Two days after my attack, I still feel a little pain. That kick really hurt me. But I do know that Nanami-san is feeling bad about it. I've tried to reassure her that it wasn't her fault, yet she doesn't believe me at all. Nanami-san… I wish I was stronger for you, and for Kuno-san. I'm pathetic as an Ashikabi. I can't even just stay out of the way, when Sekirei are charging at me. But there's something I should be able to do.
Yes, even I can do something that no one else can. But what is that? What can I do for my Sekirei that no one else would be able to do? Is it just to be there for them? I can be there for them but in the end, what does that matter? If they get terminated, then what is there for me at the end? I don't wish to lose my Sekirei. Nanami-san and Kuno-san both are good girls...
But, I have been having dreams lately. Maybe for the past 3 or so days. It's always the same. A dream about a lonely girl who is sitting, lonely and just looking at the ground. But when she sees me, she keeps saying that no one could… no one could… ugh! I can't remember what she said about no one could do something. But, I could see a very lonely girl who… ummmm, I don't know exactly what happened but… strange indeed. And the worst thing is, I can't remember the features of this girl. But it was almost like it was… she was calling… calling out to… calling...
"Nanami-san..."
"Totsuka-sama… I'm so sorry. Because of me, she did this to you. Made you feel pain like this. I-I am...Totsuka-sama is..."
She mumbled, with teary eyes. Whenever I try to talk to her, all she says is sorry to me. I hugged Nanami-san tightly to comfort her. To make her see that she didn't do anything wrong. She didn't do anything wrong. She did everything right. She protected me from Toyotama. I don't expect her to take on two aliens at once. It's impossible. I couldn't do anything anyway.
"Nanami-san, don't be so silly. You are so cute sometimes. The way you just think that this is your fault. You know, it isn't your fault. It's my fault."
"No! It isn't Totsuka-sama's fault! You didn't do anything!"
I smiled to myself discreetly. If she won't listen to me then she will have to listen to logic, won't she? I placed a hand on her cheek, and stroked it gently.
"Then who's fault is it?"
"Toyotama's and No. 18, Ichiya's fault!"
"Then why are you blaming yourself?"
She opened her eyes wide, and her body shook a little. She then looked at me.
"I don't know. I feel like it is my fault somehow. If I..."
Bonk!
"Oww! Totsuka-sama! Don't bonk my head please!"
I rubbed her head with a smile and then kissed the top of her head in a comforting manner. Her face turned a crimson colour at my small kiss.
"Sorry. But you are doing it again. Blaming yourself for something that isn't your fault. I'm fine, for the post part. Just a little sore, that's all. But what about you? You got cut by that bitch. Are you feeling well?"
"I am, Totsuka-sama. Thank you for your concern. Totsuka-sama, this might be forward but… can I have a… kiss? Just a little kiss if that's fine?"
I chuckled and got close to her lips with my own, just hovering around her face, breathing slowly.
"Nanami-san..."
"Totsuka-sama… I love you.. .so much..."
"I love you..."
Even though those words came out of my mouth, I don't regret them. Before, I've never had anyone to say "I love you" too before. But saying it to Nanami-san is right. It feels natural. It feels good. Just saying it at all makes my heart beat faster and faster. Nanami-san...
"Totsuka-sama. That's the first time you've said that to me."
I blushed up a storm. Yeah, I did just say that for the first time. That's because it's the first time that I can say it confidently. I can say that I love Nanami-san because she is someone who cares about me enough to risk her life for me.
"It's because it's true. I don't know why it just came out, but I meant every word of it. The words I meanbare true. I do love Nanami-san very much. You are my Sekirei after all, and I am glad you chose me to be your Ashikabi. I might not be the best Ashikabi out there but you chose me so I won't let you down." I said, looking downwards. I want to try my best, but is it good enough? I don't know, but I will make sure that my best is good enough! It has to be good enough! Even if it isn't good enough now, it will be in the future! I will try my hardest to become a great Ashikabi!
"Totsuka-sama is the best Ashikabi-sama. Totsuka-sama is Totsuka-sama after all. So caring, loving, tender. He's everything a great Ashikabi-sama is. I wish to always be with Totsuka-sama. And, even if I didn't react to Totsuka-sama, I think that if I was a human, I would've fallen in love with Totsuka-sama for his kind heart anyway."
Her words brought tears to my eyes. She said something so lovely. She is so nice. I love her so much. She's always trying her best for me. The words could be considered "Killing words" as in the way she said them, just made me feel so much love. Love, coming from her.
"Here Nanami-san, I will kiss you."
"Thank you, Totsuka-sama."
I leaned in, cupped her face gingerly and captured her lips with my own. I fainted when I kissed her before, but this time isn't the time to faint. It is a time to share our love for one another. I never thought I would find love with someone, yet I've found Nanami-san and Kuno-san also...
Our lips move in rhythm with one another's in a loving embrace. I brought her closer as her Sekirei crest let out a shine. Wings of pure blue light come out of her Sekirei crest. They spread out, and flap a little.
They are beautiful. So widespread and I'm in awe of them. But I turned my attention to Nanami-san. Nanami-sans tongue entered my mouth, exploring it carefully. I looked her in the eyes and slightly forced my own tongue into her own mouth.
We stayed in our embrace for a minute, just taking everything in. The love we share, the comfort it brings for us. Everything. It's so warm, bright and...
"Totsuka-sama..."
"Nanami-san… I think we should go downstairs for breakfast."
"Yes! We should!"
So, we stood up and started going towards the door that leads from my bedroom to the corridor. I pulled open the door but my foot got caught on something and I fell forward!
Fall! Grope!
"Mmmmm..."
I landed on something soft. I don't know what it is as my eyes are closed. It's kind of a reflex of mine. I just close my eyes when something bad happens to me. I wish it away. But I can't wish this away.
But what am I on? A… body I think. But I felt something really soft in my hand, something like a marshmallow. And my head is also resting on something soft like a marshmallow… but if I am on somebody then...
I strengthened my resolve, and opened my closed eyes. When I did, I immediately blushed a little. For I am groping a beautiful girl. A beautiful light silver haired girl that has dark brown eyes that appear to have a reddish tint to them. Or that's what my perception is anyway.
She is wearing a long sleeved white T-shirt that looks a little tight on her body. The top button, casually undone. She is also wearing black skinny jeans that reach just above her ankles. A-And, she has a nice body type. She doesn't have a huge bust like Uzume-san, but she has a nicely shaped body and her bust size isn't small, it's quite big. I would say around Nanami-san size maybe?
Either way, she is looking at me with a slight blush. I raised a hand to my face, and got off her body without saying a word. I don't really know who this girl is but she must… she must be Kagari-san!
"...Sorry..." I muttered out. I didn't know what else to say so I said that. Nanami-san behind me, comes over and hugs me from behind, pressing her breasts into my back! I blushed up a storm… seriously? Each time I do things like this, I blush so immensely.
"I-It… wasn't a problem. But, you should watch where you are going."
I hung my head low and gave a small nod. Of course she would say something like that. But that voice sounded vaguely familiar. Where have I heard that before? Meh, I guess it doesn't matter. Although it really does sound familiar...
"Y-Yes. You are right. My name is Hidaka Totsuka. Pleased to meet you."
"Aah, I see. So you are the new resident. My name is Kagari, Hidaka-san. Nice to meet you also."
I smiled upwards and stood up as did she. I stuck out my hand and went for a handshake. Seeing that, she also stuck out her hand and took it in mine, shaking it gently.
"Say, um...I know we have just met but… you sound strangely familiar to me..."
"Ehehehe! I-I do huh? W-Well, I have one of those voices I guess. Anyway, if you'll excuse me."
"Okay! I hope to speak again!"
She flashed me a smile, then she went towards the stairs, and disappeared from sight. What a nice girl. She had a nice tone and nice posture. I wish to speak with her again, and get to know her like I know Uzume-san.
Speaking of, I really should be going downstairs now, as I have to go to school soon!
...Later on, I had left for school along with Kuno-san and Nanami-san who were both holding one of my hands tightly. Breakfast was pretty uneventful, besides the fight about feeding me again. Uzume-san also teased me again, which made me nose bleed when she offered to do ecchi things with me. Yeah, my Sekirei girls didn't like that.
"Totsuka-sama, after school, can we get ice cream?"
"Can we Hidaka-san!?"
Not only Nanami-san, but also Kuno-san have asked me for something. I'm happy that they have. Because until now, they have only been following my 'orders' but now they feel comfortable with just asking me about a simple thing like ice cream. Hey, it's a first step and I'm glad they have taken it.
"Yes, of course we can!"
""Yay!""
Hehe, so funny these Sekirei of mine. But they are becoming more assertive and more confident with their ways. Nanami-san was always confident but she's more confident with talking to me like we are equals instead of Master/Servant and Kuno-san, while not really seeing me as a Master, she has become more open with me. Being able to talk more freely, and showing less fear of things. And thanks to them, I have also grown as a person. Not much, but I've become a little less frightened of things. And even kissing, I don't faint! Although it comes close to it, I don't actually faint...
I then suddenly stopped. That park. It has a… coldness coming from it. Even though it is a warm day, it feels like an extremely cold chill is coming from that direction.
"Totsuka-sama, is something wrong?"
Nanami-san worriedly asked. I shook my head.
"Nothing. But, don't you feel coldness coming from that park?"
She tilted her head, and shook it.
"Not really. It looks and feels the same as everywhere else today. What about you Kuno-chan? Can you feel anything different?"
I looked at Kuno-san, who just shook her head rapidly.
"No! I-I don't feel anything different coming from that park!"
They both don't? I do. I feel like something is there. Something is there and wants me to go and see it...
Without realizing it, I had started walking in that direction. I don't know why, but I feel drawn to this location. Even yesterday, walking past this park made me want to go inside, but it wasn't as strong as it was today.
"Totsuka-sama… you'll be late for school."
"I know. And it's okay. For some reason, I feel like I have to come this way. You know, like something is pulling me this way."
We entered the park, and I followed my instincts and went through the practically deserted park. I didn't expect it to be populated anyway. But why am I being pulled this way? Why does it feel like I have to come this way...?
Five minutes. We walked for that amount of time. I was almost like in a trance, just following the feeling that has been pulling me here until now. I almost need to come this way and...
"Ah..."
I stopped. I stopped when I heard a noise. I looked in the direction of the noise, and saw that a girl was sitting on a bench. A girl that has short light brown hair and she is wearing what appears to be a doctor's coat that… has blood on it! S-She… what happened to her?
"Totsuka-sama..."
"Hidaka-san..."
"Lets go!"
They nodded, and rushed over. Getting in front of her, she looks at me, with a completely blank expression. But, seeing her face now, there's no denying it. This scene is exactly like the one from my dreams. The girl of my dreams so to speak.
"H-Hello there..."
"Ah… are you an Ashikabi...?"
I nodded at her. But then I noticed on her forehead. There's like a tattoo there. If I remember correctly, then this tattoo looks exactly like a Sekirei crest. But, this one is different. It's on her forehead. Nanami-sans and Kuno-sans are not on the forehead, rather at the back of their bodies. Why is hers so different?
"I am..."
"Ah… I see. These girls… must be your Sekireis. It must be nice… being wanted."
I tilted my head to the side in a confused manner.
"What do you mean? Aren't you wanted?"
"Ah… no. I am… a scraped product. I'm broken… never to be wanted. No one needs me… no one wants me."
"Why are you broken? I don't understand."
With a slight pause, the girl lifts up her hand, and points to her Sekirei crest on her forehead. That mean she's broken? I don't understand. Why would that mean she is broken?
"Ah… this means I can't be winged… by an Ashikabi. I… can't be of use to anyone. My… adjustments went wrong and… this happened..."
She thinks that because she can't be winged, she isn't wanted? But, adjustments? What does that mean? Something went wrong in her… adjustments, whatever that is, and now she can't be winged? Has anyone done this to her?
Has Minaka done something to make her feel like this? How cruel. If he has, then he is quite disgusting indeed. Making her think that she isn't wanted because she can't be winged. But I don't know her name… I will rectify that right now.
"... What's your name?"
"Ah… Akitsu."
"Akitsu-san, it's a pretty name for someone so pretty. But, I dreamed about you. That might sound a little weird but I've had dreams about you before. I felt how lonely you felt with my own soul. Ehehe, maybe that's a little weird to say but, that's what I felt."
Akitsu-san here lifts up her head, and looks at me with complete shock. Did I say something weird? Even Nanami-san and Kuno-san have shocked expressions.
"Totsuka-sama, you dreamed about… Akitsu-san here?"
"I did. Is that strange?"
"Very. Usually, when an Ashikabi dreams about a Sekirei, it means that a bond is forming, or so I hear. But Akitsu-san said that she is broken, and I've heard rumours that a Sekirei with a crest on her head can't be winged, yet you are having dreams about Akitsu-san here. So, is it possible that you can wing Akitsu-san here...?"
Possible? Is it possible? I don't know.
"Ah… you really dreamed about me?"
"I-I did yes. I couldn't remember your face until seeing you. But now seeing you, it's undeniable. Akitsu-san..."
"Heh! This is strange. A 12 year old with a strong Sekirei like her. How foolish."
A voice from behind me. A pompous voice at that. So I turned behind me to see a boy around my age. He's dressed all in white. I get the rich kid thing from him. Never worked a day in his life, from the looks of his posture. Behind him, are several women. But, what is he doing here?
"Did you just call me 12, boy?"
"Isn't that what you are?"
"No… I am older than that. But, what are you doing here?"
I agitatedly spoke to him. He sneered at me then moved a little closer.
"That one is mine. She's going to be added to my collection."
Collection? Why put it like that? They aren't collective items. They are people!
"Excuse me, but why did you just refer to her as something to collect?"
"That's what Sekireis are for, you know? Don't you even know. The more Sekireis you have the better. That's why, I will be taking that one with me, or I will take her by force."
"F-Force? You wont take anyone by force! If she wanted to go with you, then that would be a different thing, but I will never allow you to forcibly take her away like that."
He waved his hands, and those girls from the shadows all started coming forward. Ehehe, I am a little frightened now. If I'm right, then he's an Ashikabi and they are his Sekirei. He has, I count at least 5 but maybe more. And I have two… yeah, this isn't a fair fight at all.
Nanami-san and Kuno-san, on shaky legs, get into defensive positions. Even though Kuno-san has admitted that she can't really fight that well, she is trying her best for me also. W-Well, I will also!
I got in front of Akitsu-san and spread out my arms wide, as if to say that he isn't crossing this line. If Akitsu-san wished to go with him, then I don't have any rights in this, but he can't just take her by force.
"Hehe, even trying to defend her now."
"I will when you are like that! You can't make people do as you wish!"
I then turned to Akitsu-san.
"D-Do you want to go with him? Or, do you want to stay here, with me? Or to go out on your own? Either of the last two will be enough for me to defend you."
Akitsu-san gripped her chest, as a dark red coloured crept its way onto her face. Her face is neutral like always, but she is… if I am not mistaken, she is blushing?