For the Love of Family - Chapter 5

By NegimaFan

Author's Notes: Wow, just wow. The response I got, not to mention the reviews, for last chapter was amazing. But was more amazing was how so many of my readers seem to love this story. I actually feared a lot of people would stop reading after what happened last chapter, but that is not the case. You have no idea how happy I am that people seem to really enjoy this, and I really enjoy writing it. Sadly, life got in the way and the next chapter in this story had to take a back seat until I had some free time (which is little). To answer some of my reviewers (specifically H. Potter Forever , Guest, and vienz.001) I do have plans for many of the Sekirei especially Akitsu in a few chapter. I do not plan on Miya winging anyone, as she sees Minato and Yukari more like her children than as potential partners. As for Minato's first Sekirei to wing him, that I am keeping a surprise. In this chapter, we see some of the effects of Miya's influence, as well as Takami's reaction. I just want to say again, this is NOT BASHING. I do not hate Takami, in the manga; the anime version lost my respect after she refused to help Chiho. This is why there will never be a third season of Sekirei, the writers on the anime messed up BIG time with the second season. One other thing that bugs me is Seo, and not for the reason you think. How are he and Takehito friends? In the Manga/Anime he is 25 at the start of the Sekirei plan, which means when it was first discovered in 1999 he would have been about 4. Much of the story makes it clear that Takehito was about the same age as Takami and Minaka. Even taking into account the possibility of child prodigy there is still at least a 12-14 age gap. It...just does not make sense to me. Well, enough rambling, let's get the next chapter started. Also, I apologize if the scientific part of this story does not sound right, I am not an expert on the subject material.

XXXXXXXXXXXX

Years Later

*BEEP* *BEEP* *BEEP*

Takami slammed the alarm clock in frustration, she had a long day yesterday and had only gotten a few hours of sleep. In all honesty, she could not remember the last time she had a good night sleep. Most nights she did not even sleep at her apartment, it was usually a cot in the MBI building. Things were getting increasingly hectic, and Minaka's demands continued to grow as the approaching date of the Sekirei Plan grew ever closer. It might still be years away, but there was still so much to do. Minaka had a plan for the launch of the Sekirei and it involved Six stages. The first stage would involve the winging of the Sekirei and he already had a schedule to launch the start of this stage. She had a strange feeling that it involved her son and Miya, but Takami had yet to determine that.

She got up and went to the kitchen to make a pot of coffee. As she did, she looked at a picture of herself with Miya and the kids. 'How long has it been since I last saw them? Five months? Six?' Takami's schedule made it troublesome to get away and spend time with her kids, and usually when she saw them it was a park, a restaurant, or maybe the mall. She sometimes spoke to them on the phone, but she was usually so distracted she could barely listen to them prattle on about their day-to-day lives. She felt a buzzing and pulled out her phone 'Great, ANOTHER twenty messages.' It seemed that whenever Takami put her phone down half the scientists messaged or called her to ask her questions or give her the latest updates on the progress of their Sekirei. It was tedious, annoying, and unnecessary. She did not have time to go through every single message from these idiots, especially since most of the messages were from Minaka, whining about things not going as planned or demanding that she get on some new, even more maddening, task.

She heard a *ding* that let her know that her coffee was ready, "Thank God!" She poured herself a travel mug and left for work. Another fine day, working for MBI.

XXXXXXXXXXXX

Takami sipped from her mug as she walked to work, she preferred walking every now and then. It allowed her to clear her head, especially with everything going on. Her phone rang again, she looked at it 'Another message from Minaka.' She ignored it, the guy sent her more than a dozen messages and voicemails a day. Her phone literally had hundreds of messages that she skimmed through. There simply wasn't enough time in the day, and the majority of them were from Minaka simply to complain or whine about any setbacks to the plan. So she ignored it and continued to work, where she would have to endure his whining anyway, so there was no reason it should ruin her walk this morning.

As she arrived at MBI, the secretary Ayame greeted her, "Good morning Takami-sama."

"Morning," Takami replied with a small glance in her direction as she headed to the elevator.

"Oh, and congratulations by the way. You must be very proud."

"Um...proud?" She was not sure what to make of that, was she talking about their latest breakthrough in the study of the winging process? "Thank...you?" She said as the elevator closed. She let it go, however, there were other things to think about. As she got out on her floor however, things got even more confusing.

Dr. Siroshi, came up to her and patted her on the shoulder, "I just heard the news, it's simply amazing. Congrats!"

"W-What?" Takami was caught off guard.

Dr. Yoshimori turned her way an shook her hand, "You have to tell me your secret, I can barely even get my kids to keep up with their regular studies!"

"Studies?" What did her children have to do with this?

Dr. Amane smirked in Takami's direction, "I wish my son was that smart, I'm actually jealous."

"Jealous?!" Did this have something to do with Minato?

Suddenly she heard slow applause. She turned and saw Miyajima standing to the side, her arms now crossed over her chest, "Well, well, and all this time you made it seem that Minato was a complete screw-up, and now this happens. You must be proud, the whole of MBI is talking about it."

"About what?!" Takami practically shouted, "What is everyone talking about?"

Miyajima smirked, "Right, as if you don't know."

"I don't, I have no idea," Takami actually glared in Miyajima's direction, "what is everyone talking about?"

Miyajima's smile faltered, "You..you seriously don't know? But he's your son, are you that out of the loop with your own kids? Hell, he's been talking about it for months."

Takami stared at the woman, "Months?! What are...wait, you have been seeing my son?" Miyajima nodded slowly, "When?!"

Miyajima shrugged, "I...spend time at the inn every so often. I mean...how else am I supposed to see Tsukiumi -chan?"

Takami shook her head, "Well then, can you please tell me what is going on?"

Miyajima pulled out her tablet and pushed a few keys before handing it over, "See for yourself, Minaka-sama has been sending this article to everyone here since this morning."

Takami snatched the tablet from her and looked at the screen. Her eyes widened, she could not believe what she was reading:

Young Boy wins Tokyo's Grand Science Expo for Youths 14 and Under, Bright Future Ahead

Every year, Tokyo hosts a number of competitive Science Expos looking for the best of the best in Japan, ranging from various ages to view the potential of Japan's young minds, but this year something amazing occurred as one youth blew the competition away. "Most years we in the science community struggle to find a winner amongst the many brilliant exhibits, projects, and other forms of research, but this was a rare year, for we all came to a unanimous decision," stated one Dr. Shibuki, "much of the projects we see in this age group usually involve chemistry, robotics, or physics. It is rare for anyone to present anything on genetics, particularly involving the human genome, but the research of one Sahashi Minato had the entire Expo buzzing. His research into new possible genetic markers is astounding, and far beyond our expectations. This is the kind of stuff we expect to see in graduate students going for their doctorate, not a thirteen-year-old boy who is not even in college." Dr. Arumi also commented, "Truly astounding, in my nearly twenty years of study in biology and genetics I have never even considered some of the ideas and theories he presented. At first they sound preposterous, but his research and examples are quite thorough. He has taken examples of the past, and found new avenues to discover. This might just be one of the biggest breakthroughs in years, especially if his theories on the connection of recovering cancer patients proves true." For the first time in over twelve years, every judge at the expo voted one child as the clear winner, Tokyo resident Sahashi Minato. Already numerous members of the science community are abuzz about the young boys findings, and many colleges are already talking about everything from early admission, to a full scholarship, and even a possible fully funded lab. Of course, that will have to wait until his studies into these theorized genetic markers bear fruit.

Takami froze, unable to speak. Her son, her wimpy, indecisive, son won the coveted youth science expo, by a landslide?! Below the article was a picture of her son, in a white lab coat of all things, accepting the award from the scientists. In the background she could clearly see Yukari posing for the camera with a 'V' for victory, and Miya...standing there stoically with a minimalist smile on her face.

Miyajima spoke up, "How did you not know? He's been preparing for this for ages! It's the biggest moment of his life. Hell, half the science community is buzzing about it. Your son may have made one of the biggest discoveries in the history of human genetics. Some think it might even be the cause of certain people's ability to fight seemingly incurable diseases."

Takami was shaking, "Why...why didn't they tell me? Why was I not told?"

Miyajima blinked, "I don't know. What do they tell you when you visit the inn?"

"I.." Takami just realized, "I haven't been to the inn in...ages."

"Seriously?! But your kids stay there, why don't you...hey where are you going?" Takami was rushing off.

"I need to see a certain pain in my ass."

XXXXXXXXXXXX

Minaka was giddy with delight, "Why Takami, to what do I owe this delightful visit so early in the morning?" Takami had rushed to his office and ran right passed his secretary, without even looking at her. Now she was glaring at him as she brought up the tablet and show him the article.

"This! I want to ask about this!" She was fuming, "Why was I the only one not sent this article? Where you trying to keep it from me?"

Minaka actually looked surprised at this, "Why would I bother sending it to you? I mean he's your son, surely you know what's going on in your own children's lives?"

Takami flinched at that remark, "I...I..."

Minaka shook his head, "Oh, this is sad. Their own mother uninterested in their success. Such a shame, especially since he may be on the verge onto something truly miraculous."

Takami finally found her voice, "Miraculous? How would you know? In fact, why do even care so much about my son's research?"

Minaka blinked, "You...seriously have no idea what's going on do you? What you son may be on the verge of discovering?" Takami fumed, "Well, I'm not going to tell you, especially if am wrong, which I'm sure I'm not. Still, best not get my hopes up, I've been disappointed before." He leaned back in his chair, grinning at her.

Takami was struggling not to throttle him, "Where is Miya?! I need to speak with her."

"She took the day off."

"WHAT?!"

Minaka shrugged, "Apparently the children have off from school today, something about a refurbishment to the school and their labs, and she asked for the day off to celebrate with the kids on Minato's success."

"You...actually gave her the day off? Since when are you so...generous?" Takami could not believe what was going on.

Minaka only continued to grin, "Number One asked, and I decided to allow it. I mean, do you really think she would have accepted no for an answer?"

"That doesn't stop you from telling her no."

Minaka waved a hand, "Only when it is worth fighting for. This was trivial, and not worth my time. Besides, how often does one accomplish something like this? It deserves acknowledgement."

Takami groaned as she pinched the bridge of her nose, "Minaka, I...I need to take off...I have to speak with my kids."

Minaka shook his head, "Sorry, but I need you here today for-"

Takami's demonic aura started to appear, "That was not a request."

"A-Alright, alright. I suppose you should go there and congratulate them...like a mother should." Takami seriously couldn't tell whether or not Minaka was mocking her.

"Good. I'll see you tomorrow." She then left the office, pulled out her phone and called for a company car to take her to the inn. There was a lot that needed to be discussed.

XXXXXXXXXXXX

As Takami arrived at the inn, she was surprised that after all this time...it still looked exactly the same on the outside.

She knocked on the door, and the first of the obvious changes appeared, "Yes? What dost thou need?"

Takami looked at the blonde girl at the door, "Tsukiumi-san? Is that you?" Takami rarely saw any of the Sekirei that she was not in charge of, but even so she did occasionally see Tsukiumi at MBI, usually in a hospital gown or a black dress. But now, "What are you wearing?"

Tsukiumi was currently wearing a blue maid's dress. When the question came up, she blushed, "I-I often wear this when I need to do the chores."

"Why?"

"I-I do not need to explain myself to thee. Thou art merely a guest."

"Guest?! Don't you know who I am?"

Tsukiumi actually paused for a second, "Thou are...Minato and Yukari-san's...mother, correct?"

Takami's eye twitched, "Yes, I am. I am also the head researcher at MBI." She did not bring up the lack of honorific for her son

"Thou are? Is that why thou art here now? For an inspection of thine residents of the inn?"

"No, I am here to see my kids, now will you please let me in?"

Tsukiumi shook her head, "Sorry, but thou must come back later. They are away with Miya-dono and I am not supposed to let anyone from MBI in without her being here."

Takami was starting to lose her patience, "Why I am here has nothing to do with MBI or the Sekirei."

"Then why didst thou bring up the fact that thou art employed at MBI?"

"To make something clear...if you don't let me in this instant...I can make things very difficult for you and the others." Takami's demonic aura began to appear.

Tsukiumi shivered slightly, "V-Very well, come in." Tsukiumi moved aside and allowed Takami to enter the inn.

As Takami entered the inn, she immediately noticed a number of changes, one of them being pictures. Many of the tables at the entrance had several pictures on them. Some of them were of the Sekirei hugging Minato as well as some hugging Yukari, others of them posing for the camera. Some of them were of Minato, Yukari, and Miya. In some cases it looked as if she was their mother, the way she was holding them in those pictures. Takami instantly felt a sharp pain in her heart, but she continued on. As she entered the dining area she noticed a familiar gruff man eating at a rapid pace, "Seo?"

Seo looked up, "Takami?! Wow, I never thought I'd you here. How have you been?"

Takami turned to Tsukiumi, "I wasn't allowed in, yet you let in this piece of scum?!"

Tsukiumi stared back, "Art thou deaf? I was hesitant to let thee in because thou art a member of MBI and Miya-dono has strict rules about people from MBI being allowed in." She pointed to Seo, "Thine piece of scum is not from MBI, though I truly wonder why he continues to return."

"Yeah, so do we," Takami turned to see the twins enter the room. Hikari looked at her, then to Seo, "do you have to eat like that?!"

Seo smiled, "Aww, don't be so mean, I thought you and Hibiki-chan liked me."

Hikari glared at him, "That was before we realized what a pathetic piece of trash you really are!"

Hibiki shook her head, "Hikari, do you really need to do this again? We both know why he is eating so fast."

Hikari turned to her, "Yeah, it's because he's a coward who's afraid to be here when she's in the house. I've never seen such a big baby in my life."

Seo was no longer smiling, "Hey, I'm not afraid of her...just what she could do to me."

Hikari snorted, "Yeah, and you wouldn't have to be afraid if you weren't such trash."

Seo glared, "I don't see you two standing up to her, hell, I can't think of any man brave enough to stand up to her."

Hibiki muttered, "Minato-san is not afraid of her."

Seo snorted this time, "Yeah, sure he isn't."

Takami shook her head, "Would you please stop? We all know how scary Miya can be."

Hibiki turned to her, "They aren't talking about Miya-sama, they are referring to Yukari-san."

Takami raised an eyebrow, "What?"

Hikari smirked, "Seo's afraid of her, ever since a certain incident."

"Incident?"

Seo panicked, "Now, now, there's no need to bring that up," he gave a false laugh, "it's not even a good story."

"Would you please just tell me!" Takami nearly shouted at them.

Hikari's grin widened, "Well, it started a little over a year ago..."

XXXXXXXXXXXX

Flashback

Seo was sitting at the table wolfing down rice, he was never one to pass up free food. Since Miya had returned to MBI he had been spending a great deal more time at the inn, when she wasn't around, or resting after a long day at work.

Hikari and Hibiki gazed at, admiring him, "Seo, you're so cool!"

"You're so handsome!"

"You're so funny!"

"Aww, you girls are the best!" He then wrapped his arms around them and gave them both a kiss on the forehead.

Tsukiumi shook her head, "What dost thou see in him? Miya-dono says that he is nothing more than a piece of trash, and I feel that I must agree."

Hibiki shook her head, "That's just cause you don't really know him yet."

"And thou does?"

Hibiki smiled, "We learn more about him all the time, and I think he might be the one."

Hikari nodded, "I agree, I mean just look at those muscles." Seo grinned as he flexed his arms and had them felt by the twins, "Sooo...manly."

Kazehana chuckled, "You think just because he has a few muscles that makes him manly?" She shook her head, "Real men don't run away at the first sign of trouble, real men protect what's important, isn't that right Minato-kun~?"

"Hmm?" Minato looked up from his text, "I'm sorry Kazehana-san?"

Kazehana pouted, "How many times do I have to tell you no to use '-san'? Can't we be more...intimate?" She moved closer to him and pressed her breasts onto his arm.

Minato blushed, "Kazehana, you know that you'll get in trouble with Onee-san if you do that."

"Aww, that's my Minato-kun, always thinking about others~" Kazehana the proceeded to nibble at his ear.

Hikari shook her head, "How is THAT manly?"

Kazehana simply smirked, "Because he doesn't see me as just a piece of meat, he cares about me, he treasures me!" She hugged Minato closer.

Tsukiumi blushed, "S-stop that, thou art being indecent!"

Kazehana grinned wider, "Aww, what's wrong, Tsukiumi-chan? Jealous? If you want you can join in, Minato-kun won't mind, would you my love?"

Minato's blush grew, "I-I don't want to make Tsukiumi-san uncomfortable-"

"Ahem," the group looked up, "I need to speak to all of you." The group saw Yukari enter the room.

"Yukari," Minato looked at what was in her hand, "what's with the bowl?"

Yukari had an unusually calm look on her face, "This bowl was one of Onee-chan's dishes, she made is special for me as a treat, and like several of the other dishes in this house, someone else ate it."

Minato groaned, "I'll have another talk with Musubi-san, and make sure she knows what not to eat in the fridge."

Yukari shook her head, "It wasn't Musubi, I spoke with her the last time this happened and she told me that she did not eat it."

Tsukiumi raised an eyebrow, "Given thine woman's appetite art thou sure she was not mistaken?"

"I'm sure," Yukari replied. Suddenly there was a loud gurgling sound at the table.

"Seo," Hibiki asked, "are you alright?" Seo had suddenly grabbed at his stomach.

"I-I'm fine, just a little stomach cramp," Seo closed his eyes, it was starting to hurt.

"Anyway," Yukari continued, "I know that this was in the fridge before I started practice and now it's gone, so someone in this house ate it. My special treat from Onee-chan."

Minato shook his head, "Yukari, I am sorry about what happened, but please don't make another scene."

Yukari looked at him, "What are you talking about Onii-chan?"

"The last time this happened you ran around yelling at everyone and accusing them of stealing, it was a mess and-"

"I'm not going to do that Onii-chan, I'm fine."

"You...are?" This actually scared Minato more, Yukari was not one to just let things go.

"Uhhhhh," Seo groaned, his stomach was going nuts. Most of them were ignoring him at this point.

"Of course I'm fine Onii-chan...because this time I have set a trap," Yukari grinned widely.

Minato groaned even louder than before, "Yukari, what did you do?"

Yukari pulled out a bottle, "I just put a special surprise in the dish."

Minato's eyes widened and he grabbed the bottle from her, reading it, "LAXATIVES?!"

Seo's eyes shot wide open.

Yukari nodded her head, "That's right, Onii-chan. Now all I have to do is wait for the culprit to reveal themselves."

"Yukari, are you CRAZY?!"

"What? I'm just teaching someone a lesson."

"Yukari, Onee-san is going to be furious when she-"

"Uhhh" Seo was trying to leave the table as quietly as possible, to no avail.

"Seo," Yukari now seemed to focus all of her attention on him, "are you alright? Do you...need to use the bathroom?"

"N-No, I just...need to...leave, I just remembered...urgent..."

"But you haven't even finished your food, that's not like you."

"Seo," Minato said slowly, "please tell me you didn't eat the dish Yukari is referring to."

Seo looked at him, beads of sweat forming on his brow, before quickly running up the stairs. The twins stared at his retreating form.

Yukari slammed her palms on the table as she rose from her seat, "I knew it, I knew it was him! Heh, heh, and now when he gets up there he's going to be in for a real shocker."

"Shocker? What are you...oh no," Minato suddenly realized what she was talking about when a loud scream came from upstairs.

"SEO!" Yume's voice could be heard from downstairs, "WHAT ARE YOU DOING IN HERE?! THE GIRLS AND I ARE TAKING A BATH SO YOU ARE JUST GOING TO HAVE TO-WAIT, WHAT ARE YOU-? NO! STOP, STOP!"

XX

A short time later, all the residents were downstairs while Miya (who was trying to take a nap after a long day at work) was upstairs yelling at Seo for what he had done. Meanwhile, Yume was comforting a traumatized Musubi and Kaho, and Kazehana was tending to a shaking Uzume. Homura, who was away from the inn at the time the incident took place, simply shook his head.

"What the Hell did you do to my BATHROOM?!"

Yukari was giggling, with a wide grin on her face, while she saying, "He's gonna get it, He's gonna get it," in a singsong voice.

"What does any of this have to do with Yukari-chan?"

Suddenly Yukari's grin vanished, "eep."

"Yukari!"

"Save me Onii-chan!" Yukari quickly hid behind her brother for protection.

"Me? What do you expect me to do?"

"I-I don't know...could you...take the blame?"

Minato shook his head, "You and I both know Onee-san will never believe I did this."

"Especially since thou hast already confessed thine actions to us," Tsukiumi said. Yukari glared at the blonde girl.

All too soon, Miya had returned, and nearly all the residents were shaking from her hannya mask, "Yukari...please tell me that you did not put laxatives in any of my food."

Yukari simply hid behind her brother, a small bit of her peaking around him, only to return to hiding upon witnessing Miya's aura.

Miya walked forward, "Minato-kun, please move, I need to speak with Yukari."

Minato shook, but only slightly, "I-I'm sorry, Onee-san, but I can't. Yukari-chan asked for my help."

Miya stared at the boy, "You cannot protect your sister every time she does something wrong, Minato-kun. She'll never learn if you do that," she shook her head, "so please move, she needs to be taught a lesson."

"I can't, Onee-san, I can't refuse my sister when she asks for help."

Miya sighed, then walked up to Minato with her hand raised.

*FLICK*

Minato flinched slightly, but it did not hurt much.

Miya sighed, "Very well, Minato-kun," Miya then turned, "I suppose that it's my fault as well, thinking I could teach her self-discipline. Please tell her that I will no longer be training her."

"WHAT?!" Yukari finally appeared from behind her brother, "B-But Onee-chan I love training with you, it's the best."

Miya turned back to her, a sad look in her eye, "But if I cannot trust you to accept responsibility for your actions, how can I trust you with the responsibility of the forms I am teaching you?"

Yukari sniffled slightly, "B-But all I was doing was teaching him a lesson by punishing him, like you do."

Miya shook her head, "But not at the cost of others, look at those girls," waving a hand at Musubi, Uzume, and Kaho, "look at what you put them through with what you did. You traumatized them, did you even consider how your actions would affect others?"

"Says the woman who scares everyone in the room with thine aura," muttered Tsukiumi.

"What was that?" Miya turned to her.

"N-Nothing Miya-dono," Tsukiumi panicked and now she was the one hiding behind Minato.

Miya turned back to Yukari, "I am sorry Yukari-chan, but this just proves that I cannot trust you with-"

"WAIT!" Yukari screamed, "Please don't stop training me, I-I'll take my punishment, PLEASE!"

Miya paused, then, "Kneel," Yukari did.

*WHACK*

Miya hit her with a wooden spoon.

"OW! Wait, where did that come from?" Yukari asked pointing at the spoon.

Miya smirked, "Not important! Now," she pointed upstairs, "go upstairs and help Seo with the mess you caused. Also, you will be in charge of bathroom duty for the next three months. Do this, and I promise to keep training you."

Yukari opened her mouth to shout, then closed it. She simply replied, "Do I...really have to go up there?"

Miya nodded, "The worst of it should be gone by now, but you will help him finish the job."

"(Sniff) Y-Yes Onee-chan." Yukari then walked up the stairs, her head lowered.

Tsukiumi chuckle, "It appears thine whelp has finally learned some humility."

Miya turned to her, "A lesson someone else in this house could stand to learn."

Tsukiumi shivered slightly, gripping Minato for support. All of a sudden, several of the other girls where hugging him.

"Minato-sama, Musubi is scared, can I stay with you tonight?"

"Me too!" Kaho cried.

Uzume hugged him as well, "You are quite popular tonight, aren't you? Mind if I stay with you as well?"

Kazehana giggled, "Minato-kun, looks like you will be having some company tonight, you naughty boy!"

Yume smiled slightly, "Am I not good enough for you Musubi-chan?" She giggled.

Musubi sniffled, "M-Minato-sama keeps the scary stuff away, he wasn't scared by Miya-sama."

Miya sighed, "I wasn't trying to scare you, and I am sorry. But none of you are-"

"PLEASE? Just for one night, i-it was so-" tears were starting to form in Musubi's eyes.

Miya shook her head, she knew she was going to regret this, "Oh very well. But JUST for one night."

"WHAT?!" Tsukiumi screamed, "Thou art actually letting them stay in Minato's room. Why do they get to-"

"Oh my, do you want to sleep with Minato-kun too, Tsukiumi-chan?" Kazehana giggled, "You are quite bold today~!"

Tsukiumi blushed, "T-That is not...I...I just..." Tsukiumi then proceeded to leave the room.

Kazehana sighed, "Oh, poor girl, still so confused. Anyway," Kazehana turned back to Minato, "Looks like we'll be rooming tonight Minato-k-"

*Whack*

"You are not permitted!" Miya scolded her, "I do not want you corrupting Minato-kun!"

"B-But Miya, that's not-"

"If you say 'fair' I swear-" Miya's hannya mask began to appear.

"Ahh, save me Minato-kun!" Kazehana tried to hide behind the now smothered boy.

It was at this time that Matsu arrived home, "Hey everyone, what's for din-" she paused at the scene in front of her, "what did I miss?!"

XXXXXXXXXXXX

Takami stared at the two, "Yukari-chan did THAT?!"

Hibiki nodded, "Yes, and since then she is very careful about how she punishes people."

"Wait, she still punishes Seo?"

Hibiki nodded again, "Hai, he still comes and eats food here, but every time he tries to eat food he shouldn't, Yukari-san either catches him and whacks him on the head, or she puts something in the food."

"She still does that? After the first time?"

"Yes, so long as it does not affect the others here Miya-dono lets it go."

Hikari grinned, "She uses things like chili powder, hot sauce," She then gave a loud laugh, "there was even this one time when she used wasabi and-"

"Do you REALLY need to tell her this?!" Seo was getting aggravated.

Hikari turned to him and glared. She turned back to Takami while pointing her thumb at Seo, "After Yukari kept punishing him he actually went to Miya-dono and complained about it," She then began rubbing her eyes pretending to cry while saying in a rather high pitched voice, "Oh, Miya please help me! Yukari is teasing me again, she put hot sauce in the food I stole from her. Please stop this little girl who's more than foot shorter than me from bullying me, I'm scared!"

Seo growled, "That is not what I said!"

Hikari turned back to him, "Yeah, but you did whine about her about Yukari-san's treatment of you, and you were too scared to confront her so you went to Miya-dono, like a big baby."

Hibiki then cut in, "Hikari, don't, this is getting out of hand. We already know Seo is scum, there's no need to add more fuel to the fire. Last time-"

"It won't happen like last time," Hikari turned to her sister, "I'm in complete control."

"Yeah, complete control," Seo replied sarcastically, "you never lose your temper over stupid stuff, though I must say," Seo grabbed Hikari's breast, "you are growing up quite nicely."

Hikari fumed, "That's it!" She threw a bolt of lightning at Seo shocking him.

"Gah!"

Hibiki screamed, "Hikari, look what you've done!"

"What?" Hikari looked back at her sister, "I've shocked Seo before, he'll be fine."

"Not that, look!" She pointed to the wall, one of Hikari's stray bolts had caused a burn mark to appear on the wall, "You know how Miya-dono gets when you damage the inn."

Hikari shivered slightly, the proceed to attempt to clean the mark from the wall, "I-It's not so bad, just a little...wiping and some water and it should be fine...just...just fine." She was starting to panic.

Takami groaned, then realized something, "Wait, did you say Yukari was getting training."

Tsukiumi spoke up, "Hai, Miya-dono has been teaching thine perverted whelp in the art of sword."

"SWORDS?!" Takami was shocked, "Miya has been teaching my daughter swords?" The thought of a girl like Yukari, who tended to be rather prone to violence, frightened her somewhat.

Tsukiumi raised an eyebrow, "Thou did not know? But Yukari-san has been calling thee many times over on thine accomplishments."

Takami stared at her, "A-Accomplishments?" This was getting to be too much for her.

Tsukiumi nodded, "Verily, she has won numerous competitions, and proudly displays thine awards in her room."

Takami legs were starting to shake, this was becoming too much to take in, "I-I think I need to see this."

Tsukiumi shrugged, "Our room is upstairs...thou dost know that I share a room with Yukari-san, correct?" Tsukiumi asked in a rather condescending tone.

Takami grinded her teeth slightly at that remark, "Yes, I know that." She then proceeded up the stairs, while Hikari and Hibiki were still trying to get the stain off the wall.

XXXXXXXXXXXX

As Takami entered the room, she could not believe what she saw. On Tsukiumi's side of the room it was very neat, with some books, dresses, and a surprising number of pictures. Many of them featuring her and the residents of the inn. One where Tsukiumi is being hugged by Kazehana, another where she and Yukari are glaring at one another, one with all the inn posing for a snapshot. One, in particular featured Tsukiumi blushing and averting her eyes while holding hands with Minato. While one side of Minato was holding Tsukiumi's hand, the other side was being hugged by Musubi, who seemed unafraid of showing her emotions.

On Yukari's side, she expected to see the typical things a girl her age had, such as music, various dresses, possibly some makeup, and other such things. Instead, what she saw where training uniforms, kendo masks, shinai, bokken! Takami could not believe it, the girl seemed obsessed with it, and on her wall were more than a dozen kendo tournament trophies. Some of them were for 3rd or 2nd place, but the majority of them were for 1st. Then she saw the pictures, one was of Yukari holding up a first place trophies while Miya was hugging her, another was of her, Minato, Miya and some of the girls at a picnic, and yet another was of just Yukari, Minato, and Miya posing for what looked like a family photo. Takami was starting to shake with anger, not one of the pictures had Takami in it, 'What the hell is Miya doing to my daughter?'

She quickly ran from the room and rushed to Minato's, for her this might have been an even bigger shock. In one corner she could see some training equipment along with a shinai, but much of the room was covered in papers. Many of them features copies of the human DNA strand or bits of their genetic makeup. Some parts were highlighted, circled, or marked for some reason or importance. Other's featured information on people who seemed to recover from impossible odds or somehow fought off certain forms of cancer. There were stacks of books on biology, the human anatomy, genetics! Takami picked one up and looked at it, 'I remember reading this, in COLLEGE.' What was her son doing with college textbooks? She looked to his desk and saw, once again, pictures. They featured the girls, Yukari, and Miya. Many of them were duplicates of the ones he saw in the girls room. There was one with Takami, it was of her hugging her children when they were 5 and 6, 'Is that it? Is that the only picture he has of me.' She would have thought on it more, had she not noticed what was on the Desk, notes. More Specifically, Takehito's notes. Takami's eyes widened as she snatched up the papers and looked them over. Everything he had on the Sekirei and the Ashikabi's was there, 'No, No, NO! What has Miya done? She promised me, she-'

"You know, it's not polite to go through other people's things."

Takami jumped, and turned on the spot, seeing Miya, "YOU!" She screamed, "What did you do to them?"

"I'm sorry?" Miya tilted her head slightly.

Takami walked right up to her, and thrust the notes her face, "Care to explain THIS?!"

Miya looked at the notes, then looked Takami, stoically. She said calmly, "So you finally came to the inn."

Takami was fuming, "What did you do?! More important, why didn't you TELL ME?!"

Miya simply stared at the woman, "The very reason you need to ask that, tells me that you really haven't been paying attention to my messages."

Takami could barely form words at the moment, "I...wh...m...MESSAGES!?"

Miya nodded, "The children at waiting for you downstairs." She then turned and beckoned Takami to follow.

"Wait a minute! We are not done here-"

"Not now, they want to see you."

Takami, still shaking from anger, calmed herself and followed Miya. She would play along...for now.

XXXXXXXXXXXX

As Takami descended the stairs, she looked at her children and found herself in complete shock.

"Kaa-san, you're here! Were the seven first place trophies in a row I won not enough?" Yukari actually laughed slightly.

Takami couldn't believe what she was seeing, "Yukari-chan? W-What are you wearing?" Yukari had grown her hair out, it now went past her shoulder, but she was wearing...A Miko outfit! It was almost in the exact same cut and style as Miya's, except while Miya's hakama is purple, Yukari's is dark blue. In all other respects, though, it seemed as if Yukari was trying to imitate Miya.

Yukari smiled and did a twirl, "You like it? Uzume-chan made it for me. Now I look just like Onee-chan."

"But...why do you want to look like her?"

"Because Onee-chan is the best! She teaches me so much, and is always there for me when I need her."

Takami shook her head, "Why...why didn't you tell me you were training in swords and kendo?"

At this Yukari frowned and glared slightly at her mother, "Wow, you really didn't know. I guess my messages were not important enough for you."

Takami was getting angry, "What messages?!"

Yukari just kept glaring, "What do you think? I used to call you all the time, but I gave up when you weren't responding."

Takami turned to Miya, "Why didn't YOU tell me at work?"

Miya just looked at her, "I never discuss things that occur here where a certain someone has eyes and ears everywhere," she replied, referring to Minaka.

"Kaa-san," Takami then turned to Minato. The boy had changed slightly as well, he was taller, and he was just wearing a t-shirt, coat, and jeans, but his when she looked at him, she felt...something different about him, like something had changed. Then again, he had just one a coveted science award, "how are you? Did you hear about the science expo?"

Takami nodded, "I-I did, so you won, huh? I wouldn't believe if I hadn't read the story myself."

Minato just smiled slightly and rubbed the back of his head, "Yeah, I'm just full of surprises, aren't I?"

Takami's eyebrows raised in shock, 'Since when does he make jokes to me?' She quickly composed herself, "I-I'm proud of you, but still...what is going on in your mind? What's with all the interest in genetics?"

Minato simply looked at her, "I'm guessing you never talked you Onee-san?"

Takami was starting to get aggravated, "About what?"

"About the Sekirei and their Ashikabis."

Takami's whole body went numb, "I...I...don't...YOU KNOW?!"

Minato nodded, "Yes, Yukari-chan and I know."

Miya grabbed Takami's arm, "I think it's time we had that talk."

Takami glowered at the woman, "Yes...let's."

XXXXXXXXXXXX

Miya and Takami were alone in the kitchen. Takami finally let loose "WHAT THE HELL HAVE YOU DONE TO MY KIDS, I THOUGHT YOU PROMISED TO KEEP THEM SAFE?! NOT GET THEM INVOLVED IN ALL THIS, WHAT IN GOD'S NAME WERE YOU THINKING TELLING THEM ABOUT THE SEKIREI AND SHOWING MINATO ALL OF TAKEHITO'S OLD NOTES?!"

Miya sighed, "I did not tell him about them, he found years ago."

"Years ago?! And in all that time, you never tried to tell me?"

Miya glowered at the woman, "I did try, I cannot tell you how many times I left you message stating 'Takami, I need you to come to the inn, there is something urgent we need to talk about.' You know what responses I got from you?"

Takami shook her, "No what?"

XXXXXXXXXXXX

Flashback

"Takami?" Miya was finally getting a response from the woman after nearly a month, "How are you? Did you-?"

"Hello, Miya, how are the kids? Are they doing well in school?"

Miya froze, "T-There fine, and doing very well in school. Is there...anything else you want to say?"

"Minaka needs you in early tomorrow, something about an inspection of the latest arrivals."

"I-I see, I will be there as early as possible...anything else. Did you...get my messages?"

"I noticed you called, is there something going on? Did my kids get in trouble at school?"

"No...they're not in trouble at school. Will you...be able to get to the inn anytime soon."

"(Sigh) No, things are crazier than ever right now and I am stretched thin. Why, did you need me there for something?"

Miya paused, "No...no, everything's fine. See you tomorrow Takami-san." Miya then hung up.

XXXXXXXXXXXX

"I realized you weren't even bothering to listen to anything I said, and if your time was so important that your couldn't even bother to pay attention to my messages, why should I bother telling you?"

Takami began to grind her teeth, "Are you KIDDING ME?! Why couldn't you have told me at work? Or while we were out with the kids?!"

"I am not discussing something this sensitive where Minaka has eyes and ears spying on everyone, and the children are forbidden to discuss anything about the Sekirei outside of this inn!"

Takami glared at her, "Is that it?! You're just making excuses, you could have found a way to tell me before now."

Miya stiffened, "Perhaps I am making excuses, still you are to blame at well, you haven't seen the children in over eight months," eight months, had it been that long? "and it takes your son getting in the news to get you here for the first time in years?"

Takami was shaking, "Why is Yukari dressed like you?"

Miya looked away, blushing slightly, "She...looks up to me, and she asked Uzume to make her a Miko outfit like mine...I didn't know what to say, I was...flattered."

Takami shook her head, "What were you thinking teaching my daughter how to fight? You know how she is!"

"I am not teaching her how to fight, I am teaching her discipline through the sword, and I must say she has come a long way."

"Oh, really?"

Miya looked Takami right in the eye, "Yes, she has. If you were paying attention, in all the time I have trained her in the sword she has not gotten into a single fight at school. She doesn't attack kids, she settles all her disputes with words, and she does not provoke the other children."

Takami smirked, "That's not what I heard, especially about Seo."

Miya shook her head, "Seo is a grown man, and she only punishes him when he is taking advantage of me and this inn. Yukari did warn him many times that if he kept it up she would start punishing him. He thought she was bluffing...but Yukari is not one to bluff."

Takami groaned, "And my son's interest in genetics?"

Miya sighed again, "That all started...after he found Takehito's notes."

Takami looked her in the eye, "How did he find out?"

Miya took a deep breath before responding, "It was...right around when Yume-chan and the others moved in..."

XXXXXXXXXXXX

Flashback

"Miya," Minato asked, "are you...and the other girls...Sekirei?"

Miya's lip quivered slightly before she finally responded, "Yes...we are Sekirei."

"Wow," Minato's eyes lit up, "this is amazing. This...this is what you, kaa-san, and the others have been doing, isn't it?"

Numbly, Miya nodded, "Yes, we have been preparing the Sekirei for the day...they can all be released to the world."

"This is incredible," Minato looked at the notes again before looking back up at Miya, "my mother...helped discover the first alien race to visit earth...but, why keep it a secret from us?"

Miya snatched up the notes, "Because...because we weren't sure that you were ready. Minato, this isn't how I wanted it to happen, you weren't supposed to find out like this," tears were starting to form in Miya's eyes.

Minato rushed to hug her, "Don't cry, Onee-san. I'm not scared of you or anything...I still love you."

Miya stiffened at that, "You...you love me?" Miya had heard those words, before, but this time it felt..different.

Minato smiled, "Of course, Onee-san...you're family."

Miya gave a small smile, "I love you too, Minato-kun."

Minato then looked into her eyes, "Onee-san, what's an...'Ashikabi'?"

Miya looked at him, "An Ashikabi is...a Sekirei's destined partner. When a Sekirei fully matures they are drawn to their ashikabi, and when they find that partner they 'wing' themselves to their ashikabi...now and forever."

"That's...amazing," He then took back the notes, read a section of them, then looked back at Miya, "Onee-san, what was it like?"

"What was what like?"

"The winging," Miya was confused, "when you winged yourself to Takehito what was it like?"

At this a few tears formed in her eyes, "Minato...I'm not like the rest of my race..."

Minato looked confused, "You're not?"

Miya shook her head, "No, I am Sekirei Number One, their Pillar and originally wielder of the God's Seat. I...don't believe I even can be winged like the rest of my race. Even if I could it would not have been possible with Takehito."

"Why not?"

"Because...Takehito was not capable of being an Ashikabi."

"I-I don't...if he was the one that you were drawn too, how could he not be an Ashikabi?"

"I was not 'drawn' to him, as I said he did not have the ability."

"So...he was just human."

At this Miya felt a small bit of anger, "He was not JUST HUMAN, he was the most amazing man I ever met and he melted my cold heart and gave it life, purpose, love!"

Minato panicked, brining up his hands, "I-I'm sorry, Onee-san, I'm just confused. You talk about Ashikabis like their the Sekirei's destined love, but you were drawn to Takehito? How was that possible? I know you loved him, but-"

"Of course I loved him," Miya took his hands, "that man brought me more joy than anyone else, before him I was...a far lesser person. I never knew laughter, love, happiness, or warmth. He might not have been and Ashikabi...but he was a truly extraordinary man."

Minato nodded, "He sounds amazing...but...why couldn't he become and Ashikabi? What makes them different from regular people?"

"I...I'm afraid I don't know. I suspect that many of the people today who can become Ashikabi are possibly descendants of former 'authority figures' of the distant past within them, but that was never proven."

Minato pondered this, "So...it in their genes?" Miya nodded, "But, what is it in their genes that allows them to be Ashikabi, what is it specifically?"

Miya simply chuckled, "I am afraid I have no idea, no one does. Takehito was studying it but he did not have the time to make it that far in his research."

Minato took back the notes and looked over them, "So...could there still be someone out there for you Onee-san? I mean you're so amazing I bet there are lots of guys who would love to be with you."

Miya gave a weary smile, "That's nice of you to say, Minato-kun, but I am afraid that my heart only belongs to Takehito...Now, there is something else I must tell you."

Minato gave her all his attention, "Yes, Onee-san?"

"You must NEVER speak of this outside of the inn, NEVER. This is a sensitive time for us and most people do not understand or a ready for it yet, that is still years away. If you do speak of it, you could get yourself, me, your mother, and everyone here in a LOT of trouble. Do you UNDERSTAND?"

Slowly, Minato nodded, "I understand, Onee-san...but...what about Yukari-chan?"

Miya raised an eyebrow, "What about her?"

"Well...what are you going to tell her about this?"

"Nothing."

"Wait, nothing?"

"That's right, Minato-kun, and you are not to tell her or any of the girls about what you learned. I do not want things to get any more complicated than they have to be." She also feared that some of the girls might take it as a sign that they can use their powers in front of him, and she did not want to freak him out with too much as once. It was all a lot to take in.

Minato rubbed the back of his head, "I-I can't lie to Yukari-chan, she knows whenever I try to lie to her, and she will press me, you know what she's like."

Miya shook her head, "I don't want her finding out until I believe she is ready."

"That might not be an option anymore Onee-san."

"Oh, and why is that?" In response, Minato picked up a large eraser and flung it at the door. There was a large 'eek' sound. Miya rushed to the door and flung it open, she saw Yukari rubbing her ear, and Matsu looking frightened, "YOU TWO! IN HERE NOW!"

"Y-Yes, Miya-sama," Matsu complied.

"Hai, Onee-chan," Yukari was still rubbing her ear, "I want to hear all about the Sekirei and my amazing Onee-chan!"

XXXXXXXXXXXX

Takami gaped at her, "So, they know all about the Sekirei, the Ashikabis, the Ship?" Miya nodded, "And...the Plan, do they know about the plan?"

To her relief Miya shook her head, "I...I couldn't bring myself to tell them about the plan, as far as they know you and the rest of MBI simply adjusting the Sekirei and preparing them to be released in Tokyo."

"And the others here? Do they-?"

"They all know about Minato and Yukari knowing they are Sekirei, and are quite happy that they don't have to hide their powers here. It shocked the two at first, but like anything they got used to it. As for winging," Miya grinned rather darkly, "they know not to even attempt it yet, I have forbidden it. If any of them wing themselves to Minato or Yukari, Minaka could see it as a sign to start the release of the Sekirei early, even when so many of them are not even fully adjusted for it. That is why I set up some rules for them: They are not to wing themselves until all of their adjustments are complete and Minato-kun is successfully in college."

Takami raised an eyebrow, "Why then? Why not when you say so?"

Miya shook her head, "I cannot keep them off the boy forever, but at least want him to be a certain age and level of maturity before they start winging themselves to him."

Takami groaned, "Please tell me none of them are reacting to them."

Miya simply smiled, "I think we both know that several of them are."

"Which ones?" She feared the answer.

"I am afraid that I am not the one to ask, some of them are reacting to him, others simply admire him. He really is a sweet boy."

Takami groaned louder, "And Yukari? Are any of them reacting to her?"

To Takami's relief Miya shook her head, "Not yet, though the only males here are Homura and occasionally Mutsu. Neither of them seem to be reacting to her, though not for lack of trying on Yukari's part."

"Look...this is...what happened to my children, why the HELL are you training Yukari in swordsmanship? Why Kendo? And...are you training Minato as well?"

Miya looked right at Takami, "Yes, I train both of them in swordsmanship, though Yukari-chan has a greater passion for it."

"Of COURSE she has a greater passion for it, you know how prone to violence she is, now you are teaching her how to fight better?"

Miya shook her head, "I am teaching her discipline, or have you not noticed that since I started teaching her she has been getting into fewer and fewer fights. She hasn't gotten in trouble, fought anyone, or provoked anyone in over a year. She's a model student. She knows not to use her skills poorly and how to settle disputes with her words"

"And Minato? What of him and swordsmanship?"

Miya giggled slightly, "Minato-kun does train, but he does not have the passion or drive that Yukari-chan has. Most of Minato-kun's passion is in his studies."

"Right...his studies. Tell me...what's with his interest in genetics? And how did my indecisive, forgetful, spineless wimp of son become so proficient at it?"

At this Miya seemed to glare a little, "Your son is one of the most brilliant minds I have ever seen, and he has such a gentle heart. Why do discourage such behavior? I think he is wonderful just the way he is?"

"And yet you seem to be changing him to your liking?"

Now Miya really was glaring, "All I have done is encourage him and given him some self-confidence. Where were you when he could have used some of that? When I first met him the poor boy could barely string any words together, and now look at him...he is now one of Japan's most recognized young names in the study of the human genome. By the time he reaches college he will on the path to a wonderful future, Tokyo U is already taking an interest in him."

"That's the problem I don't want anyone taking an interest in him. The more you draw attention to him, the more MBI and MINAKA will take an interest in him. I do not want that man to sink his claws into my children and you are making that harder and harder."

Miya continued to glare, "Minaka won't do a thing to your children, he knows better than that. The children are off limits, unless he wants to face my wrath. As for your son's interest in the subject, once he read about Ashikabis he became fascinated by them and he wondered why Takehito could not be one. He began to study Takehito's notes, and from then on began to study genetics, searching for answers. I cannot imagine how far you son will get in his research once he reaches college."

"And if my son decides to try and skip a few years and head straight to college?"

"He won't be doing that either, your son is quite obsessed with his work that while he still excels in the other fields at school it is not enough to warrant skipping a few years. Besides, his research is nowhere near ready for presenting to the college. Until then, he will remain where he is in school."

Takami shook her head, "What...what is going on with my children? Why didn't they tell me when I saw them? Why didn't they tell me then?"

"First off, it's been over eight months seen you last saw them, at a cafe, and they are told not to speak of my training, Minato's research on the subject, or anything involving the Sekirei in public where Minaka might have ears."

"Oh come on, Minaka already knows all of this, I'm sure of it!"

"There's a difference between knowing and knowing. Minaka may suspect the truth, but I will not give him any ammunition if I can help it."

Takami shook her head, "And you think you can keep it hidden after this Science Expo? Now he knows what Minato is studying."

"He knows that Minato-kun is studying genetics, he might be able to guess why, he might even be right, but I have made sure that he receives no information that confirms his suspicions."

Takami pinched the bridge of her nose, "This...this is too much. Miya I don't...don't want my kids involved in all of this."

"That was never an option, even if they weren't living here they would have gotten involved at some point, you son is an Ashikabi. One way or another he would have been drawn to the girls, and they to him."

Takami glared at the woman, and thought, 'Not if I can help it.' She then said, "Miya, I need to speak with you and the kids, now!"

Miya nodded, "I think that would be best."

XXXXXXXXXXXX

Takami sat at the table across from Miya and her children, she could not believe how much they had changed, how much Miya had changed. She had ask to speak to them, and ONLY them, so the rest of the inn's residents were not there, "I...have been caught up on events. So...you know about the Sekirei? And the Ashikabi's?" The children nodded, "As well as...what I do at MBI?"

Yukari actually smiled at this, "Yes, we know all about how you help the Sekirei," Takami flinched at that, "How you are preparing them for release, where they get to meet their destined partners," Yukari sighed, "it sounds so romantic."

Takami turned to Minato, "And your studies?"

Minato shrugged, "I...became fascinated with the Sekirei and their Ashikabis. I wanted to learn more about them, so...I began studying biology, and genetics. I found some interesting things, but I am nowhere near a definite answer."

Takami shook her head, "And the reason none of you told me any of this? Like you and Yukari training in swordsmanship?"

Yukari huffed, "I used to send you messages about my training and my winning kendo tournaments. When you weren't responding...I gave up."

Minato shrugged, "I sent you messages about science fairs and the expo, I just figured you were too busy to respond."

Takami lowered her head, where they telling the truth? She took a deep breath, "After hearing all of this, I have come to a decision, you two...are going back to live with your grandmother." What followed was a silence that was almost deadening."

"WHAT!?"

Takami stood her ground, "I do not like where this is heading...you are attracting too much attention, and I am afraid where that will lead, so I think it's best..."

"NO!" Yukari shouted at her, "I am NOT leaving this inn, I love it here, I love everyone here. You can't make me leave."

Miya just stared at her, tears flowing from her eyes, "Takami, PLEASE, don't take them from me, I...I love them. I can't bear the thought of losing them."

Takami glared at her, "That is not your decision to make, now go upstairs and pack your-"

"I AM NOT LEAVING!" Yukari was standing now, her hands turning into fists, "What's my favorite food?"

Takami blinked, "W-What?"

Yukari continued to glare, "What's my favorite food? How long have I been studying swordsmanship? Who are my friends?"

"I-I don't..."

"Oh, how are Riana and Hisa?"Miya asked.

"They're fine," replied Yukari before turning back to Takami, "You don't know anything about me, NOTHING, and now you think you know what's best for me? Well, I'M STAYING!" She then sat down, arms crossed refusing to look at her.

Takami turned to her son, releasing the full power of her demonic aura, "Minato, go upstairs, pack your things, and come back down. You are going back to your grandmothers tonight." To her immense shock, it did not work.

Her son did not flinch, he did not even seems to get angry, he simply responded, "Kaasan, why do we need to leave? We're doing so well here, I am on the path into getting into Tokyo U? I am friends, and a new family here? Why do you need us to leave? Why are you so upset?"

Takami was shaking, what was going on? Since when did her son stand up to her, and the calm way he was responding was infuriating. It was almost as if he was talking down to her, and that look he was giving her, it was like he was...disappointed in her. Takami was furious, "Because I don't like the way this is going, or how Miya is influencing you, and if you think you can override-"

"I won't let you," Takami saw Miya speak up.

"Excuse me?!"

"I won't let you take them from me," Miya's eye suddenly went cold, and Takami was reminded of another time in her life.

XXXXXXXXXXXX

Miya stood atop the cliff on Kamikura island, looking down at her fellow squad members, "We will not let them take this island!"

XXXXXXXXXXXX

Takami glared at Miya, shaking slightly, "Like hell you will! They are leaving and that's-"

"NO!" Takami heard a cry and saw Musubi and Kaho rushing through the door, hugging the woman, "Takami-sama, please, PLEASE don't take Minato-sama away, Musubi doesn't want him to go, Musubi cares about him." Tears were flowing down Musubi's eyes.

Kaho was in tears as well, "Takami-sama, they're our friends, were care so much about them, please don't make them leave, we-we'll do whatever you want but please don't make them leave."

Takami looked up at the now open door, all the other Sekirei were there, some (such as Homura and Yume) looked sad, others (such as Tsukiumi, Matsu, and the twins) were glaring at her. Kazehana looked downright murderous, like she wanted to smash Takami's face in.

Yukari finally looked at Takami again "If you make us leave, I'll never speak to you again!" She pointed to Miya, "Onee-chan's been more of a mother to us than you ever were Takami!"

If someone had stabbed her the heart it would not have hurt as bad as what Yukari just said, "WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY TO ME?!" Tear were openly flowing down her eyes.

"YUKARI!" To everyone's shock, it was Minato who was yelling, "Apologize!"

Yukari looked away, "NO! In fact," She hugged Miya, "Will you be my kaasan? Can I change my name to 'Asama Yukari' and make it official?"

Miya looked at her, "I-I don't that's a good-"

"YOU'RE MY DAUGHTER!" Takami was beside herself.

Yukari glared at the woman, "Not to me, you're just some lady who talks to us sometimes!"

Takami was shaking, "Yukari...please...I love you..."

"Then let us stay, kaasan!" The way she said it, hurt.

Eyes now red, Takami glared at her, "Fine, FINE! You want to stay so bad? Fine, but I will NOT be supporting this!"

"That's fine," Miya said, "I get plenty of fund from MBI for my work."

Takami was beyond angry now, "I'll still pay for their school, but I expect TOP MARKS from both of them! And let me make one other thing clear. When it comes to Tokyo U they get one chance, ONE CHANCE, to get in. If they fail, that's it, no second chances. Got it?"

Yukari just glared at her. Minato looked her calmly, and nodded, "Hai, kaasan."

Takami pointed to Yukari, "And you are not changing your name to 'Asama' are we clear."

Miya said nothing, but gave a small nod. Yukari stuck out her tongue, "Sure, Takami, but when I turn Eighteen, no promises." A miniature Hannya mask formed behind Yukari, much to Takami's horror.

Tears were forming again, "I...I am proud of you. Both of you, but I don't agree with this." She then got up, and left. All the while many of the Sekirei were glaring at her as she walked out of the inn.

XXXXXXXXXXXX

That night

"Takami, it's Miya. I need you to come to the inn, there is something urgent we need to talk about."

"Takami, where are you? I really need to speak with you, and I cannot tell you over the phone, please come to the inn."

"Kaasan, Onee-chan's teaching me how to use a shinai, you have to see this, it's wonderful. I'm entering my first tournament next month! Please be there!"

"Kaasan! I did it, I won first place at the Kendo Tournament, My First First Place trophy. If you come to the inn, I'll show you how I won."

"Kaasan, I got another first place trophy. Yippee, sorry I'm not enthusiastic, but...where are you?"

"Kaasan, I don't know if you are listening, but I mastered a new form, not that you seem to care, but...maybe your busy. If you are, please tell me."

"Kaasan, It's Minato. I'm...entering the Youth Science Expo and...it would mean a lot if you were there. If can make it, please come."

They were there, all the messages, all the voicemails. Crammed between the hundreds of daily calls, messages, and voicemails from MBI. She never really paid attention to them before. She simply noticed that she missed their calls, and made a note to call them to say hello. They weren't hiding it from her, they just gave up trying to tell her.

Sitting at her desk, head lowered, hands running through her hair, tears flowing from her eyes. Her children were growing up, they were becoming better people. Her son was now displaying a brilliant mind, all without her. "What have I done?" Was she really that bad a mother? Granted, she had always devoted most of her energy to her work, but she always knew she loved her kids and believed that she had their best interests at heart. Now...she didn't know what to think. She pulled out a cigarette and prepare to light it, when she stopped. She then opened a drawer and pulled out a large bottle of Sake. She got it as a gift at the last Christmas party...or was it the one before that? Shaking her head she popped open the bottle, and not even bother to pour, began downing contents of the bottle.

On that day a rift had formed. A rift between Takami...and her children.

XXXXXXXXXXXX

Wow, that was long. Also, very dark at the end. Sorry it took so long, but I have other obligations. I do hope you like it. Also, I have some other story ideas. I am not sure that any of them are good, or if I will even get to them anytime soon, but I would love your opinion. Please keep in mind, this is not a poll or anything. I just want to know what people think of some of my ideas, I had them on the backburner for a while. I hope you enjoyed this chapter.

I Am Here For You

After the attempted force winging of Kusano by Mikogami, Takami runs into Shiina as he flees to find her. Takami tries to stop him but they get into a fight and he runs off. Contemplating what the boy has said to her, and looking at a picture of her with her children, Takami comes to a decision. When she asks Homura to protect Kusano, she also asks Homura to take her with him. "Take care of your business by yourself at any means, it's time I started practicing what I preach." What might have been had Takami gotten involved.

Double Winging

After Minato fails the college entrance exam the first time, his mother cuts his allowance and he needs to get a job. A chance encounter gets him a job at a hospital where he befriends a girl named Chiho. After Uzume finds and falls in love with Chiho she befriends Minato and they get along well. In secret, she works for Higa, until one day changed it all. Kazehana, Uzume's 'Oneechan' meets observes Chiho one day and discovers that she is reacting to Minato. After winging herself to him she meets Chiho and gives a formal introduction. Now that she knows Minato is an Ashikabi she confesses what she suspects Uzume is up too. Minato and Kazehana get Chiho out of the hospital and to MBI where Minato finds out the truth about his mother and after a fight she agrees to help Chiho. When Uzume learns of this, she kisses Minato and tells him that she loves him for what he has done. Chiho's encouraging words, along with some manipulation, give Minato the drive to successfully pass the entrance exam on his second attempt. The next night, when Chiho is doing better, Uzume (after getting permission from Kazehana) takes both her and Minato to a motel where they make love together. The next morning Uzume gives him a good-morning kiss only to discover that the impossible has happened, Uzume has somehow been winged a second time...by Minato!

Welcome To The Game

Takehito could not get into the building the night of the Jinki incident (due to new security measures Minaka set up) and Takami is the one who has to stop it ("I am an Ashikabi, it won't affect me when I reverse it." "It won't matter! If you get that close, activated or not, the Jinki will know you are an Ashikabi and tear at your heart.") She is successful, but then collapses to her death. She leaves her children with Takehito (per her Will) and Minaka begs to be a part of the family. When Takehito refuses, Minaka makes a compromise: Allow him to at least meet the children every now and then (just as a friend of the family) and he will turn the Sekirei Plan into a tournament (yes I got the tournament idea from Lord of the Land of Fire). Takehito reluctantly agrees, and from then on the children live at the inn, while also spending time with Minaka. Takehito could not resist and experimented on the kids, giving them powers much like Seo. (Minato can sense the locations of Sekirei and when he touches them has the ability to calm them down and allows them to think clearly; Yukari can gauge a Sekirei's power and can greatly increase a Sekirei's abilities, though it puts them in a berserker state). Years later, Minaka announces the start of the tournament, and to Takehito's and Miya's horror, he announces that the winner will be allowed to ask for anything they want, and if Minaka can make it happen he will. Now Minato, Yume, and the rest of his Sekirei must face off against the powerful Karasuba, a cowering Matsu, several other Sekirei, and their greedy, possessive Ashikabi...Yukari! (Yes, in this story Yukari is the antagonist, due to Minaka's influence).

Well? What do you think? Do any of these ideas sound good? Also, if anyone wants to co-author it, please let me know.

Once again, I do hope you liked this chapter. I am going to have one more chapter at this point in time, and then another time skip. I really want to get to the winging, but I have so much to do before then. Also, due to the length of this chapter, please let me know if you see any problems.