Stranded (DE, R, Closed)

[Asen Mahawa]

Narrator: Recently there's been strange reports of people in Rukongai just vanish out of thin air it seems. The details are rather vague, but for the past three days there has been a total of 147 people that has been reported missing. However, it seems all of these missing people have one thing in common. Just before they disappeared, they were also visited by a hooded figure. As of right now, two Shinigami on a joint mission to find this hooded figure as he or she is their number 1 suspect.

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It was evening as the streets were starting to get more vacant by the hour. It was also pretty cloudy, which means there's a high probability that it'll rain soon. There were some people having only a refrigerator box as their shelter for it seemed Rukongai was getting pretty crowded if not just broke from drinking and gambling. Honestly this was the daily life in Rukongai for those who lives in its districts. So seeing homeless people out here wasn't anything new unless you've never lived in the Rukongai.

Asen was looking around as he felt a drop of water hit his face right beside his right eye. Now it looked like he was crying for it was slowly oozing it's way down his cheek to his chin. His crimson red eyes scans through the streets for anything suspicious. Asen, no longer a Seated Officer as he no longer wears his badge nor does he even have a Zanpakutou at his side. The Captain Commander had asked Asen as a former 5th Seat to investigate this problem. However, he was also told that he was going to be joint mission with a superior officer. Mainly to keep an eye on Asen for the Commander doesn't want him to go off on his own. Plus this would be good experience for the officer.

Now here he is, alone leaning against the bamboo wall as he was waiting for whoever this officer was. To be perfectly honest, he felt almost dead inside. He could no longer hear any of his Zanpakutous talking to him or even scolding him. At first he thought it wasn't a big deal, saying he's used to solitude when he's really not. In truth, he misses both of his Zanpakutous at his side, but he also kept telling him that he's too weak to even touch his swords anymore.

Strength - 133(45)
Speed - 113
Spiritual Pressure - 186
Reiatsu Strength - 170(255)
Light - 55
Dark - 45
Instinct - 133(45)
Senses - 100
Energy Sensory - 83(125)
Healing Expertise - 25(8)
Total SP: 966

[Hotaru Kuchiki-Masurao]

Hotaru finds herself walking through Rukongai, looking for her mission partner. She remembers in the barracks that she received a message from the Captain Commander himself. The message read that Asen had stepped down from his seated position in Squad One and had even given up his Zanpaktous. He was afraid of what Asen might do alone so he wanted her, one of the newest seated officers, to go help him. It turns out that he had noticed that while she was in the squad, they had done things together. He pretty much wanted her to look out for him and it would give her some experience in her new position.

She had folded the note and put it in with her belongings. It also said on there to meet him in Rukongai. She hadn't really stayed in Rukongai too long, for once she heard of the Academy, she immediately ran over to the school and has stayed away from Rukongai since then. She started walking through Rukongai, trying to see if she could find Asen somewhere. She was really curious as to why he was doing all of this. She was determined to get to the both of everything.

She felt like she had been walking through Rukongai for awhile. It was when she found a bamboo wall was when she saw him. He looked completely defeated. She knew he was doing bad during the joint training, but he looks even worse now. Something had to be going on with him for him to be acting this way. She sped up a bit. She thought about the mission details while walking towards him. People had been disappearing and they had been visited by a weird hooded figure before the disappeared. They needed to find this figure before something else happened.

Once she got a few feet away from Asen, she held her hand out in greeting with a smile on your face. "Hello Asen! I'll be the officer coming with you. When I transferred to my new squad, I received Third Seat. I hope that we can both get to the bottom of this mystery that's been going on. But, besides that, how are you? I heard about your resignation and giving up your Zanpaktous. Are you okay? Please know that I'm always here for you if you need someone to talk to or train with. I'll help you in anyway that I can."

SPOILER: Click to show

{Stats}
Strength - [(170) - 25%] (127) Points.
Speed - [(140) + 35%] (189) Points.
Spiritual Pressure – [(170) - 25%] (127) Points.
Reiatsu Strength – [(140) + 35%] (189) Points.
Light Aura - [70] Points
Dark Aura - [30] Points
Instinct - [100] Points.
Senses - [100] Points
Energy sensory - [50] Points
Healing Expertise - [0] Points

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

[Asen Mahawa]

Asen's eyes looks up to meet Hotaru through her eyes. Obviously she could see why Captain Commander assigned her to watch him. Really he felt no different than a Hollow would feel. He just didn't look like he was alive, sure he's still breathing, but his eyes radiate deep sorrow and has no backbone behind them. It was almost like looking at an outer shell of Asen, however it wasn't just the training that he was thinking about, it was the whole thing that he was thinking about.

His eyes drifts to the right as even his voice sounded more dead than before. "I'm fine... Congratulations on your promotion..." He was about to say more, but he had to remind himself that she's now the superior Officer, and he was basically just a foot soldier now. He straightens up from the wall with his hands folded into his sleeves as he looks in her eyes again. "In any case... What is your orders 3rd Seat...?" He asked her as he looked like he was prepared physically for anything she orders him to do, but his mind is now just a blank page.

[Hotaru Kuchiki-Masurao]

Once Asen looked at her, she was really surprised. His eyes really had no show of life or vibrancy. His eyes looked like death warmed over. He was completely defeated. She didn't know what she could actually do to help him personally. She had no idea why he was acting this way. She thought maybe because he was a seated officer with no release? Or maybe he thought that he wasn't strong enough to wield his Zanpatkou, since he used a lot of Kido attacks now.

Well, she knew that he probably wasn't going to answer any of her questions about the matter. She would keep a close eye on him while this was going on. Even though she transferred out of the squad, he was still a friend. She was going to make sure nothing bad happened to him. He answered he was fine and congratulated her on her promotion. He straightens up and asks what her orders were.

This was the first time that someone had actually called her that. She had never really been addressed by her other squad members like that. It was weird to hear that from someone she had gotten to know. But, based off what she knew of the details, it would probably be a good idea to ask around here about it. "Well, I think I know what we need to do, but first I want to say something. You don't have to call me Third Seat, Asen. Just call me by my name, you don't have to be formal around me.

"Next, since all the rumors and disappearances have been going on in this district of Rukongai, we need to ask around the souls who live here and see if anyone else knows anything. We're going to ask on the same street, but different sides of the street at the same time. Follow me, we're going to start with the right side, then move to the next street in this district." She started walking towards the side of the street she wanted. She hoped Asen would walk next to her and then take the other side of the street. She was going to get him out of this funk.

[Asen Mahawa]

"...sen...." A faint voice seemed to have spoke. However it seemed only Asen was able to hear it for his eyes drifted to the right side of him. It didn't seem like anyone was near them to have talk to them nor for him to be able to hear it. His eyes continued to scan the rather mild crowd up ahead as he was listening to Hotaru's orders. He hummed to her when she said that he could drop the formalities.

It wasn't like he couldn't look at her in the eye, he was strangely concerned about that voice that sounded a little familiar to him. Before Hotaru began her second orders, his eyes drifted back to meet Hotaru in the eye with his crimson red eyes. Despite his depressed state, he was listening every word she said. He waited till she was finish before he acknowledged her decision with a nod to her. He was being really quiet now, for what reason is unknown for Asen's mind is quite blank at the moment.

Asen let Hotaru walked a few feet ahead of him before he turned to walk behind her as he couldn't help but scan his surroundings. His expression was rather gloomy, almost the same expression as Itami Shokutabi usually has. Except even Itami who is an Arrancar would look more alive than Asen right now. On the right side of the street was a middle aged looking soul sleeping in a rough looking box that looks like it could fall apart at any time. On the left there was a couple, man and woman that looked like they're in their early twenties', were huddled together in ragged cloaks that had mothballs on them. Up ahead on the left there was a group of three that looked like they were just huddled together for warmth.

Another drop of rain fell to the earth, or rather it fell on Asen's left cheek of his face. Talk about perfect weather for Asen's gloomy and depressed emotions. In any case, it seemed that the couple was the logical choice for the time being. However, seeing the couple for some reason reminded him the image of someone he once knew hugging him affectionately. However, wherever "she" is, he can never go to nor see her again. This image seemed to have spark something in him as before Hotaru asked the question, Asen forgot his position as he knelt to the couple's eye levels and has a hint of a smile on his face. "Pardon me for asking, but you wouldn't happen to have seen any suspicious figures around here that wears a hood on its head by chance?" Asen sounded a little different. He didn't sound so gloomy like he was a few minutes ago, though his eyes still radiated sorrow.

The couple looked at each other, the man had a brown, choppy short hair with hazel eyes. The man wore what used to be a white tunic. Now it just has a sandy touch to it making it appear rather tannish. The man wore only sandals along with a pair of faded brown shorts. Either way, the man just shook his head at Asen not even speaking a word.

The woman who has silky black, long hair that reaches her mid spine and has a pair of dark brown eyes about her. The woman seemed to have the same type of clothing the man wore, only exception is that she's wearing a tattered green skirt that seemed to go over her knees thankfully. She turned her eyes at Asen's eyes and she would easily be mistaken as a shrine maiden of some sort. "No I'm afraid none of us has seen anything like you've described sir. But..." She seemed to be eyeing on both Asen's silver earring shaped like a crescent moon with a completely flawless ruby the size of a tiny rock in between the two points and his silver necklace that has a weird tree with a moon going under and behind the tree. In between the two points of his necklace was a flawless sapphire. "... Have I seen you somewhere before? I could've sworn I saw someone with your looks as an officer of some sort..."

Asen slightly winced like something had hit him, but it was slight and almost unnoticeable unless one is looking directly at his face. "Ah, well thank you for your time. Though as for your question milady I'm afraid you must be thinking of someone else." The woman seemed to be a bit disappointed when she heard that. "Is that so? Well that's kind of a shame. He was really kind to everyone here and even helped us get into a room for the night once." Those facts were true about Asen. He may not be known for his strength, but he's been known throughout the Rukongai to help the poor out. Call it charity work, however at Asen's current state these people would be really disappointed.

[Hotaru Kuchiki-Masurao]

Hotaru started walking towards the street that she wanted to start at. She had noticed while she was talking to Asen that he seemed somewhat distracted. His eyes were wandering around in the crowd during what she first said. She was a huge stickler for looking people in the eye when they were talking. She let it slide since he kept eye contact with her when she continued talking. She noticed the nod before she had turned to walk away.

She kept her head facing forward to see where she was going, but she did glance back every once in awhile to make sure Asen was following her. And he was. It was a good sign. But, he still looked like death warmed over. At least, she thought, he was actually moving around. She hoped that this mission would do him some good. It seemed that he had found a cluster of people to talk to.

He started walking towards a couple when she felt a rain drop on her right shoulder. She looked at it then up at the sky. It didn't seem to look too stormy, but no one can really predict what nature will do. Nature runs on its own time. She watched as Asen started talking to someone on the left side of the street. She saw one person on the right side, it looked like he was waking up from his slumber.

She started to walk towards him. It always pained her to come to Rukongai and see what horrible conditions they live. She had no idea what Soul Society does for these districts, but she did know the lower numbered districts got the most help and the larger number ones didn't. She thought it was completely unfair to do it that way, but the districts in Rukongai was massive and they couldn't help everyone. But, maybe Soul Society should try harder.

Once she had gotten to the man's box, he was just starting to get out of the box to get his things in order. When he looked up and saw her there, he started to hurriedly get his things. It almost seemed like he was trying to run away. Obviously, he hasn't had good relations with shinigami in the past. "Sir, wait! I just want to ask you a question. I swear on my honor that I won't hurt you!"

He stopped for a moment, turned his head towards her and glared. "I don't believe you, you shinigami flith!" To prove her point, she unhooked her zanpaktou, sheath and all, and laid it on the ground next to her. Then, she got on her knees and bowed to the man. While she was like this she said, "My name is Hotaru, Third Seat of Squad Eleven. I promise you that I will not harm you. My word is my honor. Please hear me out."

The act definitely surprised the man. He stopped where he was and just stared at her. "I've never seen a shinigami do what you've just done, especially a high ranking officer like yourself. I will hear you out this one time." She then looked up and said, "Thank you sir." She got up off the ground, reattached her zantpaktou to her side and dusted off her uniform.

When it looked presentable, she walked over to the man. "I was just curious if you've seen anything suspicious around this district lately? Say someone wearing a hood on their head?" He stood and thought about it for a minute. He seemed to really think about it. But, after a few minutes, he said "I'm sorry Third Seat, I haven't seen anything or anyone like that around here."

She nodded and then bowed slightly to the man. "Thank you very much for hearing me out sir. I hope your situation gets better and if you need anything, you can ask for me. Also, please just call me Hotaru. I'm new to my rank and it sounds funny when people actually say it." She then started to walk off. She did notice the man smiling at her while she walked away. She really hoped she could find this person soon.

[Asen Mahawa]

Asen gets up to his feet and dusts his robes off as he felt two more drops hit his hands. It was cold that it sent shivers down his spine. Mainly because despite his depressed mindset, he's nice and warm which is just right for him. He bows slightly to them as farewell while Hotaru had finished interrogating the guy across the street a little after Asen. He turned his body to the right as the robes slightly drags behind him.

Asen felt light yet empty without his Zanpakutous at his side. But he felt that he deserved it for being weak, and thus has him feel like there's a hole in his chest where there's none. However, he was wondering what his Zanpakutous are doing right now as he reaches up to his left ear and starts to twist the earring while tracing the moon and the ruby with his finger. Unfortunately that same gloomy expression has come back to his face while walking away from the couple. He was heading for the group of three up ahead of him, though those people were giving Asen the look that Asen isn't wanted.

However, Asen dismissed those looks for he was already depressed so trying to intimidate him wouldn't work. Two of them were exchanging looks as Asen walked up to them. "Excuse me for interrupting, but could you tell me if you've seen a hooded figure doing anything suspicious by any chance?" Asen asked in the same tone as being depressed. One of them, a middle aged woman from the looks of it, frowned at him. "And what makes you think we'll say anything to you hm?!" The woman had the bitter anger in her voice, but Asen seemed unaffected. "Clearly you're saying something to me now. If you're not involved then you don't have anything to be afraid of." As he said that, a young boy roughly around 14 years of age started to run away. 'Horin.' The orange tendril bursts from the tip of Asen's finger and ensnares the boy at the ankles tripping the boy. "And where do you think you're going?" Asen asked as he didn't even looked at the boy until now as a thin bright orange string connects his index finger to the boy's ankles.

The other two of the group shot up to their feet and had a mixture of fear and hatred in their eyes. "Hey! That's uncalled for!" They yelled at Asen in sync, however when Asen turned his gaze to the two they can clearly see that he's not even afraid nor even bothered. "Pipe down, its not like I'm going to hurt the kid. I just need to find out why he was trying to run away from me." Asen spoke calmly as the boy was trying to wiggle out of Horin, but the spell holds firm not giving an inch away.

"I... I didn't do anything I swear!" The boy quickly excused himself as Asen turns his gaze towards the kid again. "Did I say anything like that? I don't recall any of those words coming out of my mouth." Then again there really doesn't need to be a word coming out of his mouth either. All he has to do is just think it and his Kido can spring to action. The boy was clearly afraid of Asen, and Asen looked like he just don't care. But he walks up to the boy and kneels eye level to him. "Care to explain why you ran?" The young teen was looking around for any help, but the boy finally confessed. "Okay okay! Just please don't hurt me!" The boy pleaded Asen, though Asen had no intention of hurting either of them as all Horin does is just harmlessly bind one's movements. Usually around the arms, but in this case it's on his ankles. "W-well... I don't know exactly if its the right person... But when I was in Diachu Shop looking for food the other night all I saw was a flash of purple light... However when I looked outside all I saw was someone, or something I couldn't tell because it was dark, but it did looked like it had a hood on it..." A purple light? Well it certainly wasn't a Byakurai for that spell is blue. It certainly wasn't natural lightning for the sky was clear as can be the other night. Asen knows this because he frankly spent that night outside on the training field doing nothing but training physically.

Asen nods in agreement as he understands the situation now. He then leans closer to boy as Asen has a hint of a smile on his face. "Next time you steal something, try not to be so obvious." Asen advised the boy who looked a bit surprised at Asen's advice. Of course Asen wasn't going to punish the boy for stealing mainly because he himself knows what its like to survive out here in Rukongai. Asen releases the spell as the tendril wanes to nothing. "Thank you for your cooperation, though next time you get caught may not end well for you." He warned the boy as Asen stands up to his feet and dusts himself off. He turns to walk towards Hotaru away from the group who was helping the kid as the kid was staring in astonishment at Asen's decision. "Well I think I got something worth looking into. What about you... Hotaru." It was kind of hard to drop the formalities because he's no longer an officer himself so he has to revert to the way he was before he became an officer. Unfortunately he seems to be constantly forgetting that he's no longer an officer, but he still acts it now except that his eyes still remained the same sorrow as before.

[Hotaru Kuchiki-Masurao]

Hotaru continued to walk down the street. She noticed that Asen had also finished talking to the souls that he had been talking to. She really hoped that this mission would open him up and that he would let her help him. She hated to have people she knew in visible pain like that. She was going to try her best to fix him. She felt a little more rain hit her. She looked up and noticed that it could start to rain soon.

It looked like Asen was walking up to another group of souls, so she decided to try to find another soul to talk to. She noticed a small group of younger souls, all huddling together. She assumed that they were doing that to keep warm from the coming storm. While walking towards the group, she patted her zanpaktou. She felt Rivu~aiasan wake up and start to warm her body in response to the cold weather. Thank you Rivu~aiasan, my great sage.

He smiled at her for that comment and kept to himself, keeping her warm so she wouldn't get sick. She loved him for that. She wondered if all the other zanpaktou spirits treated their shinigami like hers did. I doubt it young one. I am the best of all! That comment made her smile. She was so grateful to have him in her life, she definitely needs to get more in touch with him so they can work together better.

Once she reached the group of youngsters, they all glared at her. She was pretty sure that none of them wanted to see shinigami here. But, whether they like it or not, she was here and she was just going to ask questions and leave. Hopefully, she'll be able to ask quickly so they don't have to endure her presence for too long. Man, if looks could kill right now, she would've died at least six times.

She walked up and said, "Hello, my name is Hotaru, Third Seat in the Eleventh Squad. I'm here on a mission. We've been hearing about disappearances around here and that there has been a suspicious character wearing a hood before the people disappear. My question is this. Have you seen anyone that matches this description? Anything that you could tell me that could point me in the right direction would be greatly helpful."

Once she finished talking, she waited for them to say something. To really say anything. They just kept glaring at her, like the didn't even hear what she had to say. "I'm sorry, but did you hear what I..." Before she could even finish what she was saying, one of the smallest souls in the group piped up, saying "WE HEARD YOU SHINIGAMI FILTH! WE DON'T WANT YOUR KIND HERE!" Then, she spat on her.

Hotaru just stood there. She took a deep breath. The soul started to run up to her, but it seemed like the rest of the group was stopping her. "Please stop Amanda! You can't do that to a shinigami, especially a Third Seat of any squad! She's a very high ranking officer. You need to tell her that you're sorry. Tell her your sorry or else!" It seemed like that it was the rest of her family. Or her friends. But, in Rukongai, it could be both. Amanda didn't want to apologize her, Hotaru could tell.

She still took a deep breath. "She doesn't have to apologize to me, but I would just like an answer. The sooner I get an answer, the faster I get to leave this area and she doesn't have to see me anymore. I'm not going to report anything, just please answer my question." "No, I'm sorry Third Seat. I haven't seen anyone matching that description. Have any of you?" She asked this to the rest of the group and they all shook their heads no, including Amanda.

Hotaru walked up to this young soul, the same soul that reprimanded Amanda, and whispered in her ear, only loud enough for the soul to hear her. "You might want to make sure that Amanda doesn't do that with another shinigami. I won't say anything, but I'm also a Kuchiki. I'm pretty sure that if the Head of my family found out what this soul did, he would demand that I give her punishment. But, I'm not going to say anything, since she's a child. Just teach her to be more careful."

She then said to the rest of the crowd, "Thank you for answering my question. I'll be heading out now. Have a good day and I hope for the best with your family." She bowed, turned around and left. She did notice the look on the mother's face after she told her the truth. It was almost disbelief on her face. But, she wanted to let her know because she knew that other shinigami would not take that treatment lightly.

While she walked off, Asen was walking up to her. She hoped that maybe he had found out something new about this suspicious character. She didn't even see anyone in this district, so far, that even had hoods. She looked at him and he said that he actually got something worth looking into. When he was asking if she found anything, she could tell that he wanted to use her rank and had to stop himself. "Sadly, I haven't found any good leads. Please, Asen, tell me about your lead and what you think would be a good strategy. I don't know Rukongai very well and would love some input from you about it."

[Asen Mahawa]

Asen couldn't help but notice all of the negativity that both Shinigami were getting. Sure Asen was aware that there's bad influence among the souls that live here. But last time he was here it wasn't this bad. Of course it probably helped that he practically helped souls in the districts so it did give Shinigami a better view. However beings that he hasn't been here for a while now things had changed back to the way it used to be.

Though it is small now, but Asen hopes that things would change to the better. It would certainly be nice to be able to walk around Rukongai without the negativity. Perhaps its just Asen's small piece of compassion speaking, but he wants to see everyone smile for once. Heh if only he can do that and mean it right now. Sure he had a slight smile when talking to the groups of people, but that's just a cover up to hide what he's really feeling.

"Well... Apparently while one of them was taking a stroll one saw a flash of purple light of lightning the other night. What concerns me is that it hasn't rained in a week until now. So natural lightning wouldn't occur until now." He let that sink in as he obviously was saying that flash was not natural. It could've been Kido of some type or a completely undefined technique.

"What's more interesting is that apparently they even spotted a suspicious figure with a hood walking away from them at the Daichu Shop. I would suggest we make our way there and see what we can come up with, but you're in charge so you'll have to decide." Least to say he seems to be talking quite casual yet more formal as well. However his face is back to how he truly felt, sorrow. That was all his eyes were telling Hotaru as well, but at least he's not going to let it affect his duties.

[Hotaru Kuchiki-Masurao]

Asen was looking around at all the souls that lived here, and she took the time to actually look around as well. When Hotaru looked around, all she saw here fairly hostile glares. Besides the couple that Asen talked to and the older man that she had talked to, everyone else was glaring daggers at them. If looks could kill them, they would have died at least seventy-five times by now. It was not a good feeling.

She had never been glared at like this before. If she had, she had her father there to deflect the pain from the stares. All she had now was herself. She took a deep breath to steel herself. She had no idea that souls would hate shinigami this much. The shinigami that frequent this area must be horrible to these souls. But, she looked at the group she just came from and it seems that she had told everyone else who her family was. They quickly looked away from her and walked off. She hoped that she didn't scare them.

She turned back towards Asen. He said that there was a flash of purple lightning one night. It didn't make sense to her was that the weather was perfectly clear until now, so there would be no reason for something like that till now, which is exactly what Asen said. She assumed that it would have to be some kind of Kido. But, since she never got the knack for Kido, she didn't know a lot of them or what their appearance would be.

Next, he tells her that they even spotted a suspicious figure with a hood walking away from a shop. So finally, they had a lead that would actually work. Asen said that they should go to the shop and ask around, which is exactly what she was going to suggest. After he talked however, she could see the sorrow creep back into his eyes. She really hoped that this mission would help him. "I have the very same thought Asen. We'll head that way now. Also, do you know of any Kido that would give off purple lightning?" She started walking off towards the direction she has seen most of the other districts would lay out shops. She hoped that they would be able to find this person and end it quickly.

[Asen Mahawa]

He nods in agreement as he follows behind her while folding his hands into his sleeves. It starts to drizzle constantly that soon soaks Asen's jet black, spiky hair to become damped and flat. The rain doesn't bother as his robes starts to get heavy from the rain pouring on them, but he still walked with Hotaru without slowing down. In fact the rain seemed to suit him for it felt like the rain was speaking to him and soothing his sorrow filled heart. Guess the saying of water purifying the body is also true on soothing the mind.

"Well..." He started to say as he thought about it. Sure there was other Electric type of Kido such as Byakurai and Tsuzuri Raiden. But none of them are purple as the kid had described. All of them are either pale blue or yellow. "All the Kido that I've learned and witnessed doesn't have anything like that as Hado types. Bakudo however i haven't seen nor heard such a thing." He stated reluctantly as he didn't like to find an unknown possible Kido, or it might not be even Kido and something else entirely.

[Hotaru Kuchiki-Masurao]

Hotaru felt Asen walking behind her and the sky opened up. It poured pretty badly. Thankfully, due to Rivu~aisan, she was still kept fairly warm. She didn't know how he was able to give her the extra heat without her bursting into flames, but she was very thankful for it. It kept her skin warm even though the rain pretty much drenched her clothing. Then, Asen came up to walk side by side to her before he started talking.

He told her that all of the Kido that he's learned and have seen in use for the Hado branch of techniques are nothing like that purple lightning. As for Bakudo, he told her that he hasn't seen or even heard of such a thing. It wasn't a good sign. He was reluctant to mention something like that and she was too. She didn't like the idea of walking up to someone that either has a high level Kido that maybe Asen hasn't seen before, or this kido was completely unknown to them, being newly created or a forbidden type. She just hoped it wouldn't be used against them.

Finally, after another few minutes, they ended up at the Daichu shop. It looked the same as all the other shops in this district. The front looked a little worn down, but she could tell that it was still cared for by its cleanliness. The owner or owners were definitely proud of their little shop. They both walked into the shop and some of the souls in it started to clear out. These souls really didn't like them. "Hello, I was curious if the owner is present. I would like to talk to him or her." She then whispered to Asen so only he could hear, "You can question them once they come and anyone else in here. Since you were told some of the details, you would be better suited to do this. I'll watch your back."

[Asen Mahawa]

Asen looked around outside of the store before they walked in. He did kind of twisted the truth for he was protecting the boy who had stole food in this shop. It was mostly true, he just left out the stealing part. He shivered as the rain was making him cold. He may have tolerance for heat, but he has almost little tolerance of cold. Sure he had his body heat, but the drenched clothes and soaked hair has him feel like he just stepped into a freezer.

Of course he didn't show that he was cold, nor did he show that he was relieved when they walked into the shop. As they had walked in he couldn't help but feel the bitterness hung in the air as the souls starts to clear out. 'Geez and here I thought I had problems...' He thought to himself as Hotaru spoke to the clerk. Not that he could really blame them, but he is also glad they did clear out. It would narrow how many people are listening that's for sure. Which would make it easier to find a spy or better the culprit itself.

Then Hotaru whispered to Asen as he just started to wipe his face off with his sleeve that's not so wet. It looked like he wasn't paying attention, but he nodded in agreement as he finished getting the water off his face. Then the owner steps out from the back room who was surprisingly stunning. The owner was indeed a woman who looked like she was in her early twenties but Asen knows full well that she's older than she looks. She wore a corset with a violet blouse under it exposing her shoulders and the her collarbone. Though it seems the woman had adjusted the blouse and corset to make her breasts more appealing. She wore skinny black leather trousers and had that flirty look in her light blue eyes with a long black hair streaked with platinum blonde.

Asen could immediately tell that she gets by in life with her appeal and charm. She had that sense of confidence that any man would fall over heels in love with her at first sight. Asen however finds that to be rather annoying and he honestly wasn't sure what she had in mind. Probably just to ask them to leave. "Hello lady and gentleman. You said that you wanted to speak with me from what I heard." She said as she walked up to the two in a sassy way in her walk. If this wasn't a mission and their only lead Asen would've walked out because something about her was very annoying to his mind. He felt like it was Augatsol's influence and agreeing with him but none of his Zanpakutous are saying anything. "Yes I was hoping you could help us with something. You see we have heard of mysterious flashes of light occurring near your store. I was wondering if you could tell us more beings its so close to your shop."

The woman smiled as she locked eyes with Asen's almost like she could sense the sorrow deep in his heart. "Well if its a handsome man asking I suppose I wouldn't mind telling what I've heard." She said as she hops her rear on to the counter as she tossed her hair to the side as she seemed to be examining both Shinigami with her eyes. Then she resumed smiling as she looked at Asen. "My name is Maria Sylph, can I get your name or should I keep calling you handsome?" She asked as Asen folded his hands into his sleeves. Outside he seemed to be unaffected by her words, on the inside he was a bit confused on Maria's approach. "Asen Mahawa..." Her smile grew bigger as she turned her attention to Hotaru. Her smile seemed to have faded when she sees the Zanpakutou on Hotaru but still seemed rather cheerful. "And what about you?"

[Hotaru Kuchiki-Masurao]

Hotaru watched as Asen was starting to dry himself. She figured that she probably should too, since her clothes were wet. She tried her best to get all the water out. When she was done, she was left with half wet, wrinkly clothes. She then tried to straighten them out. By the time she had settled on looking as presentable as she could with the way her clothes were, she looked up and saw the owner.

At least she assumed it was the owner. She watched as this woman walked out. She was definitely showing off her 'assets.' Hotaru was wondering if this woman's entire wardrobe was like this, with corsets, what looked like leather pants and the like. She did have to admit that her eyes were a beautiful shade of blue but she was never fond of blondes. Through her experience, blondes tended to be the stupidest.

She watched as she was trying to flirt with Asen. I'm sure having that attractive woman saying all those things would brighten his mood. She made sure that her zanpaktou was securely attached to her belt. When she touched the zanpaktou, she felt Rivu~aiasan agree with how she thought of this woman. He wasn't impressed either. But, she was fairly certain that Asen could handle it. She started to walk over to the left wall.

While she started walking over to said wall, she heard that her name was Maria Slyph. She knew she needed to remember that name to ask around Soul Society about her later. She wanted to know more about this woman, especially if this mission went on for too long. She asked for their names. Asen introduced himself and she started to lean against the wall, a few feet away from the counter and where Asen and Maria was. Her arms were crossed, but she kept herself on alert, just in case. She noticed that the woman's smile pretty much disappeared when she looked at her and asked her her name. "My name is Hotaru Kuchiki, the Third Seat of Squad Eleven. Asen has some questions to ask you, just pretend I'm not here."

[Asen Mahawa]

The woman eyed at Hotaru after she introduced herself. She seemed like she was on the lookout when she heard the Kuchiki part of Hotaru's name. "Hm... Well its a pleasure to meet you Ms. Kuchiki." Then Maria turns her attention to Asen with a charming smile on her face. Asen's right eye twitched from annoyance. "Alright so what do you have for me handsome?"

Asen was curious on why she asked for their names but still calls him handsome. Granted he's never been complimented nor has been treated like this. However he was finding this whole situation very annoying where even Hotaru would be able to sense it. "Well have you ever seen these events happen? If so could you tell us what you saw?" He reluctantly asked her as the only thing that's keeping him here is the mission. Maria leans towards him purposely revealing more of her breasts to him, but that just sparked the annoyance even further to almost unbearable.

"I didn't see exactly what happened but uh... Well... Perhaps I could remember more if you just relax. You're so tensed that its hard for me to concentrate." Asen hadn't realized it, but he was indeed tensed through most of the time. "I have to remain vigilant, which means I cannot ease up even if you're around or not." Asen answered without a moment of hesitation. His eyes never wavered as he only looked into her eyes with his crimson red eyes.

Then finally someone couldn't take it anymore as she screams mentally in Asen's head. It was Augatsol of course. 'I can't take this anymore! Why are you being such a jerk?!' Now the mental argument begins. Even though Asen doesn't have either Zanpakutous at his side nor near him for that matter, his spirits can still communicate with him. 'Augatsol you can't possibly mean I should be relaxed with her around. There's no telling what she has up in her sleeves.' Augatsol pouted childishly yet would look cute if everyone could see her. 'Well you're definitely not going to get a girlfriend that way!'

That's when he noticed that Maria had gotten off the counter and was almost a foot away from Asen's face. Asen mentally sigh as he wondered what possessed Augatsol to think he was going to get a girlfriend. "Fine then, i guess I can tell you but I just wished you relaxed more. It would so much 'fun' if you just relax." She was definitely determined on getting him wrapped around her finger, but even with her assets practically exposed to him he still doesn't pay much attention to it which seems to start to irritate Maria. "It started about a week ago actually, I was in my shop stocking up food and talking to the men around here. When suddenly there was a bright flash of lightning in the middle of the day. Of course we were all curious on what happened so we checked it outside. All we saw was a smoldering ring outside a few buildings down in the back alleys. That's when people start to disappear, some even found someone's shirt in the midst of the circle or even found a skirt covered in ash." As she was speaking she slowly stepped closer to him. He was aware of her movements but remained still. His money was secured in his hand amongst his sleeves so she couldn't really steal anything except for his clothes maybe. But he doubt's that she wants a set of drenched clothes. No she instead presses her chest against him as he could hear Augatsol was having a blood thirst in her head. "Apparently everyone that's gone to this circle was never seen again. Perhaps... You could check it out?" She was leaning into his face as if actually trying to kiss him, but Asen scooted to the side so all she tasted was air.

He cleared his throat as his heart was beating rather fast, he even bit into his hand to focus more for his mind was clouded. Blood trickled down his hand as the pain made him focus more to the task at hand. "Thank you for your cooperation Maria, but I'm afraid we must get going now. Right Hotaru?" Not only was he acting as a subordinate to Hotaru, but his eyes were practically begging her to just say yes and get out of here. He was finding the woman's personality rather annoying if not already, of course he can't exactly control his body's emotions but thanks to him biting his hand he mainly concentrated on the pain.