The Cauldron of Black: The Tip of the Spear

"Abandon. Obey. Die."
He stood outside the "entrance" of the Deep Cover Ops's HQ, his reflection on the walls perfectly showing off a solemn and bitter expression. His black hair hung loosely past his shoulders, further emphasizing his mood. He stared for what seemed like an eternity at himself, afraid to go past that boundary. It was a feeling he wasn't used to - the feeling of being a stranger of what might as well have been his home. It was only recent developments that had come to change this, developments that reminded him of who he really was. He had allowed himself to forget this, that the shelter and peace of mind simply wasn't meant to be. It wasn't because of his teammates, far from it. He cared about every single one of them - even the hotheaded Takashi who had come to resent him. This was because of events outside of his control, events that occurred long before that fateful day in Yūrei. It was only now that the past had come back to bite him and drag him along to this particular fate.

It would be soon that his true "allegiance" would be revealed. It may not be the moment he stepped foot into the HQ. But once Arael had his plans going underway, it would be exposed. He could guarantee that much; no spy could remain hidden for long against the eyes of the Soul Society. Once it happened, he would have to discard everything. Every bond he made and the life he had built for himself would have to be sacrificed. In exchange was the presence of sin, a second betrayal that was sure to harden everyone's hearts against him forever. But he knew that if he didn't do this, it would all end in tragedy for him. It was better for everyone to hate him than--

He shook his head, taking in a breath and doing his best to shake himself out of his funk. It wasn't the time to dwell. If he wanted this to happen, he had to stop moping. He had to do it, take the first steps and play the actor until it was time to leave the stage. He would pretend, and when the time came, he would drop his facade. It was of the absolute necessity that no weakness was revealed, otherwise everything would be compromised. Arael was never happy about avoidable failures, after all.

With his composure taken in, he stepped forward to enter.