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Fateful Ashikabi, Chapter 6, Past Shadows 1/2.
🕑 Added 2024-05-10 19:26:25 +0000 UTCOutskirts of Tokyo, 2013.
It was a beautiful sunny and peaceful day as a luxurious limousine made its way along the forest road. Harry sat inside with Akitsu and Matsu on either side of him. Rie and Nora sat opposite of them.
Right now they were on their way to the last of NswF facilities, having visited the others before to distribute the changed contract. It went much better than Harry had expected. The Blood Quill used for signing the new contracts allowed him to do even more with them. Namely linking all to a scroll with every employee's name on it. If the name was green then everything was in order and no violation occurred. Red stood for having exposed secrets to an outsider.
'Luckily, no one else besides Rie saw the fight,' Harry thought, relieved to not have had to resort to the Obliviate spell. Thankfully, his temporary Muggle-Repelling Ward on the room did keep most other employees away. As it turned out Nora and Shiori were Squibs and were unaffected by the ward itself. Not to mention that apparently a Neogene going out of control wasn't unusual, causing every worker present on the same floor to either ignore it or leave upon hearing the commotion. Simply assuming it had been taken care of once the noise stopped.
After their talk Harry had proposed an Unbreakable Vow to Rie if she did not want to be fired or killed. It stated that she was not allowed to expose magic, any of his secrets or try to intentionally harm or betray him and his loved ones in any way. Something she agreed easily enough to. Apparently the avenue of studying magic in a scientific light proved too much of an incentive. Besides, he kinda needed someone that knew the company's ins and outs.
Harry looked at the woman that currently occupied his thoughts. She was busy looking at the scroll he had created. Somehow looking years younger and already at work to expose any traitors. All the while mumbling to herself, "Fascinating," and other stuff that was too low to make out. The last Potter could practically see her mind working, reminding him of another woman obsessed with research and learning.
He shook his head to banish these thoughts and inquired about something else he noticed. "By the way, I could not help but wonder why there are exclusively women working at the facilities of NswF we visited so far. Why is that?" he had his suspicions, but nothing else. There had been scientists in the typical white coats. Lab assistants seemed to wear white pants and shirts. While the general workers wore pink of all things. But all of them were women no matter what.
Rie, checking the marvelous piece of parchment, explained absent-mindedly, "The late Furumizu suffered from a superiority complex coupled with an inferiority complex. He also was a misogynist at heart. Yet, he also believed himself to be undesirable and imperfect due to his infertility and blamed that on his mother. Which later on spread out to all other women. As to why he only employed women in the places he worked most; it was so he could order them around and gain a sense of power over them." her eyes still roaming over the parchment in wonder. "His hatred for women in general went so far that he expressed disgust for the process of natural childbirth. Most likely also stemming from the fact that he himself couldn't impregnate a woman naturally."
"Uh, alright then. It sounds like he was a real piece of work," Harry replied nonplussed and added. "Any reason you know so much about the mental state of your late boss?" Very much not believing that the now deceased Furumizu would've shared that with her.
Rie snorted derisively, still not looking up. "You have no idea! He may have been a smart man, but that didn't make him any less pathetic." Evidently there was no love lost between her and her late employer. "And I know so much about it because I read his psychological profile form his youth." it wasn't that difficult to get a hold of it. "Why did you think his will explicitly stated that it needs to be a male heir?"
Nora did not say anything in the dead man's defense, only cementing Rie's words with her silence.
"What do you mean?" interjected a confused Matsu. "I thought that he couldn't have children. Why would he specify that a male heir inherits everything?" Besides her Harry was just as lost. Admittedly he didn't read the full thing and simply went with what the goblins told him. Questioning good or bad fortune always brought him more trouble.
Rie seemed as confused as the people opposite of her before she remembered that they did not know everything. "Oh right, you don't know." she motioned to Nora and Shiori, explaining. "Every Neogene is the biological daughter of Furumizu. Made by combining his genes with a donor's egg cell through genetic engineering."
That did clear up the confusion a little bit, but not all of it. "Still, it sounds like he intentionally created girls only to spite them later on? It seems kind of convoluted and stupid to me. Why not simply donate it all to some charity?" Harry wondered out loud. Something else niggled at the back of his mind, but he couldn't pinpoint what exactly.
"Indeed," Matsu concurred, snuggling close again together with Akitsu. Contrary to what his rough appearance suggested he was surprisingly nice to hug and snuggle too.
Rie rolled her eyes. "I told you he hated women with a passion. I have no idea what his exact reasons were and have no intention of finding out. He's dead and that's all that matters."
Deciding to change the subject and calm Rie down, Harry inquired. "What about my identification and other documents?" when he wanted to live in the Muggle World he needed the correct documents. "How long until they're finished?"
Finished with looking it over Nishida rolled the parchment up and put it inside her lab-coat. "It would go faster if you had at least some of it on hand or a way to procure it." it was plain ridiculous that he didn't even have a birth certificate.
Harry shrugged. "I doubt my relatives kept anything like that. It's more likely they burned it while dancing around the fire. They never gave any of it to me either way." probably to keep him out of their 'normal' world. He scowled at that a little. Akitsu and Matsu instinctively went to console him. Left of him Akitsu went right to kissing his neck and nibbling a little on it. Harry simply raised an eyebrow at her but did not try to stop her. Instead he chose to stroke the small of her back in return.
Matsu, on the other hand, was hugging his right arm while leaning her head on his shoulders. Her mind elsewhere as her fingers lightly traced the scar that spelled out 'I must not tell lies'. It seemed not particularly faded, but not fresh either. The Sekirei of Wisdom wondered just where he got such a scar from. While another part of her wanted to utterly ruin the person who did this to her Ashikabi.
Rie simply sighed and nodded. "It can't be helped then." it wasn't like producing documentation for someone was outside of her power. NswF had done it quite regularly due to the Neogenes, after all. Now it was Rie's turn to ask questions. "By the way, why did you not sell that gem in your eye to get out of debt?" she knew his general history, but not nearly enough in her opinion.
"Multiple reasons, really. Firstly, it was a gift and selling such a personal one would be an insult. Secondly, it wouldn't have given me all that much in the magical world when compared to my debt. Thirdly, selling magical items to Muggles is prohibited by magical law, so that avenue was also blocked. Fourthly, I need it to have depth perception," Harry answered easily. He had thought about doing so a few times, but being caught selling magical things to Muggles would've only increased the amount of shit he would have been forced to deal with.
"I see. It'd be interesting to visit this magical world." The researcher could only imagine what kind of data she might find. She came back out of her mind just as the vehicle came to a stop. "We're here."
Everyone stepped out into the spring sun's warm embrace, happy rays greeting them with enthusiasm. The building itself was made out of the same materials as the main building of NswF. Concrete, steel, and a lot of glass. Surrounding it was a gentle and tranquil forest that served to contrast, but not clash with the modern building.
"So, what's this facility used for?" the last Potter asked on their way inside. The previous one had been a hospital complex combined with a huge laboratory and research facility that gave Harry the creeps due to its sterility reminding him of the Dursleys. Before that came the office building he had slept in. This was the last important destination to distribute the new contracts to because, like the other locations, it dealt with Neogenes. NswF also possessed more stuff all across the country and outside of it, but these only handled normal business. There even were several orphanages the company possessed that had served to preserve Furumizu's image. Though, Harry planned to visit them as well when he had the time.
Rie with Nora trailing behind her began explaining. "Mainly for the training and education of young Neogenes. However, there is also some medical equipment for check-ups."
"Ah... How many?" Akitsu asked, her head tilted to the side in her typical manner. Already evaluation the level of threat she possibly had to deal with in the protection of Harry.
"There are around twenty Neogenes of the second generation right now," Rie answered easily, leading them inside and down a hallway. "While we're here I wanted to run the tests you agreed to." Before she did not have the time to do so due to her busy schedule.
"Sure." Harry was a man of his word, after all.
Rounding a corner Harry could see that one wall was made purely out of glass, allowing them to look inside the room and see a kind of sparring area. Girls ranging from the ages of fourteen to eighteen sparred inside. All of them wore a blue leotard with stockings and shoes of the same color. Though, one girl with tri-colored hair of blue, red and blonde and a prominent cowlick that somehow formed a halo was more violent than the rest. Beating a downed opponent even further, all the while humming to herself.
"Not again!" Nishida growled in annoyance, "I'll be back shortly." and strode of hurriedly with Nora in tow.
Having no intention to meddle in things he had no idea about Harry waited with his Sekirei outside. He watched as Rie berated the girl, which began to sulk petulantly, her arms crossed and head turned away. Apparently ignoring whatever Nishida told her. That was until Nora pulled the girl roughly along and to the exit.
The automatic door opened again, letting Harry hear the girl's voice. "Let me go! I hope you die!"
"No, this is the fourth time this happened!" came Rie's harsh response. She pinched the bridge of her nose in frustration. "Why do you always have to act like such a brat? You need to learn some control!"
"I hate you!" the girl shrieked back indignantly. Her voice was shrill and slightly obnoxious.
Entirely unimpressed with the girl, Harry calmly queried. "What's the problem?" yet, he couldn't shake an uncomfortable feeling in his stomach.
Glaring at the girl, Rie hissed. "Maria here seems to be incapable of controlling herself." turning to Nora, she ordered. "Get her back to her room!"
Maria only howled bloody murder at Nora, who ignored her as she dragged the girl along. "No, let me go, stupid Nora!"
Harry didn't know why he did it, but his gut told him something did not add up. "Wait!" he commanded, causing Nora to stopped abruptly. As if struck by lightning Harry suddenly knew what he needed to ask of the girl as he got a closer look. "How old are you?" now he saw that her age didn't add up with the timeline. If the ship and its technology was discovered in 1999 and a generation of Neogenes came before her, then how could the girl look like a teenager?
"Who's the cripple?" Maria only acknowledged him with a sneer worthy of Snape. Her question in turn was not even directed at him. The girl's action only caused Nora to slap the back of her head.
"He's the new head of NswF. Show some respect, brat!" Nora ordered sharply. "Now, answer!" the strawberry blonde felt more than just a little indebted to him for taking care of her problem. Now she did no longer break down mentally or physically. Nora fell easily back into her role as a bodyguard/assistant. Just like she had done for Furumizu in the past.
Not deterred in the least Maria still glared at Nora and him, but caved soon after, grunting out. "I'm five years old."
At the words Harry's stomach fell to his knees. 'No wonder she's so fucked up.' slowly ice formed in the pit of his stomach as the realization set in. To take someone's childhood away and force them to literally grow up was a despicable thing to do no matter the circumstances. Harry could sympathize with the girl. Then he remembered Voldemort's past and the similarities with his own. One look into Maria's eyes filled with hate caused his hands to ball tightly into fists. 'Not on my watch!' he vowed internally and said. "I see." he turned to look at Rie and told her, his voice as cold as ice. "Until further notice the Neogene project is to be put on hold!"
"What?!" came two different voices, both holding different inflections. Rie's was anger, but Maria's was a surprise to Harry.
It was utter shock. As if she didn't believe what he said was true.
"You can't just do that!" Rie protested vehemently, invading his personal space. Her nose nearly touching his as she glared at him intensely.
Harry just shrugged, pushing her firmly away. "As Nora said, I am the Head of NswF. So, I can, and in fact, just did." he turned to Maria and put on his best smile. "Run along now and enjoy your day." thinking she'd be relieved to no longer be forced to train.
"No, No, No, NO!" Maria began to speak with a whisper and worked herself up into a frenzy until she howled in fury. Her angry brown eyes focussed on him with an intensity other people would say was frightening. Yet, Harry saw tears gather in her eyes. "I was promised!" whirling around she shouted at Rie. "You promised!" without further preamble she lunged at the object of her ire, only to be knocked unconscious by Nora's quick action.
"What exactly did you promise her?!" Harry asked, his tone making it clear that this was a demand. His eyes boring into the woman with a look that broke no argument with his aura leaking out unconsciously. Just what caused the girl to react like this?
Trying to shake off her fear, Rie took an instinctive step back and swallowed hard. "We made a deal to tell Maria the identity of her mother if she devoted herself fully to training. Without the project that seems no longer possible for her, I suppose."
Without taking his eyes off Rie Harry summoned the new contracts and his own personal Blood Quill. "Nora, please put Maria into her room. Afterwards see to the distribution of the contracts," he requested and handed Nora the objects and added as an afterthought. "Also, be a dear and obtain information on Maria's mother and give it to me as soon as possible."
"As you wish, Potter-sama." The assistant accepted the items and began with her new task while putting Maria in a fireman's carry.
"I believe you wanted to run some tests on me." Harry reminded a stunned Rie stoically and inclined his head to tell the scientist to get a move on. Having to use his mental capabilities to keep the raging storm of emotion inside of him contained. Emotionally manipulating what amounted to a little girl was the height of despicable. Yet, he needed the woman's knowledge of NswF and her business acumen, for now.
The walk to the medical area was awkward and tense. Though, Matsu and Akitsu tried to calm him down, feeling his underlying rage through the bond. Growing only more unsettled when they did not feel anything anymore as if cut off once Harry employed his Occlumency.
Staring heavily at the back of the researcher's head Harry inquired further. His voice still as frigid as a glacier. "Am I to assume that every Neogene ages so rapidly?"
Quite unsure of herself Rie nodded out of habit. She was wary of him now, having expected a different reaction altogether. "Yes." she began hesitantly. "The accelerated growth was made possible due to the technology Furumizu studied with MBI."
After hearing that Harry turned his head aside to look at Matsu and Akitsu beside him. "I didn't even think of that with all that happened. That means you two are what, thirteen?" he shuddered at the image alone.
Fidgeting uncomfortably, Matsu confirmed hesitantly. "Pretty much, yeah." she could've lied, but that would contradict everything she had told him beforehand. Having hoped he didn't care for that or didn't pay attention to it. It seemed she was wrong. Before he could talk further or think god-knows-what, Matsu added hastily. "But us single numbers are an exception. We pretty much came fully grown into the world, together with the basic knowledge of an adult. Basically we're adults in body and mind."
Akitsu, feeling his slight disgust at their real age, took his hand tightly. Afraid he would vanish any moment now or be completely disgusted by them. "Ah... Don't leave!" she said loudly and urgently. Her wide eyes pleading with him.
His good eye softened at the Ice Sekirei's words. "I won't leave either of you," he reassured both and gave Akitsu a one-armed hug. "It's just a lot to take in and process, you know. It'll take some getting used to." that was an understatement if there ever was one.
Matsu spoke up as they entered an empty lab, trying to lighten the mood a little. "Well, what's done is done. Besides, you can't really miss what you never had." her words coming reaching Harry as the automatic doors closed behind them with Rie in the lead still. Hoping to make her Ashikabi feel more at ease.
"You'd be surprised about that." Harry retorted before his mind could catch up with his mouth. The words sounding sharper than he intended, but his voice held no real edge to it. He still vividly remembered his so-called childhood at the Dursleys and his hidden jealousy at Ron's loving family. A family Harry had foolishly believed to be a part of at one point in time.
"Ah...indeed," Akitsu agreed with Harry while lightly glaring at her fellow Sekirei. During her time as a scrapped number she very much had missed being unable to be winged.
Matsu appeared chastised and embarrassed by her faux pas, but she also had analyzed his reaction. All of what had slipped out of him until now put together with some other signs didn't show a flattering picture of his past. Much the opposite of flattering, actually.
"Well, I still don't understand why you'd stop the Neogene Project," Rie spoke up after Harry sat down on the doctor's table. Her irritation still present, but subdued lest she agitate her new boss again. "Maria made astounding progress in recent weeks. Her scholarly advancement and marks are remarkable."
"I did not stop it. I put it on hold," Harry corrected her with a non-comical grunt as he waited to get the procedure over with. Apparently NswF technology was so advanced she only needed to scan Harry while hooking him to a machine to get all kinds of data. "It may be that she's smart and gifted, but you're missing one important fact here," he retorted calmly.
"Oh, what's that?" Rie inquired with curiosity and amusement while she motioned for Harry to remove his shirt. As a scientist she was always open for input that showed some flaw in her reasoning or theories. Even though she doubted there was one.
The last Potter did so, revealing his muscled torso marred with scars to the world. His artificial arm showing that it was seamlessly merged with his shoulder and not able to be removed easily. "You said she's of the second generation of Neogenes, so I'm assuming her mother was one from the first generation." Rie nodded as she put the equipment on him. "There you have it. I doubt her mother is truly what Maria herself instinctively wants and desires in one." like Nora and Maria demonstrated emotional stability or availability did not seem something Neogenes possessed in spades. "And that's leaving aside the quite unsettling implications of inbreeding and following mental instability you alluded to earlier by stating all Neogenes are daughters of Furumizu."
Puzzled by his words, Rie admitted. "I'm afraid I don't follow. What has that to do with anything?" and added absent-mindedly. "Also, the inbreeding isn't really much of an issue with genetic engineering done right." the pathetic genes of Furumizu in terms of true power were another matter altogether.
Not really surprised by her lack of understanding, Harry elaborated. "Let's assume Maria meets her mother, then what?" memories of Tom Riddle meeting his family and learning the truth. Something Harry thought was the last nail in the coffin for the hope that Voldemort could have had any kind of normal relationship. "Does her mother have any kind of bond with Maria? Does she even know Maria exists? I doubt either one of these questions can be answered positively, considering Maria apparently never even met the woman." What kind of mother wouldn't want to see her own child? Even Merope Gaunt did all she could to save hers.
Finished with preparing her new boss for the scan, Rie took a sample of his blood while listening as he further explained.
"Following that disastrous meeting reality would've set in and all the scenarios she imagined in her head and convinced herself are real shatter like the illusions they are. Her previous rage will latch onto the self-loathing she keeps secret like a flame to dry timber and ignite an inferno of loathing and hate." by now Harry looked at the ceiling as he spoke, not seeing the reactions his words caused. Memories of Voldemort's quest to unravel his parentage coming back to him. As did the consequences of that search. "Feeling abandoned and believing that her mother hates her, she'll blame herself like any child rejected by their parents. Not wanting that to be true she will adopt the world view that all other people are wrong and beneath her to distance herself and prevent being hurt again." his voice took on a slightly detached tone as he lost himself in memories. "Yet, everywhere she looks she'll only see more confirmation of her fears as her perception of reality warps more and more. Right until she feels justified, even morally superior, in killing people she perceives as enemies."
"Tell me, did Maria's victims of the three other times survive?" Harry inquired abruptly. He doubted that very much.
The sudden change in subject taking the two Sekirei and scientist some time to process.
Still completely unconcerned, Rie answered after putting the syringe away and storing the blood. "One died immediately, while the other two succumbed to their injuries shortly after." she shrugged. "Not much of a loss considering they were obviously weak and unsuited for a Cloneblade as a result."
Clenching his fist and trying not to disembowel the woman, Harry took a deep breath before retorting. "And an extremely emotionally unstable little girl is better?" he snorted derisively, glaring at the woman. "I know what I saw in her eyes, because I've seen that look before. He had been a genius only seen once in a generation. Handsome and easily able to charm people around him. Yet, he became a mass-murderer, hell-bent on exterminating everyone he projected his hate onto. He was one of the most loathed and reviled wizards of all time right up until the point where I put him down like the rabid dog he was," Harry paused a little before continuing. "With magic aiding him he had been on a crusade to purge all people he had felt were undeserving of magic. If he had won the world we know today would not exist."
In truth Voldemort had hated nobody as much as himself. Which was the reason he had been able to sling Killing Curses around like candy. When all was said and done he had been nothing but a child that felt slighted at the injustice of the world and wanted everyone to be as miserable as him. All because society at large failed him.
"In the end it is trivial if a child can do advanced maths, speak multiple languages, or receive top grades. At least not when it can't manage emotions, practice conflict resolution, or handle stress," the last Potter spoke and asked Rie. "Now, you tell me, is it really such a good idea to give such a person, basically a troubled child, a dangerous weapon and hope it will be used responsibly?" most adults wouldn't be able to use such power, as seen with most grown-up magical folk and how trivially they viewed and used magic.
Rie had no retort to words spoken with such conviction and sincerity. Amoral researcher she may be, but even she could see that Maria was unstable. "Fine, we do as you say." she simply huffed and went back to work. Not admitting that she only thought of the results that affected her research. Not much else. "By the way, you'll have to speak at a press conference in about a week," she informed him as the machine scanned him fully, having nearly forgotten that bit of information. "Just say some vague things about what direction the company will take under your leadership and it'll be good."
Unseen by Rie Harry briefly scowled. Absolutely despising public appearances of such a nature. "Fine," he simply grunted out, throwing her answer back at her as he laid on the doctor's table.
Soon enough the whole procedure was finished and Rie had all the data she wanted. While the scientist went over the results of her tests Harry made to look for the cafeteria to grab a bite to eat.
"Did you have a good childhood, Harry?" Matsu asked softly. Her tone already telling that she already suspected to possess the correct answer.
"Why do you ask?" he replied with suspicion and slightly narrowed eyes. Never one to talk about his so-called childhood. Not even with his former friends. Though, they probably knew since the beginning and simply agreed it was necessary or some such rot.
"I just want to get to know you better," Matsu said, a little defensive and feeling more than a little embarrassed at her earlier blunder. "I know we talked some about your past, but not what you like and stuff," she trailed off at the end. Akitsu nodded her agreement to Matsu's words. Also wanting to know more about her Ashikabi.
Caught off guard by the earnest reply Harry didn't know what to say. He drove his good hand through his unmanageable hair, a nervous habit he couldn't shake. In the end he answered honestly, figuring it'd come out eventually. They, too, had been honest with him in everything until now. Not to mention that they were in this together. 'Maybe talking about it helps?' he mused internally. With a final sigh he answered. "No, I did not have a good childhood. Not in the least. My guardians were not what you would call nurturing or supportive. The opposite, in fact."
They did starve him, but that had been manageable. Most likely through magic sustaining Harry. Emotional and mental abuse definitely also happened. Harry mostly attributed him being relatively unscathed from that ordeal to his mother's last piece of magic powered by her sacrifice. Allowing him to grow to his full potential in all areas and not go bonkers until he was mature enough. To this day Harry still was humbled by his mother's sacrifice and the magic she had weaved over him.
"Oh, what about friends?" came the next question, bringing him out of his reverie. Matsu hoped to get better results with that line of questioning. Sadly, she was about to be disappointed.
"None. If anything you could call the people I have had most contact with in the last decade colleagues or acquaintances. All of my former friends agreed that I basically do not deserve to have my own life and need to be sacrificed for some nebulous cause," was the monotone reply. Harry's voice weakly tinged with sadness.
Both Sekirei squeezed him tightly from both sides, encasing him in their warmth. "Sorry." Akitsu murmured in his ear.
It took a good bit of self-control to not choke up at that. Their feelings for him as clear and soothing as cool water through the bond they now shared. Their sorrow, love and admiration for him. He didn't know why they'd even feel the latter two for him. "Thank you." he got out before gently but firmly pushing them off. "I can show you all of my past later tonight." he finally said and resolved to do so. Knowing he had run from this long enough or made excuses. Now he finally ran out of them.
"Alright." feeling his slight discomfort at the topic, Matsu accepted the evasion. Already suspecting Harry to possess some magical means to show them. Though, she couldn't help herself asking one more thing. "I get the feeling that you mean showing us, as in doing so literally?"
"Yes," Harry confirmed, happy that she didn't pressure further right now and resumed walking. "The device used for it is called a Pensieve. It can be used to store memories that can then be viewed from a non-participant, third-person point of view." he had built it himself to enable him to check memories for inconsistencies or signs of tampering, making sure his mind wasn't messed with again. That in turn led him to Artifice, the craft to create artifacts.
Harry grew visibly more relaxed and open as he talked about a subject he clearly enjoyed. "In fact, I also created the Blood Quill that's used for signing the contracts." he held up his left arm. "Not to mention my artificial arm is also my own creation." Having the three Peverell Brothers, the arguably best Artificers of their time, at his beck and call with the Resurrection Stone only served to improve his ability. He took pride in creating something of merit. Sadly, he did not have had much time to delve much deeper into it. 'Until now that is.' Harry realized pleasantly.
The conversation flowed smoothly as they followed the signs to their destination. Though, Matsu did not have many hobbies or interests aside from hacking, video games and erotica. Akitsu on the other hand had no apparent interests not linked to Harry. Something the last Potter resolved to change with time.
Getting food in the cafeteria went smoothly enough. Apparently everyone already knew who he was and the new situation. Harry was not surprised. After all, gossip traveled faster than light! Something his time at Hogwarts taught him well.
Nora joined them after a few minutes. Finished with distributing the contracts to all employees and the cafeteria being her last stop.
"How did it go?" Harry inquired of Nora as he ate the last of his meal. The remnants of the setting sun's rays began to disappear behind the horizon as twilight began.
Nora smoothed her skirt after sitting down. "There were no complications and every employee of our Neogene facilities now operates under the new stipulations." The assistant confirmed in her typical business-like manner. After learning of their slightly higher pay with no other major change no one raised a fuss. Much the opposite with some even holding back tears valiantly. Corporate Japan wasn't very nice to its employees. "I also procured all the information of Maria's mother, as requested." the strawberry-blonde woman promptly put the folder on the table in front of her new boss.
"Thank you," Harry said as he accepted the envelope. With a practiced motion he smoothly opened it to look at the contents. Though, he had to use a spell to give his gem eye the ability to read foreign languages. He may be able to speak Japanese, but reading and writing in a completely different alphabet wasn't yet among his skills. 'Have to remember to make the enchantment permanent.' he thought in the back of his mind.
There wasn't anything out of the ordinary, as far as genetically engineered women were concerned. Except for one very glaring issue. "It says here Maria's mother and the holder of the Witchblade, a Reina Soho, is currently missing." he sighed in frustration and stared at Nora, who stared right back. "Why promise Maria a meeting with her mother if you can't honor it?"
Nora interpreted his tone and body-language correctly as unsatisfied from years of practice. Something that allowed her to answer calmly to assuage him. "Reina vanished after the deal was struck. During her escape she killed Furumizu, presumably due to her mental and physical degradation caused by the Witchblade." Nora could see that he was satisfied with the answer, but not wholly. "Ever since then NswF has searched for her with no success."
Searching her face for any kind of lie proved more difficult than usual. Nora's impassive face didn't give much away. Though, his instinct told him she was telling the truth. "I see," he said, taking her word for it. Turning to Matsu, he asked. "Can you track or find the Witchblade somehow?"
Matsu nodded confidently, even eagerly. "Sure, it should be no problem." It simply involved hijacking an MBI satellite followed by scanning for the energy signature of the Witchblade.
"Excellent, please do so at the earliest opportunity," Harry requested. After which he smiled at Matsu and put a hand on her thigh to show her he wasn't angry at her from before. She couldn't have known how he would react to her comment.
Matsu blushed at the contact but did nothing to remove his hand. Rather she scooted closer to him. "I now know exactly what kind of reward I want." Matsu practically purred. All the delicious experimentations she could do with him running through her mind at lightning speed.
"Oh?" Harry let out with a raised eyebrow and a slight grin. Leaning down to her ear he whispered. "I bet it's something your former landlady wouldn't approve of." while he wasn't quite ready for sex with them, he saw nothing wrong with teasing them a little or other small shows of affection. After all, if a kiss caused such a strong reaction in him, then how strong would intercourse make them react?
The Sekirei of Wisdom shuddered in delight, feeling her Ashikabi's hot breath on her neck. Nearly quivering in pure primal need, Matsu could only nod. "Hmm."
"You're a naughty girl, aren't you?" he susurrated in her ear as his hand wandered up her thigh until it rested dangerously close to her lower lips. With his experience he could tell what Matsu enjoyed. Not that she made a secret of it. Only for him to remove his hand with a few words. "Sadly, it'll have to wait until we're in bed."
Nodding her head off, Matsu agreed readily. Barely holding off on dragging him to bed. "Yeah," she muttered, her mouth dry.
Akitsu meanwhile wasn't focussed on anything in particular. Her normally somewhat dull eyes were even more clouded over. However her senses came somewhat back once Harry removed his other hand from stroking her ass. Like Matsu she couldn't wait much longer.
Without showing any signs of embarrassment Harry posed one last question to Nora. "How many Neogenes with a Cloneblade are there besides you and Shiori, by the way?" he hoped there weren't that many, considering the drawbacks.
"None. All others broke down before you arrived." Nora stated easily, not even batting an eye at the death of what basically were her sisters. "Shiori, Reina and I are the last of the first generation." now her tone had more than a little haughtiness in her voice. Clearly taking pride in the fact that she was one of the best Neogenes. While Shiori and Reina both broke down faster Nora herself had shown only minimal signs. Though, her death only would've been a matter of time without Harry's interference.
Harry simply nodded, a frown marring his face. He didn't blame himself for their deaths as he would've in the past. That didn't mean he had wanted this outcome, however.
It didn't take long from there for the group retired to their assigned rooms.
"So, what's the reward you wanted?" the last Potter asked his Sekirei as he made himself ready for bed. Only wearing simple boxers to bed. Though, it was still more than Akitsu, who chose to go without anything at all.
Just as he turned around Akitsu was there and promptly told him by showing exactly what she wanted. Without preamble she kissed him full on the lips. Overcoming his slight surprise Harry tenderly wrapped his arms around her smaller form, hugging her front to his with a strong grip on the small of her back and angling her head just so with a soft pull to her light brown hair. Then he leaned in to reciprocate the kiss. Akitsu accepted his guidance and greater experience, but adapted swiftly.
Passionately massaging his lips against hers, lightly probing her warm and minty fresh mouth with his conquering tongue. Drawing a long, low moan out of the inexperienced Sekirei as she submitted. Waiting to be ravished by her Ashikabi. They remained lip-locked for a couple more seconds until finally, Harry pulled free from Akitsu's still hungry lips and said with a mischievous smile. "No wings this time?"
Sporting a healthy blush on her pale skin, Akitsu mewled at the lost contact. "Ah... No." thoughts were not returned to her completely. Much too occupied with enjoying the feeling of being embraced so tightly by him. One of his hands behind her head and the other exploring her rear. Only to gasp as his warm fingers began to explore her fleshy cavern.
Matsu chimed in, a heavy pout on her lips. "We have to recite our prayer to call the wings outside of being winged the first time," she explained before taking his head into her hands, standing on her toes to reach him and take her own kiss from him.
"Someone is impatient," Harry commented impishly. Relaxing more and more while using his acquired bedroom skills as far as he dared.
While he pleased them during the night and vice versa they did not go as far as intercourse. The Sekirei were completely satisfied, but Harry also knew that this first taste also made them impatient for more to come. As proven by the feelings he got through the bond that clearly signaled anticipation.
'Then again, I don't think the anticipation is soley due to that.' the last Potter thought as his Sekirei waited for him to show them his past. An act that cost him more courage than facing a milennia old Basilisk.
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Like usual Rie worked overtime until the lights by the rest of the building had long gone out. Though, today she was more engrossed in her work than usual. Studying the scans and the blood sample with a zeal unusual for her.
"This is Dr. Nishida Rie, log entry 001 – subject analysis of Harry James Potter. March 25th, 2013." the scientist began to list her data verbally to record it. "Subject is male with a genome that makes him very much a member of the human race, though the supernatural abilities displayed would indicate otherwise," she briefly paused a little to best convey her findings. "The Ashikabi genes are present together with others that I've never seen before. Presumably enabling him to utilize his abilities. Further tests are needed to reach a solid conclusion that's not pure speculation."
She looked at the finding gathered through the blood test. "The blood sample taken shows it to be AB negative. Furthermore, there are foreign bodies present of unknown origin. Some of which seem to be enzymes that are used to break down various venoms, judging by their structure. Suggesting an extreme resistance to toxic substances bordering on immunity." something that was unheard of. You could only build up a resistance to some poisons, but with enough that could still be circumvented. "Another anomaly is that some of his bones seem younger than his age would indicate, including all the bones in his right arm up to the elbow."
Here her voice took on a tinge of true wonder. Something she thought to never experience herself. "Most astonishing however is the fact that the telomeres on the end of each Chromosome do not appear shortened in the slightest. Implying a perfect DNA replication, which would give him either a longevity unheard of in normal humans or his cells do truly not possess a Hayflick Limit, making him biologically immortal. Or in laymen's terms, ageless. Again, further tests are needed."
After she finished documenting her findings Rie had the time to admire the data. "I have to thank Reina for killing Furumizu. If that hadn't happened we'd still be stuck with the old fool's useless and inferior genes." Rie mused happily out loud as she leaned back in her chair. The old man having insisted that only his genes were to be used for the Neogenes. Something that limited them and let the project hit a dead end before his death.
But with Harry's genes? He was everything Furumizu was not and so much more. Already imagining how a Neogene with him as the father would turn out.
Rie could hardly wait for everything else he could show her. But right now she had enough research on her hands.
