After the altercation with Tsukune, Mikoto decided to go and deal with other things that he planned to do. That was until being interrupted with Tsukune's therapy session inside the elevator—trying to mold the three-person group into being an actual team, having this mere fantasy that he knew all about them. Speaking about things he knew nothing about, pressing buttons he shouldn't have tread. And yet, in the end, Tsukune unknowingly being mentally challenged and failed miserably. Too cocky for his own good, too quick to act out of pure emotion of either anger or the will to play hero, unable to comprehend anything that is shown right in front of him. It was only then that it was discovered that Tsukune needs it to train to survive. It supposes to be Avillio's project in teaching him for two months since the Santa incident. Tsukune is nothing but a liability but wasn't Mikoto's problem any longer. One day Tsukune would learn the hard way from an unpleasant experience, and if their quick rumble didn't teach him anything, eventually he would run into a problem he can't handle and die. That is just the truth of it all, Mikoto had seen much during his time "playing hero" even when he first started the solo act of being some vigilante out for vengeance.
Both Mikoto and Asterion were arriving at a two-story house within the neighborhood you could tell the community wasn't all that. It was entirely run down but still liveable compared to the roughest side of town in Naruki City. Asterion parked the car behind another, while Mikoto did not move, having to play the part of a rich boy. He allowed his guardian, the family butler, to open the door for him. Among the open door, he stepped out, buttoning his black two-button jacket to look more prominent. There was a woman, older but not old. She has been out picking weeds from the garden where there was a little girl, around the age of four helping out. The older woman had been within the family, so she was very close to Mikoto, not close enough to know he is a vigilante, though. The car door shut open which capture both of their attention. More likely, Sachiko was so focused on the weeds and flowers that it never occurred that a car has pulled up in front of her building. The sound door shutting closed must have snapped her out of this deep trance. Mikoto, for the first time, gave a genuine smile while she also smiled of happiness, the little one dropped the tools and ran to Mikoto with joy.
"Mista Mura!" she shouted while running to hug him.
Mikoto returns the hug with one hand behind her head and the other on her back. The hug was rather brief, and it did not last that long. During the physical interaction, he could sense a significant signature within her welling up; it is subtle. But does it pose a threat? What should he do?
"Should I be worried? She's young, although even with just this fraction of spiritual energy, this would attract hollows and place them in harm's way. It may be nothing right now but could be something later with the right push. Should I take that risk?"
Mikoto had fell concerned, compelled to do something, could it just be paranoia? Fear, once again creeping up on him, wanted to protect something this precious from the danger that he failed to do Emiko? He allowed these thoughts to hide underneath that smile, allowing his face to remain the same to prevent concerns from appearing on Sachiko's face. She was like a hound of these things, knowing if something is wrong, whether she could sense spiritually or not. Maybe it is the motherly sense for taking care of so many kids over the years, that the motherly intuition knows when her child is in trouble.
Soon the little girl let go, only allowing a small gap of distance between herself and Mikoto. He squats down to her height, reaching inside of his suit jacket and pulling out something that was making a gentle bell sound, like the sound of wind chimes when a breeze comes through, brushing against them. Unlike wind chimes, this emits very subtle but audible chimes with movement. Mikoto would have held the necklace in front of her with a sterling silver ball hanging on one end. The brass imprinted on the bell of what seems to be someone holding a baby combined with angel wings made out of sparkling colorful blue gemstones that help make the silver bell more stunning and precious to look upon having something like this piece to behold. She may not truly understand the value of this unique pendant. One day she would learn that it use to be her mother's before she died.
"Thank you, Mura-san!" her sweet innocence voice accepted the gift while Mikoto placed it on around the neck. The bell was more than what meets the eye.
"So what brings you by Mikoto? Would you like to come in for tea?" Sachiko asked while greeting him with a hug as well. During the embrace, Mikoto felt something off about Sachiko, during their physical encounter.
"Yes. Thank you, Sachiko." he replied politely, avoided the first question, while she escorted him inside of the house, treating him like a visitor.
They would be sitting at the table in the kitchen; all you could hear is the sound of Miyoko running about through the house, playing with toys. For just them two, this house was so big; it always been filled with nothing but japan throwaways from top to bottom. But now it's just another empty place, and perhaps it was better this way, for Miyoko's sake. Sachiko brought teacups for them both, the steam slowly flowing into Mikoto's nostrils. The distinct grassy smell of this tea was phenomenal. If it didn't smell like this, that is when someone should know it isn't freshly made. But Sachiko knows her stuff when it comes to tea.
"You didn't answer my question, Mikoto. What brings you by here? You normally do not come by unless there was a reason."
He looked at her knowing full well no matter his "poker face," she would have some notion as to his arrival. There was no point in keeping his secret. There was no point in hiding behind his facade of holding back information. It took some time, of course, but he finally answered her. Mikoto was once leaning back into the chair; one arm rested on the table if one could read body language, Mikoto's body was saying he was trying not to engage in that part of the conversation. Mikoto began to fix himself before speaking by planting both feet on the floor, now placing his rear firmly on the chair so that Mikoto's lower backside is resting against the back of the chair. Mikoto sat up straight and leaned slightly forward to indicate that the conversation they are to engage in is about to become a serious discussion.
"I'm here to take my daughter." A small but brief words, Mikoto said to Sachiko.
There was silence for a moment between them as if they wanted to take their time to discuss the circumstances. Sachiko only sipped on her tea while Mikoto just came out and said without holding anything back, but kept it short and to the point. The teacup is now back onto the table; Sachiko's eyes were closed shut the whole time.
"I see."
The only words she said, indicating that she acknowledges what Mikoto has spoken and understood, though it seems as if she has more to say. As if there was something else to add on.
"I knew this day would come, didn't think it would be this soon. Very well. When do you plan to take her exactly?"
"Tomorrow." he replied.
"Very well. I must ask you something and do not laugh. But can you see spirits?" she paused to see the reaction on Mikoto's face.
That question.
Mikoto did not react or speak right away, although Mikoto has always been spiritually aware at a young age. He never fully understood it then as to how but only threw out theories that maybe it has been through genes of his parents. For the longest time, he believed it was a gift bestowed upon him, but it seems as though genes have nothing to do with it. Somehow influence appears to play a factor in this, but that would only mean one thing.
"Yes, since I was a boy." he didn't dare hide that fact, didn't try to play it off. There was no point; she would know he was lying anyway.
"Did something happen?"
He asked her, knowing something had to happen sometime recently or even taking the possibility that it was some time ago. The expression on her face indicates that something indeed happens, maybe that would explain why this building no longer seems lively. Though her eyes that stayed on Mikoto the entire time, it trailed away from him right when the question was asked. Then suddenly one...no....several signatures of spiritual energy appeared. They are far away and seems to be an encounter in Karakura town going on. The problem doesn't seem to be immediate; he will allow those stationed out in Karakura town to handle it for now.
"Let me show you." Was all Sachiko said to Mikoto while they leave from the kitchen. Miyoko was still running about throughout the house playing. Both Mikoto and Sachiko headed upstairs, and there was a caution tape across the door
"A week ago, I was cleaning up while all the kids went to bed for the night. It was only then I heard a loud crash upstairs; I quickly went to check the kid's room and noticed one child was being held in the air. I couldn't see what it was. But whatever it was, I could feel its presence in the room, something heavy, evil. I tried to help, but some force grabbed my arm and threw towards the wall. It decided to go after Miyoko; I was helpless until some young boy came. He dressed like he was from the old stories of feudal Japan or something. Brown hair with a ponytail and a scarf, a grey scarf. He carried this sword and killed whatever it was so easy. He saved your child. But he walked over to me and did something. The next day I did not remember a thing at first, but then for whatever reason, I started to remember that night slowly. Miyoko does not seem to remember anything from that night, the rest of the kids that managed to survive I couldn't keep them hereafter from what I remember. I sent them to other foster homes. I only kept Miyoko. Please do not be mad. I did not know what to do. I'm so sorry."
She said a lot, but it was easy to take in the information she was passing over to Mikoto. He had not once interrupted her; he did not cut into the middle of Sachiko, rambling with the story of what happened that night. Both eyes stared at the hole that was once a wall in the bedroom, taped off, showing a small hint of being rebuild to its former glory. Mikoto had this lifeless expression, only listening to her tell the story from beginning to end and playing out the scenario in his mind as if he was there that night as if he could see it clear as day playing before his eyes. Not a hint of anger behind this blank expression of his. Sachiko would only be looking at him out of concern to see if he was angry with her, he said nothing yet. The worst fear has come, hollows have already been aiming to go after her at such a young age. But he never attacked her first; he went after another child before he got to her.
"Interesting." He thought.
Mikoto pondered the possibility of a theory that this kid who was grabbed first either held spiritual powers like Miyoko or the hollow only attacked out of greed. Though right now, it wasn't necessary, his daughter was safe, and yet he could have lost her if it wasn't for that shinigami. The description matches that shinigami from the Santa attack. Mikoto was angry regardless, but it had little to do with the actions of Sachiko. More with himself. But even taking Miyoko away, Sachiko would also prove to be in danger, she's becoming more aware. This situation is proving to be troublesome than its worth, but he couldn't forgive himself if something happens to Sachiko. Mikoto has decided on a solution in which his eyes left the hole and directed them towards Sachiko. She was a bit startled or scared of what Mikoto may do; she couldn't read his emotions, whether he was angry, sad, or anything. Mikoto faced her only to wrap his arms around her with a long endearing embrace. In the middle of this, a vast presence could be felt from this distance. Watch on the right wrist was going off, vibrating, sending out an alert. He tried to ignore it for now.
"I'm sorry Sachiko. What happened isn't your fault. I have much to share with you. For now, grab what yo-
He had gotten interrupted with a text message, his phone vibrated shortly after he felt some strange presence, which he dug into the inside jacket of the suit and pulled out his PDA and saw a notification blinking red with the message icon. It stated it was from Tsukune, which more than likely it would only be about what is going on. Though he couldn't look at the text just yet, everything is beginning to wrap up here.
"Something the matter?"
Sachiko asked though Mikoto couldn't get into it with her about what is going on. She wouldn't be able to handle what he is going to tell her. He placed the phone back into his jacket and smile.
"Its just work. Sorry about that. As I was saying, you can come live with me. You shouldn't be left here alone, at least just for a little while. Maybe some time away from the city is what you need." Mikoto offered while she didn't seem all that happy just to be giving an offer like that.
"I.....I couldn't Mikoto. I wouldn't want to imp-." She was cut off before she could say anything else.
"No. I insist. You are family, after all. We can come back tomorrow to gather your things. Asterion will take you home. You'll have to excuse I have to go handle some work." Mikoto told her while Miss Sachiko hugged him tightly.
"You are such a good man, Mikoto always remembers that. Your parents would be proud of the man you become."
After she has spoken those words, she let go of the tight hug and went to gather some things before leaving while getting Miyoko ready as well. However, Mikoto didn't respond to her last words to him, and he didn't allow them kind words to go to the heart. Guilt. Fear. Paranoia. Didn't allow him to accept that he was a good man, as Sachiko may claim. Would a good man abandon his daughter out of fear? Would a good man take his anger out towards bad people because of despair for losing a wife? Hatred towards an individual that got two people killed? Those are questions Mikoto himself cannot answer right now. A question he may never get an answer too.
Mikoto quickly made his leave and saw the little girl once last time with a smile, patted her head twice, and left out the door with both hands in his suit pants pockets. Asterion stood by the car the entire time, right next to the door Mikoto stepped out of when they both arrived. How convenient.
"I assumed everything went accordingly, sir?" he asked Mikoto. Asterion did not mention anything about the disturbance he felt as well. There was no need to say anything, seeing Mikoto stepping outside shows that he was already aware as well.
"Yes. but there are complications."When looking back, you can see Miss Sachiko and Miyoko was coming out with a few suitcases.
"I see. And I suppose you are going off to handle business, Master Kimura? I don't suppose you need your suit?" Asterion asked though it was rhetorical.
"This new threat.....I may have to use my other suit." Mikoto replied
With that, Mikoto went ahead and began walking down the street, pulling out the phone once more to read Tsukune's message while using the thumb to press the message icon and reads.
Quote:Hope you're not too busy, but it seems your wish for action has come true, better come soon, I have no idea what this person...thing is.
Upon reading the message, there was an attachment. It was a picture of the intruder that consist of a dark hooded robe with silver shackles around the wrist, followed by a chain and a white and black mask. There wasn't much to tell what the individual was capable of doing. Hopefully, Tsukune did not attack it yet and gather more information about this person. More information would be quite helpful in knowing how to deal with whatever or whoever this is. However, Mikoto used this time to see if he could get any information on his own. Pulled out dark shade glasses, placing them on his face, he pressed the side of the rim, and all the data and such was appearing on the lens.
"Emiko what is the news? Anything you can tell me?"
It didn't take long for Mikoto's demands to be met, she answered immediately.
"Yes. I've detected two anomalies, one in Naruki City several miles west from your location. Second, located in Karakura town, I've already contacted Avillio De'Lafette."
She told everything Mikoto; her creator needs it to know. Or at least from what he has wanted to know.
"Are there any street cameras around the anomaly that I can hack into for visual reconnaissance? Also, I need any data, reports, or sightings of that photo Tsukune had sent me."
He made more demands and gave her more questions, which she didn't answer right away as before. The artificial intelligence, Emiko, was running a quick scan of any reports of the photo in question before giving up the results altogether.
"Negative. All cameras within the area of the Chobara district are destroyed. Readings indicate that a violent gust knocked out power. There is no way to reroute the power; I am not yet 100% fully functional. Also, the data has come back to unsubstantiated. There are no reports on the culprit. It would help if you could scan his face, then I can gather more data Master Mikoto."
She responded and did what she could if she was 100% fully functional, he could have had Emiko reroute power to the area to tap into the CCTV. There was no point in pondering what could have been done. It was time to get moving before anything else unfortunate happens. However, something so vile and disturbed, could this thing or person be human? That is something that would need to be discovered once he gets on the scene. Mikoto eventually went into a more closed off area before controlling the reiryoku into his feet and vanished from his position. Entering into that high-speed motion of bringer light (完現光, Full Manifestation Light). The only thing left in his presence was the green ring that formed around both heels, before vanishing.
