InuYasha Fan Fiction / Bleach Fan Fiction ❯ The Heirs Apparent ❯ Prologue: Lessons ( Chapter 1 )

A/n: I do not own Inuyasha; Rumikio Takahashi does. I do not own Bleach; Tite Kubo does. I make no money from writing this fiction. All original characters belong to me.

 

 

Prologue

 

Mizuki stood overlooking the very bustling city below her from her high rise in downtown Tokyo. She

sighed deeply and went back to her desk and sat upon the leather seat. She put her feet up and counted till

ten. The negotiations with the American firms were not going well at all. She leaned forward and picked up

the telephone and dialed quickly.

 

“Hey! Where are you? I am still stuck at the office and I just wanted to let you know. You know you can go to the estates in the north and hunt.” She said as she tapped a pen against the glass of her desk.

 

“Okay. I will try and see you soon. I mean I cannot port out in front of a bunch of ningen.” She said laughing.

 

She hung up the phone and sat back against the executive chair. Karu and she had managed to stay mated since the seventeenth century. They were best friends still and managed their peoples and this huge company. The ningen had no idea of how many of them were actually youki of ancient stories and that suited the youki community just fine. She again looked out over the city and old pain filled her. Her mother was enshrined in the West and her jii-chan was still not quite right. Her own sire was still affected by her loss and she was grieved for him all the time. Her many siblings were now scattered all over the world and her eldest brother still ruled quietly in Manchuria. Her life was predictable and stable; that was what her mother had fought like hell for and the empire that her children now had. The ningen truly had no idea where the power truly lied and the youki liked it that way. Mizuki stood up and went to the wall and touched a photograph of all her siblings. She smirked as she saw Uncle Ishin and her sire too. She wiped away a tear that fell and missed her mother terribly. She sighed and angrily wiped away her lone tear and grabbed her suit jacket. She would check her voicemail later and pray that the numskull Americans wizened up. She undid her long ebony hair and untucked her crisp white cotton button down. She called on the car service and waited in the garage. She saw a shiny black Lincoln pull up and she slipped into the back seat. She looked at the driver and nodded. He knew where to go. They all knew where to go. She settled back as the car exited the garage and made a left on the street. Out of the corner of her eye she saw a very strange sight indeed. She pressed closer to the glass of the window and watched what appeared to be a warrior of old brandishing a katana of immense yoki. He was fighting something quite grotesque and her blood heated.

 

“Stop the car!” she commanded.

 

The brakes were heard squealing and she pushed open the door. She moved slowly towards the warrior and watched fascinated.

 

“Who are you?” she called.

 

The man turned around and seemed surprised that she even could see him. His black hair was long and his eyes were gray. His haori and hakama were as black as his hair and he wore a light green almost white scarf around his neck.

 

“I am surprised you see me.” He stated as he sheathed his weapon.

 

“You dispatched that thing quite nicely.” She said bluntly.

 

“How is it you see me?” he asked coolly.

 

“I see many things.” She stated as coolly.

 

“I do not have time for inane discourse.” He said turning away.

 

“I am Mizuki and you are?” she demanded.

 

“Kuchiki Byakuya. How is it you see me?” he demanded of her.

 

“I guess you could say that I am not mortal.” She said crossing her arms.

 

“Pardon?” he asked surprised.

 

“I am presuming you are a shinigami correct? Well if there are still shinigami then why can there still not be youki?” she asked amused.

 

“Youki do not exist. Those are demented tales of drunken houshi.” Byakuya stated.

 

“A disbeliever. No issue Kuchiki-sama. I hope I may see you again.” She laughed.

 

“Hopefully not.” He said dryly.

 

Mizuki suddenly found herself highly annoyed and threw him with a wave of her hand. She opened her hands and a car suddenly exploded near the arrogant man. He jumped back with a hand on his weapon and she had ported out. He looked around in utter disbelief and stared at the spot where she had been standing. His interest was piqued and he intended to find her. He continued to stare at the spot she had stood in and looked around to try and find the irksome female. He would admit if only to himself what a gorgeous onna she was. She bore a strange tattoo on her forehead that she made no effort to hide. He shunpoed and actually caught sight of her as she was slipping into the back seat of a black sedan. She turned her head and stared at him for a moment. Her eyes were a strange reddish brown. She motioned for the car to stay still and she opened the door to step out.

 

“What are you?” he demanded in a calm voice.

 

“I told you but you did not believe me.” She said smirking.

 

“Do not try my patience commoner.” He snorted.

 

“Pardon me? Did you seriously call me a commoner? You are too funny!” she said laughing.

 

“Then enlighten me.” He stated in a low voice.

 

“I am the daughter of a hime and a lord. You really are an arrogant ass. I do not suppose wherever you come from you have not heard of Lord Sesshomaru? He is my jii-chan.” She said amused.

 

Byakuya perused her form with his cold grey eyes and she smirked the whole time. She realized that even to this obvious shinigami who her grandsire was.

 

“Who was your mother?” he asked in a slightly more cordial tone.

 

“My mother was Lady Asuna Orlovich. My sire is Lord Naraku.” She said smiling.

 

“Your mother was a famed warrior. You are telling me that she was a youkai?” the man asked in disbelief.

 

“Hai. She was half inu and half kiang shi to be exact. My father is a hanyou as well.” Mizuki said leaning against the door of the sedan.

 

“Your claims are spectacular.” Byakuya said raising a black brow.

 

“Well assuming that I can see you and that surprised you then I would say my claims are not too spectacular. Look this discourse is fun and all but I have a mate at home; I have not seen him in several weeks and I intend to make his homecoming quite memorable.” She said flipping her ebony tresses over her shoulder.

 

“Mate? You mean husband?” the grey eyed male inquired.

 

“Well according to modern times we are married but Karu is my mate. You have proved quite amusing.” She said slipping back into the car.

 

She motioned for the car to go and she caught the shinigami watching her as she drove away. She intended to ask her uncle what he knew. She smirked to herself and actually hoped to see the man again

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Mizuki came into the drive that led to the Sendai castle. She was thrilled to be home and exited the car quickly. She ran into the main hall and saw her mate of the last four centuries. His obsidian eyes roved her form brazenly and neared him. Instantly their lips were melded and hands began stripping their cumbersome clothes away.

“Zuki.” He groaned in her ear.

 

“Karu you act as though you missed me.” She laughed.

 

“Miss you? Hai I missed you my love.” He said in a husky tone.

 

He ripped open her white shirt and exposed her breasts. His black eyes held profound lust as he lowered his ebony head. He began tonguing one peak and then another in a sudden haze of passion. He heard her exhale and he was glad his father was not here at the moment. He tore through her expensive pants and lifted her against the wall.

 

“I hate being away from you. I hate thinking those mindless ningen men stare at you.” He whispered in her ear.

 

“As if they compare to you? Karu, talk later. I need you.” She whined.

 

He smirked that after all these years, she still became a wanton mess when they came together. His fingers slipped through her nether lips and he groaned in her ear.

 

“You are a little vixen my mate.” He purred against her throat.

 

“Stop talking! Fuck me!” she hissed.

 

He grinned at her and he thrust into her hard. She cried out and met his desperate thrusting. She clawed at his back and their cries were muffled as their lips collided. It was a quick and intense session as she groaned heavily as she tightened on his cock. He shuddered as he spilled his seed and exhaled loudly as he came down from his orgasmic bliss.

 

“When are we going to have anymore babes?” he asked softly.

 

“No idea Karu. You do realize we have many, many years to decide that. You are proud of our Nori are you not?” Mizuki asked as he slowly sat her on her feet.

 

“Of course I am. How could I not be? I do not want to fight again.” He sighed.

 

“Then quit bringing it up. I will let you know when I am ready. How was Los Angeles?” she asked as she picked up her shredded clothes.

 

“Disgusting as usual. I hate the filth of the city air and the stink of all those sweaty bodies. I hate living in Tokyo too.” He groused.

 

“Well that is the price of success my dearest. Oh! You will never guess what I saw tonight.” She said as they made their way to their room.

 

“What was that?” Karu asked as he undid his black hair from his hair tie.

 

“I think I saw a shinigami!” she exclaimed.

 

“They still exist? So what did it say?” he asked intrigued.

 

“Well he was an arrogant ass. He seemed shocked I could see him but I mean how could I not? He brandished a katana against this evil looking thing and dispatched it with ease. Reminded me of the old days.” She laughed.

 

“Well you do see the other planes with ease. Come on I want to see you wet all over.” He said mischievously.

“Hai. Kamis, I have missed you so much.” Mizuki said burying her nose in his neck suddenly.

 

“I would not leave if I did not have to. I have never not loved you Mizuki.” Karu said seriously.

 

“I know. Come on.” She said dragging him along.

 

They started round two in their huge marble tub and finished making love in their lavish western style bed. Mizuki stared out into the night as her hand went through Karu's silk like hair. She could not stop thinking about the shinigami and hoped she would see him again.

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Mizuki listened to the head of the board of directors. She was unusually distracted and looked up and sighed.

 

“Look I am sorry. My mind is wandering. Why not take an early afternoon and call it a day Ayana.” Mizuki said stretching.

 

“What has you so distracted sister?” Ayana asked.

 

“Nothing and maybe everything. I miss mother and I probably just need to go home for a little while.” She said standing and grabbing her denim jacket.

 

“Mother would not want you moping over her demise.” Ayana pointed out.

 

“I know that! Do me a favor and call our sibs. We need to have a family reunion.” She said heading for the door.

 

“All of them?” Ayana asked raising a black brow.

 

“Hai all of them!” she snapped.

 

“You're the boss!” Ayana sighed.

 

Mizuki narrowed her eyes then left her office. She headed up a multimedia empire that fronted her family's extensive real estate holdings as well as their many positions of power within the ningen governments. She walked down the hall till she reached the elevator and pressed the button down.

 

“It took research to find out who you are exactly.” She heard from behind her.

 

Mizuki turned and stared into those grey eyes that she had been obsessing about since the previous week. His hair was pulled back at the nape of his neck and he wore plain clothes this time. She looked down his form as she took in the very modern but expensive jeans and a white button down shirt.

 

“I think I preferred you in your haori and hakama.” She remarked casually.

 

“I think I prefer you silent.” He stated raising a brow.

 

She grinned widely and stepped into the elevator and motioned for him to come. He stepped on and she leaned against the wall. The elevator jerked a moment as it began its slow descent down.

 

“Why should it matter if I can see you?” she asked.

 

“Most people cannot. What you saw was my spirit form.” He said crossing his arms.

 

“I am able to see into different planes. In fact my mother bore a fey youkai a daughter. Well call them wraiths but you may know them as Tomoshibi. You know come to think of it Mother did mention a shinigami named Teruyoshi. She did not call him shinigami but a shikyo konjou.” Mizuki stated.

 

“I see you know more then what I previously thought.” Byakuya said in a surprised tone.

 

“Well being a little mysterious is not a bad thing. I am going for a drink would you care to join me?” she asked.

 

“Drink? As in what?” he asked disdainfully.

 

“There are no sordid sake houses near here but I was planning to go to the corner cocktail lounge.” She said crossing her arms.

 

“Lead the way.” He said meeting her eyes.

 

The elevator doors opened and Mizuki led the way through the granite and glass lobby. She opened the front doors and turned right. She went to a swanky looking lounge with the sign over the door that read, Den Aqua Room. Byakuya was not comfortable but it also was not a hovel. She led the way to the bar itself and sat upon a seat. He sat next to her and a bartender winked at her and she smiled.

 

“Sachio, give this man whatever he wants.” Mizuki said smirking.

 

“As you wish Miss Orlovich.” The bartender known as Sachio said.

 

“What will you have Kuchiki-sama?” she asked.

 

“Port please.” Byakuya said sitting casually.

 

“Hai.” Sachio said as he went about his business.

 

“What are you drinking?” he asked curiously.

 

“I like martinis and very dirty.” She said eyeing him.

 

“I feel as though I am being looked upon as prey. Stop it!” he snapped.

 

“Why are you here Kuchiki-sama?” she asked point blank.

 

“If you are what you say you are then I think we can be of mutual benefit to the other. If a certain enemy of my kind were to know that your kind still existed then that could cause problems for all concerned.” He said bluntly.

 

“I see. Well you can speak plainly as this whole lounge is full of youkai. The bartender is an inu.” She said sitting back watching him.

 

His face registered shock and he did look around. They all appeared quite normal to him but he did feel the hum of raw power.

 

“How many youkai are there?” he asked surprised.

 

“How many species or how many individuals?” she asked in return.

 

“Individuals.” He stated bluntly.

 

“I imagine there are millions. We hide to the ningen our true natures but we still thrive. We interact with each other mostly.” She said smiling.

 

“How did the Soul Society not know?” he asked surprised.

 

“We are not unsophisticated bumpkins you know. We have ways of co-existing and living our lives.” She said happily.

 

“You indicated that your mother passed on.” He said.

 

“Boxer Rebellion of last century. She went to aid my eldest brother and was killed by all things by a bullet to the head.” She said bitterly.

 

“I am sorry.” He said softly.

 

“Yeah well my father is still not over it and neither is my uncle. She had several mates hence the hugeness of my family. She tried to be honorable and it killed her. I have sworn off the old ways and frankly I care not for most ningen.” She said bluntly.

 

He stared at her as she sipped her martini. His port sat untouched and she slid the glass closer to him. He picked up and began sipping as well. She was beyond lovely and thoughts of his dead wife passed through his head. He did not show it but it hurt to think about. He watched as she shed her business blouse of crimson cotton and he saw a lace chemise underneath.

 

“You are not shy.” He said bluntly.

 

“Why should I be? I am four centuries old and believe me when I say; I have a handle on my yoki.” She said suddenly downing her drink.

 

“Sachio? Can you please keep them coming? Karu left town again.” She said with a scowl.

 

“Your mate?” he asked.

 

“Hai. Karu has been around me since I was three years old. He has always been there.” She said as she suddenly downed the drink as soon as it was put in front of her.

 

“Memories must be painful.” He said wisely.

 

“Am I that obvious? Well I must be. He is headed back to America to deal with our holdings there. I get sick with worry all the time. He could port there as easily as fly but we must put up pretenses.” She said in a more bitter tone.

 

Byakuya put a hand over hers to try and stop her but she slapped it away. He narrowed his eyes as he watched her become quite inebriated rather quickly. No one seemed to care and no one seemed to notice but him. He sighed and realized he would have to see her home.

 

“Where do you live?” he asked.

 

“A block from here when I stay in the city. You are so serious; you remind me of Kenji.” She laughed.

 

“Kenji is?” he asked as he stood.

 

“Sachio! Send the bill to the company.” Mizuki said as she too stood.

 

She picked up her blouse and jacket and walked through the front door. He had to keep up with her as she staggered very little. She walked outside and headed north. He followed her and she led the way to a very rich and very lavish apartment building. The doorman opened the door for them and she went to the elevator.

 

“Why are you following me?” she asked turning around.

 

“It would be wrong of me to not see you home safe.” He said indignantly.

 

“Hang your fucking honor shinigami! Honor sucks! Honor kills or have you not figured that out?” she said suddenly furious.

 

He neared her to steady her and she beat at his chest. He held her arms and he noticed striping on her wrists. She growled in anger and tried to jerk away from him. The elevator doors opened and he gently pushed back and they ended up inside of it.

 

“What floor?” he demanded softly.

 

“The penthouse.” She snapped.

 

He pressed a button and the doors closed. They went up and he still held onto her. Her arms were soft in his hands and he suppressed his natural attractions. The doors opened and she jerked away from him. She waved her hand and the door opened. He was surprised at her abilities and he silently followed her into the huge sprawling apartment. She proceeded to strip out of her expensive denim trousers and he gasped softly. She wore matching lace panties if that was what they could be called. Her backside was exposed and she turned to stare at him.

 

“You are still here? You are old enough to have seen an onna's body. Should you like anything more to drink?” she asked slurring slightly.

 

“No and I think you have had enough.” He said flatly.

 

“What are you going to do? Is your job not slaying those beasts?” she asked laughing.

 

“I told you that it is wrong to not see you safe.” He said rather fiercely.

 

“And I told you to fuck your honor. I am home and you can leave. Come back later if you want to discuss this supposed threat.” She said falling upon a lush leather couch.

 

He came closer and lifted her chin. Her eyes were stormy and pulled him down near her lips.

 

“You are very beautiful but I imagine you know that. What pain have you suffered that makes you think you have to see to me?” she asked against his mouth.

 

“You remind me of my wife who died long ago.” He said bluntly.

 

“How long were you married?” she asked.

 

“Five years.” Byakuya stated in a hoarse voice.

 

“I am sorry.” She whispered.

 

His breathing was rough and he knew this was wrong. His mind kept telling himself to back away but her lips were right there and he constantly denied himself. His grey eyes met her mahogany ones and he actually did not move.

 

“This is awkward.” She said softly.

 

“Hai.” He said trying to pull away.

 

She closed her eyes and pressed her lips to his. He groaned into it and he ended up pressing his body against hers. She groaned too as she felt his obvious desire pressed against her through his jeans. She ended up invading his mouth and sweeping her tongue and mating his. He pulled back after several intense minutes of wonderful kissing and he caught his breath.

 

“You should probably go.” She said in a deep voice.

 

“Hai. He nodded.

 

“We can forget this later.” She said leaning back into the couch.

 

“What do you mean?” he asked.

 

She reached down and caught the hem of her chemise and pulled it over her head. He stared at perfect breasts with rosy tips. This was not his normal behavior but at the moment he did not care. He knelt in front of her sofa and caught her panties in his fingers and pulled them down. His breath caught a second when he stared at her very thin patch of black curls. She was a vixen he could tell and desire coursed through him. He did not want to think of duty to his house or to the Gotei Thirteen at the moment.

 

“We will forget this.” He murmured.

 

He slipped a finger through her lips and was surprised at the wetness he encountered. He met her eyes and she implored him. He slipped his finger into her center and she moaned softly. He pulled his finger back and tasted her. She leaned forward and began unbuttoning his shirt and his hands went to his jeans. She had helped him undress and he pressed her back into the softness of the sofa.

 

“What am I doing?” he asked roughly.

 

“Not sure. Kamis you are beautiful.” She said then tongued a male peak.

 

He sucked in his breath as she sucked on the turgid flesh. He felt a hand wrap around his cock and his mind became mush. He denied his needs too often and he groaned. She threaded her fingers around his neck and pulled him down into a greedy meeting of their lips. Her lips drugged him and he threw all caution to the wind. His cock was suddenly aching with need and her mere scent was further clouding his brain. He was not use to this physical body but he growled into her mouth and she nibbled his lip.

 

“This is not me.” He said breathlessly.

 

“Hai. Shut up.” She snapped.

 

She guided him to her entrance and then grasped his taut ass and pulled him toward her pelvis. He slid in and shut his grey eyes. His arms were shaking as her walls clutched him tightly. He released a low groan and she did too. He refused to fight it and began pulling back and thrusting forward hard. She cried out in a sweet moan and Byakuya bit his lip as intense pleasure skated down his spine. This had been the last thing on his mind but her general air reminded him of Hisana. She wrapped her legs around his narrow waist and he moaned louder as he was seated deeper. She met every thrust with her own and he fought back his own release. She was not especially loud but her sighs and soft moans were driving him over the edge. He stopped suddenly and she squeaked in surprise. He maneuvered himself into a sitting position and she straddled him.

 

“I need to touch you.” He managed.

 

She nodded and Mizuki felt his lips around one nipple; she leaned her head back and sighed in pleasure as he suckled her hard. She squeezed her walls tightly around his delicious cock and she felt his body shudder. He growled as if a youkai and began nipping roughly at her breasts. He tongued and lightly bit her tips till they ached. She whined softly and ground her hips into his. Byakuya leaned his ebony head against her chest and grasped her hips and began guiding her hard and fast. Her breathing became faster and he managed to rub her clitoris with two fingers. She felt the beginnings of an intense release overwhelming her and she ground harder against him and began rotating her hips to increase the wonderful ache. Both of them were groaning as their actions brought about a building of wonderful reaction. Her long black tresses fell around them as she experienced a sudden blinding explosion. She shook hard against him and he too allowed himself the sweet release. Her arms wrapped around his body as they spasmed together. Guilt would hit her later but at this moment she did not care. The constant ache and pain of loss this creature understood. She unfurled her arms and allowed herself to fall back against the cushions of the couch. The beautiful shinigami stared at her and she looked back with sleepy eyes.

 

“There is a bathroom next to the bedroom. I imagine you will want to shower.” She said softly.

 

“Hai.” He nodded.

 

“Feel no guilt Kuchiki-sama as I will not either. Call upon me as soon as you are able. I need to sleep now.” She said untangling her legs from his body.

 

Mizuki stood quite naked and left her clothes where they had fallen. Byakuya watched her back as she went to her bedroom and quietly shut the door. Never in his long life had he had such an encounter. It smacked of immorality but he would muse later. He gathered his clothes and went to the bathroom she had indicated. He had to get back to Soul Society and ascertain the movements of the hollows and the traitor Aizen. He quickly showered and donned his clothing. He quietly opened her bedroom door and she was asleep upon a massive cherry wood sleigh bed. The covers and sheets were in soft shades of coral. She was wealthy and obviously of noble birth. Her breathing was even and he convinced himself that she was fine. He slipped from the penthouse and went down the elevator. He began berating himself for his weakness and tarnishing his memories of Hisana. He exited the building and disappeared into the shadows of the night.

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Mizuki woke up with a horrid headache and memories of amazing rutting with the shinigami. She groaned as she rolled over. She grabbed at the telephone at her side table and dialed her sister Ayana.

 

“Ayana, I am seriously hung over. Can you deal with the meetings today for me?” she asked into the receiver.

 

“Zuki, what the hell is up with you? You never get drunk and you most certainly do not miss meetings!” Ayana snapped into the phone.

 

“Not so damn loud! Look I am morose okay? Did you call all the sibs?” she asked rubbing the bridge of her nose.

 

“Hai and they will all be in Tokyo by week's end. You know you are acting like an ass.” Ayana said in anger.

 

“How many times have I had to come pick up your ass from the lounge or a party? You can grow up Ayana. Where are Iyo and Kenji?” Mizuki demanded.

 

“They are in Seoul at the moment with Father.” She answered.

 

“Okay. I will be in later. Just handle my morning load.” Mizuki stated and hung up the receiver.

 

She managed to stand and grab a robe from the edge of her bed. She walked into the bathroom and took a long, steamy shower. Images flashed in her head of her past. She remembered the last time she had seen Ayumu and the pain in his eyes. She watched him die slowly as she held him to her. The damn ningen were like a pestilence and she hated living amongst them. She wondered about this Soul Society and the shinigami. She wrapped a thick towel around her body and noticed a neatly folded towel in the hamper. She lifted it up and it scented like Kuchiki. She was too fascinated with the man and she shook her head. She went to her living room and picked up her cell phone. She touched some buttons and she was connected to her uncle's voice.

 

“Uncle Ishin, it is Mizuki. Hai, I am fine. I need you to see if you can dig up information on the kami called shinigami and a different plane called Soul Society. I think it is strictly ningen but I ran into one. Hai, I know! You take care too. Bye!” she said closing the phone shut.

 

She looked around and could scent the coupling and it made her dizzy. She closed her eyes and remembered feeling him inside of her. She shook her head hard and stood up. She went about getting dressing and she pulled her long hair up into a formal style. She favored tailored suits with body hugging blouses. She put on a stark white cotton blouse that had a plunging neck line. She put on a black pin striped jacket to match the trousers she wore. She slipped into some pointed toe black heels and went about picking up her cell phone and purse. She made a quick call to her car service and exited her apartment. She went down to the street level and exited the massive building. She slipped on a pair of black sunglasses and went to the black Lincoln that pulled up to the curb. She opened the back door and slipped into the back seat.

 

“Thank you Shou. Can you take me to the office please?” she asked.

 

“Hai my lady.” The kumo driver said.

 

She rode in silence and mused over the threat that Kuchiki Byakuya had mentioned. She almost wished it were true. She almost wanted blood on her hands and to feel her fang pulsing with her yoki. When the car pulled up in front of the building. She opened the car door and entered the building. As soon as she exited the elevator and walked into her office Ayana was flanking her.

 

“There are two very strange ningen in your office.” She said wide eyed.

 

“You let ningen into my office?” Mizuki asked in a near fury.

 

“One is named Kuchiki and said you knew him. The other one is wild looking.” Ayana said in kumo as they entered the office.

 

“Kuchiki-sama welcome! You are?” Mizuki asked a red haired and heavily tattooed man.

 

“This is my lieutenant; Abarai Renji.” Byakuya stated.

 

“Welcome Renji-sama. Kuchiki-sama this is my younger sister Ayana. Please take a seat.” Mizuki stated with authority.

 

The two males sat and Ayana stood by her elder sister's chair. She eyed the males with interest but kept silent. Mizuki eyed both males and the shinigami elder seemed non plussed from their rather wild encounter from the night before.

 

“I shall come to the point. You know what we are and we know what you are. There have been some creatures known as Bounts that have been taking the lives of mortals and these creatures are immortal themselves. They have amazing abilities and it is difficult to fight them.” Byakuya said.

 

“I see. So you want our help in battling these creatures that kill ningen?” she asked.

 

“Hai.” Byakuya said meeting her eyes.

 

“I am sorry but how is the death of mortals my concern?” Mizuki asked sitting back.

 

“I did not think from our discourse that you were a callous onna.” The black haired shinigami said coolly.

 

“I thought it clear from our discourse Kuchiki-sama that I bear ningen no good will. Not many in my family does, not even my hanyou sister Emi.” Mizuki said with her eyes taking on an eerie reddish glow.

 

“So you would damn innocents because your mother expired in a blasted war?” Renji asked.

 

“I have lost more then just my mother in blasted war as you say Renji-sama. I will remind you that you are in my territory. I will remind you that you will not speak to me in such a manner again.” She said coldly.

 

“Bitch!” Renji hissed.

 

“Abarai, hold your tongue!” Byakuya snapped.

 

Ayana crossed her arms and stared at the two men. She was dying to know what the hell was going on. Mizuki was staring brazenly at the black haired man. Mizuki just met Byakuya's eyes and crossed her arms.

 

“This is not about honor my lady but I am not one to ask for help and I am asking for your help.” Byakuya said.

 

“What do you want from me?” she asked bluntly.

 

“To fight alongside us and help us defeat these monsters. If they find out about your peoples, who is to stop them from trying to take your yoki?” Byakuya asked.

 

Mizuki stared at him and looked up at Ayana. Both of them had been trained as warriors and both of them had fought alongside their mother in the past. Mizuki sighed and pressed her palms together.

 

“When I find out what I need to know then I shall answer you Kuchiki-sama. Until then please be my guests here in Tokyo. I own the building you were in last night and you and your lieutenant may stay if you please.” Mizuki answered.

 

Byakuya stood and bowed. Renji followed his captain's motions but had a scowl on his face.

 

“I suggest you wizen up boy. You stand in a room with a kumo youkai.” Ayana snapped.

 

“I suggest you shut your trap onna.” Renji retorted.

 

“Enough!” Byakuya said fiercely.

 

“Shou will take you to the apartments. Please be my guests for dinner. A few of my siblings will be coming to town. Good day to you both.” Mizuki said in dismissal.

 

Byakuya and Renji both bowed again and exited the office. Ayana turned to her sister who had already picked up reports and began reading.

 

“Mizuki?” Ayana asked.

 

“I will talk about it later. Till then make yourself busy.” Mizuki said without looking up.

 

“Hai.” Ayana said sighing.

 

Mizuki watched her sister leave and her blood began stirring at the idea of facing an enemy. She cupped her chin as she contemplated what the shinigami wanted from her. She shook her head and turned her attention back to the reports that Karu had faxed from America.