Canvassing for a King

It's a day like any other in Karakura Town. That is, excluding the pale-haired and white-clad girl staring blankly as she stands in front of a seemingly random residence. At first glance, one might assume that she was simply waiting for someone to either join her outside or let her inside. However, she had been waiting there for quite a while. At best, she appeared like was just terribly confused about where she was. At worst, she looked like she was casing the place.

The absurdity of the situation was not lost on Ilsabe, but she needed time to think about what she was going to say. If she had her way, she wouldn't be there at all, but there was nothing to be done about the passing of her Father now. As for the current state of things, The power she felt here was unmistakable, and she was intent on acquainting herself with its source.

After a little more deliberation, the Quincy approaches the door and rings the doorbell. A few moments later, the door slowly creeks open to reveal a short-haired, mousey girl with a covering over her eyes. She peeks out with most of her body still hidden behind the door.

"W-Who are you?" She's already shaking like a leaf without the unexpected visitor having even said anything. If she could see, she'd probably be shaking even more from the way said visitor was blankly staring at her.

Ilsabe's gaze hardens as she looks the girl up and down, scrutinizing her. She seemed... frail. Not in the sense that she wasn't strong — she most certainly was judging by the density of the reiatsu coming off of her — but in that her character seemed too lacking to be what she needed to be. Even more concerning was the matter of her apparent lack of vision. Any hope that Father's gift had been preserved was dashed. Yet despite these ill omens, the more the Quincy took her in, the more her doubts clouding her mind were silenced.

Finally, the stiff line that her lips form parts. "...Ilsabe Ilsung. We must speak."

"I-If this is about a spirit, can you come back later? I'm b-busy right now..." She shrinks back, what little of herself she had revealed disappearing inside as the door begins to close.

But before it can completely shut, Ilsabe takes a step forward and positions her body in the doorway. She couldn't and wouldn't leave empty-handed. "Please just give me a moment. I- We need you!"

"Eek! L-Leave me alone!"

The door is slammed shut with amazing force, shoving Ilsabe out of the doorway and sending her falling back onto her rear. Although there is no change in her expression, she clenches her fists once she picks herself up. Such blunt rejection was not pleasant, but it at least showed that her prospective master could be forceful when needed. Unfortunately, she wouldn't be able to comply with her command. She once again walks forward and this time passes through the door as if it is there at all. The girl gives Ilsabe a look of alarm, wondering if she'll have to shunt the visitor-turned intruder into a pocket dimension. However, the Quincy suddenly falls to the ground and prostrates herself.

"P-Please, Father! Without you, your children are lost!" Quite literally like a child pleading with their parent, Ilsabe begs. She couldn't even begin to think about attempting to force her new master to join her.

"F-Father? C-Children!?" Rather than alarm, it was now sheer bewilderment that was written on her face. "I don't even know you!"

"Who're you talking to, Yui?"

Before the situation can further devolve, others make themselves known. It wasn't exactly surprising — what was keeping the jumpy girl busy was apparently dinner and the conversation happening only a dozen or so feet away was quite loud. Younger faces that share features with Yui's stare at the odd scene playing out between her and the stranger who had invited herself in. Before Yui can come up with an answer, Islabe shoots up from the ground only to bow to them.

"My name Ilsabe Ilsung and I must speak with your..." She briefly debates what their relationship might be before getting sidetracked. Up until now, she had been referring to Yui as 'Father' but it might have been more proper to address her as 'Mother' or 'Lady Yui'. "Mother. It is an honor to meet those who carry her blood so strongly."

"I don't look that old...do I?" Yui shakes her head. The more concerning part of all this was that it sounded like some weird cult had taken an interest in her, which wasn't exactly wrong. "W-Whatever it is you want, I'm not interested!"

"Y-You look splendid! And I-I'm sorry, but it isn't that simple! Even if you wish to reject your role, that does not change what you are." As Ilsabe speaks, her fist clenches up again. Her fingers dig into her palms and she maintains an iron grip around the cross she has pulled from her jacket as if she suspects she may need to use it soon. "You have inherited the king's power and those Quincy who do not think you can take his place may attempt to... relieve you of it. It is for this reason that we must discuss your situation without any further delay."

So much and yet so little had been said. Kings? Quincy? Inheritance? As far as Yui knew, she was there was nothing special about her family. However, she also knew that the abilities that had caused her so much trouble must have come from somewhere. And if this Ilsabe person wasn't lying to her, then they were about to cause her a lot more trouble. That was... less than ideal and it sounded like she'd have to throw a lot more than just one weirdo into a pocket dimension to deal with it. Still, she didn't want to worry about any of that nonsense possibly being true until after dinner. Which meant—

"So is your friend eating with us, Sis?" No sooner had the words left Yui's younger sibling's — not child's — mouth than Ilsabe's stomach grumbled as if on cue, eliciting a quiet 'forgive me my lord' as her cheeks flushed red.

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Pub: 22 Oct 2024 19:52 UTC

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