KNOW REST [01]

Shizuka's response brought a caustic smile to Yuu's face.

"Strange, then, that she should see it fit to abandon her post during a time of war."

Yuu's eyes narrowed as his lips curled back deeper into his grin.

"Still, I'm afraid that you've merely described some of Kenpachi-taichou's more 'endearing' personality traits -- I asked what you knew of her nature..."

Yuu sipped from his tea, slowly pacing closer to Shizuka as he spoke.

"You see -- Jingu Kenpachi is what scientists might refer to as an 'apex predator'. Simply put, she is a being of unparalleled strength; of limitless potential. You described her as 'rash' and 'impulsive': traits indicative of a person who has discarded any sense of rationale or fear. However, when Kenpachi-taichou acts rashly or impulsively, she is not simply discarding fear. Rather..."

"...she is incapable of experiencing it..."

Yuu now stood side-by-side with Shizuka, each facing in opposite directions.

"Though she has done a suitable job thus far of pretending to graze amongst the gazelle, the reality is that Jingu Kenpachi is a lion. She is dangerous, and must be dealt with accordingly."

Leaning in slightly, Yuu softened the tone of his voice. What began as a pontificating diatribe quickly became very personal as Yuu made his proposition:

"Tell me, Shizuka-kun -- are you capable of discarding your fear? Of acting impulsively? When the time comes, will you finally be able to deal the killing blow?"

"Interesting...", Yuu exclaimed, inspecting Shizuka's defensive posture -- a look of genuine curiosity spilled across his face.

"You've tensed up, Shizuka-kun -- do you consider me an enemy?"

Yuu paused for a moment. The facetious tone of his question couldn't be ignored, and yet, an inkling of sincerity lingered in his words.

"That stance is reserved for those capable of engaging in combat -- it doesn't suit you, Shizuka."

Yuu slowly made his way back to the head of his desk before turning back to face his uptight guest. He hoped that the distance would put her back at ease. This was a conversation, after all, not a duel. Shizuka would need to be reassured, to feel comfortable, if any meaningful dialogue was to take place.

"Your loyalty to your captain is admirable. I don't blame you for thinking of me as an enemy", he continued. "Certainly my recent actions could be perceived as 'immoral'."

"... but 'morality' is a relative concept, Shizuka-kun ..."

"... and what I've done up to this point ..."

"... is a kindness when compared to what is coming next ..."

*SUBJUGATION

Yuu's spell would work quickly; quietly. Shizuka could attempt to resist the kidou, but succumbing to its thrall was an inevitablity. The difference in their spiritual power not withstanding, this was a formidable spell performed by one of Soul Society's most accomplished kidou practitioners -- a man who had only days earlier brought this world's very God to her knees. Yuu chuckled quietly to himself as Shizuka struggled to retain control over her body -- his very 'essence' had infiltrated her soul, and was swiftly usurping her physical form.

The war occuring within her mind was now just as real to her as any conflict taking place within the confines of the Seireitei, and though time would eventually see her free of this terrifying stasis, who knew what horrors Yuu would have her inflict in the interim.