Sekirei: Be The One!

Bottle 3: Moving Forward

It was supposed to be a simple day, but Isamu would find a residence to live with his Seikrei. Unfortunately, life is complicated. While gaining a new residence, he meets his neighbor, a Sekirei named Tsukiumi, and her Ashikabi, named Tatsuo Hoshina. The two were arguing over trivial things until Tatsuo told her their friend Junpei had gone missing. This leads to a search however, Tatsuo and Tsukiumi face the Burn Smash and fight him, nearly losing their lives until Isamu and Musubi stepped in to help, and the fight becomes one-sided in Isamu's favor. Not only that the Smash was none other than Junpei, but tragedy happened as it was discovered that he was only Hazard Level 1, meaning he wasn't going to survive. Tatsuo and Tsukiumi could only say goodbye to their old friend as they couldn't do anything to save him. With such a tragedy, the only thing everyone can do is hopefully move forward.

Izumo Inn
It has been a week since the funeral of Junpei. The Izumo Inn was silent as the usual arguing of Tatsuo and Tsukiumi was not heard. Inside the Inn, Tatsuo was looking at the picture of his best friend, Junpei.

Tatsuo: How did it end up like this? Here I thought the world couldn't get any shittier with its sick sense of humor.....

Tatsuo continued to look at the picture, and the door to his room opened with Tsukiumi bringing his lunch.

Tsukiumi: Tatsuo, I have brought you some food to nourish you.

Tatsuo: Huh? Oh, you can leave it on the desk over there.

Tsukiumi nodded before putting on his desk but as she did the Sekirei could see the sadness on her Ashikabi's face. Tsukiumi then walks over to Tatsuo before placing her hand on his shoulder.

Tsukiumi: You know what's funny? Junpei always called us an old married couple. He told us we should get along more.

Tatsuo: I think he just said that because he thought you'd be dumb enough to date me. Probably saw you hadn't run away after a day and a half of being stuck with me and thought you were my only hope.

Tsukiumi giggled, hearing that before a sad expression spread across her face.

Tsukiumi: I miss Junpei too, Tatsuo. You aren't alone, as I am your wife.

Tatsuo looked over his shoulder at Tsukiumi, a slightly irritated expression on his face.

Tatsuo: Okay seriously what's your deal?

Tsukiumi: Pardon, what do you mean, Tatsuo?

Tatsuo grit his teeth in mild frustration, ever since the junkyard Tsukiumi has been acting weird.

Tatsuo: You keep going on about this husband and wife nonsense, you haven't called me a heathen, barbarian, or an uncouth degenerate. Did you hit your head or something?

Tsukiumi: Because Miya told me you think I hate you. I know we argue, but I have never hated you. I was drawn to you for a reason. You have a spark that can turn into a flame. You show no fear or hesitation in standing up to me. You are a Sekirei capable of ending someone with ease.

Tatsuo snorted at Tsukiumi's words, shaking his head in mild amusement.

Tatsuo: You're barking up the wrong tree Water Witch, a highschool dropout like me is all those fancy insults you sling my way. Seriously I ain't worth half of those fancy boots you wear, much less having this potential you keep talking about.

Tsukiumi: That is why I keep arguing with you. You allow yourself to think that, but worse, believe it. Both Junpei and I saw you can be better. While I must apologize for being angry at you, I still believe you can be better. You and Junpei were fighters so why not fight to be better?