The dull thuds of the punching bag were all that was heard throughout the room, fists jabbing against it repeatedly. One-two. One-two. One-two. The pace was monotonous, but this constant practice was what helped him relax.

Being out and about didn't help him all that much when it came to relaxation. Every time he left the house, he had that constant, nagging fear that he was going to have some awkward situation happen to him. It didn't matter how large or small, it was why he struggled with socializing at all. The anxiety would always seize him. It was almost crippling to him, making him unable to react.

This, though, made things easier. It was a stress reliever. It cleared his mind, letting the anxiety melt away.

However, despite the help it gave him, he knew his time was coming to an end. It was getting late. He didn't want to overwork himself. Giving one final punch to the bag, he let out a light sight, reaching back up to his headphones. He pulled them away from his ears, leaving them to rest around his neck. Faintly, music could be heard blaring from them, but it wasn't anything that people would normally listen to when working out. It was violin music, upbeat in tone.

Reaching to his side, he grabbed his towel, bringing it to his face and wiping the sweat away. With that done, he reached into his pocket, pulling his phone out and shutting off the app for his music. He was hardly winded, the merciless pounding he gave the punching bag a light exercise at this point in his regiment.

Hikari didn't plan to do any more today, though. He made quick work of changing out of his black tank top and sweatpants, replacing it with his normal black slacks and white button up shirt. As he adjusted the tie, he scanned his bag, making sure he had packed everything back in there.

With that done, he left rather quickly from the gym, not wanting to talk to any of the regulars there. He only had one stop to make on his way home. He had to stop by the store to pick up more water for his house. After that, he would be free for the night to continue on with his business. He just wanted to get home with minimal interaction at this point, having finished what he set out to do.

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FUKUOKA-SHI
05:32 PM

The sun was setting, dying the clouds with a reddish tint as evening befell on the city. The crowd was slowly rolling out: students scrambling out of the school gate as the last bell echoed hollowly down the emptied corridors; the footsteps of salarymen and OLs roared down the stairs and escalators, dashing to catch the train; townspeople flooding the malls and shopping districts for dinner, watching the sky that faded into darkness. Neon lights and streetlamps flicked to life, raising the curtains to the nightscape of this sleepless place in the Kyushu area of Japan.

Hidden in the shadow on the roof high up in a certain building, the silhouette of a petite female lay silent and still as she rested her head against a sniper rifle. No.49 Nagisa peered through the scope lens of her gun, making a beeline for a particular person among the mess of strangers below.


Him.

Her unblinking eyes followed the head of her target, at the light brown hair of a bespectacled young man who appeared to be on his way home from a workout: she could barely make out the tiny beads of sweat that lined his sideburn down to the jawline, a stray towel bit poking out from his bag. A blast of cold wind slapped against her cheeks, but it wasn't enough to douse the rising heat welling up from somewhere deep inside her tiny frame. She was vaguely aware of the sudden adrenaline rush that was pumping into her legs as she leaped down the building, zipping through the throng of passers-by, her speed too fast for any of them to catch a glimpse of the dangerous weapon she was carrying on her back.

In a matter of seconds, she had arrived at the spot her seemingly detached body willed her to go to - right in the path of the person she saw through the lens. She shifted her rifle absentmindedly and brisk-walked towards him, her emotionless gaze still locked on his face. With the barrel of her gun positioned beneath the chin of her target, she finally spoke in a quiet, monotonous voice, "...Are you my Ashikabi?"

It didn't take long for Hikari's face to heat up. His eyes took a look of confusion at the statement. The closeness made him uncomfortable. He opened his mouth and no words came out. The pounding in his chest was deafening.

Worse yet, though, was the gun pointed directly at him. “Wh-Who the hell are you?” he asked, raising his hands up to show he means no harm. “Y-You're too close.” He took a step back, trying to create some distance. He wasn't quite sure who this girl was. She was attractive, sure...but that just begged the question. Why him? Why was she talking to him?

“I don't know what you want from me...but can you put the gun down?” he asked softly, trying to calm his breathing heart beat down and fight off the burning in his face.

---

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---

Nagisa blinked - she wasn't expecting such a reaction from someone who could be her potential partner. Her eyes traveled from the reddening face of the young man to the rifle she was poking him with and blinked once more. After a minute of awkward silence, she finally lowered her gun and brought it closer to her chest, not quite ready to put it away yet. Taking a step back to create more space between herself and the guy before her, she repeated in the same soft, flat voice, "Are you my Ashikabi?" She unconsciously tightened her grip around the trigger guard.

Was this how a first meeting with her fated soulmate suppose to be like?

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FUKUOKA AIRPORT
06:44 PM

All Yuki Kaguya wanted right now was to collapse onto a bed to soothe her aching body.

The flight from Sapporo to Fukuoka wasn't particularly long - a mere two and a half hour - but the landing delay due to runway congestion had her cramped in the plane for another two hours, which pretty much drained most of her energy from the frustration. She rubbed her forehead gingerly. The hearing wasn't as bad as she had feared - on the contrary, she was secretly pleased with this arrangement. She was getting sick of cooping up in the cold, blank walls of the facility, plagued by horrifying screams that echoed throughout the building from somewhere deep below, an area where low-rank staff like her could never step foot into without getting an immediate headshot from the stoic guards.

The sun was almost setting, but the soft heat of the air outside caressed her pale skin with a warm pinch - here, she felt truly alive. She took out the smartphone from her pocket and glanced at the address on the screen. Perhaps this was too good to be true - they probably did this on purpose to give her a false sense of freedom. There should be an agent sent to watch her from the shadows.

She closed her eyes and swallowed, forcing down the urge to turn her head and look around for the said stalker. Then she walked out of the sliding glass doors of the airport to hail a cab, to take her to her new 'home'.

She had no idea that something else was also waiting for her arrival at the place she's heading to...

Okay...okay...so the gun is lowered. That's a good sign. It might not be away yet, but at least she isn't pointing it at him. Maybe he wouldn't be killed today. Though, what else could he expect? Of course this would happen to him. He hated socializing and grew ever more nervous around women. So why wouldn't an attractive woman come brandishing a fricking rifle at him?

Wait a minute. What did she just say? Shit, he was too lost in thought. Something about an...Ashikabi? What the hell is that?

Given his internal dilemma, Hikari said the most intelligent thing he could come up with in this scenario. “Uh...uhm...” His eyes took on a different sort of fear. He wasn't so much scared of the gun anymore, but the situation was dawning on him. What the hell was he supposed to say to someone like this? “Wh-What's...an Ashikabi?”





Amidst the bustling airport, there was one woman the crowds seemed to part around. A constant sour frown marred the otherwise beautiful appearance of the pale, raven haired woman. Her aura just reeked of disdain. She hated where she was and she...well, she didn't hate the company she was with. Crimson eyes trailed up to eye the other girl before her. She had felt drawn to her for some time now...but she hated the context in which she had escaped her prison.

Their employers were paying for this escape. It was a false freedom meant to give them a false sense of security. There was sure to be someone lurking around the shadows, keeping an eye on the two. After all, what company discharges their employee for snooping around and then offers them a new residence?

“Yuki,” she spoke in a dry tone, about to speak her worries for at least the fifth time on this trip. “I don't trust this. We should be careful.”

---

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---

Nagisa considered the young man before her carefully - she raise an eyebrow slightly, amused at his awkward jitter. Probably nervous of my rifle, she thought before slinging it behind her back. She let out a short, barely audible sigh before she replied to his stammering question, "We, the Sekirei, exist to serve our master, the Ashikabi. My instinct tells me that you are my Ashikabi, my master." She paused, her tense shoulders relaxing and falling slowly, her body language no longer hostile like before. "You appear to be on your way home; please allow me to accompany you back to your house, Ashikabi. I will swear upon my gun to protect you."

With that, she continued to lock her gaze with this person her Core had led her to - the one who would open the doors to her true fate.

---

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---

"I don't trust this. We should be careful."

The sour voice behind Yuki made her turned around, looking straight into the equally sour expression on the face of No.11 Houkatori, a Sekirei dispatched by her superiors to be her first partner. "I know," she said and ran a hand through her long locks. "This is all too good to be true. I'm glad that you're allowed to come with me, though." A sudden loud honk from the waiting cab pulled her attention away from the dark-haired girl.

After she crammed her long legs into the car, she pinched the bridge of her nose, a wave of tiredness was beginning to wash over her conscious. Everything else could wait - besides, knocking herself out from a dreadfully long day wasn't going to get her into any deeper trouble than she's already in now.

That raised a lot more question. Protect him? Protect him from what? What the hell is a Sekirei? For that matter, what was an Ashikabi? Why did she think that he was one of these...Ashikabi? She had to be crazy. There was nothing special about him. Nothing that would make some random woman with a rifle want to protect him.

However, there was a much more pressing and horrifying question that he had in light of all this. "M-My home? Wh-wh-why?" he stammered out. "I can't. I don't need protecting. It's fine. I think you have the wrong guy." His eyes were wide now, fearful. He didn't like this situation. It was hard enough to talk to her. How was he supposed to deal with her being around his house?

"Ah...eh...I'm sorry you wasted your time, ma'am." He bowed awkwardly, starting to move around her to continue on his way home.





Unfortunately for the Sekirei at Yuki's side, she could not resign to exhaustion as easily. Sure, she was tired, but she had too many concerns to just rest. Yuki was her responsibility now. After hearing of her assignment out in this distant part of Japan, she had insisted on coming along. The government had been hesitant, but she was...persuasive. There was no way she was letting her one friend walk into a trap by those people. She would die before she let Yuki come to harm.

Crossing her arms, Houka leaned back in her seat, thinking of how they met. In a lone laboratory, the raven haired woman going through any and all experiments that those lab coat wearing pricks wanted to put her through. She was a toy to see how far she could be pushed. The only one who came to her aid was...Yuki. She had brought her lunch every day she could find the time to, easing her worries over the experiments. She gave her a reason to keep going with this treatment. Though, of course, she knew Yuki was loyal to the government, Houka couldn't find it in her to trust them. So, when this mission was offered, she insisted to be allowed to go as her Sekirei.

This brought them to their current predicament, the taxi moving along the roads towards the apartment complex that was meant to house the two for now.

---

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---

Nagisa was stunned, unable to comprehend the disappointing response from the person her Core has brought her to. Why? Why is he rejecting me? She had half the mind to force him down again with her gun, but in that moment of hesitation she didn't stop the boy from walking past her. She fiddled with the strap of the rifle.

In the end, she chose to follow behind the back of her potential Ashikabi. At least make sure the back is covered, she thought. And there was one more thing she needed to get it out of the way.

"I am No.49, Nagisa. How do I address you, my Ashikabi?"

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RESEARCH FACILITY, HOKKAIDO BRANCH
07:36 PM

Dinnertime was Yuki's least favorite moment of the day in the center. Most of the staff - scientists and desk officers alike - had the bad habit of skipping lunch as they were too engrossed with their work, until their growling stomach was at its limit and pushed them out of their cubicle or lab for food in the evening. She would ask the canteen lady, whom she was on good terms with, to pack her share for takeaway beforehand so that she could bring it back to her room to enjoy, away from the hustle of hungry workers.

However, on that day she was forced to break her usual routine. One of the nurses on duty for medical checks on the test subjects had fallen sick, and her superior made her to replace the nurse to do the rounds. She scowled - intern or not, it was supposed to be her long-awaited off day. Why her?

The lower section of the building - sarcastically nicknamed 'The Hell Ward' by the people here - was normally off-limits to members of lower ranks like her unless given special permission by authorized personnel, or else one would eat a bullet right through the brain from the stern guards, no second questions asked. Even with the approval letter from her boss, she was still nervous. The metal gates slid open with a hair-rising screech and the guard waved her in, his face as impassive as ever.

After the gate shut with a heavy thump behind her, she shivered, feeling the temperature of the dim, long corridor had dropped sharply. Forcing the hollow echoes of her footsteps bouncing off the cold, concrete walls behind her mind, she pursed her lips, tightening her grip on the tablet in her arm.

It's time to begin the rounds.

---

---

By the time she wrestled through the tenth 'patient', Yuki was completely exhausted from the checkup. Her hands were still trembling furiously from the horrifying shock at the state of those test subjects: some of them were beyond human recognition, the mutated cells of their body was a revolting sight for the poor trainee; some had lost their mind, and she couldn't even go close to them without getting attacked and her hair torn out of her head.

What kind of experiment are they performing here? What's going on?

Her fingers paused on the knob of the eleventh door. She glanced down at the tablet: Houkatori. Taking in a deep breath to calm her nerves, she opened it to meet her next 'nightmare'...

Or not.

For one, she looked completely normal - well, more than normal. She was breathtakingly beautiful. Jet-black hair as long as Yuki's own graying locks with a few red highlights accenting the silky flow of the strands, mesmerizing blood-colored eyes that easily sucked in her own dark ones. It took the intern a full minute to realize that she's gaping stupidly at the pretty lady in the room. She recollected herself and coughed softly. "Um... I'm Yuki Kaguya. Routine checkup."

That, was their very first meeting. A fated encounter that had aroused the buried kind heart of the young fresh graduate. A window within the prison of scientific insanity. For the first time in her life, Yuki actually felt the strong urge to protect this girl. A strange attraction she could not understand.

---

---

It soon became a routine for Yuki to go to the underground ward - it was a piece of cake for her to forge copies of visiting documents. While they barely had any conversation whenever she went to see Houkatori, but she was content with being able to be with her, to have peaceful meals with her. She was content with just her presence.

...However, was she truly content with that?

After almost two months of secret visit, her curiosity finally got the better of her. "I've been wondering... What kind of research are they doing here? What have they been doing to you guys?"

The answer she received became the prologue that marked the beginning to a terrible war beyond her wildest imagination.

---

---

A sudden jerk threw Yuki out of her seat - and out of her dream down the memory lane. She yawned and looked around, then she peered out of the door window, squinting at the nightscape beyond. "Seems like we'll be arriving soon."

Hikari walked past the woman, hoping to put this behind him. Unfortunately, he picked up on the girl following after him. What did she want with him? Of all people, why him? She kept talking about an Ashikabi and her chosen one, but he had no idea what any of that meant. Ignoring the fact that she was walking around with a sniper rifle, none of this was normal and she was acting like this was just supposed to be how it is.

At her question, though, he only had more question. Number 49? She was numbered? More importantly, there were fourty eight more of this type of person? Were they going to come to him too? He hoped not. He was barely keeping his anxiety under control with just her. “I-I'm Hikari,” he said softly. “I still don't know what any of this means...” He let out a small sigh. “Are...are you hungry at all? If you're going to follow me anyway...we can find someplace to talk...I guess.” He scratched the back of his head nervously, unsure of what he should do. He didn't really want this girl with military grade equipment following him home.

Maybe he could set things straight after a real explanation? That's what he'd have to hope for at least.





Houkatori offered a nod. “It seems so. This should be our street coming up,” she replied softly. As the car made its turn down the next road, coming to a line of apartment complexes. While it had been a somewhat pleasant trip for her friend, the raven haired woman had been on edge for the entire ride. She had been unable to relax.

As she took in the sight of their soon-to-be apartment, she found her fears warranted.

The car slowed to a stop as it approached the large brick building, but Houka had quickly forgotten about that, her eyes set on something else. “They sent someone,” she muttered to her companion. “Yuki, stay in the car.” Without a word more, she opened the door and stepped out, slamming it shut behind her. While Yuki had desired to protect the young 'patient' the government had taken in, Houka had wished the same for her newfound friend. The government had a history of sticking their nose with something they should not be involved with. This was going to be just another example of that.

The fiery woman stepped up angrily towards the lone man sitting on the steps of their apartment complex. He wore a loose red jacket, the hood pulled up to obscure his golden blond hair. The material of the jacket looked like it couldn't be any more protective than a shirt, but it was all he wore, exposing his bare chest beneath the folds of it. In addition to that, he wore black sweatpants with sandals to complete the outfit. His dark onyx eyes looked at the clearly angry woman with a mischieviousness, clearly taking the hostility as a joke.

“Why are you here?” Houka demanded.

The man smiled a bit. “Come now, you didn't think your bosses were going to just let you go on this vacation without any supervision, did you?” he asked, a playful grin forming on his face. “Now, where are your manners? I think it's only proper that you introduce yourself before demanding questions of a stranger.”

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---

Hikari - 'light'. That was the first thing that came into Nagisa's mental dictionary. She shook her head - now wasn't the time to ponder about such trivial matters. Well, on the bright side she might consider being optimistic that confusion (or suspicion) was what made him reject her.

Ah yes, first...some explanations should be in order.

"We, the Sekirei, are extraterrestrial beings from outer space - or what you Earthlings would call 'aliens' on this planet." She paused, her eyebrows twitched a little into a barely visible frown before she continued, "We are similar with Earthlings in terms of physiological makeup, except that we have a 'Core' inside each of us - the source of our power and life energy."

She gripped the strap of her sniper rifle and went on in the same quiet, monotonous voice, "However, our true potential can only be released by our Ashikabi - the Core within us will react only when our destined one is in close proximity." She stopped, and spoke a little louder, "My Core has reacted to you, Hikari-sama. That is why I believe that you are the person I am fated to be with."

The sound of her growling stomach followed after the end of her speech - she looked down and placed the free hand on her middle, making a circular motion, a mild amusement on her otherwise impassive face. "It appears that I have depleted too much energy for the day - now my body requires recharging. Is this what human beings call 'hunger'?"

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"They sent someone. Yuki, stay in the car."

"Wha---?" Before Yuki could say anything in response, her questioning face was met with the slammed door of the taxi, and she watched the back of Houka disappearing towards the mansion building ahead. After paying the annoyed driver and got out of the car, she looked up at their new home. What was that about? She narrowed her eyes - as expected, letting her and Houka out of the facility was too good to be true; sending someone to spy on them was within her calculation, but the way her Sekirei friend acted made her more cautious - or rather, nervous about whatever that would happen next.

The former research assistant let out a sigh and dragged the luggage towards the elevator, hitting the button repeatedly to release her anxiety. When she hauled herself out at the floor where their apartment room was located, she could hear Houka's angry voice coming from the end of the corridor: "Why are you here?"

"Come now, you didn't think your bosses were going to just let you go on this vacation without any supervision, did you? Now, where are your manners? I think it's only proper that you introduce yourself before demanding questions of a stranger."

"Houka!" Yuki called out to the brunette. "What's going on here?" She turned her attention to the man at the front door with raised eyebrows. Another unexpected situation - what kind of spy would announce his presence right in front of his target so openly?

This was a lot to take in. He was talking to an alien? And this alien reacted to him? What made him so special to get this woman's attention? He had a lot more questions that just continued to flood him as he thought about it. It just seemed all too unrealistic for his tastes.

However, only one concern left his mouth as he responded to her. “Please. Just Hikari is fine,” he said softly. It was very informal, but...well, if they were fated to be together, who really needed formality? Looking up at the woman curiously, he had to admit. It wouldn't be such a bad thing if that was who he ended up with. She seemed like a nice enough person...well, besides the gun. She was definitely attractive. Would it be that bad to stick around someone like that?

He grimaced as he found himself aligning himself to her way of thinking. Instead of dwelling on it, though, he simple lowered his head, looking at the ground to hide the tinge of red that had entered his cheeks. He did find himself chuckle lightly at the grumble from her stomach, though. “Yes. That would be,” he replied. “Come on. We'll find you something to eat, alright? Is there anything you'd like in particular? I...don't really know what extraterrestrials like to eat.”





“Ah, Houka, is it?” the man asked with a small grin. “It's nice to make your aquaintence. You must be Yuki. I've heard a lot about you. One of the only researchers able to befriend a Sekirei? It's impressive.” His tone carried a playful edge to it, knowing that this conversation was infuriating the woman before him. Of course, he didn't care. In this situation, he held the power over her. “My name is Yajuu. I'll be working with you during this...vacation they sent you on.”

Houka, predictably, simply grew more angry. “You can leave us alone before I turn you into char,” she growled, a small spark of flames dancing at her fingertips. “I don't know who you think you are, but we don't need the government butting into our lives anymore.”

Yajuu wagged a finger in front of her, his grin fading for a moment. “No, I don't know who you think you are,” he stated. “In any other situation, you two would have been silenced. The higher ups found some use for you. Grow up.” A moment later, his grin returned. “Now, why don't you two come in and get aquainted with our new home.”

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---

Oblivious to the young man's reddening face, Nagisa simply replied with a curt nod, "Understood. I shall call you just 'Hikari' then." At his question about her diet, she couldn't help breaking into a small smile. "As I have said before, physically we are not much different from humans, but I appreciate any recommendations you may have."

"Eh...well..." Hikari scratched the back of his head as he tried to think of the places around them. "There's a ramen shop pretty close to my apartment. Also, a dango shop." Living so close to those shops did not equate to a healthy diet to a young bachelor living on his own. Of course, that only made his work out regiment an added benefit for his health. That being said, a ramen stand usually didn't seem like the best place to take a lady.

He stopped himself there. Why the hell did that matter? It wasn't like this was a date. This was just two people getting to know each other because of destiny or some bullshit. To possibly spend the rest of their lives together. Not a date at all. Still...

"What did you usually like to eat before you found me?"

This time, it was Nagisa's turn to look down. "I cannot remember," she replied slowly, trying to recall her past - but all she could summon in her mind were fuzzy, abstract images that made no sense to her. Just blue, green, black...and white everywhere. She closed her eyes briefly to clear her thoughts, then raised her head. "Ramen sounds good."

She walked faster towards an area before her which was brighter than the dimly-lit roads around - the source was from a shop named 'FamilyMart'. She pointed at it and asked, "Hikari, what is that?"

Hikari glanced towards the girl curiously. She couldn't remember? How did she know all of this other stuff about Sekirei and Ashikabi then? This was just getting more confusing as the conversation progressed. He wanted more answers to what all of this meant. He still didn't understand what the purpose was to all of this.

He looked up towards where she was pointing. "Ah...that's just the convenience store," he explained. "It has basic things for people who don't want to travel all the way out to the market. Cheap food and drinks and stuff." He shrugged. "I take it they don't have any of that where you come from? Or...you can't remember?" Pausing a moment, he glanced back towards it and then to her. "Would you rather get something quick from there? I...don't know how long you were looking for...uh...me, but if you're tired, we can get something quick and return to my apartment." As sketchy as this entire story was, he had come to terms with the fact that she would have harmed him by now if she had meant to. If nothing else, due to the gun strapped to her back.

It might not be proper or safe, but they were beyond worrying about that at this point.

"Convenience...store," Nagisa echoed after him, her glassy eyes still staring ahead. There were some advertisements pasted on the glass doors, on a pair of roller banner stands - and the numbers (which she presumed to be the prices) were indeed...cheap as Hikari had said.

She shook her head in response to him. "Although my memories are vague, I do not recall having such luxuries back at where I was from---" She stepped forward and touched a banner; a few of the blurry scenes slowly became a little clearer in her mind. "---It was usually dark everywhere, sometimes it became all white when I was let out of the tube on some kind of metallic bed..." She trailed off as she approached the sliding doors - it automatically opened, which diverted her interest to the variety of products on the cramped shelves.

She paused before the ice-cream section and picked up something that had caught her eyes - a yaki pudding. "Then, how about this?"

Hikari frowned at the explanation. That sounded like some kind of lab. Was she an alien like she kept saying? Or was she from a lab, like her memories made it sound. He clearly did not know enough about all of this.

The choice drew his attention soon after. It wasn't the healthiest option, especially not for a meal. "Are you sure you don't want more than that? Kind of a small serving for dinner..." he suggested, scratching the back of his head. "That's usually a...dessert more than a dinner. Do you want anything else?" Pausing a moment, he reached over and grabbed two cups of instant ramen. "How about this? Not really a healthy dinner, but it's cheap and simple to make."

Nagisa put the pudding back - was she feeling disappointed? - and picked up another two more cup noodles. "So this is the ramen you talked about." Then she made it four - which meant a total of six including those in Hikari's hands. "These should be enough for dinner, I think."

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Yuki pursed her lips as she watched the exchange between Houkatori and the newcomer who called himself Yajuu. Spy or not, it was still bad news to her - the organization sure knew how to toy with her weak spots, but one thing was for certain: they were obviously not going to let her off so easily, taking their time to torture her patience, her mind...eventually driving her to the edge. He was right - they should have been dead long ago...

As if she would let them get the better of her.

However, now that wasn't the pressing issue. She was fine with having Houkatori around - at least someone whom she could trust and share the solitary with - but having a male living together under the same roof was definitely out of the question.

"We should continue the conversation inside and not disturb our neighbors," she said as she unlocked the door and pulled it open. "But you---" She jerked a finger at the blond guy, not bothering to hide the look of disgust on her face. "---Are going to stay outside."

Yajuu simply grinned at her distaste. "Unfortunately for you, that isn't up to you," he declared. However, there, he paused. He had a nagging feeling in the back of his mind that he needed to keep on her good side, mission or not. "But...have it your way. I'll sleep out here. I would still like to be included in this conversation, though. I believe it is pertinent to me."

Yuki pulled the luggage into the apartment and removed her shoes before she sighed loudly, "If we're just going to have a quick chat I don't mind, but I'm glad you do understand where I'm coming from." She then slipped out of her suit jacket and continued on with a cold tone, "So...Yajuu-san, right? Care to tell us why you're sent here to mess up our 'vacation', as you call it?"

Yajuu followed her in, offering a shrug. "Honestly, is it that unusual? You were privy to a lot of important government information," he replied, waving it off. "I'm here to make sure you don't reveal anything they don't want you to. Common procedure really. Why I was sent here specifically, though? I can't really tell you."

Yuki narrowed her eyes at him - she was becoming more convinced that she had made the right decision to keep this guy out of her door, but now she probably also had to come up with something to keep him out of her life for good.

Rolling her eyes at his rather laid-back attitude, she sat down on the sofa, her arms crossed before her. "I'm 'privy to a lot of important government information', huh?" She let out a bark of laughter. "I could care less about whatever stupid experiment they're planning - I know nothing about this 'Project S2' other than the name itself, and that she---" Her face softened a little as she glanced at Houkatori. "---Is one of the few survivors of their little research. But of course, they aren't going to take any unnecessary risks and send another Sekirei to watch over my mouth."

She threw the blond man another dirty look - it was bad enough having to share the same house with a guy, but one who was actually her type was definitely not good for her already strained sanity.

He laughed lightly. "Of course not," Yajuu replied. "Not unless they were already winged or they had some other external control over them. Though, it'll probably happen eventually. Can't match a Sekirei without a Sekirei and all." He offered a knowing grin to her companion who simply scowled in distaste - it was clear she was biting back her response, keeping herself from lashing out. She was tense, doing her best to hold in her anger.

Yuki ran a hand through her graying hair and sighed once more - this conversion was getting nowhere, and she's too tired to think straight at the moment. "Alright. I'm sorry, but I have to ask you to get out of the house, now. Well, unless you're the kind who likes to peek on ladies while in the showers." Maybe a hot bath would help to relief the irritation she had been feeling the whole day.

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Yajuu offered a shrug. "You seem to like making a lot of assumptions of me, Yuki," he stated, slowly gettin to his feet of his own volition. "You should know that I don't particularly care for this work any more than you care for having surveilence placed on you. I'm just doing what I'm told."

Just doing what you're told...yeah, Yuki couldn't help echoing that sarcastically in her head. Dammit, forget about the potential of being her...'eye candy' - she now felt increasingly pissed at him the more he got on her nerves. (She simply refused to admit that he poked most of her weaknesses spot-on.)

After unlocking the door she held it open for him, somewhat fidgety as she tried to find the right words to voice out her little request. "Uh... It's not like I hate you or I'm trying to treat you badly or anything..." She trailed off and coughed awkwardly before continuing on, "Well, it would be great if you could help to grab something from the grocery nearby, so that I can make some dinner." She paused, then finished with a rush, "Don't worry, I will prepare your share too." Even if he was here under survillance orders, it's not like he had actually harmed them in any way - and she wasn't that horrible to starve someone who had technically done nothing wrong.

Yajuu walked to the door and offered a shrug in response to her request. He didn't expect her to really care about his orders. As far as they were concerned, he was still a government dog, regardless of the circumstances. He wasn't going to fight it. "Will do," he replied. "I'll be back in a little while then. Is there anything in particular you want me to pick up for you two?"

Yuki thought for a second before she grinned for the first time ever since she had arrived in this city. "How about curry rice then?"

Yajuu offered a nod. "Sounds good. I'll be back in a little while then," he stated with a small wave. He moved out from the doorway, shutting it behind him and letting out a small sigh. He hoped he didn't just become their errand boy during all of this. He understood their apprehension, but...it was just his job. He didn't have a choice in any of this.

With a defeated sigh, he began to walk down the hallway, towards the stairs to the street.

Inside, Houka let out a small breath. She had been barely containing her sharp retorts in response to everything going on. "We could leave. Without him knowing," she said quickly. "I don't trust them. They want something from us."

Yuki had took off her skirt and was beginning to unbutton her blouse. "...Do you actually think we can leave like this so easily?" As she slipped the white shirt off her shoulders, she turned around to face the brunette. "It's true that I know very very little about Project S2 other than the name itself and also people like you who are called Sekirei, but you can't expect the higher-ups to buy the truth without any suspicions at all, can you?

"Trust isn't something you can simply demand from others to hand it to you - you have to earn it yourself." With that, she gathered up her clothes and walked towards the bathroom. "Want to bathe together, Houka?"

As the woman began to undress, Houkatori found her face warming rapidly at the sight. Her eyes averted instantly, mentally berating herself for such a reaction. She had felt strange around Yuki for a while now and, while this wouldn't have been the first time, she had come to feel embarrassed over these slight incidents. "Why do we need their trust?" she asked quietly, still resenting the idea of being under watch by the government.

At her offer, Houka started to nod. She would, in fact, like that very much, as much as she would rather deny that fact than embarrass herself so. However, she froze before she could bring herself to voice her acceptance.

A gunshot - though suppressed with a silencer - rang out from the street. It was close.

"Wait here," Houka ordered without an explanation. She moved to and out the door swiftly, not even bothering to close the door behind her.

---

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Hikari raised an eyebrow as she put the pudding away, opting for more of the ramen. She was very...compliant? Was that even the right word? She seemed to change her mind rather easily to his prompting. "Yeah...it should be," he replied, scratching the back of his head. "Well, I guess this is fine. Here." He grabbed the container of yaki pudding, adding it to the pile. "We'll take it for dessert, if you're still hungry."

Nagisa's face brightened up - even though it was just a little - when her master picked up the pudding from the freezer. She continued to eye the small cup as the pair turned around and walked back towards the front door area.

He took it all up to the counter, letting the employee ring it up and bag it. He ignored what he felt were judging eyes as the cash register saw him with this attractive woman, buying instant ramen for dinner. He hadn't known what other choices to go with. She didn't seem to have much of an opinion towards any of it. It was the only thing he could think of for something quick and easy with that in mind. Hopefully she'd like it. He felt his anxiety spike again at the thought.

Why am I worrying so much. I'm paying for all of it, Hikari thought to himself as he paid the employee. Being offered the bag back, he took it and thanked them before turning to leave with Nagisa.

"Alright. My place isn't too far from here. I can heat these up and we can eat there." He began walking again, heading towards the apartment complex coming into view.

Nagisa nodded, but she wasn't really listening to him - her mind was still on the weird expression on the cashier's face back at the store. "Hikari, are 'military-grade rifles' a rare sight among the people here?" She slipped off the gun from her shoulder, running a finger down the sleek, long barrel.

"By the way, this is an AR-30 Target Rifle," she said, then glanced around to see a schoolgirl in a sailor uniform scrambling off in fright when she met her eyes. "I guess Hikari does not like this gun also when I greeted you with it just now. What kind of rifles would you suggest instead?"

Hikari looked at her at the question, his own look becoming questioning. Did she really think it was okay to just walk around with a rifle? "Uh...no rifle is preferable," he replied slowly. "No one carries around weapons normally. You're going to get weird looks walking around like that. People think you're...dangerous." He had come to terms with the fact that she probably wouldn't turn that gun on him...but most people just saw a girl with a rifle. "It scares people."

Nagisa tilted her head slightly, a sign that she was somewhat confused at Hikari's stuttering. "...Is that so?" Her brows furrowed a little - She didn't say another word as they continued the walk to the young man's apartment...

...When she felt her Core contracting within her, sensing the presence of one - no, two - Sekirei nearby, though the reaction was faint. She shifted the rifle she had in her arms and took a cautious, defensive posture while rushing before Hikari, her eyes narrowed, wary. "Please stay close behind me," she ordered in a quiet but firm tone. She couldn't help feeling a slight anxiety rising in her chest.

Has the 'game' already began?

Hikari glanced towards her curiously. What was all of this about? She seemed on edge. Without thinking about it, he stepped back, letting her take the lead. "What...what's wrong?" he asked softly. They were standing at the foot of the stairs to his apartment. What could possibly be wrong here? She was acting like she was ready to make use of that gun now, but what could scare her that easily?

Just as that thought passed his mind, footsteps distracted him. A young blond man was descending the stairs. Other than his hair color, nothing really stood out about the man, wearing a black and red sweatshirt and black jeans. The hard look in his eye only served to worry the boy, though, as he glanced from him to his companion. Nagisa instinctively raised the rifle and pointed the barrel at the stranger, her finger poised readily on the trigger. This is the worst possible time and place to encounter an enemy.

"Interesting," Yajuu spoke up. "I didn't think I'd meet another one so soon. Small world." A grin came to his face, but Hikari felt the pit in his stomach deepen. It wasn't a playful grin that would be normal, but a predatory one. "You don't do a good job of hiding, do you, girl?"

Nagisa did not reply; she simply narrowed her eyes at him, preparing herself for any sudden attack from the blond man before them.

"What do you want?" Hikari asked, cutting off further inquiry. He spoke as if he knew what Nagisa was. If that was the case...he must be involved as well. The question still remained, though. Was he a Sekirei or an Ashikabi? The boy couldn't tell.

Yajuu looked to the boy with a bored expression. "To meet my competition, clearly," he stated, stepping forward, towards Nagisa. On instinct, Hikari matched his step, but the man moved quickly immediately afterwards. A quick jab landed on the boy's stomach, doubling him over. This was followed by a downward swing, sending him crashing to the ground.

Hikari was left stunned as he hit the ground. The other man hit hard. Harder than he had thought possible from a human. Definitely a Sekirei...but, holy crap, that hurt. What the hell had he gotten himself into? "You shouldn't move so quickly around a potential enemy," Yajuu warned, holding his hands up and stepping away from Nagisa's threat of retaliation.

"Hikari!" Nagisa gasped, scolding herself inwardly for her incompetence - didn't she just swore to protect him at all cost? They were clearly at a disadvantage: her weapon wasn't made for close quarters combat, but she didn't have any other options right now. While the assaulter's attention was on her master (and she made sure Hikari was still behind her), she took a quick and careful aim at the stranger - and she pulled the trigger.

Yajuu stepped back, swaying away and letting the shot sail past him harmlessly. With one hand, he grabbed the barrel of the gun and pointed it away from himself before the petite girl could regain her stance. Nagisa tensed up but she did not attempt to tug the rifle out of the stranger's hand - she knew full well that she had no chance of winning against this man, not in this situation. Hikari's safety was way more important than killing the opponent before her at the moment. Certain that the stranger didn't appear to have any intention of harming them further she relaxed, but her emotionless eyes were still trained unblinkingly on him.

"Smarter than you look," Yajuu stated. "If I wanted to take you out, it'd be too easy. Especially with that weak Ashikabi." He stepped away, releasing her gun. He was confident that his reflexes would be enough to handle her. Nagisa slung the rifle behind her back once more, still standing before her fallen master, whom she gave a sideways glance at. "Hikari, are you alright?"

"I'm fine..." the Ashikabi stated softly. He pushed himself up into a sitting position, looking up at the two Sekirei. "Are we done here? I still don't get what you want."

Yajuu laughed. The little Ashikabi was trying to play tough. "A greeting. That's all," he replied with a mocking grin. "We'll be fighting soon enough. Though, I'm not sure I'll be participating quite yet...you have strong competition close to home."

"What do you think you're doing?" The raven haired girl had reached the top of the steps.

---

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Yajuu glanced up at the girl, vaguely amused at her serious face. "I was greeting your competition, that's all," he answered. "I thought the giant rifle was out of place." He looked back to Nagisa and Hikari, sticking his hands into his pockets. "I didn't expect them to be so close to your apartment. It'll be interesting once the game kicks off." He let out a small laugh, starting to walk past the two of them, continuing his trip to the grocery store.

Houka, for her part, was rigid, keeping her eyes on Nagisa the entire time. A spark of flame came to life in her right hand, but she quelled it quickly. "I hope you don't intend to harm my Ashikabi," she stated in a low tone. "We will have a problem if you do. One that I will resolve...quite quickly." The spark reignited, flames traveling around her hand in a show of force. An intimidation tactic. This was not the time to fight. A sharpshooter could only do so much, though. Hopefully, a display of powers would be enough to make her back off. For now, at least.

"Fire? What the hell is up with you people?" Hikari asked, eyes wide in shock and fear. Sure, Nagisa looked dangerous. She clearly knew how to use that gun. If she had the same physical capacity as that other Sekirei, she would be handy in a fight no matter the range. This other Sekirei, though...she could control fire? How the hell was that fair?

Nagisa narrowed her eyes at yet another newcomer Sekirei - this time it was a pyrokinetic. The odds were indeed against the petite girl - while she knew she was at a disadvantage with the male one moments ago due to the range, she could feel this dark-haired female emitting a dangerous aura even without her flashing those flames in her hand.

Lamenting about herself being a weak - almost useless - Sekirei was not an option; her priority right now was to get her master back to his house safely first...and then start thinking about possible countermeasures. In worst-case scenario, she probably might have to force Hikari to 'wing' her and complete their pact, to unlock her true power - she had hoped to at least build a solid, mutual trust with him first, but after seeing how her master was like, especially his reactions towards her mere presence...

She couldn't afford the time and patience to deal with his nerves - not with their life perched dangerously on the brink of death...so early at this stage.

The faint sound of sirens distracted the raven-haired girl as she stared down at Nagisa. Her fire was snuffed out almost immediately as she turned away. It seemed the gunshot had drawn attention. Maybe this would work out in her favor. "Stay away from us or you'll regret it," she stated with finality before walking away, heading back to the room where Yuki still waited.

---

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Nagisa arched an eyebrow as the sirens were becoming louder...coming closer towards where they were. She then shielded her eyes on instinct at the sudden flash of light - from the headlamps of a black-and-white car. More vehicles skidded to a halt behind the car, and soon the narrow single-lane road was filled with armed men surrounding the Sekirei, their guns pointing at her from all directions.

One of them shouted at her, "The little lady over there! Drop your weapon on the ground, and put your hands behind your head now!"

Nagisa ignored them; Hikari was still close to her, within her reach - despite her small size, she was confident she could carry him out of here in a blink of an eye. However, she felt that she should still seek his advice first. "Hikari, please give me an order."

Hikai's eyes were wide as the cops shouted at Nagisa to put her gun down. The gunshot had drawn too much attention. It was to be expected, but what was the path he was supposed to take from here?

At her question, his mind went blank. He had no idea what orders he was supposed to give. He said the first thing he could think of in this scenario. "...Put your weapon down," he said softly. "They won't hurt either of us if you listen to them." He knew this would put them at risk. They would be defenseless against another Sekirei attack. However, the police would open fire if the sniper tried to make a move against them or to escape.

Nagisa nodded and placed the sniper rifle before her casually, still unfazed by all the handguns that were aimed at her. She tilted her head a little, then kicked the rifle towards the policemen before she placed her hands behind her head.

"Now, move away from the boy - slowly - and keep those hands behind your head!"

That made the petite girl narrow her eyes at the cop. Half of her wanted to snatch up the rifle and grab Hikari out of this troublesome situation, but her master's order was clear: she would have to listen to these armed humans if they wanted to leave unscathed. She widened the gap between herself and Hikari - very much reluctantly, obvious in her hazel eyes that had broken their usual glassy demeanor and were now throwing daggers at the policemen. They rushed in at once and pinned Nagisa to the ground, who didn't bother to resist when they snap the handcuffs around her wrists.

The cop - who had been barking at her just now - picked up the sniper gun and whistled. "I don't know where the hell you got your hands on this baby - but we're gonna have a very long chat tonight, back at the station. You and me."

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FUKUOKA-SHI
09:54 PM

"That's it? Tch, what a shame."

High up on one of the office towers, a spark of flame broke the darkness for a mere second; in that quick flash showed the head of a teenage girl - a pinkette with aquamarine eyes and a tattoo underneath the left.

She sighed as she watched the charred remains of the card were carried away by the night breeze. "Well, well, well... What a cast we have here. I'm going to put my bets on you, Hikari Mino - entertain me with everything you've got...and I might just fall for you."

The melodic giggles faded into the roar of the wind, and silence descended once more.

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Hikari watched helplessly as Nagisa was handcuffed and taken away in one of the police cars. He went along, requesting the same car as the "criminal" in this situation, to the many odd looks from the officers present. He had seen the hesitation when they told her to step away. He still didn't understand why she was "drawn" to him or whatever she had said, but she had only used that gun in protection of him. There was no point in making her worry further by being separated from each other.

As the officers began to drive off, talking amongst themselves in the front seat, the boy bowed his head slightly. "I'm sorry for all of this," he murmured quietly, too soft for the officers to hear. He really didn't know what to say, but that seemed like a good place to start. She had protected him and all.

Nagisa shook her head. "This is not your fault, Hikari - on the contrary, I should be the one apologizing." She then looked down at the handcuffs. "I am sorry that I do not have enough power to fulfill my promise to you - to protect you."

"No, you protected me just fine," Hikari protested, scratching the back of his head. "These people are only here to protect as well. That's why I asked you not to fight. We'll figure a way out of this once we get to the station."

That put a small smile on Nagisa's face. "I am certain that you will be fine. I think you are right - it appears that rifles are not a common sight in this part of the country."

The driver, who had been listening to the conversation, finally spoke up, "This ain't America, missy. We're probably one of the safest countries in this whole damned world, so who needs a nasty piece of metal like that?" He then narrowed his eyes at the reflection of Nagisa in his rear-view mirror. "What's more...a military-grade gun that even we can't get our hands on. Where d'you get that thing?"

"...That is classified information," was Nagisa's deadpan reply.

"You little---!"

Before the driver could swear at her, something heavy smashed down the front of the car, forcing the vehicle to spin and veer off the road, finally skidding to a sudden stop. He gaped at the sight of a huge silver blade that was stuck in the smoking hood...and the slim figure of a female with long twintails standing before them.

She pulled out the blade rather effortlessly; the driver was even more stunned that it was actually a freaking scythe - at least a foot taller than the girl - that had attacked them. She raised the weapon in the air, a sharp glint reflected off the curved metal, ready to bring it down on them the second time.

The cop who sat beside Nagisa was the first to react. "Everyone! Get out!" He grabbed the Sekirei and dragged her out before she could go with the boy.

Hikari stumbled out the other door, ducking down quickly and running to the back of the police car. He had seen the cops put her gun in there. Hoping it wasn't locked, he tried to open it up. He saw how strong Sekirei were. It was painfully obvious that they were stronger than the ordinary humans. Doubled up with their weapons, he knew he'd be no help here. He knew the cops likely wouldn't be either. Nagisa, though, could fight them on even ground.

At least, that was his hope here.

Luckily for him, the impact and damage to the car was severe. The trunk was torn open. At least, the lock was broken. It was enough for him to open it the rest of the way and dig into the back, grabbing the rifle.

"Nagisa! Back here! Hurry!" he shouted, holding the rifle awkwardly until his Sekirei could relieve him of the weapon.

Nagisa didn't need to be told twice. She whipped around and kicked the cop beside her in the balls, who doubled over and his mouth hung open stupidly in a silent scream, the agony pretty much stunned the old man to even fight back. She bent down and plucked off the key from his belt before putting it to her mouth, expertly unlocking the handcuffs, which she threw it down next to the policeman.

In a quick flash she was back to Hikari's side, and stretched out her freed hands for the weapon. "Thank you," she said softly. Now that the rifle was back in her possession, it's time for her to fulfill her oath to her master - it's time to return these people the favors.

Four. That's all she had left in the magazine. She had already used up one on reflex against the blond male Sekirei previously and the cops had confiscated the rest of her spare ammos, so she would have to make the remaining rounds left in this gun count.

"Hikari," she began, her eyes still trained on the new opponent. "Get away from here as fast - and far - as possible. Bring those men with you also. I will stall that Sekirei here and then regroup with you once I have defeated her."

"Oh?" A male voice rang out from the shadows, then a slim figure stepped out of the dark into the light of a streetlamp. A high-school boy with unkempt red hair and black-framed glasses over his brown eyes, wearing a plain green tee and faded blue jeans with sandals. "You? Defeating my sweet little Sae? Now we can't have that, right?" He stopped next to the scythe Sekirei - and flipped up her pleated skirt, much to everyone's surprise. "Tch, not that I don't like sexy black laced panties, but I swear hot pink would clash so much better with your beautiful hair."

The Sekirei called Sae didn't even flinch at the fact that the people on site had a full view of her underwear (what's more, that she had quite an adult taste for a young, innocent-looking girl). "Shohei-sama," she replied coolly, her grip on the scythe tightened as she narrowed her eyes at Nagisa. "We can renegotiate about the bikini you wish to get for me after I bring that bitch's head back home." With that, she made her stance: she swiped her scythe - cleanly cutting a lampost nearby into two - and crouched forward, bloodlust gleaming in her sea-green eyes.

Hikari's eyes widened in shock at the man's blatant disregard for his Sekirei's privacy. His face flushed in embarassment, but more than that, he felt anger boiling up inside him. He wasn't good around women. He was surprised Nagisa put up with him as long as she had already. Guys like this Shohei, though...he hated them. He wasn't going to let someone like that get away with having Sekirei at his side. "No," he said softly. "I'm not leaving you alone against them. If you feel the need to protect me, she'll feel the need to protect him."

Nagisa raised an eyebrow - she half-expected him to do as told given his timid personality, but she couldn't help curling her lips into a small smile, the thought of her Ashikabi's kindness warmed her heart...and resonated with her Core.

"Very well," she said as she detached the eye scope from the top of her rifle and passed it to Hikari, switching to laser sight. "I will not stop you from your desire to watch our fight, but please go to somewhere with a safe distance away from us. This is so that you will not get hurt by accident from the battle." She then turned her attention back to Sae, pointing the gun barrel at the twintail Sekirei, her fingers poised ready on the trigger. "Shall we begin?"

Shohei was already getting bored. "Seriously, you guys sure take your own sweet time to decide whether you want to chicken out - or just drop dead, right here...and right now!"

Sae dashed forward and raised her scythe, slamming the huge blade down at the spot where Nagisa was standing. The sniper jumped back before the metal could slice her into half, where it missed her front by a few inches. She was forced down on her knees to brace herself from the shockwave of the impact when the blade met the ground. Readjusting her aim, Nagisa got the red dot to land on the opponent's left thigh. She narrowed her eyes and squeezed the trigger.

The .300 Win Mag that burst out from the barrel and tore through Sae's leg all happened in a blink of an eye. The twintail stumbled, grabbing onto the snath to steady herself. Nagisa exhaled slowly and stood up, counting off in her head. Three.

Before she could take another shot at the enemy Sekirei, Sae suddenly began to laugh mirthlessly. "How dare you... How dare you ruin this gorgeous black leggings that Shohei-sama got for me!" With a scream of fury, the twintail pulled out her scythe and lashed at the gun girl one more time.

Nagisa gritted her teeth - instead of incapacitating her movement, the leg wound did the complete opposite: it had made the twintail snap into berserk mode, now hellbent to shred her to bits with that nasty curved blade. She turned around and started to run, lowering herself to dodge the scythe that made a threatening 'whoosh' sound when it cut the air above her head.

She stopped when she had put enough distance between herself and the crazed Sekirei. She then raised the rifle and tried to take aim again - this time at the redhead Ashikabi. Sae, in the midst of her madness, was still smart enough to guess what Nagisa was trying to do. "As if I'd let you, bitch!" she screeched and lunged at the sniper, forcing Nagisa to roll out of the way to dodge another attack from her.

Unfortunately, this time Nagisa wasn't fast enough. The blade managed to slash her back, and a sharp searing pain began to spread throughout her whole body. She wobbled as she got back to her feet, her body shook and she closed her eyes briefly to mentally supress the feeling of pain. The wet sensation of her own blood trickling down her spine was now the only reminder of the wound on her back. "And...we are even."

"Even? Who are you kidding?" Sae glowered at her. "What I want - is you to die. Whirling Slash!"

Nagisa pumped her legs to get away from the enemy Sekirei again. When she turned her head and looked over her shoulder, Sae was no longer behind her; the twintail had leapt into the air and was coming down from above the sniper, a triumphant grin on her face as she was about to bring the scythe down with full force.

At the same time, watching the battle commence, Hikari darted after her, already seeing he wouldn't make it in time to reach her. Yet, he felt like he needed to after the deadly wound that Nagisa had received. Luckily for him, the other Sekirei wouldn't make it to his own.

"Not so fast, lil' brat - Strength!"

A card shot towards Sae and hit her hard in the middle, sending her flying backwards before slamming her down onto the ground. A willowy figure hopped down next to the fallen Sekirei and clucked her tongue. "I can't have you kill my precious toys now - not when the real show has yet to begin!"

A pinkette with brilliant blue eyes and a red heart-shaped mark on her left cheek; wearing a costume that made her look like a gothic jester. She spread her arms and spoke again in the same sing-song voice, "Ladies and gentlemen, let's put our hands together - for No.77 Orinami's graceful entrance!"

Hikari all but ignored her, running past the new Sekirei and making a beeline for Nagisa. "Shit, are you okay?" he asked, eyes clear with worry over the girl. His earlier hesitance was forgotten, seeing the deep cut she had received. However, as he saw the cut, he glanced back at the other girl who had made her appearance. "Thank you...Orinami-san." He didn't offer more than that, though, clearly still worried over Nagisa's condition.

Orinami's smile was turned upside down when she was blatantly ignored by the boy. How could he not be mesmerized by her beauty - her cuteness? Her perfection? He had just ruined her grand entrance! She placed both her hands on her hips and was about to give him a piece of her mind when he suddenly thanked her.

Hmph, that's a start, but she couldn't help feeling irritated at how the guy was oh-so worried about that weak gun-girl Sekirei. She shook her head at the thought of jealousy - why would she feel that way for her playthings?

"Calm down, boy. She isn't so useless that she would just die from a single cut like that," the pinkette said, rolling her eyes. "I can't afford you two to be out of the script yet, so let's get out of here first..and then I can heal her with my power."

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Houkatori returned to the apartment with the little scene dying down. She had watched from afar as the cops arrested the Sekirei and confiscated her gun. She'd be an easy target for others now, being unarmed as she was. Luckily, it seemed the two hadn't even tried to mention the other two Sekirei. Not like the cops would believe them. These secrets were held by the higher ups within the government.

She turned away from the scene, heading back inside the apartment. The main living area was empty now, Yuki having moved on to whatever it was she had wanted to do with her roommate gone. "Yuki, are you still here? The situation's died down, it seems," she called into the apartment, walking further inside.

"In here," Yuki's voice came out from the bathroom. "Glad to hear that whatever's going on downstairs had been taken care of, but it sure took longer than expected."

The girl found her companion in the bathroom, already undressed for her bath. Despite herself, Houka's face gained some color, seeing her friend completely naked like this. Though the reaction was not as reserved as friends would normally be. She had had to strip a few times for Yuki to do checkups on her, but this was the first time she had seen the positions reversed. Despite herself, she couldn't deny that she liked the view. "A-Ah, sorry." She turned away quickly, hiding the blush that had developed across her features. "I didn't realize you were already in there..."

Houka's embarrassed reaction was responded with a raised eyebrow from the silver-haired lady. "Hmm? Don't tell me you plan to bathe with your clothes on," Yuki joked lightly, flicking a stray lock away from her dark eyes before she entered the filled bathtub.

That felt much better.

She then beckoned Houka over with a wink. "Come here - and we can wash each other's back."

"R-right," Houka responded, slowly turning back around to enter the bathroom. She hesitated a moment, but shut the door behind her. They didn't really want Yajuu walking in on them when he returned, after all. Slowly, she began to strip off her clothing as well, placing them into a pile in the corner of the room.

Once ready, she moved towards Yuki, stepping into the bath with her, clearly more hesitant than she usually had been at the facility. The red hue of her face had faded, but only slightly, still trying to keep her attention off Yuki's body.

It had finally dawned on Yuki why the Sekirei was acting weird and fidgety. "I guess this is the first time you've seen me like this - it's normally the other way round, back at...that goddamned place," she said the last few words with a slight digust. "I don't mind you looking at me - besides, we're both women, aren't we? And you have a better figure than I do."

She reached out a hand, and it slid down the brunette's shoulder. "I still find it hard to believe that you're someone who looks human - and even feels like one - but there's something inside of you that says otherwise."

Houka slowly shook her head. "I...don't think that's true," she said. Despite her normally fiery personality, she bowed her head to hide her face as it heated up further. "I'm nothing special. You're the one who took me away from that place. I don't think I would have had to courage to leave if you hadn't helped me."

Yuki's face fell at Houka's words. "No," she said, the warmth in her tone replaced by bitterness. "Courage doesn't matter - it's the least of those bastards' worries when they don't even treat you all like---" Humans...which they weren't, causing her to stopped herself before the word tumbled out of her mouth. She coughed hastily to covered up the awkward pause, and continued, "Anyway, while I get the gist of this whole 'Sekirei' stuff...from the file I know that each of you have a certain power, ability, or even weaponry skill. I've a feeling that the higher-ups are still holding back some info, which I'll probably learn once this project officially begins.

"Or, if my guess is correct, it has already begun." Yuki raised a hand and rubbed her chin. "That gunshot just now - it was from an enemy Sekirei, wasn't it?"

Houka's look darkened at the mention, but she shrugged. "I cannot tell," she replied. "She meant us no harm until the blond assaulted her Ashikabi. The two have to live close by, though. They were outside our complex. A Sekirei with a sniper rifle. I'd advise you to stay out of it for the time being...let me scout it out. No one needs to know you're an Ashikabi yet. And, that way, only I will be in danger." And she could protect herself. That was the most important part. Sure, she was positive Yuki wasn't entirely defenseless...but it wasn't like she could spout flames from her hands.

Part of Yuki wanted to shout "No!" at Houka, but she knew the Sekirei was right - even if she had some sharpshooting skills, her pistol was confiscated before she was sent here. Her rash involvement might cause more unnecessary troubles later on, especially to Houka. "Alright," she finally said, not bothering to hide her reluctance. "Just...be careful. You must promise me this."

With that, she got up from the bathtub and stretched her arms. "Ah, that's refreshing. Better get out before Yajuu is back - and I still need to cook dinner for everyone." After she got out of the tub, she grabbed a towel and wrapped it around herself, before turning back to Houka. "Don't stay inside too long, okay?" With that, she left the bathroom.

"I won't," Houka replied, bowing her head to Yuki as she left. She'd have to be careful going forward with this. She was strong. She knew she was one of the stronger Sekirei if she released her full power. She wasn't at full power, though, and if she was gone, who would protect Yuki? She had to be around for that. This Sekirei Project wasn't the only danger to her Ashikabi. The government had it out for her. She had already sworn to herself that she wouldn't let anyone else touch her.

Putting her head back, she let herself relax, soaking in the heat for the moment.

---

---

---

Hikari bowed his head respectfully. He noticed the frown she had on her face when he turned back around and could only speculate as to why she was upset. It wasn't his time to question it, though. "What of those two?" he asked softly, glancing back towards Shohei, a darker look entering his eyes briefly as he remembered his anger. That wasn't important, though. What was important was protecting Nagisa, even if that meant running away. "They might try to follow us."

Meanwhile, Orinami was already down on one knee as she gave Nagisa a quick (and disdainful) look at her injury. A small part of her wished that she should have let this useless piece of trash die under that ridiculous scythe, but her personal feeling shouldn't get in the way of the grand show. She arched an eyebrow at Hikari's question, and followed the boy's gaze - the redhead Ashikabi had already gone to his fallen Sekirei's side, where he picked her up in a bridal carry, giving the trio a hard glare before disappearing into the darkness.

"I guess that's your answer," Orinami said and shrugged, standing up. "Now's your turn and do the same for her." Clapping her hands together, she raised her voice and spoke with a melodic tune, making a shooing gesture at the three cops still gaping at them not too far away, "Time to go home, boys!" Then she muttered out of the corner of her mouth at Hikari, "Let's go to your house - reinforcements are already on their way." She pointed a finger into the air... and a distant siren could be heard.

Hikari instantly flushed at the thought. Carry her? That was a bit much for a woman he barely knew, natural nervousness aside. How was he supposed to calm himself with that thought in mind?

Luckily, the faint sirens forced his hand promptly. One arm slipped around Nagisa's shoulders, being careful to avoid the wound Sae had caused. His other arm scooped up beneath her legs, lifting her up with him. He was surprisingly strong for the thin frame he possessed. His face was still beet red, though, thoroughly embarrassed for the action.

"Right. My house then," Hikari agreed, gesturing down the street. He quickly began to lead the girl there, thoroughly hoping they might be safe there.

---

It didn't take long to reach the apartment complex. It was the same one that the initial conflict had occurred. He carried Nagisa carefully, being very mindful of where his hands were. With the initial danger passed, he was becoming more aware of his current position and the embarrassment that it caused him. So, he tried to keep his hands tame rather than letting them brush against anything that might not be seen as proper.

As they ascended the stairs and reached one of the few doors down the hallway, he paused, realizing it was a little hard to get the key in his current position. "Ah... sorry, my key is in my pocket," he said with a small sheepish smile to Nagisa. "Do you mind if I put you down to grab it really quick?"

Before Nagisa could open her mouth, Orinami had beat her to it. "Oh, for the love of God," the gothic jester exclaimed as she stuck both her hands into Hikari's side pockets (with her chest pressed against his back), then pulled out the keys unceremoniously from one of them. "I'll do it. Now tell me which one is for the lock." Earning herself a scornful look from the injured Nagisa.

Hikari's face heated up again at the close contact, having not expected that from the other Sekirei. However, through stuttering words, he was able to instruct her on which key went to which lock. Not that it was too hard, he only had one lock. What did he have worth stealing?

Upon entering, they would find that his room was rather organized. A small living area with books stacked on some of the chairs and the sofa. There was a very modest cooking area attached to the living room, but anything further was blocked off by closed doors. "Sorry it isn't that clean, I wasn't really expecting company today..." he explained, glancing around. "I think I have some medical supplies in the bathroom. Orinami-san, could you please clear off the couch so I can lay Nagisa-san down?"

Orinami was about to tell him to drop that useless bitch onto the cold floor to save them all the stupid trouble, but in the end she swallowed down her snarky words and did as told. "...You might want to put her face down." Then she winked at him. "I won't stop you from watching me stripping this doll naked, though."

Hikari's face went beet red at the comment, glancing away from Orinami to try and prevent her the satisfaction of bothering him. He didn't respond verbally, though, doing as instructed. He laid her down carefully, face first on the couch as to not disturb the gash in her back too much. "Are you... comfortable?" he asked softly, wanting to make sure this was alright before he left her to Orinami's care.

Nagisa's lips were trembling - the pain of the wound was numbing her senses, and it was the feeling of touch with her Ashikabi that kept her Core going, preventing her from losing her conscious. She gave Hikari a weak nod, then Orinami started tearing down the injured Sekirei's stealth suit, causing Nagisa to grit her teeth to stop herself from screaming. Despite the severity of the situation, Hikari had to look away, a slight tinge growing in his cheeks once more. He stood up to give Orinami more room, walking away to the other side of the room. He kept his back turned, not wanting to peep on Nagisa in her state of undress unless he was needed.

The bloody gash on Nagisa's back wasn't a nice sight; thankfully it wasn't too deep to reach her backbone, but she did lose quite a lot of blood. Orinami let out a sigh. "I'll take back what I said about you being an useless Sekirei - I'm amazed at your willpower to stay awake even with such an injury." Her lips curled into a smirk. "...And I hope you continue to keep those eyes of yours wide open as I operate on you." Nagisa could only respond her with a seething look.

"Enough," Hikari said with a bit more force than he was used to, glancing back at the two girls. He seemed to realize this and glanced away again to hide his surprise. "Just help her. Please. There's no need for these comments." His voice had gotten softer again, just wanting Orinami to help Nagisa through this, despite her mannerisms.

Orinami - even Nagisa - were surprised at Hikari's unexpected outburst, and that was enough for the jester Sekirei to stop taunting Nagisa. "...Fine." She scowled at Hikari, unhappy that she had to be shouted at by someone lower than her. "I'll make it quick so that your girlfriend won't have to suffer under me much longer."

---

The "operation" was successful, though Orinami had to (not so) kindly remind Hikari that Nagisa would have to stay down for at least a week to recover fully.

"Thank you," Hikari said to Orinami after Nagisa had been patched up, thankful the girl would be okay. He wasn't really sure what else to say, but he knew there were other issues they had to iron out. "S-So, who are you anyway? You didn't really... introduce yourself." It was hard for him to get out, but he managed to.

"'Who am I', you ask?" Orinami glared at him. This brat sure got the nerve to ask her, after he had totally spoiled her grand entrance just now! She took in a few deep breaths to force down the rising frustration inside her, then she did an exaggerated bow at Hikari, reciting in a melodic voice, "No.77 Orinami - behold, the cutest Sekirei among all!" She switched to a colder tone before continuing, "Be grateful to have me at your service, boy."

Hikari's eyes widened at the cold tone, a complete swap from his earlier outburst. "N-Nice to meet you, O-Orinami-san..." he mumbled weakly.

---

---

---

While Houkatori was still in the bathroom, Yuki decided to give herself a tour around her new home. She felt unnerved at how everything was in order, specially renovated to accommodate them.

It was as if the organization had planned for all this since the very beginning. She shuddered at the thought of how their every move was within the organization's calculations.

The kitchen was brand new, loaded with all the kitchenware one would ever need for basic home-cooking. She did make the right decision to get Yajuu to buy some groceries - the fridge was completely empty.

As she pulled out a pot and some utensils onto the kitchen counter, she felt around the walls of the cabinets and the underside of the drawers. So far she didn't find any bugs in the bedrooms, but she wasn't going to be complacent. She frowned when she still didn't find any. Those creeps think that Yajuu is sufficient to keep my trap tightly shut, huh? She slammed down a bowl onto the counter at the thought of it, so loud that the sharp sound echoed throughout the house.

---

It was a while before Yajuu returned, carrying three bags over each of his arms. She would be alerted to his return from a sharp kick to the door, unable to reach the handle on his own in his current situation. However, once she let him in, he smiled happily. "I got us enough to last us a few days, at least," he said cheerfully, once again ignoring the awkwardness of the current predicament. "Where would you like me to put them down?"

Houka couldn't help but frown as she rejoined Yuki. Having dressed back into her clothes, a towel still wrapped around her damp hair, she was greeted with the sight of the blond returning from his trip. It was too short. Sure, she was hungry, but this guy was a nuisance.

"Give me the potatoes, carrots, and the curry; use the rice cooker behind me to do the rice," Yuki ordered them in a rush, not looking at either of the Sekirei as she put the pot filled with water onto the stove, and turned on the gas. "Then the rest go into the fridg---" She stopped, turning to look at them, hoping that they would at least know some basic kitchen rules...

Yajuu had a bag held out to her, presumably with the ingredients she had requested. Other than that, though, the two were staring at her blankly. "I've... never cooked before," the blond admitted.

"I was served food at the facility..." Houka added.

Yuki slapped her forehead. That could only mean one thing.

"I'll get the dinner done. Go and find something to entertain yourselves... and for God's sake, be good kids," she finally said, plucking the bag out of Yajuu's hands before she started pushing them out of the kitchen.

---

---

---

It was the umpteenth time Shohei sighed. After he had dragged Sae back to their apartment, the twin-tailed Sekirei had been sulking in a corner of his bedroom, polishing her scythe with such ferocity that one could only wonder if the blade would break under her insane strength. He reclined back into his chair and stretched, facing away from the his desktop. Still no leads about this 'Sekirei' thing... nothing that could lead him to uncover Sae's past.

Tonight was indeed a bad night for the pair. Not only did they fail to eliminate the weak gun-girl Sekirei, now those two got a weird clown-bitch to join their side. Sae said that she could also feel the presence of two more Sekirei - further away from them, but definitely hiding somewhere in this city. The odds against him and Sae were stacking up... Not good at all.

The boy felt conflicted - he still didn't know how he should see Sae. She looked human, but her physical capabilities were definitely inhuman; she talked about a Core inside of her that had reacted to him, calling him her Ashikabi when they were mere strangers.

Shohei could still clearly remember how he had met Sae for the first time...

---

SOMEWHERE IN FUKUOKA-SHI
DECEMBER 25, 2022

It was supposed to be just a boring-as-fuck Christmas night like the past decade of his life: all alone, in this cold weather, snorting at the stupidity around him. People of the current era so consumed by materialism that they were only willing to put their bullshits aside on specific days where they could try to buy happiness with money... and gain better profits.

It was also the perfect time where Shohei could swipe off some goodies for himself, under the chaos of the blur of these dumb shoppers.

...Or so he had thought.

His back was pressed against the wall of an alley - with a dead end. Two cops were closing in on him, blinding him with their flashlights. He swung the switchblade in one hand before him wildly in a futile attempt to keep the policemen from coming near him, while the other tightened its grip onto the package he had shoplifted from a nearby department store. His senses felt disorientated - he thought he heard one of the men laughing at him...

"Get away from him."

The red in Shohei's tightly-shut eyes was suddenly thrown into darkness; he opened his eyes to see the cops shining the light behind them, bathing a young girl with long green hair in twintails... with a huge silver scythe on her back.

"What the---" Before the policemen could react, the girl raised the scythe and slammed the blade onto the ground, the shockwave threw the cops and Shohei off their feet, causing them to all fall on their asses on the dirt floor. The policemen looked up into the girl's hard glare and scooted off on all fours, the fear overwhelmed their fragile sense of justice. The girl ignored them and began to walk towards Shohei, who was slowly getting up to his feet, rubbing his sore back with irritation.

"What the hell was that for?" He glowered at the girl. "So now they send a crazy bitch to kill me for stealing a couple of bikinis?"

The words that came out of the girl's mouth was enough to shock Shohei into shutting his trap for a good one minute.

"I am Sekirei No.94 Sae - and I'm here to serve my Ashikabi: to serve you."

"What... did you just call me?"

The girl who introduced herself as Sae ignored his question. "You will be my vessel to participate in the Second Sekirei Project."