It's been too long, I think. I wonder if you guys can piece together a bit of what's going on. ;) Well, on with the story!

Porcelain

Chapter Four

Kadir glared at Dante from his seat. The devil hunter was about ready for his appointment with Dr. Florus, and Kadir was outright angry with him.

Yesterday, Dante had his colleague - Lady, he recalled - get Kadir a new look set up. He was VERY specific in his request for Kadir's new look, as it was meant to allow Kadir the liberty of walking around outside and going to the nearby diners and such, if he felt like it. That was nice of him, but the transformation was a bit much for client.

The CEO had been transformed into a full-fledged goth. His hair was now cut a bit, and he was dressed in green and black from head to toe. He also had a full amount of makeup to go with it all. White face paint, white and black lipstick, black eyeliner, and green face paint - for the triangles created from his eyes and covered his birthmarks, and gold eye contacts. He looked a lot more like some punk teenager dressed for Halloween, much to Kadir's disliking. He appreciated Dante's attempt to give him certain liberties, but this was NOT how a chief executive officer should look like! The outfit reminded Kadir of nothing but his rebellion phase, which he only partook in because his mother was being too overly sensitive and protective for her own good. Then again, that was the entire point with this.

"There are a few good spots around here. Lady's coming back around to show you the town and certain safe houses, just to be safe." Dante said, finishing with his tie. "Anything I should know about Dr. Florus before I go?" He asked his client.

"Did you look into ANY of his innovations?" Dante nodded. "Then try to stay open for negotiation - within reason, of course. He'd be suspicious if you're not."

"Right." He said. "See ya later."

Dr. Florus's office building was right next door to his factory. The main floor was sleek and clean, and had flowers around to decorate the counters and tables in the waiting area. Probably to add color to the contrast of white. It almost felt like being in a hospital, it was so white.

Dante, black suit and red tie on, approached the front desk. The secretary smiled and called him over. "Welcome to Florus Industry, how can I help you?"

He smiled. "Dante Sparda, I'm here for my appointment with Dr. Florus."

She nodded. "Of course, sir, may I just see your ID?" Dante gave it to her, and she began typing at the computer. She held it up to the screen, called someone on the phone, and hung up. It took about fifteen minutes, and after she returned his license, she said: "Take Elevator C to the fortieth floor. Dr. Florus's office will be straight ahead." He thanked her and left.

The fortieth floor was more colorful, and by color, Dante would say black and pink. There was a lot of pink around the place from the flowers, to the artwork, and even some of the carpeting. Not what you'd expect when visiting a business man, or an innovator for that matter. "Guess that doesn't count when you're both." Dante muttered to himself as he walked in.

He was sat down for a few minutes by Florus's secretary. He didn't mind by the end of the wait, because he was met with a quite the interesting scene. Two men stepped out, including a balding man with green eyes in a navy suit; starting to sweat profusely, not to mention the stammering. "Come now, Florus, we're more than willing to work things out." He said.

Florus had an average build, with pink hair that framed his face, yellow eyes and a set of white glasses on. His suit was white, his tie was pink, and his gloves were a light purple. "Yes, I know, Baxter. But judging by your financial situation, I don't think I'd be able to collect from the investment. Why waste the money?" Dante's brow rose while this Baxter guy stammered. "Perhaps if things stabilize for you, but not now. Good day."

He was seen out by the secretary, and Florus turned to Dante. "Mr. Sparda, I presume."

"Dante." The two shook hands and Florus led Dante into his office. Not much of a difference, save for the newspaper articles and the windows to the side of Florus's desk. "Several clients of mine praise your work, Doctor."

"Thank you, Dante, but call me Anthony if we're on a first name basis." Dante nodded as he sat down. "I looked into your business. I wouldn't think a devil hunter needs an innovator."

"Most people would think the same thing of wildlife protection, but you managed to surprise people." Florus smirked. "Weaponry against demons now are good. Recently we've been having some...difficulty though. I thought now would be the time that look for new options."

Florus smirked. "I didn't take you the type for that, but then again," he said, opening a file, "no one would think you'd be able to survive with how far in debt you are." Dante narrowed his eyes at him. "I like knowing who I do business with, Dante; I'm sure you were told that at some point. The fact you came in tells me that you have other reasons for wanting to see me."

Dante smirked. "But still you saw me? That's a bit odd, don't you think?"

"Quite." Florus said. "But I've always been curious by nature. Why do you think I went into science and engineering?" Dante shrugged. "So, what do I owe the pleasure of having a professional devil hunter in my office? I'm very curious. What could you want?"

Dante gave him a serious look. "Kadir White." He said.

This took the doctor off guard. "Mr. White disappeared five months ago, Dante. And I'm afraid to say that I've never met him in person, so I couldn't help you."

"Well, my client's told me otherwise. Appears as though Kadir's hunted by demons, and to make matters more interesting, the day before he disappeared, his planner marked an appointment to meet with you. A bit strange if you ask me."

"And so you're wondering if I'm the reason Mr. White was chased." Florus was smirking. "I have nothing but respect for Mr. White's character. He's a good business man and knows quality when he sees it. And with someone who only accumulates profit willing to do business with me, why would I want demons to come after him?"

"You wouldn't." Dante said. "But Kadir's got more than a few rivals in hotel services. You can't argue that other businesses may suffer if it's found out you two started working together."

Florus started chuckling, a dark glint in his eyes. "You're more intelligent than you appear." He said before pressing the intercom. "Lumina, could you get me the hotel service files? With the tape recordings too, please."

"Yes, Doctor."

The secretary came in, dropped off the papers and tapes and left. "These are all of Mr. White's rivals who called with offers. I rejected all of them. However, after his disappearance, three of them started calling and requesting appointments, and even after being seen, still call to see me. It's quite a nuisance, but...perhaps you could make something of it."

Florus was holding the three files in question, and Dante got the hint. "And what's this gonna cost me?" He sighed out.

"A fact." Dr. Florus folded his hands on his desk. "How do you know with certainty that Kadir White was being chased by demons?"

For awhile, it was quiet. Neither one moved or said anything. A call came in about an incident in the factory, which Florus said to bring keep the party involved in the supervisor's office until he got a chance to come down. Sometime after that, Dante walked up to Florus's desk and grabbed what he wanted, but didn't pull them out of Florus's hand. He just stood there like that for a second before saying: "Would you call Kadir White a liar?"

Florus's eyes widened and Dante took the files from him, as well as the tapes. "Keep quiet about that. I don't think you want the extra attention from anyone." The doctor calmed then, closing his eyes before nodding at Dante with a smirk on his face. "Pleasure doing business with you." And like that, Dante left.

"Ulquiorra." Kadir looked up as he heard this name. The room he was in was now very dark, save for the tall stature with a throne on top. The man in white was sitting there again, and he still made Kadir shudder. "I take it things went well."

"Yes, sir. The Shinigami are starting to retreat to their tents."

"Good. Then you're ready to begin phase two. Get ready for a strike on their Southern fleet. You have twelve hours."

He bowed. "Hai."

Kadir woke up with someone's hand on his shoulder. He fell asleep on Dante's couch while waiting for Lady, and he woke up sweating again. "Are you alright?" She asked him, legitimately concerned. If not for the makeup sticking to his face, his skin would have paled again. But the look on his face was enough to tell that it was a rough sleep.

Well that...and the fact she had been trying to wake him from a restless sleep for about twenty minutes.

"Yes, thank you." He said after a few minutes, though he didn't move much after. Lady got Kadir a glass of water and a towel to wipe off his face. After recollecting himself and reapplying the white paint on his face, the two left - still silent.

"What was going on?" Lady asked after he buckled himself in.

Kadir sighed. "Just a dream. Nothing important."

"Could have fooled me." Lady muttered off before starting the car.

Well, here's the update. I'm sorry for making you guys wait so long.