Arc 3 Preview: Not Knowledge, Merely Data [PG13, NDE, Hard]

[Sozen Kuchiki]

Name: [Canon 0: Not Knowledge, Merely Data - Introducing Prison Lord, Saeki Kuchiki]

Participants: [Anastasia Solis-Kuchiki, Kagami Murai]

Location: [Starts in the Senzaikyu Prison System, ends up later in other places]

Difficulty Level: [Hard]

Setting: [Non Death Enabled]

Plotline: [Kagami wants to locate his fiance and child, but doesn't know where to look. Luckily for him, he's friends with a Kuchiki, Anastasia, who, by all her good grace, managed to get him into the Kuchiki library. Why there? The Kuchikis are in charge of information dissemination. They uncover and store all of the information in the whole of Soul Society. They have more information than anyone. Information on past, present, and sometimes future. People, abilities, and more. If there's anywhere to find a person that can assist Kagami, it's in the library. And lookie what he found! Saeki Kuchiki, a Kuchiki member currently locked away in the Senzaikyu Prison System for reasons unlisted. But, when he breaks in to visit her, he finds far more than he bargained for...]

Estimated Enemy Strength: [2, though Saeki is class 0, albeit not an enemy]

Estimated Time Until Completion: [3-4 pages]

Starts: [When cinematic post goes up ]

Special Conditions: [Insert Here] - Any special conditions, limitations, or other things.

[Sozen Kuchiki]

SPOILER: Click to show

They had said that such a construct was almost inhuman, and beyond ethical code on all levels. They weren't necessarily wrong, but the prison construct for Saeki Kuchiki was entirely necessary. Located deeper underground than any other part of the prison, so far below that not even light could penetrate, and not even oxygen existed but for artificial breathers hooked up to a caged mask on her mouth, there was the cell for her. In simplest terms, it was inception. It was a cube within a cube within a cube, layered ten times over. One large cube, within which was a smaller cube, and so on, until the cube Saeki herself was inside of barely contained her body, wrapped in countless iron chains and suspended by a gravitational field surrounding her.

Each cube was made of varying materials. The first, or innermost layer was some kind of lead that could block her sensory. The one outside of that was a metal that could do it further. Then a stone, then another metal. This was followed by Seki Seki stone, and other materials. This made up ten layers that altogether would completely erode even the most advanced of sensory, making it impossible to use. It also suppressed power. Reiatsu couldn't even be gathered. Kido couldn't be used at all. As a prisoner of such high caliber, Saeki had had her Zanpakuto destroyed as well, so she didn't even have that. Normally, Zanpakuto destruction was difficult, but they'd found a way to purge even the spirit in her soul, so she was now alone.

Kagami would find himself just outside of the ninth cube after what would probably have taken him hours of infiltration. Each door was heavily fortified and secure, and took a great deal of knowledge and studying to break through. The passwords were things he could only have obtained from days, if not weeks, in the Kuchiki library searching for the algorithms. It was lucky for him that there were no guards, though why there were no guards was a mystery. What he would know was that Saeki Kuchiki supposedly had such powerful sensory that she could sense not only a person, but the important figures in their life through them. This made her perfect for finding those he wanted to find.

And, outside of the ninth cube, he'd be forced to hide in the shadows, because a familiar presence had just arrived (the legal way), and was entering the tenth cube. A figure in expensive black shihakusho and a white Captain's haori, named Sozen Kuchiki, was going to enter the tenth cube, and see Saeki Kuchiki. Kagami wouldn't be able to see, but he would be able to hear the conversation as it went on. As long as he stayed hidden, it should be fine. But what was this prickly sense? Like there were eyes upon him? Yeah, no kidding. He wasn't where he was supposed to be. This was probably what you'd call paranoia, or something like that.

"I like your wife," Saeki said the moment Sozen entered her domain. Her voice sounded young. Actually, it sounded roughly Kagami's age, or maybe only barely older. Okay, consider that surprising. She was young, so shouldn't she be memorable? But he'd probably never even heard her name before entering the Kuchiki library, and actually it was weird for someone his age to be so much of a threat (reason unlisted even in the Kuchiki records, one might add) that she had to be put in this unique sort of prison. "And...my, has she seen things that might even send a shiver up your spine, dear brother..." Brother. Brother. Saeki wasn't just any Kuchiki. Nope. She was Sozen's younger sister.

Here was Sozen, visiting Saeki Kuchiki, his sister, and a menace. His voice resonated in response, confident, though a bit offbalanced by the presence in front of him. "It's been a while, sister," Sozen greeted. "How are you?" If Saeki had even heard Sozen speaking, much as she was likely prodding his brain, then she didn't even try to pretend that she heard him. Instead, she just went ahead with what she was doing. "Oh dear...So he really did die, then...Pity..." He? Well, she was no longer referring to Sozen's wife. "Who?" Sozen asked. "Why, our brother, of course," Saeki chided, almost chastised. "He came to see me before the war with Azeru Cho, you know. I suspected when I read him that he might die."

"He did die," Sozen admitted. "And now I am Captain and Kuchiki Head." Saeki didn't hesitate. "Oh, I know," she said. "I read you too, already. I know all about your accomplishments and defeats in these past few centuries, and I know that you came here to talk to me about Sonken Kouhai, since I can read him through you." Sozen was direct in speaking as well. "I have risked a great deal by coming here, and provided you with information you shouldn't have had," Sozen told Saeki. "However, I did it because I would like to know what Sonken Kouhai is thinking, and I would like to know about some of his stronger subordinates as well." So Sozen was here for intel on Kouhai.

"Don't be silly," Saeki said. "There isn't any immediate need for you to come to me for Kouhai. He isn't the most major or direct threat right now. No, you came because you wanted to come see me." Sozen, unperturbed by this line, followed the chain of conversation. "To see if you were only a nightmare?" he asked smugly, as if the notion was ludicrous. "To see if you were still buried here?" Saeki chuckled amusingly, and then her voice became almost condescending, but also instructive, as if talking to a child. "No, dear, don't be obvious. You came to me because you need me. Because no one else can truly defeat you, and you both fear that, and love it. You wouldn't be much without an arch nemesis now, would you, Sozen? You need me, because even though I pose the greatest threat to you, I am a villain to fight against and to fear. Rather, had I not existed, you would never have matured enough to return to Aoi, would you?"

Sozen was silent, so Saeki continued. "You have the Arrancar as a combative equal. But only I can challenge you socially, and emotionally, and politically. That's why even five hundred years ago you couldn't kill me when you had the chance. All you could do was lock me up. Without me, Sozen, you're nothing..." Saeki was like Sozen. She liked to talk a great deal. The similarities in their personalities were pretty obvious, and also anyone who knew Sozen in the field of battle or had known him as a teenager would see that he and Saeki actually had a great deal in common. But why was Saeki here, anyway? It was obvious from their conversation that she had incredible energy sensory, and that just by Sozen approaching her, she knew a huge amount of information. But that wasn't enough to lock her up. That should have been an asset to the Thirteen Court Guard Squads.

A pause followed, which might have been graced by a cool headed smile from Sozen, judging by what he said next. "Mind games, Saeki? It has been a long time. Surely, we've outgrown something so petty?" Saeki cried out then in frustration. "No, no, no... And the fool doesn't even get it... Not mind games, brother... Don't you understand anything about psychological warfare? I'm STALLING." Saeki suddenly broke into a scream at Sozen. "I'M STALLING SO THAT I HAVE MORE TIME TO READ YOU AND THOSE RELATED TO YOU, AND GATHER MORE INFORMATION! HOW CAN THAT NOT BE OBVIOUS?" Sozen spoke now. "You're losing your cool, Saeki," he said. "OF COURSE!" she spat back. "HOW CAN I NOT? YOU'RE AN IMBECILE!"

"You see, Sozen, that's your weakness," Saeki told him. "You think you're cunning, but you're too weak to be cunning! If you'd had half a brain, you'd have already killed me in here, having snuck in like you did. If you were a stronger person, you'd have killed me before I was ever locked up. And because you didn't, I'm going to get you in the end, when I escape from here." Sozen, then, must certainly have been smiling coldly. "When you escape, I will be there to cut out your heart, sister. Just not yet... You wait and see..." Something in the way he said that was ominous. Something... And Saeki only laughed. "No, before you can even attempt it, I will set you ablaze and watch you burn..."

Sozen left soon after that, leaving Saeki alone there with Kagami, who had been hiding. And it was then that something seemed to focus on him, as if every eye in the world was turned upon him. And that was how he would know that she could see him. And not only could she see him, and sense him, and feel every vesticule of his being, but she was judging him, reading him, and analyzing him. Okay, so Kagami had been noticed. Not by Sozen, but by Saeki. How long had she known he was there? Probably the whole time. Well, since she didn't give him away, she was willing to have an audience. And if he came out, and talked, what would she say...?

[Douma]

Kagami was never one to follow the rules, but this occasion was different. For the first time in a long time, Kagami was serious. Completely serious. The Vice Captain knew he could possibly be executed for snooping around where he shouldn’t be. After all, with how difficult it was to get to the underground prison, Kagami was sure that this was a person that the Sozen really didn’t want to escape. Or be rescued, for that matter. It was probably harder to get in unnoticed than to escape, and Kagami was always looking over his shoulder for potential guards serving the Kuchiki family. He never found any, but it never hurt to be sure and double check.

The woman Kagami was after was unlike any he had ever heard of. Not her appearance, but her powers. This wasn’t some quest to get into some girl’s pants, Kagami was on business. Kagami was actually interested in the woman’s power: the ability to read people as well as those connected to them. Her energy sensory was so refined that it wouldn’t be difficult for her to learn of a nearby individual’s past quite easily. However, the fact that she could expand this power to people she had never even seen before was unique. It was dangerous, actually. And while her power has so much potential for good, there must be something Sozen saw that raised a red flag so threatening that he was forced to lock her up so securely.

The Vice Captain seemed graver than ever. While he typically wore a smug grin that reflected his cocky appearance, the Vice Captain maintained a grim expression. His violet eyes appeared hardened in contrast to their typically playful sparkle. Rather than wearing his Shinigami uniform, Kagami opted for a black hoodie, dark T-shirt, and jeans. If there was any chance that he was seen, it would be best not to be identified as a Shinigami. He snuck around the underground Kuchiki stronghold, barely making a sound with each step.

Kagami had finally come across the prison described in the Kuchiki texts he had studies. Not much information was provided about Saeki’s prison, which made sense. Obviously, the Kuchiki house wouldn’t want one of their top-priority prisoners escaping by publicizing the mechanics of her prison, even to a Kuchiki member. As far as Kagami knew, he was about to consult with the most menacing criminal to ever emerge from the Kuchiki family. If his motives for seeking her audience weren’t so grim, Kagami might have actually enjoyed it more.

Kagami sought a conversation with Saeki for one soul reason: to find his fiancée. That is, assuming he can still refer to her as his fiancée. Ex-fiancée maybe? Though the never really did end things formally. Their relationship kind of just died out… Ah, that pun was a little solemn. Well, point is, Kagami was a little troubled after ignoring his past for decades. Truth be told, he still had strong feelings for Manami, but he was reluctant to do so. Kagami knew that she deserved a much better man than him, yet he still couldn’t seem to let go.

Kagami had finally come across the first cube, and after over an hour of guessing key Kuchiki core beliefs and idealogies, the Vice Captain finally managed to guess it. The password was the a line from the Nine Parables: ”Remember cold death: Your fear and pain” The gate of the first cube opened, and Kagami shortly found another, slightly smaller cubic structure waiting for him. He was about to attempt hacking at it when he detected a nearing reiatsu presence. It unmistakably belong to Sozen Kuchiki, for Kagami had felt that same reiatsu once before. In a silent rush, the Vice Captain sprinted around the corner of the cube, ensuring that he was out of sight. Kagami, just to be safe, summoned a mirror by his side that was closer to the gate to ensure that if Sozen had any energy sensory, the mirror would reflect it and ensure that the Vice Captain was undetected.

Sozen quickly punched in the passwords of the doors and made his way past every layer of the prison until he eventually reached the center, where Saeki was held. Kagami could see anything, but he was surprised to find how clearly he could hear. The Vice Captain took this opportunity to listen in on the conversation. Kagami didn’t really have much of a conscious when it came to breaking the rules, but for some reason, as he listened in, he could feel the hairs on his neck stand up. It was probably just the danger of the situation.

As Kagami listened in, he was surprised the find the voice coming from the box youthful. It wasn’t child-like, but she didn’t seem like an old woman rotting away in the prison either. She couldn’t have been much older than the Vice Captain himself. Another thing Kagami discovered, which was even more surprising, was that Saeki was Sozen’s sister. Wow, plot twist. Who knew Sozen was cold enough to lock up even one of his closest family members? Kagami began to despise the whole “family-loyalty” theme of noble families even more, especially that of the Kuchiki. But, at the same time, if it was truly about family, then Sozen wouldn’t have imprisoned his own sister. She had to have done something truly terrible to deserve the fate of aging for the remainder of her life in an impenetrable cage.

Sozen visited Saeki for the same reason that Kagami had, to discover some information. However, the prisoner would not aid Sozen, and Kagami was beginning to doubt his chances of finding the location of Manami. Sozen eventually left his sister empty handed, and Kagami was just praying that he wouldn’t have the same fate. Kagami waited several minutes after Sozen left to make sure that all was clear, and as he did, the Lieutenant could feel Saeki’s energy sensory concentrate on him. She was obviously aware of his presence, and there was no point in hiding it anymore.

A few minutes after Sozen’s departure, Kagami was about to begin working on the ninth door when a voice called out to him from inside the cube. “Loyalty to the House.” It belonged to Saeki, and when Kagami punched the words into the door, he was met with an accepting click. She was helping him. Kagami figured that she could somehow benefit from their meeting, and he cautiously proceeded. Saeki helped him the entire way until he opened the last door and walked right into her chamber.

SPOILER: Click to show

Stats

Strength - [150] Points

Speed - [400] Points

Spiritual Pressure - [400] (800) Points

Reiatsu Strength - [150] Points

Light Aura - [65] Points

Dark Aura - [35] Points

Instinct - [200] Points

Senses - [100] Points

Energy sensory - [200] Points

Healing Expertise - [0] Points

Total SP: [1600] Points

Abilities

• [Weapons: Sword] {3}
  
  
• [War Strategy] {3}
  
  
• [Battle Analysis] {3}
  
  
• [Sex] {2}
  
  
• [Battle: Projectiles] {1}
  
  
• [Analysis] {3}
  
  

Items:
15 Kunai
10 Shuriken
1 Giant Shuriken
5 Kunai Clips
5 Full Body Condoms

[Sozen Kuchiki]

SPOILER: Click to show

{I just discovered 11eyes}

Well, they couldn't say she wasn't a beauty, even stuck where she was. Saeki Kuchiki, daughter of the Kuchiki family, and sister to Sozen Kuchiki himself. And my, was she ever a beauty. Slender hips and fine legs kept covered by only a tight black jumpsuit that appeared to be glowing a slightly white aura, perhaps as a prison garb that suppressed her. Actually, if someone had seen her bare arms, stomach, or legs, they'd have been surprised to find that though she appeared in pristine condition, she was a little bit thin. Well, being locked in this prison cell without even the option to move didn't really do much for you if you were trying to stay physically fit, right?

Anyway, she did greatly resemble Sozen. Same gaunt features. Same fair skin, though perhaps even more white because of her time down here. The eyes were not sunken at all, contrary to expectation. Well, had Kagami expected that? She was a flipping Kuchiki. Somehow they were always pretty. Even Sozen. Especially Sozen. Sozen was always pretty. Saeki, in contrast to Sozen, had bangs for her silky black hair, which surprisingly fell evenly at either shoulder despite her captivity. Maybe she had a barber down here. Or Sozen just kept her groomed so she could still resemble a Kuchiki. There was no telling. Otherwise, she actually had pretty full lips, and elegant sapphire eyes to contrast Sozen's red.

But, bad day. Saeki was held out like a starfish, with her arms suspended diagonally over her head with thick metal restraints, and her legs the same. These metal tubes around her limbs were suspended in the air by enormous red beams of electricity extending out from the corners of the room into them, to keep her in place. There were also probably numerous shackles actually on her body beneath these large metal shackles. Saeki was held up tight. And, on her forehead, there was a metal headband with a ruby in the center. This also glowed, and supposedly might be something to suppress her more. Sozen had taken no chances.

And even with all of this suppression, Saeki could see, probably more clearly than anyone else Kagami had ever met. "You're desperate," Saeki told him as soon as he came into view. Her eyes fixed on him, and that feeling of being watched from before came back, and settled on him more strongly than ever. Imagine being naked on American Idol. A huge audience is watching you, and so are millions of people on TV. That was what it was like to be looked at by Saeki. To be stripped perhaps even of the first layer of skin while in a blizzard. Actually, her gaze was almost painful. Just being looked at by her was unsettling.

"Oh dear...She's adopted... Does she know how serious of a crime it was to let you into our library?" This was reference to Anastasia, who had let Kagami into the library. And, Kagami had then gone into sections that technically weren't supposed to be accessed by anyone but higher echelon Kuchiki members. That was how he'd stumbled upon Saeki's very existence, which no one in the public knew about, surprisingly given the public nature of the Kuchikis. After she let Kagami respond to her claim of his desperation, she said the thing about Anastasia being adopted. And after that, she gave him another chance to respond, and then she got right to business.

"I already know your request, but tell it to me in your own words. It's natural to say it out loud, so tell me what it is you want, and I'll see if I can make an accommodation in my busy schedule to assist you, and I'll evaluate what it's worth to me." Well, Kagami probably wasn't getting it for free. That much was for sure. But, hey, how much could Saeki really ask for? Locked up down here, could there really be anything she'd want other than freedom? She probably wouldn't ask for that. Come on, no one of her mental caliber would be dumb enough to ask to be freed, knowing it was an impossible request. So, she might want something else. Kagami had to ask her his request first.

Introducing: Saeki Kuchiki

[Douma]

Saeki was… beautiful, for starters. That was the first thing that Kagami noticed about the prisoner, her natural beauty. In many ways, she resembled Sozen. They had the same hair, same fair skin, and same elitist elegance and grace. However, she also had many distinct deviations in appearance from her brother. Firstly, and obviously, she had a curvy, slender body that was outlined by the black jumpsuit. She probably didn’t have the luxury of picking her clothes, but the clothes suit her well and emphasized her body. Saeki’s silky black hair framed her face with bangs over her eyebrows and the rest of her hair falling neatly over her shoulders. Kagami was surprised to find out well kept she was. But, of course, she was a Kuchiki. That would give her some extra perks, even in prison.

And to top it all off, she had glowing sapphire eyes that were just as brilliant as gemstones. Kagami hadn’t met a blood Kuchiki with those same eyes, so maybe it was a dormant trait that emerged only to Saeki. Or, possibly, Sozen’s eyes were once the same shade of blue but the mastery over his Zanpakuto changed his eye color. Either way, Saeki was definitely a site for sore eyes. Even in her bony state, she was on par with some of the most attractive girls Kagami had seen. Had they met in some other situation, the Vice Captain would have definitely hit on her.

But this was a special situation. After all, Saeki’s arms were bound by metal tubes that opened her body completely, preventing her from moving or concealing anything. Those metal tubes were held by crimson bolts of electricity that attached the woman’s restraints to the corners of the cube. Kagami could only guess how much strength it would take to break those shackles. And, as a final touch, a metal band with a ruby-like gem was bound over her head. Kagami could definitely detect a presence of reiatsu in the gem, though he couldn’t figure out what exactly its purpose was. He was hoping that he didn’t have to find out.

"You're desperate.” The woman spoke as soon as Kagami entered the room, and when his cold violet eyes met her gaze, he immediately felt exposed. She didn’t look at him, but looked through him. Kagami knew that she was browsing his deepest, darkest secrets and watching his life play out like some sick movie. He wanted nothing mreo to leave, but Kagami had put far too much effort into this mission to turn back just because he was a little uncomfortable. Well, a lot uncomfortable. Either way, Kagami was determined to see this through to the end. All that was left for him was to make his request and hope that Saeki complied.

As Kagami opened his mouth to speak, Saeki immediately cut him off. "Oh dear...She's adopted... Does she know how serious of a crime it was to let you into our library?" The question seemed to come out of the blue, but Kagami quickly made the connection between Saeki’s words and Ana. She was still searching his soul and history, and was doing a rather good job of it. Kagami hadn’t intended to drag Ana into this mess, but he couldn’t hide anything from the Kuchiki. “This is not about Anastasia. I came here for my own needs and benefits,” Kagami stated emotionlessly. He wasn’t taking the situation lightly, and in place of his signature smug grin and playfully dancing eyes were steel cold walls.

"I already know your request, but tell it to me in your own words. It's natural to say it out loud, so tell me what it is you want, and I'll see if I can make an accommodation in my busy schedule to assist you, and I'll evaluate what it's worth to me." She was toying with him. She was trying to make him ask her so that she seemed superior. To think that Sozen locked her up when she was the most Kuchiki-like person Kagami had ever met. She knew how to get power and did so effortlessly. Had she not gotten locked up for whatever actions she committed, Kagami was certain that she could manipulate huge powers of the world, whether it be Soul Society, Xcution, or even the Espada if she could perk their interests enough. This woman was dangerous.

But Kagami wasn’t in the mood to play her games. “Where is my fiancée, Manami Itou?” Kagami wasn’t dumb, and he was fairly certain that Saeki wouldn’t give him an answer immediately, if at all. In fact, the chances that she would help him were extremely slim. But, she was right. Kagami was desperate. He found no records of his past lover in any of the Rukongai files, so his only hope was for Saeki’s help. What really mattered wasn’t his request, but the price he would have to pay for an answer. The cards were in Saeki’s hand, and Kagami didn’t like that.

[Sozen Kuchiki]

SPOILER: Click to show

{Sherlock soundtrack, betch}

Saeki was so knowledgable. Kagami had come to the right place, after all. As soon as he made his request, Saeki's eyes showed recognition. She'd known it before he even said it. She'd known the name of his fiancee, and that he wanted to find her, and she'd even known the whereabouts as soon as Kagami had walked into the room. Just from Kagami walking in, Saeki knew dozens of people. She knew Anastasia, she knew Manami, and she knew figures familiar to them as well. By knowing Kagami, she knew Anastasia, and by extension knew Raion Souretsu of Squad 9, and by further extension Kazuko Shiba, and by even further extension others not even associated with Kagami. Her reach extended far, like an infinite tree.

And her cold blue eyes rested on Kagami like immovable icebergs in his path. Maybe Sozen had once had this eye color. Or, maybe Saeki had once had Sozen's eye color, and it had changed. Or something else. Historically, the Kuchiki children, though related, and evidently related by looks, hair, skin, spirit, and physique, had always had different eyes. Takashi Kuchiki had blue eyes similar to Saeki, though their own unique sapphire, and Takehiko Kuchiki had brown, dull eyes, though both of these were blood Kuchikis. Sozen had red eyes, but his sister here had blue, and his brother Onuya had had black eyes. Nobility had a few perks, and one of them are extraordinary eyes in their genetics.

"She's in your heart," Saeki said to Kagami. "Every night when you dream of her, and every morning when you wake with company in your bed yet an empty conscience." Saeki already knew Kagami intimately. She knew his history. She knew his secrets. She knew everything that there was to know about him. His powers, his fears, and the things to say if she wanted to drive him insane. Actually, had Saeki not been incarcerated, could she have stopped Sonken Kouhai? Or even the Emperor of the Vandenreich? She had such a dangerous ability. It was hard to think of someone who wouldn't be at her mercy just by virtue of her knowledge base alone.

"But...are you still in her heart? I wonder. I of course know the answer, but you don't. It's not uncommon for spirits that come here to develop completely new lives, and forget or abandon their old ones. How do you know you still hold value to her?" Saeki probably would have played with her hair if she was free to move. She looked like the person who would have. Or else she looked like the person that would have done something else that was outrageous. If people thought Sozen was good at dominating interaction with not only the Kuchiki Elders, but the Central 46, and that he was an influential political figure, then what was Saeki? Sozen didn't compare in the slightest if they discussed only social power.

"No, I'm only kidding, she does still think of you," Saeki confided easily. "She's looking for you too, but doesn't know where to start. As for where she is physically, I know that too. I can direct you not only to the district, but to the exact house, and the exact people associated with her life." And she could, too. That was her ability. Six degrees of separation. The ability to use her acute energy sensory to not only read one person, but read the familiar figures in their lives every bit as accurately, and the familiar figures in the lives of those figures, and so on, up to the sixth person down the line from the origin point. Dozens, maybe hundreds of lives were in Saeki's hands just from meeting one person. Just by Kagami being there, Saeki learned the information that he wanted.

"It's worth something to me, though," Saeki said. "I won't bore you by playing coy. My task for you is simple. In the district that once was known as Shousen, I want you to find a man named Sato Hoshi. He isn't difficult to find, though you'll also need to find evidence proving he is a criminal, and he is. All I need is for you to arrest him, and have him found guilty and locked away in this Senzaikyu prison system. If you can do that, and then return to me, I will tell you where your fiancee is." It was a straightforward deal, but it had no immediate benefit for Saeki. It was fishy, like Zouma Santeku's smelly socks.

Saeki was a calculating, intelligent person, though. She was the only person who could threaten Sozen so much. She had threatened him to such a degree that his finely tuned senses hadn't even picked up on Kagami's presence as he'd left. He had been so distracted by seeing her again that he, a Captain, hadn't even been able to tell that there was an intruder. He had been visibly distraught and lost in thought. That was what Saeki could do to one of the most influential figures in Soul Society's history. So if she was so smart, then this mission had to have a catch, or some benefit to her. Maybe because of lack of context, it was just a benefit immediately lost on Kagami. Maybe she even just did it to give him a hard time.

"Well?" Saeki asked. "Do we have a deal, Kagami Murai of Squad 1?"

[Douma]

”She’s in your heart. Every night you dream of her, and every morning when you wake with company in your bed yet an empty conscience.” Kagami was not in the mood to be messed around with, and his anger flared at Saeki’s responds. His right hand fell to his waist and returned with his jade blade in his grasp. Kagami took a rapid step forward with his left foot, and, as he did so, the tip of the sword was speeding towards Saeki and halted to a sudden stop just centimeters before her throat. Kagami could have killed Saeki then and there, and he would have without a nanosecond of hesitation if he didn’t need her so desperately.

“Tell me where she is, no more of this bullshit.” Kagami knew that even while he threatened her, she wouldn’t so much as flinch. The woman could read Kagami’s mind, and she knew that the Vice Captain wouldn’t kill her. Not yet, at least. Kagami was in a bit of a sticky situation. If he killed her, he could kiss his fiancée goodbye forever. Despite how things appeared, Kagami was the one at Saeki’s mercy. There was literally nothing that he wouldn’t do if she gave him at least the slightest hope of being reunited with his fiancée. The Vice Captain had never been in such a low position, and he was unbelievably vulnerable. Saeki could do as she wished.

"But...are you still in her heart? I wonder. I of course know the answer, but you don't. It's not uncommon for spirits that come here to develop completely new lives, and forget or abandon their old ones. How do you know you still hold value to her?" The Vice Captain opened his mouth in preparation to make some angry retort, but he couldn’t seem to put the words together. Saeki had exposed one of his greatest fears, and it wasn’t all that difficult to figure out once you knew the entirety of Kagami’s past. He tried to move on and remake himself as a Shinigami, but all he did was glue a mask to face and hope he forgot how he used to be.

"No, I'm only kidding, she does still think of you," At those words, Kagami released the breath that he hadn’t even realized he was holding. There was a small, hopeful spark in his eyes that vanished as quickly as it had appeared. Saeki was toying with him, the Vice Captain couldn’t stand it. He hated being in such a helpless situation as this one, but there was absolutely nothing he could control. He belonged to Saeki, no matter how powerfully he denied it to himself. "She's looking for you too, but doesn't know where to start. As for where she is physically, I know that too. I can direct you not only to the district, but to the exact house, and the exact people associated with her life." Kagami could feel himself getting closer and closer to being reunited with his only love, and just when the idea of reliving those days in paradise was so close…

”It’s worth something to me, though.” There it was, the words Kagami was expecting to hear at one point. Saeki wanted something in exchange, and he had no choice but to deliver. “I won't bore you by playing coy. My task for you is simple. In the district that once was known as Shousen, I want you to find a man named Sato Hoshi. He isn't difficult to find, though you'll also need to find evidence proving he is a criminal, and he is. All I need is for you to arrest him, and have him found guilty and locked away in this Senzaikyu prison system. If you can do that, and then return to me, I will tell you where your fiancee is."

It sounded too easy, and Kagami knew Saeki had something else planned. “Who is Sato Hoshi, what did he do wrong, and why does it matter so much to you that he is locked up behind bars?” Kagami was never one to watch his mouth, and Saeki’s plan smelled a lot like Redondo Beach Pier: fishy. The details really didn’t matter, for Kagami was going to carry out the mission regardless. He just wanted to know for himself to try and figure out what was going on in Saeki’s head. After all, she was already in his.

“Well? Do we have a deal, Kagami Murai of Squad 1?" Kagami took a second to think about the situation. He wasn’t contemplating whether or not he was going to accept Saeki’s offer, for he really had no choice. What he was noting was that this was the point of no return, and he couldn’t go back on his actions. Therefore, the only choice he had was to serve Saeki just that once until he could meet with Manami again, and then he was free. The Vice Captain decided that when he got out of the Kuchiki prison, the first thing he would do was send Anastasia Kuchiki, one of the only people he trusted, a hell butterfly with the plain message: “Meet me at the Sunny Horizon Tavern in a Rukongai district that used to be called Shousen.” He could only hope that he would find her there the next morning, and if not, Kagami would be on his own. Not that it mattered; he was practically fighting a one-man war against Soul Society as it was.

The Vice Captain sighed in frustration, clipped his Zanpakuto to his hip, and walked out of the prison. He really didn’t need to give a direct response, for Saeki knew every move he was going to do. She understood his past, manipulated his present, and controlled his future. The really question was why she made it sound like she was giving him the choice?
[/b]

[Sozen Kuchiki]

SPOILER: Click to show

{MORE SHERLOCK}

"None of that matters," Saeki answered Kagami. "You've already made up your mind. You're going to do my bidding either way."

And she was correct. Kagami, leaving, was going to do her bidding. There was nothing else that he could do. For here, he had come across a presence even more overwhelming than that of the Kuchiki Head, Sozen Kuchiki. He had come across the presence of someone who not only had power over him, but knew everything about him, perhaps even more intimately than he knew himself. He had met someone who could take advantage of him in ways he didn't even know were possible. Someone who, even locked up leagues underground, and suppressed and restrained to the point of being dehumanized, could still toy with Kagami as if he was nothing. There was a reason she would never be allowed visitors, and why she was kept secret.

And then it might don on Kagami. What he had done was a very grave and serious crime. It was obvious that since Saeki's existence was so hushed, and her location as well, that one did not simply accidentally stumble upon her, or accidentally infiltrate her prison area. One had to know where she was, and know why they were visiting. One had to purposely try and find a way in, and get in by the luck of Sozen's visit, as Kagami had more or less done. And, for one to have all of this knowledge, one must also have broken into the Kuchiki library, which kept the only record of Saeki Kuchiki. Therefore, to do this already was breaking a law before even starting.

To actually infiltrate was breaking a horribly powerful law. Kagami, who had now gone to see Saeki, and thus had probably compromised dozens of people in the process, had just committed a horrible crime. Anyone in power to find out about this would show no mercy. It was potentially punishable by death. To execute Kagami for his crime. And that was the ruleset for the Seireitei alone. Imagine if the Kuchikis got to him first. They were powerful. Their reach extended through half the Seireitei's squads, and through the Central 46. The other noble families were theirs to play with, and all of the Rukon districts were technically under their power.

If Kagami were found out by the Kuchikis, he was finished. He was beyond dead. That was what should become clear as he arrived to meet the Lieutenant of the Kuchiki Head, Anastasia, also a member of the family, who wouldn't even know about the existence of Saeki or how grave a crime she had allowed Kagami to truly commit. She herself had also committed a horrible crime. The crime of allowing Kagami into the library to begin with. For this, she could be heavily imprisoned. Perhaps even put to death as well. There was a reason that the library was so off-limits. Would Sozen Kuchiki be forgiving in any way toward either of them? He was benevolent, but to what extent?

And when the two arrived in the tavern in the district called Shousen, they would be disappointed by how normal it looked. Shousen looked very normal by Rukon standards. Historically, it was the birthplace of a former Squad 11 Captain, Kenpachi Shousen, and it showed scars in the land and buildings from his earlier days living there, but ultimately it had become quite a normal little village area. The tavern they met at was a little hole in the wall with not even tables, and very few chairs, which did not fill up the single bar that was available. The quality of the ale, however, was supposedly quite high. Here was a tavern which gave fine ale, rather than sake, as was more customary closer to the Seireitei.

In this tavern, Anastasia was supposed to meet Kagami. But to what extent? Only a couple of hours earlier, before meeting Kagami, one would have found her under training by Sozen to be able to blend better in the world of the nobles, so as to avoid harassment and judgment. Would her face have shown guilt at what she'd done, allowing Kagami into that library? Or maybe she thought it was okay, and thought she was doing the right thing, in which case she might not show guilt. But she should have anxiety and fear, for if Sozen ever found out, then Anastasia could very well be punished. And if Sozen found out about Saeki, Kagami and Anastasia could very well be put to death.

[Hotaru Kuchiki-Masurao]

Hotaru Kuchiki found herself in the Kuchiki Manor again. She never really visited the manor that often, because she figured that she didn't hold enough power in the family to actually warrant staying in the manor for very long. But, she found herself drawn to her family manor more often now after what she's been through. She doesn't delve too deep into the Kuchiki library, for fear of reading something that wasn't for her eyes. She tried her best to look into more things on energy sensing over long distances or just anyway for her to get better with that skill.

Today, however, she heard some of the servants whispering to each other about something that was going on with a family member. She continued towards the library, but she kept her ears open to what was being said. It seemed that one of the Kuchikis had just disappeared. Since she never really stayed around the manor, this was the first time she was hearing it. Obviously, everyone already knew about what had happened, and it had to be rather recent for the servants of the manor to still be talking about it. It now piqued her curiosity.

Before she got to the library this time, she saw a servant passing by. She stopped her, asking what was happening. The servant looked at her like she had grown extra heads. "Where have you been, under a rock? Anastasia Kuchiki is gone. She's been missing for a few days and from what I hear, she left to be with a human. But, the last part is only rumor. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have duties I need to attend to." With that, the servant left and Hotaru was surprised. Well, maybe not surprised but amazed.

She had never heard of anyone from any of the noble families in the Seireitei leaving the family like this for any reason. But, she also didn't know her cousin Anastasia very well either. What she heard around the manor and what she's been able to find out about her, she was an adoptee into the family, and that her life before Soul Society was that of a pirate. The pirate part was very interesting to Hotaru and always wanted to talk to her and find out how it was actually like to live life out at sea like that as a pirate, but it seems she won't get the chance now.

Upon entering the library, she went to her normal section of books and opened the next book in the row and started reading. She wasn't finding anything very relevant today either. After she searched the entire country of Japan for Asmoskon, her now ex that only a select few shinigami knew about because he is a Quincy, she thought that the library of the Kuchikis, known for being enormous and filled with books on everything one could think of, she could find something. But it seemed that every time she looked, the less she found and the farther away Asmoskon was getting.

It was getting her more and more depressed with each passing day. Today was no different. She finished up her reading for the day, spending what she figured was at least four to five hours reading through the books in the library. She knew that she was running herself too hard, that she needed sleep, but she couldn't stop now. She felt like she was getting close to finding him if she just found information on energy sensory that she could use. It would also help if she could get access to scanners that scan the entirety of the world for signatures, but she was pretty sure that was never going to happen.

So, she was making due with what she could do. She would never forgive herself for what was she did to the one man she cared about above all of the others. It was a mistake that would now haunt her until she found him. When he left, he looked ready to go on a rampage. If he did, he might just end up dying, which she didn't want. She wanted to talk with him face-to-face and tell him everything about how she felt about him, but with him gone, she couldn't. The only real peace she would have is if she could just find him again.

She needed down time. She knew that she really needed to go out and find Asmoskon, but honestly, since she looked all over Japan, she had no idea where she could start looking next. She knew that he lived in Tokyo, but didn't have any idea if he traveled outside of Japan, and if he did, she had no idea where he would go. And, since he left nothing at his apartment, she was left with nothing to go on. It was why she was reading more into the energy sensory.

She knew that she needed to actually get out and unwind. She put the book back that she was reading and stretched, pulling her arms above her head. She then rolled her head a few times to loosen up her shoulders from sitting in one place for so long. She walked out of the library and shut the door behind her. She stretched her legs while walking, to make sure she had loosened up. While she was walking through the manor, she was trying to think of a good place to go to try and unwind and think about decisions she had made.

By the time she was out of the manor, she had figured out where she was going to go. She had heard a few of her squad mates mention a Sunny Horizon Tavern in one of the Rukongai districts, she thinks it was called Shousen. Since she didn't get out much, she figured what the hell. Once she left the manor, she Shunpo'ed to the Rukongai districts. There, she got directions to the tavern she was looking for. Once she got there, she looked at the building, and she almost would've missed it if she wasn't actively looking for it.

It was a nice little hole in the wall and once she entered, the inside definitely looked like it. There was only one bar available and very few tables and chairs. But she heard from her squad mates that it was actually worth it, since the alcohol quality was fairly high. She went over to the bar, she hit the tavern at a good time since not too many people were there. She waved over a bartender and asked for the bartender to surprise her with a drink. He came back with an ale. She nodded towards him her thanks and took a drink. It was very good quality, so it would take her awhile to drink it all.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Stats}
Strength - 200 (150) Points.
Speed - 250 (338) Points.
Spiritual Pressure – 270 (203) Points.
Reiatsu Strength – 250 (338) Points.
Light Aura - [70] Points
Dark Aura - [30] Points
Instinct - [100] Points.
Senses - [100] Points.
Energy sensory - [50] Points
Healing Expertise - [0] Points
Total SP = 1120

[Weapons: Swords] 2
[Pain Tolerance] 2
[Bleeding Tolerance] 1
[Illusion Resist] 1
[Damage Recovery] 2
[Poison Resist] 1
[Learning] 1
[Battle Focus] 1
[Hoho] 1

[Douma]

Kagami was the unbreakable Mirror Master. The invincible Vice Captain of the First Division had a reputation of cockiness that was on par with his ability. He had defeated the Septima Espada single-handedly without suffering any more than a collection of thin scratches scattered around his body, and those wounds barely drew blood. Kagami was responsible for the defeat of a handful of Quincy officers at the wedding of a Central 46 member. The Lieutenant was famed for his unmatched military genius and his individual battle ability. On a less public level, Kagami had come face to face with a Kid-using Arrancar belonging to a secret society known as the Escudo. And he was able to leave that encounter with just a cut on the wrist.

And to add to that list of accomplishments, Kagami had pulled off his greatest stunt yet: infiltrating a Kuchiki prison and meeting with a prisoner kept under the highest security possible. He had literally passed under Sozen’s nose and disabled the security overseeing her cell. And now, he took a mission from the forgotten Kuchiki by the name of Saeki, one that could tip the balance of not just the Kuchiki family or Soul Society but all of the worlds as well. This woman was dangerous, more dangerous than anyone Kagami had ever met. Col Arana would tremble before her. After all, if she was such a threat to the esteemed head of snobs Sozen Kuchiki that he had to erase any record of her and keep her tightly locked up, Kagami knew that he was in neck-deep by following her word. But what other choice did he have, his resolve was solid. He needed to see her again, at least one more time…

Flashback City

SPOILER: Click to show

{Some Sad Music}

Kagami walked into the ballroom in a western traditional black and white tuxedo. Had it been any other night, Kagami would be pretending to study up in his room. However, in actuality, the heir to Satou family would have snuck out to visit the local bar in downtown Hiroshima. He’d get drunk, hook up with some girl, get in a bar fight (and win, obviously). He was going to live his life they way he wanted: full of energy and excitement. The hangover the next morning was always worth it, as long as he somehow made it back to his bed before the sun roses. If he was lucky enough, he’d even do it without his parents catching on. They would never approve of such behavior from the future head of the Satou family, but Kagami never asked for the position. They couldn’t blame him for not caring.

The reason Kagami’s plans were altered that night was because of a plot the young man’s parents devised to set him on track. They met with another local noble family, the House of Itou, and planned to unite the two dying households with an arranged marriage. So far, all Kagami knew was her name. What if the mysterious Manami Itou was a controlling bitch and wouldn’t let him get his way and do as he wished. Or worse, she could be hideous. No, Kagami needed to meet the woman he was going to make his wife so that he could approve of his parent’s plans. And when he stepped into the ballroom, there she was.

Her parents had risen out of their seats to greet Kagami’s mother and father, but the future Vice Captain’s eyes were locked on the beautiful woman sitting at the table with a distant look in her enchanting rose eyes. It's like a scene from a movie, where a sailor seas a gorgeous woman across the deck, turns to his friend, and says 'You see that girl over there? I'm gonna marry her.' Kagami fell in love instantly, and there was no going back. Deep in his heart, he knew that Manami was the only one for him. After a few endless seconds, she seemed to come back down to Earth and discovered the presence of her guests. The first person her eyes fell upon was Kagami, and when he flashed her his signature arrogant grin, she snorted, rolled her eyes, and averted her gaze in repulse. It wasn’t the best first impression, and Kagami found himself concerned with what the breathtaking woman in the tight, yet elegant ocean-blue dress thought of him.

After politely greeting the head of the Itou family and his wife, Manami’s parents, he went to introduce himself to the soon-to-be Misses Kagami Murai. Without asking for an invitation, Kagami pulled up the chair next to her and had a seat. She, of course, turned so that her back was to him. Kagami couldn’t help but admire the way she tired her hair into a tall, blonde ponytail. However, strands of loose golden locks bordered the sides of her face and bounced when she twisted her body to avoid even paying attention to the man her parents hoped for her to marry. Kagami was going to have to turn things around. “Hey there, beautiful. You must be Mana-“

“Manami Itou, yes. And I know exactly who you are, Kagami Murai. I know all about you, actually. You’re the laughing stock of the Satou family. You value liquor and long nights at bars with random women over preparing to responsibly lead your family. Sadly, my father are blind to your evils and only seeks to expand our household by merging it with yours. Just know this: I have no choice in our marriage, and if I did, you would be the last person I would ever even consider of marrying. We may be bound legally, but I will never love you. And that’s a promise. Unlike someone at this table, I like my words to have value. My promises are never broken.”

Kagami could only wear the same cocky smile that reinforced her expectations about the man. However, this time, there was a steel will in his eyes. “Unfortunately for you, I don’t have a choice in this either. So if it’s the last thing I do, I’m going to make sure that you fall in love with me one way or another. That way we’ll both be liars.”

And We Now Leave Flashback City

Kagami looked up at the bartender from his stool and ordered a bottle of rum. A little liquor could only help at this point, his nerves were all over the place. Kagami needed to relax and he needed to focus for Manami’s sake. Ana was due to arrive two hours ago, and there was no sign of the woman. Where was she when he needed her most? Just as he was pondering that question in frustration, he detected a familiar reiatsu signature rapidly approaching. It belonged to Hotaru, however, and she seemed to be heading into the tavern. However, she took her seat at the opposite side of the bar from Kagami, lowering the chances that she’d recognize him. After all, his head was covered by the black hood of his jacket, hiding his face from her eyes. A black scabbard hid the jade zanpakuto strapped to his waist. The only chance that she would notice him was if her reiatsu detection recognized him as her former Vice Captain.

It seemed, however, that he would remain undetected for the meantime while her thoughts were elsewhere. Kagami, in a hushed tone, spoke the bartender when he came nearby. His voice was low enough so Hotaru wouldn’t hear him ask, “I’m looking for a man by the name of Sato Hoshi. Any clue as to where I can find him?” Hotaru was bound to discover Kagami’s presence any second now, and maybe he could deceive her into thinking that he was working undercover on a classified case. He may even be able to trick her into giving him a hand in getting Sato Hoshi behind bars. It would be a cruel ploy, but Kagami didn’t have any limits when it came to reuniting with Manami.

[Kento Waffles]

Kuchikis just seemed to be everywhere lately, though some perhaps were starting to drop a little bit more off the map than before, which was unfortunate. Hotaru would enter the hole in the wall just in time to see Kagami asking the bartender about... Sato Hoshi. ...Sato Hoshi. "...Sato Hoshi?" the bartender asked again, regarding Kagami with scrutiny, and with suspicion. Wait, suspicion? Ever seen anything Spiderman? Or at least know about Spiderman? Well, everyone knows about the Spider-sense, which goes off when Peter Parker is in danger. If Kagami could have a Spider-sense, this would be the closest thing to it. Danger was impending, and it was imminent too.

The bartender reached down under the counter to grab something, and suddenly... BOOM! A fiery explosion rocked the establishment as the bar counter exploded, and a huge molten fireball materialized out of it into the ceiling, leaving a huge hole in the ceiling. In the event that Kagami did not get away from the table on time, he would be covered in third degree burns and thrown aside. Given how unexpected this turn of events was, he would, no matter what happened or what he did, most likely still be blasted away by the shockwaves, no matter how good of an instinct to defend himself he had. Even if he wasn't burned, he would have a few bruises, and would land on and shatter a table.

Hotaru would therefore arrive just in time to see Kagami ask the bartender something, and then would be able to observe as the bar literally exploded and Kagami was thrown into a table. The bartender, on the other hand, had had some sort of large yellow reiatsu shield in front of himself, protecting from the fireball. Much had been destroyed, and the place was on fire now. Guests everywhere had been thrown aside and were injured. A few were deeply charred, indicating that some might also be dead. Amid the burning fires and everything else, the bartender suddenly appeared from out of the smoke. He looked over to see Hotaru was there, and Kagami was alive, and bolted.

In an instant, the bartender, with amazing speed, disappeared, going away from Kagami and Hotaru, out of the back exit from the bar. He disappeared behind the door, fleeing the scene. The bartender was escaping! Running away! Hotaru, with her impressive physical ability, might want to chase after him. Or she might want to ensure that Kagami was okay. Well, given that Kagami was a Lieutenant, he might be okay, so maybe, given a now criminal was escaping, Hotaru might want to chase this guy down instead. It was up to her. Also, Kagami might want to do something to save himself from being severely burned. Being burned was some fufu lameshit.

[Douma]

Kagami knew something was up the moment his question left his lips and flowed into the ears of the bartender. Taverns were a common attraction for travelers and passer-byers who may be searching for past acquaintances, friends, or family members in cities. In fact, bartenders were very useful for gathering information in general, as Kagami knew with all the time he spent in bars. Therefore, he was expected to be met with a helpful tone that most tavern owners dawned when aiding foreigners. Or so they were supposed to.

“…Sato Hoshi?” The bartender’s eyes looked over Kagami as an eagle would tiger would regard a competitor just before a fight broke out. The man was definitely acting strange toward the Vice Captain, and Kagami knew that all was most definitely not well. There were so many signs shouting for him to protect himself, and the Vice Captain was more than willing to comply. After all, a dangerous anticipation was to be anticipated. He was dealing with, potentially, the most dangerous criminal in the world and she asked him to put a man behind bars. That was her only request, so Kagami had to assume that there was more to it. This was only the first bump in the road, and he was going to be prepared. Kagami reacted suddenly to the bartender’s movements, setting up a defensive mirror between the two. However, Kagami linked both sides of this mirror so that the bartender would be unable to notice it. All air, smell, sound, sight, and energy sensory would pass through it while it would repel a potential attack. And Kagami set up the invisible wall without moving a muscle, so the bartender could not possibly be aware of its existence.

This invisible mirror is exactly what defended against the firey blast, forcing the scortching heat and hungry flames to diverge and pass Kagami on both his sides rather than hitting him directly and causing severe wounds. He wasn’t in the mood to get burnt again, not after he had just healed from his wounds. Hokori left Kagami some nasty burns that took a few weeks to fade. This was not going to be able to stop him from pursuing his goal. The Vice Captain’s resolve was as hard and sharp as the steel of his Zanpakuto. This bartender obviously knew something and Kagami was going to pursue him to hell if that’s what it meant…

Piano Guys are Cool - Listen to this!

Manami was sitting at a mahogany desk in her room, her rose eyes washing over the text in the thick book before her like waves on the sea of words. She was far too immersed in the textbook to be aware of her surroundings, and the blue jays sang their songs outside her shut window while her head was up in space. However, the sudden sound of a pebble colliding with the glass window was more than enough to bring her back down to Earth. The startled woman’s golden locks jumped from surprise just as she did, and her eyes stared at the window, almost waiting for something else to happen and confirm that her mind wasn’t playing tricks on her.

Luckily for her, another rock bounced off the glass once again and she was finally urged to get out of her seat and make sure that the third stone wouldn’t shatter the glass. Manami opened the window to find Kagami waiting with several other rocks in his hand, looking up at her room on the third floor. Her eye brows furrowed as the charming, yet overwhelmingly arrogant man called up to her, “Your parents said that you were busy and couldn’t be interrupted, so I figured you just were too tired to be swept off your feat by me. After all, how much more Romeo and Juliet can you get than this?” Manami was obviously frustrated and aggravated, and responded tensely, “Fuck off, smart ass.” And with that she slammed the window shut and rushed back to her books, though her mind was less focused and distracted.

Three minutes after attempting to return to her studies, she would hear a knock on her window. Unsurprisingly, it would be ignored. However, a second knock followed with a third and fourth right at its tail. It became clear that no one was throwing rocks this time and Kagami was actually hanging off the side of the building over a fall that would likely break at least one of his legs. Manami caught sight of the man’s grey hair and rushed to open the window and let him in so that his blood didn’t stain her hands. “You idiot, what do you think your doing?”

Kagami fell through the window and lay on the floor of Manami’s bedroom laughing. “Hehe, to be honest, I didn’t think you’d let me in.” Manami’s anger was apparent, but she offered no response, which only gave Kagami another chance to speak. “Look, I don’t know what your problem with me is but if this marriage is going to work, we’re gonna need to try getting along.” Although Kagami’s tone was serious, his mischievous eyes gave away the playful intention behind his words. But the bride-to-be so no humor in her future husband. “Let’s make this quick and easy. I don’t want to marry you. Get out of my house.” She glared at him with enraged eyes, and Kagami realized that he was walking on glass. Time to be a bit more careful.

“So, what’s your problem with me. I need to know the truth, and if it’s legitimate, I’ll tell my parents to call off the deal. How does that sound?” Manami’s eyes shined with hope and interest, for Kagami was finally saying the words she wanted to hear. “Fine, let’s set this straight. I never want to get married. I want to study to become a doctor, and that’ll be impossible with a husband tying me down. I don’t need to be turned into a limited housewife when I could be changing the world, so I’m never going to settle down.” Kagami’s smug smile was replaced with legitimate interest and understanding, but Manami made nothing of it. She was devoted to despising the notorious womanizer and Manami was definitely the type to hold stubborn grudges.

Kagami stared at Manami’s soft pink eyes, but his mind and thoughts were elsewhere. After a few moments of thoughtful silence, he finally opened his mouth. “Show me what type of medical things you’ve already learned, and I’ll decide whether your fit to be a doctor or not.” Manami was actually taken back by his challenge, but she was more than willing to accept out of a personal quarrel. She didn’t care if she damned herself by ending up with Kagami, but Manami was willing to prove that she had potential to be the best doctor in the world. And so she began educating Kagami about the basics of human anatomy, which led into more complex topics that Kagami was surprised to find interesting. Soon, Manami’s anger faded and a friendship with Kagami was springing up right under her nose. Several hours later, they would be laughing and the two left the biology textbook on the desk as they lay down and talked on Manami’s bed.

The sun rose and fell, and sometime in the dark of the night, Manami was yawning in the middle of one of their lighthearted conversations. “So… when I become a successful doctor and win the Nobel Prize and what not, what about you? What’s your big plan for the future, Mister Murai?” She giggled quietly, but it was obvious that she was exhausted from the long day and sleep wasn’t far. “Me… I’ve got plans, and maybe I’d let you in on them later but for now, I’ll keep them to my-” Kagami glanced down at the woman’s head resting on his arm and found that she was sound asleep. Her breathing was slow and calm, and Kagami figured that he was ready to join her. As he shut his eyes and faded into his dreams, the feeling of complete happiness lingered like chocolate on his tongue.

End Flash Back

Kagami knew Hotaru had arrived, but he didn’t wait for her to take any action. The instant that Kagami detected the sudden movement of the bartender’s reiatsu signature with his acute energy sensory, he leaped after him. Kagami sprinted out the back door, moving at his maximum speed to ensure that the man didn’t get away. The instant that Kagami caught sight of him, he summoned a mirror and linked its sides so that it was invisible. The bartender would essentially sprint directly into an invisible wall, and rather than having the force knock him back off his feet, he would be caught in the middle another mirror. The way Kagami accomplished this is by allowing the man to pass through a second mirror made invisible through image link. However, as he was in the middle of the mirror, Image Link would end and the man would be trapped in the glass.

Upon securing the man, Kagami would slow to a walk and approach his captive, his jade sword held casually yet firmly in his right hand. In his black clothes and with the hood covering his face, the only people who could recognize Kagami as a Shinigami and Vice Captain of Squad One. Kagami stopped approximately five meters from the bartender, his cold eyes covered by the shadow of his hood. “I’m going to ask you one more time and only one more time; tell me everything you know about Sato Hoshi.”

Reiatsu Remaining: 7725/8000 (-75 for three mirrors, -100 for two Image Link)

[Hotaru Kuchiki-Masurao]

Hotaru Kuchiki was walking towards the bar she was recommended to from her squad mates after spending the entire day at the Kuchiki Manor and running around the human world. She was now tackling the country of China, trying to find her lost love. So far, she had tried Tokyo with no luck, so she had moved onto Beijing. She started from one corner and worked her way towards the center of the enormous city. She thought that Japan had big cities. The ones here were ridiculous. She tirelessly searched close to half of the city when she had to stop. She was getting too tired and she couldn't sense anything.

When she made it back to Soul Society, she went straight towards the Kuchiki Manor. She needed better sensory to find her lost beloved. The more she searched in the Human World, the more she thought the worse and that he didn't want to be found or something worse still, that he had been slain and she wasn't there to help him. These thoughts had kept her up at night before, and she highly doubted that it would stop anytime soon. Once she made it to the manor, she stopped by the kitchen quickly to grab something to eat and headed towards the library.

Since she knew how Hokori-sama was about the library, she completely finished her food, wiped her hands clean on her uniform and walked in. She went over to her normal section. She took out the next book in the line of books she had been reading and went to the closest desk. She pulled out a little notepad from her uniform and started to take notes while she was reading the book. She took to note taking when she first started looking for him. This was her fourth notepad. She kept all of them locked away in her section of the seated officers room. The others knew not to look through her stuff, but she had to be careful with these notepads.

After another several hours, and filling up the rest of this notepad, she needed to stop. She could feel that her head was going to explode from all the new information she was getting from the Kuchiki books. She put her notepad away, making a mental reminder to put it with her other notepads. She was getting tired and needed to just relax a little and get out. She walked outside of the manor and it was bright out. She must've fallen asleep in there without realizing it. It honestly wouldn't surprise her the way she's running herself ragged lately. 

She stretched herself out a little when she got out of the manor and started to walk towards the bar. Since she was in Seireitei in the Kuchiki Family Housing, it would take her a little bit of time to actually get there. Since she was working on things to try to find Asmoskon, he, of course, was in the forefront of her mind. It seemed like every step she was taking she was starting to remember little things about the times they spent together. Some were better times than others. While walking to the bar, she thought back on one particularly memorable time with him.

Flashback

"You know Hotaru this might just be the only night I've cooked something for someone else." Placing the bowl of fried chicken and rice in front of Hotaru as he sat down across the small table. "Really? I think I feel honored then." She smiled at him, nodding a thank you while she accepted the bowl of food. It smelled delicious and she was ready to taste her love's food. "So, this is where you live?" Asmoskon smiled as he took up his chop sticks and grabbed a hold of a portion of chicken. "Yeah. It's not much, but I'm only one person so there's no need for anything excessive." Asmoskon then popped the chicken into his mouth as he smiled across the table and gave Hotaru a wink.

She blushed a little with the wink. She looked around and thought that it was a nice place, much bigger than her own. "All the seated officers in my division share one room, so you have a lot more room than I do. But, I was able to make my own little section, so it's not too bad. I like to think I don't need a lot of space." She had to admit, it was a nice place. It was two nice sized rooms, the one they were in was the big living space with a kitchen that had a bathroom and bedroom separated by walls. She wished she had a place like this. 

Asmoskon stirred the rice around the bowl for a moment or two. "Well maybe when you have free time you could stay here then." Asmoskon spoke with his head down facing the bowl, unsure of how Hotaru would react. She reacted with a surprise by what he said. No one had ever asked her to live with them before, though, Asmoskon wasn't like anyone else she had ever met. She thought about it, nibbling on the food. She then saw he had his face down. She got closer to him, which was pretty easy. She walked around the table and sat on his right side, close.

She grabbed his face gently and pulled it to face her. "There is nothing that I would love more than to stay here with you my lovely." Asmoskon grinned softly as the chop stick fell from his grasp replaced by Hotaru as he leaned towards her and kissed her making sure she knew that she meant everything to him. She leaned in as well and when their lips touched, she felt his warmth through their lips alone. She was so happy, she had no words. She scooted a little closer to him, putting both hands on his face, deepening the kiss.

Asmosko felt the warmth of Hotaru's lips against his own and this time felt as if something as different. It felt more to him then ever before. He wrapped his arms around his love and began to kiss her deeply as his arms moved to her hips. Hotaru felt his movements and wrapped her arms around his neck, tasting him before, begrudgingly, moving back. But, it was just enough that there noses still touched. "Do you want to continue this? I don't want to force anything with you."

Asmoskon smiled at Hotaru as she asked so respectfully, but right now there was nothing else in the world he wanted then to be with the love of his life. "There's nothing you could ever force me through Hotaru as long as your with me." Asmoskon moved in again kissing her deeply as he started to pick her up from the chair. She smiled at him and kissed him back, getting to taste him before she felt herself getting lifted. She pulled back a little only to gasp in surprise by his actions. Asmoskon grinned as he picked Hotaru put and began to kiss her neck moving on up and then kissing her once again through their lips.

"Now it's your turn for the answer. Be one or wait?" She had her legs and arms around him, so she wouldn't fall. But, she knew that he would never let her fall. She looked deep into his eyes for her answer. She knew that he was ready, it was plastered all over his face. She removed one arm to gently touch his face. "There is nothing that would please me more than to be with you. But our food might get cold." She smiled playfully at him while holding him tight. She really didn't want to fall away from him at this second.

Asmoskon grinned at the answer only to raise his right eyebrow suddenly in a type of joking jest. "Oh really well then. I guess I'll have to make you something far more special as a treat afterwards." Asmoskon kissed Hotaru once again and began to walk towards the bedroom. She laughed at his response, which was cut off my more of his kisses. Hotaru was very curious as to what this 'treat' might be afterwards. She kissed him back with all the passion she had, not paying attention to where he was actually taking her. All she was concerned with now was just him and nothing else.

Asmoskon continued to move throughout the small apartment being careful when he came to small step down into the bedroom. He was kissing Hotaru continually breathing through his nose as he tasted his love. Moving her down Asmoskon placed Hotaru on the bed and then leaned over her as he continued to kiss her as his emotions took control of his every action. When she hit something soft, she gasped a little after smiling and laughing at herself. When he leaned over and they kissed, she stopped him long enough to say one thing to him. "I love you Asmoskon."

Asmoskon smiled gently down at Hotaru. "I love you too Hotaru." Asmoskon then leaned down again and gave her a gentle brief kiss to show her that what was happening right now wasn't fake or just what any guy wanted but as in fact real and that he meant what he had said. That had not stopped him long though considering his emotions pushed him to the point his clothing no longer matter and neither did Hotaru's. She could feel the tenderness in his actions. It was like nothing she had ever experienced before. She knew he had meant what he said, but being able to feel it meant that much more. She put her hands under his shirt, feeling the skin of his chest and gently caressing it, loving the feel of his skin against the skin of her fingers and hands.

Asmoskon smiled as he felt Hotaru's hands moving up his chest. Pulling back he pulled the shirt up off of him and threw it to the side proceeding to kiss Hotaru and untie her sash. It only took a few moments for the couple to be down to nearly nothing laying on the bed kissing. The scent of his love was one he hoped would never leave him. She felt them get closer to each other with each passing second. She started to get drunk just from his scent alone. They then spent time getting to know each other better than they had before.

After several hours, Hotaru lay next to Asmoskon in bed, snuggled up on his right side, laying her head on his chest. Asmoskon moved his left arm over gently rubbing Hotaru's cheek as he smiled at her. "Eternity my love is the only time limit I will allow to bind us." Asmoskon gently kissed Hotaru on the lips then playfully on her nose as he smiled and laughed slightly. When he touched her cheek, she stirred a little, still groggy from half sleep, but still hearing what he said. She of course kissed him back and laughed and smiled when he did.

She grabbed his left hand and left it there, looking at him. "I agree completely with what you just said. But, I think that you owe me some kind of special treat now. You promised me." She gave him the best puppy dog eyes she could muster. Asmoskon grinned and rolled his eyes in a manner that clearly meant he was kidding around with her. "Alright I'll see what I can muster up for breakfast then my dear." Asmoskon pulled the sheets from him and got out of bed making his way to the kitchen. One of the first things that she noticed was that he had a bounce in his step, at least it looked that way.

She smiled in victory, moving her arms up above her head, sitting up as she did so. She watched Asmoskon get out of bed and walk towards the kitchen, examining him as she did so. She had already done so, but she honestly couldn't get enough of doing that. She also got out of bed as well and when he made it to the kitchen by the stove, she quickly walked behind him and hugged him, pressing herself close to him. She leaned in to his ear and said, "Have I told you how much I love you?"

Asmoskon smiled warmly hearing Hotaru behind him as the stove began to heat. "Of course. Never never grow tired of it though." Asmoskon turned around for a moment and kissed Hotaru again. "That's a promise my love." Asmoskon then proceeded to grab everything from the kitchen he would need to get started making pancakes. "Now go sit down or else no special treat for the dragon dream girl." Asmoskon was teasing her now in a way that he hadn't before simply because he'd never been this happy since his family had been taken.

She smiled at him and tried to give a sad face after what he had said. "Fine..... I'll go. This treat better be worth it my dream archer." She gave him one quick peck on the cheek and sat down a little huffily at the table. Of course, she would only do this for effect. She had never been happier in all her life. She sat there waiting very patiently and waited for him to finish his cooking. When he did, he put something he called pancakes in front of her and she ate them like no tomorrow, smiling all the while.

End of Flashback

By the time that she had finished this memory, she was near tears and outside of the bar. She quickly tried to compose herself, hopefully which worked. Though, with the way she was feeling, she doubted she looked any better. She had all that and ruined it with a one night stand with the enemy Quincy that didn't even have the balls to call her back. Vannan wasn't worth it for having to give up the love of her life. She paid for that mistake many times over now, but she knew that if she ever got Asmoskon back, she would gladly throw Vannan to the wayside to keep the one she truly loved.

She opened the door and immediately saw her old Vice Captain, Kagami Murai, speaking with the bartender of the establishment. All she was able to hear was him ask for someone by the name of Sato Hoshi. She thought about it and didn't know that name, but before she could really think on it she saw a huge ball of fire explode from the bar. She raised her arm up to protect herself from the flames and when she looked back, it seemed that the bar got completely destroyed. Though, thankfully, it seemed Kagami was unharmed. She saw the man start to run.

Since Kagami seemed fine and was running after the man, so she decided to join her old Vice Captain. He might not need the backup, but she would be there to help him if he needed it anyway. She ran full out, well as fast as she could with all the wreckage in the bar. By the time she had made it outside, it seemed like Kagami had already dealt with the man. She had no idea how he did it, but it seemed like the man was trapped in a mirror. It was an impressive feat, to be sure, but the way Kagami was acting was not like he usually did. At least, from what she's seen of him.

She walked up to the scene, hearing him ask about the same man again. It seemed he was being pretty forceful about the questions. It was obvious to her that this man had done something to the man. Her mind was still troubled with Asmoskon fresh in her mind, but she tried to push it to the side for this moment, so she could help her friend. She kept her distance from the man, just in case she was interrupting something. "Kagami-senpai, do you need help? I did tell you that you could call on me when you needed anything. I'm here if you need me."

[Sozen Kuchiki]

SPOILER: Click to show

{Parasyte is SO good. Seriously, play this song.}

The bartender, running at the mirror, disappeared into it, nearly as anticipated. Kagami was clearly being aggressive because of how much this mattered to him. Love, oh sweet love. It drove everyone insane, didn't it? Kagami was doing this for his long lost love, which was why the aggression was there. Hotaru, meanwhile, was thinking of her love, which was why she was a bit distracted on this mission. But, that's the sad thing about a love story. In order to make it interesting, there has to be some sort of a struggle involved. Otherwise it's already a happy ending. A love story has to go from sad story to happy ending to please audiences. And that's the unfortunate thing about all love stories.

As Kagami approached the mirror, he'd find that the bartender wasn't even there. No, the bartender was not trapped as Kagami had anticipated. Instead, the bartender had entered the mirror, gone through all of them, and materialized out the other side, and continued running. Since Kagami had walked to the mirror, assuming he had captured his query, and then stopped to ask questions before it became apparent that the mirrors were empty, the bartender was now at quite a distance away, still running. Sprinting in fact. He was very, very far away. Lucky for them, there were no places to hide. It was a wide open area devoid of anywhere to hide, and only a single straight road. Until ten yards more.

If the bartender cleared that ten yards, he'd get into the morning market, and would be able to disappear into it and hide himself. There, it would become a lot more of a hassle to find him. It was even possible that he'd escape them entirely. He had reacted with great hostility to the name of Sato Hoshi and had tried to kill Kagami, and then run away, so that made him some kind of a suspicious link. It was the only link that Kagami had. He could not let the bartender get away. It was strange, though, that the bartender had been able to slip through Kagami's mirrors. The bartender had acted almost like Kagami had. He had literally been able to slip through them, as if teleporting.

The bartender had treated those mirrors as if they were his own. This would likely be the first time that Kagami had ever met someone who could just slip through his mirrors. If the bartender could do this more than once, it meant that Kagami's mirrors were useless for capturing his query. In that case, he would need to rely on the old fashioned way. He would have to chase down the bartender and capture him manually. That would be a real pain, considering how close to escape the bartender actually was. In this case, maybe Hotaru, with her incredible physical aptitude, might be better for this than Kagami. The bartender, after all, was pretty fast.

As Hotaru approached Kagami, the bartender cleared to the five yard point. There was only a second or two left before the bartender escaped. They would have to act quickly if they wanted to capture him. So much rested on this. On getting the bartender. On finding out about Sato Hoshi. On getting him where Saeki Kuchiki wanted him, so that Kagami could learn the whereabouts of Manami, his darling love. So much rested on just this simple chase. But that's the sad thing about love stories. Things can't ever be easy. They have to be very difficult for viewers to care about the story. Things always have to be way too hard. And that's the problem with all love stories.

[Douma]

Kagami’s mirrors were completely ignored by the strange bartender, and it became apparent that the Vice Captain wasn’t dealing with an ordinary foe. However, Kagami had a major problem that he became aware of during his battle with Hokori: his arsenal was light. Kagami’s greatest weapons are his mirrors, but they can only take him so far. And now that he was up against someone who nullified his attacks, Kagami was left with two more tools in battle: his blade and his body. If Kagami was to progress and grow even stronger, this was not enough. He needed to train, but Manami came first. He would have to make do in this state.

The Vice Captain had good instincts and would quickly resume his pursuit as soon as he realized what happened. However, he knew that there was no point in capturing the bartender with his mirrors, so Kagami would instead use his shikai as a tool to close the gap. Kagami summoned two mirrors, one directly in front of him and one at the end of the ally, just in behind the bartender who ran past it. For a sliver of a second, Kagami locked eyes with himself while running at the mirror and felt the cold steel in his eyes. His expression was dark, but if that’s what it took to achieve his goals, he would embrace his demons.

Kagami instantly linked the two mirrors while running through them. That way, they would act as a portal and allow him to instantly catch up to the bartender. However, the Vice Captain wasn’t done. While linking the mirrors, he did two things simultaneously. With one hand just lightly brushing against his leg, as he ran, he would activate Bakudo #38: Mirafureru, which placed a reflective surface on his body. The second thing he did was active the Hoho technique Flash Glide, which let him glide on the ground like there was an invisible pair of ice skates on his feet. Now that he was moving at a whopping speed of 1000, Kagami would easily be able to tackle the Bartender from behind less than one second after emerging from the mirror.

Kagami plan to tackle his enemy down with his far greater speed that would undoubtedly surprise the bartender. Even if the man tried hiding in the crowd, Kagami’s energy sensory was sharp and he would surely detect his target’s location, but the bartender wouldn’t even have time to try camouflaging with the civilians. Kagami would pin him down from behind, and upon tackling him, jade swords would pop out of the mirror surrounding his body, puncturing holes in the bartender’s knees, making it impossible to even stand, much less run away. “Do I have to repeat myself?" Kagami whispered into the man’s ear with a dangerously quiet fury. He wasn’t going to kill the bartender yet, but the man would definitely suffer.

Reiatsu Remaining: 7225/8000 (-50 for two new mirrors, -50 for Image Link, -100 for Mirafureru, -300 for Flash Glide)