Chapter One [Closed]

Flesh was a very easy thing to destroy, that was one of the first things most soldiers would learn in their lives. Through constant training, their own flesh would break down before rebuilding it's self into something more grand. And with that being done, they themselves would become destroyers of flesh rending any enemy who would step in their path to victory. This was a universal lesson among those of percieved good or evil- that was not mutually exclusive to good or evil.

Perhaps it was luck for the shinigami girl that The Iron King had taken to the woods, a task he had often done back in his days of being a foot soldier. With the rising tensions of the world it was always nice to return to your roots. But the rising and dropping of spiritual pressures was something that did not escape the focus of Desmond Hayden. It was in fact, something he knew very well- the result of a battle and someone losing said battle.

That is why it would only take moments for the king to focus his insight into the direction of this conflict, and only a mere few moments for him to enter into his high speed movement. His body blurred as he shifted to side from to side dodging trees with ease, a second nature to him after all these years. But the scene he arrived onto spoke to it's self rather than try to even speak it might be better to act in this case. With a raise blade coming down onto what he sensed was a shinigami neck- he supposed his body acted before his mind thought; something that has guided him pretty well so far.

The blade would find flesh, but it would not pierce it. As the demon blade dropped onto the open hand of Hayden he would see the Iron King casting a glance at him. He need not state who he was, for his visage and name carried more weight and reknown in the world than it had years ago. The man blade would shatter into a million pieces as Hayden's hand closed around it sending shards flying at the demon.

As the shards flew Hayden's free hand would draw his Zanpakatou, an immedaite overwhelming of killing intent exploding the moment the weapon left it's sheathe. Yet, despite this a secondary feeling was emitted which the Shinigami might feel, a strong influx of calmness and order. It was like the killing intent which was felt by the demon had completely avoided her, instead the calming and kingly aura of Hayden seeking to comfort and cull her pain.

There was a flash of black steel and an explosion of red mist, a cut so fine that one could barely register it. The demon which was once standing was now but a corpse on the ground, a horizontal slash removing his right forearm to his left shoulder blade. Only the stunned look of surprise plastered on his face as the King of Vastime flicked his weapon sending the tainted demonic blood off the blade. He rarely drew his blood but he would not allow the blood of a low assassin become substance for his blade. Instead, he would simply sheathe it as he turned to the girl- his body acting as a blocker for most of the grissly scene.

"Sorry 'bout all that- I just felt the rise in power." His eyes would look to the wounds on her body, particularly the stab wound through her mid section. "Shit' stay with me here Shinigami- let's get you out of here."

Next to her she would simply see a man dressed in formal attire, his legs crossed showcasing black slacks. The male white button up shirt had red stains on it's torso region, his forearms revealled as his shirt was rolled up. Within his actual hands was a small book which he seemed to have been reading to pass the time. But as she stirred Desmond's hand would close the book placing it on the ground next to his chair, his Zanpakatou leaning against the chair next to said book. He seemed calm but a clear sign of worry had laced his features, his hazel eyes showcasing a concern which one might not expect out the man.

"Yeah that's me."

That was all the man said as he uncrossed his legs beginning to stand, casting a glance down at her. He had no idea who they where nor why they where down that. But from her gotei colors he assumed she was a simple foot soldier caught amidst a bad wind of conflict. But there was far too many questions.

The male would look to the door waving for a nurse to bring over some food and water, before focusing his gaze back to her. "Try not to strain yourself, you're in Vastime currently at one of our hospitals. I'd like to know what was going on out there if you could tell me." Desmond explained to her, but as he spoke she may feel a calmness washing over the area as his very willpower seeked into the area. A side effect of his titanic will but also as the beacon of Vastime, he could insert his influence over the area to provide a sense of calming and peace among people.

"So start from the beginning, miss."

The male listened intently, but when he wasn't listening waiting for her to explain to him he had a very focused look. His gaze betrayed years of experience, of processes which had been engrained into his mind as he tried to decipher the information she gave him. But as she further explained she would see a mixture of anger begin to form filled with burning determination. It was clear the man was more of a man of action than words, despite what other interations may indicate.

The Iron king would take a seat in the chair after listening to her speak, letting out a small grumble from his throat as his disgust manifested in the baritone voice. He would gaze at her, his actions being carried but an intense care and duty bound honor. The calloused hand of his would reach out resting on their's a rush of his aura seeming to pour out passively as his emotions flared. There was a excess of comforting worth and intense focus which seemed to attempt to fill her senses as he spoke.

"One of the most vile beings are those who betray their allies, I will see this rectified I promise this to you. Here in Vastime we do not let such things go unanswered,you have earned my immense respect for facing death with honor and dignity; but now you have an axe to grind with those who have betrayed you." The man's voice carried a serious tone to it, albeit an understanding one as her removed his hand.

"I have felled one man today in your protection, when you are able to protect yourself I will see to it you face your aggressors. I do not believe myself or the gotei dealing their punishments would be fair to you, therefor I ask a simple question of you: How far would you go to see Justice done?" The man let a coy smile begin to play on his lips, the king leg would cross as he rested an elbow on the arm rest. Only the slight tilt of his head on his hand displaying his keen focus.

"Of course you are free to go back to the Gotei, report them and I will back you. Nothin' wrong with letting others handle your problems." That coy smile seemed to grow a tad bigger.

"You made a third option when presented by two arbitrary choices. That's it. That right there. That's the type of people I need here."

The male voice was filled with an excitement, bits of the clam focus he had stripping away as a smile spread on his lips. The uncontained grin showcasing the actual light hearted nature of the man who seemed to be genuinely impressed with her choice. His chin resting within the open calloused palm of his head as he examined her. It was so rare to find someone that actually presented a realistic choice outside of what he offered.

"I welcome you then to our nation then Miss... I never got your name. What is it? I think it's only proper for me to know the name of the woman so graciously offering her services to Vastime." The male removing his hand from under his chin leaning back in his chair rotating his neck slightly to remove some of the stiffness. He felt he would be dealing with this woman for a while, but with her being someone of interest he felt she would make the perfect aide for someone.

"Once I have your name and you are all rested up, I think I have the perfect position for you. Tell me, have you ever heard of a Shinigami called Abalia Sesshouin?" The king inquired upon her, since Abalia was someone he trusted if not one of the most hard working people he knew- one who ideals where so closely similar to his own she would make a great mentor for this young countrymen of Vastime. While he could carry on he was keenly interested into what she had to say and if she heard of the pink hair'd woman.

"She is my personal aide-de-camp or as some would say my personal confident and aide. She is currently ranked as a 2nd lieutenant and as such requires someone to serve under her as a charge; I think you might be able to feel that role should you be willing to accept. The task would entail you being subordinate and being trained by her in the manner of our ways and operations."

"Vastime has a strong focus on scientific advancement and investiment towards the health of our people, meaning that treatments are quick. Doesn't mean it's always painless but you should be out and about within a few hours without any residual hinderment mind some soreness. Biofoam, one of our medical things of note, tends to be rather painful but repairs broken tissue at a remarkable rate- which was administered while you where asleep hence the particalar soreness."

The king explained beginning to stand reaching in his shirt pocket to remove a small business hard, he'd place it on the table next to her. His eyes would linger on it for a moment as if he had something else to say. Yet, he simply dismissed it as he brought his eyes to her's, his finger tapping the card on the table.

"This has the location of your new place of work, my office. When you are feeling better arrive to and request Abalia Sesshouin- she will be pre notified of your presence. Be warned, she is a busy woman so I hope you are high speed." The male offered a smile to the woman. His hands would begin to fix his coat straightening it out he'd soon pick up his Zanpakuto tying it around his waist with a red sash.

"I look forward to seeing you around the office, but for now I must depart. I wish you safe tiding, Private Konoe." With that the male would offer a nod beginning to leave, his frame being carried with a dignified respect only stopping briefly to listen to any of her departing words if she had any. But afterwards provided she didn't stop him he'd take his departure.