what I told you earlier still stands!"
"BULLSHIT!!" Ikki cried out. "It's bullshit and you know it Uzume-san!"
"Have you spent three months with him?" Uzume's eyes narrowed and her voice went cold. "Have you watched and tried to form a relationship with him?" And Ikki paused for a moment. Seeing an opening Uzume pressed. "And not to mention your friend. She just woke up for crying out loud didn't she? And the first thing you do is try to throw her at Ichigo?"
"Don't you dare try to make me out to be the bad guy here!" Ikki growled at Uzume. "I said I was wrong ta try so soon, but damn it it's the right thing to do! You'd know that if if ya weren't so damn busy tryin' ta keep as few Sekirei from Ichigo-sama as possible you selfish bitch!!"
Uzume's eyes flew open at Ikki's words. "Wha- what did you say?"
Ikki's eyes hardened and she slowly stood up from the chair and made a fist a few times, not taking her eyes off the other Sekirei. She folded her arms under her breasts and answered with a growl, "Did I stutter ya selfish, self-serving, lyin', delusional bitch?!"
Uzume's lips formed a thin line as she breifly trembled at the girl. "I strongly suggest you take that back."
"Or you're goin' to do... what?" Ikki asked, her voice rolling out with aggression.
"I think its time to teach you some manners," Uzume responded evenly as veils of cloth began to appear and hovered over her shoulder.
Ikki's smile broadened slightly. "Heh, I eat manners for breakfast!" She reached at her side for her kodachi blades...
Only to blink in confusion as she grabbed at air, realizing that her weapons were back in her and Nanaha's room. "Oooh crapberries," Ikki muttered.
Uzume smiled as she saw she had the advantage and took a step forward...
"That's an appropirate word, I agree." A third voice came.
And Uzume stopped cold.
"My, my," Miya said as the door slowly opened, revealing the smiling Landlady with crinkled eyes as she brought a hand to cover her smiling mouth. "It would seem two of my tenants are about to break one of my rules..."
"M-Miya..." Uzume gulped weakly.
"L-landlady?" Ikki breathed, surprised at seeing her.
"Ladies," Miya said as a thick fog of darkness began to form around her. "What have I said about my rules?"
"Mi-Miya, WAIT!" Uzume cried, already going pale.
=============
Matsu leaned back, using her arms to prop her up as she watched the aftermath as Miya began to lay into both Uzume and Ikki. "Hoo, boy," she murmered, looking away lest she see Miya use 'IT' and shivered unconsciously. What happened between the two Sekirei caused Matsu to sigh and she licked her lips. Sitting back up she switched her monitor feed and saw Minato in his room hitting his books, Musubi nearby picking at one and Kuu also looking through a few.
Seeing Kuu and Musubi share a look and smile she grinned and made her decision.
She then sighed theatrically, holding her hands out palm upwards as if she were giving something up. "Ah, it would have been so good," she lamented as she thought of all the trists they could have had had Uzume not gone super-girlfriend and her Ashikabi just a bit less prudish. "All things considered...," she mumbled to herself, watching Miya take her leave of the two girls who suddenly made their way out to and down the stairs while Miya came to halt in front of Minato's room and knocked.
"Miya-san?" the microphones picked up Minato saying in surprise.
"Ara, don't mind me," Miya said and turned to Musubi and waved at her to come to her. "Musubi, can you come over here for a moment?"
Musubi smiled and stood up. "Yes, Landlady-sama?"
Matsu listened in and grinned as she then furiously began typing.
"Chaaaaannnccee~."
===========
Yashima had reached the second rooftop and began to sprint.
Or would have if she hadn't seen the flying foot
She weaved as best she could and twirled her Gravity Hammer, knocking the spear away and hopped back to put space between them.
Another Sekirei. He has another Sekirei! Her terrified mind screamed at her.
"I'm giving you one chance. Be a nice Sekirei, come down and get winged by the asshole."
Yashima took a step back, confused.
Maiko paused and noticed the girl's confusion and snorted. "He ain't my Ashikabi, but he's unfortunately important to mine's plans." Looking at the frightened girl she sighed. "I can't say I blame you, I'd sooner die that be winged from him but..." she trailed off with a shrug of her shoulders. She then twilred her spear and took a low stance, her right hand holding the area near the end with her left hand holding the part near where the blade began. "Now. Come along quietly?"
Yashima shook her head and took off again. "Figures" Maiko huffed and took off after her, mildy upset that Yashima turned to run rather than face her.
Then again, with Prince Charming down below...
The chase went on for several minutes over 8 roofs before Maiko finally caught up with her to take aim and hurl her spear in mid jump. Yashima out of the corner of her eye saw the incoming weapon and dug her heels into the rooftop in an attempt to pivot and change direction. The spear itself imbedded into the floor ahead of her as her momentum brought her up a few feet short, her heel causing a good 10 feet in damage when she turned right and lowered herself to get into a sprinting position when she felt a weight on her back slam into her and she went facefirst into the rooftop floor, cracking and sinking into it.
"Idiot," the other Sekirei spat as she jumped off Yashima and flipped middair to land near her spear. Quickly rising Yashima brought up her Gravity Hammer to parry the quick jabs from her opponents spear. "I'll give it to you -GRUNT- you're a lot faster -SUCK- with that thing than you
uuu-GRUNT- have any right to be!"
Yashima didn't disagree. The speed that she handled the Gravity Hammer was insane. But that was only due to her power and what it allowed her to do. Too bad that barely made up the difference in skill that the two possessed. Yashima grunted and caught her breath as a few of the jabs broke through her defenses, one cut on her upper left thigh and the other at her right waist against her ribcage. Both attacks cut open her clothing and cut her skin but not enough for any lasting damage.
If she stayed still.
Blinking back tears Yashima suddenly brought her Hammer in front to twirl it and turn sideways, causing Maiko to hop back at feeling the gust of wind that pick up near the giant head of the hammer that she suddenly did not want to get too close too and lowered her spear.
A dumb move on her part.
Yashima saw and in a breif second an idea flashed to her as she suddenly stepped forward. Maiko's eyes flashed as she moved back before she was pulled back by her spear and her eyes widened when she saw that Yashima's foot hand landed on the flat edge of the spear tip, digging it into the floor and saw something big and dark head her way. Gasping at seeing her Aoshi-chan's face flash before her eyes she let go of the spear and tilted back, losing her balance and falling.
Immediatley Yashima was upon her.
She gasped at the quick turn-around in fortune. Spinning the hammer Yashima brought it to an abrupt halt and raised it, the hammer head high over her and plunged downward. "GAH!" Maiko spat out in pain as the butt of the hammer, blunt though with the small counterweight above it drove into her stomach, smashing her into the roof to the point where she nearly went though the floor.
Yashima brought the weapon away and saw her opponent on the floor and grimaced. "S-sorry," she apologized and took off.
Maiko as quickly as she could got up and tumbled foward on her knees, coughing and gagging before vomitting. "Da-damn her..." She got out as she breathed in deeply, fighting to ignore the pain. "Damn that prick for..." Pushing the pain away she pushed herself off to see Yashima a little ways away and rushed to her as best she could. Yashima gingerly landed on the next rooftop, several away from her scuttle before she kneeled and held her wounds and breathed deeply.
In. Out.
Looking around she noted that the buildings were getting smaller and smaller as they neared the residential areas. Breifly glancing down she could see what was likely a marketplace before, by chance, turning her head in the direction she came in and saw the other Sekirei in pursuit. Eyes widening she pushed herself and ignoring the pain decided to take to the streets. Maiko's eyes widened at her actions and resolving herself followed her down below, quickly jumping between the sides of the buildings to ease her landing. Grimacing as she hit the ground she immediately put a hand to the nearest building wall to support herself as she nearly hurled again.
Hearing the traffic horns and breaks screech immediately after new where she had to be and pushed off, following. Yashima wasn't that far away, and her own wounds kept her from going faster than she wanted but she continued on, correctly guessing that the other girl was hurt too, as that attack on her thigh was slwoing her down. Seeing her turn a corner into the alleyways she stopped before something came at her out of the corner of her eye and ducked. Standing up and taking a few steps back lest she stumble to the ground she looked up and her eyes widened.
"YOU! But why?!"
"I told ya you dumb bitch, SHE'S MINE!" Junichi screamed at her before shoving her and moving to the alleyways and turned back. "I said it before, I got this! I don't want your fuckin' help!"
"You stupid son of a bitch..." Maiko grunted out. "You can't even-"
"Look at yourself in the mirror, you dumb bitch, you look like shit! I'll handle her!"
"You... you..." Maiko sighed, and turned away from the fool before her, "Go fuck yourself, you dumb bastard." Junichi's eyes raged for a moment, the urge to slap her rising within him before remembering he was wasting time and turned and ran off. Maiko looked at him run off and leaned back against the wall. "Fine," she more or less whispered to herself. "Go screw up again."
With that, she took a few more breaths before leaping into the air. Landing on a rooftop she took a bit more time to gather herself before leaving him.
=============
Yashima slowed in the alley, taking a few breaths as she came to a stop, her Gravity Hammer held in both her hands as she tried to calm herself and the pain she felt from the cuts she received on her waist and leg. Though they weren't deep, they hurt a lot. And her movements weren't helping. With every other second that passed she looked over her shoulders and up in the air, waiting for the other Sekirei to arrive. Furiously she thought about what to do. She could turn back...
But she might end up facing... him.
Why? Her mind screamed at her. Why was she running? Everytime this had happened she had ran. Why? It would be so easy to...
Because you hate violence...
Because you're not a fighter...
And because you got lucky earlier...
It was then that her head shot up at the sound of footsteps. She stayed quiet, the sound of her heart pounding the only other thing she could hear but the footsteps were growing louder, getting closer. She took a few breaths to calm her nerves as she tried to steel herself.
"YASHIMA!"
She locked up and winced, the sound of his voice cutting through her. She gripped her hammer tightly, her mind frantically wondering about the right thing to do as the footsteps got closer and slowed.
"Yashima!" Junichi cried out again inbetween several deep pants as he slowed, watching her hungryly. Her back was turned to him and she was slouched, however she still held that stupidly massive hammer in her hands. With his breath now caught he called out to her. "Finally... ya finally ready to accept yer place?!"
For Yashima, her walking nightmare of the last two months was behind her and her face scrunched in fear and uncertainty. What should she do? What-
The image of the strawberry blonde man came to her; his face stern and looking ahead. Waiting. For her? If she didn't do something now he would be forever lost to her.
But...
Despite being a Sekirei and knowing all that came with hit; knowing she was stronger, knowing she could snuff this man's life away in an instant she couldn't bring herself to do or think it. But such actions weren't part of her nature. And the power of her weapon was one thrust upon her.
Still...
She looked upwards. Was that other Sekirei there now, waiting? If that was the case then...
Then...
Slowly. Slowly she turned around and faced him and tried to put on a brave face and slowly brought her hammer to bear against him.
"Oy oy," Junichi said dully, beginning to walk towards her with his hands in his pockets. "What'cha think you're doing, huh?" He questioned, smirking at what he saw. Her hammer was visibly trembling. "Come on now honey," he said, almost soothingly. "It won't be that bad, I promise-"
"No."
He stopped in mid-stride, blinking as if he misheard her. "I... I'm sorry... did you say no?"
She shook her head. "No. You're not my Ashikabi," she said as she motioned with her hammer towards him.
He tilted his head to the left and gazed at her with an oddly calm expression. "Well now... if'n I ain't your Ashikabi... you best stop me 'fore I make a liar outta you," he goaded. A dark grin traced his features as she made no motion other than to hunch a bit more. No problem at all. He began to walk towards her again, deciding that when she was within range he'd grab her by her hair and force her down when-
-RUMBLE RUMBLE-
Both stopped to look around at the sound, momentarily forgetting about each other in the alleyway. Again there was a rumble and explosion, muffled still but sounding a bit stronger. By chance both looked up to see a figure seemingly jump the space between buildings and with that a flash of light. Both cried out as something impacted the roof of one of the buildings, sending debris chunks of the roof down upon them.
Junichi's eyes widened as he found himself rooted to his spot as a large section of what was the roof coming down upon him, and without getting a chance to think about the unfairness of it all felt himself tackled away and slammed into the ground, rolling a few times due to the force from what he was hit with.
His head came up in time to see Yashima disappear beneath the falling debris.
=============
Meanwhile...
Ichigo scowled as he made his way back to Izumo, hands stuffed in his pockets. His things were stuck in the next ward north of here and wouldn't be arriving for another few days. He had argued with the agent about what had happened and the agent calmly stated that his father made one numerical mistake on the district address when the truck came by the second time. When Ichigo argued that everything was supposed to be taken in one shipment to begin with the agent stated that his father had signed off on it and authorized a second delivery and signed the address accordingly, mistake and all. Ichigo's anger swelled and argued why the hell the driver didn't see the entire address and stop to ask about this problem before it ended up in the wrong district and got the answer of the district is where each shipment arrives first before being placed on the right local carrier for shipment.
Ichigo wanted nothing more to deck the agent as the man looked smugly at needling his way out of this mess and Ichigo argued about getting his things quickly and got the spiel on how the company was doing everything it could to bring his shipment in a timely manner. And if he wanted it quicker he could pay for a quicker option. Ichigo left before he did something he'd regret and stomped out in a huff. Shaking his head he tried to take his mind off it and vaguely brought up his earlier thoughts of what happened with Ikki and her friend.
He scoffed at the thought and that this walk would have helped him but made things all the worse when he got to the carrier company outlet. He sighed and moved his mind to now the lesser of three headaches. Uzume the girl was not and he sighed again, feeling at a loss in a different way than it had been with his first Sekirei. At least her friend didn't seem to be acting weird around him, like Ikki had or when Uzume had winged herself to him. He mumbled in irritation and decided that he'd bring both of them into his room and find out what the hell happened when-
A flash of light.
He blinked, no, not quite a flash he realized when the sounds of an explosion reached his ears. His eyes narrowed as another flash, which he saw was a beam of light came down with another explosion. Wait... was that a laser? Many bystanders and pedestrians that were around him were also taking notice and pausing in their business to all look in the same direction. Thoughts about science fiction and what he thought wasn't possible yet with real life tech were interrupted as several more came down in quick succession and he realized that the explosions seemed to be getting louder as if they were heading into his direction.
'What the hell?!' he thought as another quick 'rain' came down and caused a lot of dust and debris to pick up as the bystanders began to move away, the crowd begining to realize that whatever it was it was heading in their direction. Mindful of the screams and people now actively rushing away he was about to join them when he spodded an odd shaped shadow that could just barely be seen, the dust obscuring its features. Several more laser beams came down and the shadow moved around, bouncing madly to-and-fro and the retired warrior realized that, amazingly enough, this mysterious figure was not only the target of these attacks but avoiding them as well.
It was then that the figure burst through the cloud of dust in mid-air, twisting in it's flight to avoid another laser and Ichigo stared as he realized he
knew who it was, the feminine figure landing not more than fifty feet away and running towards his direction, her face lighting up in recognition.
"Hi Ichigo-san!" Musubi yelled out to him with a wave as she ran towards him.
"..." Was all Ichigo could say as his hair and clothes flapped a bit in Musubi's wake as she rushed past him faster that he could blink.
"Bye Ichigo-san!" He heard her say behind him before he blinked and finally turned around. As Musubi gained some distance from him the laser attacks began anew and as soon Minato's first Sekirei turned out of sight, the beams of light from above giving him a clue as to where she turned and double backed only to turn again out of sight. Smoke and debris could be seen rising up slowly as the lasers clipped streets and buildings whereever Musubi had run to. Ichigo rubbed his head in exasperation as people nearby panicked at what occured while a few gaped at the strawberry-blonde haired man who seemed to take this terrifying event in stride before they ran off.
Ichigo looked around and noted the people and damage around him and blinked as he realized that where he was standing at was relatively undamaged; that the laser attacks had stopped as Musubi came near and picked back up as she-
-HELP ME-
Ichigo grit his teeth and sucked in a breath as a sudden sensation of a weight came upon his chest and he brought a hand up to it. He tried to push the strange feeling down as he quickly turned back and forth to see where that voice came from. Taking a few deep breaths he concentrated as another odd sensation in his chest built up. Odd but... familiar somehow. It didn't hurt but he tried to ignore it to again see where that voice came from and-
-that way-
He turned to the direction where Musubi had originally come from and squinted. Why he felt that way he wasn't sure but something... Something...
Ah hell, he didn't know how he knew but he had to get moving as he grunted and sprinted off to where he knew he was needed.
=============
Junichi smiled, seeing the girl half buried on the floor, pieces of concrete, wood and plaster surrounding as she laid on her stomach arms spread. He stood slowly as he calmed his thundering heart and his heavy breathing. Everything had happened in an instant, he had just cornered the girl and was about to make his move and she finally had no place to go, and the next thing he saw was her pushing him away. From the looks of it some parts of the building had come loose and nearly hit them, and she had saved him. Whatever it was didn't matter and in the end it just delivered the Sekirei to him on a platter.
It was just too perfect.
And to think she actually rescued him! And in her rescue she had taken much of the slab that would've likely killed him. His smile turned into a sneer. The gods were looking out for him. They had all but decreed that this wisp of a girl would be his. And they had just provided him the opening he was looking for.
He couldn't help chuckling at it all. It was just the perfect end to an annoying chase that was finally come to a close. He could hear her moan as she twisted a bit, trying to sit up but still a bit dazed at what happened. Nowhere to run, nowhere to hide.
'Nothing. But mine.'
Finally he reached her and knelt close to her grabbing her wrist. "Come 'ere," he ordered.
That seemed to snap her out of her daze. She sucked in a horrified breath at what was about to happen. Her legs hurt, her hammer was out of sight, and she just couldn't provide the necessary strength to get out of there just yet. "N-NO!" she screamed.
His eye twitched. She was his, and now was the time to start showing her. "Shut up!! I said
C'MERE!" He screamed and pulled and she came out of the rubble easier than he thought. So much so that the strength that he used to pull her out caused both to stumble, he stumbling back a few feet while she managed to get to her feet to take a step or two before falling on her knees.
Cursing Junichi stomped to her again and grabbed her arm by the bicep. She began to twist, moving her head. "NO!" she screached, pulling back with what little strength she had.
He growled and his hand let go of her arm and opened his palm, snapping it sideways. "SHADDUP!" he yelled at her and her head snapped to her right and she cried out, her cheek turning red from where he slapped her and she fell to her knees. She brought a hand to her cheek but his hand shot out to her. He smirked and gripped her face, turning it towards him. "You're all mine."
"THE HELL ARE YOU DOIN'!?"
Junichi's eyes came dangerously close to being cross eyed and his lips pursed as he sucked in a breath through clenched teeth and reigned in his frustration at being interrupted
again. Without bothering to move from his crouching position his head turned and with what he could see stood an orange haired man a good few dozen feet away watching them. Before he could retort to the dye haired punk he heard a sharp gasp from the girl in his grip. He turned to see her silver eyes wide as she noticed the interloper.
Turning back he addressed the stranger curtly. "Ya gotta problem?! Get the fuck outta here! We're busy!"
For Yashima, she continued to look on in a mix of horror and hope. It was him! The one she had seen in her dreams! Her breathing began getting deeper, as if trying to pull in enough air to cool her suddenly enflaming body. Her heart thundered in both seeing her true Ashikabi and the fear that it would be too late. At the thought her eyes began to moisten at the unfairness at it all, the appearance of her Ashikabi had all but frozen her body as it began to react.
It would be too late.
Ichigo looked on as his brows furrowed as much as they could and his teeth began to clench harder than they already were. The two he had thought needed help from the raining debris ended up playing out much more differently than he thought. Instead of two people hurt it was one and another looking to take advantage. His eyes flashed as he took note of the man's grip on the girls jaw.
He began to walk forward.
"Oh I gotta problem, asshat," he said, his voice dipping dangerously low.
Junichi eye twitched a bit more violently as his body shook in rage briefly, ignoring the cry from the girl as his grip tightened in his anger. No. No more distractions. "I'd stop and turn around if I were you," he said, his own voice falling and not taking his eyes off the stranger.
Ichigo continued his slow walk, thinking of what to lead in with. "Is that a fact now? And why should I do that?"
Junichi snarled his warning, "You'll get hurt, and I can't promise you if you'll live or not."
"Howd'ya figure?" He spat back, unconsiously flexing his fingers.
Junichi took a step back, before a dark smirk crossed his face. "Ever hear of a Sekirei?"
At that, Ichigo did stop. "Sekirei?" With that, his eyes darted to the girl and focused on her.
Although he didnt' care for where the stranger was looking at, Junichi took the man's pause as an opening to let him know just how much trouble he was in. "Yeah, Sekirei. Lotta of cute girls who're lookin' for a master and will do
anything for 'em. Supposed ta be in some kind of game by MBI with a big ass prize at the end. I'm gonna make this one mine, and if you don't turn away now I'll have her decorate the walls with your blood."
Noting the look in the girls terrified eyes the former shinigami began his walk again. "She doesn't want to."
Angered by the idiot's lack of common sense and losing precious time Junichi snapped at him. "It doesn't
fucking matter what they want! When she's mine she'll do as I damn well tell her like a good little doll should!"
The girl managed a sob and a tear slid down her face.
And with that, Ichigo's eyes flashed and he
moved.
Junichi wasn't sure what happened next, as one second was contemplating how Yashima's hammer would smear the man's blood all over the place in a short few seconds when he realized he was straining not to screech in sheer agony as his face and nose prickled him with icy shards of torture. Small gasps of wheezed air were audible as he gripped his own face to quell the pain as best he could, his body arched facefirst in the concrete with one knee on the ground and the other foot planted as best it could.
Ichigo kneeled from his position, watching the mewling 'man' from under his bangs, the Sekirei behind him now. With that he stood, not taking his eyes off the man. So focused he nearly whipped around when he felt a tug on his pants just above the back of his knee. He turned to find the girl breathing hard, her hand still gripping his pants as she looked like she was trying to right herself.
"Hold on," he told her as he turned and kneeled and spared a quick glance at the man, now lying on the ground trying to rub the pain away from his face as he moaned in agony. It wouldn't be anytime soon, Ichigo was sure that he ended up breaking the guys nose as his knee collided with his face. Turning his attention back on the girl he saw her looking at him, small sobs escaping her as tears continued to fall. She released her grip on his pants when he turned to kneel in front of her and now clutched his arm as she tried to stand.
"Easy," he told her as he helped her as best he could. She rose unsteadily, still feeling the pain from her wounds along with what happened a few minutes earlier and she felt him hold on to one shoulder with one hand and held her arm with the other hand to keep her as steady as she could.
Junichi blinked away tear as his vision slowly returned to him. Again he blinked, his eyes stinging from the amassed tears that had formed. They fell down his cheeks and mixed with the dripping blood that gathered under his chin to drip on the floor. 'That sunnavabith,
that sunnavabitchTHATSUNNAVABITCH!!' His head turned to find the orange haired punk almost face to face with the strawberry blond girl.
Ichigo sighed as he looked the girl over. Silver eyes met his brown ones with gratitude and... something else that if he were calmer would have put him unease but at the moment was unimportant as he continued to take in her state. She was bruised and dirtied, with some cuts on her waist and thight with some blood, both dried and fresh smattering those areas. Hher hair mussed and her sailor fuku was torn and cut in several places, aside from whatever cut her the most notable part was near her neck wear her the fuku flapped down to give a near indecent showing of her dirtied chest.
"How're you?" he asked as he let her go but kept his arms out in case she collapsed. She continued to hold onto him in turn, both hands holding onto his sleeves as she looked at him in gratutude and longing. From his vantage point an overriding sense of rage was beginning to overtake Junichi as he watched the two interact, his gut telling him that this bastard was going to take that which was rightfully his.
"I'm..." she sniffed, "I'm fine," she said, pulling an arm back to wipe her eyes a few times. "Th-thank you."
"We gotta get you outta here," Ichigo said, beckoning for the woman to follow. "You aren't lookin' so hot and your clothes are-
"You... f-fuckin'... bastard," a weak voice called out. Both Ichigo and Yashima turned. "You...fucking bastard," Junichi got out, managing to get to a sitting position, one arm still holding his face and the other stabilizing himself as best he could.
Ichigo's eyes narrowed as he felt the girl hands tense. He tried to turn but her grip kept him there. He was about to gently take her hands off when Junichi spoke again. "You bastard! You get your fuckin' hands off my property! You hear me cock sucker!?"
---
I am yours. Body, mind, soul. I belong to you, forever.
---
Ichigo grimly looked at man spouting at him, remembering Uzume's words and the unsettling effect it had had on him. "They're not property, dick." he growled out.
"Are.. are you fucking retarded?!" Junichi shot back incredulously before he bit back a yelp of pain. He sucked in a breath and swallowed some saliva audibly before spittling out, "Have you actually seen them? They'll all but slave away happy as shit for their masters! They're just fuckin' tools to be used!"
---
Let our blades sing forevermore...
---
"Fuck you, asshole," Ichigo growled out, remembering the adoring look that Ikki had given him.
"No," Junichi wheezed. "
FUCK YOU, ASSHOLE!!!" His hand wiped away some more blood and he winced as fresh tears fell as his hand brushed against his reddened nose. "She's fuckin' mine ya fag dipshit! One lucky shot don't change nuthin'!!"
"Let's get you out of here," Ichigo then said to Yashima, placing his hands on her shoulders to turn her around. He did not notice her shiver as his left hand brushed against bare skin, his eyes silently beckoning for the woman to follow him.
"You can't run!" Junichi screamed.
Ichigo continued to push the girl away, his anger building.
"
SHE'S MINE! MINE, YOU FUCKING SHITHEAD!! I'LL FIND YOU!"
Ichigo paused midstep, he face hardening as his temperature began to rise more. In front of him the girl paused as well, turning to look back at him. '
Ash-ashikabi', her mind whirled as her body still blazed with heat.
"
I'LL MAKE HER MINE! THEN I'LL FIND YOU AND I'LL FUCKING KILL YOU!"
Ichigo turned his head back, his scowl and hardened pinpoint eyes digging into the raving man. "I'll bet the cops'll just love to hear this," he said, his voice really low.
The problems of the day were quickly meshing together within him. A goddamn ghost in the Inn that may or may not become a Hollow that he couldn't do anything about! The issues with the stupid agent! Coming upon this moron forcing himself on this helpless girl! And now this same dipshit was not only continuing some stalker agenda but issuing
fucking deaththreats!?!
The last vestiges of rational thought on where he had last seen a police box to turn this guy to had running his mind were quickly receding.
"And do what, fucktard!?" Junichi shot back, cackling despite his voice beginning to hurt. "They're not even
people, you shithead! You ever seen them fight?! Cops ain't doin' shit! MBI got them too fuckin' scared or something and they turn away every single fucking time! They ain't nothing but a goddamn tool to be used for anything!"
---
You know I'll do anything I can to help you.
---
Now that you know about this, you now have a responsibility to keep it secret. Should you by any chance leak this information, then I am unhappy to say that you will feel the full force of MBI's retaliation.
---
Ichigo began to visibly quiver.
"She's mine!" he shouted again. "No matter where you go! No matter where you hide! I'll find her!"
"
Really?" Ichigo hissed.
"AND I'LL MAKE HER MINE!" he screeched again.
How to protect? How to act? Those were the things Ichigo had been processing on a subconcious level. The desire to do so was raging at how to keep this Sekirei from his clutches with what he had been informed with.
With that, combined with his rage one option about Sekirei came forth that caused Ichigo to act-
Yashima found herself turned and found herself staring into his brown orbs as he locked on her silver ones and went weak in the knees as her arms clenched over her breasts.
Ichigo held her shoulders and gently pulled her forward as he lowered his head.
-without thinking things through to nix it.
Yashima lifted her head, instinct driving her movements.
Junichi watched, mouth agape as his hopes, lusts and ambitions fell into his stomach and through the street as the punk breifly pressed his lips onto her.
"Ah," Yashima softly yelped as she pulled away.
Ichigo eyes snapped open as his mind finally caught up with him and he watched in stunned silence.
The winging of his third Sekirei.
Unlike Uzume and Ikki, the lights that had gathered around her and amassed at a point on her back just below her neck were sky blue in color. Suddenly and without warning the gathered light exploded out behind her, forming the many wing shapes he had seen in both Uzume and Ikki. Finally dying down the girl opened her eyes, fresh tears falling as the world finally set itself upright for her. Her hands were clasped to her heart as she gazed at Ichigo lovingly, the warmth of her winging permeating her and bathing her in a state of completeness that her heart had longed for.
She smiled at him and spoke. "Number Eighty-Four, Yashima. My heart and soul are united with yours, forever and ever." And with that, reality decided to slap Ichigo upside the head. He didn't respond to her. He just stared and visibly paled, all rage and anger evaporated in an instant at what he just did.
"Uzume...," he whispered, his unfocused gaze on Yashima, not registering that she was there.
A scream caught Yashima's attention as Ichigo continued to stare off in Yashima's direction. There, standing unsteadly was Junichi, his eyes wide as he was gasping for breath as he quivered with absolute rage. Reaching into his pocket he pulled out a switchblade, the blade making a snapping sound as it whipped into place. He then took a few steps forward, shaking as he held out the weapon as best he could.
"Master!" Yashima cried, turning see her Ashikabi and froze. He was still staring at her unmoving. She quickly turned to see Junichi stumbling towards them as quickly as he could. Her eyes then began darting around the alleyway to see where her hammer-
There!
Not too far away it layed on its side. With new life her legs pumped as she quickly dashed towards her weapon. "Wha-?" Junichi yelped as the girl darted to the side with incredible speed. Grasping her hammer she jumped back to quickly place herself between Junichi and her Ashikabi . Bracing her feet she brought her hammer to bear, snapping into place so quickly the hammer head caused a gust of wind to burst forth with enough power to cause Junichi's hair and clothing to flap backward and he took a step back in shock.
"Wha.. what the fuck...?" Junichi replied weakly as the business end of the hammer was being held at his chest, ready to act as a shield or battering ram. Wordlessly he brought his eyes up to Yashima's, whose fear was now replaced with determination.
Without fear.
"Y-yo...you...," was all a gaping Junichi could get out, rage settling into shock as the timid girl he had bullied and chased for the last several months now threatened him in return. '
This can't be happening,' his mind wondered. '
This can't be fucking happening!' Eyes flicking back and forth from Ichigo to Yashima he began to quake again as he stared back at Ichigo, memorizing the son of a bitch's frozen face. With that he screamed and ran as far from them as well as he could, hoping they would not follow him.
It was that scream that Ichigo finally snapped out of his daze and caught Junichi running past him. As Junichi passed him he turned to him and made eye contact and time seemed to slow between them before Junichi turned away fully to the direction he was running. Once out of sight Ichigo sighed and turned back to the girl. She was watching him, her hammer held to the side, almost ready if needed and appearing ridiculously weightless in her hands.
He stared at her for several moments and she back at him. Yashima stared back at him, her shoulders rising and falling as she continued to watch his face. Confusion began to reign within her as she noticed his almost emotionless gaze, far, FAR different than the terrifying one he had a few moments ago. It was then the adrenaline of being winged finally left her and her hammer fell from her grasp and she collapsed to her knees.
"H-hey!" Ichigo then cried as he rushed to her and kneeled next to her.
She looked up at him and blushed. "H-hi," she greeted weakly.
Another moment passed in silence as they stared at each other.
"Um....," Ichigo got out, completely at a loss at what to do next. Yashima continued to blush, waiting for her Ashikabi. He sighed deeply before giving her a soft look, "We... we need to get... we need to get going."
"A-ah," she agreed. Ichigo's mouth open and closed, unable to deny the reality that faced him and he nearly started when he felt a hand on his cheek. "Are... are you okay?" The girl asked quietly.
Ichigo's eyes widened slighlty as Uzume's image breifly superimposed itself over this Sekirei's, her question the same one Uzume asked earlier and he let out an audible breath that sounded like a self depreciating laugh. What the hell to say? "I'm... I'm fine. Don't worry about me. You... We gotta get you looked at."
"O-oh," she replied as she looked down, taking her hand away. He was so warm.
A moment passed in silence. "That's... that's a damn big hammer there," he then said, almost sounding as if he were trying to lift the mood. His mood. With little success.
"Y-yeah, it is, isn't it?" She replied, her cheeks beginning to burn.
She then put a hand on his shoulder and slowly stood, hissing a bit at the pain as Ichigo did what he could to help support her. When she got to her feet she took a few hesitant steps before walking a bit, trying to work it off. After a moment she turned to him. "I'll... I'll be okay."
He nodded, lips thinned. Licking them he looked down to the giant hammer she had. "I dunno about this, we'll have to leave-"
"It's okay," she said and then turned away red-faced when he looked at her. Gulping, she turned to him and reaffirmed it.
"How?" He asked.
"My, my power," she answered. And with that she began to take a few deep breaths as she calmed herself and concentrated. Finally, she bent down and lifted the hammer slowly but steadly and Ichigo found himself gaping a bit. She saw his reaction and looked away, extremely embarrassed.
"My... my ability can alter the weight of an object, ch-changing the effects of what gravity has over it," she said, reciting as best she could what her tuners had told her. "I'm... I'm actually not really good with it but... but I can channel it easy with this..." she said, motioning the hammer in her hands to him slightly to emphasize it.
"A.. ah...," Ichigo replied. "That... that's pretty convenient."
"Y-yeah," Yashima replied, laughing before pausing, seeing if he was too and turned away when it looked like he wasn't.
"C-c'mon," Ichigo said, once more beckoning for the woman to follow. "Let's go."
"O-okay," Yashima replied, gingerly taking a few steps before Ichigo sighed and held up a hand and she paused. "Y-yes?" She asked, wondering if she did anything wrong.
"You... you can't go out looking like that," he said while looking at her torn sailor fuku.
She looked down and noted her torn uniform for the first time after the adrenline faded. "Oh... oh... Then what do I-"
"Here," Ichigo said as he took off his shirt and handed it to her. "What was your name again?" Ichigo asked, not remembering that she told him.
"Yashima," she replied as she gingerly put on the shirt. "Sekirei number eighty-four, Yashima." Ichigo nodded, wanting to say something nicer to her but the words kept getting caught in his throat.
After all, what could he say to this?
It was then that he led Yashima out of the alley, helping her steady herself as they walked.
=============
Ikki morosely swept the pathway near the gate, her heart not really in it. Not even Musubi coming back with her uniform in tatters raised her spirits much. Her Ashikabi was not there and she had to deal with the very scary landlady and that... that...
...thing
She paused and shivered, not liking her mind conjuring up the imagery and reliving those moments (hours?) of horror. The sound of another broom sweeping caught her ear and she turned and frowned. Uzume was at the other side near the inn, sweeping up her area and she paused mid-sweep to look up to the heavens and sigh. Seeing her brought up her frustration at her argument so she returned to her 'task' that Miya gave them both as punishment with as much gusto as she could, while at the same time not trying to spread the dirt with how hard and fast she was now sweeping.
Honestly, what was in that girl's head? Her Ichigo-sama, not interested in the Sekirei Game? Hah! Who wouldn't be with the prize that the Professor had offered. Not that she knew what it was, but it had to be something really
grand and she wanted to make sure that it was
her Ashikabi that won. Ikki, who had been at that moment frustrated twirled in place with a giggle, using the broom to keep her in place as she imagined the joy of her Ashikabi at being the victor.
With that, she returned to her duties sweeping like a normal person and hummed. All unnoticed by her sister Sekirei, who, having pissed off Miya before in the past was doing her chores quietly and as efficiently as she had learned before. It was at this time, about sunset that Ikki's sweeping brought her outside the gate. Taking the time to pause as look at the gorgeous sky something caught her eye. Blinking, she looked again to confirm and her eyes widened with joy. "I-Ichigo-sama!"
Two heartbeats later and her side was now occupied by her sister Sekirei, who slid a bit as she came to a stop, her short pony tail snapping to the side. "Ichigo?" Uzume said softly, her eyes looking for him. Ikki frowned, once again reminded of their current predicament and let out a soft breath and was going to raise her arms in a 'give up' position and let out something akin to 'can't be helped' when she noticed something and did a double take. Uzume noticed too as both peered at the ever drawing near Ichigo.
He wasn't alone.
Next to him was another figure, a girl, and from where she came up to Ichigo's chest in height they knew she was smaller than they. What immediately caught their attention next was the giant thing she was holding onto.
A weapon.
Uzume hissed in realization.
A Sekirei.
Ikki on the other gasped softly in delight.
The girl appeared to be slightly limping, with Ichigo close enough to her to help if need be. How though would have been the question both would have asked as the girl's giant...hammer? The girl was holding a giant hammer that was slung over her left shoulder. How Ichigo would have helped was the question if she tipped over, its size probably why he hadn't taken it from her to begin with.
It was then that Uzume noticed that Ichigo wasn't wearing the shirt he went out with and was in his t-shirt. The limping girl in question now wearing it, his shirt big enough on her that it almost obscured the mini skirt she was wearing, almost making it seem that once his shirt ended long legs began. Ichigo was finally close enough to take his eyes off the girl and look upwards at them. His eyes widened and he cast them away before closing them and bringing them back up.
Across the distance his eyes met Uzume's.
'
Ichigo,' she thought. '
What happened?' As if hearing her his mouth tightened in a grimace and she once more took in the Sekirei's current looks. "Oh Ichigo...," she whispered softly, having a good idea of what happened.
Ikki blinked and turned to Uzume, having heard her (but missed her silent exchange with Ichigo) and turned to Ichigo and his new Sekirei and smiled in realization.
'
I knew my Ichigo-sama wanted to win this game. I knew that Uzume was just bein' selfish. If he didn't want to win why would he go an' wing another Sekirei?' She logically concluded. She turned her head slightly to look at Uzume in the corner of her eye and noted the almost... (sad?) look on her face and her eyebrows furrowed. '
I get you wanted Ichigo-sama to yourself, I really do,' she honestly sympathized. '
But we gotta game to win and an Ashikabi to protect... and if you can't get your head in the Game then it looks like Imma have ta step up to the plate and lead this group!'
Ikki then crossed her arms and nodded to herself.
Yes. She'll lead her group of Sekirei Sisters. And with Nanaha only being a matter of time they'll look for more members and become the strongest Sekirei Team in the Game! She looked approvingly at her new sister Sekirei's weapon and turned loving eyes towards her Ashikabi and blushed anew.
'Just watch, Ichigo-sama!' She thought as her face only grew hotter. She sharply shook her head, not wanting to spaz out now as her Ashikabi came ever closer. '
I'll give you the greatest team the Game will ever see!'
=============
End Ch. 6
It's done! <a href='http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5dlzbD7iMc' target='_blank' rel='nofollow'>Woot.</a>