Calm Before the Storm

This article, , is the opening chapter of Braving the Waves arc, which is part of Bleach: Cataclysm. It features Itazura Kori and his sister Mariko as the primary characters, with Kiyoko Takara as primary support. This particular chapter is authored jointly by Kenji-Taichō and APS and takes place in Tougenkyou.

"God-damn it!"

The young man who cursed upon his awakening was none-other than Itazura Kori and quite frankly he was surprised to be waking up at all. He recalled the earth shaking beneath his feet and then witnessed that very same earth spout great jets of flame right where he was standing! You could imagine his surprise. One moment everything was sunshine and rainbows. He was walking along with his sister-

"Shit!" He exclaimed, his memory returning in a flash. "Mariko!!"

"I'm right here," A distant voice rang out, catching Itazura's attention. He turned his head to see a figure slowly walking up to him, until he was able to make out the facial features of his sister, Mariko. "Took you long enough Aniki." Mariko said, forcing a smile.

"Thank goodness!" As he spoke he exhaled the breathe he'd been holding. It made him feel a little lighter somehow. He took his sisters hands in his and shook his head. "I remember being injured; quite severely in-fact. I'm relieved you're all right."

He looked at his left arm curiously. Before he blacked out he remembered seeing little but the bone beneath; the skin that covered it had been roasted off by a jet of flame. He was also pretty sure the same fate had befallen his left leg and most of his left-hand side. Yet here he was healed mostly of his injuries. His skin still felt hot but he could life with that.

"Who did this?" He mused, aloud.

"That would be me," a voice said. Just then, a silver-haired woman with a petite frame and an ample bosom popped up behind Mariko and waved in greeting.

"It was her Aniki." Mariko confirmed, trying to appease her elder brother's dumbfounded look. "As you can see from my appearance, I too am healed. Although, I can't say the same for my clothing." Mariko's smile slowly turned to a frown as she pointed to her ruined apparel. "I really liked those clothes too." Mariko finished with a downcast look.

If Itazura noticed he was wearing little but rags he certainly didn't show it. All he did notice however was that ample bosom of this silver-haired beauty. He expertly hid his downward gaze by sweeping low in a very formal bow.

"You have my thanks." He said. When he returned to his full height he made sure to look her in the eye. "Forgive me for being so forward, my lady, but would you object if I said you happened to be quite striking?"

"I can find out her angle for helping two complete strangers later." He thought with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

The silver-haired woman giggled at Itazura's compliment. "You are very welcome Itazura Kori. I would certainly not object to your statement." She said, teasingly moving closer to the young man.

"Please... call me Zura." He said, only then realizing he hadn't a foggy notion who this beauty was. He echoed her movement so he was looking right into those clear brown eyes. "It just occurred to me that I don't know your name." Amazing how quickly his sister was forgotten. "When I tell my friends that I was rescued and healed by a silver-haired babe, I'd sure love to fit a name to the woman."

"Ara ara Zura-san. How can you not know who I am yet I know who you and Mariko are?" The silver-haired woman replied with a wink and a smile. She then casually raised her arm towards one of Itazura's shoulders, and gave it a slight pinch. There was a slight glint in her eye.

"He's such an idiot. How can he not know who the Mistress is." Mariko thought to herself, rolling her eyes and puffing her cheeks in poorly veiled annoyance.

"Because I like playing it cool?" He thought, catching Mariko's response. But the pinch was all the indication Itazura needed; he was getting nowhere fast with this woman. "Lovely. Guess I gotta get my head outta the gutter."

The change in the young man was immediate as he dropped his façade.

"My sister's looking at me as if I just sprouted a second head... so I'll drop the act if she agrees to fix her face." His remark had the sound of classic brother-sister banter. He then looked towards the woman. "You're the Head Mistress of the Seta Girls' Academy; an institution I'll admit to having spent some time in, though I'm quite proud of the fact no-one managed to catch me. You're name is Kiyoko Takara, once known in the Seireitei as the White Priestess, and you served in the 4th Division as its 3rd Seat under Captain Unohana. Am I in the ballpark?"

"Ah. So you have heard of me. Then you are aware that I am also a married woman." Kiyoko remarked with a wry smile, showing Itazura her ringed finger.

"Of course I did." He replied. He did not, in fact, know she was married. But then it had never stopped his flirting in the past. Tomoko's mother was a prime example. "Now that we've established whose who here, maybe you can tell us what happened before we blacked out? I recall an earthquake and a plume of fire melting the skin from my bones. I may also vaguely recall something -- you obviously -- pulling me back from the brink. What happened?"

"From the looks of your body language, it's seem like you didn't. Hehe." Kiyoko countered, sticking her tongue out at Itazura. "But don't worry, my husband won't do anything too serious to that pretty head of yours. In fact, he would have invited you over for drinks."

Seeing Itazura stop his flirtatious behaviour allowed Mariko to resume her normal facial expression. "Because you do have a second head stupid Aniki." She scoffed in response.

"Heh. I see your injuries haven't affected the sibling banter." Kiyoko said, motioning for Mariko to come closer. "Now let's see. You asked what happened? Hmmm. From what I can gather, something happened to the Spiritual Dimensions. The event was so strong it effected Eden. Eden itself would have been destroyed by the resulting backlash if it weren't for me and my sisters."

Itazura attempted, and failed, to hide his reaction, which was clearly one of shock. Mention of the spiritual realms made him think of Tomoko and Heisekai and it was only then he realized he couldn't sense Tomoko's mind through the Warder bond, and his big wide eyes was a clear indication that he was worried. He put two-and-two together and came to the realization that what happened in Eden wasn't an isolated case.

He fell to his knees.

"What about Heisekai!?" He demanded, suddenly very fearful. At the same time he sent a desperate mental word to Tomoko... but silence answered him. "I can't sense her!!" It was amazing how he'd come to take the little niggling in the back of his head that was Tomoko's mind for granted. Now that he was without it he found the peace and quiet of his own thoughts rather disheartening.

"I am sorry Itazura Kori. After what happened, Kami-sama sealed Eden from outside contact. Anything from people to information can't get in or out. Even we are unaware of the events that had unfolded after." Kiyoko replied with a dejected expression. She pursed her lips and patted Itazura on the shoulders.

The part of him that ferreted out information took on-board what Kiyoko was saying. He slowly returned to his feet. "... Then we can't complete our mission." He said, deciding it best to focus on other things rather than... well, it was best just to focus. Keep his mind from wandering. Even if he did have to divulge the secrets of their being here. "Kiyoko. Have you ever heard of a Tenshi by the name of Oda Kōhai?"

Kiyoko stood there, silent. Her face was scrunched up in a puzzled expression. Finally, Kiyoko clicked her tongue and moved her head in disagreement. "I apologize Itazura Kori, I have no recollection of a Tenshi named Oda Kōhai. But if there was a Tenshi named Oda Kōhai, he may have been borne during one of our times of great confusion. Or this Oda may have been borne outside of Eden, away from our prying eyes."

"I see. Not even the Mistress knows who Oda Kōhai is." Mariko thought to herself.

Itazura's sigh was very heavy. "Maki said Oda was ancient; that he definitely pre-dated any history he'd been taught. Kusaka thought he was a Tenshi which is what led us here... Ah, I see." Itazura started pacing. He was obviously lost in thought. "You said times of confusion Kiyoko? I know a little about the War in Eden because of Minamoto Kazuhira, and Kusaka's adamant records of Oda didn't start cropping up until some time after. Would it be possible someone -- anyone -- would know what happaned immediately afterwards? If it helps Oda apparently had four brothers and a sister. Kitsui, Ichihara, Nakajima, Kurokawa and Fericul. Do any of those names ring a bell?"

"Perhaps. I think I may know of one such person that might help you young Itazura Kori. My sister, Yuu Hoshiko. If what you say is true, she should be the one to ask." Kiyoko replied as she started to walk towards the direction of her sister. Looking back, she also motioned for Itazura and Mariko to follow her. "Alternatively, I would ask my husband for information but he is at Soul Society with our chil-" Kiyoko stopped mid-sentence, as if she remembered something. A sound escaped from her throat, and she quickly turned around, attempting to avoid Itazura's eyes. Although Kiyoko did not want to admit it, tears to fall from her eyes.

Mariko quickly ran up to Kiyoko and placed her arms around the Mistress's shoulders. "I am sorry Mistress. We aren't the only ones who were affected. You too, must be worried about your family."

Kiyoko quickly wiped the tears from her eyes and looked back at Mariko with a weak smile. "My husband is strong. And so are my children. But I worry for them. Kei spoke to me beforehand but before I can ask questions, the Communication Bracelet broke. And now I fear the worst."

"I swear it to you Mistress, we will find a means to solve this." Mariko resolutely said.

"Only if it were that easy young Mariko." Kiyoko replied back. She then took a deep breath and turned to face Itazura. "Come now. It's time to meet the recently awakened Queen of the Kenmeiotome."

Although he would've happily comforted her Kiyoko's words set something off in Itazura, leading him to wander off towards the side, leaving her to Mariko. He'd been so preoccupied with his and Mariko's injuries, then his worry for Heisekai and Tomoko, but now he was worrying about his mother and father! Bloody hell. "Pops is tough as old leather and mother's been handling him for years. They'll be fine... they have to be."

Then her last statement hit home.

"Queen!?" Itazura exclaimed, suddenly extremely fearful. "I've had enough of queens and princesses, with their frilly dresses and habits of being the centre of bad-guys plans. I've been slashed and kicked, punched and bitten, and traumatised beyond belief!" But he ended up following, obviously ignored. "I'm going to regret this aren't I?"

"To be fair Zura, I also served as a Queen of the Kenmeiotome while my sister slept." She replied in stride. "But now that she is back, Yuu is the Queen once again."

"Aniki, you'll only regret meeting the Queen if you're up to your old antics again."

"Zura, there is nothing to fear from Queen Yuu. Despite being the strongest amongst the Kenmeiotome and Tenshi, my sister is relatively down to earth and humble." Kiyoko added with a short giggle. Whether she was lying, joking, or was speaking the truth, it was hard to tell.

"Old antics? What old antics?" He looked like he didn't have a clue what Mariko was talking about, and his reaction would have done Shin proud. But he soon went onto the next complaint.

"Forgive me but I've almost died four times now and three of those where the result of me sticking my neck out for royalty, and sadly each of them had something to do with Oda." He wasn't lying either. "Now you're taking me to a queen you say might know something about Oda. Forgive me for being a little apprehensive, but every time I'm in trouble it's either royalty, Oda, or woman; and lately it's been all three together."

He realized then that he was talking so much so he didn't notice how quiet his mind was without Tomoko in it. "I miss her. Ah, fuck."

"Hehe. It must be fate Zura, barring the things related to Oda," Kiyoko joked. "I assure you Zura, as long as you don't get on my sister's bad side, nothing bad won't happen. And if it does? Well, I'm make sure she takes it easy on you."

"You should just marry Tomoko already." Mariko said underneath her breath.

"I heard that sister!" Itazura exclaimed. "I wonder how your crush is faring? Why haven't you married him, eh?" He said, too loudly.

"But... fate? I've never put much stock in fate, Kiyoko." This turn of conversation seemed to sadden him. He refused to believe fate had anything to do with his adventures because if it did then it meant Serena was fated to die no matter what he done, and worse it was him who brought her from her home.

"Give me a strong blade and a solid group and I'll shatter fate." The last, however, was spoken to no-one in particular.

Mariko eyed Itazura with a threatening gaze but then she suddenly pursed her lips and puffed out her cheeks. "I'll marry that man after you marry your woman first. Besides, I am a woman of the Kori Family. There is a number of potential suitors out there for me. But for you? Zilch." Mariko finished teasingly.

"But fate is always destined to change." Kiyoko responded. "If I did not choose to leave Eden, I would not have met my husband. When you look at it that way, fate is meant to be changed. Of course, some things may not work out the way you desire but there is always a meaning behind it."

"You make a fair point, Kiyoko. Still... I like to think I control the course of my own life."

He then looked at his sister with a devious grin. "Mariko, my dear sister, you can have all the suitors you wish; because mother gave up a long time ago trying to marry me off to anyone. I pissed her off so much she threatened to disown not only me but uncle Shin as well, because he was tipping me off. I wonder what the old fool's up to?"

It was a testament to Itazura's faith in his uncle. Not for one second did he believe this catastrophe to have ended old Shin Nagakura.

"So... this queen." Itazura said, indulging his old antics yet again. "Is she cunningly deceptive like another queen I know, or resentful of her position, which leads her to run off like a certain princess I know?"

What he really wanted to ask was how attractive she was. "It's one of those things. I've never met an ugly queen." Thankfully he had the sense not to voice that particular thought.

"Hmph." Mariko grunted in response, having nothing else to say to her brother. She nonchalantly walked closer to Kiyoko, ignoring Itazura in the process.

"Out of us five siblings, my sister and I, should I daresay, are the most beautiful. The both of us are certainly not lacking in assets as you might say." Kiyoko remarked with a sly smile, as if she was able to read the young Shinigami's mind.

"Yuu is not resentful of being the Queen. She volunteered for the position herself, even after I said I would do it. But know this. She is not to be trifled with. Despite her youthful appearance and kind demeanor, my sister is several millennia your senior and see's through everything. She is more than meets the eye...I can tell you that."

He was going to get cuffed for this... but he simply couldn't resist. "I take it she's single?" He was right. Mariko hit him. Hard, too. Right below the eye.

"That aside," he said with more face than one would've expected from someone whose cheek was gradually getting more puffy and had just been knocked flat on their ass. "You all sound very impressive. I guess I'll have to start acting a little more mature, though. Either that or Mariko chokes me and I'd rather her not do that again."

"Well, we are more than 900,000 years old." Kiyoko giggled. "...I'm afraid I cannot answer that. It is better to leave it unsaid." Her words started to turn more serious. "Yuu still suffers from wounds of the past. Having only recently waken up, her condition is still relatively unstable and I rather not push it."

"... Agreed." Itazura said, for once looking and sounding serious. "We have to be getting close. Though truth be told... I've got a bad feeling about what we're going to learn. I've been tussling with Oda and his kin for too long now without knowing what I'm dealing with. Though I guess I can admit to being a little scared at the same time."

"There is nothing wrong with being scared," Kiyoko answered. The trio continued to walk for sometime, the sound of their footsteps soon became a rhythmic flow until they reached the end of a cliff. Then Kiyoko stopped. She turned around to face Itazura and Mariko with a smile.

"Behold. The Sanctuary of the Guardians." She exclaimed with outstretched arms. Before them lay a small floating landmass high up in the sky, partially obscured by clouds. Numerous buildings jutted out and water can be seen falling from the sides. Sunlight shone on the landmass, seemingly illuminating it with a reflexive glow.

"But Mistress, how are we supposed to reach it?" Mariko asked.

"Simple. We jump." Kiyoko said with a nonchalant look. And right before their eyes, Kiyoko jumped off the cliff, only to be gradually lifted up by some unknown force towards the Sanctuary.

Mariko had to close Itazura's mouth. He then whistled sharply through his teeth.

"I've seen the sun rising over the peaks of Monte Rosa. I've seen the boundless ocean of Heisekai look like its on fire because of the setting sun. Nothing compares to this." He then leaped forward with a joyful cry! "Mariko! I want one of these!! Now... bring me that horizon." The side of his that revelled in adventure couldn't help but emerge as he was lifted towards the sanctuary.

"I don't see how this can be a surprise to you Aniki," Mariko said with a sigh as she walked off the mountain, only to be lifted up like her brother and Kiyoko to the Sanctuary.

Arriving at the entrance, Mariko quietly dusted off the dirt off her clothes. Moving closer towards Kiyoko, Mariko waited for her mistress's direction.

"Come along Itazura and Mariko Kori; we have more walking to do." Kiyoko said, turning her back away from them. "I know this place looks small on the outside, but it definitely looks bigger on the inside."

"This place..." Itazura began to say as he followed after Kiyoko and his sister, "... it's old; very old, Mariko. Full of memory. And power. This is the kind of place that doesn't just surprise you. I haven't felt this inexperienced since before I left the academy." He was obviously a little unnerved by how he felt. Like he didn't quite understand. "I feel like an ant to be honest."

"The Sanctuary holds many memories. It is here where Yuu Hoshiko, Ayane Emiko, Hime Senritsu, and I were borne, as well as many of the Kenmeiotome. It is also the place where many Guardians of Eden met their demise at the hands of their beloved Grandmaster. I called him a friend once. But after the betrayal, I can no longer bear to speak his name, especially within my sister's presence." Kiyoko sadly remarked as they walked down a seemingly endless flight of stairs, into what seemed to be the innermost depths of the Sanctuary.

"Is she talking about Inbouka Magatta? I should have listened a little more closely when Hikaru told me of Eden's past." He thought, irritated, though to the outside world his face never changed.

"That kind of betrayal leaves a scar." Itazura said, thinking of Zenshin and the part he played in Serena's murder. He suddenly felt angry again but at the same time sad, for he mourned the friendship he once had with the older Shinigami. "They say time makes it better... but it doesn't. It doesn't help either when you hear then try and justify their betrayal. Somehow it makes it that much more complete."

He was still bitter regarding Zenshin. At times he saw him as the friend he once knew... and other times he simply wanted to wring the life from him with his own hands. Today was one of the latter.

"Sorry. It's just... this place makes me think, too deeply it seems. It's actually kind of unnerving."

"The Sanctuary is a place of learning and meditation. Even the very atmosphere of the Sanctuary emanates that fact." Kiyoko bluntly replied, stopping in front of a huge stone door. "Ahead of this door is the Inner Sanctum of the Sanctuary, I hope you are ready for what is inside."

He should have been excited. He should have been in awe. Itazura was none of these things. As he followed Kiyoko and Mariko he was all serious silence. Truth be told his mind had wandered again. Maybe it was this place... Or maybe it was the fact Tomoko's mind wasn't in his skull and he could hear his own thoughts clearly? Regardless he found himself thinking of home. If things where as bad as Kiyoko had inferred before then order would need to be restored quickly. Could he do that? Step in and restore order? He'd have to get out of Eden first.

"I'm a creature of the night trained to wield a sword." He thought suddenly. "I'm a Blade veiled in darkness; the first of the Blades of Night's Veil." Yes. That was it. He needed a group of like-minded individuals. "But one thing at a time."

"I'm ready." He answered, but whether or not it was in response to his own thoughts or Kiyoko's statement, was unclear.

Noticing Itazura's body tense up very slightly, a feature that only those closest to him can notice, Mariko took her brother's hand into her own and held it strongly. She looked at him with a warm expression and nodded, as if she agreed with his sentiments.

"So be it," Kiyoko uttered. She placed the palm of her left hand onto the great Stone Door, causing it to slowly light up with an luminous glow. Almost immediately, the ground underneath them started to rumble and the great Stone Door began to slowly open. Mariko peeked through the opening of the Stone Door and saw it brightly lit, unlike the darkened room they stood in.

Once the Stone Door completely opened and settled into place with a resounding thud, Kiyoko motioned for them to enter. One by one, Kiyoko, Itazura, and Mariko walked through the Stone Door and into the Inner Sanctum of the Sanctuary.

The moment Mariko walked into the Inner Sanctum, it became increasingly apparent to her that this place was the true Sanctuary of the Guardians. She smelled the fresh scent of pinewood and vanilla, and off into the distance was the sound of running water. The sound of chirping birds and buzzing cicadas echoed through the air. Wide-eyed at lay before her, Mariko absorbed the full extent of the Inner Sanctum since she may never see it again. Before Mariko was a seemingly endless landscape of trees, brush, and streams.

"It's beautiful," Mariko said, her eyes still wide with awe. "But how can a place like this be in the Sanctuary? It's huge!"

With a giggle, Kiyoko answered. "I told you before. The Sanctuary is bigger on the inside." She finished with a wink, sticking her tongue out at her previous student.

There was no hiding his awe this time. Itazura looked around with big wide eyes. He looked like a kid stuck in a candy store for the first time in his life with all the change and time in the world at his disposal. Birdsong filled his ears, the familiar sound of running water made him think fondly of Horiwari, and the smell that wafted to his nose caused him to think of happier times.

For the first time since he awoke he felt at peace.

"The adventurer in me wants to know how this is possible... but I don't think I'd ever figure it out. This place; the sights, the sound, even the smells. It's incredible." His mischievous side then returned. "The queen doesn't life in a swankier place than this, right? I mean, look at this place! It's friggin' majestic!"

"All of our homes are much more humble than the Inner Sanctum, although, we did use to live here many centuries ago," Kiyoko replied with a smile. "Currently, the Queen is living with me at our Estate until she gets her bearings. But she should be here..." Kiyoko momentarily paused and she briefly observed the landscape. Her eyes lit up and she exclaimed, "Ah! There she is over there!" She finished, pointing her a finger at a distant figure.

Mariko's eyes followed the direction Kiyoko's finger was pointing at. Although she didn't see it before, she saw a seemingly young woman with long light purple hair sitting on a stone bench with a relaxed pose. Unlike most royalty, the young woman simply wore a humble loose fitting white robe and golden jewelry with a centered ribbon. Beside her was a long golden staff, worn but in immaculate condition. As if on queue, the young woman turned, seeing Kiyoko, Mariko, and Itazura. With glistening lime green eyes, the young woman smiled and bade them to come to her side.

"And the trend of gorgeous royalty continues." Itazura muttered beneath his breathe.

As he approached this youthful-looking woman Itazura, perhaps because he was a citizen of Heisekai and he knew Tomoko would have his hide lining the floors if he didn't greet her properly, placed his right arm across his chest and his left horizontally across his back before bowing respectfully. It was the royal greeting of Heisekai; only to be used when meeting foreign rulers or the ruling monarch herself. He never liked this part.

"It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Majesty. My name is Itazura Kori and this is my sister Mariko. Your sister kindly healed our injuries and brought us before you to beg a favour."

He wasn't used to all this flowery-speech and bending-over-backwards to be polite. He was used to telling both Kaede and Tomoko how things stood and weathering their glares and jibes on the chin. Sometimes he weathered a few solid blows as well. But it was obvious to everyone this respectful attitude was already grating on Itazura's nerves.

"Greetings Itazura Kori and Mariko Kori. My name is Yuu Hoshiko, and I hope my sister was not too much of a trouble for you." Yuu replied, glancing at Kiyoko. Kiyoko arched her eyebrows in return and a smirk started to slowly form at the corner of her mouth.

"There are no need for formalities here young Itazura. Please, by all means, speak the way you desire. Don't let my status as Queen scare you, I won't be offended by your manner of speech." Yuu continued, her voice sounded rather soft and melodic.

Itazura slapped his hands together and then began to rub them together, before muttering, "Thank you! But you might regret saying that. One monarch said that to me and she kind of wished she hadn't afterwards, though it may have been my melding with her daughter that pissed her off so much. Whatever though, I'm rambling." He said with a grin. "Your sister explained a few things... such as what happened to Eden. Normally I'd flirt a little with you -- you know, compare you to a summer day and all that jazz, let you relax around me a little -- but there's something I must know. Have you ever heard of a Tenshi by the name of Oda Kōhai? By all accounts he has four brothers and a sister. Kitsui, Ichihara, Nakajima, Kurokawa and Fericul."

"Don't think I can be annoyed by your ramblings so easily young Itazura Kori. I can easily silence you if I so desired, but that is unladylike of me, as my mother would often say." Yuu answered offhandedly. "Forgive me if I became sluggish during our conversation...as my sister should have told you, I have just recently come out of a long slumber. It is taking longer than I expected for all of my functions to return."

Yuu paused momentarily, her mind seemingly elsewhere. Her mouth was slightly agape and it moved, as if Yuu was silently having a conversation with her self. "I...am sorry Itazaru; I have no recollection of an Oda Kōhai living in Eden, nor his four brother. However...I vaguely remember the individual you call Fericul...Oda Kōhai's sister."

"Perhaps I'm letting my impatience get ahead of me." Itazura admitted.

He decided it best not to underestimate this woman. Despite her claims she was every-bit the equal of Kiyoko, and judging by Mariko's reports, she was amazingly powerful. She could likely snuff him out like a candle... "But others have tried." He thought, firming his jaw. "And failed." His roguish demeanour vanished in that instance to be replaced with one of calmness and seriousness.

"I'm afraid when it comes to Fericul I've got nothing but the whispers of whispers to go on." Itazura admitted, though he hated that he hadn't learned more. "An associate of mine would likely know more, though I'm afraid I've no way of contacting him. Or even know if he still lives."

Yuu Hoshiko forced a smile, however, it was one full of gloom and sadness. Ever though she woke up from her slumber, she had no idea of the events that transpired over the centuries, nor the present whereabouts of her daughter. "This...Fericul..you speak of. I knew her long ago, just before the event many have come to know as the Great...Purge." She briefly paused and sighed, the memories of the said event still present in her mind.

"This woman...she was not always known as Fericul. Before assuming the name of Fericul, she was known as Shiawase here in Eden. Shiawase was a companion and friend to many others, I myself included. You see, Shiawase was one of many Tenshi Orphans left after the conclusion of the War in Eden and I took her under my figurative wing. I raised her and I taught her many things. Having known her for so long, I even considered Shiawase to be an adopted daughter of mine."

"But like many good things, it must come to end. Shiawase showed her true colors and betrayed me. Declaring herself to be the daughter of my Fallen Brother, Lucifer, she swore vengeance for his death on me and the Kenmeiotome. And before I knew it, Shiawase attempted to find a taboo artifact known as the Well of Awakenings and destroy Eden with its power. Fortunately, before Shiawase can reach the Well, I cast her into the Void Ocean, never to be seen again. Or so I though.." Yuu finished, pale faced with tears in her eye.

Itazura absorbed the information with more outward calm than inner calm and he cursed himself for a fool. No wonder Oda had trounced him so thoroughly! "The bastards the son of a fucking Tenshi deity! Lucifer himself! By the fucking Spirit King, this is something else."

He was pacing. Once he realized he was he stopped and returned his attention to Yuu, though before he could speak a memory surfaced in his mind. He recalled what Oda had been planning, what Itazura himself had averted sixteen years ago, and his blood ran cold. "It was Oda who ruined Eden, who ruined the realms." He would not, however, mention this yet. He didn't know enough.

"This Fericul recently resurfaced in Kohai Tochi. That's a forgotten realm which, due to an event I know nothing about, had the Dangai bleed into it. Before the Collapse an associate of mine made reference to a recent arrival, extremely powerful, who was seen in the company of Kurokawa." He revealed. "Is it possible this Fericul could be this Shiwase? If she is... then she'll likely come after this Well of Awakenings you spoke of."

"The odds of Fericul being Shiawase are slim but the chance of it being true is is there nontheless. However, how Shiawase managed to survive the Void Oceans outside Eden remain a mystery." Yuu answered, her tone slightly becoming more serious and engaged.

Yuu slowly got up from her bench and quietly made her way to one of the near trees. Placing one of her hands on the treebark, she rubbed it in earnest, causing some of the moss to remain in her palm. It was moist to the touch and it seemingly glistened in the sunlight. "The day will come when Shiawase returns to Eden. In atonement for my mercy and mistake, I will deal with Shiawase, as I should have done many centuries ago." Yuu continued, her words cryptic and knowing.

"Yuu. I will stand beside you. So will Ayane and Hime." Kiyoko added, walking up to Yuu. She placed a firm grip on her elder sister's shoulder and squeezed it.

Itazura walked up towards the same tree and placed his own palm against it, which came away with some of the moisture. He looked to be deep in thought but what he said next surprised even himself.

"I've been a thorn in Oda's side for almost twenty years now." He revealed. "If he's related to this Fericul, then I guess I'm also a thorn in hers, because it was me who stopped Oda's plans sixteen years ago. I also brought it to the attention of Kenji Hiroshi, whose blade beheaded Oda. Fericul will want revenge." His face then contorted with rage. "I can see you're both people of duty and conviction. You've shown me -- a complete stranger -- nothing but patience and kindness. I was like that once; a lifetime ago now, it feels like. I steeped my hands in blood and thus darkened my own soul with vengeance, and it's not something I'd wish on my greatest enemy. I slaughtered a man called Takahara Yasuhiro and I planted his head on a spike for all to see, all because he slighted me in the past by killing a woman I loved."

He touched the tree once more and this time he smiled.

"I'll make you both an offer. I'm already committed to stopping Oda; that hasn't changed. But if we're right and he and Fericul are the children of a Tenshi deity, then I'm afraid I'm little more than an ant rallying against the heavens. But I will stop them. If I do that no more harm need to come to Eden, nor any more pain come to you."

The last of his words were for Yuu alone.

"We only choose to help those who need it," Kiyoko replied to Itazura with a smile. "We may appear strangers to you but you are not strangers to us; my husband has known your family for quite some time, including your cousin and your cousin's friend, Kenji Hiroshi. It is only natural for us to take care of those my husband had deemed friend." Kiyoko briefly paused. "Perhaps someday, Itazura Kori, you may find peace here in Eden, when the days of peace are once again upon us."

Mariko walked up to Kiyoko and Yuu and kneeled before them. "Mistress, forgive me if I speak out of turn, but I too, will stand beside you. I will be there when the time comes, and once peace comes to Eden once agin, I would like to serve as one of your handmaidens."

Letting go of Yuu's shoulders, Kiyoko walked to Mariko and bade her to stand up. "I appreciate the sentiment, but your place is with your brother. He will need you more than ever before. But if you choose so, I will not stop your decision, and I accept it gratefully." Kiyoko finished, hugging the young Shinigami. "Her hair smells nice." Mariko thought to herself. She nodded her head in understanding and stood in silence soon after.

"Itazura, do not let yourself be filled with wrath and vengeance. Enveloping yourself in such things will only bring pain and suffering to those closest to you." Yuu replied, her face grim. "Doing such things in the name for Eden and me, I cannot accept it, not after so much blood had been spilled."

"I regret never having met your husband." Itazura remarked. "Kenji and Kusaka spoke of him highly, and Kusaka rarely speaks of anyone the way he spoke of Kei. Mariko too has told me much of you, Kiyoko. It's the very reason I'm going to do what I claimed... whether you agree with it or not, I'm afraid. I may steep myself in darkness rather than light, but the darkness has no hold on me. My own light may become eclipsed but so long as I have my friends and loved ones at my side, I'll never submit; my light will never fade."

He then drew his Zanpakuto. The blade left the scabbard with a harsh cry and Itazura brought it up so he saw his reflection in the steel. The blade shone as bright as the moisture upon the trees surface.

"Fericul, unknowingly or not, has already struck the first blow. If she's anything at all like the man she claims is her brother then violence and hatred are all Fericul knows, and those emotions aren't so easily beaten. Sometimes it takes something bad to put an end to something worse, and I'm willing to be that for the greater good."

"If that is your choice, so be it. I will not argue with the stubbornness with a Kori." Kiyoko and Yuu replied in unison.

"I pray that the light watch over you, and overpower the darkness that caused the downfall of many men and women." Yuu said, seemingly aware of the darkness that is yet to come.

"We aren't all stubborn!" Itazura protested, sounding very much like he was speaking to his mother. "Only the best of us are." He added, almost as an afterthought, though judging by history he wasn't far wrong. "Is it too late to hope Fericul falls on her own sword and that does for her? Heh. Didn't think so. This is gonna be a wild ride. Any chance you've any advice to ease the bumps in the road?"

"The only Kori who isn't stubborn is Mariko." Kiyoko chimed with a devilish smile.

"I am unsure if there is any advice that I or Kiyoko could provide you. The only thing I can offer to you is knowledge, but will that be enough for you?"

Itazura could've risen to the comment about his sister not being stubborn but that would only result in him feeling capacious amounts of pain, so he let it go. "She just does a better job of hiding it is all." He thought.

"Knowledge, in the right hands, is as powerful as any skill and as sharp as any blade. It just depends on how you wield it. So yeah, knowledge would be very welcome, whatever you can share."

As if she read Itazura's mind, Mariko looked over at her brother and smirked at him, silently mocking him while graciously accepting Kiyoko's praise.

"We do not where to start, so if you be so kind, ask us and we'll try to answer your questions to the best of our abilities." Yuu said, making her way to the bench and sitting down. Kiyoko followed her sister's movements and sat down beside her.

"I'll only be fit to stop Fericul if I know what she's capable of. I've tangled with Oda... after a fashion, but even Kenji and Kusaka didn't know the full depths of Oda' abilities. I'm sure they'd say the same of Fericul." If he knew a soft-spot he could exploit it. "To be honest though... Oda uses what Hikaru -- he's a Tenshi friend of mine -- calls Wisdom. He never taught me how to counter it though. If I knew that, in addition to a couple of facts about Fericul and her supposed inlaws, I could form a plan of some sort."

"There is no true way to counter Wisdom; Wisdom is an always changing and present energy that protects its host. Only powerful beings such as Kei Yume and Kenji Hiroshi can hope to match the fearsome power Shiawase wields. However, Wisdom wielders can possibly match her, provided that they are also powerful and trained." Yuu answered, her tone thoughtful yet serious. She quickly glanced at them, using those few precious seconds to observe Itazura and Mariko. Although Kiyoko unquestioningly trusted the two Shinigami almost immediately, Yuu was not so quick to trust, not after what happened so many years before. She then turned her gaze to Kiyoko. Unknown to Itazura and Mariko, the two Kenmeiotome Royalty were holding a silent conversation with each other.

"Kiyoko, do you truly wish to help these young Shinigami?"

"I am Yuu. They can be trusted; I have gazed deep down into their hearts and I only see the light within. We must help them. Even if we have to resort to that."

"Surely you mustn't be referring to the Well. It's preposterous to suggest such a thing, even when mother specifically told us not to."

"Mother said not to use it in times of war unless the situation called for it. Don't you think that this is one of those situations? Shiawase has returned, we must prepare for her return."

"We are not sure if its Shiawase; it can be merely an impost-"

The conversation was cut short when Mariko spoke up. "Mistress, if you do not wish to disclose information to us. I understand; we are strangers in this land and there are secrets that must remain as secret."

Itazura, in the meantime, was swept up in his own thoughts. He couldn't help but think how empty his mind felt; he was so used to Tomoko's voice in his skull that he had begun to take her advice and observations for granted. He thought also of his parents. "Are you both alive out there... or where you both caught up in this catastrophe? When I get back to the Seireitie -- if I get back -- will I have to bury my mother and father?"

He reached for his sister's hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze, causing her to look at him strangely. He lot go.

"What about Fuji, Hiei and Shiro? Are my mentors dead? No, no! Stop this!" He screamed inside his head. "I should focus on what I can change and not what I can't do. I'm here and they're not." It didn't work. Instead he returned his attention to Yuu and Kiyoko.

"Kei and Kenji... Those are big names to be comparing anyone to." He said, trying to force himself to stop thinking. "I've seen Kenji cut loose. I've seen the results of him truly letting go of his restraints. When he went to confront the man who'd been impersonating him he cut a rend into the sea and land of Heisekai that was miles in length and in width! Can power like that be beaten?" His look was one of general questioning. "Allow me to answer. Certainly... if you know how it works. It's scary and frightening when it's thrown at you and you don't understand how to stop it. But knowledge is power. For example: Kusaka's Reīssen can compete with anything Kenji can produce, yet I'm able to counter and repulse that Reīssen at its strongest. How? Because I know how it works. My point is this: teach me how to compete with Wisdom, whatever is needed, and I'll work out how to beat Fericul and Oda."

He certainly wasn't lacking in confidence... but then Itazura had always been at his best when faced with a puzzle and a quick solution was needed. He just seemed to do it quicker and better when thousands of lives relied upon the correct answer.

"There may be others but Kei and Kenji are the only ones we know. However, I do not where they are after the Collapse. They may be dead..." Kiyoko hesitated when she mentioned their possible demise, fearing that such a fate may had befallen her husband.

"Such knowledge we have is considered forbidden and taboo by our kind. Only us, The Five Maidens possess the forbidden secrets of our race, and even we fear its use. And to share such knowledge to an outsider such as yourself, young Itazura Kori, is merely unthinkable." Yuu interjected.

"What choice do we have Yuu? Itazura and Mariko are our allies. They may be even our only allies! Who know what utter devastation the Collapse has wrought on Soul Society and Heisekai! To falter now will be meaningless if Shiawase returns and has her revenge on us and Eden. The Guardians are too few in number to effectively render aid, and you know the Tenshi never recovered from the purge. Because of this, we must accept Zura's offer." Kiyoko countered, her tone serious if a little bit overdramatic. However, her argument was correct in all parts.

"If Zura ever fell from grace, I am prepared to face the consequences of my actions and atone for them, as you did for Inbouka and Shiawase many years ago."

Taken aback by Kiyoko's words, Yuu was unable to create a counterargument and merely remained silent for several seconds. Her gaze darkened and it became downcast. "If that is your choice sister, I cannot argue against it. You always had a penchant to convince me to do anything, you know that?" Yuu replied, accepting her verbal defeat.

Kiyoko smiled and lightly patted Yuu on the head. "Despite being the oldest, I'm always hear to take care of you. Heh." She then turned her attention to Itazura and Mariko, who were somewhat lost between the sibling's tirade but still listened to their conversation thoughtfully.

"So it is decided. We will share the Kenmeitome's secret that only a chosen few are allowed to know."

Itazura, knowing it best to keep silent as Kiyoko and Yuu spoke amongst themselves, followed the thread of the conversation until it reached its conclusion. At this point he was nodding his head, but internally he was vowing not to disappoint Kiyoko. "This woman's placing her faith in me because she knows of my cousin and has met my sister. I won't disappoint her! I will not."

He walked forward.

"I realize this isn't something you'd do in ordinary circumstances. I also see you haven't arrived at this conclusion easily. I'll promise you here and now: I might not always be perfect, but I won't turn against anyone who place their trust in me, especially woman. And Mariko is incorruptible from the start." He decided it best to leave out the fact he had recently fought against her because she had been corrupted by the enemy. "She'll keep me on the straight and narrow."

"I am most worried about you." Yuu said, her eyes gazing deep within Itazura's heart.

Letting Yuu's cryptic words settle, Kiyoko attempted to change the flow of the conversation. "Nonetheless, you will receive the aid of Eden in your endeavors. However, we will render aid when we choose so. And for the time being, we will open the portal to Soul Society, despite it being against our mother's wishes."

Itazura was about to say that was fine with him but the moment he begun to speak he was silenced by a shining light just over his right shoulder. As he instinctively shielded his eyes with his left arm he drew his Zanpakutō with his right. "Who the- Wait a minute! This spiritual energy...! That's Kentaro!"

"Yeesh!" A masculine voice called out. "That was some wild ride! I think my ribs are broken."

"Which ones?" Another male voice called.

"All of them, I think." the first replied. "Uh... Ken? We've got company."

Itazura edged forward somewhat reservedly. He didn't really know what to make of this. Eden was supposed to be sealed off from the other realms... and last he knew Kentaro was in Horiwari during what Kiyyoko had called the Collapse. Yet here he was before him. "Curious."

"You are Kentaro... right? But whose that with you?"

The big black-haired man who stepped forward bore a remarkable resemblance to Kenji Hiroshi; they looked so alike that Itazura thought it actually was Kenji.

"Me? I'm Kaien Shiba."

"And I'm Kentaro Shiba and I'm afraid we're in Eden. Could you kindly open the world boundary and we'll be on our way?"

"The fuck!?" Itazura thought, quite speechless.

"Oh my, more guests?" Kiyoko said nonchalantly. There was no hint of a surprise in her voice nor was she taken aback by the sudden appearance of two strangers in the Sanctuary's Inner Sanctum. "I wish I was notified about this, otherwise, I would have brewed some tea in the interim."

Without a word, Yuu stood up and proceeded to walk over to the Shinigami called Kentaro Shiba. Before he could react, the woman silenced the young man and gently placed the palm of her hands on his sides. Almost immediately, the glowing green aura started to emanate from her hands, followed by a soft gentle hum. "Let me heal you." She said plainly. "I won't take no for an answer."

Mariko scratched her head, seemingly confused about the recent turn of events. "Uh....Are we supposed to know you?" She asked, her brow furrowed.

"That isn't necessary... but thank you, all the same."

As Kentaro answered he took his hand away from the hilt of his Zanpakutō. Kaien seemed to relax at this motion too for he slumped down onto the ground and produced a long exhale of breathe, followed then by him kicking his feet out and lying down to rest. He said something about missing his afternoon nap.

"... Where'd you get those wounds?" Itazura asked, obviously on-edge. He had his hand on the hilt of his Zanpakutō and the blade half-drawn.

Now that he mentioned it Kentaro and Kaien both possessed horrendous injuries! Kentaro's left sleeve was blowing freely in the wind and blood soaked the sleeve. His arm was missing from below his left elbow, his chest was a mass of lacerations and several cuts on his forehead where flowing freely. Kaien was in much the same shape. He still possessed all of his limbs but he was a mess of cuts, bruises and half-dried blood. No wonder Yuu had been so quick to offer healing.

"I don't know." Kaien answered, chewing on a piece of grass. "It's possible you simply haven't heard of me. Or I could be dead. Who knows?" He shrugged his shoulders as if his comment was the most natural thing in the world. "World jumping can be tricky."

"He means we aren't natives to this world... or time." Kentaro continued on. "But that isn't important. Kaien and I getting out of Eden is." He then looked around. "This is Eden, right?"

"No. This is Hell." Mariko retorted.

"Huh. I thought Hell would be warmer." Kaien retorted with a somewhat twitching eye. Itazura shot him a glare.

"We'll be out of your hair if you only send us on our way." Kentaro said, somewhat seriously. "Kaien and I have survived far worse than this."

Itazura, however, kept his silence. He glanced quickly at Kiyoko, hoping she'd understand what he was thinking. "This isn't the Kentaro I grew up with. Can we trust them?"

"Ohohoho. Expecting a lady to let you leave after barging into her personal quarters is quite rude. Please, explain to me why you're here." Kiyoko replied with a raised eyebrow.

"It may not be important to you. But it is important to us," Yuu said, looking at the young man before her. While her look was originally that of indifference, her eyes were now focused, and her eyebrows were slightly twitching.

"Oh dear. Depending on their next answers, this might not turn out too well." Kiyoko thought to herself, feigning a perplexed expression.

In an instant, Mariko was besides Itazura. She tugged at the remnants of his clothing, catching her brother's attention. "Aniki. What should we do?"

Itazura regarded his sister coolly before finally shrugging his shoulders. He was either being too cautious and they'd all laugh about this later... or he was right to be suspicious, and he wouldn't be caught out. Itazura went with the latter notion. He grabbed the so-called Kentaro by his shirts neck and hauled him away from Yuu's healing palms, before then throwing him rather brusquely towards the man who referred to himself as Kaien.

"What the hell, Zura!?" Kentaro exclaimed.

By doing what he did Itazura ensured any attack would need to pass through him first. He drew his Zanpakutō and released it into Shikai. The familiar white armour settled about his frame and from his left hand sprouted razor-sharp claws, which he levelled at Kentaro's head.

"Explan yourself. Now!" Itazura declared. "I've heard stories about Kaien Shiba from his cousin, Kenji. Some of them certainly had an air of exaggeration about them but they all agreed on one concrete fact: Kaien Shiba is dead. Has been for centuries in fact. I used to visit his grave." Kaien's features betrayed the slightest degree of surprise before he smoothed them over and he was calmness once more.

"And you!" He pointed his clawed fingers at the man claiming to be Kentaro. "Kentaro has red eyes regardless of whether or not he exerts spiritual pressure; even when he Hollowfy's his eye-colour doesn't change. Your eyes are brown... and you're older, for by. So start speaking... or I start slashing."

Kentaro, however, merely began chuckling. It didn't seem like the explanation Itazura wanted so badly was going to happen yet...

Yuu sighed with indignation and resumed her seat at the stone bench. She raised her head and her eyes met with Kiyoko's, whom also followed her to the bench. "Please, do continue with your antics. We will sit and watch."

"You always where pig-headed." Kentaro remarked, as he shrugged his shoulders. "Very well... I won't bother calling your bluff. You'll have your explanation."

"You're sure, Ken?" Kaien remarked.

"I am. We need them to trust us." Kentaro answered. He then looked towards the assembled group. "Do you recall -- or know of -- the Tower of Night incident?"

"... Yes, I read Kenji's report." Itazura admitted.

"Good. Then you know travel between alternate worlds is possible, and also that those worlds are potentially different from the one you know. Kaien and I hail from one such world; one laid to waste not only by the Collapse, but also by Averian's invasion. His Hollow army swept through our world like a plague of hungry locusts, destroying everything in their path. Kaien and I where the only two who survived the final, desperate battle in our world; you'll note our injuries. My mentor, Garian Shinjo, used the Kyūtai he possessed to send us elsewhere. That elsewhere just happened to be here." He then sighed. "So there. You have your explanation as to our identities. I suppose the explanation for our intentions is needed as well."

"We're here to stop all that." Kaien interrupted, returning to his feet and assuming his full-height. "Sorry, Ken, but you where beatin' 'bout the bush somethin' fierce. To cut a long story short we need to get outta Eden. The people we need to warn aren't here."

"I see. Mother did speak of the Other Worlds, but the odds of people actually crossing over to our reality is extremely slim." Yuu said under breath, although she took the information in with skepticism.

"Then you are aware of who I am? And my sister?" Kiyoko asked, questioning Kentaro. "I assume the Other World had our counterparts as well? Or was Kami-sama and her kind a mere abnormality?"

"Slim, true. Yet how else can you explain away two individuals -- one whose supposedly been dead for centuries and the other who was in Horiwari when the so-called shit hit the fan -- appearing before you in a flash of light? As we all know Eden was closed off from the other realms after the Collapse. The only way through that I knew of in my world was use of the Kyūtai."

"They're ancient just like your Kami-sama." Kaien interjected. "Ancient power can be circumvented by something equally as ancient."

"... I hate to admit it but he's right about Kentaro's whereabouts." Itazura admitted. "He's also right about the Kyūtai; Garian possesses one, and knew the locations of all the others. Kenji used the Kyūtai to travel between multiple alternate worlds on a number of occasions. He found that things weren't all that different from our own worlds, with a few minor changes. Kenji found an alternate version of himself that was a Gwyllgi-hybrid."

"While that may be true for you, that does not answer our questions that we had brought up." Kiyoko reiterated.

"We are far older than the Kyutai; we predate the Shinigami." Yuu added. "Someone, or something may had added additional power or influence to the Kyutai to allow it to break through."

"You predate the Kyūtai, true, but not the 'true Kyūtai. Six where forged by Garian -- a Shinigami, and the term was attached to those he forged." Kentaro replied. "He discovered Sasaeru; which, according to Garian, has been around since the dawn of time." Kentaro then sighed. "As to why Kaien and I came through to Eden, to here specifically... I guess you'd have to ask the Garian of my world that. He cast the spell. So I'm afraid that's as much of an explanation as I can provide, I'm afraid."

"That's the broken-down bones of it." Kaien remarked. "We aren't your enemies. If we where we would have cut through Itazura for his display earlier, and I think he knows that himself."

"... You'd have tried." Itazura muttered, all but proving what Kaien stated.

"So that's how things stand." Kentaro said. "Now, where do we stand?"

"You still do not have our trust; for you have only answered one of our questions. The other still stands." Kiyoko adamantly said. "You, of all people, should be aware that trust is a valuable commodity here in Eden. We do not hand it out so willfully anymore. Not after that."

"If you truly are an ally, then what was the relationship between your father and Kei Yume? I assume the Other World mirrored our Current World up to a specific point in the timeline before it diverged. And if no individual named Kei Yume existed in your world, then who are we?" Kiyoko finished, moving her hand to indicate her and Yuu.

Yuu took in Kentaro's statement with a bemused look. "I am aware of the false Kyutai. However, only the true Kyutai can surpass our power. But. It cannot surpass Mother, since she too, was present during that period. Of course, the supposed origins of the true Kyutai is merely based on pure speculation." She countered.

"There was a Kei Yume in my world. He was a good man, by all accounts." Kentaro admitted. "My father knew him well but both perished during what we called the Collapse, leaving me to bury their bones and carry on their legacy. Great job I did." He added, saddened.

"Our world may be lost but this one isn't." Kaien reminded, not unkindly.

"Forgive me, but I've answered to the best of my ability. I don't know how or why Garian sent us here specifically; he was desperate, pulling at straws. All I know is that he used the original Kyūtai to bypass the world boundary and Eden's own boundary in the process. We barged in true but it's not like we where ever in control of our trajectory, and I've told you why we're here: to warn the powers-that-be in this world about Averian's attack."

Itazura, however, was struggling to find fault with what these two where claiming. He knew other worlds different from the one he knew existed. He also knew the story behind the Kyūtai and what they where capable of. "They aren't lying. Even with their injuries they're both calm, cool. If they where lying they'd be on-edge." He didn't know why he said what he did next.

"... I think we can trust them. Enough to let them leave Eden, at any rate."

Kiyoko sighed, and waved them off, having no more interest. Despite being calm, polite, and the utmost lady-like, there is still a lax and somewhat prudish woman underneath. "Since you are willing to vouch for them Zura, I will let this trespass go. However, they are under your supervision, so if anything happens, it will be on your head. Understand?" She said to Itazura, staunchly waving her finger at the Shinigami.

Yuu quietly stood up and looked at the two who claimed themselves to be Kaien and Kentaro. "We will let you out of Eden, but you will leave with Itazura and Mariko. Additionally, you will not be bestowed with the Mark, so if you desire to return to Eden, you must come with either Itazura and Mariko." Yuu said, respectfully bowing to them. "I apologize if we appear unwilling to listen. But our hesitance is justified."

"You don't have to worry about that." Kaien remarked. "Our mission lies elsewhere." He, like Kiyoko, distanced himself at that point. He returned to his former position on the ground, seemingly at peace.

"I can accept those terms." Kentaro said, glancing at Kaien. "Forgive him. He's had a rough couple of days."

"Or years!" Kaien called back.

"Yeah, yeah. We've all had it rough." Itazura chimed in. "But now we can get on with things. Mariko and I will take you to the Soul Society and then we'll be about our own business. After we gather some information and clarify some things, we'll come back with our findings." He looked at Yuu and Kiyoko. "That sound like a plan?"

"If that is what you wish." Kiyoko replied, bowing her head.

"It seems for the best right now. These two-" Itazura glanced towards Kentaro and Kaien, "-have thrown us a curved-ball. It's best we leave as soon as possible."

"While our time was short, I do appreciate the company." Kiyoko replied with a smile. "Although Mother told us to not open the Portals, I will make an exception. Just this one time though."

"My sister seems so keen on rebelling. Hehe." Yuu said with a bemused laugh. "But let us not waste anymore time." The Kenmeiotome finished, making her way opposite of Kiyoko.

"With two out of the Five Maidens here, we'll be able to reopen the Portal. But we can only keep it open for a minute. So it is best if you hurry through if you don't want to get stuck here." Kiyoko said. She started to speak in an alien language foreign to all the Shinigami.

"Are you ready?" Yuu asked, directly looking at Itazura and Mariko.

"As ready as I'll ever be." Itazura remarked, with a backwards glance. "I'll hopefully be back soon with some info. Heavens know we need some good news."

With his piece said he took up position flanking his sister, with Kentaro and Kaien standing off to the side.

"We'll change things this time... wont we?" Kentaro whispered, leading Kaien to grasp his shoulder.

"Then...young Shinigami, I wish you the best of luck in your endeavors." Yuu uttered. Just then, Kiyoko voice grew louder, indicating the climax of her indication.

The ground beneath them started to tremble, and the simulated sky above them darkened. The sound of running water stopped, and the birds quieted down, until all that could be heard was the trembling. Kiyoko outstretched her arms in a vertical fashion and in front of her, a portal was formed from the very air, as if the Wise Maiden had molded into existence. Yuu hurried to the opposite of her sister and stretched her hands out to the portal.

"Hurry! You won't have much time before the Portal closes." Kiyoko and Yuu said in unison. Withou Mother's permission, Eden will actively try to close the Portal!"

It was a testament to Itazura's character but no one was really surprised by what he did next. Even Kentaro, who hailed from a different world completely, merely chuckled. Itazura zipped between Kiyoko and Yuu and pecked each on the cheek before then leaping towards the vanishing bodies of his companions.

"I'll be out on the front-line from now on... but don't worry, I'll be fine. This story is just beginning!"

His body vanished into the portal...

"To lay his hands on a married woman, how dare he!" Kiyoko cried out, her face flushed. "That young man will get a scolding when he comes back!"

"Oh my." Yuu said, touching her cheek. "The advantages of youth."

Before Mariko entered the Portal, she faced the two Wise Maidens. "I apologize for Itazura's stupidity." She said, owing to them in repect. "I will take my leave." Mariko finished, smiling at both Yuu and Kiyoko before she disappeared into the swirling mass of white.

End.