What We Are... (Joint Training, R , NDE)

[Hotaru Kuchiki-Masurao]

Hotaru was starting to actually pant with all the rage that she had let loose on Mika. She didn't even use honorifics like she usually did. She NEVER talked without honorifics before. She must've been pretty angry. While she was panting, she continued to glare at the man that was just assuming things about her before actually knowing her. Things like that had always got to her and having him point it out so bluntly just got her to the point that she just needed to explode and he was the closest thing.

Now that she was starting to calm down a bit, she was actually looking at Mika. Her eyes might have softened a bit towards him but she would have no idea if he would've noticed. The way he was looking, however, reminded her of a beaten dog. It was a little sad to see, but he was right. She needed to show her authority. She got the position based on her strength and she needed to show off her strength. She couldn't let people walk all over her. She needed to get herself a steel spine.

She took a few more deep breaths to calm herself. It wouldn't do her any good to be wound so tight for a long time. She started to shake a few limbs, getting the tension out of them before taking a deep breath and steadying herself. She now felt she was ready to address Mika without biting his head off like she did already. Her gaze softened, looking at the man. But, it didn't soften as much as it did before. She would still hold sterness in her gaze, to show him that now she meant business.

He then started to talk, speaking almost low enough that she couldn't hear him. He admitted that this was the first time that she had acted like an officer since they met and that it was the first time he could recognize the claim as legitimate. She smiled a little at that. It's true that she's never really had to yell or scream like that before, or really need to put anyone in her squad in their place. But now, she at least knew that she could do it. It did make her feel better about the whole thing.

He then said something along the lines of sorry. She could tell that that would be the only way he would say sorry, so she took it as such. She nodded towards Mika, acknowledging what he said. Then, he turned his attention to the surveys. She was really curious as to why he wanted the names of her squadmates. Also, why in the hell he wanted surveys filled out in the first place. It was weird to her that he would just do this survey out of the blue.

He started by saying that he wanted to get sample data for test groups for his 'future work,' whatever that was. He then continued saying how he wanted exact figures and nothing vague. She nodded but she could tell that he was starting to get pretty excited about all this. She had no idea how freaking surveys would make someone this happen, but he was a scientist after all. It seemed he wanted to know overall personalities and physical well-beings of the people in these test groups, so she started thinking.

She figured that this 'future work' had some physical aspect to it to need to know physical statuses, but what kind would it be? There were endless possibilities as to what it could be, but she didn't want to let her imagination wander on what he could do. It would just get away with her and then she wouldn't want to do the surveys. She took a breath and continued to listen to Mika. It seemed that he wanted able-bodied men and women for these test groups, with active lifestyles and monitored diets.

So, he wanted the Combat Squads for this. She arched her right eyebrow after he said that. He was getting fairly specific with what he actually wanted. But, he was a scientist, so it made sense. When he continued, he made mention of trained dogs, martyrs and heroic types. It was definitely her squad in a nutshell. Her squad was well-known for having many people like that in the squad, since they were always sent in for some of the more dangerous missions. She continued to look at him while he continued.

It seemed that he wanted to know the names of the people who take the survey so that he can actually approach them and talk with them to see if they would cooperate in his test study. Interesting that he would personally approach these people to talk with them about it. She would definitely remember that for future reference. It seemed that he had now let her know the entire plan that he had behind these surveys. She had no idea if he was telling the truth, but she was going to make sure she covered every little detail she could think of when she handed these out.

When he stated that the Noble Houses aren't the only ones recruiting for the future, she looked hard at him. Why would he say something like that? It was definitely interesting that a scientist thought like that. When he held out Riff-Raff, she cocked her head to the right side, questioning why he was holding out the cat. Unless... was he actually giving him to her? All the trouble they had catching him and he was just giving him to her? Maybe he just didn't want to deal with Riff-Raff anymore.

She held her hands out and the sleeping cat got plopped into her outstretched hands. She cradled him close to her body, petting his head while he slept. Mika then started to say, in too many words, that she should do what feels natural and don't try to be something she isn't. He then wished her luck with the surveys and that he awaited the results eagerly. She nodded towards him. "Thank you for Riff-Raff, Mika-san. I will go now and distribute the surveys. I will get back to you as soon as possible."

She walked past Mika to leave the building. She would put a hand to try to touch his shoulder. If he avoided it or not, she would try to mean it in a friendly manner and left as quickly as she could with the sleeping plant-cat in her arms. She immediately went to the barracks, got the entire squad together to fill out the paperwork. She told everyone there that if they were approached by Mika to take part in this study to let her know as soon as possible, so she would know all that were involved with it.

She said that they could join if they wanted, only if it didn't interfere with their duties. After a few days, she was able to get all of the surveys together. She situated Riff-Raff in the little makeshift bed she made for him. It seems like all of the other seated officers like him, but he loved Hotaru and stuck around with her when she was there. She petted him good-bye and ran off to find Mika. She was luckily able to find him in the same place she did before. "Mika-san! I have the surveys that you wanted. Also, Riff-Raff is doing well."

[MrDoctorDo]

Success. With no shortage of confused glances or piqued curiosities; Hotaru had agreed to his request. It only cost him his swallowed pride and a plant. As Hotaru's face lit up with realization. As her heart raced with the joy his gift inspired. Mika simply grinned self satisfied by his presumed craftiness. While the plant was of significance; it paled in comparison to the work she was now about to do. Hotaru's authority and familiarity meant he would have his pick of the best candidates her squad had to offer. Her willingness and acceptance of Riff-Raff only furthered his delights. All in all, he seemed as happy with the bargain as she. All there was to do now was bid farewell. Leave this foreign place behind, and await her inevitable success. "I will meet y..." Heart stopped. Space froze, and time dribbled to a halt.The sudden pressure of her kind, departing gesture.

As he was about to inform her of his return date...all thought was blanked from his mind. Where she thought she had been kind; he thought she must be mad. It was not welcome nor invited of her to touch his shoulder. To touch him at all! Such social graces were not very common among the rank and file of Shinigami. They were far less common with the likes of Mika. The odd youth just turned his head with a bug eyed ghast. It was not disgust or contempt which created such expression. It was all shock. Such an unexpected happening was in desperate need for exaggeration. So he stood without motion. Eyeing her down. Not sure what to say. Not sure what to do. Mind still...honestly, blank. Time would pass and she would have reason to leave. This was certain. What was just as certain was his continued paralysis. It would be quite some time before he..."Hey." One of the many kitchen workers for Squad Eleven called out. As confused as the soul he addressed. "What are you doing in here?" Snapping to from his long winded delusion, "Dying. Slowly. All while pondering the peculiar similarities in women's chaotic behaviors...and decontamination procedures." Without missing a beat the fellow Reaper replied, "Trying to understand women will kill you faster than you think, boy." With a twist of his head, and a look of consideration...Mika nodded in absolute agreement with the wisdom offered to him.

Days had passed now. Two or three, for once he could not be sure. It had been a while since Mika last strolled through the sweat stained halls of the Combat Division. In that time he had been hot at work. Simply waiting to hear of Hotaru's success was unacceptable. There was so much work to do. Materials to collect and facilities to acquire. Science is often seen as time spent in a lab. The climatic moment when all the lights flicker and the beakers boil over. The electric scene where the body on the table moves, and the doctor screams in his triumph. That wasn't science. That was the results of science. The solution to an equstion; while the figures and modules preceding it were the real accomplishments. So Mika threw himself deeply into accomplishment. Figuring and establishing the parameters for work to come. In a place hidden from site, and stricken from records. Sure...not the most magnanimous of circumstances, but what of it. Sometimes the greatest discoveries needed to happen in the dark. Where prying eyes and unwanted involvement could both be deterred.

The whole time he labored; Mika thought of Hotaru. Of how she was rallying her Squad and comrades. Combing through them with her trained insight. Doing him favor upon favor. Not once did he imagine the firefly as she really was. Not once did he consider what effects his offered encouragements might have unleashed. While it would be callous to say Mika was to blame for all her confidence; it would be foolishness to deny his connection. So in some small way, Mika was to blame for hermethods. It was his fault that she took the initiative to exercise a stern hand, behind his back. By telling her members to discuss everything he did or said with them, Hotaru had guaranteed that nothing would go unnoticed. That Mika would not approach anyone, or involve them, without her knowledge. Though it was a subtle use of influence...it could change everything. The closeness she established between herself and his work was undeniable.

As fate turns the wheels, and time crawls on; these two would have to acknowledge now as the moment it all started. Neither could really claim knowledge this early on. Even Mika's observant self was too busy preparing his workspace to consider kindly Hotaru's newly forged role. Only the future would reveal. Only with the falling of the the straws would answers come about. For now, the days had passed, and Mika was strutting through the halls. Given the changing smell in the air; Mika knew he was approaching the kitchens. It was in these wider corridors where he was to reunite with Hotaru. So his pace began to slow. Taking time to check every corner and branching passageway; Mika looked for any sign he could of the firefly. Pretty soon his large, rounded ears perked. The hurried shuffle of footsteps on hardwood came rapping along. "Ah, there we...are..."

Hotaru had been correct in chasing down the scientist, and remembering the day he would return. Messages between them had seen to accurate planning. In fact, she was even punctual in her arrival! There was certainly no reason to blame her in any way. That much could be rest assured. So in the end, the blame must have fallen onto Mika? Perhaps? Maybe? Not that it really matter who took credit or condemnation. Not like anything changed because a guilty party had been isolated. The reality was that Hotaru had found her rude, little friend where she expected. Just...not in the company she expected. For the person she saw, the one dressed in Mika's SRDI coat, was not the odd boy. It was a shorter, stocky fellow. Shaved head. Not-so-pleasant face. With a sturdy stance and scars a' plenty; clearly a member of Squad 11. When she spoke out towards the squatty soul, and he turned to lock eyes with her, the effect of an officer's presence swiftly took hold. The man struck a pose of attention, and dipped his head with a bow.

From around the corner where he stood, voices were laughing and exchanging with each other. The moment their visible friend came to attention, their conversation ended. By the time Hotaru rounded that very corner, a strange display would be presented. One that included an assortment of three additional Combat Division grunts, and one rather bruised Mika. An unlikely group of friends, standing in a far less likely posture of camaraderie. Brotherly camaraderie; in which one of the taller brothers held Mika by his collar. Just dangling there, swaying in the breeze. To be fair, it was the only way his short stature might look the taller brutes in the eyes. The others quickly moved in a row. Keeping Mika from the floor. Memories stirring for her, of a time where he held out a plant. Surely the site would be eerily similar? Maybe some karma was at work here? Hah, it totally was.

Save for the bruised and bloodied lip he bore; Mika certainly looked out of place amongst such grizzled warriors. About the only thing they had in common were their absurd hairstyles, and oh hey...his stolen lab coat. Then, of course, there was the mutual displeasure in seeing the Third Seat arrive. In fact, if none of the Squad Eleven goons had the nerve to speak up...the Mika did. "Oh no, not now." Though his words were accompanied by drips of blood and salive; they were clearly audible. Their utterance was enough to warrant a not-to-chalant elbow from on of the other Shinigami. Which in turn meant a groan from Mika, and a few more drops of blood. Surely after that Hotaru would have something to input herself? Shame that one of her own would try to head her off..."Kuchi-dono! We got him!" OK, that isn't very informative. What's worse, the young man's voice was filled with pride. It was a victory he just announced. That was odd.

Also not very impressive. It was four against one, after all. "We were just about to take him back to Squad 12. He struggled, so we had to restrain him. Put up a fight too!" Oh yeah. Huge fight. Pretty sure that is why they have so much blood on their uniforms. Must have been dangerous taking Mika down. Surely they got wounded something fierce. Ah, but nothing more was shared. Other than the groups assorted, satisfied smirks. Also, Mika's difficult breathes. They were easily noticed through the whistling his busted nose created. Then there was the sweeping of his left eye. It was looking pretty plump by this point. Awfully red too, what was visible of the sclera. Oh and of course, there was numbed...defeated look on the rest of Mika's battered face. A look that couldn't change thanks to the soreness. A look which spoke of little else besides agony. A poor supply of answers or conversation. Tongue and slacked jaw both motionless, just like the rest of his dangling body. Certainly the nicest thing the Third Seat could do, was get him dropped back to his feet again. Or, at least back down to the earth. Something...anything less demeaning.

[Hotaru Kuchiki-Masurao]

Hotaru was running towards the lab coat wearing shinigami she saw, happy that she was able to make it on time. But, when she reached the shinigami, it wasn't Mika. Instead, it was one of her squad members. He was about ready to try something when he looked at how he was about ready to talk to. He immediately stiffened up while she glared at him. She then heard voices around the corner. She glared at the squat man. "You, follow me. Now." The way she said it left no room for him to say no.

He followed closely behind her while she tracked down the source of the laughter and noises. When she turned the corner, she saw more grunts from her squad. It seemed like they noticed that their friend had stiffened and when they saw her, they did the same. She put the completed surveys in her sash, in the back and securely shoved into said sash so they wouldn't fly away. She just glared at all of them standing around and then that's when she saw Mika. The poor man.

He was being held up by the collar, blowing in the breeze. It also seemed that he had gotten beaten up pretty badly. She was livid at this point, but she kept her cool for a little bit longer. Mika spoke first, with a oh no, not now. Obviously, he didn't want to her to see him like this. Well, it was too late for that now. When one of the squad members then elbowed him to shut up, she had pretty much had enough. Before she would say anything, she would let the grunts explain.

It wouldn't help their case, but it would give her ammo to use against them. She was then told that they got him and they were going to take him to the Twelfth Division. He struggled so they restrained him and he put up a fight. She laughed at that. Not too loudly, just to herself. She knew that man more than they did. Sadly, she didn't picture him putting up a fight surrounded on all four sides by Eleventh Division members. She then glared at all of them, pointing to the one that followed her over with his friends.

"First, put Mika down NOW! He was meeting me here to talk business YOU IDIOTS?! HOW DARE YOU JUST BEAT UP ON SOMEONE LIKE THAT?! You bring shame and dishonor to this squad doing that. Give him back his coat as well. Also, I know for a fact that if this man was surrounded, he wouldn't put up a fight. You just beat the shit out of him because you could. DID IT MAKE YOU FEEL POWERFUL?! DID IT?! NOW, I WANT ALL OF YOU TO GO BACK TO THE BARRACKS AND STAY THERE UNTIL I COME BACK AND DEAL OUT A PUNISHMENT BEFITTING THE CRIME! IF YOU EVER DO ANYTHING LIKE THIS AGAIN AND I HEAR ABOUT IT, I WILL PERSONALLY USE MY ZANPAKTOU'S FULL POWER TO BEAT THE SHIT OUT OF ALL OF YOU!!!"

She understood fighting for self-defense, but this? It was just bullying. During her tirade, she let out some of her spiritual pressure, them feeling it immediately. She reigned it in quickly, since it would effect Mika too. She watched them look at her in horror and dismay and by the time she was done, they were quaking in their boots. They let him down, threw his jacket on the floor and ran towards the barracks. She walked over to Mika, grabbing his coat and handing it to him. "Are you okay Mika? I hope they didn't hurt you too badly. I have the surveys you requested."

[MrDoctorDo]

"Why are you yelling...", Mika spoke through swollen lips. Slurring just slightly. "...was one of the hard of hearing?" For a moment, Mika seemed legitimately interested in the answer. That would quickly fade. The fall back to the ground had been a mighty one. Ripples of pain from the impact were spreading through every fiber and nerve. This minor nuisance was enough to call his attention away. Quickly he rubbed his sore rump with the same instinctual drive we all feel compelled to fulfil. "Being short is a punishment worse than my beating." By this point, Hotaru had made her concern for him known. Since the Squadies had fled at the behest of their better...Mika had no choice but to face her concerns.

Looking up from the ground with a face swollen to unrecognizable parameters. Even with eyes nearly forced shut behind fattening flesh; the Third Seat would see his ambivalence. Mika could not care any less for his injuries...than he did for the ones who caused them. Such a look was the only answer she would receive. In regards to his well being, at least. "I could have handled it myself. Even if it would cost me a few more bruises." Translation, "thank you for sparing me further suffering". "I am accustomed to such treatment. I have become as resistant to it as my hatred of it." More translation, "I really hate the way people react to me, and that they keep getting away with it". Looking away from her, he turned towards his dropped jacket. Sliding up onto his knees, he reached to collect the jacket by the collar. Hoisting it up for examination.

"I think...", staring wide eyed. "...he stretched the fabric." While a rage was searing in his pupils; Mika did a good job of keeping it bottled. Instead he began the difficult toil of getting the jacket back on. With wiggling shoulders and a proper application of teeth; he managed to return the coat where it belonged. From there it was another glance towards Hotaru. By now she had mentioned the surveys. She had them? She...brought them?! This time, despite disfigurement, his expression seemed more puzzled. There was something confusing about all of this. Something that the officer wasn't yet aware of. Oh boy. This was going to be awkward. Before he got to that...he held out his hand. Watching her carefully, he waited for her to reveal the papers. Reaching to take them when they came out. Putting them into his jacket as though nothing were off about this whole ordeal.

"I'm not quite sure why you gave them such consternation. It was humorous, but surprising." With his busted lip oozing a light amount of blood; Mika's every word caused a drippy mess. So when he laughed at scolding, a whole bunch of the crimson liquid splattered the floor. "I suppose it was for their excessiveness? That seems fair. I guess Squad 11 is trying to mold a better reputation for themselves." Shifting his weight, the boy laid out his hand. Soon he was pushing his small body back to its feet. "I'm sure the other Squads will find that agreeable." By this point, his excessive talking was creating a weird feeling. A dodgy, nervous feeling. One that only grew worse when he turned to look at her again.

A frown sneaking onto his face. Disguised and misshapen by makeup and mangled flesh both. "Third Seat...has no one told you?" And then...came the wretched pause. A moment where the usually witty Shinigami was at a loss. "Read this." Taking a fresh, folded scrap of paper from one of his pockets. Mika held it out for her to take. Watching her with the same wide eyes he normally observed the world. Frowning yes, but not really expressing a worried face. That feeling of uncertainty and stress before was fading. The typical Mika was coming back from a brief lapse. Waiting diligently for her to take his offered explanation. On it, she would find a very detailed description...of a suspected criminal.

Attention. The following is an Official Announcement from the offices of Twelfth Division:

A warrant for the Shinigami, Mika Kurosawa, is hereby issued by Squad Twelve on behalf of the Shinigami Research and Development Institute. This individual is wanted for suspicion of theft, misuse of Division resources, and unauthorized experimentation. This individual has been reported active in the Squad Eleven barracks. This warrant grants any Division member permission to legally detain the suspect. Should Mika Kurosawa be spotted/detained, contact Squad Twelve's offices immediately...

The letter continued on for quite some time. It included a description of Mika; detailing his height and general figure. It even included a sketch, and mention of his makeup usage. Very thorough. At the bottom, signed by two section chiefs from the Science Division. It could not be any more official, or authentic. There weren't even indications of forgery or misprint. While she read the missive; Mika continued to speak in his more matter-of-fact tone. "As you can see...I am considered a fugitive by my own Squad. Those men were trying to capture me, and possibly take me back to my barracks." Glancing upward as if to ponder the events, "At least I hope that is what they were doing. They seemed to be enjoying the physical altercation I initiated a bit too much."

Eyes dropping back down now, still staring forward and off into space. "I'd still wager the mohawk's mother lacked proper facial symmetry, and had to settle for low quality reproductive partners." Pulling his now free hand from one of the external pockets of his coat; Mika revealed a plastic vial of a strange, purplish liquid. At the top it had a nozzle, and seem capable of releasing a spray. Make quickly proved this fact when he took a deep breath, aimed the nozzle towards his face, and spritzed. For a moment after the application, he simply stood there. It was subtle, but not impossible to see him shaking under immense restraint. After the first second or two passed, the adrenaline wore off..."GYAAH! Oooh...that stings!" His arm formed an "L" to his side. Flexed and tightened, fingers gripping at the air as if grabbing for comfort. Yeah, no. There was no superior demeanor now. All that calm and composure from the beating before was gone. Were his eyes not already watery from the blunt force trauma; they would be leaking now. The tears would be the only thing flowing. The blood from his lip, and the cuts on his face and brow...all seemed sealed. No more blood loss for this soul, no ma'am.

Hopefully Hotaru's reaction to the Squad Twelve edict would be mild. Not that it was right or wrong for her to become excited by the news...its just better for Mika. A reserved response would allow him to speak further on the matter, "Recently. Equipment has gone missing from several labs in the SRDI. None of it dangerous or classified, but expensive. I am a suspect, because the equipment pertains to my fields of research. Anyone with the same education and focus as mine could use what's claimed to be missing. That means there are hundreds of individuals who could fit their suspicions." There were no skipped beats. Mika spoke as though reading from a book.

In fact, the explanation wasn't even his primary focus. Having drawn a small pocket mirror forth, he was currently inspecting the state of his wounds. Criticizing his unpleasing reflection with silent, but definite glares of hate. "My name got more attention because of my work here. Since there are no field studies for this barracks on Squad Twelve's calendar, they know I am working independently. They know I'm working here...because Squad Eleven members have been spreading my name around." Finally his eyes turned back to her. Though he gave no indication in his expression; Mika seemed to exhibit an empty display of blaming. To be fair...there was only one person that knew his name in the whole of the Combat Division.

[Hotaru Kuchiki-Masurao]

Hotaru was standing there, waiting for Mika to do something and the first thing the man said, after being held up by his collar at the mercy of her squad mates, was why was she yelling, was one of them hard of hearing? Really? Was that honestly the first thing that he could say about the matter? She just nodded her head, crazy that it would be the first thing he said. Then, he complained about being short. Well, she was never really short, so she had no experience with anything like that.

The next thing that Mika would say Hotaru would've laughed out loud, if she didn't have some kind of manners. Being the nice person she tried to be, she kept the laughing to herself. He said that he could've taken care of himself against them, which was a blatant lie. Though, him being accustomed to that kind of treatment did make her feel bad. She hated it when strong picked on those weaker. It's the point of the strong people to protect the weak from enemies, not pick on them for their own amusement.

While he was going over to the jacket, she was thinking about the first statement he made about handling himself. Obviously, the man didn't want to say how weak he was, so he would say big words to protect himself. She would think that him saying all of that was more like a thank you to her for making the bullies go away. She nodded to herself that that must've been what he meant. Then, she looked over when she heard him say that he stretched the fabric.

The look on the man's face, she could tell that he was sad about it. But, what she didn't get was that it was just a jacket. Couldn't he just get another one? But, maybe this jacket was special to him, like one of his first lab coats or something. While she thought about this, he was putting his lab coat back on. When he was finished, he held his hand out for the surveys. She pulled them out of her sash and then gently handed them over to him, which he in turn put the surveys into his lab coat.

Next, Mika started to comment on why she even got angry in the first place. While he talked, it was when she actually noticed what was wrong with his face. His face was pretty messed up. Her squad mates had definitely done a number on him. Every time he spoke to her, she saw the dribble of blood and spit. She wouldn't say anything, she knew the man was too proud for that, but she would be there in case he needed anything. But, it was the way that he was talking that was weird for her.

Now, don't get her wrong, the man was weird to people just looking at him as they walk by. What, with the makeup, one arm and what have you. But, she had actually talked to the man and knew just a little bit about him. Comparing him now to the way he was when they first met, something seemed a little off to her. Like, all the talking was trying to distract him or her from something. She raised her right eyebrow while he was talking, Mika having to know that the eyebrow raise was a signal to him that she knew something was wrong.

Then, Mika, picking up on it, then decided to tell her to read something, since no one seemed to have told her something. It was weird, since usually through the squad grapevines, you hear everything. Maybe she had been gone too long or wasn't around the barracks as much to miss what happened. He extended his hand and she took what was offered her. She looked at the paper and her eyes got a little bit bigger. She looked at Mika in surprise and just had to read the paper again to be sure.

Well, it seemed that Mika has an arrest warrant out for him and her squad members were completely in the right to detain them. She would definitely need to go back to apologize to them, but also ask why in the hell no one told her about this. It was a pretty big deal, especially since she had told her entire squad that a scientist would be coming around asking about them, if they fit into his survey. These were also pretty heavy charges leveled against the man too. It wasn't looking good for him.

It had a description and everything about him on here. She had no idea why he was being suspected for this, since honestly she didn't really have any idea what he researched. She only knew that he wanted surveys filled out for something he was working on. While thinking on this matter, Mika started to talk again, saying that he was considered a fugitive by his squad and they were going to detain him and return him to his barracks, though his last comment made her laugh.

What he said about the facial symmetry made her laugh as well. Her squad was known for having plenty of injuries and she was sure that man was no different. Most of her squad suffered from facial breaks and whatnot, but she couldn't help but think on what Mika had said and it made her smile a little. Then, she looked over and it seemed like Mika was actually trying to treat himself. She had no idea what he was doing, but she wasn't going to try to help. She would have no idea what that stuff could do to her, so she just watched.

When all the wounds magically sealed, her mouth almost dropped. ALMOST. She knew better than to do that. She still couldn't believe that he was a wanted man. She honestly couldn't see it. But, it seems like she couldn't see a lot of things lately, like Takashi and Asmoskon... But, she shook her head at those things. She needed to steel herself and actually ask why he was a suspect, but he answered her already. It seemed that things were stolen that pertain to his research.

But, it is true what he said, that others could've easily done it. How could someone as clumsy as him, with only one arm, hope to steal equipment? From the way he made it sound, it was several pieces of equipment and from many different places, he wouldn't have the arm space to do that, let alone the coordination to do all of that at the same time. He then explained that his name got more attention because of the work he was doing in her squad. That was when she heard the uh oh being said by her inner voice.

It seemed that there were no field studies for her squad on the Twelfth's calendar, she didn't even know that had a calendar for things like that which she made a mental note of, so he was working on his own. They know it because her squad members were spreading his name around. Now, she felt like he blamed her for this. "Mika-san, I can tell you that I only told them that you would contact them about surveys if they were picked, nothing else. I at least wanted them to know you're name. I didn't even tell them what you looked like. I'm sorry that my squad has done you this dishonor, Mika-san. Is there anything I can do to try to help you with this issue?" She then quickly bowed toward the man. She still had her manners.

[MrDoctorDo]

"Dishonor? No. I have been thrashed by brutes before. There is no honor left for me in such regard.", came Mika's quite quick and satisfied retort. The boys voice was still slightly slurred from the swelling in his lips. Though hurried in his speech, a pace often indicative of excitement; his face gave little expression. There was a continued, broad eyed stare. It was the result of his surprise. Firefly had proven time and time again; she was far different than most Shinigami. More patient. More thoughtful in ways that one shouldn't expect outside of friendship. She was more considerate to Mika than most every soul he had thus far encountered. In the Seireitei, or the Human World. What caused her to be this way? What caused her to take Mika's side over the evidence and speculation of an entire Squad? What gave her certitude to condemn her Squad mates for their excessive use of force? Mika was the outsider, and in the wrong? Yet she sided with him.

Most of this was disturbing to the scientist. Why exactly was she continuing this supportive effort? What gain did she have in all of this? Mika had heard of stories in which people did things that were foolish or selfless. Though the stories failed to inspire his wonder; Mika remembered the sacrifices and idiocy of these "romantics". Was that what was happening here? Did Hotaru have some sort of illogical incentive to foster the many faults he exhibited? The possibilities of such things were clear to him; sensing or understanding their authenticity was not. So, there was no alternative. When she confessed she would repay him for his misfortunes; Mika had to confirm the reasoning behind her offer. "Third Seat. Why would you offer me reparation? Is it that you have fee..." With a sudden sigh; Mika went plummeting to the floor. Landing face first against the wooden planks. The dying rush of adrenaline and his previous head trauma, had him bottoming out on the spot. It would be an all too familiar sight for Hotaru. Trainees improperly trained or in poor shape often suffer from similar afflictions. Getting his legs up, or just some time on his back would have him recovering just fine.

Mika fortunately never lost consciousness. The lightheadedness for him was far more trivial than shock for normal men. Instead he laid and collected himself with a frown. "I accept." Gray eyes turned to her, buckteeth exposed through his continued frown. A somberness that would not leave the moment. Maybe she wanted to make amends because of feelings. Maybe it was nothing more than the concerns of a kind soul. It didn't matter for Mika. Whatever her commitment; Mika was willing to exploit it. Such was his nature. Here is hoping the patience she offered till now might continue. Just a little while more. "Given the career ending detriment you have provided; you owe me a life." Woah, holy sh*t those terms. There was no stutter from the scientist. Giving no inch or indication that he was exaggerating in the least. "I do not want yours; however. I simply need you assistance in getting what I really desire." Again his face remained serious, with that ceaseless stare.

Mika looked a sight the paint worn off from his wounds, and the boldness of his continued eye contact. A new color was showing through. A tone of dark, muted gold. For the first time she was getting a glimpse of the man beneath the mask. Seeing that his oddity was not just on the surface, but skin deep as well. Yet he was unfettered in his resolve. Restitute in claiming the opportunity she had presented. With the sudden flap of his heavy sleeve; Mika presented his smaller hand to her. Motioning for her to follow him, as he had followed her before. "There is only one way to solve this issue. To pay back the debt of my ruined life." Now...there were the dramatics! Late, but present. How might this affect Hotaru's decision? How would she feel about the severity of his claim? Hopefully it would be enough to spark her into action. If not for the sake of kindly charity, then perhaps for the insight into Mika's true desires. "You must help me complete my work."

Time and travel lead Mika and Hotaru from Squad Eleven...

...and into the heart of the Seireitei Arboretum. An area widely known as the Court Guard's Gardens. Though there were many beautiful trees and plants of all types; this area was never meant for viewing pleasures. It was always intended as a place for conservation and scientific research. With time and pompous, pious types...it became a frequented place of zen. Many classes for Zanjutsu, as well as the meditation ceremonies, were often held here. Of course, those functions were often exercised during the day. At night, the Arboretum became something much different. Plants less frequently seen became obvious. Those that only blossom in the shadows, now opened up in the nighttime. Their colorations more vivid than those of their daytime counterparts. Attracting attention, even in the dark.

Insects and nocturnals came to life. Their activity a constant symphony of sounds. It was a noisy, haunting place. There were no unnatural lights. No lanterns of any kind. Instead there was only the stars and the moon to guide. This made the uninterrupted nature of the area quite hard to navigate. Finding your way through the trees and shrubs without aid of light, a path, or even landmarks was certainly difficult. Travelling through here gave the sensation of entering another world. One no longer bound to the structures of the Seireitei. In their own, imposing way; the Arboretum's trees were much like the Dangai. A divider between worlds. Walking through them provided that same uneasy feeling, as well. Fortunately, Mika was here. For him to be present, meant there must be a way to travel with ease. Indeed, there was. It was as simple as capturing fallen stars.

All around them starlight reflected off plants and leaves. Though it provided vision; the stars couldn't dare illuminate everything. In the shade of the trees they lost all their strength. In such darkness, there was only one source of significant glow. Acquiring it was the challenge. Well, not for Mika, but for less prepared people. As the shadows started to close in; Mika reached yet again into his coat pockets. From the interior he pulled something, and revealed it to be yet another spray bottle. Giving a few spritz into the air and then stepping through. There was no explanation to this at first. Only a glance over his shoulders and a motion for her to keep following. Soon though, the mystery couldn't be more clear. A glow began to grow around them. It was dim at first, but that quickly changed. As the effulgence grew, the source became apparent. Above them was a swarm. It had gathered in silence, and now hovered as such.

With flicking shimmers that alternated from one side to another; a cloud of lightning bugs shined upon them. Individually they produced very little. Together, they were a torch. Some of them, the older ones, were bold enough to land on Mika himself. The others simply clung to the air about him and Hotaru. With their help, blazing a trail became a trivial matter. Quickly the two pushed through the forest, and onwards to their goal. Ahead was a waterfall, and rocky cliff face. Both the blue of the water and the gray of the stones reflected in nighttime glimmers. It was here that Mika once more motioned for her. This time, pointing out the earthen outcropping. Moving with haste now, the young man made his way forward. Though it seemed he would collide with the rocks in his eagerness; Mika instead disappeared behind them. Completely lost from sight. It would only be with his return, and inviting motion, that she would see through the stone's trick. Only then would she discover the deceptive entrance to a winding cave. Yet again, she would need to trust Mika...

Inside she would find him catching fireflies on his fingertips. Playing with them as he waited. Once she had joined, he gave a joyful smirk. "Welcome, to my formerly secret sanctuary. Please, follow me." The please here was a courtesy, not request. How could it be anything else after travelling so far? Still, more intriguing was his sudden speech. Their entire venture had been plagued by his silence. Especially in the Arboretum. What had changed that prompted his silence to end? She would have time to think, as he lead her deeper into the earth. The path on which she tread was quite natural, and yet it didn’t hinder their travel at all. It felt quite akin to a walkway. Thankfully too, for Mika hurried along it in the dark. Still wreathed in fireflies. Eager to reveal what lay around just a few bends and curves. ”Come come, I want you to see this.”, shouted the boy from ahead. Turning around a rocky corner. By the time she caught up to him, and made the turn herself, the fireflies went soaring from the cave. The dispersed in a swirling scatter, retreating back the way they had came. Meaning, the next turn left her staring into utter blackness.

There were sounds echoing in the distance of this sudden emptiness, but no word from Mika. It would be like this for just a few moments more, and then…an outrageous burst of light. It was much like the flash of a camera. Terrible to the eyes, but only momentarily. Hotaru would find that her eyes adjusted quickly to the resulting lambency. Along with the returning of her sight, there would be a collage of new noises. The buzzing of the lights above. The vibration of active machines. Stationed all around, and situated into the cavernous environment, were the makings of a lab. Present were a few large cylinders, both covered and hidden from further inspection. Between them an Hotaru was a examination table. Devoid of any cushion or sanitary covering. It looked more like a shiny metal tray, than what might be found in a doctor’s office. Had Hotaru any knowledge of such things, then she could possibly identify such a design’s purpose. Of why it sacrificed comfort, in lieu of a drain. Either way, there was still more to see.

Like the actual tray. The one which stood upon a stilt, and lingered next to the examiner’s table. Upon it were various bits of shiny metal. Most were sealed in plastic coverings and the two tower-style generators that powered this area, most noticeably the lights above. Then there was the simple desk that Mika had given himself. The one at which he now stood. All it possessed was a what appeared to be a personal computer. It had the shape of a monitor, maybe a much older variation? An outdated model? Upon her approach, or closer inspection, she would see the truth. That this monitor had cords running to the covered cylinders, and power being fed by one of the two generators. That it’s bulk was not a sign of its age, but of its contents. Inside was what could have been mistaken for a human brain. It was certainly a product of flesh, connected by wires and several probing pins to the monitor at which Mika gazed. It had both the hemispheres that typical brain would. The wrinkles as well. It even had vessels that might every so often throb...if one was inclined to stare long enough at it.

Given the absence of any other component, it could only be postulated that this organ...somehow, ran Mika’s computations. Regardless of how she might react to all these sights, Mika would greet her with an outrageously excited smile. ”I had always wondered who would be first to come here besides myself. I had such great fears it would be someone out to steal my work. It comforts me to know that is someone whom I can trust.” Trust to not steal his ideas, at least! With a few more clicks of his computer’s keys; Mika took a step towards Hotaru. ”I have brought you here to put suspicions aside. I am the one who took my Division’s equipment. I did so with the complete intention of returning it.” Pointing away from them, to a corner behind his generators, there were carts able to hoist great weights. They could easily be used to transport these machines and supplies back to where they belong. The path that lead in here, easily transversed by such carts.

”The issue is. My work is not done.” Looking back to her with a small frown, like before. ”Seems my timetables didn’t account for all the problems I have encountered. One such problem…” Mika glanced over his shoulder to one of the three covered cylinders. ”That I have been unable to resolve by myself. Until now…” Looking back to her, eyes turning to a stern glare. ”I need you to unleash your Shikai.” It should be abundantly clear now why he needed her for this. Mika was clearly to weak to have attained such a feat of spiritual power. Of all the people in the Seireitei who could, how many could he have possibly trusted to bring here? She was his one flicker of hope. So evident was this, ”Please.”, he was willing to show any amount of kindness she required.

[Hotaru Kuchiki-Masurao]

Hotaru listened to Mika about dishonor and it was clear she didn't really know what she meant. She could try her best to try to explain what she really meant, but the man was too analytic. His mind was set up more for thinking on concrete ideas and not the ideal of honor she was talking about. But, she took a breathe and at least felt better in actually asking him about it at least. She looked at all the bruises and still felt bad that her squad had done that to him. Even if the warrant was accurate and Mika did steal the things that it says, which she still highly doubted, there was no need to restrain him by beating him up to this degree. It was shameful.

He then asked her why she would offer reparations. Before she could say anything about that, he then asked if it was because she had feeling for him. He didn't finish it, collapsing on the floor, but she had an idea that that's what he was talking about. How in the hell did he jump to that conclusion so quick? She quickly walked over to the man, checking on him to see if he was okay. It was surprising that, to her, he didn't lose consciousness. It was weird, but Mika definitely wasn't like most people. Before Mika got the chance to talk again, Hotaru quickly said, "I do not have feelings for you Mika. I already have someone. The reparations are for the dishonor my squad gave to you with the beating."

He then said that he accepted. She assumed he accepted her offer of helping him with something. What he said next really surprised her. He said that she now owed him a life for the career ending detriment that happened because of her. She just looked at the man in shock. Where in the hell did this come from? Then, he said that it wouldn't be hers and she was thinking damn right it wouldn't be hers. She would not just let some random person take her life. But, she had said she would help with what her squad had done, so, bound by her honor, she would've had to do it. He just needed help in getting what he really wanted. She nodded, not thinking much of it at the time.

She would help where she could. He then mentioned that to pay back the debt of his ruined life, she needed to help him complete his work. She nodded again in agreement. He immediately got up and started to walk with purpose away from the barracks. She followed the man, walking out of the barracks. She looked and saw the three that were still waiting for her. "Hey, you three! You may continue your duties since I have to leave, but when I get back, I expect to find all of you in the division area! Let the squad know that right when I get back, for the three of you to be notified and come meet me. Dismissed!" They bowed and started to run off, telling people what she had said.

She nodded to herself, happy with how that had ended and followed Mika in silence to wherever he was going. Since she didn't really know what to say to the man, she said nothing, just looking around to where they were actually walking. She had been through the Seireitei barracks before, so there was really nothing new about them. But, the way he was going now, was a completely new way to go. Her curiosity got piqued and she was now more interested in where they were going. She saw the scenery change around them and that's when she started to see the start of what looked like gardens. She always loved nature, so it was nice that she got to see these.

She honestly didn't know that the Court Guards actually had a gardens area. This just showed her that she really needed to get out more. She hadn't even really realized that it had already turned to night. She looked up at the beautiful sky and when they were walking through the gardens, she noticed that new flowers were starting to bloom. She looked down and saw that the colors of the flowers that were blooming, the colors seemed even brighter than flowers that bloom in the sun. She stopped for a minute and took in the colors of these flowers. They were so beautiful. She looked around and saw everything waking up for the night. It was nice.

She continued to follow Mika, but then when they passed under a group of trees, all of the starlight and moonlight that was illuminating their way was gone. They went into complete darkness. She stopped for a minute and could barely see that Mika was reaching for something in his coat again. He pulled out what looked like a spray bottle and sprayed it in front of them, walking through it. He motioned her to follow and she did, walking through whatever he had done. It got darker and she got worried she might run into the man or trip on something. Then, she looked up and saw a little light coming towards them.

It then turned into a horde. Fireflies started to swarm around them, creating the light they needed to continue walking. She had to give the man credit, he did pretty incredible things for a scientist. She admired what he could do with his science, wishing her mind worked better with machines and the like. But, how she grew up, her mind was more focused on quality weapons and the ability to fight over science. While thinking about this, they reached a waterfall, with a rocky cliff face. The waterfall was beautiful and she almost missed Mika walking into the rock. She saw that he walked INTO the rock and disappeared.

She just stood there, mouth a little open and was completely surprised. How could he actually walk through rock like that. It was then that he appeared again and motioned for her to follow him into the rock. He disappeared again and she faced her body towards the rock, where he had appeared. She had no idea how he did it, but if he could make it safely, she should too. She touched her zanpaktou and felt the warmth from Rivu-aiasan, and she knew that if anything happened, she would be able to handle herself. She took a breath and walked forward. When she opened her eyes again, she was greeted by Mika playing with the bugs.

He then said welcome to his formerly secret sanctuary and to continue to follow him. She looked around and assumed that this tunnel led to what he called his sanctuary. She expected to feel metal under her feet but it was just regular dirt, like this tunnel was carved out of the earth. It was interesting, but made sense for where they were. She moved slow and before too long, Mika was gone. She wasn't worried, however. The tunnel was pretty straight forward and she couldn't really get lost in here. She heard Mika ahead, pushing her to go faster. Once she picked up the pace a bit and turned around the last corner, she saw nothing.

It was completely dark. She moved her arms out to her sides and felt nothing but air. In the tunnel, she could feel the walls around her. So, she knew that she was in some kind of big open space. She must be in the sanctuary he was talking about. Then, when Mika turned on the lights, she had to squint, putting her right hand up to block out some of the light. After blinking a few times and slowly lowering her hand, she was able to take in everything that she was seeing. For being a sanctuary, it was pretty impressive. It was definitely a secret laboratory, and of course something like this Mika would call his sanctuary. She looked around to see what was actually around.

She saw cylinders around with a lot of active machines and noticed the table between Mika and herself. It was just a regular, steel table. It had no extra fluff on it, except that there was a drain. She had a few ideas about what it could be used for, like dissection. She looked at Mika then. If he was thinking about dissecting her, the man had another thing coming. She wasn't going to get cut open for whatever he was thinking of doing. She then noticed the tray next to the table with all the instruments and it definitely screamed out to her dissection. She then walked over to where Mika was, by a little desk that had something that looked like a monitor.

But, as she got closer, she saw the wires coming out of it and then when she got right up on it, she noticed something odd. It was a brain. A human brain. A HUMAN BRAIN. From all the wires going into and out of it, it seemed like this brain was, literally, the brains behind Mika's machines. It powered everything in this place, getting energy from generators. This man was definitely an odd one. She just stared at the brain, unable to take her eyes off of it. Then, when she saw it actually throb, she felt shivers go up her spine and turned her face away. This was just getting gross. While he was talking, she stepped away from the brain, trying her best to just focus on Mika.

He then talked about being happy it was someone he trusted that came into this sanctuary first and that he wanted to but suspicions aside. She nodded and tried her best not to vomit. It was a real human brain that he was using to power everything. It was just so disgusting, she tried her best to look at anything but that thing. It wasn't really working, so now, she was clamping her lips shut, breathing through her nose in the hopes she wouldn't just puke everywhere in this lab. She was pretty sure Mika wouldn't like vomit all over his nice, shiny lab. It also seemed like he was indeed the one that took the machinery, but with all intentions to return it.

She looked around and that's when she saw the carts. She couldn't believe it. With the carts, he would easily be able to carry things around with almost no effort and bring them back here. So, her squad mates were in the right in capturing him, since he did actually steal the machines. She felt bad now for reprimanding them so harshly. She still would have for beating Mika up like that, but she wouldn't have taken it to the extent that she did. She made a mental note to explain everything to them and not give them as severe a punishment as she had originally planned. He explained that because of what happened, he has to speed up his research.

He then asked her to release her Shikai. She knew that he wasn't strong enough to have Shikai yet. It was one of the limited things that she could tell from her limited energy sensory. But, she had no idea why he was going to use her Shikai. She was worried something might happen to Rivu-aiasan. Don't worry, young one. He would need to physically take one of the weapons to steal me away. Keep hold and you will be fine. Besides, if anything happens, you can burn him. She nodded to herself and looked towards Mika. "Mika, you have to promise me that nothing will happen to my zanpaktou. If something does, I will destroy you with no hesitation." If he answered satisfactory for her, she would hold out her sheathe and sword, "Burn, Rivu-aiasan." She then released, keeping a death grip on her sword as she gained her fire sword and cannon.

[Takashi Kuchiki]

+1,135 TP for both participants.

[MrDoctorDo]

(OoC: Disregard this post in regards to grading. I know the grade has already been passed. Just adding what I should have replied with months ago. Wrapping it up, nothing more. =X )

"What am I?" A young Mika thought in the deepest vault of his heart. A whisper, though denied breath or voice, echoed within the little child like a roar upon mountains. Over and over those three words rang inside. As they did, creating a deafening clamour, the boy's eyes flickered over what he beheld. His own reflection. "What am I...What am I..." From the first moment little Mika ever glanced a mirror, he had wondered of such truths. It was a sensation all souls one day greet. Their own actualization. The thought we have glaring at ourselves glaring back.

The realization that what we see is us, given physical form. Where most children become fascinated with the discovery of self...Mika became obsessed with it. The youth and whimsy of normal juveniles would eventually drag them away from the mirror's reflection. The joys and excitement of external sensations would keep them too busy to linger on what looked back at them. Not Mika. Nothing ever twisted him up more, than the eyes which glared him down from that parallel realm. Hours he would spend. Sitting quietly, and still. In trances which seemed like comas. Periods in which he would deny food or conversation. Needing only the sustenance of his self to be content.

Long hours spent in careful examination. Measuring and memorizing all that he could see. Waiting for the light to shift around him with the passing of the day; so that he could witness himself in multiple shades. All the while the question rang. All the while...answers denied. Yet still he kept looking. Still he kept wondering. What all had caused him to take the form he saw? Why did his eyes crease the way they did? Why were his nostrils the shape and size they were? His hair the coarseness it was. His irises the colors they were. His earlobes. Jaw and chin. Why was his skin so...discolored? Everything he looked at...none of it felt appropriate. Sometimes it didn't even feel...real. Yet, when he looked at other people, they seemed correct. They looked as the should. Especially his father. Especially his brother. Everyone seemed to belong in the bodies they had. He simply did not. There was no explaining his disconnection. It felt as though there were...a mask. One he could not remove. One that no other could see. It laid upon him incorporeal, yet carried a burden far too heavy for any child to rightfully bear. So he continued to examine…

"Mika. Come in." The bluntness of his father's tone was hammer upon his chest. Mika complied with the command, and intruded into his father's study...despite his breathlessness. Such a troubling affair. Little Mika crawled into the golden lit sanctuary. A hall of finery that bore no windows to the outside world. The walls, their art and accessories all illuminated in brazen candlelight. This place was not a frequent residence for the boy. Despite his long existence in the afterlife, Hiroshi had not frequently called mika into speak in private. They saw each other every morning and night. They spoke every day without fail. They were never alone for any of it. Between servants and Nori...there was always someone else. As a result, the youngest Kurosawa never learned how to speak plainly with his father. Never knew how to feel or behave...when it was just the two of them. How awful such a disability would prove to be; when Mika was ordered to seek out his patron. When word came that he was requested. How the terror gripped. What could his father possibly want? Why would he need to speak in his study? In private? The overactive mind that made the boy’s head so heavy was hard at work. Cooking up possibilities and stories to fill the void of uncertainty.

Nothing Mika conjured would settle him down, sadly. The rampant fantasies were little more than distractions. Something the boy’s father was quick to recognize. The end result being, "Why did you take so long, Mika?", a concerned investor's interrogation. Let it be assured, there was no time he walked faster than when required to see his elder. When enough pause was given from his father, Mika knew an explanation was expected. ”I...came as quickly as I could.” With a dip of his head, he offered a mute apology. ”I have been hearing things, Mika.” The elder’s voice turned much more soothed in approach. The way people often twist their tone to exchange a secret. It was such a change...one uncharacteristic of Hiroshi. With this strange new speech, Mika’s ears gave an especially focused attention. ”People have been telling me things. Things about you, my boy. Things none of them should know...assuming they are true.”

His head rose towards his father. Gray eyes flickering with a chill of fear amidst the warm lightning. ”It seems you have been behaving strangely. Worse still, I had to hear about it from servants rumors…” That chill turned to sheer ice. Mika’s body was left paralyzed by the frigidness of his terror. What was his father going to do? What was he going to say…”Mika.” The young boy nearly jumped from his own skin. Eyes shooting down to the floor in defensive withdrawal. ”Why didn’t you come to me?”, and in that instance...Mika’s fear turned to utter shock. ”Come here. Explain to me what is troubling you.” Though his father beckoned, and even gestured to where he should sit...the paralysis wasn’t done with him. The little Kurosawa couldn’t find the will to move just yet. Not while he coped with the inexplicable absence of scolding. ”Now, Mika.”...that did it!

The young master's peculiarity. Where to begin with such a topic. It was an oddity strange enough to coax rumors and gossip out of an otherwise frightfully silent staff. Keepers of the house began taking note of the boy's obsession with the mirrors. They would often stop to observe Mika's ritual for themselves if they caught him in the act. These lapses in workflow proved to be their downfall. Servants speaking with one another about juicy tales and half-truths were not uncommon. Allowing duties and schedules to fall behind was less so. Inexcusable in the stern master's home. Pretty soon there penalties being issued. Blame being accrued. As such, excuses and explanations were soon to follow. Nothing would spare the delinquencies from reprimand, but the source would come to light. It was by this revealing luminescence that Hiroshi came to hear about Mika’s behavior. In exchange for modicums of forgiveness, the servants explained themselves. They described the time they had wasted noticing Mika’s reflective obsession. They spoke of times where they discussed the oddity with one another. They often revealed that each of them had the inspiration, at one time or another, to mention it to the master himself.

None of them did, however. All of them claiming that they feared the retribution that might follow delivering such news. An unfortunate circumstance, to be sure. Especially given that they would now be dismissed or punished for their many other mistakes and failures instead. Sadly, none of this was sufficient to quell Hiroshi’s ire. Those people still saw his boy behaving strangely. They still believed it tolerable to whisper rumors behind their master’s back. It left Hiroshi uncomfortable in his own home...a dreadful feeling for a man like him. In addition to these discomforts, there was still the problem of his son. Just what was the boy doing with this new hobby? Was he skipping his lessons to waste time with mirrors? What was the cause of his newfound interest…”I have heard that you have spent a lot of time admiring yourself lately.” By this point, Mika had crawled to his designated seat. Hiroshi’s face had turned a bit more solemn since his boy drew closer. ”It has likely caused you to fall behind in your lessons…”

Nothing could be further from the truth, actually. ”Regardless, it has people talking. Behind my back, Mika.” The boy recoiled as his father’s words turned sharp. ”I am owed some sort of explanation. Why this strange fixation with mirrors? What is on your mind...to cause you to conduct yourself so strangely, and foster disrespectful rumors?” Mika desperately searched for the right response. Whichever one would spare him the most tribulation. It was difficult to do. Find the words. Made worse by the looming shadow that his father cast. By the end of it, all he could manage…”Why do I look so wrong?!” From Hiroshi...there was an astonished pause. It seemed this was one question he could not have predicted. One to which he could only ponder, and ponder, and ponder...before breaking silence. ”Mika...we should discuss your mother…”

The entirety of the cave was alight now. The warming glow of spiritual fire filled every crevice and exaggerated every detail. From the moment that Hotaru let her zanpakuto erupt with life, the cave had transformed. The once bright, white lights that provided the only illumination...now waned in the presence of a powerful shikai. All the instruments and supplies took on new colors as he fire cast fresh light on them. Everything in the laboratory seemed to be placed under her dominion. Everything covered and wreathed in the reddish hue of her power. Even Mika. Especially Mika. Oh, how the young researcher had hoped for this moment. For days and days now, this event had been culminating in his imagination. This opportunity had been something he secretly pined for since he first made the Firefly’s acquaintance. Now it was here. The flickering fire of possibility. It complimented Mika’s appearance well. The whole of his body also caught in the burning glow of her unleashed power. Nothing shimmering more brightly than the gleams in his eyes. The absolute horror of seeing flames burst forth with such power.

Without a single warning or indication at the source of her zanpakuto’s strength, Mika was left encircled by the one thing in nature that he feared. In an instant, the scientist dropped to his knees. His figure collapsed upon the stone floor that supported his lab. Yanking and tugging at the SRDI robe that covered his shihakusho. His one hand desperately pulling the cloth to cover whatever edges of his body might be exposed to the air. Soon he was a bundle on the floor. A white, little, Shinigami burrito...”Stop stop! Make it stop!” Again and again the boy called out for the fire to be recalled. Sadly, Mika possessed no understanding of Hotaru’s abilities. Whether she could prevent the flames from harming him. If she could control and retrieve them. None of that really mattered to him right now, anyways. The sudden appearance of fire was what did the trick. An instinct designed by former tragedy did him in. All he could do was recoil. Fortunately...Mika’s work was always the best part about him. Despite his own shortcomings and fears, his research was always a step ahead. Sometimes...even ahead of Mika himself.

Such was the case now. Here in this hidden lab. The large cylinders to which he had directed Hotaru’s prior attention...now began to glow. So brightly that the covers placed over them became nearly translucent. Why did the monoliths only now begin to produce light? Why were they not active before...why didn’t Mika have to turn them on or do anything at all?! The answers would come with simple observation. Even distracted as she might be by Mika; Hotaru would be easily notice large cables feeding connected to the huge canisters. Strange, coiling conduits that seemed to link the cylinders with the rocky walls of the caves.

Large, metallic mounts seemed drilled straight into the mineral. Somehow, blueish light seemed to be feeding through the coils, and into the covered containers. Perhaps this was the source of their new glow? Certainly the picture painted itself a such. Where might the power be coming from however? A second glance would divulge as much. After all, the cylinders weren’t the only things shimmer with new life. All around them both, the stones of the walls began to glisten and shine. It was if they were surrounded by polished river stones. Smooth rocks that with the application of her fiery light, began to sparkle and reflect whatever natural glimmers bounced off them. Their display was on of brilliance and beauty. Born from the presence of a strong, reiatsu epicenter.

Ah, but perhaps they would not steal the show with their mesmerizing allure? For there was something far more intriguing that truly begged all the attention. A pair of shadows, only now prevalent to the concerning eye. Each of them announcing themselves from behind pulled curtains. To figures now revealed by the eerie container’s glow. One appearing very clearly as a zanpakuto. A blade, seemingly suspended within the left cylinder. Appearing quite small, and quite short...it couldn’t be much larger than a dagger. The other...nothing more than a hovering blob of indistinguishable form. Unlike the zanpakuto, this one was moving. Or at least, it seemed to. Little shifts and twists. All of it hard to make out clearly through the sheet that covered it. Fortunately, the obscuring cloth wasn’t going to remain very long. With sudden clanking noises, the two containers began to vibrate and shake. The motion ended quickly thereafter, but what followed was much more dramatic. Large, vibrant discharges began crackling off of the two pillars. Bolts of energy that mirrored the form of lightning, but came in every color imaginable.

They snaked their ways between the two cylinders. Burning holes right through the sheets that covered them. Soon, the covers were burning away in entirety...while the bolts only grew and reached out further. The arcs quickly stretching in scale. They even began sustaining themselves for longer than just a blink. The energy was reaching out, splashing onto the cavern walls. Outrageous bursts of color and light accompanied such jumps. Tragically, these delightful happenings were not always good things. It wasn’t long before an arc reached out and struck the generators that Mika had used to fuel the lights and power his systems. With a powerful surge, all the artificial lights gave a burst. The two generators quickly burned out as heaps of sparks flew from the both. The excitement of molecules was enough to create quite the substantial boom, as well. A thunderclap centered at the corner of the room. Sufficient enough in strength to toss Mika towards Hotaru! On one hand, he was no longer cowering in the presence of her shikai. On the other hand...well...the other hand was her hand. Now that he was tossed towards her, he was in her hands! Mika didn’t weigh hardly anything verses the sparring partners she had in her squad. Still, he was a handful.

From this point on the experiment that Mika had taken months to establish, progressed by itself. As half melted covers fell from the containers at the rear of the room, Hotaru would get a look at what was transpiring. In one container, as suspected, was a suspended zanpakuto. Not held by strings or wires, but instead it was trapped in what appeared to be a viscous jelly. Sorta like the brain from the computer! Inside of the blade’s container were several large bubbles. Pockets that had formed in the gelatin at some point or another. In the hollow spaces they created, hot sparks of energy could be seen passing from one side to another. The blade of the zanpakuto itself seemed quite hot. A bluish light pouring from it as the goo that entrapped it slowly retreated away from the apparent heat. None of this, however, compared to the show going on beside the weapon. In the opposite cylinder, there was yet more of that gelatin filling. Only in this case, it was disappearing very quickly. Consumed, but a throttling and convulsing pinkish mass.

That same blob from before. Now in a much clearer light. Truly, there is no kind way to describe the thing’s appearance. In most every respect, it appeared as a tumor. A sickening blob of fatty flesh that didn’t distinguish itself with any important features. Watching it move only added to the grotesqueity. It flung itself from side to side. Spasming and floundering in an ever shrinking supply of that suspension gel. Growing the whole while. Soon able to slam itself into the sides of the vessel which contained it. Filling the room with audible, disturbing thuds. A clamour which only grew louder along with the thing’s size. By now...even Mika would regain himself. Disrupted by the destruction of his generators; now drawn to the sounds of success. The sight of the writhing flesh enough to rekindle his courage. Locking his gaze onto the creation. Peering with hope at what might become of the growing mass. ”I did it...I...I did it!” With a few more dreadful thuds against the glass which restrained It, Mika crawled back to his feet with giddy laughter. Exuberant squeeing! Honestly...were it not for the disturbing qualities of the room, he would seem quite goofy in his childish joy. ”THIS IS WONDERF-”...

The exact cause of the equipment malfunction might never be revealed. Given the utter destruction of the components Mika had used, and the inevitable reclaiming of the debris by Squad 12, there would be no way for him to “retrieve the black box”. Hotaru would be able to describe how the containers let out a terrible shrilling noise, before a burst of power sent arcs of energy outwards into the cave that surrounded them. The resulting blast was enough to send her and Mika both back to their feet. The following fire had been quite substantial, and if not for her own outstanding strength and fortitude...she might have been sucked into the flames herself. Fire tending to have a vacuum effect. Only made worse by the cave’s natural design. Both her and the researcher Mika would be fine. No lingering injuries beyond abrasions and the occasional burns for the researcher. The real injuries would come later. For Mika that is. While Hotaru would be requested to give a statement at some point on the happenings of that evening...it would be Mika who faced the punishment for misuse of squad resources. Along with a smattering of other charges. Despite these unfortunate realities, Hotaru would note that Mika never appeared anything but joyous about the entire affair. A rather large grin always exposing his teeth in ecstatic fashion.

[Kyomei Kuchiki]

I do what I want.

+90 more to both participants to equal 1,225 total