Kuchiki Byakuya is cold and confident. (vibrant_display) wrote in valarlogs, @ 2013-10-27 21:27:00 |
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Entry tags: | !complete, byakuya kuchiki, lara croft |
"If you have need of security, then that can be provided to you."
Who: Lara Croft, Byakuya Kuchiki
What: Meeting about financing an archaeological dig and talking about dreams, certain unrefined persons, and old legends.
When: After these messages.
Rating: Lowish. Can’t think of anything offensive happening in here, except maybe a ‘nice ass’ from the Ninja Sexretary.
Status: Complete!
The Kuchiki estate wasn't exactly what one could call 'quaint'. Not with it's own putting green, infinity pool (never used), a garden being put in (zen variety with cherry trees), and a koi pond. All of those things were hidden behind a high wall and a big wrought iron gate. Overall, it looked like it was highly secure, or at least the lord of the realm was keeping it that way. He didn't like surprises. He also usually didn't like visitors.
That was because the outside of the grounds were beautiful, and the inside - while also beautiful in it's own right - was like a big glossy cold marble tomb. Or a very cold museum. That might be better, considering there were pieces of artwork hung here and there, but there was nothing personal in it.
Lara would probably find that out, once she was allowed through the front gates and after the chauffeur parked her car for her. In other words, welcome to the un-home, Lara. Don't touch anything. Fingerprints might cause a bevy of maids to come out out of the woodwork. And that's if the personal secretary - who was a very cute Japanese woman - doesn't kill you somehow with her glasses. Because Mr. Kuchiki probably insisted she learn those skills. Just in case.
The secretary, however, was smiling very politely and even bowed to Lara, respectfully.
"This way, Ms. Croft," she said, gesturing with one hand for her to follow. "Mr. Kuchiki's private office is down this corridor."
She led her to a door and knocked on it before opening it for Lara and nodding for her to enter.
“Mr. Kuchiki, Ms. Croft is here to see you,” the woman said, and she absolutely did not check Lara out. No. She was mainly looking at her ass to make sure there’s no knives or anything. That’s all. Suuuuuuuuure.
It was gigantic. Even the house that Lara had inherited back in London was nothing like this. It was never that she hated opulence. She'd grown up in that huge ancient manor - but that's why she hated that place, it was filled with memories of her absent parents.
The beach house in the States had less personal memories, and served as a decent base of operations. She was mostly happy she could give three people a place to stay. And the rent income to cover utilities and taxes didn't hurt.
But this place put both houses combined to shame. Lara had some vague idea of her net worth (a number that would probably give all her housemates heart attacks), but that would be relying on old money, not on her own merit. That was why she was here. To pursue her dream on her own merit, and not be labeled some rich girl with a hobby.
Despite that, she'd been nearly rendered speechless. She could see herself in a thousand years exploring this estate like some ancient palace. It even felt like one as she walked through it. Like a mausoleum, or yes, a museum. When she spotted an ancient opal statue she had to contain her excitement and look at it mournfully as they passed. What stories could that piece tell?
She bowed in equal politeness, and followed the cute Japanese woman, which she really didn't mind. The cute Japanese secretary had a cute Japanese tush. She was a little less subtle in her own appraisal, but she turned her focus onto Mr. Kuchiki and gave him a formal bow. "I won't insult you with my Japanese, but it's a pleasure to meet you."
The secretary gave a little sigh like she had to look and not touch, and started to close the door to give her employer some measure of privacy. And yes, she can probably kill someone with her glasses. Just a FYI. Before she did close the door, having heard that Lara wasn't great with Japanese she whispered "nice ass" under her breath just loud enough maaaaaybe for Lara to hear and then the door latch went CLICK and she was gone.
Byakuya, luckily, didn't hear a thing. He liked manners, respect, and polite conduct. He nodded to Lara and moved his notebook aside, so he could stand up. He pretty much was like the living embodiment of their surroundings: Easy to look at, almost regal in his bearing, and his eyes were about as cold and hard as the marble floors seemed to be.
"Speaking Japanese is not a prerequisite for meetings with me," Byakuya said, in flawless English. His voice was low, deep, and utterly devoid of emotion. It was like listening to someone who had been reading the entire phone book out loud, bored out of their wits, and they were just now hitting the X, Y, & Z pages. "Sit down. Let us discuss your expedition."
He didn't gesture with one hand, offer to shake hands, or even bow. Instead, there was a minute nod of his head to the chairs on the other side of the desk, for her to sit down. And then he sat down, straight-backed, without so much as a slouch or a lean or anything. Everything about him seemed tightly contained.
Lara's eyes widened just a little bit, and she wished like burning she was the kind of person to go for a one night stand, if only to not be entirely clueless with Sam. And make sure she really did like women. Which meant she could be convinced.
She nodded at Byakuya, and took a seat. She thought about how much of her own history was appropriate or necessary to bring up, and how much he'd probably researched. He seemed like the kind of man to research. Or pay someone to, like certain cute Japanese tushes. "Thank you. I currently have about half the funding necessarily for the first expedition I have in mind. It's the one most likely to result in discoveries, though of course that makes it less exciting in some ways. It's as much proof of ability as anything else."
He had the cute ninja secretary do the research and call in favors for background checks, if only to make sure Lara was legitimate. However, he never let on about that, since he preferred to be thorough, and determine if the other person was lying to him or not.
Byakuya had her fixed in one of those unwavering gazes, that it looked like he was staring at a spot precisely three inches behind the back of her head. Almost as though he saw her, but he wasn't really focused on her. At least he blinked every so often, to let the world know he was still alive. Somehow or other.
"Before we address the matter of financing, what is it, precisely, that you hope to discover," Byakuya stated in a flat and entirely measured voice, still unmoving for the most part. Even his lips barely even moved when he spoke. In fact, when he spoke, the only things that moved were his lips. "Furthermore, where is the proposed location of your first expedition."
Lara, at least, was able to shut down her hormones like a switch when she really had to, cute ninja tushie or not.
She looked back at the man with all the confidence he could muster.
"It's near the border between Costa Rica and Nicaragua," she explained. "On the Costa Rican side, which is fortunate, as they're easier to deal with as long as you're careful with the wildlife. There are some ruins there discovered some years back and then lost again, and I'd like to find them. It's supposed to be a site with a lot of evidence of day to day life. There's also a temple nearby, which has it's own draws."
Not as exciting as Yamatai, or Egypt, but still really really exciting. Her enthusiasm came into her voice, and with how easily she was able to speak without bothering with notes.
That's right! Hands off the ninja, you. She could probably kill someone with a phone cord. Not really great romantic material.
The furthest thing from his mind was anything having to do with the family's hired help. Byakuya moved enough so that his hands drew together, fingertips touching, as he silently considered what she was saying.
"I hope you are familiar with international law regarding obtaining artifacts and who can legally keep such objects once they are found. If not, it would take several lawyers to outline agreements, file the necessary documents, and to legally ensure that credit goes where credit is due," he replied. "Did you account for the cost of those lawyers, the filing of such documents with two governments, and the additional fees, into your funding assessment."
It’s rapidly apparent that Byakuya doesn’t even really ask questions, even when he’s asking them. Seriously, man? Can you let me use a question mark somewhere? ....Don’t you give me that ‘no.’ stare!
They'd probably get along, Lara knew how to upgrade weapons from random scrap found on a deserted island.
"I'm familiar enough to not be completely in the dark, but I have budgeted for some lawyers, and researched the cost of filing."
"What amount did you determine would be needed to complete the venture in full," he asked, blinking once and seeming to focus in on Lara, finally. The stare was still unwavering, but profoundly tired. Or aloof? It was hard to tell with him. Maybe a little bit of both. "While you would receive the primary credit for uncovering such artifacts or making such discoveries, what do you envision my family foundation receiving as compensation or recognition."
That was usually the inevitable question that investors tended to ask: What is the outcome going to be for me, if I help you?
"If you have need of exposure, there's always ad space within our documentary. Portions of sales. Tax write-offs. Lara Croft Tomb Raider, presented by Kuchiki."
He made a 'hmm' sound like that sounded appealing enough.
"You present a compelling case. You will need equipment and suitable protection provided, in the event you should run into unsavory individuals who might want to poach the site. Have you arranged for that also."
"Yes. I have a list of the equipment I'll need, and already have equipment for myself and my girlfriend camera woman. I'll need to purchase equipment for others on the expedition. I want a small team. Easier to manage and harder for someone to sneak away with some goods."
And she preferred to work with as little interference as possible.
"You may need additional security." He stared at her, his expression still null and void. "I will agree to funding your expedition and will have legal forms sent to your residence for you to sign, with a notary present at the time of signing. The lawyers can take care of any filing of paperwork and fees, with the respective countries involved. That will free you to concentrate your efforts on the task at hand. You will be given finances in the amount you determine, to use at your discretion.”
There was a painfully long pause. It was like the world stopped breathing and the universe itself was waiting for something - anything - to happen.
He finally said, “I am interested in seeing what you find, Ms. Croft."
He didn't look or sound interested, but he really was. Strangely enough. It simply didn't show. He was already reaching for his notebook again.
"I'll write up the budget. I have to take into account the other investors, and I know my filmmaker has been working up some funding on her end." Byakuya would be the largest funding source, though. "But I assure you, this and future expeditions will pay dividends."
He didn't appear to be concerned. It was as though something in her overall demeanor or the way she spoke, had offered enough of an assessment that the offer to help primarily fund it, was a safe bet.
Even so, he seemed to have a few more questions. He stared listlessly at the notebook and asked her, "I know your family has money. Why do you not have access to it."
She hesitated, then answered truthfully. “That was my family’s money. I didn’t earn it. It’s tied up in trusts and funds and charities and a dozen other things. If I’m going to prove myself, it will be by my own merit and my own mettle.”
"I see." That answer seemed to be acceptable, probably because he paid off someone, somewhere, to check. Therefore, it wasn't a lie. He turned the notebook to face her, showing her the main page of the valar network. "I am to believe that this network has individuals on it that have dreams. Explain this to me, as well as your connection to your roommate, one Renji Abarai, since you have openly posted about them. How was it he knew to direct you to me, if I have never met him before, in person."
He proceeded to look at her in such a way, that it was as though crickets were going to start chirping at any second. And even that for comedic effect wouldn't lighten the sheer weight and intensity of the stare that was being directed at her. He expected an answer and, with her education and certifications, he had decided she was learned enough to provide it.
"I don't know. He seemed to be rather evasive. He's probably dreamed about you." It was the simplest explanation she could give him, and the most likely one. "I know it seems rather crazy, but after the past few months, there's something strange going on. Perhaps I'll find answers on my digs, though that's only a small reason to do them.
Byakuya's eyes narrowed slightly. It didn't help matters with making him seem any friendlier, since his entire facade seemed to gradually thaw and went from cold and remote, to looking incredibly stern and displeased all of a sudden.
"From what I observed, he is abrasive, ill-mannered, and crude," he announced like he was passing sentence and condemning someone to the gallows. However, he set that matter aside so that he could dwell on it later. There were other more important matters. His expression and tone went neutral once more. "Why would anything involving dreams in this specific area, be found in an archaeological site in Central America. That area should be influenced, instead of this one. I further wish to know if these dreams have any negative or harmful effects."
"We don't know if there have been incidents in the past. Mass hallucinations and the like. I haven't found anything in this country, anyway, so I thought I'd start looking elsewhere as a side project, along with a few other side projects."
Lara rubbed at her arm. "I don't know if they have any effects. Or rather, if they are negative or positive."
She was afraid she would sound crazy.
On the contrary, too many things weren't adding up the more he looked into it and, for someone who liked law and order, he found that unacceptable to his way of thinking. Lara's explanations made the most sense, given with an honest opinion and the hopes of finding an answer. It was further being based on the evidence he had read for himself, most of which was perfectly viewable to anyone willing to entertain the notion of these things actually happening.
Byakuya's gaze was leveled directly and solely at Lara. For another long moment, he was painfully quiet, but seemed to be considering what she said. He slowly stood up and rounded the desk, looking down at her from the corners of his eyes.
"Walk with me," he stated, like saying no was not an option. "I wish to discuss this further, which may impact the amount of money that I give you to work with. Not only for the furthering knowledge about another culture, but because I wish to know what is causing them."
He waited for her to stand before saying, "Where else are you considering, as a search area. Or is it in Central America also."
She looked at him for a moment, as they walked, trying to decide how much she wanted to divulge. She'd only hinted at it a few times to people. "Have you ever heard of the missing ancient Japanese kingdom of Yamatai? Ruled by the shaman queen Himiko."
"I am familiar with the legends. It is said to have been either in the Kyushu or Kansai regions. It is a topic of great debate among historians, if it even existed, much less if Himiko existed or if she was based on another important female figure."
As Byakuya walked, his eyes were focused ahead of them, the eyelids heavy lidded. It gave him a perpetually bored expression, even if he also looked very aware of his surroundings. The house, for all it's emptiness, echoed their footsteps like they really were in a museum, only it was after hours and the doors were locked.
"There are legends stating she was the aunt of an emperor," he continued. "There is another that says she committed suicide after finding she had wed a trickster snake, and in other stories, it was said she could see the future. She supposedly ended a war, either by her sheer ability to lead and provide guidance, or by otherworldly coercion of the region's inhabitants."
He turned his head just enough to look at her out of the corner of his eyes for a second or two, before directing his gaze forward again. His voice had the same deep monotone as always, which was an indicator that all was normal where he was concerned.
"You have much to say, yet you hesitate," he told Lara. "If one wishes to uncover the truth or get to the point of a matter, they must entertain any and all possibilities. Know your foes and their weaknesses or strengths. It is the way in which to conduct successful business practices, especially in matters regarding investments."
"It's also said she could control the weather," Lara replied, though whether that was the Lara here, or the Lara who had been shipwrecked on that accursed island it wasn't clear.
"At least, when we searched for the island in my dreams, we searched in the one, storm-filled triangle that hadn't been looked in." It was one reason she wanted to go there after Costa Rica. To see if that place was anything like her dreams. To fight the nightmare.
He nodded once and only once in response to controlling the weather. She was considered to be an extremely powerful woman.
"So you think you can locate it, based on your dreams...."
There might be more merit to what Hitsugaya Toshiro had tipped him off about. He had given it much thought and consideration. He was cautious enough to check on Ichimaru Gin. He found nothing of consequence, only hearsay about questionable ties to questionable enterprises. He would have an eye on him due to the warning, but without evidence or action taken from that individual...he couldn't really make a move against him in a legal sense, either. Whoever that person was, they were careful to leave as few tracks behind them as they could.
Seeing as he had no dreams, he had no basis for insinuations as it was.
"I believe it may be worthwhile to pursue what knowledge you have gained from your dreams, Miss Croft. Since this may provide possible answers or insights, and because it has ties in Japanese folklore, I would like to offer to finance this as well. If that is acceptable to you."
"Yes, I believe so. Assuming it's still in the same place." She could only hope it was less stormy. She didn't want to go through a shipwreck again.
Though she'd probably go armed.
"If you have that much faith in me, then I'm certainly willing to try. But I have to warn you that what I've dreamed so far is pretty awful. Like a literal lord of the flies scenario."
"That sounds unpleasant," was the man's reply, although he sounded utterly unaffected at the same time. "We must see to it that you are well outfitted. I wish to base your first expedition's findings as a basis for further funding. I trust you will be able to find relics of worth."
It was as though it was expected it would be done, and failure was not an option.
"That's fair, I wouldn't expect anything less." But now she was even more determined to find Yamatai. Cut her teeth, prove her worth in Costa Rica, and then find that damned island. "We'll document everything."
"I like to be updated as much and as often as possible. You will have everything you need. Again, if you have need of security, then that can be provided to you should you want."
'Here, take some of the family ninjas....' Pretty much.
Byakuya stopped when they were near the front doors and didn't even turn to look at her, much less glance at her.
"Is that individual named Renji what you would consider to be an unwanted element," he asked, after a pause that seemed to stretch on, forever. He had found Lara to at least be worthy of trust and conducting herself properly while in his presence, which earned her a higher score than most in his personal scorebook. "I want your personal opinion."
"He's blunt and open, and isn't ready to accept a lot of the strangeness, but he's trustworthy, and has given me some valuable advice," Lara responded. "Crass and rude...But reliable."
"...I see. So he is not mentally unstable or a drug addict," Byakuya mused, more to himself than to Lara. "And he apparently knows of me. Interesting."
He didn't look or sound interested, though. In fact, he stood there, absolutely unmoving and waiting. There were a lot of factors to consider, all of which he was inwardly pondering over. After another long moment, he closed his eyes and bowed his head down ever so slightly.
"Thank you for your opinion on the matter." Another pause. More waiting. And then there was a tacked on, "You are dismissed."
"He's actually pretty clean. Doesn't like to drink much, even." She regarded Byakuya for a long moment, then nodded her head at him and turned to go. She added over her shoulder. "I'd be interested in a game of chess, sometime, if you are. I'm quite fond of puzzles."
Still standing in place, Byakuya's shoulders moved as though he was sighing but it was without any sound, at all. Whether it was to the offer of chess or to his shattered notions about Renji Abarai, it was unclear.
"Contact me if you would like to arrange a time, to start a game." That implied it would take hours, days, or weeks to finish. It was also a definite yes. "My secretary can set that up for you."
Score one for Lara Croft!
It probably helped that her dad had been a duke, maybe. Lara didn't care right now, it was a small victory. She shifted a bit and smiled. "I shall."
At least she got to see ninja tush one last time.
Yes she did, and ninja sexretary was sorely tempted to fog up the glass of a front window and write her phone number with the tip of her tongue on it, but alas...she did not.