The Snow Ashikabi

Phase Call

"In other news, MBI militia has started seizing control of all roads leading out of the city."  

After the excitement last night, of rescuing Yahan and Kazehana’s rather abrupt entrance into my apartment, I woke up at my usual time. I guess my body is just used to getting up early to go to work. After doing my morning routine, I had to come downstairs and am now watching the morning news. 

'So, 90% of the Sekirei have found their Ashikabi,' I think to myself, realizing that Minaka had started Stage 2.

"We now go live to MBI headquarters, where we have gotten an exclusive interview with Minaka Hiroto, Chief Executive Officer and founder of MBI."  

The news cuts over to a live feed of Minaka, who is sitting at his desk in his office. "Hello, ladies and gentlemen. Many of you are probably wondering why I have started closing off the exits to the city. I can assure you that everything is fine, but soon the city will become the stage for a grand performance." 

Minaka's words only assure me that I was right in my assumptions.

"Fret not dear people, the checkpoints I have set up are designed to impair only the participants of this performance. Anyone that is not a part of this is free to come and go as they please. For any participants watching this, I will have a nice announcement for you within the hour." 

The video of Minaka goes black, before it cuts back to the news. As the reporter starts speaking again I hear a voice from behind me. "Fuck, my head… It's like someone inside is hitting it with a thousand tiny hammers..." 

I look back to see Kazehana at the bottom of the steps. She was clutching her head in pain. Considering how drunk she was last night, I can only imagine what her hangover is like. "How are you feeling, Kazehana?" 

"Other than the fact that my head feels like it's ready to explode, I'm fine," she replies as she walks up, behind me. 

As she says that, Haruhime comes from the bathroom. "Oh my god, you're up! I was so worried."

"Yes, I'll be fine," Kazehana says, turning towards Haruhime.

"Great! By the way, I'm Number Twenty-Five, Haruhime! What's your name, and number? And type, if it's okay to ask?" 

I could tell that Haruhime was extremely excited. She always seems to like meeting new people, she's like a big kid.

"Number Three, Kazehana. It's nice to meet you. As for my powers..." She mischievously holds a hand to her mouth. "I'm an element-type."

"Ooo, really? Which element?"

"The element... of surprise."

Haruhime laughs as Akitsu looks over from the TV. "Number Seven Akitsu," she says, turning back almost instantly. 

Yahan, who had insisted on making breakfast, yells from the kitchen,

"Number Fifty-Seven Yahan!"

Kazehana winces, clutching her forehead. It's then that Matsu comes out of her room, stopping dead in her tracks when she notices our guest. "What are you doing here, Kazehana?" 

Kazehana seems less hungover when she sees her. "Ahh, Matsu. Long time no see! How have you been?"

"Fine, but answer the question!" Matsu replies, raising her voice.  

Back to Hangover, Germany she goes, wincing again. "Is that any way to treat an old friend? But if you must know, I was in the neighborhood after having a little bit too much to drink last night. This young lady-" She points to me. "-was kind enough to take me in."