:~: The Shinamori Clan :~:

[Setoku]

Data Entry Name: The Shinamori Clan
Researched by: Shidaka Lyonin
Side Notes: The Family that Slays together, Stays Together.


A legend slowly makes it's rounds across the Spirit Community - A legend that speaks of a family, one so massive it spreads to every "Spirit Sect" of the known world. This family, claimed to be a Dynasty comparable to the Spirit King Himself was started, oddly enough, by a Mad Vasto Lorde, and her lust for togetherness. It is said they are all somehow created from one another, and all came from her flesh alone. But to hear that would be an untruth. Some even go so far as to claim they were created by the Bount, in some sick twisted quest to bring the Soul Society to justice - But again, an untruth. Their names are etched into the legends and pages of every kingdom, but individually, very little is known about them... Until now. As every legend has a beginning, this one too, begins with one.

Nikana Diri/Youkai of the Hollow/Youkai Shinamori - Said to be the goddess of all hollow, Youkai Shinamori is an ancient Vasto Lorde of unknown origin. Although it is known that she was one of the first Vasto Lorde in Hueco Mundo's time - Her temperament, and manipulation abilities are something clouded in lies and misrepresentation. What is known was that the woman was cast out upon the Sinner takeover of Hueco Mundo in the Seventeen Hundreds, and she walked the earth for many years - Sure she would come upon someone to care about her existence. Many people claim it was two boys she came across abandoned in the woods in Feudal Japan - But again, this is an untruth. It all begun with one girl - Not found in Japan, but in <Classified>. The creation of a family though, needs to start with more than just a single member.

Sara Shinamori(The Stray Wolf of the Desert) - The first child of Youkai Shinamori, as well as the first - and last attempted, - successful Arrancar-turned-Vaizord, Sara was to be the next head of the Shinamori clan in life if Youkai, Goddess forbid, ever passed away. The first love of Setoku Shinamori, and later, Wife of his brother, Lobo, Sara was etched into the clan as not only a brutal member but a protective sister. It was this protective, insustainable urge to slaughter all that threatened her clans prosperity that Sara herself killed Lobo. Not long after, she herself was killed by Youkai while trying to save Eshilieth from death. It is said even as a Human, Sara possessed an uncanny spiritual potential. Other knowledge is unavailable or otherwise erased from possible study.

Shinta and Derrick Shinamori(Setoku and Lobo Oscuras) - Two boys who were born in America, they were found shipwrecked in Japan by a traveling caravan of merchandise females. Derrick, being two years Shinta's senior, remembered his parents fondly. Shinta, named by some of the ladies in the caravan, would have no recollection of his birth ties. The two survived together with this caravan for near five years, before falling prey to a raid by ronin samurai. It was here Shinta discovered his inborn talent for sword play, protecting himself and his big brother for another two years in the wilderness. During an attack on their camp by authorities one night, Shinta and Derrick kept off waves of officers, before being saved by an unknown lady in white. Derrick, who would eventually become known as Lobo Oscuras, proved to be the less skilled with swords when compared to his brother, but was considered a genius unlike any before him. After dying at the hands of Sara Shinamori, the boy went on to rule Hueco Mundo, before being killed by his errant Brother and his own former Primera.

Ivy and Eshilieth Shinamori - Very little is known about how these girls got into the Mortal Shinamori clan. Some claim Youkai knew all along of Eshilieth's title to her Bount, but turned a blind eye in hopes of keeping Shinta and Sara apart. Her wish was soon granted, when Shinta, then known as Setoku, left the Shinamori clan and Joined the Shinsengumi unit. Upon his return, he slaughtered what remained of his family, taking Ivy Shinamori as his maid. Ivy, an accomplished swords women in her own right, served Setoku and his Wife for only a short time, before turning on, and killing two children of Setoku and Isabella's brood. Very little else is known about these two, beyond the fact that Eshilieth was thought killed by Setoku following his Matricide of his own home, and that Ivy escaped to America following the death of Setoku and Isabella.

Jenna South-Shinamori (The Wandering Cub) - After escaping the southern Native American fire that whipped out the South and Ulon clans, she ventured north, hoping to survive. Along the way she passed through Shinamori territory and after realizing this, hid, before being found by "The Stray Wolf" her passed family often spoke in fear of. Jenna thought herself dead, however The Stray dragged her back to her own den, deeming the child harmless. Here Jenna learned how to control the growing hollow power. Eventually, after learning all she could about being an arrancar she set out with The Stray. Sara meant for the child to learn to kill and protect. However, she kept getting lost and separated from the elder when Sara would be entering battle. Eventually Sara stopped looking for Jenna, and eventually the child grew and found her way back to Sara's den. Sometimes she would wait for Sara to return, other times, Jenna would wander away again, each time heading south, to destroy who had last settled on her old family's graves. Sara was indeed a wonderful figure to follow after. After all, bloodlust was for Sara. Jenna would love it, but something about freezing things to death was just a bit more fun.

Isabella Shinamori - (**Isabella the Sinner/Espada Two; Michiyo Fujiwara) - The wife of Setoku, The Princess of Hell, and the Second Espada of Lobo and Setoku's Hollow Empire. These are just some titles this woman is known as. In life, she was a girl who found her way to japan from America by running away from home. During the Bakumatsu, she met, and fell in love with a Shinsengumi Samurai known as Setoku Shinamori. The two had three children - Sarah Shinamori; Luke Shinamori; and Erikai Shinamori. Upon her death, she was adapted by the Prince of Hell, and cast to Hueco Mundo to serve as a spy for Prince Luke's newly formed Hollow Empire. Upon discovering Lobo's hidden weapon, Setoku Shinamori, the two fought in the wastes of Hueco Mundo. Upon Isabella's defeat at the hands of a Vasto Lorde Setoku, her spirit was cut in half and forcefully dismantled. Some of that spirit found it's way into a passing Gazelle type Adjuchas named Michiyo. Discovered and protected by Setoku shortly thereafter, she was instrument in Setoku's rise to power. Formed and shaped by Setoku's will and manipulations, the girl became a legend in her own right. Very little is known what became of either woman, or if they still yet live.....

Luke Shinamori/Sarah Shinamori(Kurome Izanage/Sara Shinamori-Izanaga) - Born during the Bakumatsu of Japan, the two eldest children of Setoku and Isabella Shinamori lived short, unremarkable lives. Only one year separates the two, and by the age of five Luke was cut down. Four for Sara. Upon their deaths they were saved from a Vasto Lorde wolf Hollow known as Lobo Oscuras by the Prince of Hell Luke. Instead of being transported to serve as Luke's right and left hand respectively, Ivy, the woman whom cut them down, interfered and sent them instead too the Seritei, where she hoped the Shinamori family would die out. The two were adapted by elder souls in the Kusanji district of Rukon, and lived a rough life. Twelve years after their deaths in the mortal realm, the two graduate the academy with honors. Four years after that, Kurome became the Captain of Squad Two, defeating his former captain, Luc Shihiouin, in front of one hundred squad mates, becoming the second person to do so.Less than a year later, the child prodigy mastered his Bankai. Taking his baby sister on as his Lieutenant, the two became legends in the second spiritual war caused by the sinner Luke. Once finding of his heritage, and discovering his hollow potential in he and his sister, Kurome abandoned Soul Society. They parted ways permanently after Kurome trained Sarah in her masked arts. Retreating to a district of former Vaizard, Kurome trains another with their reborn curse - And has had some contact with his estranged father, yet none with either of his Mothers incarnations. Sarah,dropping the 'h' in her name to seem more like her female role model, and who she assumed as her true mother, ventured to Hueco Mundo, and discovered a weak and pitiful Youkai. After years of plotting, the two tried to snake revenge upon Setoku and Stray, only to be defeated. Youkai was butchered by the Stray Wolf, and Setoku lacked the heart to kill his daughter. Official Records states both children prodigies are dead - Yet numerous reports from the Quincy suggest Sara has flourished among the last five remaining Bount. Even re-adopting her mortal name and keeping her Soul Families as a sign of love and respect. Kurome is still hunted by Captain Azula, though his true whereabouts have yet to be discovered.... <Several blocks of date relating to their weapons and various mis-deeds have been restricted from access. Please forgive me - Captain Lyonin>

Erikai Shinamori - Erikai Shinamori, or the Legend of the Quincy, was the first female commander of the Vandereich in ages long past. Unlike her kin, she managed to keep onto her life, and live it until her end sometime in the nineteen hundreds. Stern and sometimes ditzy, Erikai was famed in the orphanage Ivy left her for her impeccable beauty, and impressive memory. At the age of fourteen, Erikai left the orphanage. No record of her appears for two more years, when she suddenly shows up in the Records of Quincy as "A" the Almighty. What she had done to get there is unknown, and how she even found the Vandereich is another unknown. Her death was recorded and to this day honored by the Quincy - But dark whispers surround her end. Most say the Bount found her spirit and resurrected it some how, others say she serves among the Gotei 13 - Some even go as far to say that "A" of the Vandereich never die, just fade from time. Seeing as she served as "A" before the awakening of Ywach in the final Thousand Year Blood War, we are unsure of what truly happened to her...

Tyler Shinamori(The Bount Assassin)- The only true Child of Eshilieth, Tyler Shinamori met his end at the hands of the former Second Squad Captain, Kurome Izanaga. An intelligent boy, he was driven by love for his mother, Eshilieth. He never knew his father - Which some say is Setoku Shinamori himself - But this is considered untrue. There is very little knowledge about him anywhere. He was loved, clearly, as Eshilieth gave up her fight against the Hollow and Shinigami upon his death. He was a Master Assassin and a known Lecher. Little else could be recovered at the time of this entry on him.

[Setoku]

The Shinamori Clan is Vast, clearly. And while not too much data could be obtained, more will be in time. It all begun with Youkai, and closes with the Bount, much like History itself seemed to be doing upon creating this family. The "Heads" of this Family, Setoku Shinamori, is a brutal man, caring nothing for his Family or his Legacy - But the Stray Wolf went about it in another way, and the Shinamori Clan may yet live on, more together than Youkai could of ever hoped of. From filing this report, I have learned many things about the two Clan Heads. Sara (Stray) for all her brutality and mannerisms, truly cared for this clan, and wanted them nothing but the best. While Setoku, with his lack of empathy and scheming manner, seems to be more akin to his Mother. Needing something to care for him, and something more to fall in his place. Sometime soon I shall reveal the depths of the Shinamori Clans interference, and what they helped destroy, and create, in the process. - Captain Lyonin.

[Setoku]

Setoku Shinamori's Pet Project - Avathos the V


Avathos the V, or Avathos Shinamori as the Shinigami gone on to call him, was a Human Male from a poor district in Japan during the Bakumatsu. After the fall of Setoku Shinamori following a feud with Lyonin Shidaka, Setoku was forcefully turned into a hollow by his Brother and Sister. Left in the world of the living for a couple of years to sustain himself, he was stumbled across by a young street urchin with a high spirit count. The boy, Avathos, came from a religious family of Demon Slayers, and instantly the boy took the all white, seemingly bat-looking beast as a sign of luck from the gods.

As fate would have it, this theory would prove true. The Boy lived too the age of 30, before Setoku slayed him and directed him to the Seritei. After his fall, it did not take long for him to graduate from the Shinigami Academy thanks to extra tutelage from Setoku himself. He passed with high marks, and was inducted into Jennifer Shinamori's Squad after one year of graduating, and placed as a tenth seat. Jen and Avathos seem to take special interest in one another - Jen, for his impressive ability to pick things up, and Avathos for her uncanny relation to his Master. For five years, the boy moved up the ranks, becoming the Lieutenant of her squad, and then it happened.

---Declaration of War---

When the invasion of the Antarctic  begun, Setoku was assumed to be dead by the hands of Captain Lyonin Shidaka, so it came as a surprise when his soul record came up as "Alive and King of Hueco Mundo." in his status of life. No one knew how a Hollow had gotten into the main frame of Squad Twelves record keeping system to alter the file. It was only during Jennifer's arrival to the Antarctic to discover her sister that the truth came to Light. Avathos was a traitor.

The odd thing was, of course, was the depth to which Setoku had turned the child. Having a firm hold on him from his Mortal Life and swaying everything until his death over Antarctica. And while most people credit Setoku as dead in emotion, the rage and sadness he felt at the death of his apparent friend became evident when he unleashed it on his former master Luke.

It is said Avathos, upon his death, was taken in to Hueco Mundo, where Setoku devoured his soul - As far as official records go - But Lyonin Shidaka and the Hollow-Turned-Psuedo-Vaizard Sara say other wards. It is said Setoku and Seth converted his soul from Reishi to Hollow, through some unknown process. (By Unknown, I mean it was not revealed) and he is now an Espada in Setoku's current fractured empire.... But again, it could all be hearsay. And from all the research by myself and Captain Lyonin Shidaka, it is still unknown why his last name is the number five. Was he the fifth incantation of Setoku's final spell? The Fifth Version of Setoku's creation? Or the Fifth, unknown Brother of the Shinamori family...? Of course, that still leaves two unaccounted for....

This is but one person who the Shinamori Influenced, and his loss is still felt heavily on my heart. Although some good did come from it, it taught me even my big brother... Can love. And that perhaps there is hope for my Sister yet.... We shall see, I assume, as to what path the Shinamori will make from here. ---- Captain Jennifer Shinamori (Final Report on the Traitor Avathos, before she retired and dissipated from the Seritei altogether.)

[Setoku]

Data Entry: The Original Ten Espada
Section: Leaders of the Coven.

There is a legend that spreads through the halls of Los Noches, a legend of a hollow so powerful, he alone defeated the King of Hell, and brought the realm of that particular god to his knees. For many of us Shinigami, it is a myth. A myth all Hollow revere. But all myth's begat a kernal of truth.... and due to the mass operations of Setoku and Lobo Oscuras, the truth of this myth has become widespread.

As Soul Society begun with one powerful individual, so too, did the structure of the Espada army in Hueco Mundo. A structure so perfect, every Espada has followed it - Even intruders, like Aizen Sousoke and the Sinner Prince Luke. This particular individual is even said to still survive, which with the understanding of Youkai, is not a surprise. But behind every individual there is always assistance. This will name the Three most powerful Espada in known History - Their names, some of their stories, and more importantly, their goals and ressurecion.

Zagarus - The first true Genetic Default Vasto Lorde, and the most powerful Hollow ever to be recorded. He is famed as the only Vasto Lorde strong enough to cause Yamamoto Genryusai to retreat. Upon his rise to power, it was he who created the Espada, yet his view was more in line with the Shinigami and Quincy way of doing things. Aizen was the only leader of the army since to follow this ideal as well. Instead of ten powerful men, he wanted an entire Nation-State of Hollow, to march, and destroy, all realms. The Quincy Realm, the Shinigami Realm, and most importantly, the Realm of Hell. A Warlord in Mortal Life, Zagarus (Last name unknown) was a War Lord of a Dark Empire, bent on world domination - So it was to little surprise this attitude would carry over into his death. His Sword - Caudillo La Arena (Warlord of the Sand) was only further proof of this. His views were narrow, yet his raw power left little to the imagination. He is feared by all Hollow, including the Shinamori Dynasty.

"Seth" - The unknown factor in all of this. He is considered the eldest of Arrancar, though the legends state Zagarus is. But what... or who, prompt Zagarus to remove his mask? The original Primera Espada, as well as the original Espada of the "Time" Aspect of death. He served Zagarus, he served Luke - He also served in Setoku's revival of the Espada. Considered an unhinged individual, "Seth" as he is known has existed seemingly since time immemorial. Some splinter factions, Setoku among them, state it is he who is the true creator, and strength, of the original Espada. But why? Lobo, fearing this Arrancar immensely, quickly replaced him with Setoku when he came to power, only to be killed by him and Setoku in a display of open destruction. His sword - Furia de la bestia is a prime example of his unpredictability. As of this time, no much could be found on the man himself, other than he has been around, influencing leaders since the start. His true aspect is truly unknown. From Madness to Time, too some even stating the next hollow to hold the "Fear" aspect, much would have to be understood about this man to truly understand just what.... if anything, he represents.

Anasandri Diri - The dark mistress, the most powerful female Espada of known record, and a past filled with regret. Anasandri, the elder sister of Nikana Diri (Youkai) is a force that no one has ever lived to speak about. Few beings alive know even of her existence - Let alone her true potential. She commanded Nikana in all her endeavors, including ordering her to stay in Vasto Lorde form when the younger joined the Espada. As too why, most assume it was the suppression of Nikana's release, Youkai. Like Zagarus, she too lead a Dark Empire, the same Empire, several years after Zagarus' mortal death. Her sword - Known only by "Nightmare" has no records that exist on it. Clearly, to command a being as powerful as Youkai though, the woman would have to of been quite the power house. She is looked upon as a Goddess by Lobo, and a serious problem by Setoku. There are murmurs, from many Espada, Seth included, that speak of her still existing - Leading Setoku to believe it was her who commanded Youkai. As of this writing, nothing new has been uncovered on this woman.

While not much information could be uncovered on these three, there are still seven more - But these three, with Reiatsu so mind-bending, it causes fear in Hollow hundreds of years later, is amazing. These three, the ones who shaped the Shinamori Clan, whether they knew it or not, and even managed to manipulate all events up to now, more will be uncovered in the following report....

(And before I get asked.... Yes, "Seth" is the amazing "Seth" we all came to love in the older RP's. I mean, c'mon, how weird is that...? Ok, not that weird.... but it has been hinted at in nearly every RP concerning him.... Give them a look sometime..)

[Setoku]

Data Entry: The Original Ten Espada
Section: The Creators of the Coven

There was four names associated with the birth of the Shinamori clan. The first of the ten, and the group of 4. Two developed, two delivered. Their names are known for other reasons, but their legacy still yet lives on.


Kazekaza Mar: The first born scientist of the Espada. Much like his counterpart, Keira of the Shifting Sands, he wasn’t born with the struggle to get stronger, but for the porpoise of gaining knowledge. Not even his weapon is known by anyone yet alive. But his dream wasn’t the creation of a new spirit section, but a reincarnation of himself and his partner, and some claim he attained with Setoku and Stray.

Kreia of the Shifting Sands: The unknown variable in all this. Her methods and beliefs are buried under lies and misinformation. Like Shinigami of the past, this woman was born with a second sight. She saw the future, and the many breaks it could or would create. Her sword, destino del exilio (Roughly translated: Fate of the Exile.) was a falchion, and what she actually looked like is up to debate. Some say she was young, others say old, but the only thing universally agreed on was she was far more powerful than she let on.

Korin Ailden: The fourth of the ten Espada, the hook sword wielding Espada of greed, Ailden, was a legend in history. He stood before the first captain commander, killed the leader of the bounts at that point in time, Descimus Kariya, in five minutes. And he was the one who delivered and set up the birth of Lobo and Setoku. His sword, riqueza de dios (Wealth of God roughly.) was a body type realese, and covered all his imperfections, and made his attacks nearly unblocable. The closest Espada would be Stray Wolf in terms of raw power, and Setoku in terms of unadulterated destruction.



Sky Leroy: The ninth, and perhaps the most forgotten of the ten. Sky Leroy was a known traitor, and famously overthrew Zagarus’ Mortal Empire, Mardonia, after his death. In the coming retaliation, he was slaughtered and disimbowled by Anasandri. He was the one who protected and oversaw the birth of Sara Shinamori, AKA The Stray Wolf. It was a top secret birth hidden from the leaders of the original Espada, as it was set up to be a vassal for Youkai, the weapon of Anasandri, to gain a body. His sword, Alaben al rey(All hail the King), was a massive O-Dachi. Setoku’s sword, but wider. He was strong, and literally impossible to interrogate.

[Setoku]

Data Entry: The Eternal Dark (Endless Dark)
Location: Aomori Province
Time: 4:15 AM



It had been a rough few months. The divorce of Eshilieth and Lobo, the fallout of Setoku and Stray splitting up - And the dominance Youkai was starting to use. All these details begun creating a rift. And a power vacuum. Setoku sighed to himself as he slowly tied his obi around his waste. No one would notice, and no one would say anything until morning. It was now…. Or never. Setoku leaned down and kissed Eshilieths forehead. Reaching out with his other hand he let the back of two of his fingers run along Ivy’s cheek, whom he was sleeping between. He shook his head and closed his eyes. Grabbing his Katana from the shelf as he walked out the room.

“Goodbye…. Everyone. Thank you. Goodbye, mother. And…”

Setoku slowly made his way into another room, feeling the heat of a tear run down his cheek as he tried to stay quiet. As he entered the dark room, he slowly pulled the rice door shut, before walking to the bed in the corner.

“Sara…. Forgive me. I did this. Take care of our child…. And stay alive. For me….”

Setoku slowly placed his Katana next to the sleeping girl. A single hand came up, and with his fingers he prodded hair from her soft features, before he leaned down, and let his lips lightly brush her own.

“Goodbye my eternal love… my Stray Wolf… Sara…”

A tear would roll from Setoku’s cheek as he slowly rose to his feet. And softly splash on Stray’s own cheek, and slowly roll down. He wished…. He wished he could of told her. Explained to her why he choose Eshilieth, and why he was leaving. It wasn’t for That Ninja Girl, nor was it for himself. But Stray. Without Setoku, or Lobo’s support, she couldn’t become a vassal right? Well no matter. He pushed open the window in Stray’s window. The only window in the whole house. He took one look at the sleeping girl, and felt his heart sink as he realized… she had took the Katana… and was holding it tightly. Muttering some name.

“Goodbye, my love…”

And he was gone. Stray gripped the sword Tightly, her own eyes misting over. So it was true then? He really was leaving. And she knew….. it was for that damn Ninja girl.

“You stupid…. Stupid… flea…”

She choked out, before rolling from her bed. He honestly thought he was gonna leave without giving Eshilieth any warning? Well she’d knock some sense into him… someone had too. She gripped Setoku’s old Katana even tighter, before she herself climbed out the window. She gave him a good few minute start, but he wouldn’t get far. Her eyes looked up, taking in the full moon. Not only full, but with a reddish hue, declaring the end of winter and the start of the harvest.

***25 minutes later, one mile before the ‘endless dark pit’***

Setoku stood at the foot of the massive crevice. It was quite wide, and as he looked down, he smiled. The pit of The Endless Dark. He and Stray had begun not too far from here, actually. He looked left and right, before he begun taking a few steps backwards. It was a wide crevice, but he was fairly certain he could make the jump. He reached behind him as he took steps back, and pushed down on the hilt of his No-dachi. Causing the end of it to rise as the handle adjusted to be protruding from his waist.

“FLEA”

The comment caused him to stop, and curse under his breath. So…. He didn’t escape completely unknown, did he? Of course she was here. He swallowed air, before turning to face where the scream came from. A cold look of indifference on his features. He wanted to avoid this - Needed to avoid it.

“….. What do you want, you flea bitten mongrel? If you’ve come to stop me, I’d advise you just go home and go to bed….. little girl.”

And there it was. Stray bit back her rage, and after a moment, the glint of metal crossed Setoku’s eyes as he quickly turned, pulling massive blade half from the saya and catching her blade against his exposed portion of metal. She gritted her teeth as she yanked the sword back, and brought it high, standing in a defensive posture. Why was he doing this? Where was he going?

“What about Eshilieth, Setoku? You’ll just abandon her?! What the hell are you thinking?!”

Setoku looked away from Stray, and released his sword, letting it easily fall back into its saya. The sun starting to break from the mountains was the sign he was waiting for. She was over there, and he was keeping her waiting.

“Don’t you mean…. What about you? What about us? There is no us. There never will be. Now just go home, before you get hurt. Mongrel.”

Setoku didn’t turn around to face her, nor did he even seem to want to acknowledge her beyond insults. She went to respond, but before she could he shot forward, and jumped the crevice, only then did he turn to face her.

“I’ve spent enough time playing house with you and Eshilieth. It’s time I forge my own path and grow up. Thank you…. For everything. I love you…. Never forget… that..”

Stray could hear his voice break, she knew he was crying. Knew he was running away. And she was utterly disgusted. The man who took her virginity. The man who stole her heart. Look at him now, running. Fearful. She found herself disgusted.

“Oh you think so…?”

She let out, before she herself shot forward. If he could make it, guess what? So could she. She was tired of him. Of Youkai. Of Lobo. What part of stick together did he not get?! They only had each other - The rest of the world viewed them as demons, unworthy of any help. So what the hell was he trying? He’d die out there…. She couldn’t have that. Her eyes bored into Setoku’s puffy and red eyes as she flew through the air. He didn’t move, or go to defend himself at all, and that was his last mistake

“Tell me why, flea…. WHY ARE YOU RUNNING AWAY?!”

She brought the sword down to bare. She would land on him and force him back - But right as she thought that, she realized he stopped getting closer, and looked as if he was sitting… above her? Oh no…. She missed the jump?! She started grabbing for the side of the crevice, trying to grab something to slow her descent…. Something…. Anything!! Her eyes looked up, in time to see Setoku looking over the edge as she fell.

“God… damn…. Flea…”

**unknown amount of time later**

Ivy whistled as she walked the trail toward the crevice. If she followed it too the end, and took a left, she found it was a shorter distance to the lake then the usual way around the entire crevice. As she walked she begun to wonder what happened to Setoku. When she woke up, he was gone. But so was Stray? She assumed the two ran off behind Eshilieths back, and had volunteered to get the water for Youkai secretly in the hopes of catching them. Eshilieth deserved better.

“And I deserve you, too myself… Sara-Chan…”

She muttered, as she rounded a tree and saw the crevice ahead. The lake wasn’t much further. But something odd stuck out to her - A mass laying by the crevice itself. Maybe a dead animal or stray Samurai who got a mortal wound. It was odd nothing was detected by Youkai, or well, she told no one it was, so she assumed it was probably a fallen deer. After a few moments, though, her eyes went wide. That wasn’t an animal… animals didn’t carry swords. Stabbed into the ground next to the mass covered by a light blue massive haori was the original Katana of Setoku, stabbed hard into the ground only milimeters from the haori itself. Ivy stopped at the sword, and gave it a once over. Why was it here? She turned to the mass covered with a haori and sighed, reaching down she quickly pulled it back, and let out a scream that easily altered Youkai and Lobo back at the house, and after seconds they would no doubt be there.

“Oh my… SARA!!!!!!”



Data Ended.

This was all I could find out about their human life coming to a close. The night Setoku joined the shinsengumi. —- Former Captain Shidaka Lyonin.

[Setoku]

The Birth and Life of the unknown First born Shinamori child - Jennifer South Shinamori: The child of the God Emperor and Mistress of Destruction



Coming soon

[straywolf174]

Entry: The Eternal Dark
Resource: Reverse Solita Vista
Data Extraction: 009475928.1H
Bio-Location: Unknown

--- --- --- --- ---

"****!"

The burn of rock meeting tender skin sent shooting pain under Sara's fingernails as she scrambled against the cliff-face for support before ultimately driving her sword in as leverage. This only staved off her fall partially though, as dirt and dust expelled from the sword's entry-point, ultimately blinding the girl enough to cause her footing to slip. The only things she could see was the blurred outlines of her former love, as well as one of her first friends, leave the edge where she'd lose it all without so much as a parting kiss. Then the world snapped sideways as her body hit the ground, and like the switch of a light, her limbs went cold and everything was engulfed in darkness.

The world stayed like that for a long while, with little changing save for where the warmth hit her from the sun's rays. The clang of a sword fell at some point with her descent, but Sara couldn't see it, let alone move to pick it up. Whenever she'd try her muscles screamed at her. Bones splintered through skin, blood dripped somewhere near her right ear, and her head felt so heavy that she at times wished for death. The scream that met her ears did little to comfort the pressure in her skull, but soon, more footsteps followed the first one's...which she'd only processed recently. The touch of hands only made her hurt worse, and she surprised herself with the cry of anguish that left her lips. A heaving force at her chest distracted her from the pounding headache, and as she was lifted from the dirt, the gleam of a chain met one crinkled-eye. Was that...a mouth?

"Take her to my room immediately, don't let the pup see her like this." That was Youkai's voice. Mother was here...did she see which direction Setoku went!? "Don't let her move!" Leave it to Lobo to maintain control. She deeply wished they could switch places, and not just because of the fact her ankle bone was showing...okay maybe a little bit because of that. "Keep her steady, she's suffered a lot of head trauma."

The rest of the journey back to the house was uneventful, but Sara losing consciousness or breaking out into a cold sweat didn't mean the rest of them were as bored. She didn't even know she was in Youkai's room until she opened her eyes briefly to see her mother kneeling next to her, fiddling with a rather thick chain link. Delirious as she was, she could barely make out what her mother had said to her. "...you've been separated..."

Well yeah, Setoku just left - they had to go find him. What if he was jumped? What if a Samurai tried to arrest him? Sara went to prop herself up on her elbow only for Youkai to shove her down with a hand. "You're like an animal sometimes, I swear," Youkai sighed and twirled the chain, which grew a mouth on it's end. Was it...eating itself? "At death's door and already trying to move about...maybe you'd be happier as a Hollow..."

Sara swallowed and stared up at her mother, mouth too dry to speak. Youkai smiled down at her with eyes so empty she wondered if the woman saw anything at all. "Do you want to live, Sara-chan?"

Sara tried to nod, but moving her chin down once was enough to make the room spin. Youkai reached out a hand and held the girl's cheek as the other pulled at the chain. When Sara inhaled to scream Youkai's hand clasped over her jaw to keep her silent as the chain was pulled one soul-screw at a time. The hole that was forming underneath it began clawing into Sara's collarbone, and Youkai's eyes gleamed. Sara couldn't see it, but she felt the electricity coarse through her veins as Youkai began to implant her own Reiatsu into Sara's forming hollow hole. The thing was effectively closed, and by the looks of it, a type of pseudo-high speed regeneration was formed. When Sara's tears dried and her mouth cramped from being held at a lock for so long, Youkai hummed with satisfaction. "There," Her hand pulled away with a string of drool attached, which she wiped on the bedsheets as Sara breathed in her first lung-full of air since the fall. A fall that broke her ribs, amongst other things, now all completely healed. "Never forget that your body is mine to break..." Youkai stood, looking over the girl to ensure that no other signs of Hollowfication formed. "Now get some sleep."

Once she was satisfied with the girl's humanity, she turned to leave. It was only then that Sara said anything - one word, with strained vocal chords and a single tear. "He's gone..."

"...I know."

The sound of rice-paper sliding shut was all that Sara was left with as she battled with the idea that Setoku was right, and her mother might have been more of a monster than anything they'd faced out in the wilds.

---

"Sara...Sara!" Ivy snapped her fingers in the girl's face but received little more than a look in her direction. Since that day, she'd practically become mute, doing only what Youkai told her before secluding herself in her room. Ivy glared down at the girl's hands, which were tightened around Setoku's sheathed sword. They rarely let go of it these days, and Ivy was pretty sure the girl bathed with it...but that wasn't proven. Yet. The very idea made her cheeks pinken, and she quickly shook her head to focus on the dead-eyed girl in front of her.

"Did you hear what I said?" She tried again, but Sara blinked. Once. Then sighed and stood up. Since Ivy had been sitting there for the better half of an hour she scrambled to follow. There was no indication Sara planned on listening, but there could have just been some issues that were left unhealed by Youkai's abilities. Ivy wished she could've gone to the same medical field studies so she could heal that sort of injury...though the tale was a little tall, she'd seen far stranger from far lesser people. It made enough sense not to question it so long as her Sara was up and moving again. Brain damage aside.

"Ah, Sara," Youkai waved the two girls over as they exited the room, and before them was a surprising amount of freshly cooked food. Jennifer came out of the kitchen with her own bowl, serving herself last as usual, while Lobo patted the seat next to him for her to sit. Due to Sara's odd behavior, he didn't trust the small one near her just yet. To be fair, Ivy wondered if Sara trusted herself near anyone, given that white-knuckled grip on that sword. "Why not have a seat? We've prepared some of your favorites."

Which was basically anything. Ivy rolled her eyes as she took a seat, Setoku's usual seat, to be specific. Eshilieth glared at her each time she did it, but no one wanted to acknowledge that Sara probably hated being alone far more than she hated being crowded. Ivy didn't mind the occasional shove she got if she was being too clingy...she didn't want to think of the alternative. No one did. No one expected Setoku to leave...how long had it been again?

"How has your back been feeling?" Youkai asked. She always asked that; and she's been asking it for the past two and a half weeks. Sara shrugged, and with it came a disconcerting pop of a shoulder blade. Maybe Youkai wasn't that good of a doctor after all? Eshilieth frowned and Jennifer jumped at the sound, but Lobo and Ivy remained unaffected. Their clan leader was strong, and with Youkai, she was practically immortal. That much had been proven already. "Ivy would you mind applying those essential oils when dinner is over?"

"Me?!" Ivy dropped her chopsticks in surprise. The only person Sara allowed near her in that way was Youkai herself. The rest of them had attempted to tend to her with little success. They couldn't even pry the sword away. "But- she's not-"

"What's wrong? Scared she'll be the one impaling you?" Eshilieth met Ivy's shocked gaze with a cool scowl. Of course she knew. Everyone knew by now, didn't they? Someone had to of told Setoku after all, and Ivy doubted Eshi would ever break a promise to Sara. It was nigh impossible to look her in the eyes after. Ivy looked over to the cub who seemed very intent on not looking up from her bowl of noodles. Fine then, if that's how they wanted to play it. "I'm just worried about who'll be watching Jen, that's all."

"Don't." Lobo countered, placing his own chopsticks calmly beside him as if he'd lived in Japan since birth. "It's my job." It was said simply, securely, and without a shadow of uncertainty. There was no arguing with him when he was this way, and the only person who might have stood a chance was long gone. Everyone went silent for a moment, before Jen slowly added her own input. "If it helps - I'd also rather Sara be cared for by someone she trusts enough to sit near."

Ivy, for the first time since the events months prior, felt genuine guilt over that statement. She looked over to Sara who hadn't even touched her food, and noticed the slightest smirk. Did she find Ivy's shame amusing? Or was she simply happy that Jen had said anything about her at all? Ivy couldn't stand the atmosphere another second, so she quickly took both her and Sara's bowl before heading off into the kitchen. A satisfied hmph from Youkai followed her as she went.

This was going to be another long night.

[Setoku]

Entry: Endless Dark
Location: Unknown




Setoku laid his head against the wall. He hasn’t stopped crying, nor had he ate anything in a week. Michiyo was warned by Youkai this would happen. And it killed her seeing him so…. Drained. Setoku was a legend around Aomori, and would become well known in the Boshin Wars, Michiyo summed, but not like this.

“Setoku… it’s enough…. Come eat, my love.”

No answer. She frowned a moment, before walking up to Setoku, kneeling down, and placing a single hand on his cheek. And oddly, he spoke. But Michiyo couldn’t understand him.

“So it’s true…. My baby really was…”

He said it so quietly…. She couldn’t..

“What was that, hun?”

She asked, her eyes wide. What was wrong with him? But he rose a shaking right hand, and finally his eyes looked into her own. They were red, and tear stained. But he slowly opened his hand, and Michiyo looked. All that was there was a small piece of metal, like a piece of a chain…. But just as quickly as he showed it…. It seemingly vanished into thin air - And if she wasn’t crazy, she was sure it was…. Eating itself?

“She’s…. My baby…. She’s…. Hollow…”

Hollow….? What the hell was he on about? No, she couldn’t let it stand. Youkai needed him to kill the coming Bount to keep the family intact, she, nor Youkai, would have time to play with these childish monster games.

“My baby…. Truly is nothing more than a vassal for mother…”

The last part came out as a whisper, and even Michiyo’s eyes went wide. Even she was curious… who was Youkai? What were her family? The Shinamori?

————————————

::One week prior to Setoku’s evacuation::

The two boys stood frozen in place, their eyes wide. What the hell was a Hollow? Who or what was Nikana? And… Mardonia? What kind of stupid name…?

“There’s no way. It’s a story. Remember, Setoku? She promised she’d write us a story about our lives, make us hero’s… this must be it.”

Setoku didn’t look to Lobo or put down the journal. Yeah…. Did he truly think that? Behind them, Ivy’s moans, followed by pleas to release her, were the only sounds in the small room the two stood in. After discovery of Youkai’s little dungeon, the boys were having a look. It was dingy and small, consisting of where Ivy was, and this side room, only blocked by a thin blanket. The two were huddled up on the side of the door, engrossed by the journal. Finally, after nearly a full minute of listening to Ivy be violated, Setoku spoke. His eyes wide, and his voice a barely audible whisper.

“The only way to know would be to kill Sara and see if a chain appears to consume her… that’s just too unreal. Yeah…. A story.”

Lobo and Setoku stared at one another, already showing their differences. Setoku never trusted anyone, not even their mother. Lobo didn’t either, but he wasn’t gonna try and cause discourse over something so unreal.

“The fact is Setoku, it’s too stupid to be true. You can tell it’s from someone’s imagination. Hollow? Another word for ghost. Grim Reapers with swords? Come on brother.”

“Yeah…. Your right bro. But still, what a story either way…”

Setoku slowly closed the journal he was reading, and gave a fake smile. The two sat hidden listening to the horrors for another six hours - Setoku’s mind a race. His mother was a Demon. The very thing the family was called upon to kill. But how could she be seen? Why couldn’t the ones they got stuck losing too or barely beating be seen like so? But again, his family was known… each child. But no one…. Knew the mother. When Setoku focused on it… all missions, all interaction with the outside world… Youkai either arranged it and had nothing to do with it…. Or would only allow Lobo and herself to meet the client… but the clients only spoke of talks with Lobo going well, or how Lobo was a tough negotiation overall.

“Let’s just go see our family, Setoku. I bet Eshilieth misses you. Hey, has she done that thing with her tongue yet? It’s ——“

Setoku didn’t hear nothing else, he was already planning how to test this hollow theory. He’d use Ivy…. He’d remove her limbs, bring her close to death…. Yes, and no one would be the wiser.


—————-

Setoku peeked over the edge as Stray screamed out. His sword she was using easily dug into the wall, slowing her descent….. by too much. Setoku bit his lip, and without so much as a thought, he dove over the edge, his body slamming atop Strays. Stray moved to speak, no doubt object, but much like her memory should be, her voice was drowned out by rushing wind and darkness as they fell to the ground. Lost.

“Forgive me, Sara…. But I know you’ll survive…. And you’ll learn it too…. What mother is hiding from us”

Setoku was lying to himself. She wouldn’t remember any of this, he was sure, and if she did, it’d be how Setoku made her fall to what could be her death. Setoku suddenly ripped his sword from its sheath, and twisted his body around, and slammed the No-Dachi into the sidewall, force slowing his descent as Stray’s screams fell silent. After a few moments of sliding in dust and silence, his body slowed down, only a foot from the ground. Setoku dropped down, and after hitting the ground, ran over to Stray.

“Jesus Christ Sara…. I’m so sorry.”

Setoku kneeled down next too her broken form, before he reached down and ripped open her kimono covering her breasts. And there he saw it…. A metal ornate chain block forming in the center of her chest, followed immediately by a long chain. Setoku frowned, before removing his sword from the wall, and slicing a link of chain for himself. Where did it even come from…?

——————

After dragging her body back to the path high above, Setoku gently laid Stray down, and slowly fell to his knees at her side. She was a broken mess, and he…. He had done this. He quickly pulled off his blue haori, and threw it over her body, covering her exposed chest.

“Forgive me…. Forgive me…. Please…”

It was all he managed out since removing a link of the chain - His whole body was shaking, even as he leaned down and kissed her bloody lips. His eyes cut to the sky. It had to of been 8 in the morning…. Someone would be down this way within 15 minutes to collect water. But he couldn’t… he couldn’t leave her. If his theory was right though….


“Forgive me….. forgive me…”

Again…. All he could say. Picking up his old Katana from where it rested on the ground next to Stray, he sighed, before using his own blood to write “She lied” on the inside of Stray’s thigh. Whether she’d see it or not, he couldn’t say, but someone would….

“Please…. Sara…. Please…. Get away…”

And like that he rose his sword, and stabbed it down. And he was gone, leaving behind a physically shattered girl and her sword…. With his blood spelling out the truth. As long as it wasn’t Lobo, Setoku knew…

[Setoku]

The Death of the Primera: Setoku’s Descent to Hell



“I love you, Shinta Shinamori. And as Jennifer as our witness, I will always love you”

Setoku smiled, nuzzling into Stray as she held Jen to her breast, letting the small child eat. She may not of known it was their child, Setoku mused, but she believed Youkai about any woman can breast feed a child? He wasn’t sure whether he was flattered, or stupid for loving a girl so ignorant.

“I’ll always be with you, Sara. I’ll never abandon you. On this I promise…”

Stray let out a soft moan as Setoku followed his words by nibbling on her neck. This was heaven, huh?

“Get up, Setoku.”

The voice was deep, commanding. Vaguely familiar. Setoku felt his eyes part, as they slowly opened to a dusty wooden floor. He let his eyes take in what he could before responding to the voice. This place…. It was…. Home? Setoku allowed his eyes to move until they found the door, where a half sheet hung. The light outside was a reddish green, and the clouds…. Purple, swollen as of rain clouds. Abs they were moving by constantly. High speed. No moon, and barely any light from the house. But how…? The voice spoke again.

“Setoku, it’s time to see. See the results of your plan.”

It was lighting fast, but Setoku rolled from his spot, and quickly bolted toward the voice. His hand coming down to grab the hilt of…. wakizashi? Yes, that’s what it was, at his side. Setoku making a mental note that his movements were way slower then before his fight with Lyonin. Hadn’t he died? As he thought this, the boy speaking filled his vision. The sound of metal scraping the wood as Setoku drew the small blade, and came to a stop centimeters from the persons neck. The slightest twitch on either of their parts would spell the end of this kid. But Setoku didn’t make eye contact. His head was looking down, brownish black hair over his wide brown eyes.

“LO….. lobo….”

He suddenly let out, as the kid reached up, and smacked the wakizashi from his neck. He was human…? But how? He was dead. Setoku killed him in death, Stray killed the body before him in life? And he was a demon of hell now… right? So why?

“Where… where am I? Why can’t I move fast? Why are you here?!”

It all came out fast, and lobo couldn’t help but smile. How long since he had actually spoke to Shinta? The shadow ruler of the Shinamori Clan? Sara was the face and protector, yes, but this boy was the power and brains. He taught that girl all he knew…

“You are dead, Shinta. You’ll be here a bit, and then you can go on…. To Soul Society. With your true love.”

Lobo smiled as he answered, before reaching back out, grabbing the Wakizashi, and turning it slightly, showing part of Setoku’s features in the blade.

“It’s weird you don’t recognize that blade. It was the first real sword Sara ever held. The one you gave her. It’s good to see you are as sharp as ever, even as a lowly human”

Human…? Setoku smirked to his brother, as his eyes followed Lobo’s arm toward the blade.

“Oh yes, Setoku Shinamori, Of the Red Sand of Hueco Mundo, a human. Don’t be cute, Sara will fail if what you say was a real——“

Setoku’s eyes suddenly went wide as he stopped talking. Catching sight of his features in what he could of the sword - He wasn’t wrong, anyway…. How?

Lobo looked on, before sliding off the table he sat up on. His arm coming around Setoku’s shoulder and leading him toward Youkai’s room. He would understand, soon. And he’d show Setoku, just what happened the night he left. As they walked Lobo spoke.

“As I said. Well wait here a little while, then you and Sara will go to Soul Society…. Together. But I have something to show you, brother. Sara was never the container or planned one. Sara was supposed to be the vassal for Ivy. Youkai had a vassal picked out for Nikana too. That was Stray. You were the planned vassal of Anasandri, and me? Well I was meant for Ailden. Of course most of them failed… but here, let me show you. You, who never wanted to be king, you who never wanted to grab a sword in order to protect. You did it all for one life, I know that now.”

Setoku’s eyes finally drifted to Lobo as he finished his sentence, and the two stood before a hole in the floor.

“You assume much brother. Like I care about anyone but myself. I did it all for me. Nothing more…. Nothing less.”

“You lie. And I’m gonna show you how I know. You were right, by the way, as you sobbed the first week with that ninja girl… you were correct all along.”

Setoku smiled sadly. He already knew that, but how did Lobo? As the two got ready to go down to the old dungeon, a beam of light lit up the house a moment, before a young girl, no older than 10 appeared. She looked exactly like a female Setoku, even that dead glance of hers.

“Father…. So it’s true…. You and Stray… really are…. My parents… Jen and Erikai… Kurome…. We all, we all came from different mothers… but it all stems…”

The girl suddenly broke down crying, as Setoku walked toward the girl, and knelt down, before his arms suddenly wrapped around her, and pulled her to his chest, where she let out a wail.

“It’s ok, Sarah…. I’m so sorry…. Your mother is Ivy… and she… she’s sorry too..”

[Setoku]

The Song of the Shinamori:


Inside..... My mind
Shades of visions...
Fading photographs...
Of you.... Of me..
Blurred black.... And white...

As they flicker past.

I watched... Silently
I wait... Estranged
Passively observe...
The past... Returns
Echoing Words...
Of what you said to me

Memories of Better Days...
Are all that remains...
And Everytime the more I lose, the less I... Gain.


I walk, alone....
Retrace my steps...
Try to see where I went wrong
You've gone.... And moved on..
Seems I've been here too many times before...

Memories of Better Days..
Are all that remains
One by one... Without a trace...
They fade away.

Bittersweet Aftertaste...
Is all that remains..
The more I lost..
The less I'll gain...

They fade.... Too.... Grey...
Once such clear visions...
Of what might have become...
I'll keep them close...
All That Remains...

Bittersweet after taste.....
Is all that remains.
And the more i lose...
The less... I...
Gain.


Eagle Eyed readers will recognize some of this written in one of the trilogies. The song Youkai use to sing to her children to help them sleep....

Although I suppose it is odd, that Lyonin heard a woman singing this song after a night of drinking. (Oh yeah, there's more to it Maybe one day I'll explain it) But the song is a reference to Stray and Setoku. It was what Youkai had seen. And applies to every family member if one really sat down and READ each paragraph

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