(交友)Kouyuu

Villetta sat within her Condominium, awaiting Tomoe Nakajima. The only Alkahestrist that she knew...alive at least. She had accumulated quite the mass of information, however, it seemed she needed an outside view to rationalize her own mind. She looked around the condo, and wondered if this place was too much to bring Tomoe into. She was Second-in-command, but still this seemed like she was flaunting that fact.

The Living Room
She was given this fully remodeled, spacious, one bedroom unit in the prestigious area of Minami Azabu. The previous owner purchased the penthouse unit brand new, and spent 18 months renovating it to the masterpiece it is now. She had a hand-painted original piece by Hiroshi Senju hanging on her back wall, just behind her 14 foot custom designed Ceccotti Collezioni couch. Most of the furniture in her home was custom designed by him, as well as italian imported stone and wood used for many of the walls, flooring, and doors.

The front wall held a small rectangular fireplace, but no television was readily found anywhere. Should she desire, Villetta need only press a button on her remote control and projector would fall from her ceiling just before the painting and project onto the screen that falls just in front of the fireplace. The Ryotei Style dining room is designed specifically for dinner parties where a chef can serve the guests directly from the gourmet kitchen. There is also a separate casual dining room with the Parisian-style terrace overlooking the peaceful Arisugawa Park. The bright and cheerful eat-in kitchen is fitted with all La Cornue appliances.

The bedroom boasts an extensively fitted walk-in closet space and an extremely luxurious bathroom with a hot tub and a 60 inch television. Also, from the entrance down the long hallway, the walls open up as a massive shoe storage unit that holds up to 150 pairs of shoes, 30 different armaments, and 20 different styles of swords and knives.

She currently sat at the table of her dining room. Hundreds of pages of paper, scrolls, and books littered the counter-top. She had no choice as no other room held the capacity to accumulate all her findings in one area. She looked up as her housemaid placed a chai latte before her, and then quickly move back into the kitchen. She took a sip from the mug, and then glanced over her findings from her excursion through Xing. It seemed the clans were not as united as one would think, even having had to promise her power to help the clans rise to the seat of power. A false claim, but a claim nonetheless needed to get what she needed. Politics bored her to tears. Research, experimentation, killing, and doughnuts remained her only true interests. Such as...what did they do with the hole in doughnuts? Were they really used to make doughnut holes? A titillating thought, but it deviated from the task at hand.

Minami Azabu, one of the official districts of Azabu. The name itself rang well within the Aerugese vixen ear drums upon hearing this certain famous name from her Rouenian superior, and certainly more when acknowledging the very fact that there the Shateigashira lived. The whole area is known as Edo's most expensive upscale residential district; many artists, business people, and celebrities reside there. Definitely, Nel was quite the celebrity within the yakuza, known for being dangerous and deadly. Strangely, Tomoe found herself invited over to her -in a way of speaking- Oneesan's den. She was not given the reason behind this invitation, it was just 'come here at the specific time'. And just before that specific time by ten minutes, Tomoe was exiting her favorite method of transportation, a nearby subway station..

From there, a small walk was all what was needed to reach her destination besides her cellphone GPS guiding her, the lady in black and white was on time clicking on the intercom to grant herself a permit of passage to the building's very luxurious entrance. Of course, the woman of ivory clad in all of ebony came unarmed as a sign of respect to her host. Once in, she would find her way the elevating tin inside, to serve as a temporary guidance towards the apartment's floor.

Tomoe's silent footsteps accompanied her to the door that would lead her to the dangerous host and the unknown. She felt the shivers down to her spine trying to contemplate, why she was brought there to begin with? A terrifying thought, but it didn't deviate from the task at hand.

And the door was open..

Villetta moved off her seat, as soon as Tomoe's first step on her floor. She made her way to the door, and unlocked it. She opened it slightly to allow her swift entry. "Arisa, please prepare some tea for my guest." An older woman about twenty-nine in age, came out dressed in normal clothes, Villetta didn't like the visage of a maid's outfit. Arisa bowed and then headed back into the kitchen. As soon as Tomoe entered the room the young red-eyed blonde girl would look to her and beckon her inside.

"No doubt you are wondering about why I have asked you here of all places. To put it bluntly, I'd like to know how it is you came to utilize Alkahestry, but more so than that I'd like to know about you as a whole Nakajima Tomoe. Oh and do have a seat. I won't bite...hard." Villetta explained in a light tone.

Villetta jumped up into the seat and moved some of her notes and finding out from in front of a chair. Proper space was needed otherwise it presented a disorganized look. Ville was not exactly hoping to hear all about her life, but the specifics that brought her towards Alkahestry and the Yakuza as well. Not that she would rush Tomoe through it, stories often were more intriguing than the story teller let on.

So, the lady in black and white found herself within the reign of the sovereign, the sovereign of plague and pestilence. Yet, the Rouenian lady was in her infant form, the same one ordered to bring a warm drink for the newcomer that is Tomoe. The modern maid went away to perform her task of tea brewing. Regardless, If chic had been a person, then the hyoudai would have met him there. There was that scent of that beautiful woman called 'elegance' lingering everywhere in the air.

The Aerugese vixen followed the lady who looked like a blond young girl who invited the former with a 'come in' nod. And the moment of enlightenment in turn came true. Tomoe by then knew why she was there in the first place, the question that eluded here for quite a while.

Quite surprised, Tomoe was. She took a seat in front of her superior's while contemplating how she did know about Tomoe's alkahestric abilites. The lady in black and white was extremely cautious like a kitsune not to show the slightest details of her genjutsu, her main ability since it didn't bloom and reach it's full potential yet. But yes, Tomoe is mainly a mental simulation alkahestrist. She was going to go into details but first, Nel-sama wanted to know about Nakajima tomoe..

Certainly it was a tricky question for Tomoe to answer since Tomoe herself is not Tomoe, her real name is Shin Ai and a daughter to high ranking member of one of the two toughest and over-zealous yakuza in Okinawa and her current personae is a false identity. Such information is a secret that not permitted to be leaked out. Lest her father catch a word about his lost daughter and it would be the end of it.

So, she would answer honestly however without mentioning anything about her old real past. Well, I was a member of the patriotic society which was a yakuza as well until it got merged with the yamaguchi-gumi. I am a yakuza who doesn't act mostly like one. True. Tomoe didn't act like one at all in the eyes of normal people. But before she would answer her Shateigashira's inquiry. She wanted to know how Nel-sama became the waka second in command.

But, I am an Aerugese. So becoming a yakuza is quite the possibility. What intrigues me the most is why this fair Rouenian disguised woman sitting in front my eyes became a yakuza and become the Shateigashira as well. it was not weird for the non-Aerugese to join the yamaguchi-gumi since it works on international scale, what was a bit of strange that a high command position to be held by a foreigner and what is her true relationship with Mako? Quite eluding matter.

Tomoe would hear out the shateigashira if the latter wanted to shed some light on it. However, The lady in black and white would eventually answer the question given to her. Alkahestry is always one of my prime concerns, My objective is to neutralize my targets without using physical force. In the same time, it would be untraceable leaving no evidence behind pointing at me. this how Tomoe explained her approach for the mentioned technique, that approach would make her life a lot more easier as a yakuza member.

So it was up to Lady Villetta by then to direct the conversation wherever she wanted, when she wanted and Tomoe would reply accordingly as she hoped her superior's 'light' bite wouldn't be deadly.

"Well, I was a member of the patriotic society which was a yakuza as well until it got merged with the yamaguchi-gumi. I am a yakuza who doesn't act mostly like one." She was avoiding the question, but quite tactfully. Impressive, but why? No sense pushing a dead issue, if she didn't wish to discuss it then there was no need in pressing the information out of her. Lies only bred mistrust, and perhaps one day she might be able to be honest with Villetta...or vice-versa. However the next question only lit a smile to her lips. However, her perception was a bit off. "But, I am an Aerugese. So becoming a yakuza is quite the possibility. What intrigues me the most is why this fair Rouenian disguised woman sitting in front my eyes became a yakuza and become the Shateigashira as well."

Disguised? She was not disguised, but her people had been eradicated since the war. How should she approach this? Too much information and she would divulge her secret, but too little would beg more questions. Perhaps a fine mix of both truth and half-truth was needed. "I am full-blooded Rouenian, my lineage is quite pure. As for my induction into the Yakuza, that story is quite long winded and quite boring. But as you asked it no doubt plagues your mind to see a little girl sitting two steps beneath the seat of power that is the Yakuza you serve. To put things bluntly, I pulled our dear Makato out of the oven one fateful evening on my way home. Apparantly, his subordinates did a shit job during this extortion bid, which allowed the company to hire some armed security. Foreign milita. Big guns. You get the picture, right? Anyway, the shoot out is going on the streets in panick and I see Makato behind a big desk taking cover as the security's backup arrives with fully-automatic weapons. One thing leads to another, I massacre the entire force, which scares the CEO into cooperating with him, which then led to me getting put in the Yakuza. However, the functions of my abilities allow me to undertake tasks no one else can readily accept, therefore my ranking was elevated to his right-hand woman...so to speak." She didn't quite like the idea of Maki having women, but he was not hers...not in the least. In fact, she wondered if he even still thought about that night romp they had way back when. Perhaps she need to reinvest his interest and keep it. But then her childish disguise would have to be eliminated. To be honest, her hair wasn't even blonde, nor were her eyes red. It was simply the preference that she liked, using her Alchemy to manipulate the light rebounding off her.

As she finished, Tomoe finally revealed the piece of the puzzle, but not quite what she was asking. "Alkahestry is always one of my prime concerns, My objective is to neutralize my targets without using physical force. In the same time, it would be untraceable leaving no evidence behind pointing at me." Villetta slid notepad toward Tomoe. The top labeled 'Mental Alkahestry.' Villetta sipped her chai latte which was beginning to cool down. "I'm not particularly interested in your specific art. The only reason I asked is because your Qi is different to that of an Alchemist. Alkahestrists and Alchemists have vastly different Qi, this is in the nature of our different crafts. Which is how I came to find out that you indeed practice it, at least to some extent. What I was really asking was how it was you came to know and practice Alkahestry." Villetta took a sip of her Latte one more time before setting the cup down and looking to Tomoe with mild seriousness. "I learned it from my parents, passed down through them to me, and from their I've expanded on it. Life has shaped my Alkahestry. The brutal and savage nature. My Alkahestry isn't meant to save lives, it's meant to take them before they can take mine." She looked away, skimming over what the King of Xing had told her about some 'Garden.' It had long been proven that Alchemy came in the form of a gate which all humans were born with, however, Alkahestry comes from the Earth...the life force of the planet we inhabit. Was it truly possible that an Alkahestric Gate was the source of all their craft? Or simply the folklore of a dying race? Then again...folklore always had some basis in truth...fuck. The whole thing was becoming one big riddle and she was missing way too many pieces to make it make sense. Arisa moved from the kitchen door approached the counter and set down the tea before Tomoe. "Herbal Green Tea, I hope this is fine, Ma'am. Can I get you anything else? A tart or parfait?" Arisa asked politely.

So the lady in disguise protected Waka-sama from an impending death, such a grand debut indeed. She mentioned her abilities that Tomoe's black pearl saw in action before still it didn't show most of it's true strength though. Regardless, that's how Nel-sama met with waka-sama and that how the pure blooded Rouenian ended up to be his second-in-command and of course, to gain such a position, a lot of trust would be needed.

By then, Tomoe knew a small hint and tiny portion of what had really happened but it was enough for the time being. However, it seemed socializing was the background theme of the main topic at hand. Nel-sama began to explain certain aspects about alkahestry that would make things a bit clearer. Certainly the shateigashira was more experienced than her underling. Tomoe on the other hand began to dabble in these arts just about six months ago.

So based on how Qi flows, one can determine if a certain subject was alchemist or alkahestrist and that's how the pure blooded Rouenian knew that the pure blooded Aerugese was a colleague practitioner. What piqued the Aerugese vixen interest the most was the notepad labeled as 'Mental Alkahestry' which she received still didn't open it yet for the reading, as her superior continued further more about her heritage and how life was the major benefactor shaping for it's evolution to it's deadliest forms.

As Lady Villetta was drawn to her own thoughts -which Tomoe couldn't read- looking away, the maid came to serve a herbal tea with a very refreshing smell and offered to bring her deserts if need be. But the lady in black and white declined for the sake of concentrating on the whole ordeal with a slight bow and a 'Domo arigatou gozaimasu' only receiving the amazing brewed warm drink.

Actually, I am new to alkahestry. My studies are heavily based on my medical references. And.. she opened the notepad reading the contents inside I specialize in 'Mental Alkahestry' as well. then she paused as she shifted her black pearl eyes from the notepad to the blonde crimson eyed girl in front of her to add on It seems to me from all the research papers and scrolls around us, that you need an extra helping hand.

Villetta bit down on her thumb as she listened to Tomoe. She just began learning it...it took Villetta herself almost twenty years to perfect her craft, and even so she felt as though there was a wall she could not climb over. Tomoe implied that she needed help, due in part to the mass quantity of acquired documents, coupled with her odd questions. A logical conclusion, but Villetta was beginning to think this was going to be wasted effort all together. "I need a miracle." Villetta sighed. "A frog in a well does not know the great sea." She recited a japanese proverb as if she meant to, but it was simply her mind at work.

Arisa had disappeared by now, and Villetta rose from her chair. Stopping before moving away, her eyes downward and her voice was rather low. "Have you ever heard of the Alkahestric Garden?" Villetta asked solemnly. "It's a place said to grant the wishes of the one who enters through it's gate. However, I don't think it's simply some kind of fantasy tale. I believe it's a real place...similar to the Alchemist's Gate of Truth." She reached out and pulled in a rather large Alchemy book, as her fingers drummed over it. "Alkahestry has nothing taboo to it, as it has not advanced far enough to truly merit any one thing from being truly dangerous. I want to find the path to this 'Garden.' I want to see it with my own two eyes"

Lady Villetta was in dire need for a miracle to be delivered. Was she that desperate ? I no naka no kawazu taikai wo shirazu. People are satisfied to judge things by their own narrow experience, never knowing of the wide world outside. Did that mean that the Shateigashira wanted to satisfy her own curiosity regarding the matter? But what issue required such deep attention and drastic use of a word that is 'miracle' ?

"Have you ever heard of the Alkahestric Garden?" The lady in black and white tilted her head to get herself in a mood of comprehension. Well, she knew naught of it but the blonde Rouenian was indeed clever and assumed as such, so she carried on.

And the Mangaka listened with empathy trying to feel the mood of the speaker while taking a mind-ly notes about said garden. To her ears and eyes, it seemed as a some sort of a legend about a place where you can get your wishes granted. Like the widely known alchemy gate of truth. However, the latter required something to be sacrificed. So, what about the former ?

It seemed as well that the shateigashira was able to read Tomoe's thoughts and continuously answering her untold and unspoken questions. For some reason, The woman who looked like a girl with features of crimson and blonde believed that this place was not as dangerous as it's alchemical counterpart. Finally, she clearly stated her wanting to see this particular garden with unmatched desire.

But why all the hassle ? why all these efforts driven to find a place that was yet unknown ? Definitely, there was a reason. Curiosity maybe, or the need for a wish to be granted, a wish impossible to be done through the wills of men.

The Aerugese woman with features of dark and pale rubbed her chin thinking and after dabbling quickly with some of the scrolls around. Soon, there were questions to be asked.

Well, nothing is impossible. she paused to let her superior reflect on her words that miracles neither in such modern times happened and nor they were needed. I don't know about the garden but I heard about the gate of truth. It said that it requires a transmutation circle and a sacrifice to gain entry. Perhaps, with the use of Alhahestric pentagram and the energy of the dragon pulse, we can somehow grant ourselves a passage of sorts. Tomoe spoke her mind unsure if the idea itself was partially correct.

"Well, nothing is impossible." That statement couldn't be more untrue. There were numerous feats incapable of doing, but hope belonged to the young. Villetta was far to old and rational to rely on hope. "I don't know about the garden but I heard about the gate of truth. It said that it requires a transmutation circle and a sacrifice to gain entry. Perhaps, with the use of Alhahestric pentagram and the energy of the dragon pulse, we can somehow grant ourselves a passage of sorts." Villetta had already thought about that, but she had come across records that were not in her best interest to attempt. She reached out and grasped a light blue notebook, and flipped through it. Coming to the page she was searching for stopped. "August 23rd, 1996. We attempted an Alkahestric equivalent to the Alchemists Human Transmutation. Xin Zhouyen, gave his life in the attempt, but nothing came from the experiment. It seems that the loss of Qi was the cause of death. More experiments will be logged when we find willing participants." Villetta tossed the notebook back down.

"Going at it head on is something I was aiming to do, however, as you can see it has been done. The results would only end in my death. An end I am not looking to undertake." Villetta didn't know whether to give up or simply just butcher every lead she can get. It seemed to be chasing a dream. No guarantee of success at all. Perhaps she was not meant to find it. But why was she really looking for it? What would her wish really be? No. She knew the answer. But could it truly be called a wish...or was she just passing a harsh judgement? Either way that would be her happiness in this lifetime. She clutched her heart lightly, she would not give in. No, she couldn't. The answer was there, just not attainable at the moment. But she would have it.

So it was attempted before by Xingese Alkahesrist and such attempt obviously went haywire as well. The participant died due to loss of life force, his Qi was drained out like it was nothing. Logically, from the told report. It can be assumed that they tried to open a passage by using the Qi flowing within his system. So was the approach itself wrong? or the energy wasn't enough? If it was the latter, then instruments would be devised to store the dragon pulse energy temporarily for an immediate use after being directed by proxy alkahestrists to the focal point that is the aforementioned device. It was just a random thought that passed quickly without stop within her mind, that didn't leave her lips yet.

Tomoe felt the warmth of the herbal tea specially brewed for her blessing a dried throat as she sipped a bit. And in timely fashion, her mind was shifting gears. What if the approach itself was wrong? The Mangaka analyzed the situation with scientific fiction of anime, manga and games combined, that maybe there was a certain place yet undiscovered in this earth that would serve as a wormhole to said garden. She postulated as well but she didn't let her train of thoughts cross to the only another station that was non other than her lady, lady villetta.

Instead, Tomoe decided to seek the wisdom of elderly knowledge, the knowledge of Nel-sama. And elderly knowledge didn't mean age but seniority since the former was really hard to assume and tell. So, to save effort and time, she asked..

Then, I guess that you a lead to a certain technique that would prevent the participant from dying in the same time getting the subject to the intended destination ?

If yes, then they should begin their preparations to implement. If not, then simply and simply put, it would be time of brain storming.

"Then, I guess that you have a lead to a certain technique that would prevent the participant from dying in the same time getting the subject to the intended destination?" Villetta looked at her. She wasn't as smart as she thought. If Villetta knew of such a technique, one she would possess it, and two she would have made it through to the gate by now. But no, she did not know of any such technique. "No, I do not know of any such technique." Villetta replied lightly. She ran her fingers through her hair, and sighed.

This was not going as planned. "I'm sure you are more interested in myself than you are with a fictitious Garden. Ever since we first met, I've noticed the instinctual avoidance of my presence if possible. Do you fear me? If so, you have no need to, you may relax." Villetta spoke clearly. She had been known as a monster for quite some time. She was looking to change that. Only her enemies should see her as such, not her comrades. She had done a great number of terrible things, but she kept those secrets buried with the bodies they belonged to. She sighed and wondered what Tomoe truly thought of her.

Naught and void, this was what Nel-sama know about leads. Lanterns were lifeless and didn't shed light for them to guide. A gullible question maybe, but Tomoe was not the one to act on partial feelings or decide matters on incomplete information. Thus, this would return them to square one. However, something foreseen happened quite early. Unanticipated, the unexpected turn of subject and events let Tomow become surprised, yet she didn't show it.

Regardless, what the Shateigashira said was true since the kyoudai knew not of the 'fictitious' garden to begin with and it was the first time for her to hear even the term. In fact, she was intrigued of knowing that the Alkahestric equivalent known as the garden would exist. And of course, the correct assumptions made by the lady of pestilence was the most intriguing and eye-catching. Fearing her was quite the old news, this emotion was spread within the Yakuza like cancer but for the wakagashira second in command to note specifically the absence of a Kitsune that is Tomoe around her. What did that entail? Did it mean that the lady of Rouenian blood was interested in that of Aerugese to continually discover such an absence.

If you excuse me then, I shall relax.

Upon ending her short said sentence of words, the lady in black and white would undress herself of her shoes putting them behind her as she left the very comfortable
seat to sit 'Seiza' on the floor obscuring her Shateigashira's vision from falling on the aforementioned shoes out of modesty and respect. Tomoe would have left them at the door step, if there was a Genkan. Truth to be told, The woman of okinawan birth was not accustomed to western style of furniture even with being so much refined. Small rooms with tatami floors and Kotatsu is rather more her thing.

While keeping a firm hold of her cup of herbal tea, there was a matter that required both attention and inspection. Lady villetta in her child form would hear Tomoe's thoughts as she sought them. Honesty would only be met with the same kind.

Sakki.. The Mangaka by then figured the real reason of her strategic move of avoidance, for she was alkahestrist and still is. Tomoe was able to sense things normal people couldn't, despite being unaware of such ability but after the pure blooded Rouenian's explanation, a lot of things became clear. Tomoe felt the Shateigashira's blood lust through her boiling and overflowing of Qi coursing through her body untamed.

Nel-sama. Tomoe tried to keep the 'L' as 'L' You have a passion for spilling blood that in words can not be described. That's why people always keep their distance.

A very bold statement indeed..

Villetta smiled. "Very true. I've spilled enough blood to fill a man-made lake, but seldom is it the blood of my allies." She then thought back to the countless dead bodies of recruits that either pissed her off, forgot to buy her food, or even went so far as to try and guess her real age. "Well...I admit my time in the Yakuza has made killing more of an instinctual response to my annoyances. But I've settled down more so than I did before. I have...something I need to do. And My time to do it is running low." Her words were more distant than they sounded. She looked down at her small hand and clenched it tightly. Her small body was so frustrating and yet it was probably the only reason she was still alive.

It was infuriating and yet it was relaxing. To be seen as a child, but at the same time to be known as a monster. Was this the reason she survived that Genocide? No. She had to bring the Rouenians their pride back, and not those fake ass Gelemortian's that claim to be Rouenians. They piss her off more than the Esparians, she really hoped they would wipe each other out and call it a fuckin day. If not, she'd try to instigate that war and end them both.Well it was a dream at least. She was entitled to at least that. She looked at Nakajima Tomoe. "What did you expect coming to my abode?"

How very reassuring? The lady of both plague and pestilence spilled blood, a lot of it. So, if it was man-made lake, it meant she killed about one thousand full grown adults each with their own four liters of red blood. How old was that woman? The thought sparked in Tomoe's mind for less than a second but the kitsune inside her didn't dare to ask. Regardless, the Rouenian of pure blood continued on and on. The Yakuza provoked her for a fully intended friendly-fire of bullets made from her own ivory. Though seldom the blonde girl with crimson orbs killed her allies, but it was certainly alleviating that no more blood of the Yakuza would be spilled. Tomoe still remember the dead yakuza underling under that tarp, the day they went to buy pudding for the sake of those to be made pancakes. She quite remember how good and tasty were they as how the corpse was disposed of.

However, there were these words that piqued the kyuubi's interest. It seemed something was needed to be done before the lease of time would be plugged of, from what? Maybe the socket of her life. Then again, what was that much important for the shateigashira to prioritize and set it as a first task to do.

"What did you expect coming to my abode?" Nel-sama broke the brief moments of silence. Silence was startled and soon left leaving behind it's quite opposite. What should I say? the aerugese lady of midnight hues of black and white thought to herself.

I..

Yes, Tomoe remembered by then what she expected to see.

I thought, I would see you in your adult form. Tomoe said as she meant the same adult form of their first meeting in Edo. So, why do you usually cloak yourself in the mantle of a child? another valid question indeed. Since the Rouenian probably would be quite the Bishoujo, if she would take mantle of a young girl in her university age of life. But then again, who would know her true age was.

The woman stuttered. That was a first. Usually calm and collected, and organized in her thoughts and speech. Tomoe seemed wary of her phrasing. "I thought, I would see you in your adult form." ...my adult form? She assumes that I parade around in that form on a whim? "So, why do you usually cloak yourself in the mantle of a child?" Villetta blushed furiously. She averted her eyes and then looked down at her toes. She began to fumble with her hands and then started poking both fingers together over and over again. She cleared her voice, and then..."I don't really like the feeling of huge boobs" Her voice was so faint that it was nearly inaudible. Which only brightened the shade of red upon her cheeks.

"The Mistress detests large breasts, which is why how I got my job as her Hand Maiden" Arisa spoke, as she leaned over the counter. Villetta waved her arms wildly in a panic. "ARISA! Why would you tell her that! How could you! If anything I should of told her in a different way!" Arisa poked her forehead, which caused Villetta to cry out and hold her forehead carefully. "Settle down Milady. Poor woman would have died of old age before you spilled the beans about it. But as per our contract, I won't divulge any more of your secrets."

Villetta rubbed her forehead and pouted, while Arisa smiled. "Well, I'm headed to my room now milady. Call if you need anything." Arisa waved and moved towards her own room. Villetta puffed out her cheeks in indignation and then looked to Tomoe. "Ahem. Yes, I rather detest my body in it's adult form. Although, I can alter things such as muscular and skeletal growth, I can not change my genetics. So I seldom stay in that form for long."

What did her black pearl eyes see? A transformation of epic proportions from lady of plague and pestilence -death for short- to lady cute. By then and after some observation with the perception of a Mangaka, Tomoe concluded that Nel-sama exhibits childish manners and infantile demeanor either girly or tomboy-ish. Which made the Kyoudai remember her shatei, the unofficial six years old albino gir underling l that joined the Yakuza recently, her Kawaii NIN.

Didn't that mean that the Rouenian is being Kawaii as well? The Aerugese vixen didn't mind it. Actually, Lady cute is a lot better than lady death whose Qi is always boiling sending shivers to people's spines, Kawaii is the trademark of comfortable.

Why deadly people turns out to be Kawaii? The question spurred Tomoe's mental abilities for a second to no ends, it was like seeking the secrets of the world and the wisdom behind the universe. But wait, the matter didn't end with vision aversion, hand fumbling then ultimately to fingers poking, the symptoms of cutesy continued..

*Mogu mogu mogu mogu mogu mogu mogu* whatever was said was like fast food munching.

Nani?! Tomoe's wait for an answer was really short.

"The Mistress detests large breasts.." The Aerugese vixen averted her gaze from a blushing Gaijin whose hair was like the sun and eyes like that of ruby to the Hand Maiden as her own mind exclaimed with an EEEhhhhhh! and there was more.."which is why how I got my job as her Hand Maiden" and the moment of enlightenment had come with a thoughtful "AAAhhhhhh" with a quick unnoticeable peak to the maid's body upper section. Of course, the sovereign of this pretty chic domain protested in a 'why' and 'how'. And something totally unexpected happened, The maid poked the shateigashira in the head, she poked the very head of the woman who plunged fear in the hearts of men, and she survived. OH! Arisa is an Arisa-sama. Tomoe wanted to make a kneeling bow of reverence to the Hand Maid since she saw with her own black pearls a miracle. Miracles can happen in modern times, she discovered.

Regardless, After some polite words spoken which meant "Spill the beans faster" but in all etiquette, the maid left them behind with an "I am there when you need me" as Ville tried to ease the pain pinging at the poking spot and pouting. Anyway, the young blond lady digressed the moment with a detailed explanation that she can alter her muscular and skeletal growth but not her genetics. And yes, the Shateigashira detested her adult form as in such state, she bloomed too much.

Well, Lady ville reasoning defied common logic. Any woman strives to have attractive proportions, Tomoe included. However due to her extreme modesty, the Mangaka doesn't show up. But the last of what has been said revealed something to the Aerugese vixen. That the Rouenian lady didn't detest her kōhai, probably it meant that Tomoe's cup of pudding wasn't considered huge. The Mangaka didn't know whether be happy or not, probably the former since she was still alive.

Tomoe was giving away a calm friendly smile through the whole ordeal. Truth to be told, it was too much that she wanted to explode in laughter but it would be un-lady-like so she relied on the force that is her cool mind to endure and soon the wildflower of Aerugo parted with a likewise question.

So Nel-sama, Why I have been granted this honorable opportunity of coming here? Tomoe paused and posed herself for the next question since it seemed to her that they were beyond alkahestry by then or maybe the topic would return again. Regardless, Tomoe asked again but more direct one one What did you expect of my visit?

It was like "what do you expect me to do?" or "what do you want me to be for you?"..

"So Nel-sama, Why I have been granted this honorable opportunity of coming here?" Honorable, eh? Not so much more like casual, but she guess that Tomoe regarded her in the sense of nobility seeing as she was of a higher position. To be honest, only Maki saw the Yakuza as ranked people. Villetta saw them for the nuisances they were. People. No one above another, just some with a lot more responsibility than others. Villetta plopped down and placed her chin in her palms and her elbows on her thighs. As she stared at Tomoe her question specified to a mirror of her own question earlier. "What did you expect of my visit?" Villetta smiled and winked. "Exactly what happened before. You're quite predictable. Well only in the most broadest scope of reasoning. You're calculating. You take things for what they are and dive straight in, but always with a sense of self-preservation. But in short, I expected you to be yourself. No one more. No one less."

She stretched backwards and splayed out her legs, tossing her head back. "To be honest, I think I just wanted someone besides Arisa to talk to. She's not an Alkahestrist. Hell, she's not even an Alchemist. She's brilliant I'll give her that, but the young are still naive. Youngsters these days think themselves so adult at such an early age. Sometimes I wish I had never left Rouen. Tried to rebuild it, but then again I might have been killed...or worse." A heavy sigh was released from her lips as she looked onward at the ceiling. "Sometimes I think about giving up this needless killing and become a Hermit. But then...I would never truly be happy now would I?" The question was quite rhetorical. The eerie sadness that lingered from those words. Villetta held a great many secrets, but how many would she be willing to divulge to the woman before her?

With a smile and a wink, Nel-sama said somethings, somethings of great weight. It seemed to Tomoe's eyes that the Rouenian was not a child like her avatar implied. Don't judge a book by it's cover, or rather don't depend on first impressions. Did the Aerugese vixen misjudge the Gaijen with seas of gold and amber crimson flints? The shateigashira's words rang true though her underling -the wildflower of Aerugo- was mysterious enough not to be read easily. Strangely, Tomoe felt herself being an open book or maybe Lady Villetta had the eyes of an appraiser supported by her vast years of life experience. That would bring her back to the question that she didn't want to ask.

How old is she? actually there was something else, Tomoe felt she was forgetting something important. Ah, with age comes wisdom, all in a one bundle. Certainly, it was not something easily to be forgotten but Nel-sama continued and that's why the Mangaka concentrated on another front, the words were parting farewells with Ville's lips, for once words were spoken they don't anymore belong to their former master who kept them like secrets in his or her soul.

Oh, again. The young looking girl in her first decade of life with a voice resembling her disguised age continued on. Yes, she said many, many things. All of them were of great weight. A search for a friend. a faithful servant, the naivety of the young, longing for a home long lost. Tomoe felt the presence of remorse in her last words and regret lingering in her last long breath. Yes, Tomoe remembered as her thoughts were being organized. Her Shateigashira didn't lack feelings, she was as human like any one else and seemed wise. The questions were, Why kill? Why the bloodshed? Why the passion for all things crimson red?

"Sometimes I think about giving up this needless killing and become a Hermit. But then...I would never truly be happy now would I?" there was no regret anymore but in it's place came sadness, deep sadness maybe due to the toll of cycles she lived in life with all of it's ordeals.

Tomoe on her part felt that she was a child, which was quite strange since at this point she didn't know what to do to comfort the disguised woman in front of her and the discrepancy in the situation, that The woman of pure Aerugese origins looked older though in reality she was the younger and the contrary is the same to that of
Rouenian. Still, they had two things probably in common. Both were pure breed and both were struggling against their past on their own ways, on their own terms.

Tomoe doll-like face showed emotion, something which was indeed rare. She showed sadness, she didn't have answers for every question and certainly she lacked in experience if compared to the speaker. However, Tomoe had in her the sheer force of determination that dwelled in the youth, the burning fire lit by her inner spirit and so she hath spoken.

I feel that there was this wish that didn't come true and the inability to make reality of it in the past. Indeed, such sadness. She paused for a second and then realized that her next words probably naive but perhaps it can became very meaningful. But Hora it's not too late. You bid your time and you are now much stronger than before. Your heart is still beating, you can make your wishes true. Then soon you shall attain true happiness, ne. Tomoe followed all with a warm smile trying her best to break through her placid emotionless face. Her answer maybe was vague, but what she wanted to say was. She can be happy by realizing her own dreams. Needles killing wasn't mentioned for a reason though.

But trust is a two way street. The lady in black and white normally didn't trust anyone easily. But if the sovereign of this domain trusted the visiting lady in return the latter would trust the former compelled by her codes of conduct of an Onna bugeisha.

There were many questions to be asked indeed, and here comes one.

So, tell me about you and Rouen. My knowledge sparse about it, all what I know that it was destroyed long time ago.. this one was a very tricky question.

"But Hora it's not too late. You bid your time and you are now much stronger than before. Your heart is still beating, you can make your wishes true. Then soon you shall attain true happiness, ne." Spoken like a true child. Nothing was worse than hearing the bullshit you feed to children fed to an adult. Worse that the person speaking such obvious lies not knowing they were lies. Life was full of racism, discrimination, and pitfalls. Nothing ever goes right, and if it does then it isn't forever. Villetta however remained quiet in response to it. She did not want to reinforce that "unapproachable" feeling she had established in the Yakuza. If no one spoke to her, she would lose her information about what was happening. That or be forced to have Aizen patrol and catch all the gossip around the tables. Yes, it was best not to voice her opinion on this one.

"So, tell me about you and Rouen. My knowledge sparse about it, all what I know that it was destroyed long time ago.." She narrowed one eye quizzically. Very tactful. The subject wasn't something that was private knowledge. Anyone with a history book could find out what happened, but she asked this question not for a history lesson, but to extract information. She was aiming to uncover her true age. Should she tell her? Should she spill the beans about her actual age, or lie. "I don't remember much of my childhood. I had certain events transpire that left my mind rather scarred, parts of my memory have yet to resurface yet." This was true. She did lose bits of her memory, and things were still not clear to her, but what Tomoe was asking. She did remember, but Villetta could tap dance around a question as well. What would Tomoe do? Continue the Tango, or try a more direct path? Would she be more interested in her life, or the truth? "Besides, most of that information about the Rouen people are in textbooks now. Or was their something you specifically wanted to know about Rouenian people? Or...something specific about...me?"

Well, there was this something that didn't follow the same pattern of that conversation happening between the duo, the lady of pestilence and the lady of monochrome. With kitsune-like perception skills, Tomoe felt many things despite being in the age of youth even when compared to her child looking superior. There was a matter already skipped or rather opinion not given and a question unanswered being masterfully brushed away. However, the Aerugese woman with that placid doll-like face didn't rise up a brow instead she contemplated the matter with the calm and serine of her mind.

What was told was rather simple. Lady Villetta suffered amnesia, thus memories were lost to her mind for the time being. There was a possibility to attain them back but that depended solely on her medical case. Thing is, Tomoe doesn’t trust people easy. Indeed, she would hear people with all empathy trying to understand them without believing or accusing them of telling lies. What Tomoe truly wanted was to understand others whoever they are? Befriend some and make enemy of others and such was the way of life. But the prime target was and still is, to understand others, which is very important for her long term plan and so, she deals with people of different ages.

But for every person, there was a different attitude and behavior for the Kyuubi to approach with, which would prove suitable to the situation and age and that how Tomoe establish relationship of ‘understanding’. But the Shateigashira here was not the usual case, she is older than Tomoe yet she looks younger which was sort of bewildering.

Yes, the lady in black and white was –by then- within the domain of the sovereign, the sovereign of death and pestilence. In her pale hands was a cup of herbal tea, in front of her black pearl eyes saw a girl which was the said ‘sovereign’ and somewhere inside her servant ‘Arisa’ lied. Tomoe was there probably for a conversation to be stirred with her as the foreigner, the second in command of the second in command wanted someone to speak with. The question was how the Aerugese vixen would bewitch her host? Or rather, how to convince her to open up?

"Besides, most of that information about the Rouen people are in textbooks now. Or was their something you specifically wanted to know about Rouenian people? Or...something specific about...me?"

Tomoe concluded that Nel-sama saw through her question. So, she decided to do something really dangerous and probably life threatening but the risk deserved the stunt o be made. So, the wildflower stood up nearing her superior then leaning down to be in level with the blonde haired girl head and that was when her lips parted with a word apology.

Gomen nasai.

That’s when the Shateigashira would feel the second poke at her forehead in the same day and before that childish looking superior would react, she would see Tomoe bow in apology with other two words following the same apologetic stance Gomen, gomen. and quickly she returned back to sit Sieza on the ground again having complete confidence that Nel-sama would understand the reasoning behind her actions. Tomoe neither danced tango nor trod the more direct path; simply she gave lady Villetta the ‘what do you think’ poke redirecting the whole conversation somewhere else and oh, the lady of black and white waited to see the response.

Gomen nasai.

The only words Tomoe issued as she bowed apologetically. What the hell was this about? She had done nothing wrong so why apologize? If she thought she had offended Ville, she would be mistaken. Villetta was only playing, at least to a degree. Her secret could not be divulged. To say that she was near the Alkahestric Dream, would only send flockers to study her craft. Such a thing she did not want at all. Then mid-thought she was poked in the forehead for the second time. OW WHAT THE FUCK! She reached up sharply and grasped her sore forehead, it had barely recovered from the first one.

Gomen, gomen.

So that's why she was apologizing. For fuck's sake. "That's borderline child abuse!" Villetta cried out angrily. But her angry face on held for but a moment, before she began to laugh. The poking was really annoying and she was a tad pissed because of it. But the fact that Tomoe knowing full well what might happen should she do it, did it anyway. Admirable, and even humorous to a degree. "But fair enough. You're not as tactful as you may think Tomoe. I will not divulge my age, as a true lady never tells. But I'll say I'm older than you are."

Villetta sat back, and relaxed. How old was she now? Oh dear god. Her birthday had passed and she forgot about it completely. Oh well, nothing new. She didn't have birthday's in the Yakuza. No one cared enough to ask, or were smart enough not to care. Not that she ever really wanted anyone to know, even if they asked she would lie. So many lies she had, and not one she ever slipped up on. So much weight and baggage. With no way of casting it all off. She had big dreams, huge aspirations, and an even bigger Vendetta. All had to be achieved before she left this world. But time, was not her friend.

[Sorry new semester is coming up, and I had to illustrate 10 different still life and animated scenes. So I was crashtastic when I hit the interwebs.]

"That's borderline child abuse!" however the Shateigashira was not a child but the answer itself showed clemency. There was no anger, there was Tomoe's survival. The stun succeeded and the conversation got redirected. However, The sovereign of this domain, the Rouenian pure blood and one of the last of her kind declared her knowledge about The Aerugese vixen plans. If the wildflower had tails, she would have brushed them aside in a playful manner. This visit would be full of trickery from both side.

Tomoe looked at her host with her doll like face giving away a calm smile. The shateigashira in terms of age was older than her. But knowing the age itself was not important as it may would seem. One's age was just but a number, they were just digits written in official papers. What Tomoe sought was to see how truly a Rouenian would look like. Yes, what was the true shape of the Shateigashira? Were her eyes crimson-red like how she presented herself at the current moment ? was her hair really blonde ? A Kitsune is a very curious creature and Tomoe is not a normal Kitsune, she is a Kyuubi.

Nel-sama. The lady of monochrome paused a little to continue again Your childish form provoked me in doing such. So do forgive me. But she remembered the very fact that the lady despised huge busts, so it would be difficult to ask her to show her true herself. A deadlock, the kyuubi maybe curious however patient and full of perseverance. In short, Tomoe gets what she wanted in the long term.

"So, tell me the favorite part of your story." The wild flower titled her head "Don't worry, I shall believe you."

[OOC: Well, Good luck to you, life is pounding me hard here as well.]

Nel-sama. So proper. Your childish form provoked me in doing such. So do forgive me. So should she change her form? No. It wasn't a request, but a statement. The words were hollow of meaning, at least to Villetta's ears. She sat and listened for a while. "So, tell me the favorite part of your story." Tomoe titled her head "Don't worry, I shall believe you." Villetta's face darkened.

Tomoe meant little harm by her statement, but the majority of Villetta's life was spent in seclusion, covered in blood, and balanced by lies. It was hard concealing one's true face behind the facade of a child for all these years. But not one moment was magical. Not one was worth regaling. Her's was the life of a horror film, and she was the monster. The demon in the shadows, the killer behind the door, the shadow of Death upon one's back. She had not known a happy day in her life. At least not truly. The Gleeful moments were fleeting, but that was all...just fleeting. "I look forward to the End of the story." Her voice was solemn, dark, but slightly happy.

The Lady of Death, did not not fear Death herself, nor did she welcome it openly. But she would not flee from it's grasp. Living in this way was nothing more than hell on earth. Doing the most despicable things, making hand over fist money, and all she had to do was execute and add to her insurmountable body count. She was no heroine, but the Villain, masquerading as a Hero. She did not seek forgiveness, but fulfillment in her life. She was the last of a dying breed, and even now she felt the icy grip of Death rake his cold hand across her bare cheek. How much longer could she hold on?

"I look forward to the End of the story."

At this particular point, Tomoe wished that she was able to read people's minds but alas. From the statement itself, it would seem that at least there was nothing to be considered favorite in that dark shadowy past of the sovereign of chic and elegance.

Probably, it was not nice to ask this question to begin with. Regardless, a lot of emotions mingled and intertwined as the Shateigashira conveyed her feelings. The lady of monochrome sensed a dangerous mix or rather a mixture that shouldn't get with each other mixed. There was peace, yet there was darkness then little hope. That how the Aerugese vixen interpreted her words, it was like looking at a very detailed vista that would give the viewer many impressions which would lead in the end mostly to one conclusion.

Was the Shateigashira showing weakness?

Tomoe got the impression that her superior wanted to rest and get relieved from the worldly worries and pressures of life. So depending on the answer, the wildflower would receive, She can conclude whether there would be life or death.

Will the ending be a happy one?

Will the ending be a happy one?

The reply was not so much a shock, but rather to be expected. One would naturally ask the relevance of the ending, whether it be good or bad. Everyone wanted to know, even children were born into that knowledge seeking behavior. Villetta smiled. "You know, I can't even remember my natural body anymore. I've changed my mind and adapted for so long...I truly have forgotten myself. This hair could not even really be mine, it could be a fabrication of my own liking, a whim that was carried into a habit, or merely a distant memory long forgotten by my mind." She had obviously changed the subject, but how untactful. She stood up and looked out the window.

"What she's trying to say is she wants to get married" Arisa chimed in suddenly. Villetta spun with righteous fury, and hurled her small shoe at Arisa's face. It hit it's mark with precision. Arisa wasn't all to pleased, and showed it by chasing Ville through the apartment until she was pinned down and tickled roughly by Arisa. Only the threat of peeing on Arisa made her stop. Villetta quickly recovered, by kicking Arisa in the shin who retaliated with a loud raspberry. Villetta blushed slightly, and cleared her throat. She had forgotten Tomoe was here for a second. "Excuse Arisa, she's very childish."