Aizen followed Falco through the dark alleyways of E-Rantel, and had it been up to him this wouldn't be taking as much time as it was. However, since Falco was the only one that knew the way, and he did want to examine the soul, Aizen allowed things to progress slowly.
Falco's soul seemed to differentiate somewhat from those in a similar situation that Aizen had seen in his world. There was no chain, and there was a foreign aura around him. It was faint but was highlighted by the moonlight. This aura was greyish in color, and was as of yet, for and unknown purpose. Could it be used for a similar purpose for the chain in his world? An interesting subject, but could be explored later, since he was almost certain Falco would know nothing about it.
Finally emerging from the alley, they were met with a carriage rushing pass them to the point it almost ran over Falco.
"A-And there he goes." Falco nervously pointed out.
"He? Do you mean Kalvyn?" Aizen calmly asked.
"Yes. I didn't think he was going out tonight too." The soul replied.
"Going out?"
"He and his three thugs left the city around the same time yesterday. I don't know when they came back."
"Where are they going?" The Shinigami asked, walking to the middle of the street.
"I-I don't know. I can't leave the city." Falco replied.
"I see. Then I will be going after them on my own."
"Wait! What about me? I…" The soul tried to say, but Aizen spoke over him.
"I will repay you later. I need to follow them now." With that Aizen vanished.
"Fine. It's not like I've got a life to live anymore."
Using his superior speed, Aizen easily caught up to the carriage and kept on following it. The vehicle made its way through dirt roads, until in the distance a large, seemingly abandoned manor became visible.
Aizen stopped his pursuit, before the carriage entered the clearing where the building rested. Four men emerged from within it, and were greeted by the woman that was standing near the large front door, with two men flanking each side. The man Aizen assumed was Kalvyn exchanged a few words with the woman, before the two guards opened the doors allowing him and the other three to enter.
The Shinigami began to think of a plan of approach, when his senses detected something approaching the manor, from what he could tell it was another carriage, and possibly his way to enter the building.
The carriage belonged to three young and wealthy men, who in their already drunk state, were now looking for the pleasure brought about by Kalvyn's parties. The poor man tasked with taking them there, let out an exhausted sigh, as he did his best to keep his eyes on the road. As the carriage took a turn, the driver had to pull violently on the horses in order to stop them from trampling the man that stood in the middle of the road.
"W-What the hell?! Get out of the way!" The driver growled, too tired to have any patience.
"What's the hold up!?" One of the drunk passengers grunted, stumbling out of the vehicle.
"Gentlemen, I'm afraid this is where your night ends." Aizen said.
The carriage entered the clearing, on the reigns was the same driver, who now had a more alert look to him. Getting close to the building he stopped the vehicle, right in front of the woman who was greeting the guests. She was an average size woman, with light brown hair and eyes. Her outfit was made so it would enhance all of her curves and showcase her considerable cleavage.
The carriage's door opened, from it a single man emerged. He was wearing an expensive looking suit, his hair was completely swept back outside of a single strand hanging down his face. The air around him was filled with an exquisite perfume, which coupled with his looks and piercing gaze, was enough to make the woman's legs weak, and almost regretting the fact she was not tending to clients that night.
"G-Good evening." She greeted.
"Good evening." Aizen calmly replied.
"Well, before we can let you through. I need to know the password." The woman politely informed.
"Of course. The password is... Asmodeus."
For a moment, she didn't say anything, almost as if she hadn't heard him speak. It was just that his eyes were so captivating, as if commanding her attention.
"E-Exactly, sir. You may go in, and please enjoy the evening." She nervously said, taking a step to the side.
"Thank you."
Giving the woman a small nod, Aizen began to move pass her,and just as he made his way to her side, the woman grabbed onto his sleeve, regaining his attention. For a brief moment. she was fearful. In her current role she was not allowed to touch the clients, and she didn't know how this particular man would react.
There were some men who didn't like to be touched, but did like to be the ones to do the touching. They liked the power that came from being the ones to initiate things, and she knew of situations where when this need was overlooked they could reply violently.
Her eyes, which would have normally looked down in fear of a negative response, were kept on man, his expression was unchanged. It continued to be warm and at the same time overwhelming, yet it strangely was enough to brush away her fears.
"Yes?" He calmly asked, prompting her to let go.
"M-My apologies. But, you seem to be new here, I was wondering if you plan on coming here tomorrow?"
She pauses, this time grabbing onto his hand, before moving it up to her chest and giving him the most seductive look, she could muster. A look she hoped was enough to move a man of his caliber. No words came from him, as he calmly moved his hand away from her, moving it in such a way his finger tips brushed her chin, sending electricity through her body.
"I'll consider it." Was all he said, before vanishing through the door.
As the door closed behind him, Aizen was faced with a small hallway ending in a crimson curtain. Said hallway was decorated by several paintings, all of them depicting a scene that was in some way perverse.
Breaking through the curtain, Aizen found himself in the first chamber of the building. It was a section dedicated for a simpler and less sexual way to pass ones time. In the center there was a large bar which was in turn surrounded by several tables, chairs, and couches. All of the people Aizen could identify as workers were female, all wearing clothes which provided several degrees of nakedness.
Some were working at the bar, others simply serving or talking to clients, while others masterfully pole danced. There was also another curtain covered opening, which from the sounds he could perceive coming from it, over the ambient music, was the area designated for carnal entertainment.
Wanting to look like a normal client, and knowing that thanks to the 3 men he meet on his way here, money should not be an issue. Aizen then made his way towards the bar. However, his progress was cut short, when two women approached him. They looked very similar most likely twins, their hair was blonde and their skin slightly tanned. Their leather outfits left their mid-section and bust fully exposed, and leather handcuffs held them together.
"Hello mister." The one to his left said in a friendly manner.
"Would you like some company?" The one to the right added.
"Perhaps later." The Shinigami curtly replied.
He tried to walk around them, but they just moved in the same direction as he did, effectively blocking his path, and all the while holding lustful smiles on their faces.
"Don't be mean, mister.~" The sister to the left pointed out in a cute pout.
"We're much better, than whatever they give you at that bar."
"We'll make it really cheap for you, mister.~" The one to the left said.
"Y-You can't do that!" Her sister pointed out in a slight stammer.
"But I really want him.~" She replied with lust glazed eyes.
"You heard her. Why don't you reconsider our offer?" The girl to the right asked.
Her left arm moved to approach Aizen, when her eyes went to something behind him. To be more specific, another approaching woman, who freely took his arm before speaking.
"Do run along now. He is a man of more... refined tastes." The familiar voice of Ada informed.
Aizen looked to his side at the Countess. She was wearing a dark crimson dress, which was decorated with golden flowers, and was also wearing high heel boots. For some reason his mind went to what Amelia had asked earlier about Ada's back being exposed, which from what Aizen could see it was not.
"Very well. Continue enjoying the evening." The one to the right said with a small bow, before beginning to walk away.
"Call for us if you get bored, mister.~" The other added, before being dragged away.
"Poor things, unable to read a man's disposition." Ada remarked with a smirk.
"Countess." Aizen cordially greeted.
"I was on my way to get a drink, but it seems something much more interesting has presented itself before me. Now tell me, how did a 'lowly foreigner' such as yourself, get into a place like this?" She asked with an amused expression.
"…"
Aizen was about to reply, when she spoke over him.
"Please walk with me. The Count is not too keen on me being away from him for too long."
As she said this, she also motioned to 2 men who were watching her from the distance, men which Aizen assumed to be her bodyguards. Seeing this as a chance to get some attention, Aizen did as he was told, and allowed Ada to pull him through the curtain. It lead to a much larger section of the building, where there was also another section separated by a curtain. In this chamber was the area where most of the perverse acts of the night took place.
In the center of the room, bound to a structure that made her seem as if she was to be executed was a girl named Ray, with her head hung low, and her body exhausted from the several men that had "visited" her. Behind her stood another massive line of eager "visitors" waiting their turn.
As he walked towards one of the isolated tables, Aizen found himself having to avoid contact with several of the servants roaming the area. Some seemed to have left humanity behind, and were being walked around like dogs by other women, all the while mumbling sickening things to whatever male happened to catch their attention. He also witnessed several open usages of drugs and alcohol. Ada seemed unfazed by this, but judging by what she had said about the Count this was not her first time here.
Arriving at the free and isolated table, Ada motioned Aizen to sit, before doing so herself, and directing her attention to the single bodyguard that was still following her.
"You may leave." She informed.
"But the Count…" The man tried to argue, but she raised her hand in protest.
"He won't miss me while he waits for his turn. And as you can see, I am in the company of a rather sophisticated gentleman. He knows his place."
"Still, I…" Once more he was interrupted.
"And he will not try anything, nor would I let him."
"V-Very well." With that the bodyguard promptly left.
"My apologies. So, how did you find your way here?" Ada asked.
"I followed Kalvyn Portio Ranoc here." Aizen replied calmly.
"And snuck your way into the building? He's not the type of man to let anyone into his events, and I doubt the use of your ties to the Aigner family would be enough to convince him… Don't tell me you tricked your way in?" She asked, with a sarcastic gasp.
"That's not too far from the truth. Do you not agree with my means, Countess?" The Shinigami remarked, earning himself an amused smile.
"I don't mind them at all. It must have been the most interesting thing you've done since you came here. After all, you don't seem interested in the women or the drinks. Makes me wonder why you are here, and not with Amelia."
"My I ask you something, Countess? Why are you here? From what I understood of our limited interactions, you also don't seem like the type to be interested by such events."
"Indeed. I find these events distasteful. However, my husband doesn't share the same views, and he insists on having me accompany him."
As she speaks her eyes go to the line of men waiting for their turn with Ray, and among them was her fragile looking husband, escorted by his bodyguards.
"Is that a regular ritual at these types of events?" Aizen asked, looking at Ray.
"It is. Poor girl. This is just her second night taking on that role. Given the amount of people that are here today, I thought they would go with the more experienced Juno." Ada remarked.
"Juno?"
"Of those that take on this role during these events she's been here the longest, at 2 years. But that isn't saying anything good. Most of the women here, are here against their will, and from what I understand they are conditioned into staying."
"Two years? How is she able to endure?" Aizen asked, a hint of interest in his voice.
"If you are asking if they give her the means to endure it, I doubt that is the case. However, I do know that before coming here she was a skilled warrior, who made money from her fights. Perhaps what keeps her going is the fighting spirit in her." Ada replied.
"But if she is a warrior, as you say, why waste her talent on these events?"
"Because that's the type of man our host is. But why are you so interested in her all of a sudden?" The Countess asked, leaning back on her seat.
"I know little of this world. It would be highly beneficial for me to have at my disposal a strong warrior that could teach me about their skills and abilities." Aizen replied, to which the woman rose an eyebrow at.
"I see. I don't know how she is mentally, but assuming that she is in good shape, and is responsive, I don't see why she wouldn't be able tell you about her experiences."
"What about her body? In what shape is it in?"
"She's rather skinny and is missing a hand. She lost it in the duel that ultimately brought her here. I'm not that well versed in the ways of warriors, but I would assume she is not in fighting shape."
"Where would she be, if she is not in that spot today?"
"She should be through those curtains. In there a client can have some private time with a girl of his choice, or the one that is already in the room." Ada replied.
"You are asking a lot of questions, about this girl. Why?" The Countess asked in genuine curiosity.
"Like I said, it is a waste for a warrior like her to be reduced to a place like this."
Ada was unsure of what to say next, Aizen's expression was a wall, no matter how much emotion it showed. She could only perceive certain things that were happening beyond it. It was a frightening thought to know that Amelia was interacting with him. Would she be able to handle him? No, that seemed to be a pointless question from what she had understood from seeing them together. Still, it didn't make her feel any less relieved, especially now that he seemed to be forming some kind of ideas related to Juno.
"You've yet to tell me, Aizen. Why are you here? Surely it is not for this feeble conversation about one of the girls."
"I guess that it was rude of me not to answer right away. While making our way back to the capital, we were attacked by a group of men. After their defeat they informed me that they were hired to capture Amelia. The one that hired them was in E-Rantel, and today I learned that the one that hired them, was in fact himself hired by someone else. That someone being…" Aizen replied, just for the Countess to finish his sentence.
"Kalvyn."
"Exactly."
What happened next, surprised Aizen. Even if he wouldn't admit it out loud, it was as if a wave of heat hit him full force. The release happened for less then a second, however it was enough for him to see the abnormal, and unexpected, power coming from Ada. During this interval, he also saw a break in her composed and charming expression. It being replaced by pure rage. As soon as he felt it, Ada reeled it back in, masterfully getting a hold of herself once more, something that could have worked perfectly on anyone else.
"W-What are you planning to do?" She asked in uncertainty.
"That's not important at the moment. I would much prefer to talk about you now." Aizen replied, his smile growing slightly wider.
Ada gulped, had he sensed her outburst? She didn't think that was the case, since she had managed to put it under control almost as soon as it happened. Yet, his expression and the timing of his words, told her otherwise.
"First, I would like to commend you on such impressive strength, Countess. And the ability to keep it so well hidden, even from myself."
The Countess let out a muffle laugh, one that had hints of nervousness in it. Her eyes momentarily went to the Count and his bodyguards. They didn't seem to be paying enough attention to her to have noticed her current situation. That much was enough to relieve her, since the last thing she needed was her husband knowing about this.
"Are you concerned about the Count knowing what is going on?" Aizen asked.
"Speak for yourself, Aizen. It won't end well for you, if he finds out about this."
"There's no need to be worried. I don't plan on sharing this, limited information with anyone. However, I would like to know more about you, and your surprising power. I'm certain not all nobles are blessed with such strength."
"There's no need for flattering. And there isn't much to this situation. I'm just the wife of the Count, and like a good wife I am tasked with looking over my husband's well-being. And just in case you are considering asking me to teach you anything, then I must apologize, but my commitment is to the Count. I am his after all."
Aizen leaned back on his seat, his mind processing everything that she had said. He had no idea she had such a secret, but he was more than pleased with the fact mentioning what his true reason for coming here, was enough to bring down her defenses. As much as parts of this conversation made his mind draw similarities between Ada and Amelia, unlike Amelia the Countess had a weakness, and a very interesting one at that.
"I wouldn't even think of asking such a thing. I can see that your priorities lay elsewhere. Then, why don't we move on to other things. Like perhaps, the 3 men that guard Kalvyn."
"Very well. Like you said there are 3 of them. The strongest is Logan, a [Monk] and an expert at hardening body parts to use in combat. That's how he fought Juno who was using a sword with his bare-hands, defeating her and taking her hand. The next one is Razor, a trained rogue, and from what I heard a wizard with projectile based weapons. Especially the metal toothpicks he carries with him. Finally, you have Kevel, the weakest of the 3, and a warrior who from what I know prefers a battle axe, and a [Martial Arts] user."
"They sound like an impressive group. How would they compare to you?"
"Now, don't try to go off topic, Aizen." Ada replied.
"My apologies, Countess."
"Anything else you would like to ask?"
"No. I guess, I will be paying a visit to this Juno." The Shinigami replied, getting back up from his seat.
"What are you planning, Aizen?" Ada asked once again, her tone serious.
"Nothing that you need to concern yourself with. And if you are worried about Amelia, I've taken precautions to keep her safe while I'm here."
"I-I see."
Taking a brief bow, Aizen said farewell and began to walk away from the Countess, making his way towards the curtain covered entrance. Walking through it, he was meet by a large bulky man, who seemed to be on guard duty. The man looked at Aizen from top to bottom, carefully examining him, before speaking.
"How may I be of service?"
"I was wondering if the girl named Juno is available." Aizen replied, to which the man lifted an eyebrow at.
"She will be in about 20 minutes, they are currently cleaning her and the room. But if you want I can lead you to the entrance of the room."
"I would appreciate it if you could do that."
"As you wish. But before I do so, I need to make sure you have enough money for the service. The service corresponds to 1 hour with her, and it can have a few extras included with extra costs. The base cost is…"
As the man was about to tell Aizen the price, the Shinigami revealed a small bag from one of his pockets, he opened it and showed its contents to the guard.
"I… W-Well that certainly is enough. Please follow me."
"Lead the way."
"Will you want any extras with your service?" The guard asked, as they walked.
"What kind of extras can one get?"
"More girls, if she is restrained or not, what she's wearing. Things like that."
"Then I want her unrestrained, and wearing something tasteful, a simple nightgown would suffice."
"In her case, I must warn you that having her unrestrained may be dangerous."
"I'm well aware. There is no need for concern. I have no wish to provoke a violent response from her." Aizen informed, with a calm expression.
"U-Understood."
Stopping in front of a door, the man told Aizen to wait, before he went into the room, closing the door behind him.
Inside of the room was Castro, with his whip at hand, and a group of magic casters making the room and Juno presentable.
"There's another client waiting for her. Will this take long?" The guard asked Castro.
"It shouldn't take too long. What did he ask for?"
"He wants her unrestrained and wearing a nightgown."
"Really!? He is either bold or has a death wish. But so be it, he will get her as he wants." Castro said with a laugh.
After a 15-minute wait, the group of magic casters, Castro and the guard emerged from the room. The group and Castro left, and the guard remained behind.
"She's ready for you. You may go in."
Aizen gave the man a slight nod, before vanishing through the door. The room was comparable to his sizable room he had in the manor. It lacked any windows, the walls were covered in velvet, there was a large bed in the center with the necessary alterations for all kinds of desires. On one of the walls were several tools that one could also use to inflict both pain and pleasure. The nightstands had several bowls on top of them, with multicolored pills inside, and a label on the side.
Sitting on the edge of the bed was Juno, she had long straight grey hair, subdued blue eyes, she wore a pink nightgown that went all the way down to her feet, and on her right arm was chalk colored prosthetic.
"Good evening. My name is Aizen. Sōsuke Aizen."
Juno kept an unfocused eye on the man that entered the room. She took several deep breaths, since even after all this time it did not get any easier, and every man that came was different in his way to do things. There were those who said no words, be it before, during, or after the act. There were those that were loud, seemingly enjoying the feeling of having a woman under their control then the act itself. There were some that didn't like to make eye contact with the woman, some of which could turn violent if eyes were to meet. Sometimes, they would introduce themselves, but that didn't mean she was allowed to do the same.
This particular individual felt different than most that she had come across. She couldn't say he was good looking. Such opinions had been dropped long ago for her own well-being. What really caught her attention was his eyes. They were all seeing, as if she was fully naked before him, both physically and mentally. They commanded her attention, and in turn such forced will upon the room, as if they knew each and every corner from a simple glance.
He had introduced himself, should she do the same? Maybe that was not the best option. She tried to look at him and figure out what may please him to hear, but she could come up with nothing.
"What is your name?" He asked.
"I-I'm Juno. Juno Ulmeyda."
Aizen walked pass her as she spoke, sending a certain sensation through her body. Slowly moving her head to the side, Juno followed the man as he went to investigate the bowls.
"I see you are not presented as I wanted you to be." He pointed out, his attention on the pills.
"M-My apologies. Is there a way for me to correct this situation?" Juno asked.
"Could you remove the prosthesis?"
Juno gulped, her heart beginning to beat faster, at the sound of the strange request. Few were those that had asked to see her without her missing hand covered. After all it was ugly, and unpleasant to look at. It reduced her appeal as a woman, and by doing so the appeal her services had, which would affect her master's gains from the night, and earn her a reprimand.
"As you wish."
Slowly, Juno undid the straps that held the object connected to her body, allowing it to fall on the bed. When she was done with this, Juno was surprised to see Aizen standing not too far in front of her.
"Is this to your liking?" She asked, slightly lifting her arms to the side.
"Don't concern yourself with that. I am more interested in talking about you." Aizen replied, taking a seat on the opposite side of the bed.
Juno did her best to keep her "professional" look. This was not the first time she had been asked this, but this was the first time the question sounded sincere, with no hint of perversion behind it.
"W-What do you wish to know?"
"Please drop the formal tone, at the moment it is not needed. I will like to learn more about how you were as a warrior, and what brought about the loss of your hand."
Feeling a weight being taken off her back, followed by an uneasy grip by the man's knowledge of her. The feeling brought about the necessity to protect herself. This was subconsciously shown by the left hand covering the right-hand stump.
"How do you know about me? Who are you?"
"You are well known to those that come to these events. I simply had a conversation with one of them."
"I doubt you heard anything of worth.. from those pigs!" She growled, between gritted teeth.
"I doubt that is her case. From what she said, I believe she sees in you a capable warrior. Even after your defeat at the hands of Logan. She seemed to had assumed, that it was thanks to your fighting spirit, that you have lasted for 2 years."
"I-It must be easy for her to talk. She's not the one that has to spend entire nights…" Juno began to say, but Aizen calmly spoke over her.
"I happen to see truth in her words, that is why I am here now. Because, I believe that you indeed have value as a warrior, and it is that value that brings me here tonight."
Juno looked briefly at Aizen, unsure of how to interpret his words. Was he truly being honest? He seemed to be, but she wasn't really sure. He was too hard to read properly. If he was, what value could she possibly have, her eyes went down to her hand and stump. What worth could she possibly have as a fighter after losing her hand, and spending so many years as a whore. She saw herself as being ugly. She was far too worthless to be of any proper use to anyone as she was now. So dirty, so lacking, so worthless.
"N-No. You must have confused me with someone else. I am too far gone, to be of any use to anyone."
As she said this, she got up from the bed, staggering away from it, her body as uneasy as her current mental state. Turning to face Aizen, who still sat on the bed, she held her right arm up, as if she was trying to use her hand to motion the man to stay put. Then, her mind cleared for a single moment, her eyes going to her lifted arm, a single gaps left her mouth before it was quickly covered by her hand.
Strength left her legs, as she fell to her knees. Juno had taught herself many things. She had learned how to prepare her body to both survive the nightly abuse and pleasure the clients. She had learned to ignore the sensation of her right hand being there, however this man's words, brought it all back.
The tingling sensation filled her unseen right hand, her left hand curled into a fist, as tears now freely drenched her face. She was so dirty, she was so weak, she was so worthless. Why was he here? What was he expecting to bring about from doing this to her, from telling her such meaningless things? What good would it do her?
"Understand, that I am not offering you help." Aizen spoke, slowly approaching her.
"W-What do you m-mean?" She asked in confusion.
"I believe that in one month's time, that I will be able to give you a life, and the potential to be a warrior once more."
Juno slowly rose her head, her reddened, drenched, face looked up at him, his face was decorated with a kind expression. It was but a look, but it told her so much. It almost gave her hope, something she had given up long ago. How ironic, that she who had never seen the potential for a better life on an outsider, was beginning to wonder what Aizen could do for her.
"A-As I am, I can't do much. My body is weak, dirty, scarred. Without my right hand, I-I can't…" The man interrupted her.
"When I spoke of giving you back what has been taken from you, it involved all of those things."
"In one month… W-What do you ask of me?"
"Like I said before, I am not offering you help. I will simply be giving you the means to start a new life. What you do with it is up to you."
"Then…" Juno went to speak, but was interrupted.
"Do not give me an answer now. I will return tomorrow, and hear your answer then. If you happen to accept, I will naturally take you with me away from this place."
Juno simply gave several nods, showing her understanding of the man's words. Part of her wanted to pathetically beg for him to save her now. However, she knew that this was not the best way to do things. First there was the issue if his offers were truthful, and then there was the fact such a display could change his mind about her.
Even with all these concerns, her eyes kept low on her body, and the through that Aizen was offering her a way to get it back to how it used to be, enabling her to live a life of her own, a life of freedom.
"W-What now? You still have a lot of time left." Juno pointed out.
"Is it mandatory for me to use all of the time given?"
"At least h-half." She replied, using her hands to clean her face.
"Very well. Then, let's make things believable for when they come in. Will that be alright for you?" Aizen asked, beginning to talk towards the wall with all of the objects.
"O-Of course. You are free to use me however you wish, after all."
No words came from the man, as he carefully examined the various items displayed on the wall, thinking of the best way to stage what might have happened during their time together. Wanting to start with the lack of any loud noises, Aizen picked up a ball-gag, what he would do next, took form in his mind as he approached Juno.
"We will stage something simple. There's no need to go overboard, for this."
When Aizen emerged from the room, about half an hour after going in, the guard was waiting for him. He may have spent all this time near the door in case assistance was needed.
"There's still some time left." He pointed out.
"It will do for tonight. Is it possible to make a reservation for tomorrow?"
"It is. But it will cost slightly more."
"No matter. I want a reservation for the same time as today. I want her unrestrained, and wearing more civilian like clothing."
Aizen materialized the same small bag as before, from which he took several coins out and showed them to the guard, to see if it was enough.
"T-That's a very generous tip, sir." The man pointed out.
"It is a very generous service you provide." Aizen said cordially, but with a hidden undercurrent of sarcasm that was lost on the man.
"T-Thank you."
With a small bow, the man eagerly took the coins, before Aizen walked away.
Walking through the curtain and past a group of deviant men and women, something grabbed onto his right leg, stopping him in his tracks as he looked down. Laying on the ground was the disheveled form of a naked woman, with a dog collar hanging from her neck. She was a slavering mess, little did Aizen know this was one of the women designated as utilities.
Once her new "prey" stopped, she pulled herself forward, followed by making her way up his leg, in an attempt to fulfill her now unchecked function. Aizen was about to do something about her, when someone pulled on the chain that was connected to her collar, the motion being enough to separate her from Aizen, seemed to keep her under control.
The one that pulled her was another disheveled looking woman, who looked to be in control of her own mental faculties.
"My apologies. She's just too worked up, for her own good." She explained.
Aizen didn't even bother to look at the woman. Continuing to make his way through the building, and ultimately out of the it for the evening. There the two guards and woman that had welcomed him, still stood.
"Were the services not appealing to you, sir?" She asked.
"Not at all. This event is very much worth my time. So much so I will return tomorrow."
A sudden wave of heat went through her body, at the prospect of tomorrow being the one to service him. However she couldn't let it be that obvious to him. She didn't want to look as easy as she was now being.
"Then, please do consider me, to keep you company."
"I already have a reservation. But if that ends up not being satisfactory, you will be the next person on my mind." Aizen informed, with a charming smile.
The woman blinked her eyes a couple of times, taking in the meaning behind his words. Her heart began to race wildly with pure anticipation.
"Where is my carriage?" Aizen asked, bringing her back from her thoughts
"It will be brought to you right away."
The woman went into the building, reemerging a minute later, and several minutes after the carriage which was still being controlled by the entranced man appeared before Aizen.
The carriage took him to the same spot where they had first crossed paths. There Aizen exited the vehicle, and his attention momentarily going to the 3 young men who still slept by the side of the road. Lifting the effects of Kyōka Suigetsu on the 4 men, the Shinigami vanished making his way back to inner E-Rantel.
Stopping before arriving at his destination, his mind went to the ever-present feeling that affected him since he arrived at the city. First, he would need to find the large source of this energy. Using his hands he drew a circle on the dirt floor, with several symbols inside of it, this was a necessary part to use Kakushitsuijaku. From the circle a grey light emerged, and soon enough Aizen had the location of his new target, which from what he understood was underneath E-Rantel.
The hardest part was what came next, which finding a passage underground, and upon considerable search, the Shinigami found a passage in the forest, which seemed to be abandoned for a while. Making his way down, the tunnel got wider and wider, till finally leading to a large cavern where a wall blocked his progress, on it was depicted a flame filled world, and in the middle a massive obsidian colored dragon.
Noting down the image in his mind, Aizen applied some of his power on the already brittle looking wall. It didn't take much effort to cause part of it to crumble in order to create a passage for himself. Now the rest of the massive cavern was made available for him, from a hole on the top came down a ray of moonlight, a ray that was reflected by the several golden artifacts that littered the floor of the chamber. Several other glass based objects also served to reflect the light.
What really interested Aizen, since it was the source of energy he was looking for, was what rested in the center of the chamber surrounded by the treasure: a massive dragon. To be more precise it seemed to be the mummified remains of a dragon. It was grayish in color, and extremely thin, with several spikes that went down its back to a impressively long tail. The folded wings most have been double the size of the body once fully extended. The jaws were massive, with a row of long dagger-like teeth emerging from the upper jaw of the closed mouth, and on its head rested two mighty horns.
The small sources of energy came down from the hole on top of the roof, before being sucked into the resting body. Before Aizen was a dead husk. A husk that was serving as the center for spiritual energy that was being sucked in from all over the area. This was enough to make him wonder if what was before him was indeed a dead being. Dead he was certain the creature was, however he had spoken with Igeor about Wild Magic, the magic used by the mightiest of dragons, the Dragon Lords. A type of magic that could supposedly be used to resurrect the dead, using the energy of the soul as fuel.
The Shinigami began to approach the body as he pondered on the subject. Could it be that this dragon was placing himself through this type of process? Such a theory was possible, then why go through such an inefficient method? He was inside a cave, whose only opening could never be used by another of his kind. Even a group of men would have to walk in a line to get through it. There was also the relatively imposing wall and its mural. Was this a being that was driven into this chamber, where it hid itself and its treasure from the world, using even after death its magical powers to slowly recover?
Aizen walked around the husk, further examining the body, when he saw on the right side of the beast was a massive gash. On the floor there were remains of dried blood. His hand went to the dried wound, finding that the wound was a deep one indeed. Perhaps of a nature that was either crippling or could not be easily healed, even with magic. Walking back to the front of the body, Aizen found his curiosity driving him to wanting to test his theory. Lifting his hand he placed it on the creature's snout, before allowing his Reiatsu to pour through it.
The effect was immediate, as the sounds of popping and cracking echoed through the area, and the husk slowly seemed to regain some color. The wound forcefully pulled itself together, and the body began to recover some long-lost volume. Pleased with what was starting to happen, Aizen lifted his hand away from the body, who now looked much fresher then the mummified husk from before. Indeed, the night had been very fruitful.
Arriving back at the entrance to the inn, Aizen was confronted by Falco who had been waiting for him on the roof. He jumped down to the streets below once Aizen appeared.
"Well?" Falco asked.
"I take it that you were waiting for a reward?"
"What can you give a dead-man? And I want to know what you did to Kalvyn?"
"For the time being I did nothing to him. And I may be able to free you from this realm."
"R-Really?" Falco gasped in shock.
"Follow me."
The duo made its way to another ally, where Falco witnessed Aizen materialize a Katana in his right hand, before then turning to face Falco.
"W-What are you going to do with that?"
"A simple experiment. If you are similar to the souls I am accustomed to, this will free you."
Falco seemed puzzled by the Shinigami's words. However, did not have time to say anything else as the pummel of Aizen's weapon hit his forehead. With an intense pulse his aura vanished, followed by small particles of light beginning to float from his body and into the sky.
"W-What did you do!?" Falco asked, looking at his glowing hands.
"Konsō. I freed your soul from the world of the living. Where you will go after this I cannot say."
"R-Really!? I am free!?" the soul gasped, still shocked by what was happening, half of his body gone.
"For the time being."
To those ominous words no reply came, Falco's body fully broke down into light particles, ascending into the sky.
Lifting the barrier on Amelia's room, Aizen entered it in order to check on her current condition. Amelia was sitting on the bed, her piercing glare focused on the newly arrived Aizen.
"Out." She said, in a serious and commanding tone.
Keeping his composed expression, Aizen closed the door behind him, as he slowly approached her. He didn't get far when Amelia's spoke again.
"Didn't you hear me? You can get out, or better yet you can leave my life all together after what you did to me."
"There is no reason for such a reaction. I simply did what was best to keep you safe."
"Bullshit. The last time I checked, I was the one in charge, not you! If you want to do things on your own, you might as well be on your own!" Amelia roared, getting up from the bed.
"By acting alone, I was allowed more freedom in how I could act. It was not meant to be an act of rebellion."
"Is that so? Is that why you opted with knocking me out?"
"It was the fastest way to get on the move. As I knew you wouldn't be easy to convince, and from what I later discovered, I was right in doing so."
These words caused Amelia's face to turn red with rage. As her fists clenched, and her breathing got faster, she was a few moments away from simply going for a punch, or a kick between the legs.
"Before you make any rash decisions. I want to inform you, that I found out who sent those men after you."
Amelia raised an eyebrow at him, letting out a low growl. She relaxed her posture and hands, before crossing her arms, motioning him to speak.
"His name is Kalvyn Portio Ranoc. He is the organizer of events, where sex and substance abuse are the main forms of entertainment. Those men were sent after you, so that he in turn would use you in those events."
"Ugh! I always said that there was something wrong with him…" Amelia mumbled, anger still present.
"Do you know him?"
"My family has done business with him on a couple of occasions. I never liked the way he looked at me, but it never crossed my mind that he was that much of a bastard."
"What did you do?" She asked in curiosity.
"I followed his carriage to one of those events."
"I guess that explains it." Amelia pointed out.
"…"
Aizen went to speak again, but she decided to enlighten him.
"You reek of sex. Honestly it's not helping me wanting you here."
"I didn't see him at the event. But I did learn that most of the women working there, are doing so against their will."
"And why didn't you deal with him? Or do you want him to try and get me once more?"
"I will deal with him, eventually. Till then, rest assured, I will guarantee your safety."
"I see that you already have plans for him."
"Not for him, but for the time being one of those that work for him. That being the reason I will return there tomorrow at the same time."
Heat began to permeate through Aizen's body, as his mind went back to the event. Perhaps it was because, as Amelia pointed it out, but he now began to sense the stench that came from his clothing.
Amelia was till processing what he had said. To know that he had managed to learn who was after her, helped to quell her rage, but not to fully control it. She was still considering kicking him out of her presence. To give him another verbal beatdown for having gone beyond his boundaries. She never liked when others took liberties with subjects she had interest in. Not even Aizen, outstanding as he was, was free from this.
As she looked at him, noting the small changes in him, that transmitted to her a sense of him being uncomfortable in his clothing, and his now slightly reddened face. Above all of this were his eyes. The hunger. The hunger that had first gotten her attention seemed to be back. His gaze was all seeing, as if she was once more bare before him. Her body could still feel his touch upon it, and it was a feeling it now began to call out for.
Amelia knew this couldn't affect her current standing. What would he think of her if she were to give in so easily?
"You know what? I've changed my mind." Amelia spoke up, sitting on the bed once more.
"I will overlook what you did here tonight." She added.
"In exchange for what?" Aizen asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Good to see that your head is still working, Aizen. It's rather simple, you just have to make it up to me." Amelia replied, with a mischievous smile.
Skillfully taking off one of her boots, Amelia leaned slightly back while extending her left towards Aizen, making contact with his lower body.
"You look uncomfortable, Aizen. Will you be able to keep working in such a pitiful state?" She asked, letting out a mocking laugh.
Aizen would never admit it, but it would seem that the ambience of the event had had a delayed effect on him. One that in this new undisciplined body of his, seemed to be enough to cloud his mind. Luckily for him, a solution for both his unruly libido and Amelia's current disposition, had been made clear by Amelia herself.
"Come on, Aizen. There's no need to be shy." Amelia said, keeping her teasing tone.
"Then, Lady Amelia, allow me to make up for my unruly behavior."