What does it mean to be a Kuchiki?[NDE, PG-13]

[Sozen Kuchiki]

"Asmokon is Hotaru's love and fiancee," Sozen declared immediately, as a follow-up to Hotaru's introduction. "He is a free Quincy, independent of the Vandenreich. Other than doing good for a member of our family, he is an invaluable ally as we eradicate the last of their forces. He has much he can teach us about Quincy powers." To think that Hokori was here now was surprising. Sozen had been certain that Hokori was off on some mission. Regardless, seeing his exasperated cousin was always very amusing. From the day Hokori was born, he had been more conservative than Sozen had, and the Kuchiki Head knew he often drove Hokori insane with his scandal and antics.

...But... There was no denying the success of the 29th Head of the Kuchiki Family. Especially in reference to this eradication of the last of the Vandenreich. After all, they had won the war. They had defeated the Vandenreich, and killed the Emperor. And now, Sozen was the one in charge of killing the last bastions of the Vandenreich. Most of them now had gone into hiding once more. They knew that they were too weak as an army to continue, for now. Though, as Sozen understood it, the Vandenreich still comprised a majority among the Quincy race. Quite an odd thing, given they were difficult to find now. Well, Quincy had always been rare.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Kuchiki Family also intended to bridge things, here. Just in case. For Asmokon and Hokori likely would have some trouble getting along in future. After Asmokon introduced himself, Sozen would speak again. "If your intent is to take Hotaru to teach her with books, then you may," Sozen said, granting permission to interrupt his training session. He had given them a lesson that he intended them to think about. "First, I would appreciate if they would be given a moment to ask me any questions they might have had about the lesson that I just gave them. Then, she may follow you to study."

This also gave Sozen the opportunity to be alone with Asmokon, and learn more about the free Quincy. After all, being a Quincy wasn't a problem. Had he been an Arrancar or Vizard, perhaps Sozen would have just killed him. But, seeing as he was a Quincy, there shouldn't be much of a problem. The thing that would be most troubling to Asmokon would be if Sozen found that he was unfit for Hotaru. Their relationship was one that the Kuchiki Head was still evaluating. He wanted to know just what kind of love they shared. If they could support one another through thick and thin.

But, for now, it was up to Hokori to explain what he wanted. Then, it was up to Hotaru and Asmokon to ask any questions, if they had any. Until then, Sozen's scarlet eyes and charming smile fell on the group as a whole. And for a moment, what Asmokon would understand was the dynamics between these three Soul Reapers. Especially in the way of Sozen's control over the Kuchiki Family. In the way he held himself. Completely at ease, no matter where he was. Shoulders loose in a carefree, haughty manner. In arrogance. Someone who from the day he was born had been honed to become ruthless and controlling.

[Hotaru Kuchiki-Masurao]

Hotaru stood there and watched what was going on. It seemed that Hokori wanted to teach her more about her actual family lineage, instead of the fight training, which Hotaru would much rather prefer. But, Hokori was the one that did start her training, and it only seemed fitting that he would want to take control of the training back to what he wanted to do. She shook her limbs while she stood there and listened to what Sozen had to say about Asmoskon. It was interesting that he immediately followed up with what she said, and added more information.

She looked between Hokori and Asmoskon and could tell that they more than likely won't get along. She felt the tension in the room. The best course of action would more than likely be to get Hokori out of here and the best way to do that would be to accept his offer and head back into the library with him, learning of her new family's history. She turned towards Sozen, since he said that if they had any questions, to ask them now. She walked close to Asmoskon before she said anything. "First Sozen-sama, how did you move so quickly?

I have never seen a technique like that, and would love to learn how to move so quickly. Second, I will admit, we haven't fought together too much and we do have much to learn. But, we have eternity to learn how to do that. Third, thank you Sozen-sama, for helping me to try to predict the action of an enemy. It seems that I need to focus more on the details in a fight than the attack itself. Am I correct in my thinking?" She would stand facing Sozen, waiting to hear what he would say. After he answered, she turned towards Asmoskon.

She leaned up and kissed him tenderly on the mouth, staying long enough to whisper in his ear, "I don't know what Sozen will do when you two are alone. I don't think anything's going to happen but you never know with him. Tell me everything that goes down when I get back or else." She turned towards Hokori. "I'm ready for studying now, Hokori-sama." She then turned her back on Sozen and Asmoskon and walked up to Hokori, following him. She assumed that he would lead her back to the library, where they started their training.

[✠Asmoskon Masurao✠]

Asmoskon kept standing still until Sozen spoke up and announced that if Hokori wished to take Hotaru for the time being he was allowed to do as such. It wasn't really a surprise Asmoskon knew that most would have made the same decision. Hotaru in all truth wasn't even really a massive factor at the moment for Asmoskon being present in Soul Society. Yes the actual reason for being here was due to the relationship between them yet he knew that the real reason he was present today was to speak with Sozen about the future he planned to have with Hotaru.

Sozen then asked both Hotaru and him whether or not either of them had any questions on their brief skirmish that they all had just experienced together. In all truth there wasn't really anything that Sozen had done that Asmoskon didn't understand. The fact that he was able to shield his body from the arrows fired at him was just du to him flexing his reiatsu. The only thing that he didn't figure out himself for sure already was how exactly he was able to maneuver his body at such high speeds seamlessly. He was using some sort of physical technique he knew that much due to how stable his reiatsu had been while he was doing it.

So for the time being Asmoskon kept quiet like he had been while Hotaru asked the question that had been on his mind. When she was done going through her questions he waited for Sozen to answer and then Hokori to take Hotaru for the time being. When the two actually were going to depart Asmoskon gave Hotaru a small smile and winked briefly. After that he turned to Sozen knowing that the meeting was now between just them. "Well then I assume there is something further you have planned Lord Sozen."

[Sozen Kuchiki]

Sozen was glad that Hotaru thought to ask him questions about specifics, rather than something vague. Previous students that he'd had would do that, and this limited their growth. However, her interest in his specific technique was something to take note of. A student who wanted to learn his master's techniques was one who could come to emulate the master, and Sozen had no intention of having Hotaru emulate his personality. That wouldn't do, if only because she needed to remain good at heart, while Sozen himself had committed many acts which by any definition would be considered evil. It was emulation of Sozen Kuchiki that had allowed Sonken Kouhai to become so cunning an artist of deception.

"The technique that I used is called Shukuchi-Ho," Sozen explained with a cold smile. "It's a Captain level Hakuda technique used to quickly accelerate into an offensive strike, but I use it to move around in a controlled manner. Most users will use it in combination with a technique called Gokken or Sei Suishin. The 33rd Captain Commander himself once used it in conjunction with his famed Ikkotsu and Sokkotsu techniques." Shukuchi-Ho was indeed a powerful technique. The best part about it was that it didn't have a reiatsu cost. It was extremely taxing on Sozen's body, but it gave Soul Reapers a clear, defined edge against other races, who were less refined and lacked Hakuda equivalents.

In response to Hotaru's other question, Sozen also had an answer. "You will be most successful if you focus on always having an escape route," Sozen said. "The most powerful opponents can always outwit even your most brilliant attack." This was especially true in the case of Kuroi Naito. The Segunda Espada had been someone who could counter nearly all of Sozen's tactics when they first met. As time went on and Sozen become more powerful and more cunning, Kuroi's advantage quickly dissipated. However, it remained absolutely true that of all enemies, Kuroi was the one most able to counter the attacks of others. Sozen hoped to all gods that Hotaru would never face him.

Afterward, Hotaru would leave with Hokori, leaving Sozen alone with Asmokon. The Kuchiki Head turned to his family member's beloved, and a new look shone in scarlet eyes. "Come with me," Sozen said. He walked toward the corner of the sparring arena, and put his foot down on one of the stone tiles. Pressing, Sozen twisted his foot exactly fifty six degrees down the stone, and it moved downward. The center of the arena opened up, leading to a descending staircase whose journey was into pitch blackness. Taking a flaming torch from the wall, Sozen beckoned Asmokon down, and descended into the morbid and dank stairwell, the underworld even by a Kuchiki's standards.

As they neared the bottom--after what might seem like an hour of walking, Sozen and Asmokon would arrive at a single small room. Dimly lit. Barely large enough to contain the both of them. But illuminated by a glowing blue stone which floated in the air, suspended by magic, and barely the size of a small pebble. It lit a plaque in the center of the room, on the floor beneath. Sozen stood before this, and motioned down toward it. On it, it read, The family is everything. Allowing the moment that was this one to last just a bit longer, Sozen never once stopped smiling. He held himself in such a careless, controlled manner. As if it was his destiny to be the one in charge.

"This is my grandfather's grave," Sozen said. "I wasn't here when he died, nor was I here when he was buried. But I brought you here because even so, I understand the message on his grave. His words. And they weren't for my late father. Nor for my late brother. Those words are for me. My grandfather believed only I could carry his torch. Those words mean that if you are truly a worthy member of your family, you will do everything for the sake of your family, and nothing will come before it. You're planning to marry into our family, so I want you to see, with your own eyes, that to be with us means to do anything for your family... Even the most atrocious, and despicable of acts."

[✠Asmoskon Masurao✠]

Asmoskon continued to stay put for the time being right now it was a matter to be handled by those between the Kuchiki. Asmoskon loved Hotaru and he would be damned if this one four eyed smug little insect would try to tear them apart. There wasn't a single entity in existence that would be able to accomplish that task. Right now the most interesting thing that seemed to pop up from the ground itself was the fact that Sozen wished to speak with him while Hotaru was being taught lessions on which Kuchiki did what and when it happened.

Asmoskon had no doubt that she would suffer through it and hearing how important such a thing is from someone such as Hokori. Hotaru would be busy though and that was one thing that Asmoskon actually hadn't given much thought too this morning. When he had gotten home and found the servants of the Kuchiki there awaiting to bring him into Soul Society he had believed that so long as he was present Hotaru would be with him. Now that he thought back on that it was foolish to think such a thing.

Sozen had to learn about him and find a reason to give his blessing and condone the marriage between them. In order to do that he would need the both of them to be separate for it wouldn't do to have Hotaru interjecting whenever she felt her knowledge or opinion was a necessity. Asmoskon was more interested to find out about the Head of the Kuchiki at the moment then he had been upon arriving. In truth his strength had peeked Asmoskon's interest. Asmoskon didn't care for the power that Hotaru's noble family held personally. He was strong enough to care for himself against the majority of foes.

When it came to members of his family however many were still weak and inexperienced at battle. Asmoskon was doing his best to train them swiftly yet it would take time and during which time they would all need as much support as possible. This led to the idea that the Kuchiki and Masurao families working together could actually bring about more stability for both families then either could provide themselves alone. Asmoskon had the idea yet he would need to voice it with Sozen in due time. What came next was Hotaru's inquiry as to how Sozen had been able to move as swiftly as he did. Asmoskon was slightly perplexed when she revealed that she hadnt know such a thing was possible. Asmoskon knew that much of how Hotaru fought revolved her body and speed. The fact she didnt know such a thing was possible came as a shock and Asmoskon started to think perhaps his firefly would need further instruction on what she specialized in.

Sozen then took to answering Hotaru questions giving a brief explanation to the technique that he had been utilizing in order to accelerate his movements. It seemed that Asmoskon's assumptions about what Sozen had been actually doing was proven correct which was of little surprise as the technique itself other than simply requiring the stamina of the Shinigami was roughly as much an increase as Movement. Then that was it Sozen finished his lesson of wisdom to them and Hotaru went off with Hokori for the time being. Turning to Sozen Asmoskon spoke and then was told to accompany Sozen.

Asmoskon followed a few paces behind Sozen and when the Head of the Kuchiki opened the underground staircase Asmoskon thought over the secret passage. It wasn't actually that much different then what his former home had possessed. He recalled his grandfather having virtually the same set up in their manor yet Asmoskon knew where that staircase had led to; this one he had yet to gain such information. He continued to follow Sozen down the steps while Sozen kept the torch high enough to give them light. When the finally reached the bottom Asmoskon searched over the room immediately taking notice of the plague and the glowing blue stone.

That was when Sozen began to speak. Asmoskon could tell that this was something that wouldn't be normal even for some of the Kuchiki so the fact that he was being honored enough at this moment meant that Sozen was favoring him for the moment. When he explained everything Asmoskon couldn't help, but perceive part of himself in Sozen. He knew what the man was talking about probably more so than any of his family members. When Sozen was done talking and awaiting Asmoskon's word the Quincy came to a decision that would lead him down one of two possible roads.

Asmoskon was not normally an individual that would open up to anyone especially someone that he didn't know anything about. Yet Sozen was correct in that if Asmoskon wished to marry Hotaru he would have to prove that he would do anything for family. Asmoskon moved his hands above his head and pulled his shirt from his chest. Turning his back to Sozen the young Quincy revealed the large crimson colored tattoo of a circle on his back. "This is the symbol of my family Lord Sozen. I know that you want me to plague loyalty to the Kuchiki and do whatever I can to protect all of them. The truth is I'm rebuilding what little family I have left and need to focus on keeping them all safe."

Asmoskon was looking down at the dark floor of the small room. After a few moments he turned and starred at Sozen an expression of steel across his face. "That doesn't mean that I won't do my best when our families join together through Hotaru and myself. I was already going to bring up the possibility of my family aiding whomever you might send into the human world on assignments. Together neither of our families should face much danger. I've done things that I can't undo. You made it obvious that you yourself have had to do the same things. Well I tell you here and now that I don't ever plan on giving up or letting down my family." Asmoskon still had secrets and while they were hidden from Hotaru for the moment something told Asmoskon that Sozen was going to find out soon.

[Sozen Kuchiki]

OOC: Seeing as we've no clue what Taka's up to lately, let's have Hotaru post next. Something about being in a lesson, Hokori excuses himself briefly. Is gone a bit longer than expected (we'll say something came up and he didn't have time to tell Hotaru). Hotaru feels something strange, wanders off on her own. The rest is up to her.

[Hotaru Kuchiki-Masurao]

Hotaru followed Hokori dutifully, figuring out that he was more than likely leading her to the library, where they would continue her tutelage. She watched as they traveled through the corridors, until she started to recognize the hallways around the library. She had frequented herself around the library while she was looking up information that would be helpful in finding Asmoskon. Once she finally found him and they fixed the issues they had, she hadn't visited it as much as she did. Still, she had visited it enough to know the hallways around it and the quickest way to get there from the front door.

Hokori opened the door for her and she walked through. Hokori did as he did last time, grabbing books from shelves and making her read. She got comfortable in her seat and sat, reading all that he told her to read. It happened over what felt like several hours. It was then that Hokori excused himself, saying that something had come up that he needed to see to personally. She must've missed the note that he got which made him need to leave, but she assumed that she was reading so much, she missed it. She nodded towards him and watched him go.

She finished reading the books that he had laid in front of her and when she finished them, she put them back in a neat pile. She had explored the library, but she still didn't know the exact location for our of these books. She knew how Hokori loved this library, so she would leave them. She would leave them so he can put them back exactly where they are supposed to be. She didn't want to try to put them back, then put them in the wrong spot and get reprimanded about it later. She noticed that there really wasn't too much yelling, just lots of reprimanding, which was just as bad as yelling.

Once she was done, she got bored fairly quickly. It also didn't help that she knew her husband-to-be was around here someone, alone with Sozen, talking about their upcoming wedding. Well, it's what she assumed they were talking about. It's honestly the only thing that made sense to her for the two of them to talk alone. She then left the library, walking through the corridors of the Manor. She barely explored the manor, and now would be the perfect time, since she was alone and really had nothing too pertinent on her mind.

She would go search out Asmoskon and Sozen, but she knew that the conversation they were having needed to be between just the two of them. Her showing up randomly in the middle of it would not work in Asmoskon's favor. So, it gave her time to wander pretty much aimlessly around the manor. Once she got accepted into this family, she was barely around the Manor, not even living in it until she got an officer's rank. Because of that, she knew almost nothing of the place. So as of right now, she walked, trying to walk deeper into the Manor, hoping to find any little secrets she can stumble upon.

[Sozen Kuchiki]

Play this

Sozen, as a matter of fact, was quite intrigued. Asmokon had had to do some things? Horrible things? How horrible? It had been once that Sozen, who had claimed in his youth that killing of others besides Hollows (who were purified and made whole anyway) was wrong. Sozen had sworn that he would never kill. And how quickly that had turned on him. A mere two years after this declaration, Sozen had found himself in such a position that it was not only pointless to consider "not killing," but it was more accurate to say that at that exact moment, he had no other choice. And thus had come about Sozen's first kill. Three at one time, in fact. A merciless, efficient kill. With eyes like cold steel.

Soon after, Sozen had begun the torture of those whom the Kuchiki family wanted information out of. Torture was the oldest ability of the representatives of Squad 6, and Sozen, who would be Captain one day, was taught by his grandfather what it meant to torture, so that one day when he too was in charge, he could make people say whatever it was he needed. Sozen Kuchiki had learned the fine art of inflicting pain, and done unspeakable things to his fellow living creature. His fellow living creature had suffered beneath his gaze and his steady hands, and he had chosen at that time never to look back. Never to regret. It was then that he had become who he was today.

"Tell me," Sozen said to Asmokon. "Tell me about horrible things that you have done in the name of those you loved." For Sozen would see just how deep Asmokon's darkness reached. Did it extend all the way down to the core? Or was it something new? Something learned by tragedy, rather than by instinct? Was Asmokon destined to do horrible things, or was he simply bound to doing them for survival? These were different, and Sozen wanted to hear the full story of Asmokon's deeds. He wanted to know just what terrible things this man had done to people. And, Asmokon was in luck. Marry into any other family, and these horror stories would eliminate you from that marriage. In Sozen's family, it only made you all the stronger of a candidate.

Meanwhile. . .

Wandering through the halls, Hotaru would suddenly come into contact with... Sozen?! No, not Sozen. He looked a lot like Sozen, but was much shorter than the Kuchiki Head. In fact, he was barely around Hotaru's height. Their eyes could meet without her having to look up at an angle. He also appeared younger. While Sozen was a man whose physical appearance matched a human in his late twenties or early thirties, this young man whom Hotaru had just encountered matched a young man not even out of his teens. At the most, he could be said to be nineteen years old in human world's physical terms. Still, the facial features were similar to Sozen. An uncanny resemblance. Hair that was shorter, but still black and with such resemblance.

And then, the eyes. Those scarlet eyes which were haunting, and should belong only to the Kuchiki Head. But, while Sozen's were warm, and welcoming, even if sometimes mocking, this young man's were cold, and without concern. Haughty, and at ease. Almost arrogant, he seemed as if he felt in total control. He was someone who was supremely confident in himself, and self assured in his ways. Hotaru seemed to have a thing for running into people that were unexpected to run into. Well, then again, maybe it was expected to eventually run into someone whose fame and celebrity actually rivaled his father's. For Hotaru had just encountered Heir to the Kuchiki family, Souza.

He was... So regal. Sozen, though he had an aura, seemed approachable, even if one did so bashfully. This guy didn't even seem remotely approachable. While Sozen seemed like a King, this guy seemed like a conqueror. An Emperor. But, still, his gaze met hers, and he acknowledged her immediately, even politely, in a calm, breathy voice and a small smile which was beautiful like Sozen's, though not quite as charming. He bowed his head in respect, as well, acknowledging her rank and abilities. "Captain," he said. "It's good to see you." He chose to acknowledge her by rank, rather than as simply a learning member of the family.

After she answered, he spoke again. "What brings you to this empty part of the manor?" he asked, motioning around to show that somehow, she had ended up in an art gallery. It was pretty, but it appeared old. It hadn't been updated in a while, though someone was keeping it up pretty well (probably Hokori, who loved to clean and sucked at cooking). Souza had probably just been looking at art while bored, or maybe he was waiting for someone. But, now that he had run into Hotaru, he had engaged her in conversation, which in itself seemed nerve racking. His eyes were somehow so sharp and piercing. Just talking to him would make someone sweat a bit.

[✠Asmoskon Masurao✠]

Asmoskon's attention was zoned in for a brief moment after he had informed Sozen that he too had already been forced to do things that many would consider to be dark, horrible things to others. When Sozen actually spoke informing him that he wished to hear what had actually been done in detail Asmoskon was hesitant to speak of such events. It had all been so much easier when him and Hotaru weren't together. His soul had been ripping itself apart slowly and Asmoskon had allowed himself to be swallowed up in the darkness. Now though he had Hotaru back and although he would never be the same as when they met he wasn't as dark as he had been while all of the events had been executed.

He shook his head for a moment and breathed inward preparing himself to actually speak of such things. There were only two individuals that Asmoskon knew of that actually would know of everything that he had done. He told Hotaru most of it yet hadn't gone into the seriously dark details. Other than Hotaru only Cynthia and Satsujun would be likely to know of everything. There was nothing that Asmoskon could say though that would sway Sozen to drop the matter and he knew that if the roles were reserved the same thing would be going on so there was no use stalling. "Alright just please don't tell Hotaru everything you hear. I've informed her of most everything in brief details yet nothing specifically dark like you wish to know."

"Hotaru and I had a falling out around eight months ago after we had been seeing each other for a few months. After that something inside of me just broke and I became someone that I would have formally killed. I stopped caring about the safety of others. I only cared about focusing all my attention on eliminating the Vandenreich. I started capturing and torturing any of them that I could incapacitate." Asmoskon stopped for a moment the images of all of the Quincy flashing throughout his mind. "I got what information I felt any of them had that I didn't already and then afterwards I killed all of them. I've killed lovers, husbands, wives and children. I've destroyed families all in hopes of ridding my race of their disease."

Asmoskon's hands were clenched together now as he thought over all of his actions. Killing the Vandenreich was easier to accept simply due to the fact that they were all his enemies no matter what and all needed to be annihilated. "That's not it though. I worked as a high profile mercenary over the first few months. I was sent to kill normal humans of high military value to certain countries. I was sent to kill other races and lashed out my rage onto them like a monster. I believed that their screams and pleads of mercy were the signs of those who didn't deserve to live." Blood was starting to drip from Asmoskon's hands as his grip broke through his own skin.

"Over the following few months and started to reunite my family under me and train them as best I could in my state. My body was growing weaker as my soul seemed to just continue breaking from the pain of not having Hotaru. It wasn't long until I fell off the grid and was almost killed a few times. One of my family was kidnapped and held in a Vandenreich prison though. I happened to be in the area and found out that there was a General positioned at the prison for one reason or another. I infiltrated the prison and freed my cousin, but stayed behind in hopes of killing the General."

"Hotaru happened to come upon that very same prison though with a shinigami along with a Nakkabakki that I had previously mortally wounded. When all three of them got to the area I was in almost all of them were tired or wounded in some way. When I saw her face I don't really know what happened. I lost myself in anger that she looked so fine while I had been becoming weaker and more vulnerable without her. I didn't listen to her and blamed her for altering the prison which got rid of my chance top kill or capture the General. She wouldn't stop speaking though and for one reason or another I broke her zanpakuto. I still have no clue if it was my darkness actively hurting her or what little light I held at the time warning her that I was to dangerous to confront."

"Hotaru more then likely has spoken to someone else if not you about how she met up with me after that and I was near death during out battle. Eventually she rose victories as my body couldn't continue to support my rage. After that we talked it out and realized that the two of us need to at least be together now. I've had to do other things for my family since then, but most of the horrible things I'm still forced to accept is torture. I have to capture Vandenreich and find information on the location of my family." Asmoskon let out a deep sigh and pushed off all his deep seated feelings towards himself. He then realized the blood dripping from his hands and bowed. "I'm sorry for the mess."

[Hotaru Kuchiki-Masurao]

Hotaru was wandering around the manor, trying to find out as much as she could about the manor. She just didn't really know what was in it. Through her wanderings, she ended up running into someone. But, the person she found was someone that she honestly never expected to run into. She looked at him, trying not to stare at him. She was very surprised at how the man looked. He honestly looked like a mini-Sozen. But, she knew that he wasn't Sozen, since Sozen was much taller than the man standing before her.

She continued to glance at him until the name of the person came into her mind. It has to be Souza! She had heard of Sozen's son and heir to lead the Kuchikis in his stead. She had never met the boy before, but he had an uncanny resemblance to Sozen. There was no doubt in her mind of who his parents were. The more she saw of him, the more she believed what she heard about him. The air that he carries, the way he holds himself, everything was true. She eventually evened her eyes towards the chin of Souza.

She was conflicted on how to address him as well, since she outranked him in the Gotei Thirteen, but he outranked her in the family. While she thought on this, he address her with her rank. This made it much easier for her to address him back. When he said it was good to see her, she nodded her head back to him. "Souza-fukataichou, it's a pleasure to finally meet you. I have heard a great many things about you, all which were good, I assure you." She smiled back towards him, hoping to leave a good first impression with him.

After he asked his question, she stood and thought about it for a second. Really, she had no direction when she left the library. She just wanted to learn more about the family manor. She then looked at Souza and answered. "Honestly? I was just wandering around the manor, after leaving the library. It seems that Hokori-sama had an errand to run in the middle of teaching me the history of the Kuchikis. So, since he hadn't returned in awhile, I decided to start out on my own and explore my new home, since I've barely been through this place. This art gallery is beautiful though."

[Sozen Kuchiki]

Rage. Sozen could feel it as Asmokon spoke. However, he could also detect regret, and guilt too. Asmokon wasn't apologetic, but he wasn't certain about the darkness in his heart. Though the two men had much in common, this was the key difference. Asmokon couldn't justify everything he had done emotionally. And that was fine. To have that would make him a better partner for Hotaru. As it stood now, from what Sozen had observed, Asmokon and Hotaru really did need one another. At their current levels, they couldn't defeat what was to come. Enemies like Kuroi... Their leaders, Kouhai, Satsujun... Those monstrosities against whom Sozen wanted to be most conscious.

"Come," Sozen said with a smile, guiding Asmokon back up. He did not reply to a single word of what Asmokon had said. As a matter of fact, as Sozen was certain the Quincy would understand well, there was nothing that anyone could say to the other after darkness had been revealed. It was evident in Sozen's eyes and in his demeanor that Asmokon had his word that Hotaru would not know these things. That Sozen would maintain silence. Because Sozen understood what rage was, and what it meant to be entrenched in the pit of black. Yet, the man who was called the Crimson King had more to come, still. And so, pulling Asmokon along with him, back to the training room upstairs, Sozen had more to say of another nature.

"If your family is to ally with mine, it will give you immunity to the persecution of the other Soul Reapers, who presently hunt Quincy to prevent them from joining the Vandenreich," Sozen said. "But I will need you to be spotless. If you are caught committing crimes, then I will experience some difficulties with persuading the Kuchiki Council." The Kuchiki Council, after all, was a thorn in Sozen's side. They were almost all super conservative, and often tried to oppose his actions. To override them, Sozen often acted without their consent, and was only able to do so because he produced results. Lately, his hold on them had become more turbulent. Disobeying them would be more difficult if he supported Asmokon, and Asmokon then committed crimes and was subsequently caught.

"The Kuchiki Council is conservative in nature," Sozen said. "They do not take kindly to my style of leading. I have adopted into the family. I have taken missions they frowned upon. I have allied with those they would rather see killed. It is unfortunate, but without them, the family would become significantly more difficult to organize as a result of its vast size." This was one of the issues with leadership of the family. Sozen needed the council. They helped mobilize branches of Kuchiki members whom Sozen had difficulty reaching just because of being far away. The size of the family, after so many generations, was staggering.

---

Meanwhile, Souza and Hotaru were speaking in the art gallery. Souza bowed his head politely, indicating respect. "You are exceptionally well-mannered, even in this house of nobles," Souza complimented. To refer to her as exceptional in terms of manners was a compliment in itself because of how strict the nobles had to be when speaking. Their words and mannerisms were expected to be very precise. Souza himself was clearly well practiced. His demeanor was quite similar to his father's, though somehow still he gave off a different aura. It was distinctly unique. Strong on its own. He didn't take completely after Sozen Kuchiki. Maybe one day, he would surpass him.

"Indeed, this gallery is quite magnificent," Souza agreed. "It was built over ten thousand years ago. It has artwork spanning from all the way back to the third Captain Commander of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads." So the art was over 30,000 years old, or at least some pieces were. That meant that in terms of value, this was worth billions of Ryo. The Kuchikis were wealthy beyond all measure. They had been wealthy for as long as anyone could remember. But with that wealth had come power. And respect. Unlike most rich families, they did not flaunt it. No one could remember a single time when Sozen Kuchiki had ever brought up money in conversation, for instance. No, they let everything speak for itself. It was the same reason the Kuchiki manor possessed no defenses. They guarded it with reputation alone.

Souza motioned toward a large painting nearby, and walked over to it, motioning for Hotaru to join him. "This painting, for instance, is of a monster that once besieged Soul Society." It was a huge, white dragon covered in white fire. Depicted in it, Hotaru might actually recognize a couple of the faces. One was an old man with the Kuchiki insignia on his robe, meaning he was a past Kuchiki Head. Another was a figure she would know. The prominent political figure, Jinbei Kawada. Next to him was a younger version of the 33rd Captain Commander, Tamajosho Aryuusai. Those monsters were battling a huge white dragon. It was actually quite a stunning painting. Very well visually realized.

"Well, anyway, that's enough about art," Souza said with a sigh. "I'm afraid that I can't find interest in it for more than an hour or so. If you'd like, perhaps I could aid you in exploring the Kuchiki Manor right now? I can show you parts of it which even some of the Kuchiki Elders don't know about." It was, after all, a huge place. There were many rooms, and a lot of secret functions. Thousands of years and dozens of generations had existed here, and all of them had installed something to indicate preference and to leave their mark in Kuchiki history. It was possible that there were things which even Sozen himself didn't know about in his home.

[✠Asmoskon Masurao✠]

Asmoskon followed suit with Sozen back up to the training room from the secret staircase. The returning journey feeling even more lengthy then actually not knowing what was there at the bottom to begin with was something Asmoskon felt strange. When the both of them finally got to the top re-entering the training room Asmoskon wasn't entirely sure what was to come next from Sozen yet knew that whatever the case he was the one in charge right now and Asmoskon's sole purpose at this point was to impress him while making sure to answer everything he asked with absolute truth or else Hotaru would never forgive him.

What Sozen spoke about next was something that Asmoskon had actually be hoping to reach at some point. However, there was something in what he said that was a problem on its own that so far was out of his control and even if he married into the Kuchiki might not be able to prevent. Free Quincy were being hunted in order to prevent the Vandenreich numbers from growing. That was a problem Asmoskon had to fix and soon. He needed as many untainted Quincy as possible in order to keep his race from extinction. That was a separate matter however first was making sure that he could protect his family for certain which Sozen just declared possible so long as he was spotless on committing crimes against Soul Society. Asmoskon was completely fine with that the only problem would be making sure that his Military in Xcution didn't take such actions. Well at least the military under his authority which at the moment was half of the total.

When Sozen shred light on what the problem with the council was Asmoskon immediately understood why things were the way that had been for so long. It seemed as if those on his families council were pretty much the same as the high ranking members of the Vandenreich and held onto grudges and ideals that were centuries if not millennia in the past and should have long been forgotten. "I'll make sure that I stay out of doing actions against Soul Society. I haven't done anything towards them since I met Hotaru anyway so in essence nothing really has to change. I'll make sure to inform my family of the development once it occurs." Asmoskon wasn't sure how to proceed now though. He had answered Sozen giving them the acceptance of what he said yet there was no topic Asmoskon could bring forth to Sozen. Which meant for the time being he would wait for what came next.

[Hotaru Kuchiki-Masurao]

Hotaru smiled at what Sozua told her. She was always taught to be respectful towards everyone, even if their rank was lower than hers. It's the main reason why she used honorifics with everyone she met, to be very polite. She nodded towards him. "Thank you Souza-fukataichou. You can thank my father for teaching me to be respectful and polite to everyone I meet. It's a habit he instilled in me and that hasn't left me in this new second life." She looked up while Souza talked about this gallery. She was surprised that it was so old.

But then again, she thought back on it. She knew that the Kuchiki was an old noble family, but they must be a lot older than she realized. To have a gallery that was as old as this one, it showed that the Kuchiki has at least had some kind of wealth for ten thousand years. It also explained why everyone, well all of the souls, in Soul Society would jump if a Kuchiki asked them something. The power this family has has to be legendary by now. She knew they were powerful, but this was getting to crazy levels of power.

Souza moved over to a huge painting, depicting a huge white beast that was attacking Soul Society. She saw that it was a dragon and chuckled a little to herself. She thought to Rivu~aiasan what he thought about it. He just harumped, saying that he looked much better than the dragon depicted in the painting. She smiled to herself and patted her zanpaktou, trying to ease all the annoyance from her spirit. She didn't tease him nearly as much as she should, she realized in that moment. She definitely needed to try something else soon.

Souza was now ready to move on from art. He only held interest in art for about an hour and she honestly couldn't disagree. She loved art, thinking it beautiful, but it didn't pull to her like it did to others. She admired the beauty for a few minutes and then moved on. He then asked that if she would like aid in exploring the rest of the Kuchiki Manor. Her face lit up at that. She would love to have an insider's look at this place. "Yes please, Souza-fukataichou! I would love aid in exploring this huge place. The more the merrier!"

[Sozen Kuchiki]

Now, Sozen wanted to move onto another topic. But, first, he would have them seated somewhere more... comfortable. So, motioning Asmokon to follow, Sozen started to walk. It wasn't necessarily a quick journey, but it wasn't terribly long either. Somewhere in the middle. The journey, however, was done in complete silence. There was something compelling which said that neither one should speak. Something that would allow them to get lost in their own thoughts. For Sozen, his thoughts were of the future. Of what might happen. It wasn't just that politics at home had been getting more difficult. It was that enemies away from home were going to get stronger... With the defeat of the Emperor, the Vandenreich had to step up. With the defeat of both Kuroi and Adalo at Sozen's hands, Kouhai would get serious.

A stroll through the lavish, unimaginably beautiful courtyard brought Sozen and Asmokon to the entrance of some fine looking small cabin. Sozen motioned for Asmokon to step inside, and then did the same. Inside was nothing but a small desk, a small wooden chair--just one, and a bookshelf. When Sozen stepped over to the bookshelf, he quickly pulled out and returned several different books in a particular order, and the entire floor began moving. It took them downward, like an elevator, and soon the two men would find themselves within what appeared to be some kind of fine dining restaurant. There were waiters walking around, waiting, but only one or two other guests present, each alone at their own tables.

Sozen brought Asmokon over to one of the tables, where the two men were then seated promptly, and their orders taken. Red wine was served to both. Sozen raised his glass to his lips, taking a quick sip before speaking again. "This place is only known about by a select few. In order to be given access to it, a Soul Reaper is required to have unlocked Bankai. Among the nobles, though rare, Bankai is slightly more common this generation. In previous generations, it would have been common for this place to see no visitors for weeks at a time. In today's world, I believe that we see visitors to this place about once a week. Today is an exceptionally crowded day."

A place available only to those who could utilize Bankai? Indeed. Sozen had known it existed prior to leaving Soul Society to find Aoi several centuries ago, but hadn't visited until his return. His first time coming had been seven years ago, just before they made him Captain. It was here that he had proved to the Kuchiki Council that he was powerful enough to take the position of Head. Well, all that in due time. First, some food. And also, Sozen had things to ask Asmokon. "Now, I need to talk to you about business," Sozen said, his eyes focusing on Asmokon. Scarlet, beautiful, glinting, prideful. The Kuchiki Head's gaze did not ever falter when speaking. "Tell me everything that you know about B, The Boss, Baal and A, The Apprentice, Akiyama."

---

Creeeeeeek! An opening door which was supposed to lead to a secret passageway which would take users out to the garden. But... Well, stumbling across a nude man and woman was a bit unexpected. Souza stood there for a few moments, the door to the passageway open, with Hotaru behind him. Having just walked in on a couple trying to secretly fornicate in the passageway, Souza didn't quite know what to say. So, with a smile at the couple, he closed the passageway, and turned back to Hotaru. "Well, never mind then," he said. "It appears as if this passageway won't do." It seemed that Souza needed to show Hotaru a different part of the Kuchiki Manor for now!

As Souza led Hotaru through the mansion, eventually they would come to an exceptionally large room with a polished wooden floor that had circles and lines drawn on it, indicating something, as well as large poles with hoops up top on either side. If Hotaru was familiar at all with sports from the human world, she would recognize it as a basketball court. "The perks of being the Heir include being able to request expansions to the Manor. In my case, this room, which is good for an athletic getaway once in a while." It wasn't being used at the moment, but some wear on the floor indicated that it was used quite often. That was because Souza practiced sports here regularly, and not just basketball.

"Are you familiar with the sport of fencing, at all?" Souza asked Hotaru. Fencing, or in other words a European sword based sport, was something that Souza had practiced since he was a young boy. He was exceptionally good at it. Good enough to call himself a master. In the human world, his skill would have been considered Olympic level. As it was, he was far faster than the Olympic level fencers, not to mention more perceptive overall, and thus would dominate if he were to compete there. In Soul Society, he still competed once in a while. That was when a voice suddenly called out to them from elsewhere, and Sozen looked up, seeing the newcomer appear.

"Souza!" the voice exclaimed. And Souza noted that it was a dark blue haired Kuchiki with large, spiked hair, and hot pink eyes. This one was fair skinned, and quite muscular. He was taller than Souza by at least a head, and looked about the same age. "Kyoraku..." Souza greeted. Kyoraku Kuchiki, a cousin of his, and someone who believed himself a rival to Souza, and seemed to enjoy attempting to undermine him. This had especially been true in the academy, where he had constantly scored the same grades as Souza. The two had never actually clashed head to head. "I was here to practice my fencing, and noticed the two of you... Would either of you care to?"

His gaze settled on Hotaru as well, but with a malignant eye. Unlike most of the Kuchikis, this guy didn't seem very polite. He also didn't seem very respectful. Truth, according to Souza, was that this guy really just wasn't respectful or polite. Among the Kuchikis, he was someone who had been taught poorly, and was a disgrace to their family. Souza didn't like him. He also didn't like being challenged by this guy. The fact that he might get an opportunity to shut this guy up now seemed ideal. But, it looked like Kyoraku wanted to say something to Hotaru, as well... It was up to her to respond to his taunts, or let Souza do the speaking. She too was a Kuchiki, and outranked them both. She could speak if she wanted.

[✠Asmoskon Masurao✠]

There wasn't any reason to question Sozen's actions at this point so Asmoskon followed the Head of the Kuchiki family throughout the manor. AS they kept walking Asmoskon kept the information that the majority of the decoration and décor of the manor was in fact red in coloration. Asmoskon felt just like before that for some reason this was a clue to one of the Kuchiki more than likely Sozen himself. Asmoskon had no knowledge of what Sozen's zanpakuto release was or how it worked yet it was him or someone else in the family that had a power specific to the color all around him.

Asmokson continued to simply stay silent and start to wonder of a few things. At first he was wondering just how Hotaru was coming along with having to deal with that snob Hokori. Then after a moment he realized that the more he thought of something aggravating the easier it would be able to see displeasure on his features. That wasn't something that he wanted to give off during this endeavor of acceptance so he had to think of something else. It only took a few moments for him to realize that Cynthia and the others should be training today and hopefully weren't blowing off such a thing. Cynthia and Jingu he knew wouldn't do such a thing yet Veroer he wasn't completely sure and Kaze was more than likely sleeping some place.

It got rather difficult to keep collected after they started to move downwards and into the restaurant. However, he kept to what he had been doing since so far there was no reason to do anything else. When they were seated and Sozen ordered drinks Asmoskon wasn't quick enough to turn it down. He was hoping for those few seconds that water was going to be brought yet his hopes were dashed when the wine was presented in front of him. Well now there was not really a way to get around this without minor insult or having to turn down the drink.

For now as Sozen spoke Asmoskon simply kept eye contact and ignored the drink in front of him. Asmoskon took notice of the alteration in aura that Sozen was giving off once he prepared to ask Asmoskon whatever was next. He just explained where they were now and nothing more. "Guess it's just time for everything to get serious." Asmoskon was ready for anything that Sozen asked of him yet was still taken aback when the question presented itself.

"Well I don't know all that much about Akiyama. I know that at the moment he's the strongest Quincy within the Vandenreich. Working together with Baal to keep the Vandenreich stable now that the Emperor is finally gone. The only thing of importance that I have been able to gain through the Vandenreich is that Akiyama doesn't seem to utilize a weapon in combat. From what I gathered and accords of his battles I theorized that he can't manifest his reiatsu into a release form so he conquers instead with more common techniques backed by reiatsu."

"As for Baal well . . he's rather simple. He simply must die no matter the cost. Baal after going through my methods of gaining information hasn't amounted to much. From what I gathered he was able to fend off the Tercera Espada in the battle that took the Emperor. He utilizes a bow in combat and for one reason or another his release as far as I can tell is nearly the same as my own." Asmoskon without realizing it now had his hands balled into fists below the table and his expression was one of rage and anguish. "Baal is responsible for the death of my family and the near eradication of my entire family. One way or another Sozen when the time comes . . I'll be the one to kill that taint from my race."