Ray found herself being dragged through a large hallway, and to both her sides were cells filled with 3 to 4 women each. She was bound by chains, and her clothing had been replaced by a simple cloth gown. The ones that had been brought in with her had been taken in another direction.
She could only imagine they were going to suffer some kind of conditioning in her absence. While she seemed to be taken directly to wherever the rest of their workers were kept, the 2 men that were transporting her stopped in front of a cell where a single female figure rested in the shadows. She too seemed to be restrained by chains.
One of the men opened the cell's door, while the other pushed her inside like a piece of trash, before then closing the door behind her. Managing to place herself on her knees, Ray directed her attention to the woman sitting on the bench in front of her. She had long messy grey hair, piercing blue eyes, and seemed to be in her 30s. Her chains were placed around her ankles, left wrist, and neck. Her right arm was bound at the shoulder and joint, because she apparently lacked a right hand.
"So, you are my new cellmate?" She asked in a neutral tone.
"W-Where am I!?" Ray asked back, visibly terrified by the situation.
"We're somewhere near the southern Re-Estize border." The other prisoner calmly replied.
Ray's heart sank, as the overwhelming reality of her situation came crushing down on her, and she remembered Kalvyn's words, and Olivia's fate. Soon she became a shivering mess, fearing for what would happen to her, when then a weak chuckle began to echo through the cell.
"Surely, you are not this weak? No, that which is seen as weak, isn't brought to this cell."
"I-I don't care how I am seen! I-I… just want to get out of here!" Ray roared back.
"Don't turn your anger on me." The woman remarked, still calmly sitting in place.
With those words, Ray slowly seemed to regain control of herself, understanding that panicking and directing her frustrations and fears at the nearest person would not do her any good.
"You show the first sign of weakness, and they will target you. After all, the more mentally unstable you are, the quicker they will make money. However, I guess that in our case that is not how it will go, most of the time." The fellow prisoner added.
"O-Our case?" Ray mumbled in confusion.
"We... are different from the others that are brought here. They, one way or the other, have their minds broken so as to make their 'jobs' easier. However, that is not our case. They want us to struggle. That's why we're the 'stars of the party', as we'll be attracting most of the costumers' attention. They will take turns trying to make us theirs, and whoever succeeds in doing it, will take us home that night, like a prize. Our 'job' is to resist it. Not that the costumers make it easy, but our resistance makes Kalvyn money…" She calmly replied, pausing for a moment before continuing.
"... But do not think, that if you are done in easily, it will end. After all, we have no idea who the one that ends up taking us, will treat us any better than what we are treated here. That being said, do your best to make it through this."
The instant her cellmate concluded her explanation, Ray felt sick at the thought of having several men use her during the night. At the thought of all of them doing their best to make her their possession. Once more panic threatened to take hold of her body. She forced her breathing to slow down. She had to put her mind somewhere else. Anything else would do, but to think of such depravity.
"W-Who are you?" She asked, her question seemingly surprising the woman.
"My name is Juno Ulmeyda. What's your name?"
"Ray."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Ray." Juno said with a weak smile.
Juno was not hopeful when she looked at the newcomer. Surely she had some energy when she was acquired, but now she seemed to have lost it. It was not the first time she had seen this, and as much as it pained her, it would not be the last. She had seen many come and go, and Ray reminded her of some of her former cell companions. From her past experience she could guess Ray would last a month at best.
Juno was brought back from her thoughts, when she noticed Ray's eyes on her stump, and the feeling made her uneasy, her left hand clenching in response. The missing hand was her weakness, the mark of who owned her, a reminder of what brought her here, and why she wasn't as beautiful as other women.
The last thought coming from her time spent in Kalvyn's "employ", was where they would go to great lengths to hide her deformity, in an attempt to not discourage the clients. The rare times her missing hand wasn't an issue, was when a client would ask for her in order to have a private session, and specify he wanted her fully.
"Don't look at me!" Juno growled.
"I-I'm sorry! I didn't mean to..." The newcomer tried to explain herself, but Juno interrupted her.
"It's fine. I take it you are curious?"
"Y-Yes."
"Very well. I lost my hand around 2 years ago, just before being brought here."
"You've been here for 2 years!?" Ray gasped, to which Juno weakly nodded.
"D-Does that mean, that for 2 years you've…" Once more Juno spoke over her.
"Yes. Among other things that they had me do. Be it private sessions, or being used as the 'entertainment' in one of Kalvyn's business meetings. But my circumstances are a bit different. I take it you were captured?"
"I-I was."
"I was brought here, because of a wager that I lost. You see, before coming here I was a fighter. I had a simple, yet happy life where I fought for money. One day, Kalvyn offered me a large sum if I could defeat his champion 1-on-1. I lost the bout, and shortly after his champion took my hand. Having crushed my dreams Kalvyn decided to keep me as a trophy..."
Suddenly the sound of a whip echoed through the air, getting both of the women's attention. Ray looked through the bars of the cell, trying to find the source, managing to see someone approach from her left, with a whip in his hand.
"Get back." Juno quietly mumbled.
Doing as she was told, Ray distanced herself from the bars. Just as she did the figure came into view. He was a man in his 40s, with short dark grey hair, dark brown eyes, and wrinkled face. He seemed to wear some kind of simplified version of a military uniform. This was telling Ray that it held no actual meaning, and was worn just for effect.
"Are you making friends with the new girl, Juno?" He asked, his depraved voice making Ray's skin crawl.
"That's none of your business, Castro." Juno replied with venom in her voice.
The man gave her a chilling smile, as the grip on his whip tightened, a clear sign of how her remark angered him. After all, it was an insult upon his authority. However, his actions were somewhat limited here. Physical damage was not acceptable, especially in the case of these two, who would be put on display for all to see. Rape was also out of the question, since if they managed to break down the girls before the clients, such a mistake would be paid with their lives.
"Heh. I see. Then I hope you don't waste your time with getting to know this one. After all, it isn't like she will be around for very long."
"You bastard!" Ray growled defiantly.
She was ready to lunge at the bars, when the whip came smacking into them. The sound stopped her in her tracks, and all the while Castro had a smile on his face.
"You have fight in you. That's good! The clients will be very happy with that. They tend to get bored with the easy ones." He said with a perverse grin.
"Now ladies, if you don't mind, I have to go check on the 'utilities'. They tend to get a tad excited from even the smallest sign of commotion."
Giving the women a mocking bow, Castro began to walk away in the direction of the "utilities". It was the code word used for women who had been mentally driven to the point where they were simply living toys to be used by men.
It was a clear day as Amelia, Aizen, and Igeor had arrived in E-Rantel in the late afternoon. Amelia and Aizen would be taking up residence in the Shining Golden Pavilion, given the fact Amelia always stayed there when in E-Rantel, and Aizen really was not given any other choice. Igeor was quick to dismiss himself, opting to stay at another inn he seemed to favor, given his familiarity with some of its residents.
Aizen was given a rather small room despite the high quality of the inn. Apparently a better option wasn't available at the time, which he didn't mind at all. As he placed his bag in the room, his mind began to go through his lengthy conversation with Igeor.
Truly the man seemed to be a master of his craft. Through said conversation Aizen got a better, and more well-rounded view of magic and how it worked. Not wanting to seem like he was offering the old man nothing, and wanting to further encourage him into talking, Aizen had spoken about his own "magic", Kidō.
Igeor had shown great interest in the topic, especially when Aizen described it as using the energy of the soul instead of mana. The old man brought up the topic of Wild Magic, the magic of the soul. Apparently, said magic originated from dragons, and was based upon the sacrificing of lives in order to get the wanted result.
In some cases it could even put the user at risk. Aizen wondered if perhaps that was one of the reasons it fell into disuse, since it seemed to be a rather crude way of doing things, given the fact it involved such careful use. Yet Aizen could see value in this. If someone were able to use it properly and without putting themselves in danger, said being would be a troublesome opponent.
Speaking of which, according to Igeor the only being he knew for certain of being able to use it is Draudillon Oriculus, the Queen of the Dragon Kingdom, whom carried the blood of a Dragon Lord. The Dragon Kingdom was where Igeor said he learned about it during his travels. However, the elder did say that surely there were other Dragon Lords that could use it.
Outside of the informative conversation, Aizen had picked up on something else. To be honest he still felt it, as it was like a faint buzzing sound in the background. It was a similar feeling to Reiatsu, though it was different enough from what he was used to, so as to not make him think it came from another Shinigami. From what he was able to understand, the source came from deep under the city, and to it smaller fragments of different origins, were drawn in before being absorbed into the larger source.
This was something he would have to investigate. However, he still had other "duties" to attend to. To be more specific, dinner with Amelia. Igeor would not be joining, which Aizen understood since he was staying at another Inn with people he knew, but he also suspected that even the elder was aware of the rumors that surrounded her. To that point he feared to be caught in-between any of her schemes.
Aizen and Amelia took a seat at one of the many tables in the inn's restaurant. The Shinigami took his time to take a look around, calmly examining his surroundings and the feeling of wealth they transmitted.
"You like the view?" Amelia asked, in a somewhat teasing tone.
"It's of simple and neutral taste. I assume that the decorator's idea was to appeal to as many people as possible." Aizen calmly remarked.
"I take it that is a no. Then, what do you like, Aizen?" She asked, leisurely leaning back in her chair.
For a moment he looked at her, wondering if he should indulge in this attempt at small talk. In the end he decided that what would be the harm in it.
"I prefer something simple, yet natural. For example, are you familiar with Cheery Blossoms?"
Amelia let out a muffled laugh in response. Was she to assume Aizen enjoyed Cheery Blossoms? She wasn't judging or mocking him for it, but the thought of it for some reason brought an amused smile to her face.
"I am. While I've not seen them in person, I know they exist in the southern countries. The same place where katanas come from."
"What a shame. Who knows? Perhaps we will both get the chance to see them one day." Aizen remarked.
"Are Cheery Blossoms really something that catch your attention that much?"
"You say that, because you have yet to see them. I try to find beauty in rather simple things, like the moon reflected in water or a flower in a mirror."
"I did not take you for a man of simple tastes, Aizen. I was under the impression you were into more complex, and learned things." Amelia pointed out, to which Aizen let out a weak chuckle.
"But, as we both know, the things that catch our interest come to us rarely. Unless we seek them out, of course. But while we do so, I find it is necessary to look at the little things."
Amelia found herself liking that point of view. Truly, for them the world held little that could provide satisfactory stimuli, which brought about the need to simplify their needs in order to gain something. She admitted that she found herself doing this through sex. It was something easy for her to get, but something that as time passed also began to bore her. Now, in Aizen she found a new source of stimuli, be it through sex, or several other types of ways.
Soon a waiter came by to take their requests. As this went on Amelia noted how Aizen kept this new side of himself while talking to the man, and she found it very amusing. After the waiter left, she found herself beginning to bore. This was given the fact she was ultimately too impatient to wait for the right moment to make a move on Aizen. That meant she would have to take the initiative, which in no way bothered her.
As a mischievous plan formed in her mind, Amelia was thankful of the fact the cloth that covered the table went all the way to the floor, as she then skillfully removed her right foot from her high heel boot. Whilst completing her preparations, she decided to strike up a conversation with Aizen.
"Why don't you tell me more of what you discussed with Igeor? Tell me more about your magic."
"I thought the conversation was boring you." Aizen pointed out.
"It was, until you mentioned Kidō." Amelia explained, leaning in towards the table.
Aizen was about to reply when he felt something graze his right leg. For a moment he wondered if it was some kind of animal, but it didn't quite feel like it. His attention went to Amelia, and her perfectly composed expression. Yet, he could see some flaws in it, flaws that for the moment he decided to ignore.
"There isn't much else I could say, that I haven't discussed with Igeor."
"Nonsense!" Amelia protested, quickly dismissing Aizen's reply.
"Ahem! My apologies. But I find it hard to believe that you told everything to some out of commission magic caster, which you just happened to meet."
"You give me too much credit. Everything I told him was the truth. A simplified version perhaps, but the truth nonetheless."
"Then what didn't you tell him?" Amelia asked, now with genuine curiosity.
Aizen looked around, using his superior senses in order to make sure no one was paying any attention to their conversation. As he did this his eyes fell on a man in the distance. Said man wore a black cloak which hid his face as he stood near a wall, seemingly going unnoticed by those who walked past him. For the moment Aizen decided to ignore this, as it was nothing to be worried about.
"First, the true name given to the source of energy used for the spells is Reiryoku, which is used as the source of my power. The pressure applied by said power is called Reiatsu, which one can regulate by will, and can also be used for several purposes..." Aizen began, pausing when he felt something brush against his leg once again.
"Is something wrong?" Amelia asked.
"I was just making sure you understood what I said so far." Aizen remarked, to which Amelia frowned.
"Let's move on to what you didn't tell Igeor." She pointed out.
"Very well. It is true that Kidō spells are ranked beginning at 1, and the things called 'tiers' in your magic system do not exist, yet they are in fact divided by differing types. First type is Bakudō, used for defense, communication, binding, tracking, and sealing spells. Second type is Hadō, which is used for offensive purposes. Both of these categories have spells that start at rank 1. There are also other unranked spells, which are separate because of their nature, or power, do not conform to these categories. To give an example, there is a third category called Kaidō, which is used primarily for healing purposes, and do not have number ranks or spells. Its effectiveness is limited only by the skill of the user."
"How proficient are you with them? When Igeor asked that question, I felt as if you undersold your capabilities."
"There is no reason for me to call too much attention to myself."
"Either way, how proficient are you?"
"I am a top level Kidō master."
"Then, if I say a number between 1 and… 100, will you be able to use that spell?" Amelia asked, to which the Shinigami simply nodded.
"Very well… Hadō… #90?"
"Kurohitsugi. One of my personal favorites."
"And I guess that you can't do a practical demonstration?" Amelia asked, to which Aizen simply nodded.
Throwing herself back on her chair, Amelia let out a displeased sigh, truly it was a shame she couldn't get a demonstration of his skills. She guessed she would have to be content with her current stratagem.
Shortly after, the waiter came delivering their meals. As they both dug in, Amelia took the opportunity to more openly caress Aizen's left leg with her foot. No reaction came, but she understood that he liked to play hard to get. Not wanting to waste time, her foot began to make its way upwards, all the while brushing against his leg.
The Shinigami seemed to stop mid-bite, and his eyes looked up towards her. Much to her disappointment there were no signs of lust in them. No matter, she would just have to take extreme measures.
In fact, Aizen was not looking at Amelia, but the man in the distance, who was now making his way towards them. He felt something rather familiar coming from him, and as the figure made his way towards them, the Shinigami noted many things.
Specifically, those around the area did not seem to notice him or his presence. Not when they were walking straight into him, or when he bumped into a chair and a coat would fall. This was enough for Aizen to connect the dots, and why the feeling was so familiar to him. This figure was a soul, and apparently only he could see him.
"Y-You can see me, can't you?" The figure asked almost excitedly, while Aizen acted as if he didn't hear anything.
"Don't ignore me! If you ignore me, they will get her!" The figure roared with an echoing voice.
"Amelia, excuse me, but I need to use the rest room. Can you tell me where it is?" Aizen politely asked.
"Walk all the way behind me, and to the left."
As Aizen got up from his seat, his eyes met the figure as he did so, a signal for him to follow. As they walked the figure continued to talk.
"Where are you going!? You have to warn her! That…"
The man's words were cut short, when with what could be seen as a simple motion, had ended up shocking him. Aizen had grabbed onto his cloak, and soon after that they then vanished from sight. When his senses came back to him the figure found himself in an alley, near the inn, the stranger looking down at him with an overwhelming gaze.
"I take it that you are Falco?"
"Y-Yes. How do you know?"
"Halvar was rather talkative after his defeat. He said that you were the one that contacted them." Aizen coldly replied.
"D-Don't tell me… You were the one that killed them!?" Falco gasped in surprise.
There was no reply or reaction to his words. After a moment of silence the spirit continued speaking.
"Yes, I was the one that contacted them, but that doesn't matter now! You have to warn her about the guy that hired me."
"I'm listening."
"His name is Kalvyn Portio Ranoc, and he and his men are in the city right now! She cannot be left alone."
"Why? What does he want with her?"
"I-I'm not sure, but I have heard rumors that he is involved with some nasty stuff. Stuff related to prostitution and slavery. I guess he wants her for that."
As helpful as the information was, it was terribly vague, yet it did give Aizen somewhere to start looking.
"Do you know where he is staying?" He asked.
"W-What? No way! Going after him will get you killed! He has 3 bodyguards that make Halvar and his men look like nothing." Falco pointed out in concern.
"I simply wish to know the face of the man who is after the person who helped me. Surely you can help with that. After what they did to you, I'm sure you wish for nothing but retribution. What else would keep you here, unable to move on?"
"H-How do you know about that?"
"Simply an educated guess. Now, will you show me where he is?"
"Just know that if we get caught, it's your funeral."
"Then, wait here. I will be right back." With that Aizen once more vanished.
Amelia lazily made her way through her meal, she wasn't particularly hungry, and the situation had lost most of its interest when Aizen left. She wondered what was taking him so long. Suddenly a hand fell on her right shoulder, followed by Aizen's face emerging to her left side, his lips close to her ear.
"Should we perhaps take this somewhere else?" He whispered.
"But you've barely touched your meal. It would be a waste to leave it like that." She lazily remarked, seeming uninterested.
"I understand. Do you perhaps need some time to put your shoes back on?" Aizen remarked, earning him a mischievous smirk from Amelia.
"I was starting to fear that you had lost the sensibility in your lower body."
"You should know very well that my lower body doesn't give out that easily. The same, however, can't be said for you…"
Aizen went silent, when Amelia dropped her silverware on her plate, a sound that echoed through the nearby area, getting the momentary attention of some of those around them. She had, for a moment, lost her composure, her face blushing slightly. Internally she cursed herself for her weakness, but she was also thankful, as truthfully, she was not in the mood for charades.
"Point taken." She remarked, regaining her composure.
Getting back to her feet, Amelia motioned for Aizen to follow, which he naturally did. No words were exchanged during their walk between the restaurant and Amelia's bedroom. No words were needed.
Amelia opened the door to the bedchamber, before throwing herself onto the bed, watching on as Aizen closed the door behind him, and began to approach her.
"Well? Do you expect me to do all of the initial work? Again?" She asked sarcastically.
Getting back to her feet in order to walk up to him, she studied his expression, and slightly tilted her head as a thought occurred to her.
"Or, do you have other plans for tonight?" She asked as she stopped in front of him, and was removing his glasses.
"Was it that obvious?" Aizen dryly asked.
"Somewhat. You're just lucky that the restaurant was beginning to bore me."
"I've gotten some information regarding the ones that attacked you. To be more specific, the one who ordered it."
"And you want to go investigate it now?"
"I plan to do so, yes."
"Alright. Then give me a moment to get ready." Amelia remarked, giving Aizen back his glasses, and turning around to make it to her briefcase.
"From what I'm told he is a dangerous man, who is actively looking for you. You going is too much of a risk."
"That's why you're around Aizen, to protect me..."
As soon as she said that, Amelia felt something behind her. Her eyes went to where Aizen had been before, and he was no longer there. Then for a moment a chill went down her spine as he spoke.
"Then, I hope you understand this."
The last thing she saw was his hand in front of her face, before her senses left her and she collapsed. Using the same arm, Aizen carefully prevented Amelia from falling onto the floor, placing her on the bed before leaving. Closing the door, Aizen was met by Falco, who was leaning against the wall seemingly waiting for him.
"That was fast." The soul commented.
Ignoring the unnecessary remark, Aizen raised a Kyōmon barrier in order to keep anyone from entering the room. Yet knowing that the enemy was in the city, he would be placing part of his attention on the room at all times.
"Now, lead the way."