Harmony Shackled

[Satoshi Kazuhiko]

Thread Title: Harmony Shackled [R, NDE]
Participants: Kazuhiko, Kouhai
World: Hueco Mundo, Menos Forest, Marik's Quartz Tree Dwelling
Death Setting: Non-Death Enabled
Rating: R
Location: Within a great pit within the heart of a Quartz Tree that is isolated within the heart of the Menos Forest.
Special Conditions: N/A
Circumstances: Thought to be left for dead by Lagos Obscuras, Kazuhiko was recovered by Marik Ashwin and imprisoned within his domain. Trapped within the pit that doubled as one of Marik's homes, Kazuhiko is desperately searching for a way out. However, without the ability to harm physical structures, he is hopelessly trapped. Continued from Here

[Satoshi Kazuhiko]

Marik Ashwin had done the boy a kindness. He'd lost consciousness within the deserts of Hueco Mundo after his conflict with Lagos. There, weak, starving, and without the ability to defend himself, he would have made for an easy meal. But instead, the strange Arrancar had recovered Kazuhiko. He'd supplied him with bedding, food, and water. And though this was just another in a long line of prisons, this one at least lacked shackles.

The walls of Marik's old burrow stretched high into the sky. 50 meters, to be exact. Though the top of the pit was sealed, it had a number of slits in order to allow for light and sound to trickle in. The interior was decorated to the liking of the man who had formerly lived within it. The large bed that Kazuhiko had been laid to rest in was a mess now. The sheets were a tangle from when he'd awoken and nearly cocooned himself within them. A table and a pair of couches occupied the center of the room. And upon the table was an empty bucket of chicken from the human world and a pair of water glasses... Also empty.

The pit was silent but for the occasional roaring of hollows that occupied the outside world. They sounded close... But then of course they did. Kazuhiko was a radiant beacon of spiritual energy. He had freshly awoken his Shikai, but had no ability to control it. His spiritual pressure, while impressive, was also constantly leaking out. And only a moment ago he had flared it for what was meant to be a dramatic escape!

He'd channeled his strength into his strange golden prosthetic and delivered a blow with tremendous spiritual pressure behind it! It had come with a great roaring flash of white light! It was the mightiest blow he could conjure! And had been directed right at the vulnerable slits in the ceiling! And had resulted in... Absolutely nothing. Powerful as his Shikai might have seemed when he'd obliterated the 9th Espada's Cero, it was about as effective as a paper sword when it came to material objects. Kazuhiko's Hyakujuunoou couldn't deal damage, as he had just learned.

Well. It hadn't done absolutely anything. It had drawn those roaring hollows nearer. Any creature with any decent measure of energy sensory could pick up the flash of Shinigami Reiatsu. Pure, positive, and large. What a meal it would make! "Do no harm... Huh?" The boy laughed humorlessly as he collapsed backward onto one of the couches. He never wanted to hurt anyone. But this not being able to hurt any-thing- was something of a Monkey's Paw. Irony, you cruel villain!

SPOILER: Click to show

{Kazuhiko}

Satoshi Kazuhiko was far from intimidating. Even sitting, it was obvious he was short, only a few inches above five feet. He had a thin, scrawny frame. It was made scrawnier still by his emaciation. But the act of gorging himself had reinvigorated him almost immediately! His pallid, dry skin was already looking darker and healthier from the food he'd had only twenty minutes ago. His cheeks had a rosy blush to them that he hadn't had in weeks.

His golden blonde hair was a mess and getting closer to white from all of the alabaster sand that had blown in it. His eyes were a brilliant blue, like the depths of the ocean. Typically he wore glasses, but they were gone entirely now. He'd been left with only a single lens for a few days, he had taken it apart. He'd needed the glass to fashion a small cutting tool. This had broken as well by now.

His vestments were in tatters. The oversized robe he wore was torn apart from the many many days of the conflict. He had once worn two robes, but now only his white robes remained. He'd cut up his black robes with the cutting tool fashioned from his glasses to make bandages or to us as kindling. His sleeves were fully gone. The one on his left had been ripped when Lagos hurled him through the desert. And the one on his right had been blown off during his release. His feet were bare. He'd lost one of his sandals in a chase and had deconstructed the other for the valuable hemp string it was made of.

"Well. Now what?" he lamented out loud. Another day with no way home... One more day that his sister Fuuko, or any of the other Shinigami, had to find a way to get to Hueco Mundo. That was exactly what he'd sought to avoid. Rizer Tile had kidnapped him and left him stranded... And he'd seen what that man had done to the innocent bystanders of the Rukongai's North 80th district. He didn't want to risk that happening to any rescue party that was coming to find him. But once again, he found himself without agency. At least where he was now, nothing else could get to him either...

Or so he thought.

[Shizuka Sanamizu ✮]

As days went by endlessly, everything seemed to draw more suspicion onto the group of individuals known as Kouhai's Espada. Since he had given his last order to Guujin, not a single one of them reported back any good news. Nothing was being shared that made the King feel as if Rizer was being dealt with, and he knew that no moves had been made as of yet by anyone. It was still early, still too soon to cast judgement on any of them. Although, if he were being honest with himself, he was frustrated by how long it was taking. He did not appreciate being kept waiting by any margin. This was something he made note of for the future.

The throne room was calm. There was no movement. No life. No activity. It was exactly how Kouhai preferred everything to be. He did not appreciate any wandering souls, did not want them to come near. In fact, anyone who walked within one hundred feet of the man would likely be able to tell that he was not allowing anyone's presence before him. His facial features were akin to stone, lacking any genuine emotion. His forehead did not contain a single crease. His eyelids were relaxed. Should anyone spot him, they might assume he could be bored or lost in thought. He was neither. In fact, he was busying himself by being sure no one was around.

With Kouhai's energy sensory, he reached out and confirmed his solidarity. Strong as he may be, he could not ignore the paranoia he felt. He had to be ready at any moment to put someone in their place and remind them that he was the one who was truly mighty. With the knowledge that he truly was alone, he sat in his throne and crossed his left leg over his right. He began considering some options, like perhaps summoning his Espada on his own and enforcing the hunt he so generously bestowed upon them. He had to admit to himself that he felt that move was unnecessary, especially given that they should be blindly following his orders regardless.

It did not take long before Kouhai felt something out in the world. An action taken by someone who was not the normal Hollows who haunted Hueco Mundo. With a slow blink and a slight smirk, Kouhai rose to his feet and snapped. Quickly, though not quickly enough, a guard appeared before the King with a hand over his chest, signaling his loyalty and willingness to do Kouhai's bidding. The guards who worked in Las Noches were all this way because Kouhai flexed his dominance over them time and time again. They would not falter. They would not betray him. They couldn't do so anyway because they knew the consequences.

"I am leaving to explore Hueco Mundo temporarily. You are to guard this place with your life, because if you value it at all, you know you cannot fail. Someone is intruding, and based on the events that happened in the desert recently, I suspect it may be an abandoned Shinigami. I am going to go take care of him myself."

There was truly only one item of value that Kouhai had to protect. He was always able to create a new Hougyoku if necessary seeing as only he could ever be smart enough to accomplish such a thing, but he preferred to not have to get his hands dirty over such a trivial task. Any time he left Las Noches, he ordered heavy guarding to be established and for them to notify him immediately if there are trespassers or anyone going where they do not belong. Kouhai had a lot to hide from people. This was necessary to avoid unnecessary, albeit entertaining, bloodshed. He was not there to be an executioner, but he delighted in it when the opportunity arose.

What this enforced protection did for him was prevent unwanted visitors from entering and exploring anything in Las Noches. Notifying Kouhai simply meant the man could be God and determine how the intruders' lives would end. The guards were forced to detain these people, but Kouhai determined the punishment. So with a nod from the guard, the King left and chose to explore the desert of Hueco Mundo in an effort to locate who caused the burst of energy.

---

It did not take long before the walk came to an end. Kouhai's energy sensory didn't fail him as he hunted down this Shinigami. Upon finding the trail of Hollows going into the same place, Kouhai quietly followed. They did not seem to be able to pinpoint exactly where their target was, but Kouhai could. It should have been surprising to no one. He was an expert at just about everything. Of course it wouldn't take him long to hunt, especially with his skillset. So when he walked up to the Shinigami wallowing in his own self-pity, it was almost too easy.

"Hmm..." he started, intentionally making a noise to catch the Shinigami's attention, "you don't belong here. I would be happy to lead you to a location that is not quite so... hungry."

Feigned politeness. If he didn't know who Kouhai was by some unbelievable circumstance, he may not need to fake his own surprise. He forced a kind smile and held out a hand that he dearly hoped the Shinigami would not grab. But behind his words and niceties was suspicion and intent to kill if necessary. It was not every day someone like this man stumbled into Hueco Mundo, but that wasn't quite within his own will, was it? Kouhai decided he'd play like a good person at the moment. It was pointless to scare anyone away before he got information.

[Satoshi Kazuhiko]

Kazuhiko felt the man's approach before he'd heard him. He somehow knew how he looked before he ever turned to see him. He was still getting used to this strange sixth sense he'd developed... And unfortunately, it did little to spare him the surprise of Kouhai's sudden arrival!

"Uwaaa!" He shouted out as he tried to quickly find his footing and dismount from the couch! He was successful, in a way. He tumbled over the armrest and fell into a pile of robes with a heavy thud. He spared himself a moment to soothe the knot on the top of his head before hastily getting to his feet and turning to face the new entrant!

Kazuhiko had come across many denizens of Hueco Mundo in his short time here. Some, like Lagos and Rizer, had immediately turned to violence. The latter had stranded him here. The former had intrinsically changed his very soul in her devious game of cat and mouse.

So the sight of the man's kind smile and warmly extended hand brought on a great sense of relief. He let out an unsubtle sigh as some of his anxiety fluttered away. "Oh, thank goodness!" He exclaimed as he wiped his brow. His eyes settled on Kouhai's extended hand and a smile crossed his own youthful lips.

It was with great vigor that he took Kouhai's hand in his own! The shake was made with his left hand rather than his right, a curiosity on its own. But it was impossible not for Kouhai to notice the state of his right arm. It was a strange golden prosthetic pulsing with white light. In fact, it was dually impossible for Kouhai not to feel the vibrant warmth of the positive energy constantly leaking from the golden-haired youth.

His grip on Kouhai's hand was firm, but it still possessed signs of fatigue. He'd recently eaten, but before that he'd been starved and beaten. Yet despite that, his soul still felt vibrant... If not a little tarnished by the hollowification he was still unaware of.

"That would be a great and welcome kindness! I really need to get out of here!" He was as enthusiastic as a man being offered water within a... well desert.

"I'm Satoshi Kazuhiko. It's nice to meet you! And you are?" He was quick to introduce himself. There was no attempt to hide who he was. Nor had there been an attempt to raise his fists when Kouhai had caught him by surprise. Kouhai's feigned kindness was convincing. Kazuhiko's genuine positivity was radiant and blinding!

[Shizuka Sanamizu ✮]

Had Kouhai not been able to conceal his true thoughts, this blonde child may have picked up on the false warmth. Everything about him screamed 'prisoner' in one way or another, but the man could not help wondering why. There were whisperings about what could have happened here to cause Satoshi to be trapped in this pit already. Kouhai's informants were akin to gossiping church ladies on an early Sunday morning at brunch. The only downside to that was the information was occasionally skewed. This gave him a chance to find out what was going on.

Kouhai retracted his hand slowly, noting the prosthetic and ensuring he had a chance to ask about such a thing later. Part of what made him so influential was being able to learn about his enemies quickly. This opportunity was no different. Plus, the fact that Satoshi was so obviously weak and tired was going to make this quite simple. Kouhai knew the exact story and how to use it, especially given how this boy did not seem to know who he was. As mildly offended as he felt at that moment, this could be advantageous. So, with his smile still plastered on his face and his eyes feigning the calmest of appearances, he gave his own introduction.

"Satoshi, huh? It's truly a pleasure to meet you. You see, I've recently gotten myself stuck here, as well. I don't think it has been nearly as long as you've been here, though. At least, not judging by the looks of you. I was sent here on a mission by my Captain and I fear I may have been abandoned. I suppose they felt I was not worth bringing home... so when I realized you were here, I knew I had to try to help. I couldn't let someone else suffer the same fate."

Vague enough. And with Kouhai's classic black suit, anyone could mistake him for an average Shinigami who simply modified his standard uniform out of personal preference and, frankly, defiance. But for now, he couldn't let Satoshi believe he was anything other than some unseated Shinigami. Or at the most, something at all remotely similar. That was going to be critical when it came to learning about what this boy was doing here.

"So tell me. How did you get stuck? This doesn't look like an accident." But it does look like an opportunity. The King mentally rolled his eyes and prevented himself from looking any way aside from friendly. "What can I possibly do to help you?"

[Satoshi Kazuhiko]

With their handshake concluded Satoshi listened to the man's story. It seemed that he too had gotten himself stuck in Hueco Mundo. Though perhaps only recently... Was he part of the rescue party? With as difficult as the last few weeks had been he was certainly due for a break eventually, right? The man's attire seemed to be reminiscent of the Shinigami. It was far from the standard issue... But so too was his own. And so too were his sisters. In fact, it was difficult to find a member of the Soul Society who -did- wear their attire correctly.

After the man's story concluded Kazuhiko's eyes narrowed. His body tensed. And his gut tightened with anxiety. "I'm sure that's not true!" He said with unabashed confidence as he slashed the air in front of him as if striking down Kouhai's very words! He spoke the words as if there was nothing he believed more in the world than that single sentence! "There's no way your Captain would abandon you here! Don't give up hope! We'll work together to get home, yeah?" That same arm that had cut through the air now thrust outward in a fist, before his thumb jutted up to reassure the man that everything was going to be okay.

Kazuhiko was tired and battered. His soul was still recovering from being invaded. And he was coping with all sorts of new sensory stimulation from his strange Shikai Prosthetic. However, the moment another person presented their struggles he became wholly unconcerned with his own. Suddenly, the danger he was in suddenly didn't matter. The only thing that mattered to him was his kouhai's comfort and needs!

"How did I get here?" His hand moved from extended to the back of his head. He rubbed at it with a frown. He wasn't nervous or ashamed... But the memory of those innocents being murdered so casually still haunted him. A child. A senior. And a puppy. Each of them had been an individual Kazuhiko had helped before they had been so casually murdered. His eyes closed and he drew in a deep breath... Such unnecessary violence. "I was kidnapped. A man pretended to be a citizen in need in the furthest reaches of Rukongai. I was there helping to clean up... Noone ever supports the people who are that far out and I didn't want them to suffer." His eyes opened and Kouhai could see those brilliant golden hues were clouded by sadness.

"Were you sent here to find me? So they do know that I've been taken? I knew they wouldn't write me off. Just like they won't write you off!" He concluded. What other mission could there be? To be this deep in Hueco Mundo. However, if that was the case... Why hadn't they told him Kazuhiko's name? Surely that would have been important? "My kidnapper's name was Mr. Tile." He recalled Marik wanting to ensure the information stayed quiet. He couldn't allow that. "And he seems to have taken me to get information. He's planning something." He continued. "I didn't give him anything, though." He grinned proudly. "That seemed to tick him off. I guess he figured the hollows would tear me apart. But I'm too strong for that!" His grin widened as he gave a flex.

"One thing led to another and I ended up here. To be honest... I'm not entirely sure why I'm here. But if you want to help, the first thing you can do is get us out of here, yeah? You got in easily enough! Once we're out in the open it'll be easier for your team to find us, yeah?" He didn't recall seeing how the Shinigami got in here. But perhaps he was a skilled Kido user. Or had some sort of teleportation release. Either way, Kazuhiko counted himself lucky that they sent a man like this to come to find him. "What about Fuuko? Is Fuuko okay? She must be tearing up the whole of Soul Society! S-sorry about that." He blushed and rubbed the back of his head as he apologized for his delinquent sister's presumed anger.

"Anyway!" He transitioned quickly. The idea that help was here seemed to be putting an additional bit of perk in his step! "Let's get moving!" He gave a nod, but then paused again. "Oh, right. I don't think you gave me your name and rank! How rude of me, I asked, but I didn't wait for you to answer. So before we go, I'd like to know the name of the man I'll be working with to get home!"

[Shizuka Sanamizu ✮]

Kidnapped, huh? Kouhai managed to feign surprise and consideration for the young man. In truth, it wasn't all that shocking. Though Kouhai could sense something substantial within the man, it wasn't something that felt threatening by any means. At least, not to the King. His optimism would have also been highly contagious had Kouhai cared even an inch more than he did, which was virtually zero. It wasn't until Satoshi mentioned the kidnapper's name that Kouhai bothered doing anything more than passively listening.

"Tile? You know, I've heard that name. My captain informed me of some plans of his. I was hoping I wouldn't run into him."

Of course Rizer was responsible for this. It was painful to admit any kind of pleasant surprise at the fact that Rizer managed to capture a Shinigami. Rizer was as much of a failure as most of the people Kouhai came into contact with. Truthfully, that was part of the reason why he wanted to put Rizer back in his place. He didn't tolerate failure of any kind well, and he certainly wasn't going to let his former Left Hand take any credit for something that was likely a stroke of good luck. It was insulting.

"Calm down, calm down. I have your answers," Kouhai began, looking as friendly as ever but wishing Satoshi would stop talking. "As for Fuuko, she is safe." Judging by his attachment to her, she was likely related in some way to him. Perhaps his wife? It didn't matter what she was. Kouhai didn't know anything about her and cared very little.

"You're right about something. I did get in here." Kouhai might as well have apparated but looked up at the Quartz Tree. Its placement was inconvenient. Kouhai couldn't get to Satoshi as he was without hurting him, and that would be highly unfavorable given that this man had more information. "And my team left me here, remember? Unfortunately, I do not believe they will come back for me. What a shame."

He did his best impression of looking lost and forgotten. Had this been his reality and his Squad truly did leave him to die while on a mission, he'd make it his entire goal to eradicate each of them from existence. They wouldn't be allowed to see the light of day, and he'd be sure that their eyes were the first to be destroyed. Had Satoshi not been so useful thus far in their encounter, he'd also be dead by now. It was only a matter of time for him, as well. Kouhai already memorized his features and would recognize his Reiatsu signature anywhere if he tried to escape. It would be all over.

"That being said, I believe I can get some help. I'll need to borrow... something. Are you able to sit here for a moment?" He was going to borrow a power known to the natural denizens of this world. He also didn't want to make Satoshi too suspicious of him by avoiding answers, so he thought back to his previous life. "My name is Yoruno, by the way. Unseated."

[Satoshi Kazuhiko]

This new shinigami was full of helpful information! "Oh? So... They're aware of Mr. Tile then. Good!" Of course they were. How could they have missed him. Even if he was as far out as the 80th district, he'd flared his reiatsu and crushed people to death with it. Even Kazu cpuld have detected him.

Next, he informed him of Fuuko's condition. She was safe. Good. Though he didn't doubt that she would try to find him before long! In fact... It was surprising she wasn't here already, if this man was here. They knew about Mr. Tile. They knew about Kazuhiko's abduction. And he knew there was nothing she wouldn't do to join any expedition to find him.

His face webt pallid as a horrible realization fell upon him. She'd stop at nothing... And she wasn't here. Kazuhiko looked towards the 'helpful' man. Based entirely on their history... That meant... She'd probably been arrested! Damnit Oneesan!

If that was true she wouldn't be coming at all. He was alone again. Well... Not entirely. This man was here. And something else dwelled deep inside him. It was slumbering, but not dormant. The vestiges of Lagos' failed attack on his soul...

With such extreme energy sensory, Kouhai could feel the taint in him. Maybe even recognize how familiar it felt. It wasn't Lagos... But it was Lagos. A marriage of her essence and his soul. They were interwoven in a corrupt symbiosis. One that Kazuhiko himself had no idea about...

"Okay! I don't have much choice, so take your time!" He responded back. "And it's nice to meet you, Yoruno-san!"

[Shizuka Sanamizu ✮]

The true optimism was almost nauseating, but Kouhai smiled nonetheless. He had a part to play. If being nice for even a moment meant he could get what he wanted out of it, then the sacrifice was necessary. It was just so exhausting. Though polite, he never wanted any of his actions to be mistaken for kindness. It was simply mercy. Any of his usual underlings would know exactly what the difference was and would never cross him. He made examples out of those who did in the past.

He pressed himself back up, aware that getting into the hole was impossible without making the entire pit collapse. Frankly, it seemed as though this was poor planning on his captor's part. Satoshi would be unable to break free without serious injury, and Kouhai was going to cause serious injury if he made an attempt. Though that pleased him to consider, it was not an option at present. Satoshi had to live. So with that in mind, Kouhai gazed off into the desert around them and listened. Due to where they were, it did not take long before he located a low-level Hollow. He found exactly what he needed.

Getting up, he barely had to walk too far before he spied the Hollow who did not have enough intelligence to understand who Kouhai truly was. With a few steps in the right direction, he unleased some of his own Gravitational Pressure upon the Hollow. This would not immediately kill the creature since Kouhai controlled the extent at which the pressure was felt, and Satoshi would not be subjected to it at all. The Hollow could feel how strong Kouhai was, his hate, his willingness to kill and destroy if given the chance, and submitted. With such intense fear in the form of an invisible tether strapped to the Hollow, it made its way towards Kouhai and bowed its head. So it finally recognized the King.

A whispered order to open a Garganta forced the Hollow to create the rift in open air that would ultimately connect his location to that of Satoshi underground. Near by, Satoshi would see an equally-sized rift open up right by him, giving him a safe chance to escape. Normally, this would work perfectly with a plan to immediately attack the Shinigami and kill him on the spot. But this instance was not normal. Kouhai understood the situation and needed Satoshi to either lead him to Rizer or share enough secrets that allowed him to find the traitor himself. As much as he loved hunting and had some idea of Rizer's whereabouts, this was so much easier. He had no intention of wasting energy on anyone.

Kouhai called back to Satoshi and encouraged him to walk through the Garganta. "You need not fear it. I have a bit of a useful ability to cause stress on the mind. I cannot use it often and it exhausts me to do so, but it allows me to ask for favors from creatures like this. The escape method is entirely safe."

A lie packed on top of a truth. Kouhai had no such ability. Not really. But he could influence the Hollows by flexing his power in such a way that instilled fear within even the strongest of enemy. But now that the general distractions were removed and Kouhai could focus on Satoshi, he came to realize there was some darkness within. He was not a normal Shinigami. He had been tainted, and the feeling the King had was reminiscent of his Noveno Espada. He did not expect her influence to reach such a desperate little Reaper. He made a mental note to praise her later, even if it was an empty action. She'd likely take his words and feel more responsible, being even more willing to take orders. After all, he only said what he needed to so he could keep the chains on his Espada as tight as possible.

[Satoshi Kazuhiko]

He couldn't help but admire Yoruno. He was stranded in Hueco Mundo just the same as himself. But he seemed to be far more put together. He'd not only managed to discover Kazuhiko, but he also quickly conceived a plan to assist him in escaping. And despite being unseated, he had no fear of being in the middle of Hueco Mundo by himself. Kazuhiko now understood firsthand just how daunting that was. "Be careful, okay?" He shouted up to the other shinigami as he began whatever plan he had in mind.

It didn't take long before Yoruno's plan came to fruition. A tear in reality itself seemed to appear in front of him. A gate of sorts... And on the other side, he could see the way out. The world just above where they were. "Mm. Okay!" He responded to Yoruno's encouragement. He didn't hesitate and immediately stepped through the Garganta. When his step concluded it was on the other side, above the quartz tree-dwelling and beside Kouhai and his pet.

The boy drew in a deep breath and then threw his hands up! "Yatta!!" It was clear in that moment of celebration that Yoruno had his trust. His cheerful golden eyes reflected his excitement. His hope! Though the luster faded a bit as he reflected on Kouhai's explanation. "Stress on the mind?" His grin shifted towards more of a frown as he turned his attention to the enslaved hollow. "That doesn't sound very comfortable. Is he going to be okay?" He asked as he gestured towards the hollow.

"And if so. Well. Maybe we can use this trick to get back Soul Society! Do you think you can bare with it a little longer?" He appealed to the hollow, though it was clear that he felt guilty over the selfish thought. He didn't want to cause the creature any more suffering than was necessary. Though he'd been trapped here and endlessly pursued, Kazuhiko hadn't harmed a single hollow. In fact, he'd only drawn his Zanpakutou as a tool or to deflect something. Of course that had been while he'd still had it. He was a curious kid. The Soul Reaper who sought not to Reap Souls.

[Shizuka Sanamizu ✮]

The plan was successful, though Kouhai wasn't surprised. He knew it was going to work, which is why he did what he did. He was thrown off by Satoshi's immediate concern for the Hollow and seemed to recall more information from his Squad 12 days. Shinigami help creatures like this. They only fought if necessary, but always tried to cleanse the spirit within. The man looked up at the beast he had controlled and gave it his best apologetic look. Though he barely cared whether these creatures continued on or were destroyed, it was clear that Satoshi and other Shinigami were not that way.

"It is only temporary. The moment my influence stops, the discomfort is relieved. The Hollow simply loses its ability to act on its own for a short amount of time."

Again, lies. Kouhai did not know whether or not this was uncomfortable for the beast. He never cared to consider it for even a moment. This was how he subjugated all people who defied him, and though he knew it instilled fear within their hearts, he never thought about what it would physically do. Either way, it didn't matter. He did what he needed to do. When Satoshi asked if he could use this trick to get back to the Soul Society, an idea briefly crossed Kouhai's mind.

"I can likely do that for you and it would only take a moment. I'm beginning to get tired, though. Where would you need to be dropped off?"

Hoping it was close enough to the Central 46 compound, Kouhai was curious to see if he would be able to piggy back off Satoshi and follow him there. The downside was mainly the fact that he would likely immediately be recognized by the veterans of the organization, and that could be dangerous. Satoshi not knowing who he was helped tremendously even if it was a bit surprising. It worked out in his favor, so he didn't complain, but there was no way he would get a chance like that again. He hated to waste this boy before getting a good use out of him.

[Satoshi Kazuhiko]

"Oh? Well. That seems like a really strong ability!" It was clear that Kazuhiko was marveled by this new individual's power. There was something about subverting the will of another creature that still felt... Fearful. But if it wasn't hurt, then perhaps it wasn't as bad as he had assumed! And there was no denying how useful it was. Kazuhiko would have been trapped at the bottom of that pit for the rest of eternity if he hadn't received Yoruno's help! Or... At least until Marik got back. Though he didn't expect Marik's planned to set him free.

Finally, on the surface, Kazuhiko had a moment to breathe. He'd been running in the desert, fighting for his life with Lagos, and then woke up imprisoned here. He'd been given some food and water, but he'd constantly been under the watchful eye of the enemy. It was nice to finally have a moment with an ally. He let his guard down and closed his eyes, drawing in a deep breath of relief. But in that moment something curious happened...

With his eyes closed, the world became much more vivid. The sixth sense granted to him by his Shikai became far clearer. It seemed that his senses had been somewhat overwhelmed while his eyes had been opened. What a curious sensation! Seeing more without your eyes than with. His lip quirked into a private smile as he considered that the thought sounded like a line in a bad poem. But that smile wavered just before Kouhai addressed him.

He could feel everything about the hollow. It's fear. It's will to survive. It's hunger. But Yoruno felt strange... He didn't feel like Lagos had before she'd attempted to kill him. Ravenous and predatory. Or like Marik, who wished to woo him with kindness and food. His rage bubbled beneath the surface, like a disappointed parent. But Yoruno felt as if he was a gap in space. True void. He was present physically but in no other way. And the ominous sensation froze his heart for a beat. His eyes opened and if Kouhai cared to look, he could see his suspicion immediately.

"You don't seem like you're lost at all... You don't seem scared or unsure. You feel... Bored." That wasn't entirely accurate. But he couldn't think of any other way to describe the cold emptiness he'd felt through his sixth sense. "If you can do that... Send me home, why didn't you... Just follow your squad home?" He asked tentatively. He didn't fear the answer. But what would come with it... More conflict. His feet spread apart, squaring himself. "Who are you really?"

[Shizuka Sanamizu ✮]

Kouhai allowed himself to smirk upon realizing Satoshi seemed to understand who he was dealing with. The suspicion on his face, all of the emotions he likely felt being exposed to the King, himself, gave Kouhai a fun sense of satisfaction. So this boy was not as naïve as he originally thought. He closed his eyes and scoffed under his breath, releasing the Hollow with a wave of his hand. The creature, now freed, let out a roar that warned Kouhai of imminent death, had there actually been a threat at all. If he wanted to crush it, he would have. The Hollow turned and ran as quickly as possible in the complete opposite direction of where the other two remained.

"Ah, yes. Why didn't I? Perhaps it was because I didn't see a reason to travel home... seeing as I'm already there."

Kouhai immediately stopped masking his Reiatsu, allowing the full force of his power to wash over Satoshi. Whether he knew the man by name or not, he would inevitably feel the vast difference in strength between them. It was doubtful that the Shinigami wouldn't immediately put two and two together, figuring out who Kouhai truly was. The stance taken, the squaring of the feet, informed Kouhai of some intention to fight or flee as soon as possible, but he wasn't about to let that happen. Not yet. Not when he hadn't gotten everything out of Satoshi.

"I haven't served the Soul Society in quite some time. Though part of my story wasn't a lie, as I was a member of Squad 12. A captain, no less. I gave it up in exchange for something more. Something fitting of someone like me." Kouhai stepped closer to Satoshi. "I gave it up to become a King."

The sensation that could be felt coming from Kouhai was likely overwhelming, but that was his goal. He was no longer going to hide anything or hold back seeing as he didn't have a reason anymore. He freed Satoshi, but that was only the start of it. He had more information he wanted to pry out of the boy, and he was having fun doing so. Kouhai placed his hands on his hips and leaned into where his guest had prepared to protect himself and simply asked a question politely.

"Do you know where Rizer is now? Leaving the Soul Society isn't something I would recommend any of your teammates do. Or perhaps it is for the best, especially since I have the fall of the Gotei 13 to look forward to. I suggest you go find your friends and race back. I'm happy to meet you there."

[Satoshi Kazuhiko]

Kouhai's bored, hollow expression warped into a cruel, self-satisfied smirk. And Kazuhiko knew in that moment that his instincts were right. He was in danger. The hollow's roar of freedom caused the boy to wince, but not to turn his attention away from Kouhai. It wasn't that he didn't want to... His instincts screamed for him to look away! To run! To... To just fucking MOVE! But he couldn't. Because he was terrified of what would happen if he did.

"K-King?" He forced the words out. He didn't hear himself say it. In truth, it was a reflex. His bodies attempt to vent some of the shock he was in. It didn't help.

If there had been any window to flee, he had forfeited it. That much became clear as Kouhai's reiatsu washed over him. It chilled him to the bone. It froze the blood in his veins. And it threatened to strangle him... To kill him by accident. He could only gasp. As if his airways were being pinched shut. His mouth gaped as he was left momentarily in awe of the shadow of death that loomed large over him.

Kouhai unveiled his identity. Kazuhiko had of course heard of the traitor king of Las Noches. A shinigami who had fled Sereitei to live amongst the hollows. At the time he had been the only one in the classroom who'd thought there was something romantic to that. There was no praise to be given to the act of treason. Or to hurting others. But to find harmony with the enemy was something he sought. To turn foe to friend and seek peace in the discord of conflict. But standing in front of him now, he couldn't feel that sense of romance anywhere. He knew without asking, Kouhai's intentions weren't any he could possibly understand.

Kouhai leaned into him. Positioning himself between Kazuhiko's fists... Breaking the line of his guard. He wasn't calling Kazuhiko's threat. Because the boy posed no threat to him. That much was obvious. His eyes were wild in his head, making it difficult to focus on the man's self-approving smirk. But the words gave him something to hold onto. Some concept other than terror to consider.

"Gk!" His first attempt to speak was a cough. His throat had gone entirely dry. A deep breath allowed him to swallow... And this time when his lips parted, words miraculously emerged. "W-why?" Word, rather. But it communicated far more than just the simple single-syllable sound. The act of speaking also allowed for the first sprout of courage to pierce through the heavy darkness of fear in his heart.

"Why?" He repeated, this time more clearly. "Why do you want to see the Gotei 13 fail?" He was still terrified. His animal instincts told him he was a mouse dangling from its tail in the claws of a cat. Kouhai's cheshire grin didn't help matters. But Kouhai, in his infinite wisdom, would recognize the genuine curiosity in the boy's question. It was devoid of judgment. He feared the man's capability and what he represented... But he did not treat him as if he were an enemy. Nor did he treat him as if he was unreasonable. Perhaps he was naive... But when the predator looked upon him, he looked back.

[Shizuka Sanamizu ✮]

"Why? Hmm... Why, indeed?" Kouhai remarked.

He couldn't remember the last time anyone asked him why he felt the way he did about the Gotei 13. The easiest answer would be ultimate power, but it wasn't only that. He had already become the King of Las Noches. He wanted to become the ruler of the world. This meant taking down the Captain Commander and any other person who stood in his way. He felt as if even this boy was questioning his strength just by asking him to justify his reasoning. Even though he had proper justification, did it matter?

"What if I told you I just enjoy watching the world burn?"

He had felt this way for so long that he knew his resolve had been cemented. He wasn't going to back off because someone politely asked him to. He had his own desires. The Seireitei was a hindrance to Kouhai's goals and he knew that they needed to be leveled in some way. Who wouldn't want to exert their dominance over people? Who doesn't enjoy watching the fear form on their faces as they realize that their lives had come to and end? Fear that, he realized, Satoshi seemed to be able to resist.

"I gave you a warning. I am more than happy to make it a threat. Why have you not left?"