Leaving Nijūkan

[Nakajima Kimiko]

It was difficult for Kimiko to properly explain the great storm that was currently booming against her heart. It was a tempest of magnitudes that were once unknown to her, the kind that she had hoped she would never once have had the displeasure of confronting. Even now, she could imagine circling her soul, encroaching and infesting her being to the core. The clouds over her mind were dark and discomforting, so thick that they prevented the Captain from properly ascertaining what to expect from the future, and the lightning that was unleashed from them onto her soul brought agony like no other with seemingly no hopes of them stopping for the time being. And then, there were the winds brought about by it all, so powerful that they shook the swordswoman's legs, causing her to almost want to give up right then and there. It was true agony, a torture beyond anything that she had seen, and it was all because of one little girl who she felt she was failing through and through.

Today, upon the beginning of the afternoon, the Captain of the Eleventh Division had gone to one of her four great schools, Nijūkan North, as she always did after the daily completion of her paperwork. There, under the pretense of her usual reason to come to the school at this time of the day - which is to train her students in the art of the sword - she reached out to one of her youngest students, Kin, in order to accomplish an operation that she had been preparing for months. This operation, in hindsight, was simple. With the use of one of her newest technique, a maneuver which she personally referred to as Shibori, she would create a portal to Karakura Town and escort Kin there so as to potentially deliver her to an officer of the Vandenreich, more specifically Captain-Supervisor Lucien Dantes. The reason behind why this operation even needed to be executed was unfortunately rather simple: Kin was simply not Kin. Instead, she was Ruhe Krieger, an officer of the Quincy organization, and therefore, she was in danger as long as she remained within the Soul Society. 

Because of the true nature of the girl, the operation was to be accomplished in secret with no assistance from either students of the martial arts school or officers of the Gotei 13, given that any help from them would have been cause for immediate execution for treason. Naturally, the same logic could be applied to Kimiko herself. Should anyone have known about this, she could have very much been reported to the First Division for the same reason, which would have had led to the stripping of her rank as Captain of the Eleventh Division and her immediate imprisonment. But even so, she had decided to accomplish her plan, and it was only because she believed that Ruhe did not deserve being slaughtered by her comrades. She believed that she deserved a peaceful life away from the great conflict between the Gotei 13 and the Vandenreich, or at the very least a way for her to experience whatever remained of her childhood beyond this point.

But as she and Ruhe traveled through the portal, the officer felt the great winds of hesitation push against her willpower. She felt a need to stop this, to simply bring the little girl back to the school and to quite simply find a way to guard the little girl from the scorching might of the Captain Commander of the Gotei 13, because she felt as though she was only leading her to further pain and suffering. Even now, the swordswoman could still feel the wet patch left by the tears of the girl on her haori and their reason for being. She could also hear the protests of the child and her explanations of the Emperor's power on repeat, all of which brought with them immense frustration and a further sense of powerlessness. Ultimately, however, Kimiko could do nothing but go on with her plan. She needed Ruhe to stay strong, needed her to strive against the fear in her heart, because there was nothing else that could be done. It was either that... or death, an infinitely-more unfair future for a child such as she.

So, Kimiko continued to bring the little girl along into the dimensional tunnel, and they walked. Together, they moved onward onto a tunnel of red energy piercing through the black of the Valley of Screams, with their surroundings protected by walls of this very same energy. In front of them was simply the energy further stretching onward into the unknown, all the while behind them was now nothing more than a reverse of the first process, with the entrance to the tunnel having now been closed behind them. It was not entirely clear how long this process lasted. Realistically, it most likely took around five to ten minutes, if only because they were going at a walking pace. However, from Kimiko's point of view, it almost felt like hours. Perhaps it was because it was only the second time she had used this technique properly, and so she wasn't entirely used to how her mind interacted with the Valley. Perhaps it was instead because of how she felt then; after all, it would not be the first time her emotions had clouded her sense of time. Either way, she supposed that it didn't really matter.

While the movement of the tunnel throughout this passage between worlds was perhaps rather unnerving to perceive at a glance, especially from Ruhe's perspective, it didn't feel as though any one of them were in danger. Though there was nothing that covered the entrances to the tunnel, there seemed to be a force that prevented anything from both entering and leaving it. Moreover, the tunnel moved in accordance to Kimiko's movement. This would be made obvious once, at a certain point, she stopped and seemed to stare at a particular direction in the black. For a moment, her eyes narrowed. She saw something there... something that she hadn't seen before. Far away, in a corner of the black of the Valley that Ruhe could not see, she saw something beaming in white and blue, a place frozen in time and space. It felt piercing, like the eyes of a dark conqueror defiled the Valley only to reach her. If only because of this, Kimiko would frown at it, unimpressed by what she had learned then, before she softened her gaze and looked down towards the girl. "Come on, Ruhe. We're almost there," she told her, still with a reassuring tone, before she continued to move onward. No. No more hesitation. She could not afford it any longer.

After a time following this stop, Kimiko would begin to head into a direction that would become clear to Ruhe. Slowly, but surely, the dark surrounding the red tunnel would begin to become even darker, almost as if they were approaching one of its boundaries. Then, at a certain point, the energy that was stretching forward into the dark would suddenly feel as though it had gone under the dark, like it was not meant to go any further. All so suddenly, the dark before the Shinigami and the Quincy would then begin to vibrate with power. It would hum menacingly, shaking almost uncontrollably, until suddenly, it stopped as a crack formed onto itself. The crack would then multiply in length, becoming bigger and bigger and bigger still, before it then covered the entirety of the tunnel's extremity. Sunlight even pierced from the cracks, as though there was truly another world behind the dark. Finally, once this process was completed, the cracks multiplied one last time before it all shattered completely, revealing what was behind it: the Living World. More particularly, it was what appeared to be a particular town.

It was unclear whether or not Ruhe would be able to recognize the place. However, Kimiko very much knew what it was. This was Karakura Town, Western Tokyo, Japan. It was the current Jūreichi - in other words, the place where most spirits could be found in the world - and it was where the Captain often went to take care of certain higher threats as of late, most typically Adjuchas Hollows. It was also where she had met Lucien. For now, it seemed as though this summer day of the Living World was just about as sunny in comparison to the one the girls had experienced in the Soul Society, with a few people here and there wandering about the sidewalks. A few cars also passed by onto the streets, with a few containing bikes and beach apparatus to expect from those who returned from vacation. More importantly, however, was where both Kimiko and Ruhe were from the portal. Currently, they appeared to be above ground in the air. It was enough to cause Kimiko to hum quietly in consideration, then bend down to reach for Ruhe's hand. "Careful. We're gonna have to move down towards the building over there," she said, pointing towards what appeared to be a business in the distance. Then, she moved out of the portal and began to move towards the edifice.

Making sure that Ruhe would not be seen by any of the Humans located onto the streets, Kimiko would attempt to move quickly enough, though not at a pace that would be too difficult for the girl so long as she cooperated. Fortunately, although this was a part of Tokyo, Karakura Town remained what it was, and so there was a distinct lack of high edifices where people could easily see Ruhe quite literally floating in the air. In any case, they would eventually be able to reach a certain rooftop. There, the little Quincy girl would be able to notice that they were on the building opposite to the one Kimiko had pointed. The opposite edifice in question, from such a closer distance, appeared to be a restaurant named Il Fiore. It appeared to have been recently renovated while also being fairly occupied by a notable amount of customers. The sight was enough to make the swordswoman smile. "Ah, they reopened! I'm so glad! I always wanted to come here ever since that one time!" She exclaimed before she then sighed and looked off to the sky. "Anyway... I guess we now just have to wait for Lucien to show up."

Hopefully, the Captain-Supervisor will come. If not... they will have to return to the Soul Society and face the wrath of the Captain-Commander.

[Ruhe Krieger]

The rippling emotions Ruhe was feeling in this moment was really difficult to understand and comprehend. Mainly because she'd never felt such a level of panic in her entire life. As they moved their way out, step by step, she wondered what her fate would be when she returned. In this smaller form at that. She was like that of a little girl now. Seemingly younger than anticipated due to the remodeling of her psyche and the activation of her powers. They walked along the strange tunnel, and as they did, she went to hold Kimiko's hand. Holding her gently as if she was a lifeline; to avoid getting caught in an infinite abyss or corridor of which there was no exit.

Ruhe never had much of a childhood. Even before she joined the Vandenreich, her life was filled with abuse and neglect. It was why she sought so hard to get attention. To be loved and adored by others. It was why in the Vreich too to an extent, she sought to become a paragon of their virtues as opposed to a pariah. Though, she when confronted with challenges wavered; for they were radical, extreme, and unyielding. It was difficult for her mind to adjust to such brutality, despite how malleable it was. She felt abandoned by the world, and left in a den of wolves and vicious killers. Softness and the embrace of love was not there for her. Which was what she craved.

Ruhe was like a flower. It needed the right nutrients to grow the proper way. However, she came to wonder. Considering how withered and dissipated she was if perhaps she was instead a weed. Shriveling, but able to survive in even the most inhospitable conditions. As they moved, she wasn't afraid of the darkness. Not when she held Kimiko's hand. Instead, she was scared of being alone. As she walked, she could eventually see the world seemingly begin to crack. Crack. Shake before the light shined down upon them. They were in a familiar sight, a busy town with tall standing buildings and sprawling residential districts. Karakura Town. She'd been here a few times, though she didn't recognize it right away. 

"O-Okay..." She says shyly, moving with little difficulty to get to where they needed to go. A rooftop. However, in those moments as they rested along the top, she found herself uncertain. Seating herself along the rooftop, she rocks herself back and forth as she felt the warm sun shine down upon her. It was better than being in the basement. Before she slowly lays down in the fetal position, as she lets herself cook a little. "...I didn't know Shinigami ate at restaurants." She said, as she rubs her arm up and down. She looked small and cute, almost pitiful in the form she was now. "I'm scared." She says. Though she didn't fight her fate. Whatever it might be.

Closing her eyes, she seemed incredibly tired. "I've never been taken to a restaurant with someone before." She says surprisingly. She'd been very "sheltered" in a Quincy community. It was strange, how many things she'd never done, and how even in her teenage years, she had yet to do. "...I wish my family took me." She said, and with it, it was clear that the little Ruhe had a great amount of regret in her heart. She slowly turned and looked towards the blue sky then. Those cerulean blue orbs looking into the clouds as she seemingly spoke to herself, nobody, and also Kimiko at the same time. 

[Lucien Dantes]

Kimiko and Ruhe would not have to wait long upon their arrival at El Fiore. Within only a few minutes, a figure made its way through the crowd, most noticeably approaching the two from the front, as opposed to from behind or somewhere other than their direct line of sight. His pace was even and measured as he approached, and he aimed to gather their attention by briefly addressing both of them as he entered earshot for casual conversation. He didn't want to shout for them or anything like that after-all.

"Well. Miss Nakajima. It's a pleasure to see you again. And Miss Krieger as well. I've been expecting you."

Just as Kimiko had seen him the first time (though perhaps the first time Ruhe had seen the Vandenreich as such), Lucien was not dressed in the traditional uniform of the Vandenreich army. Instead, he was wearing a black dress jacket over a white button up shirt. A black tie with gold stripes and gold trim along the cuffs of his jacket, black dress pants and shoes. The sort of look that on another would seem as if they were dressing to impress. In Lucien's case, he hoped this would communicate that he did not come here to pick a fight. His hair wasn't anything unusual for the man, still styled just as the two would remember. His complexion was marginally better than the last time Kimiko had seen him, and his golden eyes were still as both would remember them. Bright, but with a slight melancholy in his stare.

Lucien appraised the two with that same stare, a non-committal, but genial smile on his face. "An interesting choice of restaurant, miss Nakajima. I think you have excellent taste. Shall we? I find negotiations are better over a meal. My treat, of course." Lucien gestured to the door of the restaurant, permitting the other two to go in ahead of him, if he so chose.

Lucien had indeed been expecting them, though his confidence belied that he didn't actually know the precise reasons they were here. Not long before, Lucien had been summoned by Sternritter B, and sent to the Human World, to Karakura Town, to retrieve a private that had been part of a scouting force to assess the defenses of Soul Society. Lucien had of course, been briefed that it had been Private Krieger, but not the why or how. Only that he was to expect her to be accompanied by a Shinigami Captain, and that he was to return to the Sillbern once he'd secured the Private. As well as one additional instruction..... One that Lucien would see to determine himself as the discussion continued.

Lucien wasn't unnerved to see the two here at all. If Sternritter B told him so, then it must have been an edict from His Majesty, and so it was small surprise that the instructions turned out to be true. The why... well... Lucien also had a guess about that, given it was Kimiko Nakajima. One with whom Lucien had already spoken, and also one whom, after their initial meeting, he had asked his plants in Soul Society to advise him of. Based on what he'd heard, Kimiko was what he had expected after their first meeting, but also had a soft spot for the downtrodden. And from what Lucien had found in Ruhe, on the two occasions he had met with her, she was probably the sort to tug on those heartstrings....

So far, Lucien was not exuding any notable hostility. In fact, his gaze with Kimiko was amiable, and with Ruhe, was gentle and reassuring. "It's especially good to see you again Miss Krieger. I am glad to see you are unharmed. In some part due to Miss Nakajima's actions I'm certain." He added. If Kimiko and Ruhe did indeed take up Lucien on his offer to enter Il Fiore, the Vandenreich would go ahead to hold the door for them, thus far playing the role of the perfect gentleman. Whatever motives or aims Lucien may have had, he was keeping those very close to the chest so far.

[Nakajima Kimiko]

Kimiko shouldn't have really cared about the Il Fiore restaurant's current state of affairs. For all intents and purposes, the place was nothing more than just another among many within the Living World, an establishment that doesn't really sport any sort of significance for her work or the machinations of the Soul Society's enemies, and so she should have quite simply ignored it. Yet to see it have returned from the burned, infernal ruin that it had become after she fought that Hollow back then, seemingly in a rendition of itself that appeared even brighter than the one it previously showcased prior to the fire... It was an inspiring feat truly to be expected from a place who named itself after a flower, one that would have left craving to witness its menu in normal circumstances. Unfortunately, whatever appetite that she could have conjured then was nullified by just about every single emotion that she was currently experiencing, and unsurprisingly, the main culprit of these emotions was the little girl who had by then curled into a fetal position beside her onto the roof they stood on.

From the looks of things, the girl had moved on from the fits of great panic and sadness that she was previously showcasing back in the Soul Society. She was visibly much quieter and shyer, seemingly opting to not cause any more outbursts anymore. Somehow, however, Kimiko found that to be worse than the outbursts. Seeing her remaining in that position with such a tired look on her face, speaking of restaurants and her family with such regret in the tone of her voice, was nothing short of one of the most painful things the Captain has had the displeasure of witnessing in her entire career. It was enough to cause her smile to slightly waiver as her scarlet eyes gazed at the establishment below. "What was served to you at Nijūkan were meals that were produced in some of Rukongai's absolute best restaurants. Not even those in Seireitei can beat them! Well, that's what I think, at least," she said then in an attempt to uplift Ruhe's spirits. With that said, she knew that it wasn't going to be enough, and so her smile eventually left her once more. "Just stay strong, Ruhe. It'll be fine. I promise."

Truthfully, what she really wanted to say in that moment was not those words of encouragement, but rather a question. She wanted to ask the little girl about her family and about how they had allowed her life to go through this accursed course, if only because she wanted to see if she could do something to perhaps prevent them from sending her to war again. However, she prevented herself from asking such a thing at the last second. Right now, Ruhe was going through a lot of things, and Kimiko feared that risking implanting anger - of every emotion she could possibly feel right about now - against perhaps the only other group of people that could shelter her at this present time was not going to have the results she would be hoping for. Hell, she could witness an even worse emotional development than anger. She could instead witness further fear or further despair. She could even witness a complete lost of hope. Those were all things that could only make this situation worse, and so the Captain simply didn't bother risking them. It was not worth it.

Shortly after she came to this conclusion and subsequent decision, the Shinigami would find herself staring at the restaurant and its surroundings, waiting to see if something was going to happen. Here, in Karakura Town, one could argue that she and Ruhe were both in the most open areas they could possibly be in. While they were waiting for Lucien to come along, there was nothing that suggested that something else would come here first. They could face Hollows by the dozen, with each attracted by the utmost quality of their souls. They could face Fullbringers of that one faction Kimiko has been hearing about as of late, Xcution, who would not hesitate to attack them both. They could also face people of the Vandenreich who are not actually under Lucien's orders, and thus would believe it wise to attack the Captain broad daylight in the middle of this city. Those were all possibilities that Kimiko had to take into account as she scouted their surroundings. Fortunately, though, none of those things would come true, as she would then notice a tuff of white amidst the crowd of Humans below.

In a way, things proceeded just like Kimiko had somewhat anticipated. Separating himself from the crowd, Lucien would come at she and Ruhe from the front, then introduce himself to them from below. His tone was as cordial and as welcoming as the last time the Captain heard it, and overall, there was nothing that suggested he could be aggressive at any given time. In other words, he appeared much like the last time he and Kimiko had met, only with different clothes. He also appeared to be in better shape too. The Captain would find herself staring at him for a moment, then her surroundings again, making sure that there was nobody else but the Captain-Supervisor around. Then, she would let out a sigh and tense down. "Hey, Lucien. It's been a while," she greeted with a tone that was half-relieved and half-alert. It wasn't the best greeting that she could muster, all things considered, but she did not really think that they were allies. Even if she wanted to meet him today, they remained enemies. "How's it going? You look better." 

Much to her surprise, the man would not actually join them on the rooftop opposite to Il Fiore. Instead, he would invite them to join him inside of the restaurant. This would cause Kimiko to briefly frown at him for a moment. On one hand, she had to admit that it was nice of him to go that far in order to put them in a comfortable position... but on the other hand, she found it to be incredibly suspicious. Lucien never explicitly told her that he had accomplices within the Soul Society, but he had hinted at that being the case a few times throughout their last conversation. It was why she concluded he would find her here today. With these spies, he could have easily gathered that she very much enjoyed the culinary arts, and so he could have decided to use the Il Fiore restaurant as a means to lead her into a trap of sorts. Maybe the cooks and even the people of the restaurant were members of the Vandenreich in disguise. Maybe they were planning to poison her and take Ruhe by force. The only question that remained was: Is someone like Lucien able to do something like that? To betray her trust like that?

Kimiko completely believed that he was entirely capable of coming up with such a plan. Even though he had remained friendly ever since they first spoke to one another in spite of her patient hostility, and he had declared that he was a pacifist above all, he had proven that he could put an end to his pacifism at any given time if his Emperor asked him to. This greatly lessened the trust that Kimiko could have had in him in this moment, as she knew how powerful Ruhe was and thus believed that the Emperor could have simply asked Lucien to retrieve her through any means at his disposal. Even so, despite practically everything that was telling her that this was a bad idea... she decided to turn towards Ruhe and offer her hand to her. "You said you never went to a restaurant before. How about we make this your first visit?" She asked the little girl with a comforting smile in an attempt to reassure her once again, to try to make her understand that everything was going to be okay. Whether Ruhe took her hand or not, the officer would then jump down from the rooftop in a way that would allow her to hide the little girl's supernatural movement from the Human crowd, then proceed towards the doors of the establishment.

As they would head inside, the unconventional trio would immediately be welcomed with a very fancy Italian decor, the kind that one wouldn't expect in a Japanese settlement such as Karakura Town. Kimiko could hardly recognize it in comparison to how it was the last time. Practically everything was much cleaner and refined, with a quieter, darker and more luxurious ambiance that brought along a very comfortable feeling. It was enough for her to feel both completely out of place and enamored all at once... and no, it wasn't just because she was a Shinigami and, thus, no one around here could see her. Admiring the looks of the place, her scarlet eyes would wander about, wondering where they could possibly sit amidst the many tables. Fortunately, a lot of them had some of those couches near the walls alongside fancy separators that kept the attendees closed with one another. Maybe this meant she could eat something here without making everyone think there was a ghost in the restaurant... assuming it wasn't poisoned.

Her observations would eventually come to an end once an employee would notice them - or rather, notice Lucien and Ruhe, specifically - and approach them. He appeared to be a manager, from the looks of things, judging by his attire. While he looked somewhat stressed due to the number of attendees, he also seemed to be quite happy by how things were turning out. "Irasshaimase! I assume that will be a table for two?" He asked, bringing a reminder to the trio that this was not a restaurant in Italy, then blinked for a moment as his eyes turned towards Kimiko. He appeared briefly stunned, as though he was seeing something strange. For a moment, this would cause the swordswoman to brace herself for a freakout; after all, something about this man reminded her of someone she had briefly seen before. Soon, however, he would shake his head and let out a brief laugh. "I'm so sorry. We've been having so many attendees lately, I can sometimes hardly think." 

[Ruhe Krieger]

The main reason why Ruhe was so resigned was because she probably felt as if there was going to be some form of divine punishment coming. For those with divine ordainment, extermination was entertainment. However, she didn't linger too much on those thoughts. Because if she did, she might find herself unresponsive. Kimiko spoke, but it seemed to be in a really uncertain way at first mixed with the lying attempts at uplifting a spirit. As if she was just a little girl who wouldn't be able to tell something was wrong. Well. To be fair, she was a little girl, especially now. However, that didn't mean she was oblivious. No, she was quite familiar with oblivion. "It'll be over soon." She says. However, within that next few moments? She could sense him. How couldn't she? When he was so powerful. No, the Captain Supervisor made his presence clear to her. If not by the feel of his reiatsu, then by that of his presence. The suave and almost gentlemanly nature that he sought to radiate. Cordial and polite, and yet also equally dangerous. 

Her eyes momentarily widened, but she slowly came to stand, in her simpler garb. She might have looked rather out of place to the people of Karakura. '...If this is my last meal. I want it to be a good one.' She thought to herself as she found herself slowly stepping forward. Kimiko offered her hand, and for a moment, she reached out to hold it. However, she saw Lucien before her. It was as if an angel was on her right shoulder and the devil on her left. She slowly looked to take it, holding onto her fingers as opposed to her palm, wanting to have every little comfort she could, and upon their descent, she hugs up against Kimiko on the way down. It was silly really. Silly how Ruhe had approached the situation and come to realize that she was really just acting. Trying so desperately to want things she couldn't have. Even her current form reflected that subconscious desire. Didn't it? To be loved. To be small. To be held. To have someone fawn over her and give her the wholesome childhood she never had, and likely never would; for what remnants of it remained.

"I-umm..." She said, a feeling of dread filling her, as she looked down to the floor. She tried to be the paragon of what it meant to be a Vandenreich, but she wasn't fit for it truly. She didn't have the level of cruelty, evil, or otherwise indifference to be their ideal soldier. To inflict the abuses that were laid out upon her in her past. It was surprising how childish she sounded as her cheeks burned. Unable to really answer Lucien properly. The more zealous of the Vandenreich might call her inept, foolish, cowardly, and or even treasonous to have accepted help or companionship from a Shinigami. She didn't have to try hard not to speak. It wasn't that difficult when you felt like your heart was sinking and yet also as if you were about to vomit it out of your throat. There wasn't anything worse in this moment than this feeling. She'd rather die and take her own life than be in this suspense. When she entered into the restaurant, she did so swiftly, her eyes looking to the left, and then right as she entered into the cool place. It was surreal being back in the world of the living again.

"T-Three p-please." She said, fiddling her fingers together as she slowly walked inwards. The warm smell of Japanese Italian food filled the air as she walked in. Step after step as she was mindful of her sandals. She looked into a mirror and really reflected on her look. From her current height and youthful appearance, she didn't look like she could have been much older than seven or eight years old. Short enough that someone could lean on top of her head and use her as an arm rest. "I-...Can I please have some w-water?" She says, taking a shaky breath as she felt her survival instincts slowly coming in, and yet, also an overwhelming desire to cry. Bawl like a baby right here in this restaurant. She felt like a failure, and as if the world really wanted to punish her for something she must have done in her past life. Maybe she'd been a terrible person. Or maybe this was a sign of the world trying to tell her that she wasn't meant to belong. That she was some awful mistake. Or at least that's how she felt. Or rather, how she felt most of her life.

Her knees lightly shook, her hands did too, as if she were in some kind of icy environment. Assuming they were escorted to their seat, she'd found it strange that she was scared. She thought about death all the time. Every day of her life, she thought of it in the Vandenreich, and she treated every moment, every meal, and every night of sleep as if it might be her last one. She served at the whims and desires of not only God, but those who proclaimed themselves to be his servants, angels, and instruments. Ruhe too was an instrument they told her, and yet, if that was the case? Was she not ill treated? As they were brought to their table, Ruhe would seat not next to either of them, but instead between them both. The child sitting at the grown up's table persay. Hugging herself for whatever little comfort she could have now. Though once the waiter was gone and had given them their menus? She'd take the liberty to ask slowly. "A-A-hgh. Are y-you goin' t-to kill me?" She asks in a barely audible squeak. Tears beginning to spill down her cheeks. "I-I don't wanna die. P-P-Pease?" She says, her breath hitched as she rubs the back of her arm across her eyes. 

[Lucien Dantes]

As Lucien entered Il Fiore, he glanced at the waiter that came to greet them. He didn't miss that the waiter's eyes lingered on Kimiko for more than a moment, but the puzzled expression told Lucien that he wasn't sure what he was seeing. Someone who was on the verge of discovering the spiritual world, but hadn't quite taken the final step. Curious. I hadn't expected to encounter this. Perhaps there is something to be done once this business with Ruhe is concluded He thought. That was for later though. For now, he echoed Ruhe's statement. "Table for three. I'm expecting someone. Somewhere in the back if you don't mind, they're not much one for crowds." He relayed calmly and in an almost business-like manner. Well, he certainly was dressed the part at least.

As Ruhe asked for water, Lucien glanced down at the girl and then at the waiter. "Yes, can we have three glasses please? It's been a long day for us." He added, following the waiter to a table if provided. Lucien decided not to rock the boat and draw more attention to Kimiko than absolutely necessary. Best not to cause a scene about it, he'd rather the negotiations went without interruptions.

Once they were quiet and Ruhe answered her question, Lucien's eyes widened with what appeared to be genuine surprise as he looked at her. Only for a moment, but it was there. Then the eyes filled with the same melancholy as before. Sympathy for the girl. Lucien gently reached a hand out and patted Ruhe's head. "Nobody is going to kill you Miss Krieger. I will make sure of that. You are here now. You are alive. And you will remain so." He assured her. "I'm sure you've had quite the ordeal, but I, and I presume miss Nakajima, will not permit any harm to come to you. And neither shall I. You do not need to worry." He looked at Kimiko.

"I presume I am correct in that?" She had, after-all, spoken with such vitriol at the idea of drawing a blade on a child at their last meeting.

"Ah, it occurs to me, that I was swept up in the moment and did not answer your question Miss-- no, I apologize. Captain Nakajima." Lucien stated. "Yes, I've been as well as I can be. When last we'd met it was not long after I'd fought a particularly powerful Hollow, which had taxed me to some extent. Today I've been well rested and not had to exert myself tremendously." He answered. His eyes studied Kimiko, glancing between the Captain and Ruhe.

"If you wish Miss Krieger, you may speak freely here. I can sense your fear-- hmm. No. Your dread, and would set it at ease if I can." Lucien added, before returning his attention to Kimiko. "Thank you for looking after Miss Krieger." He said, as if it were practically a given that it had been Kimiko that had looked after her. "It can't have been easy to keep such a secret from your own people, for such a time." Another assumption, but Lucien had come to that conclusion upon realizing Kimiko had come alone. For a hostage negotiation it would be prudent to send at least one other officer to serve as a witness. Since there was no second officer, Lucien could only presume Kimiko had come of her own accord, and, given the lack of visible injuries on Ruhe, hadn't liberated Ruhe from a Shinigami prison cell or lab table. Which could only mean that Kimiko had been hiding Ruhe. No doubt, such a plan had become compromised, and so she'd brought Ruhe to the Human world.

Now the question in Lucien's mind was-- if his guess was correct, was his arrival an asset? That Kimiko intended to return Ruhe to the Vandenreich? Or a hindrance-- that Kimiko had hoped to get Ruhe somewhere the Vandenreich would not find her. If the latter, he acknowledged the risk of a battle with the Captain. Still, that was part of the reason for the negotiations. If he was right about that he hoped to avoid that unpleasantness if possible. "So. Why have you come to the Human World?" He asked. "While I have several guesses, I would rather not assume, so if you don't mind leading with your purpose for bringing one of our Privates with you here?"

[Nakajima Kimiko]

While the matter of the waiter appeared to have resolved itself shortly after it had caught Kimiko's attention, the Shinigami's gaze would remain onto him for just a bit longer, if only to truly make sure that he was going to cause a scene. She doubted that the man was not speaking the truth about his current physical condition; after all, having gone to many restaurants prior, she was aware of how grueling the typical day of a restaurant's owner could be, and today didn't appear to be a typical day for the place thanks to the sheer number of attendees present. Even so, it would be unpleasant to deal with him suddenly thinking that he was seeing an actual ghost in his establishment, and Ruhe's overly-timid behavior was not helping, even if it did appear to appeal to the man's sympathy. "Ah, for three?" He would ask, visibly appearing to briefly hesitate before looking back towards the blurry figure of the swordswoman, almost like he was now not quite sure if his earlier assumption was correct.

Fortunately, before this scene could go on any further, Lucien intervened by repeating Ruhe's request and bringing along with it a very simple explanation. Their third participant? Oh, they were around. They were just a little bit late, and so they are expecting them to arrive shortly. This would cause the waiter to stare at him for a moment with a bit of a grimace at first, like he wasn't quite sure of if the golden-eyed man was really telling the truth to him. However, he would soon capitulate with a sigh. "Alright, then. Let's go with a table for three. This appears to be your first time here, so I think we can let this slide," he would go on to tell what he now believed, at this point, to be a father and his daughter awaiting their mother. Then, he would gesture them to follow him towards a small, empty table occupying one of the far-ends of the establishment. It almost appeared like a cabinet of sorts, with two large sofa-like chairs occupying each end against a wall. "Here we are. Please, wait here. One of our waiters will come with everything you need right away." 

And with that, with a soft smile and a nod given to Ruhe, he would then go on to leave the trio on their own. Kimiko had followed along without a word or any exaggerated movement so as to make sure she would attract the least amount of attention possible. By the time they reached the table, she would take one of the spots on the seats next to Ruhe that was nearest to the wall, just to make sure the people in the restaurant would not notice the pressing of her body against the leathery cushion. As for her Zanpakuto, she would leave them standing near her left leg onto the floor, with the white blade positioned closest to her. They were tall enough that their grips and guards could be seen passing the table frame. "Man, this place really is super fancy now! I could swear it looked a little bit less flashy back then," she commented with her upbeat tone as she made herself comfortable onto the seat. Evidently, she had gotten too used to sitting on simple wooden stools and chairs, and the feeling of sitting on something leathery for possible the first time in decades was a bit too different for her taste.

Something about sitting in her Captain garbs like this in the middle of a casual Human restaurant was... even stranger than she thought it would be. Yet, she tried to remain natural. This was for Ruhe's sake, not hers, and it was only made more evident once she heard the little girl suddenly ask Lucien if he had come here to kill her. The patting of the girl's head was enough to cause the officer to visibly stiffen and quickly place her hand onto her white sword. With that said, soon enough, she would calm down once she heard Lucien's promise. She would nevertheless make sure to give the man a deep scarlet gaze after he asked her to confirm his presumption. "You are," she told him with a tone that was much more serious in comparison to the previous one she had. It was the answer that she could muster right then and there that she believed to be straightest to the point. Then, she would let out a sigh as she pressed her back against the leathery cushion behind her. "Also, please stop with the honorifics. Just call me Kimiko."

After this side of the conversation ended, they would then tackle a few subjects. The first was Lucien's health. Apparently, the reason why he was in such bad shape the last time they met was because he had overexerted himself. Quite frankly, she believed that to be a rather odd reason, as he hadn't looked like he had come out of a particularly-difficult battle back then. If all it took for him to start coughing his lungs out was to just shoot a couple of arrows, then the fact that he was even allowed to become an officer in spite of his condition only made his Emperor's use of his services even more disgusting to her, regardless of Lucien's opinion on the matter. Even so, she did not bother to continue speaking of the matter for too long, instead opting to let out a short "Ah, that's pretty cool" and mentally move on. Once again, she had come here for Ruhe's sake, and again, although she did consider Lucien to be an unconventional enemy of sorts, he wasn't someone that she could consider to a friend of hers or even an ally. Her bringing up his health to begin with was nothing than a mere show of hospitality.

In any case, the man would go on to eventually reach the meat of the conversation here, so to speak. He would thank Kimiko for having brought shelter to Ruhe, something that she decided to not respond to right away, then ask her the meaning of her and Ruhe's presence here. Before she could provide any response, a female waiter wearing an attire that was downright almost fancier than the manager's would arrive to the table with multiple glasses and menus on a platter, as well as a large water jug. The fact that she could carry so many things at once was impressive, but her charming attitude was perhaps even more so. "Hello, hello! Here are the water glasses you've been asking for!" She would say with a cheering tone before putting the glasses on the table and filling them with water with the jug she was carrying. The menus would follow shortly. "Here is also our menu! Take your time! I'll be back to take your orders in a feeeeew minutes!"

The waitress would then go on to leave the trio alone again. After she left, one of Kimiko's eyes would twitch as she attempted to retain her serious expression. Needless to say, it appeared to be rather difficult for her to properly maintain her composure after that waitress' explosive entry, a total tonal whiplash compared to the rather-expensive ambiance the rest of the establishment had been attempting to set up. Maybe she was a new employee? Argh! Whatever! She'll... She'll just take a look at the menu. "Hm..." she let out a quiet hum as she discretely picked up the menu and looked at what was inside. It did not take long for her to immediately be assaulted with pictures of impeccable-looking food alongside fancy Italian names. Linguine con granchio, pappardelle al cighiale, ravioli di erbette... It never stopped. And that was just the pasta! There were also pizzas too! A whole bunch of them, all the kind to expect from some kind of five-star restaurant!

It took Kimiko an entire minute ever since the waitress' arrival for her mind to be completely snatched away from the food. Right. She was not there for her, she was there for Ruhe. Not there for her. There for Ruhe. She needed to remember that. Besides, there was still no confirmation about this place not being some sort of trap designed by Lucien. So, she would quietly close the menu and consciously look towards him, away from all of the food. Then, she would close her eyes and take a deep breath before exhaling slowly. "About a month ago, a recon squad of the Vandenreich was sent to the Soul Society. We don't exactly know why they were sent, even today, but we decided to stop them before they could accomplish their mission properly. As you probably are aware of, we're not in a position where we can afford to take many risks," she summarized information that Lucien probably was already aware of. Nevertheless, she continued. "My men and I decided to go there to arrest them, but in the end, we had to take them out. That is when I found out about that your Emperor apparently uses child soldiers in his ranks. I also learned that the commander of the recon squad was a coward who enjoyed hurting these child soldiers whenever he didn't get his way, and that your Emperor can really just kill all of you whenever he wants."

Both Ruhe and Lucien would be able to sense a tinge of anger in Kimiko's words as she revealed those latter parts. It was quite clear that her opinion about the young's involvement in this war of theirs, as well as her stance regarding the Vandenreich's servitude to their leader had not changed at all. With that said, she would take a calmer stance as she went on a bit further. "If you're still searching for that guy, don't bother. Your Emperor took care of him before we could ask him any questions. Besides, he's... not why I came here." She would then pause for a moment as she stared at Ruhe with a more caring, softer look. Then, she would look back at Lucien. "I retrieved Ruhe from the recon squad. I believed that she had been sent with them against her will and that she was in no condition to participate in this conflict. Since then, I gave her shelter in one of my dojos. I thought I could keep her there for a while longer, but... almost a week ago, I was informed of the presence of Quincy reiatsu where I had brought her, and I was given a choice. Either I took care of the problem myself or... Ningen-taichou would have taken care of the problem for me."

A silence then came over the table for a brief moment, bringing about with it emotions that Kimiko would have preferred to experience in the moment. Concern, fear, worry, all bundled in a cocktail of misery that she did not need right then and there. Unfortunately, she could do nothing to prevent it but face it head-on. Thus, she would sit in a more-upright position before staring at Lucien with a more serious look once again. "I appreciate Ningen-taichou as the man he is, but I know what he would've done should he have been informed about Ruhe's presence. So, I brought her here in hopes of meeting you. Not another officer of the Vandenreich. You." She would then push herself a little bit forward towards the table then, just to make sure Lucien would understand the next request that she had in mind. "You told me you were a pacifist, so I want you to answer this for me. Can you provide shelter to Ruhe within the Silbern? I want her to... have a normal life. At least, until she has the proper ability to choose whether she wants to participate in this war or not."

[Ruhe Krieger]

When Lucien reached out, there was a moment where he'd see her eyes wince, and her face instinctively flinch, her hands raising up to defend her face. Her body shying away as if to make itself smaller. Only for her to look up in surprise when there wasn't an abusive beating. Only a headpat. She remained very quiet, as she looked down. Focusing on the wood of the table. Though when the glass of water came, she shakily took the glass in both hands and began to drink. Trying to calm herself down as she listened. She didn't even look at the menu, mainly because her stomach was twisted in a knot. She wasn't sure if she was going to be able to eat anything right at this moment. Instead, she listened to Kimiko speak. The words of Ningen.

"I-mhm..." She says, twin rivulets of tears spilling out of her eyes. "I...I'm s-sowrry that I was a problem." Of course she was. That's what she always was. In the eyes of her family. In the eyes of Soul Society. In the eyes of her own people. She looked like a puppy that had just been kicked. She listened, and found herself slowly turning to meet Kimiko in the eyes. Turquoise blue meeting crimson reds. "I-I already am...p-part of it. I-I...killed someone before." She said truthfully. Looking her deeply in the eyes, afraid of seeing disgust. Disdain. Hatred.

"When I was a little younger, I tried to learn more about being a Quincy. In a ruin called Cochem. A woman there...Amalia. She saved me from being eaten by Hollows. She told me that this war. I'm part of it, whether I want to be or not. That...I umm..." Ruhe rubbed her arm up and down a little bit. "That it was my duty. That I had to. That the Shinigami were going to kill me just for living. A little later. A lot of Hollows came...A lot. The reason why I was so scared of you m-miss Kimiko. Was a man wearing the symbol from your uniforms. He...He peeled my skin off and stabbed me. I-I didn't mean to. But. I-I didn't want to die. So...So I..." She thought back to how her Hohle Schneide dug into the man's chest and lungs. How the trauma of that day had accelerated her growth tremendously. 

"I don't want to be a bad girl. I tried to live quiet. Alone in the woods. Then one day..." She felt the shame on her cheeks, her face red as the tears just kept spilling out. "I-I'm a mistake. I deserve to d-die." She says, tugging at her hair with her hands. "I-I don't b-belong anywhere." She says, her voice becoming more and more high pitched and squeakish as she felt her heart sinking in the pit of despair. It was hard to explain. The life she lived. She hadn't even gotten to her experience in the Vreich, and for a soul so young, it seemed as if she was filled with despair and sadness. There was too much to explain. Too much that words could convey. If she even had the tact and complexity to describe it. It was clear of something though.

Ruhe Krieger was ashamed to be who she was. What she was. Because no one else was proud of her. Loved her. Showed her comfort for her accomplishments, or nurtured her. And she was afraid the one person who seemed to show such sympathy and affection was going to hate her forever. Maybe even want to kill her. Blame her. Because she was too immature and inexperienced to put together that there were so many things out of her control. That she wasn't to blame. Yet, her family blamed her all the time for every inconvenience. Even existing. How in the world was she supposed to cope with that? 

[Lucien Dantes]

Lucien had no issue with the accommodations provided by the restaurant. He was raised among what passed for aristocracy among the Vandenreich-- family lineages that dated back from when the Emperor had first saved the Quincy from the Shinigami, the Dantes family were among the Emperor's earliest followers. Table manners were practically an assumption for him. He smiled at Kimiko's commentary. "I'm sure it was difficult to fully appreciate it whilst it was on fire." He answered. "Or perhaps they did indeed decide to build it more impressively than before."

Lucien did not miss Ruhe's palpable fear when he'd reached out to pat her head. It gave the Vandenreich a sense of pause. And it seemed that his and Kimiko's combined reassurances did not help the girl as much as he might have hoped. Lucien had recognized Ruhe's timid spirit and her desire for approval sometime ago. It was something he might have to discuss with her again, not even as a matter of discipline, but for Ruhe's own sake. He felt it was unhealthy and even dangerous. It may lead Ruhe to making some catastrophically dangerous decisions, and he did not want that for her.

As far as Kimiko's request about referring to her, Lucien closed his eyes in contemplation for a moment. "As you wish.... Kimiko." He wasn't so sure about such a familiar way to refer to her. He was still here on Vandenreich business, even if she wasn't strictly here on Soul Society business. At the end of the day, the two were enemies and would, in all likelihood, end up on opposing sides of a battlefield one day. Lucien hesitated to use such familiarity with any Shinigami he didn't intend to try to bring into the fold. It would make doing his job and executing them as an enemy much, much harder for him later on. And he had no doubts that Kimiko's strong convictions in her own path would ensure she never turn over her sword for a bow.

Lucien gave a quick nod of gratitude at the server when their water was delivered. "Thank you very much." He took a moment to review their menu options as well, though kept his primary focus on the conversation at hand.

He let Kimiko finally brief him on her purpose here, and the review of the situation. So she'd seen an Auswählen in person? Remarkable. He didn't miss Kimiko's jabs and needling in her terminology-- no doubt to try to get a rise out of him. She'd nearly succeeded the last time they'd met, but this time Lucien was able to keep his composure. Thus he did not raise objections or argue with Kimiko over her choice of words. There were more important things to discuss at this time.

It was as Lucien suspected at any rate. So Kimiko had intercepted Ruhe's unit, and taken pity on the poor girl and sheltered her. And now her own organization was onto her and she wanted to get Ruhe somewhere safe, beyond the reach of the Shinigami that would undoubtedly have done unspeakable things to her. Or killed her at best. Lucien took a sip of water, as he contemplated his answer, but before he could, Ruhe piped up. Lucien looked at her with sympathy in his eyes. It seemed the girl was finally ready to speak her mind, and tell what was in her heart, and for that, Lucien was grateful. One thing he certainly appreciated in Kimiko is he had no compunctions that she was being false with him. That every word was exactly what she thought and believed.

As Ruhe began to cry, Lucien reached out again to gently place a hand on her head in an attempt at a reassuring gesture. "It...." Lucien wanted to tell Ruhe that it was alright. That everything would be fine. In a sense it would be. But Lucien also recognized, not in the way Ruhe necessarily wanted. Lucien closed his eyes and breathed deeply. "Miss Krieger is the one I spoke to you of when last we met, as it so happens, Kimiko. The one who came to us for sanctuary and protection." Lucien took his eyes off of Ruhe to look at Kimiko again, but they shifted back to Ruhe before he could continue as Ruhe said her final piece. Lucien petted Ruhe's hair in an attempt to be reassuring to the girl.

"You do not deserve to die, Miss Krieger. Nor are you a mistake, no matter what Shinigami propoganda may say. And you do have a place. You will always have a place with us. His Majesty has accepted you as one of his own, and that is not something carelessly given out. His Majesty believes in you, as do I." Lucien assured her. Now he addressed Kimiko, and quickly before she could say something further, recognizing his choice of words might make the woman defensive, or think he was ignoring her request.

"I can do as you ask. I am a Captain-Supervisor within the Vandenreich. Only the Sternritter and his Majesty himself may supercede my orders, beyond them, my word in the Sillbern is as law. I can find Ruhe a place far from the battlefields, where she may enjoy a peaceful, quiet and safe life." And in this Lucien was speaking to more than just Kimiko. "Upon our return to the Sillbern, it would not be difficult for me to arrange an honorable discharge from our ranks for Ruhe, and send her to anywhere of her choosing with likeminded individuals and people that will love and protect her as if they were her own. Safe from the horrors of war. And this I will do." Lucien trailed off for a moment, and sipped another drink from his glass as he weighed his next words heavily.

"If that is what Ruhe wants." Lucien was trying to be genuine here. He had stopped calling Ruhe "Miss Krieger", and there was no hint of deceit or hidden agenda in what he said. "We spoke before on the horrors of war, and I stand by that position. It is a cruel reality, that not all are suited for. If Ruhe wants to escape that, I can, and will do that for her. There will be no shame and no consequences. None will cross my command, and if they do, I swear to you on His Majesty's name, that I will oppose them and do all in my power to prevent any forces from compelling Ruhe to return." Regardless of Kimiko's opinion of the Emperor, Lucien hoped at least that he had communicated the respect he had for His Majesty, and by extension, the weight of his swearing an oath on a figure he held so highly.

"But this is not my decision to make." He looked at Ruhe. "This is your decision. If you would like a way out, I can give that to you. I cannot take back His Majesty's gift. I cannot revoke your place among us. Such things cannot be done. But I will find you a place where you need never draw your bowstring again. If that is what you want." Now his eyes turned back again to Kimiko.

"But if it is ultimately Ruhe's decision to take up arms and fight this horrific war between us and the world, then I will not void her decision." He paused for a moment as he looked at Ruhe. "But.... I do believe, Ruhe, that you may wish to take some time to consider. I understand that Amalia forced your hand in choosing before you were ready. I do not wish to make you repeat that decision."

[Nakajima Kimiko]

The Captain would find herself little out a quiet snort at the mention of the previous fire that scorched the place. It was not really a snort of amusement, as she most definitely understood that she was partly responsible for the fire having happened in the very first place, but more so one of acknowledgement. What could she say? Lucien was about right when it came to that, at the very least: there was no way a restaurant - or any kind of establishment, really - could look very good while it was quite literally being set ablaze. With that being said, she did also have to give credence to the man's second remark. "Maybe! The last time I heard of this place, a bunch of people kept saying that the manager wanted everyone to worship him, so he placed a bunch of pictures of himself everywhere. I can't see any of those around, so I'm gonna guess they removed them," she spoke with a casual tone again, if only to further reassure Ruhe. Even though she understood their current predicament, she wanted the girl to have some semblance of enjoyment here. It's the least she could do.

Unfortunately, this casual tone of hers would not remain for long, as soon, they would begin to speak about the event which led to the sheltering of Ruhe within the Soul Society. Kimiko made no attempts at hiding the criticisms that she still held for Lucien's people and their leader. In her eyes, they were still nothing more than a group of pathetic slaves blinded by faith in a man who cared only for their utility as weapons and not as warriors, and so they were still very much unworthy of her respect. But even so, she had attempted to refrain from going on a full-blown rant in front of Lucien, mainly because he was currently the only one who could bring Ruhe to a safe place in the enclave of the Quincy. That, and the little girl did not need to see her at her angriest here, and even less so needed to see her contempt for the Vandenreich, especially while she looked so utterly horrified by what awaited her in the near future within the Silbern.

Even so, when said girl began to cry again, the officer's attempts at masquerading her emotions would crack further. Her crimson eyes were quickly darkened by the shadows of hesitation, and her expression became softer thereafter. "Please don't say that, Ruhe. You've never been a problem," she tried to explain to the teenager with the calmest voice she could possibly muster, all the while she would attempt to keep her close by holding her hand as she stared back. Gazing into those big bright blue eyes over and over again was starting to become more and more difficult by the minute. Whereas they should have brought her hope and the promise of a better future as any children's eyes should, they instead only brought her suspicion of the Vandenreich's ability to keep her safe and worry for what she could become depending on Lucian's Emperor's will. Such worries were only reaffirmed when she was reminded of Amalia's existence... but they were not what rocked her to the core. No. It was how Ruhe came to know that woman that did.

As she listened to the little girl's story, the Shinigami would find herself slowly standing back on her seat. By the time her back was almost against the wall nearest to their table, her crimson eyes had been left open wide with what could only be described as a great mixture of unfounded horror, impossible shame... and overwhelming anger. Both Lucien and Ruhe would be able to feel the pulse of spiritual energy that came from the superior officer at that moment. It caused several tables in the vicinity to briefly rumble, enough so that some of the customers would briefly remain stunned for a moment before looking around and asking if an earthquake was ongoing. The two Quincy would also be able to see her eyes and her mouth twitch several times as she tried to retain the fire within her. "T-T-Tch.......!" Several hisses of utter struggle could be heard from the woman then, all the while she heard the darkness within her laugh quietly in amusement... 

... but then, the rumbling stopped. It was ceased as quickly as its beginning, thus preventing a mass panic within the establishment or even possible casualties. In fact, some of the customers would let out sighs of relief, utter a few comical remarks between each other about what had just happened, then laugh before returning to their food. However, Kimiko did not laugh along with them. Instead, she found herself panting as she slowly recovered from the horrible images that appeared in her head following the acknowledgement of Ruhe's story. She knew that the Gotei 13 had its fair share of horrible people in its ranks. She also knew that there were still many who believed that every Quincy who remained in this world should be exterminated, no matter the cost. In spite of this, she never once thought that a Shinigami's hatred of those people would be so grand that they would stab a child and skin them. It was truly no wonder Ruhe feared the Shinigami so. If there were still people like that man out there, serving the Soul Society...

The Captain would remain quiet after taking in that information, granting Lucien plenty of time to explain what he could do for Ruhe now that the swordswoman had brought her to him. He promised the little girl sanctuary and protection, and made sure to sugarcoat it with the typical Vandenreich propaganda. He also promised the Shinigami that he would do everything in his power to make sure Ruhe would be brought to safety away from the front lines that pitted their people and Kimiko's. In that moment, there was a brief sense of relief that came over her senses, something that allowed her further quell down the immense fury that had suddenly exploded within her mind and body. It wasn't really a straight promise, and quite frankly, she had a hard time believing that he would truly able to do that so long as this Amalia was around... but it was better than nothing. At least, it was until he suddenly said something that caused her to raise her gaze towards his.

Apparently, the man wanted Ruhe to make the final decision here. He wanted her to tell him whether she wanted to continue serving the Vandenreich or not. In any other circumstance, the swordswoman would have actually believed this to be a normal thing to say; after all, Ruhe was a child, but she remained a person with her own level of agency. To deprive her of the ability to choose would not be a good thing to do. However, in this context, granting such an ability from out of the blue felt... wrong. It didn't feel right, especially not after what she had heard about Amalia. Even Lucien appeared to be aware of what that woman had done to Ruhe to a certain extent. There was nothing that suggested that this woman wouldn't suddenly return to the little girl the very moment she would come back into the Silbern and continue to try to supposedly abuse her until she would want to serve the Vandenreich. Therefore, in this very moment, the little girl would most likely be influenced by her emotions.

At that point, Kimiko could not remain silent any longer, no matter the shock of the news she had just heard. She would try to bring herself closer to Ruhe again in a protective fashion, making sure to gain Lucien's attention in that moment, then take on a more serious tone once again. "I don't think Ruhe should make that decision right now, Lucien," she declared as a matter of fact, doing so with an honest and almost-maternal tone. She disagreed with him, but it was clear that she was not trying to criticize him, his Emperor, or the Vandenreich as a whole. She also was not trying to challenge his pacifism. Rather, she just wanted him to listen. "Look at her. She's a child. It doesn't matter how old she really is. Worse, she's a child who has been... abused... several times throughout her life. So long as she and her beliefs remain the way they are now, she shouldn't be allowed to return to the battlefield until she fully understands what that means."

She wasn't sure of how Lucien was going to react to this. The man was evidently not trying to convince Ruhe to go back to the front lines: he was just trying to consider her agency in the matter and, therefore, her ability to think about would be best for her. Even so, the Captain did not want to take any chances here. Ruhe, in her eyes, was still a child. To allow her to return to the battlefield would be to further force her to work as a weapon for the Vandenreich's Emperor, something that he could discard at any given moment whenever he deems it the best course of action to take. Someone like her who has already gone through so many terrible things should not be granted such a terrible fate. Right now, what she should do is enjoy the remaining years of her childhood to the best of her ability. She should be sheltered by people who love her and want nothing more than to keep her safe until she can achieve such a thing on her own, and in the meantime, she should enjoy the little things in life like any child should.

[Ruhe Krieger]

The real question wasn't if there were people like that serving Soul Society. The true question was how many were serving. Quincy were a threat to the balance, whether they were children, elderly, men or women. So long as they existed, they could threaten the balance of souls, and in order to maintain the balance, souls needed to be purged from "heaven". She listened quietly, and she thought about the wording. She listened t Kimiko, and she did know the battlefield. If anything, it was because she was a child with little understanding of the wider world that she knew better than anyone. In the battlefield. You fight. Or you die. This was one of those rare exceptions to the rule. And as Lucien's hand came towards her? She feared. Feared the world. 

Lucien spoke saying that she didn't deserve to die. "But...I will." She says, looking towards the table. He said that his majesty accepted her, and that it was not a boon that was so often given. To which she looked upon him and thought about the validity of such a statement. He said that the gift that was given to her, he couldn't reclaim. He said that the place amongst them, he could not revoke. In which case she slowly looks up with a tired smile. One that seemed ever so exhausted as the little form looks him in the eyes. "You're a bad liar." She says softly, looking him deeply in the eyes.

He said he would take her to a place where she'd never need to draw her bowstring again. A place where likeminded individuals went. She's seen it. Those that shared a similar mindset. The visage filled her mind of what that all meant. What she'd seen. What she'd ignored. What she'd done. Resting herself down, she seemed oddly calmer now. As if she were an animal that had accepted it'd be slaughtered. "You and I both know that there is a way to do both." She expresses. However, that wasn't her place to say is it? How his majesty took their powers after each death. The biggest damper to her was when it was clear that he wasn't a Sternritter. The Emperor's Chosen.

Ruhe found herself considering her circumstances in earnest, and realized just how fragile and vulnerable she truly was. When she thought about how horrible the punishments could be? When she thought about Amalia's potential verbal as well as physical abuse for her weakness. She found herself staring dead at Lucien. She found herself staring past him, with glassy eyes. There was a feeling where she was suddenly standing before a beach. But instead of it being bright and vibrant with clear blue waters, it was stormy. Dark. With the waves threatening to corrode and swallow the entire coast. Ruhe stood there along the rocks, clenching, and grasping desperately for salvation. Before she allowed herself to be consumed by the waves. 

Reaching to her chest, she slowly smooths her hand over where her heart would be. She'd be taken perhaps. To a nice and lovely looking place. Like a dog was to pasture. And put down. Though she did not know if it was malice or not. She honestly couldn't trust Lucien's intentions. Ruhe hardly knew him. There was a pounding pressure in her head, as she thought about her spiritual dagger. Thought about using her wrist mounted crossbow. To shoot upwards into her own heart. End it. End it. End it. The thought permeated as she questioned if perhaps that would be better. To have her soul obliterated and destroyed. Before then she slowly battled with the idea of dogma, as well as the liberation of this pounding pressure.

Before they looked slowly towards Kimiko. To perhaps ask Kimiko to kill her instead. Though she could see that burden. That look on her face. That Kimiko would potentially destroy herself to protect her. Burden herself more than she already had. It was then and there that Ruhe found herself slowly standing. And as children did, began to overdramatize and think of the worst scenarios in her head. Before slowly beginning to walk. "I...need to go outside." She says, though she looked as pale as a ghost. "Thank you." She says, though as she walks, she was in a stumbling state as her legs wobbled like noodles. 

The Emperor loves you. The Emperor blesses you. The Emperor is the God and salvation. The Emperor giveth and he can taketh away. As she made her way outside, she wondered if he could hear her thoughts. Wondered if he would smite her with the Auschwalen. Wondered for what reason she existed, and if he even cared enough to do so. If her life was worthless in the eyes of their supposedly omnipotent God. If he was there, if he reveled in her fear and internal misery. They proclaimed him to know all, and if that was the case. He knew just how much she was suffering inside. Why it was she was beginning to walk outside. Because she was so afraid of retribution, that she'd want to die on her own terms. Knife tucked beneath her robes. 

Her lip quivered, and with it, when she felt the warmth of the day, a million thoughts trickled in her head. Then nothing else. The sun felt warm, and yet numb against her skin as she saw the cars passing by. 

[Lucien Dantes]

Lucien's brow furrowed as Ruhe stated her answer. He almost wasn't sure what to make of her statement. "But she was.... going to die"? Lucien's nihilistic tendencies almost took over at that moment. Of course she would die eventually. Everyone in this establishment would die eventually. None here were truly immortal. Death would claim all of them eventually. But, a momentary re-evaluation of her statement made Lucien feel she was not talking of such nihilistic inevitabilities, but something much more urgent and pressing. Her further statement of Lucien being a poor liar, make Lucien sigh in answer.

"That is so. I am a poor liar. But I am not lying Miss Krieger. I have no intent to cause, or permit harm to come to you. And I know without a doubt his Majesty does not wish it either." Lucien sighed, recognizing for full transparency he may as well be completely clear with Ruhe. "As Kimiko here is doubtless aware by now, if His Majesty believed your death or harm was necessary, it would have happened already. He did not. Not only are you whole and healthy, but His Majesty gave me specific instructions, through Lord Baal, to retrieve you and bring you home unharmed. There is no cause for you to fear any harm befalling you." He tried to assure her.

Kimiko's frustration and anger at Ruhe's story was not surprising to Lucien. He understood Kimiko as a woman who pursued her own justice, but what he saw was that, regardless of the personal values she placed upon it, what she sought was justice. She was a stalwart individual who would hold true to her principles, and seemed to despise and deny any that would besmirch or challenge them. So it did not at all surprise Lucien that she seemed enraged at what had been done to Ruhe, by her own division, and was thus unfazed by the spiritual pressure that radiated from her, even sipping from the glass of water as she processed it.


Her defense of Ruhe, was slightly less expected. Lucien folded his hands on the table, as if in contemplation. Before he could answer it seemed Ruhe asked for some air. Lucien nodded. "Of course. Take some time to breathe easily Ruhe. I apologize if my presence is causing you discomfort." He could still sense Ruhe's spiritual energy, and so felt assured that if danger came upon her he could react to it in time. It allowed him, at least, a moment to address Kimiko.

"I agree with you, to an extent. She should not make the decision now, or with any great haste. It is a serious decision to be carefully considered of course." He closed his golden eyes for a moment in contemplation. When they opened again they were filled with both sympathy and pity. "But I do not think she can truly be called a child anymore. She may not have fully matured yet, but that poor girl's childhood, and the innocence it might have granted has been stripped away from her. She understands and knows much more than a girl her age should have any right to, and I cannot in good faith force her to stand on the sidelines-- condemning her to watching other friends or mentors she might have had, leave for battle and never return, to endlessly question if she could have changed the outcome." Lucien replied.

[Nakajima Kimiko]

When Lucien told Kimiko of that one person who was tortured by the Shinigami and then brought into the ranks of the Vandenreich for shelter, she believed him. She didn't so because she trusted him, but because she knew that it was a grim reality that she had to accept when it came to handling the conflict between the people of the Soul Society and those who served their Emperor. Wherever and whenever there was war somewhere within the realms, no matter who or what the participants of said war may be, atrocities were to be expected from both sides, if only due to the hatred it spewed. She read about it with the aid of countless books, saw it with her own eyes both on the television within the barracks of the Eleventh Division as well as with her own eyes in the middle of battle, and it could be most definitely be said that she experienced it. Even now, she could still remember the specific hatred that she bore for the mindless worshipers of the Vandenreich's leader and that one particular Hollow, Teresa, who has been on her mind ever since the creature fled her first battle as a Shinigami.

With that being said, she once believed that the spiritual nature of their particular conflict would allow them all to understand that there were limits to war, that there were lines that shouldn't be crossed. She was certain that, at least from the Shinigami's side, there were many who had experienced war in the most horrible of ways. She only had to pay attention to some of her subordinates' past to understand that. One of them was tortured to death in the middle of the Vietnam war, ultimately nothing more than the result of differences between two radical ideologies, and he was never able to return to his family thereafter. Another perished during one of the many conflicts that occurred centuries ago before the United Kingdom was referred to as such, one that had only begun because there were a number of people who could not accept him as their king and therefore instead opted to spear him with a thousand arrows. And then, of course, there were every one of her subordinate who perished during the recent World Wars, and then the battles between the clans of Japan and other Asian countries, and so many others. 

All of this should have been enough to make them understand that, although they themselves enjoyed fighting, they needed to reduce their hatred for their opponent. And yet, when Kimiko realized that Ruhe was the one who Lucien spoke about, and that the person who had captured her had done such horrible things to her all the while supposedly acting as a soldier of the Eleventh Division... she understood that there was still so much progress that needed to be done. In spite of everything that she had done with her schools, with her squad and the policies that directed them both, there was still so much that needed to be done to properly dictate what could and could not be done, especially now that they were all part of this world's afterlife. Worse, it appeared that some people still needed to be told to not direct their hatred towards those that were not part of the conflict to begin with... and especially not those who barely understood it themselves.

So when Ruhe plainly called Lucien a liar and stared at not only he, but also Kimiko with hesitation and fear for her future, the swordswoman felt a slight tinge of regret coat her heart. She could not blame her for feeling this way. For all intents and purposes, she had been abused by just about everything one could ever think. The brutal torture was one thing. A horrible thing, yes, but it was only just one thing in the end. She would have perhaps recovered from it with trauma, but otherwise, she would have been fine if taken care of with patience and kindness. However, there were many other things that the girl had to go through. Supposedly, there were the horrible trials of that woman Amalia, who Ruhe outright believed would kill her if they ever met again. Then, there was her mistreatment as a soldier of the Vandenreich by a cowardly commander who cared naught for her life, back during that scouting mission, and the horror of potentially being rejected by a deity who could kill her at any given moment. Together, those terrible events could leave a mark on even the most courageous of men. In comparison, Ruhe experienced it all as a child.

As much as it pained Kimiko to admit it, Lucien was right. While Ruhe was physically still a child and she thus believed she needed to be treated as such, the events that she has experienced have scarred her to such a degree that it was now difficult to describe her as being capable of properly experiencing childhood ever again. Her innocence was robbed by the brutality of war in every sense of the word, and she will most likely never be able to recuperate it, no matter how hard she tried. Yet even as she realized this, the way the Captain-Supervisor laid down his view of the matter caused her to stare at him with renewed hatred for his cause. "So your solution to the problem is to let her choose to send herself to die with those friends and mentors?" She asked, though the tone she used made it sound less like a question and more an accusation. Then, she briefly pressed her fingers against her closed eyes, as though she was chasing away a headache, before she let out a soft sigh. "You and I both know that children are impulsive. They make bad decisions for things they don't understand. Yeah, Ruhe went through a lot, but you said it yourself: she hasn't fully matured yet. So, I still don't think she's able to fully understand what this war is about. It doesn't matter how much of her innocence was lost... She should still enjoy whatever remains of it."

A pause came to her then. She was visibly bothered by everything that was happening. The conversation was more tiring than she expected it to be, especially given that it concerned someone that she had admittedly begun to care for quite extensively over the past few months, and the fact that this wasn't even settled yet was beginning to be a source of stress. There was no way to tell how long it would take before the Gotei 13 would realize that she had suddenly gone to the Living World with someone who generated spiritual energy typically relegated to Quincies, and quite frankly, she did not want to have to deal with the consequences of having been spotted either by Aramis or the Captain-Commander simply because she was absent from the Soul Society for a while without authorization. The exhaustion that this subject brought to her was such that she forgot that she was in a restaurant and that she hadn't even chosen her meal yet.

Eventually, after a brief moment of silence, she would find slowly raise herself off of her seat at the table and pick up the scabbards of her swords in the process. Like Ruhe, she felt like she needed a break. As such, she would bring herself away from the table, then tell Lucien a plain "I'm gonna go check up on her" before she proceeded towards the doors of the establishment. In silence, she passed by the other tables and some of the waiters that walked by, and eventually, she would find herself waiting near the door for someone to come by. Even though she was struck by all of these terrible emotions, she knew that her place in the Living World was something that she could not ignore, and so she made sure to not cause a scene in the restaurant, or at least one that was more concerning than the one that she had almost caused. Fortunately for her, it would not take long for a new customer to enter the store, and so, after the door was left open following their passing, she would go on to pass the doors and head onto the sidewalk outside.

Ruhe had begun to walk away from the establishment. That much was obvious, because Kimiko was not able to see her right away. While she was at first intensely worried for the girl's safety, she eventually calmed down and began to scan the area, deducing that the girl couldn't have gone far. Fortunately, it would not take long for the Captain to detect the child's spiritual energy. She hadn't walked that far away, as to be expected given the small lapse of time that separated Ruhe's leave and her own. Thus, she would let out a sigh of relief before beginning to speed walk towards the direction of the little girl. Now was not the time to lose focus of her task at hand, no matter Lucien's words or actions. Now was not the time to lose Ruhe altogether, especially not in Karakura Town where whoever knew how many Hollows remained there on a daily basis, regardless of if it was day or night. Hell, there might be patrolling Shinigami in the area, for all that she knew.

After a few seconds of going at her own pace, she would eventually find the little Quincy. Again, she wasn't far away from the Il Fiore restaurant, so it did not take too long to reach her. However, aside from the cars that passed by from time to time, there weren't a whole lot of people walking about the place. In fact, there was barely anyone, a side-effect of the previous establishment's popularity. How lucky. Here, Kimiko could speak to Ruhe without a Human potentially interfering in their conversation. Unaware of the knife underneath the Quincy's robes, the Captain would let her presence be known with the sound of her sandals, then approach the little girl. "Ruhe, I..." she would attempt to speak to the girl, then frown before she let out a sigh. "I'm sorry. I should've... I should've talked to you about all of this sooner. I should've let you prepare to leave Nijūkan without having to deal with... You know." A silence then followed her words, like she was expecting to be judged by the child. Then, she briefly turned her attention towards the passing cars. "I know you don't trust Lucien, but... he's the only person I know who could solve this problem. If there was anyone out there who I could speak to, I would've."  

[Lucien Dantes]

Lucien was prepared for Kimiko's anger. Just anger, he felt. At least regarding Ruhe's unfortunate situation. He inhaled, and took a moment to consider Kimiko's words. No snappy comebacks, or immediate counterarguments, but to sit and fully consider the implications of what she said. While it was true he was speaking to Kimiko as an officer of the Vandenreich, he also recognized words spoken as such would hold absolutely no weight with her. Lucien intended to discuss this matter as a human being, not a soldier of the Emperor. At least as best as he could manage.

"I don't believe either answer is fair to her." He finally answered, able to speak freely now that Ruhe was not in the room any longer. "I think your concern is right. ....I worry for her. She is too eager to please. Too eager to chase the approval of others. ...I don't think she had a happy home life even before your Division found her, or before Lady Amalia did. She wants acceptance, and she is simultaneously afraid of those she seeks acceptance from. She wants a place to belong, and I think that she is going to chase that goal with a fervor that is dangerous to her." He closed his eyes. What to do about it though...


"Amalia should never have forced this decision upon her, and knowing what I do of the woman, she almost certainly did force the decision. Perhaps on Amalia alone, I think we can find common ground, as she is everything that you hate about my order, and everything I seek to expunge from it." Lucien sighed, fatigue visible, and with it, he felt a pain in his chest that usually preceded his coughing fits. No. He had to fight it back. Also, despite using it before, Lucien this time quite deliberately dropped the "Lady" moniker that he had previously preceded Amalia's name with.

"But the decision, forced or not, was made, and it cannot be unmade. Ruhe Krieger is one of us now, even as I see in her eyes that she has come to regret that decision." This... This was precisely why Lucien only took in officers that he felt understood what they were getting into. Yes, he pushed for recruitment, and turning enemies to the Vandenreich, but he wanted true believers. He did not wish to bring others into the fold that would balk once they realized what it entailed. but those who understood what joining the Vandenreich truly meant for them. Yes. He'd sugarcoat details. He'd reel people in slowly, bit by bit, but he would always ensure that when he fired the arrow that turned them to the cause, that those Lucien brought to the Vandenreich understood what they were accepting.

"Amalia took the choice from her before, it does not sit well with me that I should follow in her footsteps. Charitably one could say I am trying to undo the damage she did, but we both know that damage is well and already done, and any effort on my part may as well be to put a band-aid over a severed limb. And, I fear, short lived. That fervor for acceptance.... I can force her dismissal, but I think she will inevitably try to slip around me to rejoin the Vandenreich. Perhaps I will notice and stop her re-enlistment once, twice, three times, but I suspect eventually she will succeed. She has already caught the eye of at least one Sternritter above me, and while I believe Lady Sieglinde will accept Ruhe's dismissal if Ruhe herself agrees to it, she will overrule me if Ruhe asks her to. For Ruhe to live the peaceful life that we want for her, for her to hold onto those fragments remaining of her childhood, she needs to want it too."

Lucien took no pleasure in saying that, and in his tone there was almost a note of defeat in saying so. He really was on Kimiko's side in this. He did not want Ruhe to have to fight anymore. But ultimately, he also did not want to impose his views on Ruhe, and even if he did, he knew ultimately, he would almost certainly lose that battle, and the melancholy in his eyes seemed to grow. He could have given a smart remark at Kimiko. That situations like Ruhe were exactly why he fought in the Vandenreich, to try and create a world where someone like Ruhe would never have to make a choice, where the peaceful life they wanted for her was the choice, and there was no need to scar her soul by picking battle over happiness. But he doubted Kimiko would accept that. She had already confronted Lucien on the impossibility of his world, the incompatibility of their views, and he would not insult her, nor permit her to insult him, by bringing it up now.

Kimiko stated she was going to check on Ruhe, and Lucien nodded. He slowly rose with Kimiko. "I'll come with you, but I will keep my distance. I don't think she is particularly at ease in my presence." He reached into his pocket, to procure a wallet, and placed several bills upon the table, alongside a very considerable tip, and then followed Kimiko, using his own aptitude at sensing reiatsu to pick up on Ruhe's location.

When they found the girl, Lucien didn't immediately speak but instead allowed Kimiko to say her piece, standing about fifteen feet back from the Captain and the girl, as unobtrusively as possible, his eyes scanning the street and sky for signs of danger or threats.

[Ruhe Krieger]

Ruhe was a mentally ill girl. It was true. Lucien had hit it on the head. She was far too eager to please, and she wanted love and recognition from someone. Anyone. Even if it was evil people. And in that regard, when she found herself leaving, she felt a horrible feeling of longing. If anything, Ruhe didn't regret joining the Vandenreich for what it was rumored to be, but instead because it didn't give her any of the things it seemed to promise. She felt no love. No security. If anything? She felt the opposite, as she was now forced into a new environment with high expectations, and yet with no warmth for success.

Whilst her life at home was no expectations and no nurture. Ruhe found herself metaphorically sitting in a rowboat before a stormy sea. And as waves grew taller, it was only a matter of time before it'd wash over her and consume her. It was when Kimiko came forth, that she'd see Ruhe sitting along the curb, her head tucked into her knees as she tried to digest her life. What it really meant. And in a strange way, Ruhe had ceased to realize something. She was a child. She'd stopped thinking about it that way because no one until now had really ever treated her like one.

They might have treated her as if she were foolish, or naive, but never childish. Upon Kimiko coming forth and declaring apology, for stripping her from Nijukan, and bringing her here before Lucien, she'd come to slowly shake her head. "There's nothing to be sorry for." She says, hugging herself softly. "I'm sorry." She says, slowly turning to look towards the reaper. "For being a burden. And inconveniencing you. And everyone." She never said who "everyone" was, but she seemed to have come to some form of grand epiphany.

She'd always hurt people. And always was hurt. "Nobody loves me." She says, a stream of tears dripping down her face, as she tucks her head into her knees, her shoulders shifting as her back shakes up and down, as she releases silent sobs into her knees. Whatever little joy she'd come to enjoy in her life, she'd come to realize was flawed. A folly, as she was absorbed by this feeling of bitterness that sank into her chest. And whatever small sprinkles of joy she had, it was swallowed by this ocean current. By her flaws. Her fears. Her insecurities. Her doubts.

That was until she realized there wasn't anything wrong with her thoughts. Only that she couldn't swallow the truth. She was an abhorrent existence. Something that was cursed by both God and society. And she'd come to feel in her heart that if there was an Emperor, he enjoyed or intended for her to suffer. Or otherwise wanted to break her down so badly, that she could never be broken again. After all, when you shattered glass and grinded it into a powder, nothing could break it further. Not unless one melted it down and turned it into an entirely new glass. That was where she was headed down.

"I'm scared. Because I know nobody loved me. When I was growing up. Now. And nobody will ever. I'm not loveable. And when I grow up. It's going to be worse. Because you feel sorry for me now at least. Sympathy because I'm a kid. But when I'm older, that's not going to happen. People are gonna tell me I made my choices. I deserve everything I'm getting." She exclaims, slowly tugging on her hair as she lets her blonde locks slip through her fingers. "...Who's gonna hold me and tell me it's alright? And it's not. Because everyone either wants to kill me. Or expects me to kill someone."

"When the only one I want to kill. Is myself."