(With Basara)

Normal... I didn't feel any different. I still brushed my teeth the same way, combed my hair, and ate my toast like any other human… No, it was different—this thing on my neck wouldn't let me deny it.

Thanks to the pact, I now had a… Tiny tattoo, more visible if someone paid attention, of a dumb rabbit wearing glasses… Damn you, Kuchiki!

I was 'home' now, getting ready for work. Apparently, my new mistress was quite redundant about my new tasks, which were… no tasks at all, really. She said she had no idea what she could ask me to do. I sighed in relief, even thinking she might have helped me just on a whim… No, there was something behind Rukia's help, but what? I had no clue.

She said I would start to notice differences in my new self over time, or maybe I wouldn't even notice, which was almost a relief. Honestly, it's a bit disappointing. I would have preferred to gain some advantages at the very least for being here now. Anyway… Time for a new day. I'd try to pretend I wasn't crippled not too long ago.

Today was going to be a cold day.

(Scene skip)

When I arrived at Kuoh Academy, I started to notice something that was definitely not normal. The female students… I always knew Kuoh had a reputation for having beautiful girls, but today, they seemed… different. Each one that passed by made my face flush and my blood boil in a way I'd never experienced before.

"Control yourself, Basara," I thought, trying to keep my composure as I walked through the hallway. But it was hard. Every soft laugh, every graceful movement, and even their perfume seemed to stir my instincts in an almost primal way. I swallowed hard, feeling a mixture of excitement and discomfort building inside me.

It was as if my body had become hypersensitive to everything around me. The heat in certain parts of me was impossible to ignore, and I found myself struggling against impulses I'd never felt this intensely before. I was doing my best not to lose focus and head to my classroom, but with every step, it was becoming harder.

Damn, was this part of the "changes" Rukia mentioned? If it was, she could have given me a better warning. I needed to concentrate, not let these distractions take over. After all, I had a whole day ahead of me, and it was bad enough dealing with the new reality of being a spiritual servant to a Shinigami without having to handle these new impulses too.

Watching from afar, Rukia saw Basara walking through the hallways of Kuoh Academy. It was almost funny. Basara was trying to act as if nothing had changed, as if it were just another normal day for him, but I knew better. He might be disguising it well, but I could see the signs—the slight tension in his shoulders, the way he avoided eye contact with the girls, the way he seemed uncomfortable in his own body.

I knew he would start feeling the changes soon. The pact wasn't something simple. He was bound to me now, in ways he barely understood, and that would have consequences. Some subtle, others… not so much.

While he struggled to ignore the urges awakened inside him, I could only smile lightly. Basara-sensei had always been proud, always trying to stay in control. Maybe it was time for him to learn that not everything could be controlled.

"Ah, Toujou-sensei..." I thought, sighing as I watched him disappear down the corridor. "You really think you can keep going like before, don't you? But the pact is a mark on more than just your skin."

I shifted my gaze to the notebook I was holding in my hands, the doodles of rabbits scattered across the pages. Rabbits were my weakness—and of course, drawing. But that didn't matter now. What mattered was watching how Basara handled the early stages of our bond.

I knew he blamed me for much of what had happened. Of course, the rabbit tattoo was a constant reminder. And I admit, maybe I went a little overboard with the symbolism… But he'd get used to it. After all, rabbits are the most amazing creatures alive. In time, he'd learn that the pact between us wasn't just a mark of servitude, but something deeper.

"You'll adapt, Toujou-sensei. Or maybe you won't. Maybe this internal struggle will be more fun to watch than I thought." Rukia could hardly wait to see how far he'd go to maintain control over himself… or when he'd lose it.

(With Sona)

That smile... That damn smug smile that Rias had was bothering her a lot.

Yes, she had a nobility with more members. Yes, she was considerably smarter than Rias. And she had also discovered much later about the events of the Fallen Angels' deaths... Damn lucky bitch...

Don't get her wrong, Sona was relieved that Rias had found a clue about the massacre of the angels, but it still bothered her that she hadn't found anything, not even a hint… Rias was always blessed with that damn luck... again, what a lucky bitch.

At least she came to me instead of doing something reckless right away.

Sona watched Rias with a serious expression, but the annoyance was visible in her eyes behind her glasses. The student council room was silent, except for the soft sounds of Tsubaki organizing some papers in the background. Rias, meanwhile, displayed that smile that Sona always found irritating. It was the smile of someone who, by luck or fate, always landed on their feet, no matter how complicated the situation.

"So, Rias." Sona broke the silence, keeping her voice cold and professional. "You found a clue about the Fallen Angels' events. That is... interesting."

Rias leaned back in her chair, the gleam in her eyes indicating that she knew exactly what she was doing. "Luck, perhaps. Or talent. Who can say?" She shrugged with a carefree air, which only made Sona discreetly clench her fists under the table.

"Luck. Of course." Sona responded with a hint of sarcasm, adjusting her glasses as she looked directly at Rias. "Still, it's troubling. A massacre of Fallen Angels in demonic territory. It's not something that can be ignored."

Tsubaki, until now silent, looked up and commented softly, "These recent events are concerning, Kaichou. We don't know if there will be repercussions in the balance of the factions."

Before Sona could respond, the door slowly opened, and Akeno entered. Rias's Queen was, as always, with her enigmatic air and seductive smile. "Oh, the atmosphere here is heavy. I feel like I've interrupted something important." She approached, moving with her usual grace, as if savoring the discomfort in the air. "Are you discussing work... or something more interesting?"

Rias let out a muffled laugh, clearly accustomed to Akeno's humor, while Sona merely narrowed her eyes. "We're discussing the serious situation we're in, Akeno," Sona replied dryly. "This is not the time for your insinuations."

Akeno leaned toward Sona with that dangerous and provocative smile. "Ah, Sona, always so rigid. Maybe you need to relax a little. Who knows, you might be taking everything too seriously?"

Rias sighed but with an amused smile. "Akeno, now is not the best time."

"Maybe later, then," Akeno murmured, stepping back with a soft laugh.

Sona maintained her composure, but the tension on her face was clear. She and Rias had been friends for a long time, and despite their differences, they had a relationship of mutual respect. However, there was a fine line between friendship and rivalry. Both leaders, both proud, and now, involved in something much bigger than simple school disputes.

"Rias, let's be frank. Something big is happening. Fallen Angels dead, factions moving in the shadows. And we are in the middle of it."

Rias nodded, losing her playful tone. "Yes, Sona. I know. And that's exactly why I'm here. I'd like some of your theories."

She was an idiot; whenever she was out of ideas to solve the problems she got involved in, she ran to Sona to solve them... Or rather, she always ran to someone to solve her problems, that was Rias...

Sona adjusted her glasses, hiding the satisfied smile that threatened to form on her lips. Rias, always running to her when things got out of control, as if their friendship was some sort of excuse to escape responsibilities. It was almost... pathetic.

"Theories?" Sona murmured, glancing at Tsubaki, who was attentive to every word. "I have several, but before that... Rias, do you understand what you did by getting involved in these matters, right?"

Rias raised an eyebrow, sensing something strange in Sona's voice. "What exactly are you talking about, Sona?"

The student council president leaned forward slightly, her eyes now gleaming with cunning. "This territory... has been clearly divided between us from the beginning. I handle strategy and diplomacy. You, on the other hand, have always been in charge of the... more visible operations." Sona's cold smile widened as she continued. "By investigating the Fallen Angels' massacre without consulting me first, you crossed a line. If the consequences of this action fall on us, who will be responsible?"

Rias narrowed her eyes. She knew where this was heading, and Sona was playing her cards with precision. "Are you saying that the responsibility now falls solely on me?"

Sona tilted her head, her tone absolutely neutral. "You were the one who decided to act without consulting your allies. This action, and its repercussions, are your responsibility, yes."

The atmosphere in the room grew heavy. It was obvious to both of them that this was not just about solving a problem; it was a power struggle disguised as diplomacy.

Rias crossed her arms, the smug smile disappearing. "So, is that it? You see this as an opportunity to weaken me?"

Sona remained calm, but the spark of provocation in her eyes was undeniable. "I see this as an opportunity to show that, even among friends, there are responsibilities that cannot be neglected. We share the work here, Rias. By acting impulsively, you've put yourself in a vulnerable position. And perhaps it's time to deal with the consequences."

Rias was silent for a moment, the air thick with tension. She knew Sona was right, but she couldn't let her friend—or rather, rival—manipulate her like this. She glanced at Akeno, who was watching from a distance, ready to intervene, then looked at Tsubaki, who remained silent but clearly loyal to Sona.

"Maybe we need to have a deeper conversation about this, Sona," Rias said firmly, but without losing her calm. "But not with an audience."

Sona blinked, intrigued, as Rias stood up, looking directly at Akeno and Tsubaki. "Could you two give us a moment?"

Akeno smiled, slowly rising. "Of course, Rias. It seems things are about to heat up in here." She cast a playful glance at Sona and left the room, followed by Tsubaki, who, though reluctant, followed her president's orders.

Once the doors closed, the silence that followed was even heavier. Rias and Sona stood facing each other, two titans in a silent clash. Both knew what was happening. This wasn't just a casual conversation; it was a battle for control.

Now, with the room empty and the heavy silence hanging in the air, Sona finally relaxed a little but didn't let the control slip. She had the upper hand, and she knew it. However, Rias was also smart enough to see the play. The clash of egos was starting to escalate.

"You've always been good at negotiating, Sona," Rias began, leaning back in her chair with a calmer demeanor, as if she were willing to play her rival's game. "But if you think I'm going to accept being solely responsible for this, you're mistaken."

Sona crossed her arms, adjusting her glasses with a gleam of superiority. "Responsibilities, Rias, are undeniable. And in this case, you were the one who crossed the lines first. I'm just dealing with the natural consequences of your actions."

"If that's the case, perhaps I should mention that while I was doing the 'visible' work, you were too busy dealing with your 'diplomatic' matters. You left gaps, Sona. And now we're all paying the price."

Sona narrowed her eyes, not backing down. "Enough, Rias. Don't try to blame me for your recklessness. I handle complex, delicate problems. You deal with brute force. We have distinct roles, and you know that."

"Distinct roles? Is that how you prefer to see things? And where was your diplomacy when Fallen Angels were being massacred in our territory? Don't tell me you weren't caught off guard either." Rias raised an eyebrow, challenging.

Sona pressed her lips together, maintaining her composure, but she couldn't deny that Rias had a point. Still, she wasn't going to give in so easily. "I was caught off guard, yes. But unlike you, I didn't act impulsively, without consulting my allies."

"Ah, of course, the queen of patience. Waiting for the perfect moment while chaos spreads around us. Bravo." Rias retorted, leaning forward. "But let's drop the formalities, Sona. You want something from me. Something only I can offer, or you wouldn't have left me here for this... debate."

Sona smiled slightly, finally laying her cards on the table. "You're right. I do want something, yes. And you're going to give it to me if you want my cooperation to solve this problem."

Rias raised her eyebrows, surprised by Sona's frankness. "So that's what this is about. You want something in return. What exactly are you after, Sona?"

Sona leaned forward, her eyes fixed on Rias', gauging every reaction. "Support. I want your alliance in some... diplomatic matters that are coming up..." Sona began to argue, but Rias interrupted.

"Get to the point," Rias demanded.

Sona scoffed at Rias' brusque manner. "I want you to back me when I completely sever ties with 100% of Kuoh," she said.

Sona's request was direct and bold. Rias remained still for a moment, absorbing her friend and rival's words. Sever ties with Kuoh completely? It was a risky and unexpected move. The school and city had always been a shared territory between the two, a comfort zone where their Peerages could act discreetly without much outside interference. However, Sona seemed determined to leave.

"You want to abandon me here, alone, taking care of everything? Why?" Rias asked, surprise mixed with a hint of anger in her voice.

Sona adjusted her glasses once more, a gesture Rias knew well. It meant she was about to give a rational, objective explanation, as always.

"Rias, you know this city used to be enough for the both of us, but things are changing. The world around us is transforming, and we need to keep up with it. I can no longer afford to play the game of being a mere student, not with my clan pressuring me to take on greater responsibilities. I need to think about the future... our future, and Kuoh, with all its peculiarities, is no longer part of that plan."

Rias shook her head, feeling a mix of frustration and concern. "And you think leaving me here alone with all of this is the best solution? I want to graduate by your side. We always planned that together. Now, suddenly, you're leaving?"

Sona sighed, and for a brief moment, the weight of the responsibility she bore showed in her eyes. "I'm not abandoning you, Rias. I'm making the right decision for my clan, and I hope you understand that. We've always been together, but now our paths need to diverge. The world beyond Kuoh demands our attention, and honestly... this city is becoming a burden."

Rias stood up, crossing her arms and facing Sona with resolve. "And you expect me to agree with this? That I should just accept staying here and dealing with all the problems on my own?"

Sona, remaining calm, looked at Rias with a sharp gaze. "No, I don't expect you to agree easily. But I hope you understand. If we remain tied to Kuoh, we'll miss the chance to grow, to expand our horizons. This city may have been important to us once, but now it's time for us to move beyond it."

Rias was silent for a long moment. She understood the logic behind Sona's words, but that didn't make it any easier to accept. Kuoh had always been her refuge, the place where she could relax, fight her battles, and at the same time maintain her freedom. The idea of losing Sona as an ally here unsettled her.

"So, what exactly do you want from me?" Rias asked, her voice calmer now, but still tense.

"I want your support in my decision to leave Kuoh. And I want you to take full responsibility for the territory here. Additionally..." Sona hesitated for a moment before continuing. "I'll need you to cover some responsibilities that will no longer be mine. The balance of power between the factions needs to be maintained, and that will require much more from you than before."

Rias narrowed her eyes. "You want me to take on all the work while you go off to something bigger? Sounds like a pretty good deal for you."

Sona didn't deny it. "Yes, it is beneficial for me. But the alternative is that I completely sever ties, and you're left with a disorganized, vulnerable territory. I'm offering a chance for us to do this in a way that benefits both of us."

Rias sighed, sitting back down. She knew Sona was making a smart move, and that refusing could leave her in a difficult position. "You've really thought this through, haven't you?"

Sona gave a slight, almost imperceptible smile. "Always."

Rias looked at her friend for a long moment, weighing her options. Her pride wanted to reject the offer, but logic told her Sona was right. They were at a turning point, and resisting change could be even worse.

"Alright, Sona. I accept. But that doesn't mean I like the idea," Rias finally replied, her tone laden with reluctance.

Sona nodded, satisfied. "I knew you'd understand, Rias. We're leaders. Sometimes, we have to make tough decisions."

Rias glanced at the door where Akeno and Tsubaki had left, then back at Sona. "But this doesn't mean our rivalry is over. I'm still going to beat you, one way or another."

Sona smiled, a competitive glint in her eyes. "I'm counting on it."

(With Basara)

Basara felt every fiber of his body on high alert, as if the world around him had been amplified in almost unbearable ways. He was standing in his classroom, but the environment seemed distorted, with sounds and sensations invading his mind. The faint rustling of pages being turned by students in the background, the annoying scratch of a pen on paper, the muffled murmurs of conversations… Everything sounded like a deafening echo.

He stared ahead, but his mind buzzed incessantly, like the rustle of wind across a barren field, distracting him to the point where he didn't notice when the bell rang. The sound should have been clear, loud enough to jolt anyone back to reality, but for Basara, it seemed distant, lost in the sea of stimuli.

The classroom was full of details that normally went unnoticed but now overwhelmed his senses. The smell of fresh ink from a recently erased whiteboard mixed with the faint odor of chalk, while the desks felt harder and more uncomfortable than usual. The creak of a window at the back, slightly open, let in a cold breeze that touched his arm like an electric current. The sunlight filtering through the blinds sliced the room into bands of light and shadow, creating a claustrophobic atmosphere.

Every noise felt like a wave reverberating through his body, making him shudder involuntarily. His breathing became shallow and erratic as he tried to focus on something concrete, something that could anchor him in that moment.

And then, suddenly, a shock. Something cold hit his face with force, and the sensation was so abrupt that his whole body reacted. He blinked rapidly, feeling the cold water running down his face, brutally bringing him back to reality.

"You need to stay in line, Toujou-sensei," Rukia said, her voice heavy with authority but with a tone mixing irritation and concern. She held a small empty bucket in her hands, clearly the object of her recent "intervention."

The cold water ran down his face, dripping onto the collar of his shirt and down his chest. He looked at Rukia, somewhat dazed, feeling the shock still pulsating in his nerves.

"Kuchiki…" he began, his voice coming out hoarse but still tinged with slight surprise. He didn't know whether to be angry or grateful, but somehow, the cold water had brought him back from that state of hypersensitivity.

She crossed her arms, narrowing her eyes at him. "You weren't paying attention, were you? Listen, you need to release this energy somehow," Rukia said.

"Energy?" He asked.

"You weren't listening, were you… Right, as I told you 5 minutes ago, you have excessive spiritual energy accumulated that you need to release before it drives your senses mad. You haven't stopped absorbing even now." Rukia stated.

"Absorbing?" Basara asked, confused again.

"What? Didn't you notice?" Rukia asked.

Basara then looked around and saw a blue energy around him being absorbed by his body. He felt his body becoming more electric by the moment, but not in a good way; it was almost as if he was overloading.

"How do I stop this?" Basara asked Rukia, who just shrugged. "How do you not know? You should know!" Her tone raised slightly, clearly irritated.

Basara squinted, feeling the tension increase in his body as he realized that the blue energy was infiltrating his being, overloading him with a growing sense of discomfort. Rukia's indifferent response, coupled with the irritated tone she used, made something snap inside him. He clenched his fists, trying to maintain control, but frustration was already spreading through his chest.

"I should know? How the hell would I know something like that?" The anger in his voice was clear, and the tone he used made Rukia raise her eyebrows in a threatening manner. She didn't like Basara's attitude at all, especially coming from someone who, in her eyes, was lost.

Before he could react, she moved with surprising agility. With a single quick and precise motion, she pushed him, throwing him to the ground with an impact strong enough to stun him for a moment. Basara felt the shock of the fall run down his spine, his sensitive body intensifying the pain of the contact with the cold classroom floor.

Rukia crouched beside him, her dark eyes filled with relentless determination. She looked down at him, almost as if evaluating his worth. "Listen well, *Basara," she said, her voice low and authoritative. "I'm the only one here who understands what's happening to you. Do you think you can challenge me? Do you think you can speak to me like that and get away with it?"

Basara felt the anger burning inside him, but he restrained himself. The wounded pride throbbed in his mind, while the awareness of his own vulnerability irritated him even more. He knew Rukia was taking a dominant role in the situation, as if she had total control over him, and that frustrated him deeply. He had already anticipated something like this happening — Rukia would start to think she had some sort of dominion over him.

"You don't command me," he muttered, but his body was still on the ground, unable to react immediately. He struggled against the feeling of helplessness.

Rukia smiled slightly, but it wasn't a kind smile — it was almost disdainful. "You don't understand, Basara. This isn't about who commands whom. It's about what you're becoming. Souls like yours… have a different fate. They absorb more than they can control, and the result can be… devastating."

She stood up and began to walk around him, her eyes still fixed on him as if she were studying a wild beast unaware of its own nature. "Souls like yours gain unique abilities. But the path is narrow. Either you learn to control yourself, or…"

"Or what?" Basara asked, already imagining what would come next, but the desire to provoke her was stronger than logic at that moment.

"Or you end up becoming a Hollow," Rukia finished bluntly. Her voice was now cutting and direct. "That's how it works. The buildup of uncontrolled spiritual energy… if you keep absorbing more than you can handle, your body and soul will be consumed by it, and all that will be left is an empty monster. A Hollow."

Basara felt his blood run cold, but he didn't allow himself to show weakness. The thought of turning into something like a Hollow deeply angered him, but at the same time, the idea of being trapped in this situation, with no control over himself, infuriated him even more.

"And you think you're going to control this for me? Do you think you can make me follow this path with your threats, Kuchiki?" he said, slowly getting up, eyes narrowed. The anger was now boiling inside him, but he remained firm.

Rukia stared at him for a moment, and what she said next surprised him. "It's not about controlling you, Toujou-sensei. It's about keeping you alive." She took a step toward him, her eyes now softer but still firm. "You have a choice. Either you learn to master this, or you will be consumed. I'm not going to force you, but you will understand the gravity of the situation sooner or later."

Basara remained silent, but the tension between them grew like an impending storm. He knew Rukia was right, at least in part. The energy inside him was growing uncontrollably, and the idea of losing himself… of becoming something worse than a monster… was a fate he wasn't willing to accept.

But the idea of yielding control to Rukia troubled him as much as the threat of becoming a Hollow.

He took a deep breath, trying to reorganize his thoughts as the buzzing in his mind began to subside.

"We'll meet in the early morning; I have a way to handle this situation at least temporarily," she said.

Basara looked at her distrustfully but soon realized he had no choice.

(Scene jump)

Basara walked through the almost deserted streets, the chilly night breeze cutting against his skin. The streetlights illuminated the path to the motel where he was staying, but each step felt heavier than the last. The conversation with Rukia still troubled him. The idea of losing control, of becoming something monstrous, unsettled him. At the same time, the feeling that Rukia wanted to assert her authority left him with a bitter taste.

He finally arrived at the building where he rented a small room. The landlord, a burly and grumpy man, was already waiting at the entrance, arms crossed and brow furrowed.

"Basara… finally showed up." The landlord grumbled, clearly annoyed. "The rent is overdue again. I'm not going to keep letting you stay here for free!"

Basara sighed, feeling exhaustion take over. "I know, I know. I'll sort it out soon."

"Sort it out quickly, kid! It's past time!" The landlord moved towards him, grabbing the collar of his shirt with force. "Do you think this place is a charity?"

The rude touch and aggression of the man made something explode inside Basara. The heat that had been building up all day, the frustration, the fear, all mixed with the spiritual energy Rukia had mentioned. In a burst of anger, he pushed the man with more force than he intended.

The landlord was thrown aside as if hit by a truck, crashing heavily to the ground, his eyes wide with terror. Basara felt a shiver run down his spine as he realized what he had just done. Dark thoughts began to cross his mind. He could end this now… make him never bother me again…

For a moment, he felt the power burning in his veins, a temptation to use his strength in a darker way. But soon, regret came in waves. He took a step back, breathing heavily, while the landlord, still dazed and terrified, hurried away from Basara as fast as possible.

"I… I'm sorry…" Basara murmured, not knowing how to fix the situation. He turned sharply and ran to his room, leaving the man in the hallway, still paralyzed by fear.

Upon entering the room, he quickly shut the door, leaning against it, his heart still racing. But there was no time to compose himself.

"Basara-kun." Basara felt a shiver run down his spine seeing Grafiya there, as imposing as ever. The contrast between the simple surroundings of his room and her presence was almost surreal. She was impeccable, with that cold and calculating gaze that always made him feel small. He closed the door behind him, trying to mask the nervousness bubbling under his skin.

"You seem agitated." Her voice was smooth, but there was something in the tone that made him uncomfortable—a hint of hidden irony in every word.

"It's nothing." he replied, trying to sound casual while avoiding her gaze. "Just a tough day."

Grafiya raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. She moved smoothly, like a cold shadow, approaching Basara without haste. "Tough? Or would it be better to say… confusing? Perhaps chaotic?" There was something cutting in her voice, as if she were deliberately provoking him.

Basara clenched his fists, feeling his anger rise again. He knew Grafiya wasn't there by accident. She always showed up at the most inconvenient times, as if she knew exactly when he was on the verge of losing control. "It's none of your business."

"Oh, but it is my business." She gave a chilling smile, her eyes locked on his with an intensity that made him shiver. "Do you think you can hide what's going on from me? I know everything, Basara. Including your… pact with a low-ranking Shinigami."

Basara's heart skipped a beat. He tried to stay calm, but the mention of Rukia took him by surprise. "You don't know what you're talking about."

"Don't I?" Grafiya tilted her head, almost as if she were enjoying the situation. "Do you really think you can get involved with a Shinigami without me noticing? You're pathetic, Basara-kun. A fool… accepting the role of a puppy to serve the whims of a death creature." Her voice was low but laced with a venom that made him even more uneasy.

"I'm not what you think." Basara replied, now unable to hide his growing anger. "I'm not a… puppy for anyone!"

"Then what are you? A servant? A toy?" Grafiya crossed her arms, her eyes gleaming with a dark amusement. "You really have no idea what you've gotten yourself into. You're absorbing energy you can't control, submitting to forces you don't even understand. And for what? For a pair of legs? You've become a slave without even deciding where you're going… How ridiculous." The contained laughter in her voice only made the situation worse.

Each of her words was like a spark igniting something inside Basara. He felt the heat rising through his body, his anger inflaming with Grafiya's cold mockery. "Shut up." He growled through gritted teeth, but Grafiya just stared at him, unmoved.

"To think you could be something… more," Grafiya continued, ignoring the warning. "But now you're stuck in this pathetic spiral, being manipulated by a Shinigami who doesn't even care about your fate. You're nothing more than a pawn, Basara-kun."

That was enough. Before he could control himself, his anger overflowed, and his hand moved of its own accord. He slapped Grafiya's face, a gesture of pure frustration and desperation.

But the moment his hand touched her skin, an intense cold spread through his arm. He felt his hand freeze instantly, the ice forming so quickly that his fingers were trapped in the air, unable to move.

Grafiya didn't move. She stood there, unmoving, with a stern look in her silver eyes. Her face remained unchanged, but the ice spreading over Basara's hand was a clear response. "You dare raise your hand against me?" She murmured, each word heavy with overwhelming authority. "I should crush you right here and now."

Basara tried to pull his hand back, but the cold was unbearable, as if all the heat from his body was being drained. He felt the intense pain spread through his arm but showed no weakness. "You… don't control me." he said, panting, trying to ignore the ice that kept him trapped.

"Don't I?" Grafiya tilted her head slightly, as if considering her next move. "No, Basara… I don't control you. But know that your fate is in my hands, as much as it is in your precious Shinigami's." She took a step back, releasing Basara's hand, which fell heavily to his side, still numb from the ice.

"Choose your alliances more carefully," she said coldly. "Or you'll end up burned by your own fire, and don't forget that while you don't pay your debt to me, I'll keep my eyes on you. Get rid of that stupid pact and remember, I am your only master." Grafiya stated coldly and vanished almost instantly like a whisper.

Basara fell to the ground on his back. "I'm no one's…" he cursed. The boy then looked to the side and saw shards of ice fallen from his air conditioner, realizing he had damaged it. "Damn it!" He sighed again.

(With Rukia)

It was already past midnight, and two people wandered around.

Rukia was silent, her thoughts drifting as she walked beside Basara through the deserted streets. The night air was cold and calm, but her mind was buzzing with reflections on what had recently happened to him. She observed Basara with a mix of curiosity and concern, but also with a hint of disdain for his inability to cope with the new reality surrounding him.

"This idiot…" Rukia thought, biting her lip. Basara was interesting, there was no doubt about that. But he was also reckless and, at times, incredibly stubborn. The fact that he was absorbing spiritual energy without even realizing the gravity of it only made it clear how unprepared he was for the true nature of his power.

"You need to learn to control what's inside you before it becomes something that can no longer be controlled," she said, breaking the silence, but not looking directly at him.

Basara only murmured something in response, still clearly unsettled by their last conversation.

They approached a nightclub that, from the outside, seemed unassuming, but from within came muffled sounds of electronic music and flashing lights. The place was practically empty, except for the colorful lighting and the rhythmic sound vibrating through the walls. Basara looked around, confused, as Rukia guided him inside.

"This is… a nightclub?" Basara asked, frowning.

"Yes," Rukia replied dryly. "Here we will find someone who can… help. Or at least, I believe they can." There was a tone of distrust in her voice, but she knew that this person was an essential piece in that puzzle.

As they entered, the music was loud enough that they had to concentrate to hear anything beyond the constant beat. The place was devoid of customers, but the light show made it seem like something grand was about to happen. The floor shimmered with silver reflections, and the beams of colored lights flashed, giving a surreal feeling to the environment.

Rukia continued to guide Basara to a table at the back, where an unexpected scene made him stop walking for a moment. Sitting there, on a luxurious sofa, was a blonde woman with long golden hair and a curvaceous body. She wore a tight white dress that left little to the imagination. But what really made Basara blush was the fact that, on her lap, was a nun, and the blonde was kissing her with sensual intensity. The contrast between the pure figure of the nun and the lewdness of the scene was disturbing.

Rukia stopped next to the table, unperturbed. "Lieselotte," she greeted the blonde woman, who separated from the nun with a provocative smile.

"Rukia, darling," Lieselotte replied, her voice drawling and filled with malice. She cast a slow, appreciative glance at Rukia, but her smile became even more arrogant. "Always with that unmistakable ass. I almost felt your presence before I saw you."

Basara, still trying to process what was happening, cast a surprised look at Rukia, but she simply ignored Lieselotte's comment.

"I didn't come for your provocations today, Lieselotte," Rukia said firmly. "I brought someone for you to meet." She pointed to Basara, who still looked bewildered by the scene before him.

Lieselotte looked directly at Basara, her eyes shining with interest. A slow smile formed on her lips, and she pushed the nun off her lap with a dismissive gesture. "Interesting… you brought a gift?" She stood up, walking toward Basara with calculated, almost feline movements. "It's not your nature, Rukia, to bring offerings… especially those that break after a night in bed."

Basara frowned, clearly uncomfortable with the comment. He looked at Rukia, seeking some kind of explanation, but she just crossed her arms, watching the interaction.

"You can introduce yourself, Toujou-sensei," Rukia suggested, not letting her discomfort show. But Lieselotte was already a few steps away from him, her eyes fixed on him as if assessing every detail.

"Basara Toujou," he said, somewhat hesitantly.

Lieselotte smiled widely, as if she enjoyed his hesitation. "I'm Lieselotte," she said, her voice full of self-confidence. "I'm a modern-day goddess." She laughed softly, but there was something predatory in that laugh.

Basara was surprised when he heard Lieselotte proclaim herself as a "modern-day goddess." He couldn't hide the skepticism on his face, but before he could say anything, Rukia cut him off with a pragmatic tone.

"She's not a real goddess. Just a candidate, because of her magical potential," Rukia explained bluntly, as if dismissing something ridiculous. "Her body is as human as yours, Basara. Or almost."

Lieselotte pouted dramatically, almost childishly, as she pointed to the nun beside her, who was still recovering from the interrupted moment of intimacy. The nun, known as Asia, was clearly furious, her eyes boiling with indignation at what Rukia had just said.

"Rukia, darling," Lieselotte began, with a sugary and mocking voice. "You shouldn't spoil my trademark." She cast a provocative glance at Asia, who seemed ready to explode.

However, before the situation could escalate, Lieselotte raised a hand, now assuming a more serious posture. "It's all right," she murmured, almost as if calming a petulant child. Then, turning to Asia, she added, "Why don't you show our dear visitor around while Rukia and I have a chat?"

Basara narrowed his eyes, feeling discomfort grow. "Second-class citizen? Is that how I'm seen here?" He didn't like being sidelined, much less being treated as insignificant. But before he could protest, Asia, still with a hardened expression, stood up and guided him away.

As they moved away, Lieselotte turned her attention back to Rukia, a mischievous smile dancing on her lips. "So, darling, have you already gotten your first servant? And so… cute, I'd say. Good magical potential, but still, so naïve. Using him to… satisfy your needs?" The last part came with a provocative wink, hinting at something much more personal.

Rukia huffed, crossing her arms and looking at Lieselotte with disdain. "You only think about sex, don't you?" The irritation in her voice was evident. "Not everything revolves around winning someone that way."

Lieselotte gave a light, scornful laugh. "Oh, darling, you know as well as I do that the strongest loyalty comes through the most… intimate bonds." She tilted her head to the side, the predatory smile never fading. "But you should have figured that out already. And the 'one-eyed' seems like a traitor. I bet he'd stab you in the back at the first sign of weakness."

Rukia narrowed her eyes, feeling a pang of anger, but remained firm. "I know how to deal with him."

"Do you?" Lieselotte laughed, taking a step closer. "Then why are you here, seeking me out? If you handle him so well, it's obvious something is wrong." The blonde's provocative tone was almost unbearable, but in a way, it had a grain of truth.

Rukia felt her pride wounded but knew she needed Lieselotte. Taking a deep breath, she spoke firmly, but without losing her composure. "I need help with controlling Basara's spiritual absorption."

Lieselotte raised an eyebrow, now genuinely interested. "Oh? And what exactly is wrong with him?"

Rukia stared at Lieselotte with a tense expression. She didn't like exposing her concerns, but she knew she had no choice. "The problem with Basara is that he has an innate ability to absorb the spiritual energy from the environment. Even greater than a Shinigami's… that's concerning."

Lieselotte watched her with a provocative smile, but something in her eyes showed that she was listening attentively.

"Shinigamis naturally absorb spiritual energy to maintain their strength and adapt to the environment," Rukia continued, crossing her arms and taking a deep breath, as if controlling her frustration. "But with Basara, it's something completely disproportionate. He has no idea how to control this ability, and what's worse is that, from what it seems, he must have inherited it with the pact he made."

Lieselotte, still smiling, leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand, thoughtful. "Hmm, interesting. And what exactly do you want from me, darling? I've never dealt with anything like this before."

Rukia kept her tone firm. "I need you to help me find a way to control this absorption. As it stands, he's going to end up destroying himself and anyone around him."

The blonde was silent for a few seconds, playing with a strand of her golden hair. She seemed to be pondering the information until her eyes lit up with an idea. "Well, let's try a simple analogy, Rukia. Think of Basara as a battery, and the environment as a charger. He's being charged, correct?"

Rukia nodded, curious.

"But if that battery is being overcharged, what do you do? The obvious answer is simple: discharge. Basara is accumulating too much energy, so what he needs to do is find a way to discharge that energy before he explodes. Discharge gradually, until he can maintain a balance and control this ability."

Rukia considered the suggestion, her mind racing with the possibility. "That… could work," she said, a glimmer of hope appearing in her eyes "A temporary solution, but one that can prevent the worst until he gains full control over what's happening."

Lieselotte smiled, but her smile was almost cold, filled with a dark wisdom. "Exactly. But remember, it's a temporary fix. If he continues as he is, without fully understanding how to control the energy absorption, he will explode. It's not a question of *if, but *when*."

Those words hit Rukia like a cold blade. She felt the concern grow inside her, reflected in her expression. Although she didn't want to show it, the idea of Basara being so close to self-destruction visibly unsettled her. As much as he was a constant challenge, the idea of losing him—or worse, seeing him suffer a horrible death—was something she didn't want to even consider; she owed him her life…

Lieselotte, ever perceptive, noticed Rukia's reaction and smiled even more openly. "Oh, dear… it seems you're really shaken. Could it be because he's your first? The first servant always holds a special place."

Rukia shot a sharp look at Lieselotte, but the blonde remained unfazed. "Did you know that, as a candidate for goddess, I need followers to increase my power? It's not surprising. You must understand that too. Following someone, or being followed, always involves sacrifices." She leaned in closer, her voice softening to an almost seductive tone. "But, Rukia… you really seem a bit desperate. Don't you think you should detach a little? Servants come and go. And when Basara learns what's required to maintain these conditions, well, he might not stay for long."

Those words echoed in Rukia's mind, poking a sensitive spot. Her pride struggled against the fear of losing Basara to something she could barely control. And worse, what Lieselotte said made sense—if Basara discovered the sacrifices needed to maintain this balance, he might decide it wasn't worth it.

But Rukia couldn't afford to falter. Even though her pride was hurt, she knew she needed to stay in control. Letting out a long sigh, she responded coldly, though concern was still evident in her eyes. "I'm not going to lose control over him, Lieselotte. Not now, not ever."

"If you say so…" Lieselotte then looked aside. "Anyway, it's time for my payment for my help." The blonde asserted.

Rukia huffed, knowing she would need something like this. "What do you want?"

"Some fallen angels have been snooping around my business in this city. I'd like you to chase them off for me." The blonde said.

"Why don't you handle them yourself?" Rukia questioned, crossing her arms.

"Because they're weak; they're closer to your level, so deal with them for me. Oh, and be careful—those nasty demons are keeping an eye on them too." Lieselotte stated with amusement.

"I understand, agreed." Rukia said, turning her back on the woman who let out a mischievous laugh. Rukia knew there was something behind all this, but only after dealing with those pigeons would she find out.

(Continues…)

(EXTRA SCENE: WITH BASARA AND ASIA)

Basara walked alongside Asia, still processing everything that had happened inside the club. He was trying not to think too much about how Lieselotte had looked at him or Rukia's biting comments. However, his mind was a mess. Every step he took next to the young nun beside him made him feel a curious mix of discomfort and empathy.

Asia, for her part, seemed equally lost in her thoughts, but she was the first to break the silence.

"You seem… disturbed," said Asia, her soft and timid voice, looking at Basara with big, innocent eyes. "I understand how it feels. I felt the same way when I arrived here."

Basara looked at her, surprised by the sincerity in her words. He hadn't expected a nun, especially one so young and seemingly fragile, to say something so direct.

"It's complicated," Basara replied, sighing. "I made a stupid pact, and now it seems I'm stuck in something much bigger than I can control. Every passing moment, I feel more distant from who I was, closer to… something I don't want to be."

Asia nodded slowly, absorbing his words. "I understand. When I came to Japan, I was taken in by the Fallen Angels. I thought it was a chance to find my place, but… I was betrayed by those I trusted. Lieselotte saved me, gave me a second chance. But… none of this is easy. Everything is so new, and I… also don't know what to expect from the future."

"It seems we were both saved by people who might expect something from us," Basara murmured, recognizing the parallel between their situations. He knew Rukia wasn't exactly his "master," but still, he felt the pressure to meet someone's expectations. "Do you trust her? Lieselotte?"

Asia hesitated for a moment before responding. "She gave me a second chance. And even though I don't fully understand her motives, I believe that, in some way, she sees potential in me. I wasn't strong, Basara. I was always… weak. And, in a way, I still am. But she saw something in me. Maybe it's the same with you and Rukia."

"Rukia?" Basara scoffed, shaking his head. "She doesn't see me that way. She sees me as a walking problem. Like someone who needs to be controlled before causing more damage."

Asia smiled gently. "Maybe… she just doesn't know how to express it. Often, those who save us aren't perfect, but they still offer a hand when we need it most. And sometimes, they're also afraid of failing."

Basara was silent for a few moments, reflecting on Asia's words. There was something genuinely comforting in the way she spoke, despite her own insecurity. He had never felt comfortable with the pact he made, feeling as if he were trapped in a new phase of life he never wanted. But hearing Asia talk about her own insecurities and fears so openly made him feel a little less alone.

"Maybe you're right," Basara finally said, his voice softer now. "I guess I'm not the only one trying to find their way… Maybe…"

Asia looked at Basara with a gentle glow of understanding in her eyes. "We don't need to have all the answers right now. We just need to keep going. Maybe, in time, everything will make more sense."

Basara smiled slightly, for the first time in a long time feeling a bond of understanding. Although their journeys were different, there was a connection between them. Both were trapped in circumstances they didn't fully understand, being forced to rely on others to survive; it was comforting to know he wasn't alone.

(End…)

Note:

"I appreciate all the positive comments and am looking forward to reading more."