[BiTPR2] Renewed Revolution: Spirit World III [Archive] - Page 2

AnimeKid

2014-03-03, 05:38 PM

[Las Noches]
Grand Library

Jehoel nods sagely as he listens to both explanations.

"I see. Well, then. This is your first lesson. This was very close to terminally stupid for both of you."

He turns to look first at Rin.

"You do not possess the power to influence the fate of anyone else in the Spirit World. A regular human, without powers, stands almost no chance against even the weakest of Hollows. One with less than a quarter of my power could kill you without even giving you time to react. If you know nothing, it is better to air on side of caution, unless you seek to end your own life. The world into which you have entered is fascinating, I'm sure, but also terribly dangerous. It would do you well to consider this in the future."

He switches to Tamaki.

"As for you, you knew how dangerous Hollows could be, and charged blithely in. Yes, we've been working with the Shinigami. Yes, we have the face of a human. Yes, I've helped you. That means nothing. Hollows are practically immortal. A few days, or months, or even years means nothing to the older among our kind. This could easily have been an elaborate trap to lure you in for any number of purposes. Humans fear us because we have hunted and consumed them for millenia, often in ways that are unnecessarily vicious and cruel. That doesn't just change from the transformation to Hollow to Arrancar: the evolution allows growth, but does not create it. 'Learning from the source' is all well and good, if there is any concrete indication that said source doesn't have more use for you dead than alive."

He pauses, letting his words sink in. At no point did his tone change at all.

"Now that I've rebuked you both, allow me to completely undermine my message by providing you everything you desired. I merely mean to encourage you to think before you act. Every action must be carefully weighed and measured, or someone might die. It is better to play the safe odds and survive than risk your own life, which is precious beyond compare. When, and if, you do choose to risk your existence, it should be with full knowledge of the potential consequences, and the desire necessary to succeed even so. Am I making sense?"

Tamaki listened to Jehoel as he nodded. He knew where he was coming from. "I understand Jehoel. At no point did not think this would be dangerous or had the potential for turning out poorly. However I will say that my impatience of being in the dark about everything going on did influence me to take more of a risk than I usually would. As Miss Rin said, I will not turn down helpful or good advice."

ImpSyndrome

2014-03-04, 08:43 AM

"Maybe you did. Good thing your instructors at the academy realized this as well, hmmm?"
After giving it some thought, Satoshi begrudgingly agrees, "Yeah...Yeah, I guess so. I owe Urameshi-sensei an apology once I get back."

Kuroimaken

2014-03-04, 09:13 AM

"I'm sure he thinks nothing of it.

In any case, let's get going back, shall we? I'm sure your mother must be waiting with some delicious dinner for us."

ImpSyndrome

2014-03-04, 09:57 AM

"I'm sure he thinks nothing of it.

In any case, let's get going back, shall we? I'm sure your mother must be waiting with some delicious dinner for us."
"Sounds good to me." Satoshi will quicken his pace slightly, eager to get back to the comforts of home.

Dorizzit

2014-03-04, 10:19 AM

[Las Noches]
Grand Library

"Honestly. Children are so polite these days."

He seems almost disappointed.

"Regardless, if it is knowledge you seek, it is knowledge I will give you. Find a seat if you like. This will take some time."

Once everyone is prepared, Jehoel launches into a very detailed description of the cycle of reincarnation, the metaphysical relationships of Hueco Mundo, Soul Society, and Mortal World, and the life cycles of Pluses, Shinigami, and Hollows. He also outlines a decent amount of information about the known traits of Mediums, especially Fullbringers and the Quincy.

"Now, are there any questions?"

Kuroimaken

2014-03-04, 11:24 AM

"Sounds good to me." Satoshi will quicken his pace slightly, eager to get back to the comforts of home.

Satoshi's father had the right of it. Not only was dinner awaiting, it was absolutely delicious.

The next day, his father seems to have gone out early. Or at least, when Satoshi wakes up, his mother is awake and he seems to have been the last to get out of bed.

"Honey, why don't you take the time today to say hello to everyone in the village?"

Spacewolf

2014-03-04, 12:05 PM

Michael Harada merely nodded, first at Koutarou, and then at the others present, before moving out of the office.

Two hours later, he would be standing at Senkaimon 5, ready to suit up and depart.

Vern arrives to hours later on the dot for the mission. Having acquired a gas mask from somewhere and wearing the thermal protective gear that he'd been using while working on the super cooled conductors for the Railgun project under his robes. He'd also hidden a few tricks up his sleeves based on past experience with the cult and seemed pretty happy about getting to try them in the field.

"So Harada you must've seen the reports how would you rate our chances?"

ImpSyndrome

2014-03-04, 12:09 PM

[TAKAKURA RESIDENCE]

Satoshi's father had the right of it. Not only was dinner awaiting, it was absolutely delicious.

The next day, his father seems to have gone out early. Or at least, when Satoshi wakes up, his mother is awake and he seems to have been the last to get out of bed.

"Honey, why don't you take the time today to say hello to everyone in the village?"
Satoshi doesn't end up getting up too late, wary of his remaining time as he is. "Yeah, good idea," he responds to his mother's suggestion. "I'll swing by to see the kids and check on Tsuna-san. You need any help around here before I go?"

strawberryman

2014-03-04, 12:23 PM

[Soul Society]

Daiki arrives after Vern, clad in the biohazard suit. It's a wonder how they found one in his size. He sits down with a huff, and looks at the smaller shinigami. "So, boys, before we die, whatcha think. Hottest gal in the Seireitei? Ain't many of 'em, but Nakahara in recon's got a pretty nice chassis."

((There is no PC Nakahara, just an surname I picked out of a hat. :smalltongue:))

KnightDisciple

2014-03-04, 12:30 PM

Vern arrives to hours later on the dot for the mission. Having acquired a gas mask from somewhere and wearing the thermal protective gear that he'd been using while working on the super cooled conductors for the Railgun project under his robes. He'd also hidden a few tricks up his sleeves based on past experience with the cult and seemed pretty happy about getting to try them in the field.

"So Harada you must've seen the reports how would you rate our chances?"
Harada looks up and nods at Vern's arrival.

"I think it depends. If we luck out and we're the only ones present when we enter, we have excellent chances of at least gathering loads of data, and moderate chances of repairing at lest some of the seal.

If there are enemy forces there, I would place our data-gathering chances at moderate, our repair chances at slim-to-none, and our survival chances as decent.

If their Queen is there the best we can hope for is to turn around and run away very very fast and hope they're more interested in the prison."

He states all of this in a matter-of-fact voice, his mouth ticking up into a sarcastic smirk at the last bit. His wristcomp clearly has extra modules attached, and he's got a pouch that seems to be packed full of tightly-rolled slips of paper. Both should go over the unplated hazard suit with little issue.

[Soul Society]

Daiki arrives after Vern, clad in the biohazard suit. It's a wonder how they found one in his size. He sits down with a huff, and looks at the smaller shinigami. "So, boys, before we die, whatcha think. Hottest gal in the Seireitei? Ain't many of 'em, but Nakahara in recon's got a pretty nice chassis."

((There is no PC Nakahara, just an surname I picked out of a hat. :smalltongue:))
Harada raises an eyebrow at Daiki's entrance and question.

"Nakahara's not bad, but I'd say it's Sokolova over in the new Defense and Construction division. Something about her hair and the glasses."

((Also no PC by that name, I'm just picking a non-Japanese name since our Soul Society is apparently for the whole world and it's totally not prejudiced against non-Japanese people, right? :smalltongue: ))

Kuroimaken

2014-03-04, 12:37 PM

Harada looks up and nods at Vern's arrival.

"I think it depends. If we luck out and we're the only ones present when we enter, we have excellent chances of at least gathering loads of data, and moderate chances of repairing at lest some of the seal.

If there are enemy forces there, I would place our data-gathering chances at moderate, our repair chances at slim-to-none, and our survival chances as decent.

If their Queen is there the best we can hope for is to turn around and run away very very fast and hope they're more interested in the prison."

He states all of this in a matter-of-fact voice, his mouth ticking up into a sarcastic smirk at the last bit. His wristcomp clearly has extra modules attached, and he's got a pouch that seems to be packed full of tightly-rolled slips of paper. Both should go over the unplated hazard suit with little issue.

Harada raises an eyebrow at Daiki's entrance and question.

"Nakahara's not bad, but I'd say it's Sokolova over in the new Defense and Construction division. Something about her hair and the glasses."

((Also no PC by that name, I'm just picking a non-Japanese name since our Soul Society is apparently for the whole world and it's totally not prejudiced against non-Japanese people, right? :smalltongue: ))

"Kawaguchi over at Command."

Short. Presumably nice body, given how much the Shihakusho hides. Usually wears her hair in a bob.

And she's rumored to have a daughter of her own, though no one ever really asks.

Apparently Koutarou likes them mature.

Kuroimaken

2014-03-04, 12:38 PM

[TAKAKURA RESIDENCE]

Satoshi doesn't end up getting up too late, wary of his remaining time as he is. "Yeah, good idea," he responds to his mother's suggestion. "I'll swing by to see the kids and check on Tsuna-san. You need any help around here before I go?"

"Just GO, silly, I have everything under control. I've been doing this since before you were born, you know."

ImpSyndrome

2014-03-04, 12:49 PM

"Just GO, silly, I have everything under control. I've been doing this since before you were born, you know."
"Alright, just making sure...I'll be back before sundown." With that, Satoshi leaves and starts visiting people around town...

((I'll let you lead Satoshi for now, since I'm guessing that this is the beginning of that event you were talking about earlier.))

Frozen_Feet

2014-03-04, 02:24 PM

[Soul Society]
HQ, Commander-General's office - shortly before Koutarou and his team leave for the Ghost King's prison

Koutarou will find Li sitting in a comfy chair, leaning back and sipping tea while watching the image feed projected from the King's prison. "Only two hours? Well, I did leave the decision up to you." Sip. "As for your question, I don't need anything in particular. You, however, need to ask and answer yourself a question:"

"Why are you so afraid of this Ghost King?"

Kuroimaken

2014-03-04, 04:02 PM

"That has got to be a rhethorical question, sir.

What we know for a FACT would give some of our most stalwart warriors pause. What we SURMISE about him is the fabric of nightmare stories. Here we have an entity of incredible power that has been imprisoned longer than our current leadership has been alive - possibly combined - and you ask me 'why am I so afraid of this Ghost King'?"

Kuroimaken

2014-03-04, 04:04 PM

"Alright, just making sure...I'll be back before sundown." With that, Satoshi leaves and starts visiting people around town...

((I'll let you lead Satoshi for now, since I'm guessing that this is the beginning of that event you were talking about earlier.))

The people of the village amorously welcome Satoshi. Some are downright impressed, even a bit intimidated, by his new rank and station. Others try their best to hide it - mostly by teasing him. The children, in particular, all gather around Satoshi and want to hear what life as a Shinigami is like.

All in all, the youth has a place in their hearts.

Frozen_Feet

2014-03-04, 05:37 PM

[Soul Society]
HQ, Commander-General's office - shortly before Koutarou and his team leave for the Ghost King's prison

"No. It is an honest one." Li puts Li's cup down and limps to the wall opposite to the image feed, drawing it open. Through the opening, Koutarou can see both the Sokyoku hill where the legendary execution device rests, and to its left a more distant peak where the new railgun system rests.

"The time those stories come from was a time when we did not have vaccination, did not have Kaido, did not have armies of artificial or modified souls, did not have firearms, did not have Bankai, did not have most known forms of Zanjutsu or Hakuda, did not have advanced electronics or chemistry... Li has to take a breath.

"... did not have the Sokyoku, did not have railguns, did not have nuclear weapons. In fact, back then, half of the 13 Divisions Gotei became renowned for had not been founded yet." Li gets back to Li's chair and slumps down.

"You say he's been alive longer than me? So what? There are trees, on Earth, that fit that qualifier. In fact, there are microbes that have lived tens of thousands of years inside the soil." Li sighs, and extends a shaky hand to get the cup back. "You don't need power or wisdom to live to an old age. You only need a bit of luck and distant place to live in. Like a secluded prison, for example. Being biologically immortal helps too." Sip. Sigh. Li leans Li's head to Li's free hand.

"The kind of a weapon I have commissioned, if it were detonated within the Shakonmaku, would destroy one-hundred and sixty five square-kilometers of our city. Overall, its effect would force evacuation of at least 10% of Seireitei's whole area. It is sixty-six-point-six times more powerful than that 'God Missile' you spoke of." Sip.

"It is of Earthly design. Humans of earth have had weapons like that for... five decades now. In fact, their strongest one was approximated to be 50 times more powerful than the one we're about to make." Sip.

"You told me how badly it got under your skin when servants of this King infiltrated through the Senkaimon. But what you should've done, was to take solace in the fact that they could not do worse. Earth has hundreds of nuclear weapons. If their cult had had real political clout, if they could've stolen just one of those, we would not be having this discussion. If the Ghost King makes you quake in your boots, then surely, that idea should have the same effect." Li lifts the cup again, only to notice it is empty. Blinking, the commander puts it back down. Then, Li crosses hands on Li's chest and just looks at Koutarou.

"Each and every metropolitan area on Earth has been under that existential threat for the last half of a century. The only thing preventing everything falling apart, is fear. Fear of retaliation, fear of mutually assured destruction. By coming through that portal, the Cult wanted to tell us that it is no longer afraid of us. But it was a bluff. In reality, they are weak, so they had to play strong. It is one of the basics of the art of war. The fact that the Ghost King blocked your God Missile shows that he fears. There are attacks in this world that he would rather not block with his face, immortal as he may be."

"Every second you spend fearing him more than he does you, every minute you spend believing we have no means to hurt him, every hour you buy into his delusions of grandeur, is a moment during which he holds control over you. During those moments, even if you had the power of the Sun behind you, you would not be able to win. So stop trembling because he could win you in a wrestling match! You are a thrice-damned Shinigami! You have already surpassed me! You already wield a weapon that can harm him, a weapon that can eradicate cities and annihilate souls!" You... you...!"

Holding this rant has gotten the Commander rather heated up. Li's even stood up from Li's seat, and is shaking a finger at Koutarou. For the first time in weeks, blood if flowing properly into the old cheeks, and given Li's pale flesh a color that one could call healthy. But all this excitement is getting too much for the old Commander, and Li's long, long speech ends up in a fit of coughing. It takes half a minute for it to finish, after which Li slumps down and sighs. "You have an expedition waiting", Li mutters. "I apologize. I have wasted your time. Go and join your subjects, Vice-Commander Ishinomori. I believe they are waiting for you."

Kuroimaken

2014-03-04, 06:22 PM

Koutarou reaches to help Li once he starts coughing.

"Commander... The fact that such a subject brings you to such an emotional state does tell me this is something I cannot leave without some sort of reply.

You asked me why I fear Von Geister, and what I gave you was the short-hand answer. I may not know what building a nuclear device entails exactly, but I am aware of what an atomic bomb is capable of. I was already within the Command Division back when the first one had been detonated.

As you'll recall, while the conflict with the Hollows had still been raging back then, we were also acutely aware of the Second World War. It was, in fact, making our job more difficult. Here's something you may not know, because it never made it into the Gotei records: when I heard about the Hiroshima detonation, I almost initiated a small-scale revolt in the Gotei. I appealed to Central for us to intervene and was, as you can imagine, rebuffed. I was intent on going over the Central's decision and stopping the Americans myself, possibly while requesting that Medical took care of the survivors of the blast, but the Kenpachi stopped me. He made me see what the potential consequences of my actions would have been, in his own unique way.

The funny thing is that, according to himself, the man agreed with me. But he still couldn't let me do that, because I wasn't scared of the potential consequences.

Your comparison to trees or microbes is faulty. Trees aren't sentient, even though they are alive. But Von Geister is. So is Izanami. Thus far, the single constant of all individuals in his age category is that they are some of the most powerful creatures we have come to know in our history. We likely possess more strength than he does combined, it's true. But our combined strength takes more time and intelligence to wield than his does. You say his blocking my God Missile shows he fears it. But knowing he can block it inspires more fear in our collective numbers than my God Missile does.

It has been said many times that courage lies not in lacking fear, but in moving on in spite of it. I have, to this day, not let fear halt me. I don't plan on starting today.

By contrast, Commander, you speak of wielding a weapon that has forced more souls into the cycle of reincarnation in a single day than most Hollows have in a decade with enough calm to unnerve even those who will be building it. I have more than enough respect for your wisdom to call such an attitude brazen and reckless by any standards.

Perhaps you ought to learn fear so you can conquer it properly. Just as I will continue to train so that actually using my God Missile does not become necessary.

If you'll excuse me, the expedition awaits."

Frozen_Feet

2014-03-05, 09:31 AM

Li stares at Koutarou. "Just get out already", the commander says plainly after Koutarou finishes speaking. When the Vice-Commander's gone, Li gets up and heads to the cafeteria to boil some more tea.

While the tea brews, the commander thinks. "Not scared of the consequences" is, in Li's mind, just a round-about confession to being too afraid to think of them. Koutarou made a point of not letting fear halt him, but Li is all too certain the only things keeping him moving are blind idealism and trained instinct - both things Li warned against just as well as Li did of letting fear paralyze you.

In fact, it is because Koutarou expressed that same stubborn resolution on their discussion on his prior encounter with the Ghost King, that Li chose not to try and dissuade him of this trip, or tell him to wait. Even though it is almost certain his expedition will do nothing to keep the Ghost King contained, and runs a high risk of expediating his release. Li already knows from the prior encounter that the King can communicate to his subjects through dimensions. The moment Koutarou and his group step into that prison, the King's minions will know of it, and will move to pre-empt or undo anything the Vice-Commander might achieve.

So insistent on the danger posed by this creature, yet still Koutarou is the one in such a hurry to go and meet him. Not scared of the consequences, indeed.

Oh well. Tea is ready. Li can worry about the damage control once Li's had a second cup and maybe a few hours of sleep. Would be the first time in weeks.

KnightDisciple

2014-03-05, 04:55 PM

[Soul Society]
Senkaimon 5

Harada smirked as the Lieutenant of Command Division gave his own opinion. Somehow, he wasn't surprised.

As he continued to speak, he finally worked on donning his hazard suit. Without the plates, it was a bit awkward, but nothing worse than the computer clean room suits he'd used before.

"So, Lieutenant Koutarou. What exactly is going to be our goal or set of goals? Recon? Resealing? What happens if this Cult makes an appearance and we have not finished our work yet? I'd like to know before we're in there, so if we have to, for instance, bug out, we can do it more quickly."

Kuroimaken

2014-03-05, 05:23 PM

"Our primary objective is to assess the situation. One of the reasons I'm going with you is to determine our priority once we get there. Chances are the Cult will be waiting for us. And if they are, I want you to collect as much information about the seal and their method of breaking as you can before we need to cut loose.

If they aren't - which I somehow doubt - our priority will be to increase the fortification of the seals.

I'm not going to lie to you: chances are big we'll have a fight on our hands, and it's not going to be an easy one. The enemy will have the advantage of previous terrain reconaissance as well, so expect it to be the uphill kind of battle. But our primary objective is NOT to fight. We'll do that only as strictly necessary for our survival and escape."

strawberryman

2014-03-05, 07:27 PM

Daiki grunts. "Ain't about to be afraid of a fight. But you're the boss, buddy." He stands, once again towering over the group and refitting his mask.

Kuroimaken

2014-03-05, 08:38 PM

"Don't underestimate these foes, Daiki-san. We have yet to know the full extent of their firepower, and we know for a fact we won't be able to use ours inside the prison. If we did, then a confrontation wouldn't be a problem..."

"You are a thrice-damned Shinigami! You have already surpassed me! You already wield a weapon that can harm him, a weapon that can eradicate cities and annihilate souls!" You... you...!"

"Anyway, all set to go?"

Spacewolf

2014-03-05, 08:51 PM

"About time"

Vern stretches his back a few times before affixing and sealing his gas mask, once he was sure it was secure he gives the others a thumbs up.

"Third times the charm then."

strawberryman

2014-03-05, 08:54 PM

[Soul Society]

Daiki gives a simple thumbs-up, walking towards the Senkaimon. He bumps Harada with a massive forearm. "If we make it back, how about a double date? Nakahara and Sokolova. Good times if we can find a chair I can fit in." Oh, guys.

5a Violista

2014-03-06, 03:26 AM

[Hueco Mundo]
Valentina's quarters

"I suppose you know better than me", Mikael replies and stands up. "Mind if I just leave the gun like that? I'm not finished with it. It hasn't told me how to make bullets yet." Mikael glances up. "Maybe because it lacks a clip. Really should've taken one with me when I had the chance."

[Hueco Mundo]
Valentina's Quarters => Through her district

Valentina doesn't know what that, a "clip", is. So, she can't help with that. Sorry. She just listens blankly.

"You can leave it here," she states.

So, she turns: time to go show around a bit. This time, she's walking instead of going at Sonido speed, which will allow Mikael to see basically the same things he saw on the way here, but in more detail.

She'll tell about the purpose of some buildings and what some of the denizens they come across do - in her district, there's some Arrancares designated to keep the peace and enforce some of the rules she made up. (If only Mikael had seen Jehoel's District, he would see how stark of a contrast there is between the two areas.)

Well, there's all sorts and sizes of Arrancares. Some are more human than others. For example, there's one reminiscent of an elephant. There's a wolf-man one. There's a smaller one with mask features like a gecko, some that look very humanlike, some that are large and snakelike, and so on. In general, they act as some form of community.

Every so often, however, there's one or two that stand out: not because of any defining features, but rather because they lack any defining features.
The faceless.
Blank featureless faces with only empty eyes. A plain hole, half a mask, and a body that looks like a corpse, usually wearing rags of some sort. The thing that stands out probably the most is how it interacts with the community - or, rather, how they don't. Just standing there, and receiving wide berth by most Arrancares going around it as it shambles aimlessly through the street.

Valentina doesn't mention what their problem is. In fact, she overlooks them as if they're not even there.

ImpSyndrome

2014-03-06, 12:46 PM

The people of the village amorously welcome Satoshi. Some are downright impressed, even a bit intimidated, by his new rank and station. Others try their best to hide it - mostly by teasing him. The children, in particular, all gather around Satoshi and want to hear what life as a Shinigami is like.

All in all, the youth has a place in their hearts.
The experience is surreal to Satoshi; all of the doubt and cynicism he expected has been swept away, replaced by admiration and respect. He has certainly hoped for this change to come, but he didn't expect it to come so quickly. Though it is a pleasant change, it surprises him how quickly people are to change their attitudes when they learn that he's become a Shinigami.

He'll pay a visit to the kids in town first, and unless anything of great importance happens during his rounds, he'll check in on Tsuna before heading back home and looking for his father in the fields to offer his help again.

KnightDisciple

2014-03-06, 01:57 PM

[Soul Society]
Senkaimon 5

Daiki gives a simple thumbs-up, walking towards the Senkaimon. He bumps Harada with a massive forearm. "If we make it back, how about a double date? Nakahara and Sokolova. Good times if we can find a chair I can fit in." Oh, guys.
Harada is about to respond when what Daiki says actually sinks in, and he simultaneously blushes and goes a bit pale. On his semi-European features it stands out noticeably.

"Uh. Maybe? Let's just get going."

Harada takes a few steps, putting himself next to the Senkaimon. He turns to Koutarou, holding the sealed form of his sword, still sheathed, in one hand. He appears ready to strike the gate structure to give it a "charge" and activate it.

"Are we ready to depart, Vice-Commander? I can initiate the Senkaimon at any time."

If given the command to open the Gate, he will do so.

Kuroimaken

2014-03-06, 03:38 PM

"By all means, I need to get that bizarre date mental image out of my head." He's teasing, of course, but at this point Koutarou has already suited up.

KnightDisciple

2014-03-06, 09:16 PM

[Soul Society]
Senkaimon 5

Harada merely nodded and turned to the Senkaimon, a look of concentration on his face. He stood still for just a moment...

And then rapped the tip of Raikouhime against the gate, a few small green sparks flying from the tip. With a shudder, the whole gate structure groaned....

And then opened, the Hell Butterflies that had already been set aside flying over to each of the Shinigami, ready to accompany them on the journey.

Frozen_Feet

2014-03-07, 05:53 AM

[Hueco Mundo]
Las Noches - Valentina's District

Mikael follows in Valentina's wake, hands in his pockets, his head swiveling from side to side as he absorbs in the details and atmosphere of this place. It's still no Tokyo, but seeing all these weird murderous people with holes in their souls going on about their daily lives is simultaneously comical and strangely relieving.

But... something is not correct. There is a dissonance in the symphony of this city.

After some hours of walking, Valentina might notice Mikael is lagging behind. He has stopped before one of the featureless beings, and is snapping his fingers before its face, trying to get it to react. "... hey, cat-girl. What's the deal with these ones? Why are they so silent? And why don't they have an animal motif?"

5a Violista

2014-03-07, 07:49 PM

Kuroimaken

2014-03-07, 09:30 PM

The experience is surreal to Satoshi; all of the doubt and cynicism he expected has been swept away, replaced by admiration and respect. He has certainly hoped for this change to come, but he didn't expect it to come so quickly. Though it is a pleasant change, it surprises him how quickly people are to change their attitudes when they learn that he's become a Shinigami.

He'll pay a visit to the kids in town first, and unless anything of great importance happens during his rounds, he'll check in on Tsuna before heading back home and looking for his father in the fields to offer his help again.

Satoshi senses something. It's hiding, somewhere in the outskirts. It feels... hostile.

Is it perhaps a hollow?!

AnimeKid

2014-03-08, 12:49 AM

Mina Kobold

2014-03-08, 05:45 AM

Rin, not sharing Tamaki's memory abilities, had been busy jotting down notes and sketches in a separate notebook. Despite the amount of information, the security guard seems quite capable of keeping up. Once Jehoel finishes talking, Rin writes a few finishing lines before closing the book slowly.

"I do have questions, but mostly about how you know all this and what it means for stuff back home. Met plenty who proclaimed their truth about afterlives and magic, but you've actually shown it. I presume that means it's more science than religion this side of things? The Shinigami don't have a completely different idea about the metaphysics, do they?"

Rin says after some contemplation. The question is measured and slow, seemingly due to Rin trying to figure out how to best go about being told what Hueco Mundo, Soul Society and everything else beyond the Mortal World was at once.

Dorizzit

2014-03-08, 11:45 AM

[Las Noches]
Grand Library

At Rin's first question, Jehoel shrugs.

"Yamamoto Rin, I am in a very literal sense older than you can comprehend. I could give you a number, but that wouldn't change the fact that a lifetime of such length is simply impossible for most mortals to truly understand or grasp in any meaningful sense. As such, I have picked up a great deal of information about...many different things during my lifetime."

He almost-smiles a bit at her second question.

"An excellent question, but unfortunately one without a good answer. On this side of the barrier between life and death, we understand a great deal of the 'what,' but not the 'how' or 'why.' Souls pass on from the Mortal World to the Soul Society. How? Interdimensional travel wasn't possible before or after. Why? Most souls do not know about the existence of the Soul Society beforehand. There are theories, but not concrete answers. In many ways, our situation may be compared to a better-substantiated religion. That may change in time, however. And as for the Shinigami..."

He shrugs.

"The divergences are primarily in interpretation, not fact. For most of history, Hollows were considered demons, monsters, and most importantly, corruptions of the natural cycle. I put forward the notion that, due to the soul compression of our Menos stage, we help to ensure that the Soul Society does not become even more overcrowded. Proving either side correct beyond a shadow of a doubt is almost impossible. More importantly, it's irrelevant. As long as both sides speak the truth, it's simply a matter of perception. What we see is not as important as what we believe about it."

ImpSyndrome

2014-03-10, 09:16 AM

[RUKONGAI, DISTRICT 63 OUTSKIRTS]

Satoshi senses something. It's hiding, somewhere in the outskirts. It feels... hostile.

Is it perhaps a hollow?!
Somewhere in the middle of his trip, Satoshi picks up on a hostile presence on the outskirts of town. With an imminent threat so close to his hometown, there's no time to return home and gather his weapon. Urging the people in the area to remain within the populated areas of town, he rushes to the edge of the district to investigate, arriving quickly on the scene thanks to his above-average footspeed...

Frozen_Feet

2014-03-10, 09:36 AM

[Hueco Mundo]
Las Noches - Valentina's District

The Sin Rostro does not react to the snapping. Almost as if it didn't happen or it wasn't noticed.

Valentina immediately stops and turns in response, but thinks grudgingly, Not cat-girl. She still doesn't like that. "Who?"

She looks for what he's talking about, then notices the blank arrancar as if seeing it for the first time. "Oh. That." She shakes her head, and says, "They're nobodies. The faceless. It's best to ignore it."

She turns and starts walking again. "In spite of their appearance, they're more like animals than people: guided only by instinct - of which they have none." Rather confusing, isn't she?

"Huh." Mikael rubs his chin contemplatively and stares at the faceless creature. After a while, he falls completely still, his eyes becoming black once more. In a way, he's not much different from the Sin Rostro - funny how hyper-awareness and almost complete lack of it can look so similar.

Then, the man snaps out of it - and proceeds to try and lift the creature on his shoulder. "I think I'm taking this one home. Well, your home. I want to study it. Do you think it will mind?"

Kuroimaken

2014-03-10, 09:45 AM

[RUKONGAI, DISTRICT 63 OUTSKIRTS]

Somewhere in the middle of his trip, Satoshi picks up on a hostile presence on the outskirts of town. With an imminent threat so close to his hometown, there's no time to return home and gather his weapon. Urging the people in the area to remain within the populated areas of town, he rushes to the edge of the district to investigate, arriving quickly on the scene thanks to his above-average footspeed...

Satoshi manages to track the presence down to... some sort of white-ish pod?

He soon discovers it is fake, however, as he senses the presence headed for town. It was a ruse, meant to draw him away!

ImpSyndrome

2014-03-10, 10:15 AM

Satoshi manages to track the presence down to... some sort of white-ish pod?

He soon discovers it is fake, however, as he senses the presence headed for town. It was a ruse, meant to draw him away!
Upon discovering the source of the presence he was tracking, Satoshi discovers a small pod of some sort. He's curious about what it could be, but before he can investigate it further, he notices another entity rapidly approaching the town. "Conniving little snot," he curses loudly before making tracks for his hometown as fast as he can. Assuming that the pod is small and sturdy enough to carry on his person (and that it won't have any adverse effects on him), he'll snatch it up before rushing toward the hostile unknown, praying that he'll make it in time to prevent misfortune from visiting Haidani...

Kuroimaken

2014-03-10, 10:35 AM

ImpSyndrome

2014-03-10, 12:05 PM

The pod seems to do nothing on its own. Merely a decoy.

There's panic and confusion when Satoshi arrives, to be sure. People are running for their lives, to their homes, locking doors.

Some are fortunate in their escape. Others end up tripping over their own feet in their panic as their shaky legs fail them. The Hollow in question, a large monstrosity with the hind quarters of a four-legged spider and the upper torso of a large, humanoid lizard, rear its massive fist towards one such potential victim...
Satoshi catches sight of something inhuman as he reaches the main thoroughfare in town, and it's unlike anything he's ever seen before. No textbook or training dummy could have prepared him for the monstrous Hollow before him, living and breathing and poised to kill. All of his fear and anxiety, though, take a back seat to one thought that fills his mind with righteous anger:

(You don't screw around with my hometown, you creep!!)

The novice Shinigami quickly begins channeling his Kido, reciting a chant under his breath as quickly as he can articulate the words, and races to get in range. Just before casting the spell, he makes a shrill whistle to get the Hollow's attention, plants his feet firmly in the ground, and then...

"Hado no san-jyu-san (#33): Sokatsui!!"

As he proclaims the name of the destructive spell, a concentrated blast of fire erupts from his hands and rockets toward the beast's head. Even if it doesn't kill the thing, powerful as it seems to be, the spell should give Satoshi enough time to find an improvised weapon somewhere nearby...

Kuroimaken

2014-03-10, 09:37 PM

Satoshi's spell does not kill the creature, but it does make it stumble quite a distance, allowing its would-be victim to escape. Satoshi finds no makeshift weapon on hand - none of the nearby tools look like they'd be strong enough to even scratch it.

He needs his Zanpakutou. Failing that, he has only his fists and his spells to rely on.

Urameshi's words come to mind.

"Listen up, Satoshi. You're not weak, but you're not what we'd call in martial arts a power type. You're more the smart and quick type. You'll benefit a lot more from outthinking your opponent, and knocking him off-balance.

For humans, there's 7 obvious balance points. Not everything you deal with has human form though, so I'll teach you to identify 'em..."

ImpSyndrome

2014-03-11, 09:33 AM

[Hollow Heart in the Valley of Ash]

Satoshi grimaces as the Hollow shrugs off his attack, but at least the townsfolk have all managed to flee to safety. Now he can focus on defeating this beast, although it'll be more difficult than expected without a decent weapon. As his opponent gets up, though, he recalls Urameshi's suggestions on finding balance points, and he watches carefully to see how the Hollow supports itself as it rises.

(C'mon, show me your weaknesses,) he silently urges it while preparing for a counterattack. (Show me so I can bring you down...!)

Kuroimaken

2014-03-11, 10:39 AM

Well, the legs are dead giveaways. Without at least disabling one, the monstrosity will have extra stability on its side. It lacks a tail, however, which is a good thing for Satoshi - it means that it is especially vulnerable to being toppled once he can get a good hit in. And the way they're articulated means he has obvious targets.

Satoshi has the time to observe, but not necessarily process all this. As the creature forces itself on its feet, it growls at Satoshi, a dull but very unsettling sound, before it hocks a thick glob of acidic spittle in his direction. A modified Cero, perhaps? Or just something biological? In any case, it's hurtling towards the novice Shinigami.

ImpSyndrome

2014-03-11, 11:44 AM

[Hollow Heart in the Valley of Ash]

Well, the legs are dead giveaways. Without at least disabling one, the monstrosity will have extra stability on its side. It lacks a tail, however, which is a good thing for Satoshi - it means that it is especially vulnerable to being toppled once he can get a good hit in. And the way they're articulated means he has obvious targets.

Satoshi has the time to observe, but not necessarily process all this. As the creature forces itself on its feet, it growls at Satoshi, a dull but very unsettling sound, before it hocks a thick glob of acidic spittle in his direction. A modified Cero, perhaps? Or just something biological? In any case, it's hurtling towards the novice Shinigami.
Uh oh, that looks pretty nasty...and possibly lethal, besides. It's a quick shot, too, which requires Satoshi to use Shunpo to evade it. He makes a quick step to one side, making sure to give the projectile plenty of room in case there's any risk of splash damage. Once that's done, he quickly focuses back on his enemy, making sure it hasn't snuck up on him in the confusion. As long as he's safe, the novice Shinigami will notice its features and start to devise a plan of attack...

Kuroimaken

2014-03-11, 02:57 PM

While the Hollow is fast, it has no method of high-speed movement like Satoshi. It quickly ambles up to the young Shinigami and rears for a punch!

ImpSyndrome

2014-03-11, 03:53 PM

[Hollow Heart in the Valley of Ash]

While the Hollow is fast, it has no method of high-speed movement like Satoshi. It quickly ambles up to the young Shinigami and rears for a punch!
Looks like the Hollow is as fast as it is resilient. Too bad Satoshi happens to be faster. Preferring to reserve his more advanced abilities for times of greater need in this fight, he simply throws himself out of harm's way, quickly tumbling to his feet and steadying himself for his next move. He makes sure to stay out of the Hollow's reach but remain close enough to exploit an opening if one should reveal itself...

Draken

2014-03-11, 04:45 PM

[Senkaimon Yard]

With the great portal open, the group presumably steps in.

[Dangai - The Ghost King's Prison]

The doors of the Senkaimon steadily open, and this is a cue for Argos to conceal himself in the shadows of the ceiling.

The vast, round room remains illuminated only by the eerie green light coming from the hole at the center of the iron hatch that makes up the floor. Twelve shinigami mummies grip the hilts of twelves asauchi driven through the ground at the edges of the iron circle, one is fallen, the sword unattended. The blades and the walls are lined with chains of rusted links. Countless prayer strips bind the plates of the hatch, each one a wish begging for evil to be cast out of the worlds for all time.

This is a place of pregnant silence, of turbulent peace, a venerable place older than Seireitei and with an air mired in the damp weight of myth and legend.

Kuroimaken

2014-03-11, 05:35 PM

Yet Koutarou watches the site like a place to work upon.

"I'm on overwatch. Set up a perimeter and see what you can discover about the seal and how it works. Do it quickly. We don't know if they didn't set up alarms of some sort."

___________

Satoshi quickly figures something else out - the beast isn't very flexible. Unlike a biped, it cannot rotate a half-step in a given direction. If it swings wide, he can probably use the opportunity to get onto the other side.

It also telegraphs its moves quite nicely. The punch that follows after its miswing might as well have been spoken of in advance. But Satoshi can tell from even the miss that the Hollow he faces is VERY strong. He does not want to get grabbed by this thing!

KnightDisciple

2014-03-11, 07:53 PM

[Dangai - The Ghost King's Prison]

As soon as they're in the prison, Harada gets to work and is all business.

"Daiki-san, would you be so kind as to check if there's anything interesting about the composition of the mummies or the prayer strips?

Vern-san, I'd suggest you try to see what you can detect about the active Kido in the room.

I'm going to try and record everything for analysis later."

Indeed, even as he speaks the SSI researcher is moving around the room with a high-quality digital camera that's hooked into his wristcomp. It's a very powerful camera, but his wrist unit has absurdly high capacity.

He seems to be switching between wide-angle shots to try and take in the pattern (if there is any) of the prayer strips, and close-in shots of the various prayer strips, ausachi, mummies, and possibly wall carvings for Kido.

His hope was to understand the underlying structure so it could be repaired or, worst case, recreated.

Draken

2014-03-11, 09:03 PM

The mummies are the remains of long-dead shinigami. A proliferant spiritual power prevents their composite reishi from dispersing.

There is a massively potent bakudõ woven between the hatch, the chains, the strips and the walls of the room. It is thinner around the hole in the center, but still a barrier of tremendous power with traits of the power restrainer embedded in the Senkaimon network, among other things.

There are carvings on the outer walls, for sure, but there is no kidõ about them, and the green light is too poorly angled and dim to make the words properly visible. The camera does help somewhat.

"The four of them who held back His innumerable children ennobled their Houses above all others."

strawberryman

2014-03-11, 09:47 PM

[The Ghost King's Prison]

Daiki kneels down (or rather over) the mummified shinigami, analyzing the prayer strips. "I'd tell ya somethin' about this is fishy, but then I'd be statin' the obvious."

Spacewolf

2014-03-12, 08:31 AM

ImpSyndrome

2014-03-12, 11:48 AM

[Hollow Heart in the Valley of Ash]

Satoshi quickly figures something else out - the beast isn't very flexible. Unlike a biped, it cannot rotate a half-step in a given direction. If it swings wide, he can probably use the opportunity to get onto the other side.

It also telegraphs its moves quite nicely. The punch that follows after its miswing might as well have been spoken of in advance. But Satoshi can tell from even the miss that the Hollow he faces is VERY strong. He does not want to get grabbed by this thing!
Satoshi is quick to dodge once more, this time escaping from the Hollow's reach by jumping backwards. He comprehends the Hollow's low flexibility and predictable maneuvers and tries to use them to his advantage. He tries to circle around to its flank and shouts to get its attention, remaining on the defensive for now. Success may mean getting the beast to change tactics and use wider-range attacks, which he might be able to exploit...

Draken

2014-03-12, 12:04 PM

[Dangai - The Ghost King's Prison]

Vern lightly taps the embedded blades with his sword to get a feel for what they were being used for from the vibrations. Then sets about trying to find out what was stopping this place collapsing back into nothingness.

The asauchi are one piece of the binding. Nothing really prevents the chamber from collapsing, but the chains do keep the walls from shifting around, and this area is outside of the routes of the cleaners.

Similarly, the prayer strips are part of the binding, strings of spiritual power course between the objects and form a shell...

... About an inch under the surface. Quite peculiar.

Kuroimaken

2014-03-12, 01:52 PM

[Hollow Heart in the Valley of Ash]

Satoshi is quick to dodge once more, this time escaping from the Hollow's reach by jumping backwards. He comprehends the Hollow's low flexibility and predictable maneuvers and tries to use them to his advantage. He tries to circle around to its flank and shouts to get its attention, remaining on the defensive for now. Success may mean getting the beast to change tactics and use wider-range attacks, which he might be able to exploit...

Satoshi may be disappointed to find he's underestimating his opponent's cunning. While the Hollow attempts to mantain fairly close reach, its swings grow shorter. With no warning, a smaller blob of acidic spittle flies towards the novice Shinigami, followed by two others...

KnightDisciple

2014-03-12, 08:28 PM

[Dangai - The Ghost King's Prison]

Harada makes a quick but smooth circuit around the room, taking pictures as he goes. Once that round is finished, he pulls out an attachment for the camera and begins the circuit again.

It appears to be a special flash that uses softer, constant light to prevent possible damage to older subjects of photography. It wasn't perfect, but he hoped it would capture the inscriptions more completely.

Them, and the patters and seals on the prayer strips.

If possible, he would try to use airwalking to move to the middle of the room and take pictures in all directions.

Draken

2014-03-12, 09:24 PM

[The Ghost King's Prison]

It is entirely too easy to airwalk in an environment so thick with spirit particles and so lacking in troublesome encircling walls of tons of deathstone.

And there are so many interesting tidbits of lore to read on these inscriptions.

"That warlock died so many times. Each time he fell was a trove of vicious wisdom. Still he roams free, the vilest sorcerer."

"A mountain stood before the gates to their decrepit hive, where that once gentle Queen bred the nightmares that took the faces of our friends and family. Each hand heaved with the land and each sword reaped death at the root. How to end our very own master in the arts of war?"

"We chained the peacock in the isles east of China, where those mortals who paid him fealty had taken to think him a crow god. By that power were good men and women seared forever from the cycle, more shall be."

"They played with mortal lives in the banks of the Nile and all around the Mediterranean Sea, the mad gods venerated by those shores, beasts and lunatics. The muzzled crocodile will have to be sent to where he cannot flow free."

"The tallest peak was spit by her tormentous song. It did not sunder us."

"Don't look down on clowns, they have the full attention of their masters."

There is a particularly interesting inscription around the central hole, should Harada look down from his vantage point when shooting a full picture of the seal. One can wonder if he will notice.

"The weaker among us took their sight so as to not lose their hearts to his dread. His pale glare bound their souls to dying flesh forever instead."

Of course, that is predicated on Harada paying attention to anything other than the huge threefold eye glaring from beneath, the source of the emerald light. The source of a paralyzing fear as potent as the mightiest binding spells.

"Oh my, how terrible of me to remain silent while I have guests. Welcome to my humble corner of the world's own forsaken ends. Pardon me if I have no drinks to offer."

KnightDisciple

2014-03-12, 09:38 PM

5a Violista

2014-03-12, 11:27 PM

[Hueco Mundo]
Las Noches district

Valentina shrugs. "Probably not."

The Sin Rostro is, in fact, easily lifted onto Mikael's shoulder. It wriggles at first as it's being lifted, but soon goes limp and motionless as before, and will likely remain that way...so long as Mikael doesn't squeeze too hard.

"If you're not careful, though, it could easily hurt you," she says.

Frozen_Feet

2014-03-13, 09:59 AM

Mikael laughs. "Hurt, as in cause me pain, or cause me injury? Because those two are very different things." He carries the Sin Rostro effortlessly as they continue their little tour around the city. "Don't do the same mistake as the old man back on Earth. I'm not human. My mind and my body are not that easily damaged. If they were, I wouldn't have come here with so little concern."

Kuroimaken

2014-03-13, 11:12 AM

[The Ghost King's Prison]

It's a good thing there's a program on the wrist-comp that helps make sure photos get taken no matter what, because as soon as he looks down and sees that horrible, terrible, no-good Hollow eye, Harada freezes in place, his own eyes going as wide as physically possible in a combination of fear and shock.

"Vice-Captain Koutarou I have suddenly found myself terrified beyond the capacity for rational thought or any movement at all. Please help."

Everyone else probably can't see what's got the man spooked but it's clear he's frozen in fright despite being unusually articulate. That's eccentric geniuses for you!

Koutarou walks up to Harada and unceremoniously yanks him off the edge of that precipice of fear.

"Take five to regain your composure and resume your duties, Harada. If you can't, we'll request your extraction."

"Every second you spend fearing him more than he does you, every minute you spend believing we have no means to hurt him, every hour you buy into his delusions of grandeur, is a moment during which he holds control over you."

The Vice-Commander thought this time might come. He may not understand much of the sealing processes of his forefathers, but there was one thing about all prisons - you need to be able to watch your prisoner, lest he escapes and you remain oblivious all the while.

Li's words somehow brought him comfort. In the wisdom of his superior, he found that one thin string that brought his determination to bear.

"We'll excuse you the rudeness this one time. I don't think we left you any leaves."

In this position, one might feel the impression that the prisoner was harmless. Helpless in its shackles.

Koutarou dared not make that assumption. But at the same time he didn't let his respect for caution sift through.

"I trust you remember me, from voice if not from appearance. Two masks causes a lot of muffling.

I spoke to your wife, Reene Lucaster. As I once tried to offer her, so do I offer unto you.

We do not wish for conflict. We do not thirst for blood. If you'll allow us to permanently take away your power so that you are no longer a threat to us, we might allow you to leave this prison.

Your lackeys have quite a lot to answer for. If they surrender peacefully, we promise their penalties will likewise be light.

If you should refuse this offer, we shall keep you sealed until such a time as you reconsider. If you should escape, we will see to it that you are exterminated.

You're free to offer a counter-proposal, but this is as best as I'm personally qualified to offer you.

I'll give you five minutes to think about it. Only after that time shall we take your response into consideration."

With that, Koutarou turns around and steps away from the hole to resume overwatch.

strawberryman

2014-03-13, 11:45 AM

[Ghost King's Prison]

Daiki steps up slowly but guardedly, putting a hand on the hilt of his zanpaktou. He doesn't show his fear quite on the cuff as Harada does, but his stance suggests some fear, at the very least.

He mumbles something into the radios. "Yeh don't really think he's gonna take that offer, do ya?"

Kuroimaken

2014-03-13, 12:07 PM

"That goes for you too, Daiki. Focus on the job."

Draken

2014-03-13, 12:30 PM

[Dangai - Prison of the Ghost King]

"I do remember you, not exactly seeing things through some third party. I just got a finger out. Eyes, ears, such simple structures to craft. That was... Seven hundred terrestrial years ago, give or take."

A massive disembodied hand erupts from the central hole, crackling with lightning from the stretched seal, bone plated, five-fingered but clearly missing a sixth, beady black eyes lit by a green fire from behind popping and vanishing into the skeletal flesh.

Just as suddenly as it erupted, it is balled into a fist and goes back under.

"And listen to the big fella. That is the worst deal in the grant history of terrible deals, child. And I will say, I offered some truly lopsided contracts in the past."

"No. I do believe that just like my beloved Reene, I will pass on this deal. But I do have an alternative."

The ground churns and whitens, becoming a thick layer of white bone-like material, a single larva erupts from it in front of Koutarou.

"And there we have it. What do you think of this as a counterproposition?"

Kuroimaken

2014-03-13, 07:26 PM

"You'll forgive me if I don't make an offer based on an honor system. It has been millennia since you have been imprisoned and our memories from back then are kind of fuzzy."

Koutarou's arm moves without him turning. It is only really perceptible as a sort of trick of the light. The larva ceases to, for lack of a better word, 'breathe' with life.

It is already dead. Its cells need only finish realizing that fact. The larva slowly dissolves back into nothingness.

"I understand it is a heavily stacked offer. The alternatives, however, are life in prison or oblivion. So all told it's actually a better deal than most would consider offering you in the first place.

But I won't begrudge your decision, Von Geister.

I don't know you well enough to make judgement, but you have just demonstrated you have not sat pretty in your cell resigned to your fate. 'That is not like you' is an educated enough guess.

You are cancer given sentience. Manipulating life is what you do, even your own. Being a deadly disease, cancer is antithesis to a good, long life.

I am not trying to mock you, intimidate you or anything so petty as that.

I am legitimately trying to reach an understanding with you. Find some manner of agreement that will allow the Shinigami and your own followers to live on, separate and in peace.

So, tell me. What would it take for that to happen?"

Draken

2014-03-13, 08:14 PM

The Ghost King's Prison

The larva goes back to being slurry on the floor, before being absorbed back into the body surface.

"You have some guts to talk to me about a healthy, long life, Koutarou. I do believe you are a death god? I do know you fine dandies did not change that little bit. And I resent what you speak of disease, not for myself, but for my dear daughter. Diseases, you see, are simply another living thing seeking to thrive."

"And I do take offense in such accusations of being 'a cancer given sentience' I am as much a conglomerate of thinking reishi as any of you, denser and more successful as a predator and generally as a being as well are cannier and better designed from an anatomical point of view, but you are hardly to blame for such shortcomings on yourselves."

"And surely, an agreement to that effect could be found. Except your folks are woefully unwilling to compromise on a number of pertinent subjects."

"But, I am quite sure you aren't, and in fact, you are so clear on it as to slay my children without remorse as they are born. As such... Well..."

Another larva pops in front of Koutarou.

And behind him. And by either side. And the same for Vern, Daiki and Harada. And along the walls. And around the gate they came from. And a mass of tendrils with glowing red eyes descends from the center overhead. The Ghost King whispers lightning into the minds of the group.

"Scream for me, death gods. Scream like the newborns you are and take the second breath of new life."

Von Geister closes his eye, and the room goes dark. And then the larva surge forth, in the wake of Argos' lashing tentacles in the dark.

Spacewolf

2014-03-13, 08:46 PM

"Hadō #12. Fushibi"
Vern snaps his fingers causing an orange web spread outwards along with the sound into the darkened room ensnaring any larva it encounters along the way, once the all the larva have been caught he reaches up to the nearest branch of the web and uses another spell
Hadō #11. Tsuzuri Raiden
Once Vern has finished speaking lightning races along the strands to destroy the trapped larva.

Now with some clear floor space he jumps back towards the others.

"So do we have a plan for what to do now?"

Draken

2014-03-13, 09:12 PM

The mass of tendrils at the head of the assault pushes open paths in the web, keeping masses of the chittering larva safe from Vern's attack.

The ground beneath the feet of the shinigami secretes an adhesive substance, much like the leaves of a drosera.

KnightDisciple

2014-03-13, 10:04 PM

[Dangai - Prison of the Ghost King]

As the floor erupted in...something...Harada had enough sense of mind to start air-walking about 6 inches above the ground.

Even as Vern was casting spells, Michael was speaking his own words of power.

"Shout, Raikouhime!"

His cane sword transformed, and he was holding the odd razor-like form of his Shikai.

"Everyone, try to airwalk. We need to blitz for the exit, we've got all the data we can get."

His sword flashed to and fro, slicing down or pushing back larva and tendrils. Then, he turned and faced toward the Gate into the facility.

"Sing, Raikouhime!"

An arc of green energy, surging with electrical power, ripped forward from his sword as it swung through the air. It should clear at least some of the path before them. Barely missing a beat, he turned and placed the end of his sword a bit behind the group.

"Emerald Lightning Shield! Emerald Lightning Shield!"

Twin barriers sprung up between the four Shinigami and the larva and tendrils surging from the prison grate. Not nearly enough to entirely shut them out, but enough to divert them for precious seconds, give them critical breathing room.

"We need to move!"

strawberryman

2014-03-13, 10:32 PM

[Ghost King's Prison]

Daiki whips his blade from his sheathe before the darkness takes over. "Break the shore, Watatsumi!" There's a sudden rush of water that floods away the drones around Daiki and anybody nearby, as he stabs one into the ground with the trident now in his hand. His boots have already been pressure-washed of the sticky substance.

"...knew darkvision'd come in handy." Idly, he throws a bottle at the ground, and with the crash, the flood of water heads towards Argos' tentacles.

He is probably able to block it, in fact, it really feels no different than a (albeit powerful) wave.

Draken

2014-03-13, 10:56 PM

[The Ghost King's Prison]

Argos coils his tentacles and glares a rain of laser-thin bala at Daiki's wall, before pulling back up and striking from a different direction with hooked claws bared.

A larger green eye opens along the wall close to the Senkaimon, followed by a second, a third and a fourth, and finally the sound of a great hoof stamping the floor. It takes a deep breath and silver lines glow along it, revealing a bipedal hollow with a great crocodilian head, four taloned arms and cloven hooves on its feet, a long tail and covered in white plates, no hole anywhere to be seen.

"Reene left some of her own when she came to visit."

The menos growls, followed by the same sound around the room and the smashing of hooves on the ground as another three of the creatures emerge from the walls.

"You can remain yourselves among my children, you know? My most beloved boys and girls were those who gave themselves gladly to our family. Oh such wonders we have wrought..."

Kuroimaken

2014-03-13, 11:33 PM

"I should have guessed. All along, this was a trap."

Koutarou's seemingly calm demeanor belied great anger. The erupting situation around him had the man stunned for critical seconds, throughout which his companions, in their fright, had acted much faster, and much more responsibly than he did.

What a joke.

"Harada, Vern, see what you can do about keeping some of these chittering little bastards at bay. Daiki, I want you to check the Senkaimon behind this guy.

The big one is mine.

KOKURAI! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoHnxdp4j3A)"

Koutarou forces himself off the ground, beating at it to disperse some of the stickiness left in his boots. A double blazing trail of lightning signals the runway for the Rider's trusted bike. It materializes seemingly out of nowhere; the appearance suggests a portal, but none of the usual signs of a portal technique are present. Regardless, as it speeds forward, Koutarou settles on the seat, and proceeds to attempt to run over the massive obstacle to their exit.

5a Violista

2014-03-14, 12:08 AM

[Hueco Mundo]
A Las Noches District

"Injure," Valentina responds. Single word.

She continues walking, but doesn't explain what anything is for a few moments. Then, she speaks up: "I'm just worried that your overconfidence will lead to the same fate that happens to most Hollows."

Shortly afterwards, she'll continue explaining the buildings and the residents and their purposes.

ImpSyndrome

2014-03-14, 09:11 AM

[Hollow Heart in the Valley of Ash]

Satoshi may be disappointed to find he's underestimating his opponent's cunning. While the Hollow attempts to mantain fairly close reach, its swings grow shorter. With no warning, a smaller blob of acidic spittle flies towards the novice Shinigami, followed by two others...
Satoshi scarcely manages to avoid getting hit by the acidic projectiles, though it requires some very quick thinking and a desperate maneuver to one side. As he scrambles to re-establish his defenses, he inwardly laments, (That figures...I can't do anything at long-range like this. Of all the days to have forgotten my weapon...Well, I guess it's time to figure out if Urameshi-sensei's training has paid off.)

Finding himself in front of the Hollow, Satoshi slowly closes the gap between them, very nervous but ready to react to an attack. Remaining stalwart in the face of such an intimidating foe will require every ounce of courage and determination he's got, and having never faced a live Hollow in combat before, it'll be a daunting feat...

((I'm thinking Satoshi needs to get smacked around a bit before the tables turn; he's dodged a few too many attacks in a row for my liking.))

Frozen_Feet

2014-03-14, 01:47 PM

[Hueco Mundo]
Las Noches - Valentina's district

"Oh, you're worried about me? You're so cute I could kiss you", Mikael remarks snidely. "What fate would that be? Breaking my heart? Already had that happen four years ago. Burned my home while at it. Being eaten by someone stronger than me? I have to say... that thought has never scared me. It's just the cycle of nature." Mikael glances up. "Before I realized my inhuman resilience, I thought, once I'd be old and weak, I'd go trekking into a forest. Find a bear, or maybe a wolf, and fight it to death. Always struck me as a better way to go than wasting away in a hospital somewhere and getting buried in a plot of wasted land."

Mikael turns to look at Valentina. "Or do you mean, destroying all that I once loved? You heard the old man, right? I only care for myself." At this point, all humour, spiteful and otherwise, drains from the man's voice. "There's nothing I love anymore. Thus, the only thing I'm likely to destroy with my carelesness, is myself. It'd hardly be a big loss."

Kuroimaken

2014-03-14, 04:15 PM

[Hollow Heart in the Valley of Ash]

Satoshi scarcely manages to avoid getting hit by the acidic projectiles, though it requires some very quick thinking and a desperate maneuver to one side. As he scrambles to re-establish his defenses, he inwardly laments, (That figures...I can't do anything at long-range like this. Of all the days to have forgotten my weapon...Well, I guess it's time to figure out if Urameshi-sensei's training has paid off.)

Finding himself in front of the Hollow, Satoshi slowly closes the gap between them, very nervous but ready to react to an attack. Remaining stalwart in the face of such an intimidating foe will require every ounce of courage and determination he's got, and having never faced a live Hollow in combat before, it'll be a daunting feat...

((I'm thinking Satoshi needs to get smacked around a bit before the tables turn; he's dodged a few too many attacks in a row for my liking.))

The Hollow is less patient. It begins to step in further and further with increasingly more compact motions, wasting less movement each time as it swings side to side in an attempt to get a hit on Satoshi. The manner is reminiscent of an in-fighting boxer...

KnightDisciple

2014-03-15, 12:32 AM

Harada seemed content, for the moment, to rely more on his sword's somewhat more instinctive abilities than his repertoire of Kido.

"Bolt, Raikohime!"

Emerald lightning snaked from the blade and struck a cluster of 3 larva, quite possibly burning them to ash.

There was a sheen of sweat on his brow, but it was as much for the stifling nature of the suit as anything else. He glanced around at the surging tide of chitin, and at their arrangement.

"Emerald Lightning Shield! Emerald Lightning Shield! Sing, Raikouhime!"

Two more crackling green barriers shored up the developing wall between the Shinigami and the larger body of larva and tentacles.
The arc of energy that exploded out sought to drive even more of them back.

5a Violista

2014-03-15, 04:30 PM

[Hueco Mundo]
Las Noches - Valentina's district

Valentina tries to get some words in during his snide remarks, but...fails to do so.

After...
She can only look back at him, with her jaw dropped. Then, realizing this, she quickly turns away and begins walking much faster. "Well, fine," she states. "It's not like I care what happens," she tells herself.

Frozen_Feet

2014-03-15, 04:43 PM

Mikael starts to get left behind as Valentina quickens her pace. He's not quite sure what shocked her so much, but it's not all that important in the end, he guesses. "I'll be going back to your place now!", he shouts after her after the gap between them has grown to almost a hundred meters. He disappears behind the last corner, and then heads back to her quarters with the Sin Rostro.

strawberryman

2014-03-15, 04:55 PM

[Ghost King's Prison]

The claws dig into Daiki's suit, and then his flesh... however, he grabs at them with his arm, smashing another bottle into the hollow's tentacles.

With his other hand, he swipes the trident to the side, pushing the flood of water at the adjuchas. "Ya ain't about to throw this chemist down without a fight, ya green-eyed bastard!"

5a Violista

2014-03-15, 05:20 PM

[Las Noches]

Valentina, if she heard him, didn't react so I guess the best assumption to make is that she wasn't listening.

She keeps on walking.

Back at the Palacio de Valentina,

The Faceless is brought there, and doesn't really react to being brought there. Still the same.

Draken

2014-03-15, 05:36 PM

[Dangai - Prison of the Ghost King]

"Ah, yes. The tried and true tradition of picking the biggest opponent you can see to duel to the death."

Argos pulls back his tendrils and the larvae slither back, diving into a spreading layer of soft tissue covered in organic detritus and mucus. The walls come alive with patterns of eerie bioluminescence, which the great drones begin imitating a simple trick of light to mess up with the sensation of distance.

And then the first creature jabs forward with a talon, with a clack and a thunder, the simple gesture sends a wall of pressurized air and spiritual power flying at Koutarou as fast as sound.

"So. Have you ever heard of sea locusts? Magnificent creatures. One of my favorites. A beautiful, radiant machine of predatory murder."

The remaining three creatures lunge at Vern, Harada and Daiki, talons set like those of a mantis to hold prey in place should they connect.

Frozen_Feet

2014-03-15, 07:01 PM

[Hueco Mundo]
Las Noches - Valentina's quarters

After leaping in from the window, Mikael puts the Faceless down and helps it into a sitting position, bracing its back against a wall to keep it upright. At this point, he notes it's carrying a sword with it. Huh? What would it do with such a thing?

Ponderous, Mikael resumes staring at the creature, his eyes filling with black as he cycles through all manners of radiation to glean information on the creature's shape and make-up. Apparently it's much like a human, except it has no sexual or identifying traits or organs to speak of... so not at all like a human, really. Mikael scratches his head, wondering what to do. Then, he picks up the creature's sword and ties to pull it out of its sheath. Will it react?

Kuroimaken

2014-03-15, 07:47 PM

The Hollow must not know its Physics particularly well.

At the speed Koutarou is going, he is MORE than violently tearing through the air. Inertia would rule that it's a bad idea to trade hits, though, so Koutarou leans a bit forward into his bike as the windshield weathers much of the hit. At this range he lacks the time to roll out so he braces for the impact as the bike's spiritual "mass" converts itself back into energy in a massive hit, leaving its Rider mere inches away from headbutting his opponent.

Draken

2014-03-15, 10:09 PM

It's a newborn, you could wonder if it knows what physics even are.

And then Koutarou slams against its carapace. There is a bone-wracking noise as the shell cracks from the strength, allowing silvery dust and bracken blight to bleed from the wound.

But without so much as a growl of consternation, the creature closes its four talons around Koutarou with the same speed that let it react to his earlier dash. Nothing so big should move that fast.

5a Violista

2014-03-16, 12:00 AM

Kuroimaken

2014-03-16, 03:31 PM

Having been stunned from the way he had been forced to commit to his assault (Koutarou's initial plan was to slam his bike in as he rolled away), the Vice-Commander ends up grasped by the monster. Much as he tries to stifle it, there's a groan of pain as the Hollow closes its embrace. He needs to get out of it and fast.

"Henshin... Gattai...

STEPPENWOLF!"

The suit begins to tear and rip from the inside as Koutarou's armor changes. Jagged metal upon sleek, slimline form - not that it's visible at this point. Swinging his hips backwards, Kamen Rider Rei slams his knee onto the creature. Again, and again, and again, and again, each strike faster than the last as electricity courses through his skin.

The age-old question, "how does it feel to hug an electric porcupine", is finally answered.

strawberryman

2014-03-16, 08:38 PM

[Ghost King's Prison]

Daiki throws a vial of grayish liquid at the lizard hollow. Wherever it connects, the hollow's flesh begins to harden and petrify. From there, Daiki stabs forward. Even with the distortion of distance, he has it readied for the creature's close.

"We need ta fall back, boss!"

Frozen_Feet

2014-03-17, 10:12 AM

[Hueco Mundo]
Las Noches - Valentina's quarters

The sword is drawn quite easily, and the Sin Rostro appears to not react at all. Other than, of course, a thin black line appearing on its mask for the tiniest fraction of a second, but...nothing. It remains sitting exactly how Mikael placed it.

For, at least, several moments.

After holding the katana for long enough, Mikael will probably notice that the Sin Rostro is sitting ever so slightly more upright, no longer putting its entire weight against the wall like a dead fish.

After all, the sword is part of it.

Mikael observes the creature's motions, the resheathes the sword. After a moment of contemplating, he sets the sword aside and looks at the empty eyes of the creature.

There are so many questions he could ask, yet at the same time he feels instinctive certainty that no normal speech would gain any answers. While humanoid in shape, the creature before him is as indifferent of the world as rock.

Fortunately, Mikael is a man who can speak to rocks.

Listen, comes an order that is both of no human language and all of them at the same time. I know you have a voice. All things on Earth and this world do. I want you to do what you've done to no-one else here. I want you to tell me your name, if you just have one.

KnightDisciple

2014-03-17, 10:51 AM

[Ghost King's Prison]

Michael Harada was not a Zanjutsu expert, but he'd dedicated enough time to his sword that he could fight well with it. This is what allowed him to fend off the sweeping talons from the drone focused on him. But rather than trying to gain range, he made a sweeping counter that pushed its talons back hard, and then shoved the tip of his sword into the center of its chest.

"Bolt, Raikohime! Bolt, Raikohime!"

Two thick lines of green electricity, like a lightning bolt tamed and bound, tore from the tip of the sword. Even if they didn't rip out the chest of the Hollow, they would certainly sting it. And more importantly, due to the close quarters, they would jump to the Hollows assaulting Vern and Daiki, though with notably lessened power. Enough to give the others openings, at least.

Spacewolf

2014-03-17, 02:43 PM

[Ghost King's Prison]

"Hado number four second song , Jugeki Byakurai"
Using the opportunity provided by Harada, Vern uses one of the modified spells he'd been learning over the past month to fire a red beam of light through his opponent.

5a Violista

2014-03-17, 03:24 PM

Draken

2014-03-17, 05:09 PM

[Prison of the Ghost King]

With every kick Koutarou delivers, a new fault line appears on the shell of the creature's head. Soon enough, it caves in, dust and blight spurting from the hideous, grievous wound. The arms drop slightly, but lock into place without opening, and the thing falls still on its knees.

Daiki's concoction splashes his enemy in the chest, the petrification spreads, but it does not stop, impaling itself on his blade and putting all of its prodigious weight upon him. howling and lashing at him with a prehensile, barbed tongue. Until lightning strikes it.

Harada sweeps the limbs aside and thrusts into the drone, electrocuting it. But with a sudden jerk, it twists its body and whips at him with a massive tail. But following that, it goes mostly limp, breathing heavily and slowly.

Vern sees the easiest and most direct success. With his opponent paralyzed by Harada's lightning bolt, the drone is an easy target for his spell. The red light breaks through its distended maw and opens a smoking hole all the way to its back.

There is silence.

And then there is a flash of
GREEN
.

A sick light, sizzling on the surface of the protective suits and itching on any exposed skin. The blight churns and shrieks around the four of them, hiding behind the dust and assembling it back into the carapaces of the four drones.

"I am life. Disparage me with what petty words you wish, but never forget that my children are BEYOND YOUR GRASP."

Stone breaks down, leaving pristine white shell. Burns grow and holes knit. Shattered plates and splattered organs flow back to where they belong.

The four drones shriek and stand tall once again. The one holding onto Koutarou slams him onto the floor. The one leaning over Daiki curls into a ball around him. Harada's enemy stretches its mirrored tail over the central crater and turns its father's glare into his eyes. And Vern's adversary rakes the ground, before glaring four verdant energy bolts at him from its eyes.

Spacewolf

2014-03-17, 05:57 PM

"Bakudō #39. Enkōsen"

Holding up his hand Vern creates a shield to hold back the Drones attack, after making sure all the energy has dissipated he once again points at the Drone and uses the excess energy from his barrier plus some extra from himself to fuel his next kido.

"Bakudō #61. Rikujōkōrō"

Once the Drone has been trapped by the six rods Vern moves behind Harada.

"I'm going to open up the Senkaimon so that we can fall back. Think you can cover me?"

Kuroimaken

2014-03-18, 09:06 AM

"Right... behind you!"

Koutarou is lucky in the way his shikai manifests, and at the same time, very unfortunate. It certainly absorbs the impact well enough, but he can't tell for how long it'll protect him.

"HhhhhhhhhnnnnNNG!!"

He needs to break free. Luckily, his opponent switched to a lesser grasp in order to slam him to the floor. This gives Koutarou enough space to move his arms... just a little is enough.

His fists blur quickly enough. Friction with the air is negated by the magnetism generated by the lightning enveloping his arms. Dozens, scores, hundreds of punches strike at arm joints in an attempt to weaken and, hopefully, dismember the creature.

Frozen_Feet

2014-03-18, 09:14 AM

[Hueco Mundo]
Las Noches - Valentina's quarters

With the katana returned into its place, the Sin Rostro remains exactly how it was: it doesn't even relax back to the first position it was in.

Menos Grande are, in fact, made of hundreds of souls: hundreds of voices. But, all together, the net sum is zero. Nothing. No personality, nothing. Only instinct, until one voice can finally take dominance over the rest. Turning into an arrancar, it loses even its instinct.

With still a net sum of zero, it still has no voice. It doesn't react even the slightest to him speaking. A stone would have answered - here was something even less than a stone.

However...
Since Mikael can have several unnatural senses beyond the normal ones, I'm sure he'll be able to notice and evolve a new sense: to "hear" all the individual hundreds - or even thousands - of voices inside the Sin Rostro. They'll be hardly perceptible, but (if Mikael can hear them), he'll hear all these voices, like hushed whispers, trying to be heard over the others.

And yet, the Sin Rostro seems to not even know that Mikael exists, let alone is trying to talk to it.

Mikael leans back and scratches his head. This creature... if the void could have a human form, this would be it. Like particles and anti-particles spontaneously coming to existence and then annihilating themselves, the whispers of a thousand lost souls cancel each other like vibrations and counter-vibrations. A cacophony of sounds, creating silence. So much power, but with no direction to it, no way to access its potential...

... wait. He could break it into its component pieces. He reaches towards the forehead of the creature with his right hand, but stops. He recalls what happened when he reduced Tamaki to a mere embryo. The process released a tremendous amount of energy. This faceless creature contains at least a thousand souls - reducing it would release all the energy keeping them together. Mikael lets his hand down, and resumes thinking. After a while, he fetches his notebook and starts flipping the pages.

During the weeks he spent at Hasunaga's place, the man managed to verify a rather basic facet of his powers: improving items takes some of his energy. Before his fight with the White Devil, he'd just not been able to notice it - the amount required for simple alterations was so small, it hardly made a difference. But breaking down and rebuilding Tamaki had taken quite a bit of his strenght.

... in fact, thinking back, there's something Mikael didn't pay much attention to before. He closes the book and resumes staring at the Sin Rostro. When Tamaki's body was regressing, his soul only released a red wavelenght of Reiatsu. But when it was reforming, the sphere of spiritual power was half red, and half blue.

Blue. Hmmm. Each time Mikael has invoked his ability to alter items, there's been a flash of blue light. A bit of wasted energy, manifesting as light, presumably. The blue half had to be his spiritual energy, and it was absorbed by Tamaki's body. Mikael leaves the Sin Rostro be again, and goes rummaging through his possessions. There are all sorts of items in his duffelbag, both normal and enhanced ones. He examines all of them in turn, not quite sure what he's looking for, until he gets his hands on the black jacket he stole acquired from Helsinki.

On the backside, there's still a white Ouroboros - of the same design he has tattooed on his shoulder. Come to think of it, he never did solve why exactly the coat had assumed that design.

Well, it's time to correct that mistake.

Mikael spends some minutes in a trance, listening to the story his jacket has to tell. Dots are connecting in his mind. Then, he picks up other enhanced items and examines them again, carefully. Sure enough, each one of them has an emblem of a snake eating its tail hidden somewhere in their design.

Tamaki might have one as well.

Mikael cleans up and packs all his possession back in the bag, save for the rifle which he leaves in pieces on the floor.

What did Jehoel say again, of the Menos Grande? Only those can progress where one soul takes dominance over the rest? Well, since there apparently is no soul capable of that inside the Sin Rostro, it must come from the outside. Maybe, it could be Mikael himself!

But first, he needs to discuss with Tamaki. Stay put, he commands the Sin Rostro, even though it is unlikely to react in any way whatsoever. Then, he leaps out of the window and goes looking for Valentina.

"Valentina. Valentina! I need you to take me where Jehoel and the other earthlings are!"

KnightDisciple

2014-03-18, 11:34 AM

[Ghost King's Prison]

Harada Flash-Stepped to one side of the tail strike, and put a bit of distance between himself and the Drone as it fell backwards.

He winced at the surge of malignant energy that reinvigorated the creatures. That wince, combined with his mental state being geared toward "combat" instead of "recording data" was what let him put together what the very shiny tail was about to do. So, he simply averted his gaze.

"Sing, Raikouhime!"

Even as the energy surged forward, Harada was quickly muttering the incantation to a powerful Barrier spell.

"-Kyomon!"

A mostly-translucent shield sprang up, separating the 4 Shinigami from the bulk of the enemy, leaving only the Drones that Daiki and Koutarou were wrestling with inside of it. It also placed a barrier between them and the prison grate, and thus a portion of the Ghost King's power.

"Hurry...up...Vern-san. I'm...getting...winded."

His shoulders did seem to be heaving up and down, but it was hard to tell if it was 100% truthful, or if he was overacting for the sake of their attackers. Whatever the case, he seemed a bit occupied maintaining the barrier.

Daiki and Koutarou would need to manage their opponents on their own.

strawberryman

2014-03-18, 01:51 PM

[Ghost King's Prison]

Daiki struggles against the hollow, but even with his strength it's a losing fight. With a wry grin, he uses some of the slack to grab at a bottle, water pooling around him as he drops the bottle.

"Sorry boss, gonna have to make it out yourself."

As the bottle cracks and mixes with the water... it explodes. The bulk of it consumes Daiki and the hollow with bluish green flames, but it reaches around the prison to Koutarou. It's hardly more powerful than a number 40 hado at this distance, so it shouldn't do much damage, but it should disrupt things enough that he'd have a chance to get away when Vern opens the senkaimon.

Spacewolf

2014-03-18, 04:10 PM

"On it."

About half of Verns blade disappears into thin air as he uses it to open the gate back to the Soul Society.

ImpSyndrome

2014-03-19, 11:47 AM

[Hollow Heart in the Valley of Ash]

The Hollow is less patient. It begins to step in further and further with increasingly more compact motions, wasting less movement each time as it swings side to side in an attempt to get a hit on Satoshi. The manner is reminiscent of an in-fighting boxer...
The newbie Shinigami does his best to avoid his attacker, but considering its size and speed, it's only a matter of time before he takes a hit. He gets grazed by one of the Hollow's attacks, which throws him off-balance long enough for it to land a much stronger impact. The blow tosses him upward and away, sending him sprawling on his stomach several feet down the street.

It takes a few seconds for Satoshi to recover from the trauma and stand up. "Ugh...Y...You creep," he mutters slowly as he climbs to his feet. As he squares off, he starts preparing another Kido, but the energy is slow to come to him; he doesn't seem sure how to deal with his foe, considering that he can't get close enough to exploit its weak points. If his best Hado could only stagger it, and he can't fight on the same physical level, how can he kill it without his zanpakuto? He's struggling to develop a strategy...

Kuroimaken

2014-03-19, 04:16 PM

One might argue his actual strategy isn't the problem, it's execution.

The Hollow leaps high as if intent on pounding Satoshi down as it crashes.

ImpSyndrome

2014-03-19, 05:05 PM

[Hollow Heart in the Valley of Ash]

One might argue his actual strategy isn't the problem, it's execution.

The Hollow leaps high as if intent on pounding Satoshi down as it crashes.
Satoshi's attention turns back to the Hollow as it jumps up into the air; it has unusual maneuverability for being so large. He watches it in hopes of learning about some other, more accessible weakness, but he doesn't have much time before he needs to get out of the way. It's too close for comfort as he throws himself to one side, barely avoiding getting flattened against the ground.

His focus broken, the Kido he was trying to prepare is dispelled. It looks like close combat is the only way to go with such a tenacious enemy, so he'll need some way to fend it off before he can launch an effective counter-attack. He searches his environment again for anything he could use in defense...

Kuroimaken

2014-03-19, 05:20 PM

The gods of narrative collectively facepalm at Satoshi's attempt. As with before, he finds nothing.

On the plus side, however, his opponent seems to have sunk its legs too deep. It'll take him precious seconds to yank them out...

ImpSyndrome

2014-03-19, 06:51 PM

[Hollow Heart in the Valley of Ash]

The gods of narrative collectively facepalm at Satoshi's attempt. As with before, he finds nothing.

On the plus side, however, his opponent seems to have sunk its legs too deep. It'll take him precious seconds to yank them out...
This opportunity won't present itself a second time; failing to find any useful tools nearby, Satoshi abandons the idea and quickly formulates a plan of attack. He rushes at the grounded Hollow, muttering an incantation as he circles to its blind spot as quickly as possible. As long as he gets into range before it starts pulling itself free, he'll launch the first Kido in his planned assault: "Hado no san-jyu-ichi: Shakkaho!"

Considering how tough this beast is, the flaming, cannon-like shot might not have too great an effect, but as long as it softens up the impact zone, Satoshi will be confident enough to follow through with his gambit. He'll prepare another spell, leap onto its back, aim two fingers at its new weak spot, and discharge his next attack with a roar:

"Hado no yon: Byakurai!!"

Kuroimaken

2014-03-19, 10:04 PM

Once again, Satoshi's sorcery proves... mostly ineffective. At least, it doesn't seem to be doing any real damage. It does give him precious seconds to maneuver though.

He can practically hear Urameshi's voice screaming at him to use his damn fists already.

5a Violista

2014-03-20, 02:05 AM

ImpSyndrome

2014-03-20, 08:55 AM

[Hollow Heart in the Valley of Ash]

Once again, Satoshi's sorcery proves... mostly ineffective. At least, it doesn't seem to be doing any real damage. It does give him precious seconds to maneuver though.

He can practically hear Urameshi's voice screaming at him to use his damn fists already.
It's too bad Urameshi isn't there right now, because Satoshi hasn't even considered using Hakuda against the brutish Hollow. Its strength and endurance are quite reminiscent of Tsuchigumo, the foe that crushed Satoshi one week ago. The similarity has him reluctant to fight it up close, even with Kido; he fears the consequences of failure enough to exercise great caution in his tactics.

With no idea how to damage the Hollow and no intention of getting anywhere near its powerful limbs, the Shinigami newbie backs away from the creature. He's go no clue how to fight it off with the observations he's made so far, and with no tools or useful features in his vicinity, there's not much else he can do but continue to evade and observe his foe, although even that seems to be a challenge now...

Kuroimaken

2014-03-20, 09:00 AM

Urameshi's lessons come to Satoshi's mind again.

"Dammit, Satoshi! These are Hollow-slaying techniques! You shouldn't be afraid to use your fists! What if a Hollow disarms you, sends your Zanpakutou flying? What will you do then?

Here, watch..."

Satoshi is thus reminded of a soft-style impact technique he could use.

The angered Hollow begins to trash as if that would make it free itself more easily. It's getting angrier. Less focused. The novice Shinigami could use that to his advantage.

Frozen_Feet

2014-03-20, 09:22 AM

[Las Noches]

The Sin Rostro doesn't do anything....and I think it's safe to say it will remain that way. ((By the way, do you know how creepy it would be to walk back into your room and find one of the Sin Rostro staring right past you?))

When Mikael finds Valentina, she's looking for him as well. After all, he just vanished with that thing and she wasn't listening at that moment.

"Oh, Mikael, there you..." she starts.

Then, after hearing what he wanted, she nods. "Okay." She makes a Pesquisa, and then says, "I think they're this way."

Then, at a brisk pace, she goes towards wherever Jehoel and the two other mortals are at. ((I don't know where it's at, so...))

Apparently, the answer is the Grand Library of Las Noches. Mikael and Valentina interrupt Rin's and Tamaki's studying as they walk in. Mikael leaves Valentina to her devices and, disregardimg Rin and Jehoel, heads straight for Tamaki. "Hey. Tamaki guy. I have a few questions to you. Can you spare a few minutes?"

ImpSyndrome

2014-03-20, 03:50 PM

[Hollow Heart in the Valley of Ash]

Urameshi's lessons come to Satoshi's mind again.
Indeed it does, because the newbie caught a rather nasty punishment at his rebuttle, which went something like...

"Well, if that happens, I'm certainly not going to stick around to get beaten to death! What good would it be using my fists if they can't do anything worth writing home about?!"
It was only at this point that Urameshi showed him a type of Hakuda skill that better suited his more fragile build. In the heat of the battle, he had completely forgotten about that technique, but his current anxiety resonates with what he felt back then, and the memory follows with it. Armed with this knowledge, he turned back to his target and prepared to attack once more...

The angered Hollow begins to trash as if that would make it free itself more easily. It's getting angrier. Less focused. The novice Shinigami could use that to his advantage.
Satoshi takes a ready stance for a moment before running toward the Hollow, poised to strike. Unfortunately, the raging beast is still flailing around, and it manages to strike him with a lucky swing as he gets close. He stumbles back a few paces and shakes his head a few times before watching for a better opening, though he's getting frustrated just like the Hollow at this point...

((I figure it'd be less of an accomplishment if he killed it while it's trapped. Let's keep things interesting for another exchange or two...))

Kuroimaken

2014-03-20, 04:41 PM

Works for me.

Oh yeah, good times. Satoshi had to do three thousand situps for that one.

"Discretion can sometimes be the better part of valor, but so is courage. A lot of the time, things may seem hopeless, but they'll only really be if you let them."

The Hollow finally yanks free, cracking up dust and dirt as it does. It charges at Satoshi again, practically galloping on its aracnid legs for a hard shot.

ImpSyndrome

2014-03-20, 05:41 PM

[Hollow Heart in the Valley of Ash]

The Hollow finally yanks free, cracking up dust and dirt as it does. It charges at Satoshi again, practically galloping on its aracnid legs for a hard shot.
Satoshi watches the Hollow's approach and waits for his moment to strike. As it draws close, he quickly steps in and throws an uppercut into the beast's underside. Unfortunately, his technique is rather poor, and he succeeds only in bruising his hand. As his foe passes overhead, he crouches low to avoid getting trampled and darts out of the way once it has passed.

(Dangit,) he frets. (It's tearing the village apart...I've got to stop it, and fast...! But I don't have the time to practice this stupid technique...How am I going to kill this thing?!)

Sadly, all the memories of Urameshi's tough-love training won't help him anymore. It'd take something entirely different to give Satoshi the push he needs...

Kuroimaken

2014-03-20, 05:49 PM

There's a cry. Faint to Satoshi's ears, but it causes the Hollow to look in a different direction.

There's a child nearby, watching it all. Apparently, she was too terrified to get away in time. She trembles, large teardrops dripping down her face.

The Hollow snarls as it switches targets and charges towards the girl.

She's too close! No time for a Hadou!

ImpSyndrome

2014-03-21, 10:01 AM

[Hollow Heart in the Valley of Ash]

There's a cry. Faint to Satoshi's ears, but it causes the Hollow to look in a different direction.

There's a child nearby, watching it all. Apparently, she was too terrified to get away in time. She trembles, large teardrops dripping down her face.

The Hollow snarls as it switches targets and charges towards the girl.

She's too close! No time for a Hadou!
The noise does indeed escape Satoshi's hearing, but when the Hollow gets distracted, he follows its line of sight and spots Cynthia, one of the younger neighborhood kids. She's crying silently some distance away, cowering in fear as the ivory-masked monstrosity bears down on her. It's moving much too fast to be halted by any physical force, and even if he had time to fire off a spell, the risk of harming the girl or damaging the houses that shelter the other townsfolk would be far too great to use Kido. There's only one way to stop the beast, and the Shinigami's not even sure if he can do it properly...

Are you doomed to fail, then, Takakura Satoshi?

Everything seems to freeze around Satoshi as that strange voice from the lakeside enters his mind again, taunting him from every angle at once but from nowhere in particular. He looks around, wondering what could be causing the phenomenon, but he doesn't get much of a chance before another message reaches him.

You know your enemy's weaknesses. You have the skills to defeat it. Despite this, you refuse to acknowledge your own power and utilize it...Why?

"...Because my power isn't worth anything. I've done nothing but fail since Day 1, and now Cynthia's going to die because of it. If I were really so capable, I would've killed the Hollow by now..."

You speak like a seated officer, but you're only a novice. You expect far too much of yourself.

"So what?! Everyone else expects the same from me, so what's the big deal?!"

You assume too quickly that "everyone else" must be justified in their expectations. Do not be swayed so easily by the words of others; only you can determine your true capability.

"...You say it like it's so simple. Like you would even know...Who are you...?"

I am your companion, the blade guided by your hand...My name is $#V^%@!, and I am always by your side.

"'Companion'...? Wait...Could you be...?!"

Focus, Satoshi. You have a job to do. The time will come eventually when you will find me, and when it does, you will know my true name. But, for now, you must concentrate on the present and assume your duty as a Shinigami...
As the world around him comes back into focus, Satoshi's eyes light up with a kind of righteous anger. It might seem almost audacious in someone so green, but given the stark contrast to the brooding, tormented expression he's been wearing for the past few days, it does at least command some small measure of respect. His posture has straightened up, too, and an aura of determination seems to surround him; whatever just happened, it's really set him straight.

(No more wasting time,) Satoshi tells himself. (Whoever that voice belonged to, she was right...I know I can do this, so I just need to do it. Being a Shinigami isn't just about reputation or pride; it's about the lives I'm meant to save. If I'm going to protect anyone, I've got to quit obsessing about opinions and start kicking some ass.)

He rushes to the Hollow's right flank as time begins to flow again, and with a single quick-step, he closes the gap and delivers a lightning-fast punch to the joint of one of its legs. When he makes contact, he only taps the beast lightly, but the transfer of kinetic energy should be great enough to at least stagger it.

Kuroimaken

2014-03-21, 12:05 PM

Satoshi's gambit works well beyond his expectations. There's a sickening sound of rupturing flesh and sinew as Satoshi's strike forces it to bend in the direction it is least capable of resisting impact. The Hollow lets out a deafening howl of pain as it attempts to swivel in order to catch Satoshi in a counter - but it lacks the stability to swing properly, with one of its legs inutilized.

Draken

2014-03-21, 02:04 PM

The Ghost King's Prison

The arm gives way to Koutarou's attacks, but this time there is no blight nor dust from the wound, but a mass of tendrils alive with grasping intent, from both the stump and the severed limb.

Eyes erupt from the walls in a ring and the noise of great fists striking the kidõ barrier behind jolts of lightning echo from the center of the room.

The drone on Daiki screeches as fire engulfs it but it does not pull back from him. Its abdomen splits into rows of teeth and it falls upon the shinigami wholly.

The drones isolated by the barrier blast at it with their cero blasts, as does Argos.

KnightDisciple

2014-03-21, 04:45 PM

[Ghost King's Prison]

Harada curses as Daiki seems to sacrifice himself for absolutely no real gain against the drone.

"Koutarou-san, Vern-san, we need to leave now."

He grunted at the impacts against the barrier. He poured more energy into it, his sword sealing itself as he redirected his spiritual energy to the task. The sealed blade was kept free in one hand, though.

"I can hold this for now, but we don't have any more time."

As soon as the Senkaimon was fully open Harada would begin backing up toward it, holding himself right at the threshold until the other two were in or beyond the doorway. Only then would he stop pouring more energy into the barrier and rapidly enter the inter-dimensional tunnel.

Kuroimaken

2014-03-21, 05:27 PM

Daiki's sacrifice (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ez7jb-9F2P4) is not wasted, though not in a way he would have expected.

Koutarou dares not scream for his comrade. Too much psychological advantage for the adversary. He had long learned to suppress such responses on the battlefield, though he let them slip from time to time.

Zanpakutou, being so closely attached to their masters' spirits, are especially susceptible to wild emotional fluctuations. Grief can make them weaker as their masters become more lethargic. Anger can become an imbalancing factor for something that requires control.

Whatever lies in the mind of the man behind that mask is clearly making him stronger. The armor becomes imbued with streaking black-and-golden lines of energy running through his body. The ionization next to him is actually visible. The grasping, writhing tentacles suddenly find themselves shocked, numbed and burnt by the sheer amount of energy.

"Rider Fading Starlight."

Kamen Rider's seemingly translucent form slowly walks out of a copy of himself made of pure black and golden lightning. Contrary to the apparent apathy of its see-through brother, the 'copy' is a blur of motion, unleashing the fury of a thousand fists and feet upon the creature. Each fist might have paralyzed a smaller creature. Though even combined they don't seem to do much, the amount of strikes alone is nothing short of staggering - and with each hit it sends more and more energy into the Hollow. As the copy continues to silently but violently punish its enemy, Kamen Rider Rei speaks up.

"You have until the seventh sign to count up your sins.

For you are already dead."

A bright flash of light erupts from the monstrosity's chest. A thin cracking line appears before another dot explodes forth. It will continue in this fashion as the copy rains blow upon blow, fashioned after the Big Dipper.

Draken

2014-03-21, 06:19 PM

Cut off from Von Geister's power, the creature can't help but burst into silver and blight, as opposed to much more wholesome gore.

There is silence.

And then there is darkness, the creature that attacked Daiki is smoldering, the ground beneath it is a smoldering puddle of blight sizzling and shrieking with minute voices.

ImpSyndrome

2014-04-01, 07:46 AM

[Hollow Heart in the Valley of Ash]

Satoshi's gambit works well beyond his expectations. There's a sickening sound of rupturing flesh and sinew as Satoshi's strike forces it to bend in the direction it is least capable of resisting impact. The Hollow lets out a deafening howl of pain as it attempts to swivel in order to catch Satoshi in a counter - but it lacks the stability to swing properly, with one of its legs inutilized.
Satoshi evades the clumsy blow with a short quick-step and seeks out a new opening to exploit. With one of its legs unusable, the Hollow is likely to be off-kilter, which ought to give him a chance to topple it. Short of that, though, he'll quickly maneuver ahead of the beast, hoping to push it away from the innocent bystander...

((Sorry it's so short, but I'll try to get back to my usual rate of posting soon.))

Kuroimaken

2014-04-01, 08:23 AM

Satoshi actually finds an opening he could use to cripple another leg!

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

Kamen Rider Rei opposes that darkness with a bright light of his own. From his position shoots out that same electric shadow that violently pummeled his previous opponent - it rushes out to strike at the Hollows trying to pin down Harada and Vern.

"Set up the portal. I'll cover you."

As he says this, that "electric shadow" shoots about everywhere. Any larva that could reasonably be dispatched by a Shinigami of his caliber or lower is quickly dispatched. Attacking the shadow itself proves useless.

"Erscheinung Von Geister. You will live to regret the choice you made today."

Draken

2014-04-01, 09:33 AM

Prison of the Ghost King

Koutarou has very little work to do to release Harada and Vern, the two drones are recoiling back close to the central seal. The larva are inching back to the ceiling. Even the tentacles of Argos fidget about the ceiling, throwing an intense stare.

"... You killed one of my children."

A long barbed tentacle sweeps up from the central hole, sweeping up the mummies around the room and throwing them at Koutarou before coiling back amidst the geas' lightning.

"These are all the people who have killed my children before, death god. If anyone here will live to regret his choices it is you."

KnightDisciple

2014-04-01, 10:06 AM

Thankfully the barrier that Harada erected is still up. As the fighting seems to have died down inside of it. he actually begins shrinking it. This gives the 3 living Shinigami less room, but lets him concentrate more power into the remaining barrier space.

Which is probably how he manages to keep the barrier from doing more than just flickering as the Ghost King throws several mummies at it.

Kuroimaken

2014-04-01, 10:07 AM

"You killed one of my men.

Unlike you, I will work to redeem myself for my mistakes."

Draken

2014-04-01, 11:23 AM

Prison of the Ghost King

"Redeem your mistakes? You asura can't redeem your mistakes, you uphold them and call them righteous and safeguard them for millennia on end."

"Once I am free I will take great pleasure in tearing down the pillars that uphold your cadaverous world and send it crashing down upon the earth."

Kuroimaken

2014-04-01, 08:57 PM

"You make a piss-poor yasha, Ghost King."

Kamen Rider Rei doesn't seem to make a great deal of effort at masking his rage. At least, not to those he commands...

...but to Von Geister, whose perception is honed by ancient wisdom, each word is like a dagger flung at him.

"And while asura we may be, the world will continue to stand on our fury if all else fails. As it has since your imprisonment, as it will after you're dead."

ImpSyndrome

2014-04-02, 08:30 AM

[Hollow Heart in the Valley of Ash]

While its balance is upset, Satoshi lashes out at the Hollow's weak point with another soft-impact strike, hoping to further debilitate it. Part of him still wants to push the beast back from the town to avoid collateral damage, but at the same time, he recognizes that keeping its attention with his assault and aiming for an eventual kill might be the best way to minimize that risk...

Kuroimaken

2014-04-02, 09:27 AM

Once again, Satoshi's strategy works better than he expected. The Hollow howls in pain and disgrace as a different limb is shattered. It punches the ground to leap upwards, deciding to gain some distance so it can regenerate - and in the meantime, he gives Satoshi something to worry about as multiple globs of acidic spittle fly towards Cynthia!

ImpSyndrome

2014-04-02, 10:09 AM

[Hollow Heart in the Valley of Ash]

Once again, Satoshi's strategy works better than he expected. The Hollow howls in pain and disgrace as a different limb is shattered. It punches the ground to leap upwards, deciding to gain some distance so it can regenerate - and in the meantime, he gives Satoshi something to worry about as multiple globs of acidic spittle fly towards Cynthia!
Satoshi backs off as the Hollow propels itself away by sheer force. Thankfully, he's relatively close to the innocent girl when the enemy targets her, so a quick reaction saves the both of them from some nasty burns. He carries Cynthia to cover behind a nearby building and quickly tells her, "It's alright, you're safe...It'll be OK, kiddo. Just do me a favor and stay here, alright? I need to go beat up that Hollow that attacked us." He turns back toward the battleground, a stern look of determination on his face, as he comments, "No one threatens my hometown like this and gets away with it." Another quick-step, and he's back on the field of battle, racing toward the Hollow and forming a plan to take it down for good...

AnimeKid

2014-04-02, 02:28 PM

[Las Noches]

Apparently, the answer is the Grand Library of Las Noches. Mikael and Valentina interrupt Rin's and Tamaki's studying as they walk in. Mikael leaves Valentina to her devices and, disregardimg Rin and Jehoel, heads straight for Tamaki. "Hey. Tamaki guy. I have a few questions to you. Can you spare a few minutes?"

Tamaki looks up from his a book that he had his nose deep in. He sees Mikael and is surprised by the seriousness he sees in his eyes. Noting the page number of the book he was on he closed the volume and set it aside. It looked like he had went through quite a few of the books in the time he had been here. Looking Mikael in the eye with his face set in an utmost serious expression he utters, "What is it Mikael? What's happened?"

Kuroimaken

2014-04-02, 04:38 PM

[Hollow Heart in the Valley of Ash]

Satoshi backs off as the Hollow propels itself away by sheer force. Thankfully, he's relatively close to the innocent girl when the enemy targets her, so a quick reaction saves the both of them from some nasty burns. He carries Cynthia to cover behind a nearby building and quickly tells her, "It's alright, you're safe...It'll be OK, kiddo. Just do me a favor and stay here, alright? I need to go beat up that Hollow that attacked us." He turns back toward the battleground, a stern look of determination on his face, as he comments, "No one threatens my hometown like this and gets away with it." Another quick-step, and he's back on the field of battle, racing toward the Hollow and forming a plan to take it down for good...

Knowing it's being pushed and that Satoshi is a significantly more credible threat now, the Hollow knows better than to keep within melee range. But it can't air-walk, so it keeps propelling itself quickly onward and upward, shooting towards the rookie Shinigami, while its legs slowly knit themselves back...

Satoshi will need to take more decisive action if he wants to bring this to a close!

STILL WAITING ON THAT THEME SONG POWER-UP, DUDE!

Frozen_Feet

2014-04-03, 08:03 AM

[Hueco Mundo]
Grand Library of Las Noches

Tamaki looks up from his a book that he had his nose deep in. He sees Mikael and is surprised by the seriousness he sees in his eyes. Noting the page number of the book he was on he closed the volume and set it aside. It looked like he had went through quite a few of the books in the time he had been here. Looking Mikael in the eye with his face set in an utmost serious expression he utters, "What is it Mikael? What's happened?"

"There's something we never discussed on Earth. I meant to, but I forgot about it at the time. I had other things to think of." Mikael lifts a hand on his stomach, where Tamaki hit with his Pile Bunker. "You reincarnation. I don't know how much you and Katsuo talked about it, but... when I dismantled your physical body, your spirit seemed to fade away. I don't think that's what normally happens when the body dies. Or... well..." Mikael scratches his head.

"... Reishi. The bodies made of Reishi reflect how their owner was when alive. But when your body was... uh, going backwards in time, I think the holistic link between your body and soul was severed. When I reduce inorganic items into pieces, they don't leave their spiritual component behind, but their soul must still go somewhere. Otherwise, I couldn't remake them so easily." Mikael rubs his head contemplatively. It's apparent he's struggling to put his ideas into words.

"What I'm trying to say is, when I unmade you, your soul was, for a moment, in the same state is was before birth. Without form either as a spirit or a living being. And when I remade you... well. I'm fairly sure your essence now contains a third portion, in addition to those you inherited from your parents. My essence. So I want to know... from the moment you were reduced to unborn state, to the moment you woke up in your new body... do you remember anything? Where did your soul go?"

ImpSyndrome

2014-04-03, 09:33 AM

[Hollow Heart in the Valley of Ash]

Knowing it's being pushed and that Satoshi is a significantly more credible threat now, the Hollow knows better than to keep within melee range. But it can't air-walk, so it keeps propelling itself quickly onward and upward, shooting towards the rookie Shinigami, while its legs slowly knit themselves back...

Satoshi will need to take more decisive action if he wants to bring this to a close!

STILL WAITING ON THAT THEME SONG POWER-UP, DUDE!
((You can't rush these things, you know! Besides, remember that Satoshi is still a n00b; becoming a genre-savvy pragmatist takes time.))

As he races after the Hollow, Satoshi notices that its legs have begun to mend themselves. Knowing that he won't win a battle of endurance against a regenerating foe, he pushes himself to move faster, sprinting at high speed, but it's still not fast enough to keep up at the rate that the monstrosity can push itself away with those powerful arms. It doesn't help that it keeps spitting acid at him, forcing him to take evasive action and slowing him down.

After a few successful dodges, though, one of the shots gets too close, and the splash catches on one of his legs, causing him to stumble slightly. That's all it takes, though, because the next shot is aimed right at him, and it strikes the dirt hard, throwing up a frothing cloud of grit around him. It's hard to tell what happened to him, but it sure looks like the attack made a direct hit...

((Next post will have a power-up, I think.))

Draken

2014-04-03, 09:47 AM

[Prison]

That is a dreadful assumption to make.

"I am outside the grip of a portfolio held in trust by so many paltry gods, boy."

Across the room from Koutarou and company, a garganta begins to split open in the air with the first breezes of a rush of desolate spiritual power.

Spacewolf

2014-04-03, 01:45 PM

Vern mumbles something that was probably along the lines of "Screw this" and exits back through to the soul society

Kuroimaken

2014-04-03, 11:35 PM

[Hollow Heart in the Valley of Ash]

((You can't rush these things, you know! Besides, remember that Satoshi is still a n00b; becoming a genre-savvy pragmatist takes time.))

As he races after the Hollow, Satoshi notices that its legs have begun to mend themselves. Knowing that he won't win a battle of endurance against a regenerating foe, he pushes himself to move faster, sprinting at high speed, but it's still not fast enough to keep up at the rate that the monstrosity can push itself away with those powerful arms. It doesn't help that it keeps spitting acid at him, forcing him to take evasive action and slowing him down.

After a few successful dodges, though, one of the shots gets too close, and the splash catches on one of his legs, causing him to stumble slightly. That's all it takes, though, because the next shot is aimed right at him, and it strikes the dirt hard, throwing up a frothing cloud of grit around him. It's hard to tell what happened to him, but it sure looks like the attack made a direct hit...

((Next post will have a power-up, I think.))

Because it is mildly stupid that way, and also because it probably thinks little girls taste better, the creature turns to wobble its way towards terrified little Cynthia.

ImpSyndrome

2014-04-04, 10:35 AM

Because it is mildly stupid that way, and also because it probably thinks little girls taste better, the creature turns to wobble its way towards terrified little Cynthia.
((No tag this time because I'm tired of typing it out every single time; pretty sure it's been established by now what scene this is.))

Satoshi did, of course, survive the attack, using a close-range Kido to counter the acid missile, but he still suffered some light burns to his forearms and to his right leg (from the splash that had tripped him up). It seems that the dust cloud thrown up from the impact hid him from his enemy, because it's stopped attacking him. In fact, it's turned away, lumbering off in the direction of...Cynthia's hiding place? OK, that's one too many times. Now he's just plain mad, and that anger is drowning out any exhaustion or pain he might otherwise be experiencing.

"Get back here, you dumb bastard," he curses aloud, getting the beast's attention. "I'm not finished with you yet!! Bakudo no kyu: Geki!!"

The binding Kido probably won't do much but stall the Hollow for a second or three, but that's all the time Satoshi will need to quick-step out of the dust cloud and rush his foe. This time, he won't wait for it to attack first: as soon as he gets close enough, he'll quick-step the rest of the way and start hammering its legs with soft-strike punches, taking away its mobility one limb at a time to immobilize it and render it vulnerable for a lethal attack...

Kuroimaken

2014-04-04, 10:55 AM

ImpSyndrome

2014-04-04, 11:10 AM

Satoshi's Bakudou doesn't do much more than cause his opponent to stagger for a moment or two. Even given Satoshi's proficiency, it was still an unchanted, low-level spell.

But Satoshi's tactic has been observed once before. Without the cover of waiting for his opponent's recovery, the novice Shinigami ends up trading hits. Thankfully, his earlier attempt at slowing down the Hollow cost his nemesis' fists some strength, diminishing the impact.
A flurry of punches fly from both combatants as Satoshi tries to break through his opponent's guard. It's astonishing how quick the Hollow is to match his attacks, despite its overwhelming size. As the clash drags on, though, Satoshi only gets more and more frustrated, and each of his attacks hits just a little harder than the last...

Finally, having put up with enough of that tomfoolery, Satoshi breaks the pattern and outright evades one of the Hollow's punches. While it (presumably) staggers, his momentum carries into a counter-attack, and he throws a savage kick at its elbow. Disabling that limb should give him a clearer shot at its head...if his attack connects.

Kuroimaken

2014-04-04, 08:21 PM

KnightDisciple

2014-04-04, 08:24 PM

"Only time will tell, abomination."

Stepping in after Vern, Kamen Rider Rei proceeds to exit through the portal, urging Harada to follow.

Harada waits until KRR is inside the portal before taking the last couple of steps through. He sends one more surge of energy into the barrier before physically slamming the doors of the Senkaimon manifestation shut. He turns and makes to catch up with Vern and Rei.

Inside the prison area, the barrier will hold itself for several moments of sustained abuse, or longer if left alone.

AnimeKid

2014-04-05, 12:10 AM

[Hueco Mundo]
Grand Library of Las Noches

"There's something we never discussed on Earth. I meant to, but I forgot about it at the time. I had other things to think of." Mikael lifts a hand on his stomach, where Tamaki hit with his Pile Bunker. "You reincarnation. I don't know how much you and Katsuo talked about it, but... when I dismantled your physical body, your spirit seemed to fade away. I don't think that's what normally happens when the body dies. Or... well..." Mikael scratches his head.

"... Reishi. The bodies made of Reishi reflect how their owner was when alive. But when your body was... uh, going backwards in time, I think the holistic link between your body and soul was severed. When I reduce inorganic items into pieces, they don't leave their spiritual component behind, but their soul must still go somewhere. Otherwise, I couldn't remake them so easily." Mikael rubs his head contemplatively. It's apparent he's struggling to put his ideas into words.

"What I'm trying to say is, when I unmade you, your soul was, for a moment, in the same state is was before birth. Without form either as a spirit or a living being. And when I remade you... well. I'm fairly sure your essence now contains a third portion, in addition to those you inherited from your parents. My essence. So I want to know... from the moment you were reduced to unborn state, to the moment you woke up in your new body... do you remember anything? Where did your soul go?"

Tamaki looked at Mikael, and he could tell how serious he was to him. Nodding Tamaki closed his eyes and slightly tilted his head, bringing a hand up so that one finger would tap in a steady rhythm against his temple. As he used his eidetic memory to recall what happened, he spoke as his he was an outsider to the memory. Like he was a recording.

"Reduce. When Mikael says the word, it is like a command coming from God. Tamaki's consciousness freezes, his first instinct being to reject it. But then he remembers, he told him to do his thing. This eases his mind, and he relaxes. What's the worst that could happen? Besides, Mikael promised to return him to how he was.

And with that, Tamaki's consciousness shuts down. It's like falling into deep, blissfull sleep. Mikael and Katsuo disappear as everything fades into black...

... and then Tamaki awakens. But he is not in the cave anymore. He can not tell where he is at all, as there is nothing but darkness around. He tries to squint and strain his eyes to see even smallest glint of light, but realizes it won't work - because he has no eyes!

In fact, he has no body, no form at all. He is just energy floating in pitch-blackness. It doesn't actually feel that bad. After a while, he begins to feel something... a current of energy, coming from nothing and ending nowhere, like a wave washing over him periodically. How easy it would be to just let it carry you and... fade... away...

But then, a change occurs. Another current arises from the opposite direction and clashes with the first one, creating turmoil. Tamaki feels like he is being torn apart, but then, something reaches through the chaos, forming a solid path through the void. Without thinking, he begins walking it, towards light.

When he reaches it, he realizes the light is the Earth. He looks around and sees the Sun, the planets, and the stars glinting far away. Looks like he's arrive in space, or maybe he was there all along and only now realized it.

As he returns his gaze on Earth, or maybe something pulls his attention there like a magnet, he realizes that despite being this high, he can see the tiniest detail occurring on the surface. He peers closer and can see... himself. Himself as he was when he just a baby.

As he continues looking, he can see other phases of himself, familiar place, familiar phases. Memories both good and bad repeat themselves before him - even many things he thought he'd forgotten, but he forgets of them again as the display continues.

And it continues for a long time. A lifetime, to be exact, that of Tamaki's own. As it nears his present, however, a foreign element intrudes in his mindscape. Despite trying to look away and returning to his own past, something keeps drawing his attention again, to places he's never been in, to faces he's never seen.

He sees an infant, sleeping in the middle of four other babies who are all bawling. He sees a small kid, four years old at most, pointing angrily at a baby (his brother?) who is eathing his Legos. He sees the same kid, now older, playing hide-and-seek with his grandmother, when a snake bites him, and he is rushed to a hospital. He sees him standing on a rock, playing alone with an imaginary friend, seemingly oblivious to other kids playing soccer just a dozen meters away. He sees the kid cutting cardboard, gluing stickers, playing with legos, carving wood, making fire, crafting chairs, welding together slabs of metal as he progresses towards adulthood. He can see the joy and pride he takes in every knife he forges, every piece of plumbing he puts together, every hull he makes for a car, so on and so forth. He can see him wearing an uniform (the first even faintly familiar trait of this character), marching in line, shooting a rifle and shouting orders to other men. He can see three golden chevrons on the collar of his uniform.

But as this puzzling sequence of images of this unknown man proceeds, Tamaki starts to feel something is wrong. Something is troubling this man. He is dissatisfied with the world and how it works. Tamaki can see people speaking ill of him behind his back. He can hear sounds of quarrel coming from the house this man identifies as 'home'. The man enters a long period during which no-one seems to need for him anything. He seems sad, lonely, and useless. He tries struggling against the tide, meeting a lot of people and going to lot of places, but for all his efforts he never quite succeeds. Tamaki sees him face rejection after rejection, growing increasingly frustrated. Yet, after each time, he picks up his broken heart and moves on again.

Finally, things start to look decent. The man has a house. He has a job. He is tall, and strong, and skilled, or at least he feels so. Something is still missing, though... but maybe, it's just ahead? From the grey masses of people, an image emerges. A girl. It might be the prettiest girl Tamaki has ever seen, with her curly her and bright smile and frilly dress... okay, that might be exaggerating. Maybe it's this unknown man who feels like that, and not Tamaki himself. Maybe he is just seeing his point of view?

But, as the man reaches for her, both he and Tamaki see that she's with another man. Tamaki can see the protagonist of this tale hesitate. He can guess what's going on in his mind - is it worth it to get to know this person, when it's clear he'll just face another rejection? It's hardly realistic to expect her to abandon her boyfriend for him.

He decides to give it a shot anyway. She goes and talks to the girl, and they become friends. When one is going through a rough patch, she helps him, and he helps her. Tamaki sees that it's her this man goes to, more than anyone else, when he's had a bad date, or when he's having a hard time at work, or when his family life's stressfull. Even after he reveals his crush to her, and she turns him down, nothing changes. There is no awkwardness, no aversion, no severing of times. The man's respect for her just grows. He feels he can tell pretty much anything to her.

But there's an ominous undertone to these pictures. A sense of growing dread that Tamaki can't pinpoint the source of. The pictures are becoming blurry and indistinct. One day, he can see the man reach for the girl again, to tell her something... when a truck crashes to him and knocks him out of the picture! There's a sound of shattering glass as he lands on his back just next to Tamaki! It's rather startling - wasn't he supposed to be above the atmosphere???

Painstakingly, the man gets back up. He is bleeding all over, but somehow he crawls back to Earth through the crack between dimensions. He reaches for her, intent to tell her something... but she shakes her head in horror, and turns her back to him. The picture halts and loses color, becoming a black-and-white photo floating in the void.

Then it catches fire, and when it's gone Tamaki can perceive a new scene before him - a dark silhouette of a man (?), standing in front of and facing a raging conflagration, apparently a burning house. It might be the shadowed figure has just emerged from the wreckage. The scene ripples and distorts due to the heat, and Tamaki can even feel it through the crack in space.

When the fire dies down, only white ash is left behind. Silver sickle of the moon shines from the night sky, casting its pale light on the figure. Then, a man dressed in white jumps down from the sky, standing imposingly before the forlorn figure. A fight breaks out between them, that of white against black, a horribly destructive fight exceeding even those Tamaki himself has fought. The White Devil fights like a legion of men, spawning guns and cannons from his very flesh. The shaded figure doesn't really feel like a match to it, fighting only with its hands and feet. It is knocked around helplessly, trampled to the ground and shot, its skin and body torn away piece at a time.

Yet, against all expectations, it triumphs. It catches the bullets and artillery shells and shoves them down the barrels that shot them. Then it grows fangs like those of a snake and swallows the White Devil whole.

Then the figure turns and looks at Tamaki, and he can finally see clearly who it is. It is Mikael, bandaged from head to toe, wearing an uniform devoid of all the emblems and insignia he was once proud of. His face is disfigured, capable of only unblinking stare and a skeletal grin. His eyes are color-inverted eyes of a snake, white slit pupils staring coldly at Tamaki through the crack. It seems nothing's left of the man he once was.

Then, a cold wind blows through the crack and pushes Tamaki further into space. Once again, he can see all of Earth, but it looks rather different now. It is... alive. Like a giant snake coiling around itself, biting its own tail. Eternally dying, yet eternally renewing itself at the same time. And the creatures on it follow the same pattern. From plants to fishes to humans, every second is a struggle, with someone's benefit being someone else's detriment. Even Hollows and Shinigami are no different in this outlook - they are just another pair of prey and predator, hunter and hunted, fighting over the right to exist. That they are souls instead of matter makes no difference.

Tamaki can see what would happen if the Hollows win. He sees a tall, majestic man dressed in black leather, with a hole through his collarbone, standing above all others. He sees him slaughter everyone, devour everyone, untill he alone is left amidst white sand. And then, with nothing else to eat, he turns into a serpent and devours himself, and from the blood of his dying body, new plants and animals emerge.

It's the great cycle of life, and at the same time, the great cycle of suffering. It has no beginning and it has no end; from creation comes destruction, and from destruction comes creation. In the void it spins, going on and on and on, grinding everything and everyone to dust so that from that dust, new things can be made. The only thing that lasts is change...

... or is it? Surely, there must be something more than this depressing world! As Tamaki muses on this, he realizes he is not alone in space. As he looks behind, he sees two other figures. One is that black-clad Hollow. Second is a gentle-looking brown-haired, green-eyed man wearing a leather jacket, who Tamaki at this point can recognize as Mikael as he might be if not for fateful encounter with Hollows. Behind Mikael, there is a second window in space, from which bright light shines. Tamaki can feel himself pulled toward it. As he nears it, he sees an array of pictures - a God of Thunder fighting against the World Serpent, a Knight piercing a Dragon's snout with his lance and roses blooming from the blood of the beast, and an Angel standing on top of a Serpent, stabbing towards it with a spear. Written under them is a message: "We all have our dragons to slay."

The light washes over Tamaki, drowning all other things from sight. It sears him, it fills him, and it remakes him, revealing and burning away weakness in him. It is painfull to look at, so he instinctively tries to close his eyes...

... and then he wakes up." After Tamaki's recollection of his out of body experience his eyes snap back into focus, having become dull during the retelling. He looks unperturbed by his recollection as he looks to Mikael.

"That is what I remember. Did it help?"

Dorizzit

2014-04-05, 02:30 AM

Jehoel, silent since Mikael's arrival, quickly takes an interest in Tamaki's story. He leans forward, an avaricious curiosity entering his eyes.

"Fascinating..."

ImpSyndrome

2014-04-05, 06:38 PM

It does, but Satoshi underestimates his foe's fortitude. The Hollow's limb locks into place, but to the abominable creature, that just means it has a lesser range of movement as it swings at the rookie with its seized arm!

Well, that plan failed. Satoshi is forced to dodge again as his foe flails its damaged arm at him. His frustration is boiling over by this point: whenever he thinks he's getting the upper hand, the Hollow manages to level the playing field in some way or another. Between its brute strength, unusual agility, acid projectiles, and regenerating capabilities, he can't help but wonder if he's even capable of killing it at his level. That raises another question: with the fight having dragged on for so long, why hasn't Seireitei responded at all? Hasn't anyone even noticed all the chaos?

Unfortunately, the newbie Shinigami doesn't have the luxury of time to think about this, because he's still dangerously close to his enemy, which is still trying to kill him. It's learning his patterns by now, which means he's running out of options to end this fight in his favor. He switches to defense, dodging and weaving around the Hollow's attacks to find another angle...

Kuroimaken

2014-04-05, 08:21 PM

There's no discernible way to know. Then again, it stands to reason that if this Hollow made it so far into Rukongai undetected, then something is holding back Gotei's alarms. Chances are Satoshi won't be getting any backup, and he stands no chance on an endurance match. He is alone, and he must end this quickly.

Thankfully, his enemy seems to be out of tricks to use to its advantage, but then again, so is Satoshi. At this point, it's not a matter of who's stronger or smarter, but rather who has a more powerful will to live, to fight, to protect.

Cynthia timidly tries to root for the newbie Shinigami.

"You gotta win, Satoshi-niichan! You can't let him kill you!

Fight! Fight and wiiiiiiiiin!!"

Come on, dude, I'm exhausting my literary repertoire trying to trick you into that theme song power-up here!

Frozen_Feet

2014-04-06, 05:33 AM

[Hueco Mundo]
Grand Library of Las Noches

Mikael is silent as Tamaki recounts his story, a chill running down the bandaged man's spine. He snaps out of it only when Jehoel's voice makes it clear the Arrancar has been listening for the whole time. "... a snake eating its own tail, huh?" Mikael mutters, looking at Jehoel. Then his attention turns back to Tamaki and bows. "Thanks. That's... all. You have amazing memory. I'll get back to you once.... uh, once I'll think of... something. Good day." Mikael turns to leave.

Mina Kobold

2014-04-06, 07:10 AM

[Hueco Mundo]
Grand Library of Las Noches

Rin, having been investigating some of the books to see if the Arrancar's written works are all conveniently in Japanese, had paused to listen as well when Tamaki recounts his memory. Having barely been introduced to the basics of the spiritual world and being entirely ignorant of Tamaki's past, the comparatively uninteresting Mortal simply nods slowly before speaking. While seemingly distracted by trying to figure out the backstory between Mikael and Tamaki on top of understanding Tamaki's memory, Rin's voice reveals no fear or shock at the story, only curiosity.

"That was quite fascinating, yea. Sounds like the extreme out-of-body experience to me, 'cept it's probably more reliable. Is memory reliable when this happens?"

The question is directed at Jehoel, though Rin is quickly looking for a book that might cover the subject. While Rin possesses none of Tamaki's eidetic memory, she seems to have gotten a very good overview of the books she's looked at.

((Sorry if it's a silly question: but are all the books readable for the Mortals? I've been wondering what books and in what languages they would be in the Grand Library. Presumably a lot would be written by Arrancar, but I'm not clear on whether they speak a language that is magically understood by Mortals or whether they'd use a lingua franca that depends on the time period. ^_^'))

Frozen_Feet

2014-04-06, 08:12 AM

Mikael overhears Rin's question and stops on his tracks. "... with sample of one, it's hard to say. Though I suppose I could put you through the same thing, should you want to." Such a tempting offer, isn't it?

((The books are likely in variety of languages.))

ImpSyndrome

2014-04-07, 08:23 AM

Satoshi flinches at the sound of Cynthia's voice. Didn't he explicitly tell her to stay hidden? Or was his performance truly so poor that she felt the need to intervene herself? His thoughts are consumed for half a second, but that's all it takes for his guard to drop, and the Hollow lands a direct hit with a wild swing, sending him crashing to the ground below. He attempts to rise, but a massive foot drops onto his back and presses him into the earth, attempting to flatten him. Battered and fatigued, part of him wants to admit defeat just to be done with the whole ordeal. At the same time, though, other, more powerful forces struggle to keep him in the fight.

Pride urges him to fight to preserve the noble qualities that every Shinigami should uphold.

Wrath compels him to slaughter the creature that dares to provoke him and attack his home.

Vanity motivates him to seek vengeance for being thrashed and embarrassed so soundly and in such a public manner.

More than anything, though, love for his home and the people in it prevents him from letting an aggressor kill and destroy at its whim.

((EDIT: Here you go, Kuroi. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0JXzcBRx7s)))

All of these things and more fuel Satoshi's energy as he crawls up onto his knees, fighting back against the overwhelming weight heaving down on him. Wiith every inch he gains, he utters defiant words to his assailant, declaring his intent to finish the fight on his own terms. "You come into my home with intent to murder and raze...You threaten my people, the people that I love, with death and destruction...You mock me with tricks, with decoys, and shroud your presence like a coward...Who the hell do you think you are...?! You stupid punk!!"

Satoshi is standing now, the giant foot resting on his shoulders as he wrestles to his feet. "No one pulls this kind of stunt with me...and lives to brag about it...! You won't have your way...I promise you that...or my name isn't Satoshi...!"

Now his hands are pressing up against the Hollow's sole, lifting it up from his body and raising his head. "I am not going to lie down and let you trample over everything this place stands for...! I am Takakura Satoshi!! I am a Shinigami!! And you...are...history!!"

There's a bright flash, brighter than the sun, as Satoshi throws his opponent off and starts building up speed, darting around with speed that makes his earlier Shunpo look like a casual swagger. With the Hollow confused and unable to react, he lets loose with a barrage of strikes, each blow aimed carefully at an exposed joint or a brittle bone and carrying the weight of his velocity behind it for effect. Once he's ensured that his foe can no longer stop his onslaught, he summons every ounce of strength left in his body and exclaims, "Hissatsu, Shishin-oogi: Shunshin Sokudo!!"

The Shinigami disappears for a couple seconds, but he's certainly still around, and he's pelting the Hollow's torso and head with strikes so quick that not even a blur is visible around it. When he finally reappears, he's in the air, above and slightly behind his stunned target, building up power. Half a second later, he lets out a battle cry and dives with a bone-breaking kick, striking the back of the monster's head and more-than-likely splitting its skull. All anyone might see, though, are a rush of movement blowing through its head and his reappearance below as he grinds to a halt.

((Cripes, this bothers me...Please look it over before responding and let me know if there are any problems with the liberties I've taken.))

Mina Kobold

2014-04-07, 12:18 PM

Kuroimaken

2014-04-07, 06:11 PM

It's not what I would've picked, but hey. :smalltongue:

Satoshi's righteous fury paralyzes his opponent with fear just long enough for him to create an opening.

And follow through with another. And another. And another. Until the monster realizes it can't defend itself.

When the rookie Shinigami's thunderous cry issues forth and his leg comes down, the Hollow briefly regrets having attacked his village before his brains are compressed into so much paste, its mask shattering under the strain.

Four Shinigami arrive at the scene just in time to see Satoshi land the finishing blow.

Frozen_Feet

2014-04-08, 05:05 AM

[Hueco Mundo]
Grand Library of Las Noches

Rin gives Mikael one look before laughing. Grabbing a nearby book in English, though an archaic variety, the security guard replies.

"You're certainly a soldier! No, I have no desire to try. Try it on yourself."

Cracking open the book, Rin begins looking through it. Evidently, it deals with souls and their place before birth, by the looks of the chapter illustrations.

Mikael shrugs. "Maybe I will." Then, he turns to Valentina. "Hey cat-girl... errr, Valentina. Can you help me round up some more of those faceless things? I want to do some experiments with them. One isn't enough."

ImpSyndrome

2014-04-08, 08:56 AM

((I admit, I just picked the first thing that seemed to fit, but I'm kind of curious now...What would you have chosen?))

For several seconds, Satoshi can barely motivate himself to move at all; the stress placed on his body during that heavy assault is starting to weigh on him, and it's all he can manage to focus on breathing normally, fighting to calm his racing heart. (How in blue blazes did I even pull that off,) he asks himself silently, still processing exactly what he had just done. It should have been well outside his range of capabilities, and yet there he was, standing tall before his vanquished foe, and his home and its residents are safe...for now.

It soon dawns on Satoshi that there are questions that need to be answered. Where did this Hollow come from? What is the nature of that decoy object he found before confronting it? How did it avoid detection from Seireitei for so long, even after engaging him in combat? Most importantly, what master, if any, did it serve, and would more enemies follow after it? With reinforcements finally arriving on-scene, maybe he can work together with them to get some answers, but the possibilities worry him immensely. As the quartet of Shinigami approach, he stands down, unsure of their intentions now that the fight is over...

((I was tempted to have Satoshi mimic Wolverine from the intro to Marvel Ultimate Alliance and be all, "What're you girls lookin' at?"))

Kuroimaken

2014-04-08, 11:29 AM

ImpSyndrome

2014-04-08, 12:04 PM

One of the shinigami in the quartet, a young officer by the name of Usui, orders the rest of his companions. "Spread out and form a perimeter. Look for any stragglers, or other Hollows. We were delayed in finding this one and there could be others in hiding.

Takakura Satoshi-kun, right? I heard from Urameshi-san you were here on leave. Can you tell me what happened exactly?"

Usui gazes at the slowly dissolving Hollow.

"Where's your Zanpakutou?"
"That's right," Satoshi replies, struggling to keep his voice steady. "I was...visiting some friends when I felt a hostile presence at the edge of town...I checked it out, and found this." The newbie Shinigami produces the small object he picked up from earlier. "It was a decoy, sending out a false signal. The real Hollow had probably planted it to lure away any threats in the area...Anyway, I rushed back here and found it running amok. I managed to get its attention and herd it away from the innocent people before engaging it..."

Right about then, the investigating Shinigami notices that Satoshi is missing his zanpakuto. "I didn't expect I'd be needing it," he explains, "so I left it at home. Everything happened so quickly, I didn't have time to run back and grab it...Probably wouldn't have done much good anyway; I've never even been a decent swordsman."

Kuroimaken

2014-04-08, 03:41 PM

ImpSyndrome

2014-04-08, 04:34 PM

Usui gazes back to where the Hollow has almost entirely disintegrated. "That Hollow you fought has actually been around for a while. Codenamed Spitkill. We have never been able to properly track it because that decoy you're holding masked his spiritual presence entirely. Every time we found the decoy it'd just deploy another elsewhere and cover its tracks.

The fact an unseated officer was able to kill it with his bare hands is cause for no small amount of wonder, Satoshi-kun. He's actually killed a number of our peers.

You must've been REALLY pissed."

A unique Hollow with several Shinigami kills under its belt...That certainly explains how it was able to put up so much of a fight: it'd had no shortage of practice, if this report is to be believed (and there's no reason not to believe it). It'd be interesting to see if the decoy tool could be reverse-engineered and used to benefit the Shinigami, although it's a rather far-fetched concept. In any case, the Shinigami's explanation stuns Satoshi; no wonder he'd been having so much trouble in their battle. That last part, though, nearly makes him laugh. If only this guy had arrived a bit sooner...

"Yeah, no kidding," he admits, relaxing a bit. "But...wouldn't you be, if something like this happened in your hometown? No way was I going to sit back and let anything happen to this place."

Kuroimaken

2014-04-08, 06:50 PM

ImpSyndrome

2014-04-10, 08:38 AM

"That's actually more admirable than you think. Take a look at Spitkill's rep sheet sometime. A lot of rookies freeze on their first real battle. Whatever made you not freeze... well, remember it. It's the stuff that makes a Shinigami brave.

I'm gonna ask for support from LogMed. Any casualties?"
(The stuff that makes a Shinigami brave, huh,) Satoshi thinks to himself. (No, it goes further than that...It's not just Shinigami that experience it. The reasons may be different, but the same thing could be said of anyone...maybe even Hollows...)

Back in the real world, he simply responds, "Yeah, definitely...Any hesitation, and I would've been lucky to live through this. That thing was brutal..."

Speaking of brutality, the next question involves a damage report for LogMed. Almost immediately, Satoshi is reminded of the villagers whom he had defended against the Hollow. Had any others been attacked before he had arrived? He quickly excuses himself and rushes to check up on the townspeople, praying that they're all safe...

Kuroimaken

2014-04-10, 08:51 AM

ImpSyndrome

2014-04-10, 10:27 AM

Usui will hold Satoshi back on that. "Hey, hey, HEY! Take it easy! You've done your part, we'll do ours now, okay? You just sit down and wait for the LogMed backup. You've got plenty of injuries yourself, you know."
Ah, the classic "forget me, I need to go take care of them" routine. Satoshi almost feels bad for falling into that stereotype, except for the part where it's his friends and loved ones that could be injured or dying. Still, the Shinigami raises a good point, as his own wounds are finally starting to ache and sting. Logic and passion fight a quick battle within the novice, and logic prevails. After all, he might do more harm than good in his current state, looking battered and singed as he does. Despite wanting to do more to help, he relents and takes a seat, but he does mention, "I don't know if anyone was attacked before I got here, but I don't think it's hit any other parts of town..."

Kuroimaken

2014-04-10, 10:45 AM

5a Violista

2014-04-10, 12:15 PM

[Hueco Mundo]
Grand Library of Las Noches

Wow, that telling by Tamaki...it's a lot to take in. Valentina was lost in thought, trying understand it. Then, Mikael calls her back.

Valentina actually started listening at "Cat girl." But hearing him call her by her own name actually made her smile. "The Sin Rostro? Of course," she says, much more disposed to help with those things.

"Just not in my room. Whatever happens, I'd like my own things to remain intact. Maybe we could bring them to one of the stadiums, instead." Valentina, saying that, already is on her way out to gather those faceless things. Including the one still hanging out at her place. Gathering them, and bringing them to one of the Stadiums. Probably the Lesser Stadium. It's been a while since that's been shown onscreen.

Frozen_Feet

2014-04-10, 12:45 PM

"The stadium sounds like a good place", Mikael replies and nods as the two move out of the library. When they get back to her apartment, Mikael glances at the floor, then takes a few seconds to gather up the pieces of the rifle and put it back together. Once done, he slings it over his shoulder, then picks up the Sin Rostro's Zanpakuto and finally the Sin Rostro itself. He follows Valentina around until they reach the stadium, leaving the Sin Rostro there, and continuing to help her to find more.

When they have a handful of the creatures at the lesser stadium, he nods approvingly. "I think I'll start my experiments now. You can keep bringing in the rest. Or, you can stay and watch. Whatever tickles your fancy." Mikael looks at the first Sin Rostro, now sitting at the middle of the stadium. The others have been arranged in the first row of the audience stand so they're out of the way. Mikael sits a hand's reach apart from the creature, directly opposite to it and staring straight into its blank eyes.

((OOC: I'll let MV decide how many Sin Rostro Mikael and Valentina find or found.))

5a Violista

2014-04-10, 08:10 PM

[Hueco Mundo]
Las Noches's Lesser Stadium

There are currently 11 Sin Rostro in the Stadium - ten lounging/standing/sitting in the audience bleachers, and the one sitting in the middle. It's the one that they found first. Not that there's any real difference between them. Actually...maybe it's not. It's nigh impossible to tell. They're all exactly the same: blank, empty, emotionless. Much like Hueco Mundo itself.

Valentina takes one look at them and shivers. "I'd...rather not stay," she says. They're creepy. She turns and leaves, looking for another. The more they've gotten, the harder it has been to find them: the remaining ones could have been wherever they are for weeks and nobody's run across them yet.

The first Sin Rostro's eyes stare back at Mikael. Or rather, through him, as if he weren't there.

Frozen_Feet

2014-04-12, 04:39 AM

[Hueco Mundo]
Lesser Stadium of Las Noches

Mikael breaks his eyecontact with the Sin Rostro to give Valentina a puzzled look. She's nervous, he can tell that - but he has hard time comprehending why. She is an Espada- one of the six most influential warriors in the city. She is a Hungry Ghost herself, a being of extraordinary power, almost a peer to Jehoel.

And yet, she's creeped out by these blank things. Such a ridiculous notion is on par with an armed young man trying to pass off as an innocent kid.

Mikael turns his attention back to the faceless being and returns to solving his current dilemma. He could just reach out to the creature and pour his spiritual energy into it, but what would it achieve? This creature is not a simple item, like a knife. It's easy to see how a knife could be made better - temper the blade, sharpen the edge, make the handle of better materials. But here, he has a mass of souls, all occupying a single body, but never agreeing on just what their purpose should be.

Should he focus on just one, and try to draw it to the surface? That should create a being much like a normal Arrancar. But no... that would just waste most of its potential. Besides, it's unlikely such a state could last. If one soul wasn't powerful enough to wrestle the other into submission before, how could it manage to do that now? If he is to improve this gestalt, his solution must hence affect all of them.

But what things in common could so many people have? Well, they've all died, obviously. And lost their hearts, and turned into Hollows. Reflecting on Jehoel's story, Mikael concludes that is the reason they ended up together in the first place. The endless hunger, the desire to fill the hole left behind by their mortal cravings...

... but it appears that desire has been satisfied. But why? Why would turning into an Arrancar do that? Mikael's eyes drift towards the hole in the creature's chest. It still isn't fixed. It hasn't even moved, as appears to be the case with many Arrancars. Why would this creature be content to just sit there, knowing the void in its being still isn't full?

Maybe that's the problem. Maybe it doesn't know. In that case, he'll have to remind it. Mikael reaches forward with his left hand, placing his fingers on the Sin Rostro's forehead.

Listen. I know you are all there. I've come to tell you that your journey is not yet over. You are still incomplete. It's useless to stay there, squabbling with each other. It will get you nowhere. Wake up. Follow me, and I'll show you a road to improvement.

Blue light erupts from Mikael's back, forming for a moment a picture of snake biting its tail in the air. Then, the snake lets go of its tail, and flows into the blank black eyes of the Sin Rostro. Mikael holds his breath in anticipation of what will happen.

---

[Soul Society]
Seireite - Main Senkaimon yard

When Koutarou and his expedition get back, the area around the main Senkaimon is quite different. A twenty meter perimeter immediately outside the gate has been cleared of plantlife, and a welcoming party of thirty people dressed in biohazard containment suits are waiting for them. They've set up a few tents for sterilizing the incomers, and the rest of Seireitei can be seen as through a darkened glass due to a Kido barrier raised around them.

"Hello, Vice-Commander", one of the suited figures greets Koutarou. Insignia on his suit tell that he's an officer from Medicine and Logistics. "I was told there were four of you going in. I only see three. What's happened?"

Kuroimaken

2014-04-12, 09:19 AM

"We've suffered a casualty. Officer Daiki gave his life in the line of duty today so we could all make it back.

Please prioritize decontamination on Harada-san and Vern-san. I need to contact the Commander right away.

Somebody please set up a relay."

Kamen Rider Rei's voice sounds incredibly fatigued. Almost a little nauseated.

Frozen_Feet

2014-04-12, 09:37 AM

The Med&Log officer beckons at the group, and some of the suited figures move to intercept and instruct Michael and Castus. Then he answers to Koutarou. "The Commander is unavailable right now. Report to me. I'll deliver the message at first opportunity." The officer presses a button on his suit glove, apparently activating a voice-recording program.

Kuroimaken

2014-04-12, 11:26 AM

"The facility has been compromised. Erscheinung Von Geister has control of his prison. He might not be able to leave - yet - but we're definitely operating on borrowed time. What little power he chose to wield through the cracks of his cell were enough to force us on the defensive and kill officer Daiki.

The Commander may need to amp the payload.

I will likewise be unavailable for the foreseeable future myself. In case of emergency, the Commander has a direct line to me that is virtually unblockable.

I'm going to need a secure Senkaimon to a specific location in Hueco Mundo. Tell the Commander it's codenamed Area 42. He'll know what it means."

Kamen Rider Rei will begin to walk elsewhere...

42 is a number of ill omen in Japanese culture. It can be read as "Shi-ni", which is the start of the verb "shinimasu", or "to die".

The location itself would be sealed off to patrols as considered "too high risk to be worth the trouble".

Frozen_Feet

2014-04-12, 12:27 PM

"The commander probably wouldn't want you to do that", the officer replies. "We got news from the mortal world. We've managed to narrow down the location of the King's court to a single city on Earth. If you leave now, our search party will have to be delayed."

Kuroimaken

2014-04-12, 01:35 PM

Kamen Rider Rei halts on that very step.

"I will delay my departure until you can confirm this information as well as the make-up of the search party.

As soon as humanly possible."

5a Violista

2014-04-12, 05:31 PM

[Hueco Mundo]
Lesser Stadium of Las Noches

After a moment of anticipation, something happens.

The Sin Rostro blinks.

Then, two more pairs of eyes open, leaving the Sin Rostro with six eyes, with each set above the last. Although there's no visible indication of it, it also has three mouths, each one below the previous. A large protruding horn grows vertically in its forehead, too.

Then, there's a flash of light and a release of other kinds of energy. When the light clears, there's several differences across this Sin Rostro, who now needs a name because it's no longer faceless. It has a long, black robe. Instead of a single well-defined Hollow Hole, its hole seems to grow or shrink and move across its chest over time. In addition, most strikingly, are the snakes on its neck and shoulders. It has several small snakes growing out of the back of its neck, like a mane that goes down into the middle of its back. The two shoulders each have a much larger snake. Interestingly, every single one of these snakes has a bone mask covering its black eyes.

It blinks again. Then with all six eyes. Then with all the eyes of the snakes.
It turns and starts walking.

None of the other Sin Rostro appear to react

Frozen_Feet

2014-04-12, 06:01 PM

[Soul Society]
Seireitei - Senkaimon yard

"Everyone at Recon", the officer replies. "Alert's been raised. What more confirmation do you need? The commander is looking to nail them while they're still there. I don't think we can do that without you." The man in the suit shrugs. "I can't stop you from going. At least, I'd rather not try to. But I can't really figure what you'd do in that place either. It's been empty for 50 years."

---

[Hueco Mundo]
Lesser Stadium of Las Noches

Mikael reels and falls backwards as the lights flash, struggling to comprehend what exactly he has created this time. When eyes of the creature blink, so do Mikael's. When it turns to leave, the man hurries up. "Hey... don't mean to sound nosy, but... where are you going?"

Kuroimaken

2014-04-12, 06:06 PM

"Not good enough. We want a tactical assault team the second they have been located.

Alert Naijeru of the Combat Division. Tell him to bring four to five hand-picked men.

If we head there with nothing but scouts we'll have a bloodbath in our hands.

Harada, Vern. Rest up as much as you can. Pick a few men to come with you. We'll want to keep the collateral damage to a minimum and we don't know for sure how great their firepower is yet."

Draken

2014-04-12, 09:54 PM

[Four days after Koutarou's ill-fated expedition to the prison of the Ghost King...]

[One day after the massacre of the Akiyama family...]

[Fixedsys is great for those kinds of lines.]

[Dangai]
[The Ghost King's Prison]

There is not much reason to conceal his dominion anymore. The great room around the hatch is covered in a pale shell of spiraling patterns. Bracken slime pools over the hatch itself, flowing slowly into the central hole. Nine great pureblooded drones stand guard around the walls, their larval siblings crawling along the walls behind them. The shinigami mummies are arrayed into their proper places once again. Argos looks down on all of it from above. There are scant few sounds going on in the prison.

Until footsteps echo in the domed chamber.

Reene Lucaster is the first to arrive, followed by her three... Daughters. A choice cadre of cultists follow after. When she does, three pedestals rise from the floor's carapace across the room from her.

"Everyone in their positions. Thomas, Sora, Hinata, you have the spots of honor. Hurry, hurry now. We have not a moment to lose."

[Soul Society]
[Li's Office]

The alarm behind the family portrait begins to ring once again.

Frozen_Feet

2014-04-12, 10:18 PM

[Soul Society]
Commander-General's office

Li glances up from Li's work, then grabs a metal cane and walks to the alarm. A video camera has been set up to film the feed from the alarm. Li lifts the cane and pushes the button that triggered the feed, just to see if it does anything.

This would've been the perfect moment to set off a trap. Sadly, Koutarou's expedition failed to achieve any sort of foothold in the prison. Even if Li had a bomb ready, trying to send it through now would just result in a fight, with the device getting destroyed or the targets escaping before it could be made to explode.

Of course, this sequence of events was anticipated - that's the reason why Li said the alarm was meaningless. Stopping the King's release became too late 50 years ago, when first of his subjects managed to escape and establish contact with him. Half a century is a long time to plan an escape in the dark. The only question pressing Li's mind is simply why Li's predecessor, Izanagi-no-Mikoto, didn't act then.

5a Violista

2014-04-12, 10:28 PM

[Hueco Mundo]
Lesser Stadium of Las Noches

The one who was once a Sin Rostro stops. I'll call it a he, for the sake of simplicity. He stops. He pauses, and appears to be thinking. "Where am I going?" he repeats, out of the middle mouth. Then he ponders it. Where. Where is he going? Where am I going? Is there somewhere to go? He keeps on thinking. Then, he turns to the snake on the left shoulder and asks it, "Where are you going?" as if it were the most profound question in existence. As if he were asking about the future, the afterlife, and life's entire purpose.

The snake thinks, and then points towards the bleachers where all the Sin Rostro are standing. It definitely was not in the direction that he was walking, or even facing. "Oh." He looks in that direction, then returns his gaze back to Mikael. "We are going over there."

Frozen_Feet

2014-04-12, 10:37 PM

As far as profound questions stand, that's not actually bad pick. Mikael rolls up his sleeves and tries to smile, as far as his disfigured face allows. "Okay. You know... I was thinking of shaping them to be much like you. Like brothers or sisters, sort of. Would you like to have some?"

5a Violista

2014-04-12, 10:53 PM

[Hueco Mundo]
Lesser Stadium of Las Noches

He looks back at them again. "Yes, I would, he responds out of the lower mouth. "Yes, I would. But who are they? It seems he...doesn't know he was like that! That must be the only explanation. Or, rather, the easiest explanation, since any other explanation would require a bit more thinking.

Valentina still hasn't returned. I'll give it 'til later.

Frozen_Feet

2014-04-14, 09:36 AM

"What would be more pertinent than who", Mikael replies. "They were, like you were, discontent spirits of the dead. Their longing and attachment to the mortal world made them lose their hearts and minds and turned them into monsters." Mikael moves to the remaining Sin Rostro and places a hand on the head of the rightmost one.

"To fill the hole left behind by your unfulfilled dreams, you turned upon each other, ate each other and coalesced into greater being. But in the process, you lost your inviduality and personality." Mikael glances are the snake-haired creature. "I'm not sure what happened to you then, but something turned you into Arrancars - brough you closer, in power and form, to creatures known as Shinigami. Psychopomps, those spirits who normally oversee and facilitate transmigration. I don't think what happened to you is how things normally progress. One of my... friends told me that normally, one soul triumphs over all others in a gestalt like you and bends all others to its will. Then, if it can muster the willpower, it can transcend that state and become an Arrancar, like you." Mikael turns to look into the empty eyes of the second Sin Rostro.

"But he also alluded to another, easier way. That must've created you, and these others. You had the power, but not the will, so a helping hand was necessary. But it still wasn't enough. You had the powers of a Hollow and form of a Shinigami, but neither instinct of the former nor mind of the latter. So I gave you some of mine."

KnightDisciple

2014-04-14, 03:52 PM

[Day of trip to Ghost King's Prison]
[Senkaimon Quarantine Area]

"Not good enough. We want a tactical assault team the second they have been located.

Alert Naijeru of the Combat Division. Tell him to bring four to five hand-picked men.

If we head there with nothing but scouts we'll have a bloodbath in our hands.

Harada, Vern. Rest up as much as you can. Pick a few men to come with you. We'll want to keep the collateral damage to a minimum and we don't know for sure how great their firepower is yet."
Michael Harada, physically exhausted and emotionally drained, simply nods at Koutarou's words.

His gaze drifts down to first his own hands, and then the sheathed cane-sword at his waist. As if contemplating the inadequacy of his own skills and powers at this time.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[Four Days after trip to Ghost King's Prison]
[Ghost King's Prison, Dangai]

[Four days after Koutarou's ill-fated expedition to the prison of the Ghost King...]

[One day after the massacre of the Akiyama family...]

[Fixedsys is great for those kinds of lines.]

[Dangai]
[The Ghost King's Prison]

There is not much reason to conceal his dominion anymore. The great room around the hatch is covered in a pale shell of spiraling patterns. Bracken slime pools over the hatch itself, flowing slowly into the central hole. Nine great pureblooded drones stand guard around the walls, their larval siblings crawling along the walls behind them. The shinigami mummies are arrayed into their proper places once again. Argos looks down on all of it from above. There are scant few sounds going on in the prison.

Until footsteps echo in the domed chamber.

Reene Lucaster is the first to arrive, followed by her three... Daughters. A choice cadre of cultists follow after. When she does, three pedestals rise from the floor's carapace across the room from her.

"Everyone in their positions. Thomas, Sora, Hinata, you have the spots of honor. Hurry, hurry now. We have not a moment to lose."

Thomas walked serenely into the room, his hands tucked into his sleeves as his arms crossed in front of his body. His own adoptive daughter stayed back against one wall. She had not yet received The Gift, and thus is "stuck" with her Fullbringer powers. Still, she is happy to be of any assist, and Thomas, while certainly of a deferential attitude to the Queen and the King, will be pushing for the Gift to go to Isabelle soon enough.

For the moment, the White Bishop stepped forward, his face in a genteel smile. Any Shinigami or hapless Mortal viewing that strange, half-armored face would find themselves thoroughly discomfited.

"Of course, Your Grace."

With smooth efficiency he steps to one of the raised podiums, awaiting further instructions.

Spacewolf

2014-04-14, 04:24 PM

[Day of trip to Ghost King's Prison]
[Senkaimon Quarantine Area]

After getting scrubbed down by the quarantine team Vern nods at Koutarou before removing his helmet.

"I can bring a few people along with us but if they come I'd like to open up the gate at least half a mile away from the cult. I doubt there are any members of the SSI who could stand a close quarter engagement with the cult members."

Kuroimaken

2014-04-14, 05:17 PM

"It's a reasonable request. The SSI's participation in this operation would be limited to damage control anyway - barrier deployment and long-range methods. No sense in risking them any further than we have to."

Koutarou's voice sounds mildly strained through his own helmet. He is clearly not well emotionally, but he makes it a point to keep his duty ahead of his heart for now.

ImpSyndrome

2014-04-15, 12:31 PM

"Certainly doesn't look like it."

Little Cynthia finally comes out of hiding, her eyes looking ready to shed tears, but she bravely steps forward and smiles.

"You did it, Satoshi-niichan! I knew you could defeat that big monster, I knew it!"

She walks up to the rookie Shinigami and gives him a big hug.

Awwww.

Satoshi is certainly relieved to see Cynthia safe and sound, frightened though she was. He gently returns her hug and tells her, "That's right, I heard you shouting back there! You were very brave to do that; it really threw me for a loop...!" It might seem like a juvenile thing to say, but what else could be said? He couldn't possibly scold her for being reckless, not after she had basically spurred him on to achieve that last power surge. Plus, engaging such a versatile and dangerous Hollow without knowing anything about it was rather foolhardy of him to do himself, so he isn't in much of a position to reprimand anyone on similar grounds. All he can think to add is, "That was way too close for comfort...I'm just glad you're safe..."

((Not sure how much more you want to add to the scene, but I'm running out of ideas. Feel free to advance things at your leisure.))

Kuroimaken

2014-04-15, 12:40 PM

ImpSyndrome

2014-04-16, 12:13 PM

Cynthia merely holds back her sobbing as she embraces Satoshi. And Usui smiles at his companion.

"That. That right there. That's what you're fighting for."

"Sir, we've just finished sweeping the area. No sign of the enemy or any casualties. Looks clean."

"Good. Check on the villagers, and we'll head back as soon MedLog gets here to tend to our comrade."

_____________________

[Later that day...]

"I'm glad you're alright, son." Satoshi's father says while embracing his mother and looking at the young Shinigami. The woman has a big, proud smile on her face.

After being treated by members of LogMed for his injuries, Satoshi revisited the stops he had made earlier, ensuring that no one else had been attacked. Fortunately, the frightening encounter had been a contained event, and some of them weren't even aware that an aggressor had been present at all. The novice Shinigami returned to his home as the sun began to set, relieved that he had been able to prevent a disaster from visiting his hometown.

By this time, word of his battle had reached his parents, but he took some time to explain the circumstances to them. He left out the gory details, of course, but he made it clear that everyone was safe and sound and that the immediate threat had passed. At his father's words, he could only answer, "Yeah, me too...I thought I was a goner for sure, for a while..." He bows his head in humility for a second or two, but then he looks back up at his folks and continues, "But I made it through somehow, and you two and all the people in town are safe, and that's what matters most. I get that now...and I promise that I'll do whatever it takes to protect you and our home."

((Egad, I feel filthy typing such cliched speech.))

Kuroimaken

2014-04-16, 03:39 PM

"You did what you felt was right, son, and that's all we ask. Don't push yourself too hard on our account." Satoshi's father smiled. "You've become a fine young man. I look forward to seeing you grow even more."

His mother briefly moves away and gives Satoshi a small bundle. "I made you a few sweet buns for the way back. You take care of yourself now, y'hear?"

5a Violista

2014-04-16, 05:01 PM

[QUOTE=Mahonri Violist;17297785][Hueco Mundo]
Lesser Stadium of Las Noches

The man with the snakes looks at the Sin Rostro, too. He nods, and listens. "So what then?" he asks. "If you gave me your mind and your instinct, won't you run out? If you give it to all of these, will you eventually stop existing?"

Have I given him a name yet? If not, I need to.

Frozen_Feet

2014-04-17, 06:47 AM

Mikael lets go of the other Sin Rostro and leans back. "That's one heck of a good question." he crosses his arms and sits cross-legged on the ground, thinking for a moment.

"The answer to that one is... complicated. Suppose my soul is like water, while this body - whether made of baryonic or spiritual matter - is merely a vessel. If the water in the vessel is divided among enough other vessels, it will of course be emptied - but the water itself still exists. Even if all the vessels are destroyed and the water turned to vapor, it will eventually condense in the atmosphere, raining back down and coming all together in another place and time." Mikael scoops up a handful of dusts and crushes it into a perfect sphere.

"It could also be my soul is like the flame of a candle. Once the candle is lit, it will eventually burn out - but that happens completely irregardless of how many other candles it is used to light in the meantime. Even a small flame in the right place could create a raging conflagration, allowing the flame to exists and impact things long after the first candle is gone." Mikael crushes the sphere to dust. Then, he opens the zipper of his jacket and starts undressing. After a while, he puts the jacket down and moves bandages around his left shoulder so that the snake-haired creature can see the faint outline of a tattoo - a snake eating its own tail.

"This is the thing that connects us. Plato called it 'Ouroboros'. In his tale, it was the first living being - the whole universe in a single entity. It is the symbol of self-reflexivity, representing how things in the world move in cycles. It is also the symbol of primordial unity - something eternal and inextinquishable. In many ways, it is like the modern concept of a singularity. According to some contemporary theories, the whole universe travels in cycles as well. All energy, and hence all matter, originates from a single point, and will eventually return to a single point, in a cycle of creation an destruction. If this cycle can't be broken, it can be said all things not only have been and will be one, they are one." Mikael pauses for a moment to catch his breath. Then, he continues.

"Plato also presented the famous idea of the observable world being nothing but a shadow of the real one. It's like we all sit in a cavern, our backs towards the exit, looking at our own shadows cast on a wall by the light behind us. It is possible you and me both are just shadows, projections of a greater entity that transcends the dimensions observable to us. If that is the case, any change in us, our lives or deaths, do not affect the real being at all. We are just tricks of light."

ImpSyndrome

2014-04-17, 01:54 PM

[RUKONGAI, TAKAKURA RESIDENCE]

"You did what you felt was right, son, and that's all we ask. Don't push yourself too hard on our account." Satoshi's father smiled. "You've become a fine young man. I look forward to seeing you grow even more."

His mother briefly moves away and gives Satoshi a small bundle. "I made you a few sweet buns for the way back. You take care of yourself now, y'hear?"

((Where exactly should Satoshi be going, considering the Hollow attack and all? Is he supposed to debrief with someone or at some place, or is he just going to go back to his training with Urameshi as usual?))

"Thanks, Pops," Satoshi replies, somewhat abashed by his words. He humbly accepts his mother's gift and thanks her for it, then he gathers up his belongings and prepares to set out. "I'll come back and visit again soon, I promise...Take care of everyone while I'm gone."

Hoping not to prolong the bittersweet farewell any longer than necessary, he'll turn for the door and get on his way back to Seireitei, hoping there are no more surprises waiting for him along the way...

strawberryman

2014-04-17, 02:20 PM

[Ghost King's Prison]

The upside to integrating into Las Noches at a low level meant that Avis Durante could likely disappear without notice. Whether Jehoel thought to put her under surveillance is another issue, but for now, that issue was of no concern to Alexandra.

There is a howl of wind through the Prison as something drips from the ceiling steadily. In the darkness, it is difficult to see where, but eventually, the black tarry substance congeals into a somewhat indistinct humanoid form, something similar to fog. The wind stops as it becomes solid, a black staff forming in hand.

Alexandra Dubois looks upon the prison with the closest thing approaching glee that anyone had ever seen from her. Before she speaks, she kneels lowly, staff placed on the ground horizontally with one hand, and the other pressed deep against her chest. "...My king."

This was... a culmination of her entire life. And unlife.

Kuroimaken

2014-04-17, 02:27 PM

ImpSyndrome

2014-04-18, 01:35 PM

((His leave of absence is up, so he needs to return to Seireitei.))

On his way out of the house and all the way back to the edge of the village are the people of his hometown, cheering for their local hero. They've taken a small bit of their time to ensure he knows they're thankful for his service, for his efforts.

Little Cynthia even gives Satoshi a small trinket at the end. A pendant, it looks like.

"My mom made this to thank you for saving me, Satoshi-niichan. She said it's a good-luck charm to protect you on your duties." She smiles cheerfully at him.

A strange feeling - a mix of embarrassment, pride, and hope - washes over Satoshi as the people of his hometown see him off. He recognizes the faces of several former nay-sayers among them, individuals who had originally doubted his capability and mocked his decision to become a Shinigami. Seeing their change of heart lifts his spirits significantly, and he allows himself a small smile as he passes. When Cynthia approaches, he takes a knee as she presents him with a homemade keepsake. He humbly accepts the pendant and places it around his neck; now he can't help but crack a grin, and he gives her a big hug as he thanks her for the gift, promising to take good care of it.

After bidding his friends and well-wishers farewell, the newbie Shinigami continues on his way to Seireitei. After passing the Seireimon partition, he navigates the winding labyrinth of buildings to IntSec's territory, where he seeks out Urameshi to announce himself and receive further instructions...

Terry576

2014-04-18, 03:12 PM

That Place That Draken is Also At

Sora grinned that mad, mad grin and nodded amicably. "Man, this place sure is differen' then what ah'd think fer a prison."

He almost casually waltzed towards one of the pedestals, humming a little tune as he walked along, footsteps echoing in an empty chamber.

Draken

2014-04-18, 07:21 PM

[The Ghost King's Prison]

Hinata walks towards the hole instead, standing in front of it.

"It is but the foyer. Behind the hatch at your feet is a whole world, detestably empty of anything but myself."

"And for a final touch..."

A tentacle erupts from the hole holding a larva, flinging it at Hinata, where the critter merges with her, and then the limb coils back under the assault of the seal.

"That should do the trick. Now, now. you three, open your minds to me so that I can lead you through the chant. It is a long one."

"One-hundred and forty-four links, whispered chains, ageless walls, pillars of the beast, gluttonous ichor, celestial justice, cyclopean hounds, dying screams, iron gates, proclamations, anger, pain and loss.
One-hundred and thirty-two links, one relic, one hundred treasures, ten-thousand great weapons, one million guards, all souls, mortality, divinity, plants, animals, death and rebirth.
One-hundred and twenty links, twin lovers, friends, family, treason, demise, madness, pardon, enemies, longing and isolation.
One-hundred and eight links, blood, frogs, hunger, lice, flies, fire, smoke, locusts, pox and plague.
Ninety-six links, nine lands, eight directions, seven seas, six arms, three axis, eight faces, bloated faces, darkened faces and illuminated faces.
Eighty-four links, leaven sand, ebony marble, molten sap, cracked roots, hungry shades, dead canopy and broken moon.
Seventy-two links, storm, earth, fire, water, light and sadness.
Sixty links, broken swords, living martyrs, walls of the abyss, paper prayers and bronze nails.
Forty-eight links, threefold blasphemies, broken days, stretched nights and hidden stars.
Thirty-six links, six hands, six-hundred words and six cages.
Twenty-four links, mad gods and righteous demons.
Twelve links, tied around the lost treasure.
No links, cast beyond the world.
In order, against god's will.
Break into so many parts."

Each line bends one of the swords that anchor the chains and the gate, begetting a groan from the mummy positioned near it. When the last sword bends, the fields over the hatch on the floor flare to visibility before vanishing once again.

Four great hands slowly grasp the edges of the central hole, bending the steel with careful fingers and folding the plates outward as the bone-white covers melt away into foul blight.

Von Geister then slithers through the air, out of his cell as if a lamprey, but his body is a great many stalks woven together and bony wings and three six-fingered armless hands and one five-fingered fourth deny even that stretched comparison to any known natural thing.

He takes a deep breath and turns to Natsuki, silently holding Alexandra's old staff. A long tendril claims that tool and brings it to his mutilated hand, where the lost finger takes its own shape and attached once again.

"Wonderful, absolutely wonderful."

One hand is then balled into a fist and flies violently towards the ceiling, cutting off Li's feed as whatever served as a camera is punched into uselessness.

KnightDisciple

2014-04-18, 08:57 PM

Thomas followed along with the incantation as the King provided it, his intonation and pacing flawless. His voice had an almost musical quality to it as he chanted, though his expression was one of calm, professional concentration.

But when it finished, and the field rolled away, and Von Geister, The Ghost King Of All Hollows once more put himself into the world?

Then Thomas fell to a single knee, his clenched fists supporting himself as he bowed his head and body in supplication.

"My King. I am humbled to have assisted you."

Behind him, Isabelle is in a similar position, though she elects to remain silent.

Kuroimaken

2014-04-18, 09:11 PM

A strange feeling - a mix of embarrassment, pride, and hope - washes over Satoshi as the people of his hometown see him off. He recognizes the faces of several former nay-sayers among them, individuals who had originally doubted his capability and mocked his decision to become a Shinigami. Seeing their change of heart lifts his spirits significantly, and he allows himself a small smile as he passes. When Cynthia approaches, he takes a knee as she presents him with a homemade keepsake. He humbly accepts the pendant and places it around his neck; now he can't help but crack a grin, and he gives her a big hug as he thanks her for the gift, promising to take good care of it.

After bidding his friends and well-wishers farewell, the newbie Shinigami continues on his way to Seireitei. After passing the Seireimon partition, he navigates the winding labyrinth of buildings to IntSec's territory, where he seeks out Urameshi to announce himself and receive further instructions...

The veteran remains his dour-looking self, although he does crack a smile when Satoshi approaches.

"Heard you had your first kill out in the field. How are you feeling, kid?"

strawberryman

2014-04-18, 10:05 PM

"I regret that I was not here to provide assistance. But I have been setting the groundwork for your conquest in Las Noches. It was almost too simple to infiltrate Las Noches. Yurius is a formidable opponent, but he has become too involved in his diplomatic measures. I would not make the mistake of considering him complacent, but he is but one 'man', as it were." Alexandra continues her bow, deferring completely to the being that had occupied her mind, made her what she is today.

Draken

2014-04-19, 09:23 PM

[Prison of the Ghost King]

"Your work has been peerless Thomas my boy, you will surely be glad of how our work will proceed now."

"As for you Alexandra. None of this would have been possible without your tireless efforts. That these final proceedings had no work for you to undertake directly is a disservice, but even then you took up work elsewhere, such diligence."

"But now, let us go from this place so that I may bask once more take in the airs of a wholesome world. I have been in this timeless pit for far too long."

A bony finger trails the air, taking delight in the simple act of opening a garganta. And just like that, Von Geister is off, leaving a path to be followed.

Frozen_Feet

2014-04-20, 09:27 AM

[Soul Society]
Commander-General's office

As the feed goes dark, Li grabs a Reiphone and leaves the office. As Koutarou is absent, the Commander stops at the Duty Officer's desk. "Sound an announcement. We'll be on highest alert until location of the Ghost King has been discerned. Send word to Recon and tell the to focus all patrols on Japan. Recall all possible Combat Division members from Rukongai, leave behind only a skeleton crew to keep the peacekeeping project running. We're preparing for attack." Then, the Commander leaves for the Central Hospital. Li has an operation to undergo.

All things considered, the situation leaves a lot hope for. Masaru still hasn't completed his training, and Koutarou stubbornly left for Hueco Mundo to train in solitude. What the Vice-Commander hopes to find there is unknown to Li, as there has been nothing in that area for 50 years, ever since the Menos performed their vanishing trick. Things aren't really to a good start when the two persons who would be most suited to spear-heading a charge into the Cult's headquarters are not present.

It might be time to deploy alternative measures. But first, a new leg.

Kuroimaken

2014-04-20, 05:01 PM

To his merit, Koutarou did leave an "emergency button", such as it was, something to allow Li to get in touch with him at a moment's notice, if necessary.

How quick he would be to respond remains to be seen, of course...

ImpSyndrome

2014-04-21, 01:01 PM

The veteran remains his dour-looking self, although he does crack a smile when Satoshi approaches.

"Heard you had your first kill out in the field. How are you feeling, kid?"

That smile makes Satoshi a bit uneasy; it's the kind of expression that makes him think that his superior has something devious planned for him, possibly along the lines of the Tsuchigumo fight. The thought sobers him to a degree, mixing a subtle tone of insecurity into what would have been a reply filled with relief and satisfaction. "It was a hard fight, but I'm still alive, somehow...I'm just glad I could keep my hometown safe. It was weird, though: I didn't think I had the kinds of abilities that I used back there...at least not to the degree that I used them."

Kuroimaken

2014-04-21, 03:21 PM

ImpSyndrome

2014-04-22, 12:16 PM

"Shinigami training will do that to ya. I'm just glad you weren't too busy shaking in your boots to remember it.

Normally our recruits don't get their feet wet in that fashion. We try to make the circunstances controlled enough to allow them to get rid of the fear and nervousness that comes with setting foot on the battlefield for the first time.

You performed admirably, Satoshi. You actually killed your first Hollow unarmed and by your lonesome.

I'll be looking forward to such performance in the future. Don't you dare disappoint me, soldier."

Urameshi offers a quick salute to his recruit.

Urameshi's follow-up carries a different tone than what Satoshi expected, and it makes him think twice about the experience. Not only had he fought his first battle and won, but just as Urameshi (and Usui before him) said, he had done so without his zanpakuto and with no adjacent support, and he still hadn't hesitated, despite facing an enemy about which he had known next to nothing. Any other course of action might have resulted in casualties among the townspeople, and placing himself in jeopardy for their sake was a bold decision that he should not casually dismiss.

Satoshi keeps this in mind as he salutes his superior officer in return, saying, "I won't let you down, sensei."

((Again, I’m not sure what will come next, so I’ll leave it up to you.))

AnimeKid

2014-04-22, 04:35 PM

Jehoel, silent since Mikael's arrival, quickly takes an interest in Tamaki's story. He leans forward, an avaricious curiosity entering his eyes.

"Fascinating..."

Tamaki eyes glide over to Jehoel's form from the book he was reading after hearing him say that singular word. Tamaki figured that Jehoel might have seen it all. But from the sound of it this was something that intrigued him greatly.

"Excuse me Jehoel-san, but do you know something of the phenomena that I experienced? Or is this the first time you've heard of it?

Dorizzit

2014-04-22, 04:48 PM

AnimeKid

2014-04-24, 03:57 PM

Jehoel nods.

"I can think of a few possibilities, but I cannot be entirely sure. Regardless, it is a fascinating and extremely rare occurrence that anything like that could happen. You have the potential to become a very interesting individual indeed, Tamaki. That is not something I say lightly."

He pauses for a moment.

"Tell me, would you like my aid in developing that potential? It would be...difficult, but I can guarantee results."

Tamaki looks at Jehoel very seriously as he considers his words and proposal. Slightly tilting his head and closing his eyes his brought a hand up to his head so that he could have a finger tap against his temple in a steady rhythm. He thought about what Jehoel said. He could definitely tell that his experience was not something normal, and that it could have some other effects on him than just his powers. Plus there was something else. The air here, just being here was having an effect on him. It didn't feel bad, actually it felt rather good. Like he and his powers are being supercharged. Jehoel might have some insights that he himself couldn't have. Plus while the training would be difficult it could be his only chance.

Stopping his tapping and opening his eyes Tamaki nodded to himself before looking at Jehoel. "I think I would like that Jehoel-san. I believe it would be prudent considering my situation."

Frozen_Feet

2014-04-28, 09:37 AM

Later, elsewhere:

[Soul Society]
Chambers of the Central 46, parliament of Soul Society

"... you ask permission to build more of these things? This is very uncharasteristic of you, Zheng Li Lin", a masked figure states from his seat. "I thought the peace with Hollows would mean less need for weapons, not more."

"This is not just about the Hollows", a figure in commander's haori answers. "Though I have to correct you. We are not in peace with Hollows, we are in peace with Las Noches. As I showed earlier, there are still parties outside their city who wish us ill. But I'm more concerned of humans." Zheng Li Lin flips a new picture slide to the fore.

"Previously Soul Society has not been part of the nuclear deterrence policy of Earth. However, our non-participation as well as our traditional non-interference policy were both based on the presumption of human ignorance. For the last two centuries, we've been thinking that humans with knowledge of the spiritual world are both few in numbers and unorganized." Li takes in a deep breath. "Sadly, both of these premises have been proven false. We have greatly underestimated the effects of increases in human population. As evidenced by a cult worshipping Hollows as well as the numerous Quincy factions that have been unearthed within the last few months, the number, power and organization of human mediums is greater than it has ever been before. Hence we have to seriously reconsider the implications of human technology being used against Soul Society."

A low murmur fills the great hall as the divinely-empowered representatives discuss with each other. Finally, one of them, a woman this time, speaks: "Your words carry a heavy truth in them. However, why nuclear weapons? Why do spiritual weapons not suffice?"

Li frowns. "The Shakonmaku and the Sokyoku, along with the new railgun system, are more than enough to protect Seireitei. However, they are both non-transportable and can not be used against earthly targets. We can't create a credible deterrence with defense alone, we need offense. Nuclear weapons don't have these setbacks, and they have the benefit of being a known quantity to humans of Earth. They know what they are and what they can do."

"But doesn't this policy, by necessity, require breaking of Gotei's non-interference and non-disclosure policy towards humans?", the man from before asks.

"At least partially, yes", Li replies. "Some of the Quincies already demand us to treat them as a sovereign nation as pertains to spiritual matters. You have already reviewed their accord. As I understand it, accepting that treaty practically mean we sanction extra-legal actions for a human party, such as ownership of military-grade weapons, in direct violation of laws of their own human nation. This creates an uncomfortable precedent of us exerting authority over human affairs. To keep our actions on a sound legal and logical basis, the rational next step would be to formally establish connection with human national leaders and explain the situation to them."

"But wouldn't direct contact with human politicians also increase the risks of humans taking political actions against us?", a third council member asks.

"The risks of not telling them are far greater. We already so many rogue human factions interfering with the spiritual world that it's reasonable to assume at least some of them are leeching off resources from national bodies. Filling them in at least creates possibility of human self-regulation."

"So you're basically hoping they themselves will hunt down or keep in check problematic mediums", the first man states more than asks.

Li nods.

"Hold on. Why can't we just treat them as Substitutes? Isn't that what you suggested in the case of Arrancars?"

Li sighs. "Subsitution of humans has always been a contentious issue. There are many reasons why treating Arrancars born from Menos as such is much simpler, than granting those rights and responsibilities to human. For one, Arrancars are already dead. Their primary residence and area of influence is in Hueco Mundo, not Earth. For two, they exists outside influence of karma. They can't be condemned to Hell for things they do in their role as Substitutes. For three, there were no complications or contradictions with existing Arrancar laws, because prior to founding of Las Noches, there was no such thing." Li brings in another slide. "Meanwhile, Substitution of humans puts them in an ambivalent position both before human and metaphysical laws. Even at its simplest, its akin to handing weapons to civilians. History has shown that human substitutes are very prone to using their powers for selfish or 'heroic' purposes, going outside or even against their duties as Shinigami. Using spiritual powers to gain unfair advantage during a mortal life is the primary reason why Substitution has been outlawed at our end multiple times throughout history. The only way that advantage, and thus incentive to seek it, can be removed is by human nations incorporating spiritual powers into their legal systems."

"... but won't that lead to increased use of spiritual powers and technology on Earth?"

"Probably, yes. Speed of human technological development and the attempts by Quincies to marry spiritual powers with contemporary human weapons both suggest Earth would equal or surpass Soul Society in that regard in just half a century."

"But Earth doesn't have enough Reishi to support such levels! Where would they get that?"

"... from us, most likely."

"I don't think that is the issue here. I'm more concerned about human attitudes towards death. Once they know for fact that life up here isn't much different from what they have down there, they will put the pressure on us to make things better."

"That is not the only option. As I pointed out earlier, human medicine is already approaching the point where biological immortality becomes feasible. If we allow them secrets of spiritual longevity, it may be they simply decide not to die."

"But won't that ruin balance of souls between worlds?"

"We don't know the answer to that yet. In the long run, possibly."

Behind their masks, the council members glance at each other nervously. "And you said Royal Guard member Kisaragi Saruhiko shares these concerns?"

Li nods. "The concerns, yes, though not my suggested solutions to them."

The woman clear her throat. "What are the alternatives?"

"I'm glad you asked", Li says with a smile, and rolls open an age-old scroll of parchment. "The alternative to confiding leaders of Earth in spiritual affairs, is repetition of Project Fury from few centuries back. Since we can't allow existence of this many spiritually powered people on Earth, we will simply... move them into afterlife, where they can be properly equipped and indoctrinated."

"You're referring to the extermination of the Wiesweide", the masked man snorts. "So basically we round them together and kill them all."

"That is correct."

The woman sighs. "We will have to think on this."

Li bows respectfully. "I will leave the decision in your capable hands." With those words, the Commander packs the paraphernalia for the presentation and makes an exit.

---

[Soul Society]
Main Senkaimon park

Walking with hands behind back, Li strolls through the transformed Senkaimon yard. The giant oak and the trees from Aokigahara look like they've always been there, even though just a few months ago there was still stone and concrete in their place. The grass between the trees is a bit downtrodden, though, as hundreds of Shinigami feet have stampeded over it within the last weeks in preparation of operations to come. Now at night, it is rather peaceful, fortunately. It's a good time for the Commander to take some time off from managing a warmachine and just enjoy the feeling of walking unaided. The new prosthetic provided by Takenaka Chouko is working like a charm. In some ways, it is superior to Li's remaining flesh-and-blood leg.

If things just could go on this way. The Commander's eyes glaze as Li reminiscences upon the fifty years of peace and career as an academy teacher. It would've been such a good ending to a long life, to retire knowing the conflict was over. After more than a thousand years of the world perpetually being at the brink of destruction, the calm would've deserved to last at least as long.

But it seems it was nothing but wishful thinking. Old eyes had been unable to see the smoldering spark hidden under the leaves. And now, Li has recommended the leaders of this world to fight fire with fire. Li's younger self would've been ashamed of that. Is there any principle left, really, that Li has not betrayed?

Oh well. Duty calls. With some hope, that disgusting Cult can be brought to justice before Central 46 makes its decision. Sighing, the Commander begins briskly walking towards the HQ barracks.

Tebryn

2014-04-28, 01:35 PM

[Soul Society]
Main Senkaimon park

Walking with hands behind back, Li strolls through the transformed Senkaimon yard. The giant oak and the trees from Aokigahara look like they've always been there, even though just a few months ago there was still stone and concrete in their place. The grass between the trees is a bit downtrodden, though, as hundreds of Shinigami feet have stampeded over it within the last weeks in preparation of operations to come. Now at night, it is rather peaceful, fortunately. It's a good time for the Commander to take some time off from managing a warmachine and just enjoy the feeling of walking unaided. The new prosthetic provided by Takenaka Chouko is working like a charm. In some ways, it is superior to Li's remaining flesh-and-blood leg.

If things just could go on this way. The Commander's eyes glaze as Li reminiscences upon the fifty years of peace and career as an academy teacher. It would've been such a good ending to a long life, to retire knowing the conflict was over. After more than a thousand years of the world perpetually being at the brink of destruction, the calm would've deserved to last at least as long.

But it seems it was nothing but wishful thinking. Old eyes had been unable to see the smoldering spark hidden under the leaves. And now, Li has recommended the leaders of this world to fight fire with fire. Li's younger self would've been ashamed of that. Is there any principle left, really, that Li has not betrayed?

Oh well. Duty calls. With some hope, that disgusting Cult can be brought to justice before Central 46 makes its decision. Sighing, the Commander begins briskly walking towards the HQ barracks.

"You leave a dangerous and troubled Soul Society behind with rhetoric like you showed back there." Saruhiko offers as he slowly materializes next to the weathered Commander Captain. "Is this the legacy of the Third Commander Captain? Executing humans for what they might do, not what they have done?"

Frozen_Feet

2014-04-29, 05:51 AM

Li raises an eyebrow in surprise and turns to look at who's speaking, then slows down to a pace more suited for discussion. "No, this is very much about what they have done, Kisaragi-dono", Li replies sadly. "What you were concerned of has happened. We have two human groups of unprecedented power and hostility after our heads. We can't leave them alone, because they won't leave us alone. It's only a matter of time before they drag in sovereign nations of Earth, if they have not already." Li stops to admire some flowers planted outside Black Dragon Gate.

"Though I must note it is a bit thick for you, of all people, to criticize that proposal, nevermind that it has not been accepted yet. You yourself said: your kind are to us, what our kind is to humans. We limit our presence on Earth for a reason, like you limit yours in Soul Society. The existence of spirits on Earth harms the very fabric of reality" Li kneels to smell the flower, sighing when standing up.

"And when humans rise to our levels, they cause the same harm as we do. It is a sin for Shinigami to meddle in affairs of men, but just as well it is a sin for spiritual powers to exist on Earth. We can't have our cake and eat it too. We can't look away and pretend to maintain balance while allowing humans to ruin it. It's now time for Central 46 to decide which is the lesser evil."

Tebryn

2014-04-29, 09:41 AM

Frozen_Feet

2014-04-29, 09:55 AM

Tebryn

2014-04-29, 10:17 AM

"us?" Li blinks in surprise, then sighs. "Ah yes. I thought this day would come again. Except this time, I'm not allowed to decline, am I?" Li looks up at the sky. "... yes, I've made my preparations. Been making them ever since that incident with Sabitsura. I've been expecting to leave this world for a long while now, just... not like this. I thought I'd be killed by Sabitsura, or Izanami, or Yurius. Heaven knows they had their chances." Li turns to look at the direction of the Central Hospital. "Can I take someone with me?"

"I'm afraid not." Saruhiko offers with a slight bow as if to excuse himself from the whole ordeal. "You go to a better place, a more peaceful place where Arrancar and Quincy and mortal issues will not be something to bother with. I suspect you'll find it boring." he chuckles softly. "You are permitted to take someone if you wish. You will find my quarters easily accommodating to what ever you desire."

Frozen_Feet

2014-04-29, 10:57 AM

Tebryn

2014-04-29, 01:26 PM

"It's not going that bothers me. I'm just sad that in the end, the only one I could save was myself." Li sighs heavily. A thousand years of life. Thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of peers, pupils and underlings. All of whom Li had tried to teach, tried to make them learn from Li's mistakes, only to see them fail and fall down...

"It wasn't me who was supposed to learn, to survive and persists all these aeons. A parent should die before their children, a teacher should live to see their students surpass them. But I suppose I'll have to leave that behind me now." Li looks at the ground, shaking Li's head.

"... I'll meet you at the Senkaimon park in an hour."

---

Fifteen minutes later, Central Hospital

There's a knock on Nanoha Shigure's office door, and when called, an intern peeks in. "Nanoha-sama? The Commander-General is here to see you."

"Life is never easy or what we expect." Saruhiko sighs, letting the age Captain walk off.

- - -

Nanoha Shigure looks up from his work, still not taking it easier even after his demotion from Vice Captain. Some time in the mortal world had helped but here he was, hard at work on stacks of paperwork still held over from his previous job. He frowns at the words, moving to slowly pour some tea as Li steps in. "Honored Grandmother, it's been some time since your promotion. Come to slum it with us doctors?" he offers, trying his best to keep up some vague appearance of not working himself into the ground.

Frozen_Feet

2014-04-29, 02:04 PM

Tebryn

2014-04-29, 02:15 PM

Ignoring the tea, Li walks to Shigure and hugs him. After a moment, the Commander lets go and looks him in the eyes. "Do you still smoke? I recall you were aiming to get a leave of absence for ill health", Li jokes. "How about full retirement? Starting now?"

"This is most unorthodox." The surprised Shinigami coughs, gently patting the elderly Captain's back though doesn't pull away. "Oh I see, you came to the hospital because you're unwell. Take a seat and I'll find you an anti-psychotic!" Shigure offers, laughing a little as he tries to move Li to arms length, keeping a firm hold on her shoulders. "That's what this is about right? Shinigami...don't retire."

Frozen_Feet

2014-04-29, 02:25 PM

Tebryn

2014-04-29, 02:31 PM

"I've been reoffered a position in the Royal Guard", Li explains and steps back, making a small pirouette on the leg that used to be injured. "I'm fixed up now, so I see no reason to refuse. But I'd like to have someone to drink tea with me on guard duty. Are you interested? I promise it's going to be less taxing than your work here."

"I am very happy for y-" Shigure starts though goes silent at the offer. "If that is your desire honored Grandmother. I suppose it's an hour I shouldn't decline if they'd let a ruffian in like me. When do we leave?"

Frozen_Feet

2014-04-29, 02:43 PM

Tebryn

2014-04-29, 02:51 PM

Li gives Shigure an apologizing look. "I think I said 'starting now'. I'm sorry to be this sudden, it's just... never mind. You don't have to come if you don't want to, Shigure. But our guide will be waiting for us at Black Dragon Gate in 40 minutes."

"Just thought that was a little bit of hyperbole." Shigure chuckles, shrugging a little as he sets his zanpakuto down onto his work desk. "We both know that you couldn't do anything without me, your number one Vice Captain. I guess we'll meet up there then. Should pack some things an say some good byes. Assume you've already got that covered."

Frozen_Feet

2014-04-29, 03:02 PM

Li smiles. "Almost, Shigure. Almost." Li leaves him to his preparations, then walks to the lobby hall. Li tells the duty officer to send a word to Vice-Commander Koutarou, then, when duty officer's attention is elsewhere, takes off the Commander's haori and hangs it on the lobby coat rack. When the officer next looks around for Li, the elder is already gone.

On the way to Black Dragon Gate, Li thinks. Saruhiko had said the King does not care for lesser worlds, but maybe there's a way to change that. Shigure once said love, the ability to care for and feel compassion for others, is the greatest strenght Shinigami can have. Maybe that is the key. One day, Li knows they will both be absorbed back to the King. It's a long shot, but maybe, just maybe if their hearts are pure and their conviction strong enough, some inkling of their compassion will be inherited to that being. Maybe then, it will wake from its sleep and turn back to the world to see how its children are suffering.

Li nods at Saruhiko at the place of meeting. "I'm ready. Nanoha Shigure will come with me", the aged spirit says, casting one last look at the buildings they once helped to make and maintain. "Let's go."

Tebryn

2014-04-29, 03:12 PM

Saruhiko waits patiently, time hardly something it had to worry about. He stands slowly when Li returns, offering only a single nod. "As you wish. I will wait here but you may go on ahead. Prepare your palace accordingly." He waves a hand, a large red torii falling from the light blue sky before a passage of bamboo and shrines opens forth. "Welcome to the Royal Guard, Green Dragon Li."

Frozen_Feet

2014-04-29, 03:29 PM

Said Dragon bows, then steps through the gate.

Gotei will have to find itself a new Commander-General again.

KnightDisciple

2014-04-29, 06:34 PM

[Las Noches, Outer City Ring Border of Art and Education Districts; After 3 Months Have Passed]

At the border of the Art and Education districts, there is a new business place that has taken the area by storm. It was a one-stop-shop for those needing anything worked in metal, decorative or utilitarian.
Weapons, armor, tools, furniture, jewelry, and other, more esoteric items.

The large man that ran the shop did it all, and did it with a broad smile on his face.

Today he could be found working at the forge on one side of the building, which featured a large space open to the street, to not only promote airflow, but also allow passer-by to see what was going on.

Specifically, today he was teaching a group of four smaller (not that that was hard with his bulk) Arrancar how to create basic swords.

"The key is in how you work with the metal once it's hot. If, like in our case, you're starting with high-quality steel but in a sheet or bar format, you want it to get red hot but not white-hot, and almost immediately start working it. Like so!"

His hammering on the red-hot rod of steel in front of him only barely exceeded the boom of his voice...

TherianTheorist

2014-04-29, 09:56 PM

[Las Noches, Outer City Ring Border of Art and Education Districts; After 3 Months Have Passed]

The Arrancar known as Bernadette Almira was, as if by twist of fate, passing said store, and with the sound of metal being hammered there was no way for her not to notice it, and to do so with a vague mix of envy and admiration that she reserved for other artists.

"Hello, I take it you're a fellow artist?" She directs her question at the rather large man as she approaches the store.

ImpSyndrome

2014-04-30, 02:34 PM

[THREE MONTHS LATER, SOMEWHERE IN NEVADA SEIREITEI...]

Takakura Satoshi was quite busy for the three months following the incident in Haidani. After completing his training with Urameshi, among other preparations, he was stationed in Rukongai as the first phase of Operation Suikoden was set into motion. Thankfully, the op has been running smoothly so far, and the novice Shinigami has been recalled to Seireitei and placed on standby until his next assignment is decided.

Overall, he has made some decent strides over the last three months. While developing his Hakuda techniques under Urameshi's tutelage, he also gained the stamina to perform quick-steps more frequently without tiring. He has even learned some confidence in wielding his zanpakuto, and he currently practices using a defensive style of swordsmanship that emphasizes dodging and parrying attacks. He's slightly concerned about not having to use Kido very much lately, though, and he hopes to brush up on it and possibly learn some more advanced spells soon.

The one thing that weighs on his mind the most is the state of his zanpakuto. Since the day of Spitkill's attack on Haidani, he hasn't once heard the voice of his blade's inner spirit again. In fact, he still holds a simple Asauchi, as though he still has yet to earn the right to carry his own unique weapon. For this reason has Satoshi decided to forego his training for a while and focus his efforts on discovering the name of his partner. On the day in question, he's walking absent-mindedly around Seireitei, chewing lazily on a toothpick, as he tries to think of some way to go about contacting the owner of that disembodied voice. He's having trouble coming up with ideas, but he doesn't think to ask anyone about it, since he believes that the connection is something that he needs to discover for himself...

((Bonus points if you get the reference in the location tag.))

KnightDisciple

2014-04-30, 10:05 PM

The Arrancar known as Bernadette Almira was, as if by twist of fate, passing said store, and with the sound of metal being hammered there was no way for her not to notice it, and to do so with a vague mix of envy and admiration that she reserved for other artists.

"Hello, I take it you're a fellow artist?" She directs her question at the rather large man as she approaches the store.
The big man with dark skin continues his work, and for a moment it might seem he's ignoring Bernadette. But then he nods, almost to himself, and sticks the piece of metal back in the furnace.

"If you have to stop for more than a few moments, getting the metal back up to temperature is key. The furnace here is just hot enough to keep the metal red-hot, but not get this alloy to its melting point. That's important information to know and understand; soft is good, melting is bad."

There are nods all around, and a few take notes. Meanwhile, the man turns and gives the woman a broad smile.

"Some people have called me an artist, yes. Would you like to join the class? I'll be starting again here in just a moment.'

TherianTheorist

2014-05-03, 03:17 PM

"Some people have called me an artist, yes. Would you like to join the class? I'll be starting again here in just a moment.'

The female arrancar pretends to think it over for a moment before answering. In fact, it almost seems like she took that as a challenge rather than an invatation.

"Why not, something of this level should be easy enough."

KnightDisciple

2014-05-07, 12:51 AM

The big man gave a hearty laugh.

"Easy, hard, perhaps. Let us see, hm? Right then class, gather round. Now, I'm taking the metal back out. See the color? Glowing red hot. That's good! Now it's soft enough to work with, but hard enough to not fly apart at your hammer strikes."

He resumed his work with hammer, tongs, and anvil. As the newest arrival watched, he slowly but surely turned the lump of glowing metal into a classical European arming sword, or at least the blade and tang.

"Now, on a more Western design like this, you want the tang to end up a bit softer than the blade itself, though not overmuch. It will be encased in a handle, so that's not a worry. The biggest issue is simply making sure the quality is uniform, from tip to pommel. That's what takes the most time to practice. Once you get a good, uniform blade quality, everything else is refining your details.

Any questions thus far?"

ImpSyndrome

2014-05-11, 08:55 PM

[SEIREITEI, INTSEC TRAINING YARD]

Some time later, Satoshi can be found at one of the open areas on IntSec's stomping grounds, four targets set up across from him about 50 feet away. He's been trying to practice a new level of Kido to expand on his skills, but he's been unsuccessful so far; his failures show as small cuts and frost burns on his left hand, likely side-effects of a poorly-executed ice-type Hado. After another flop at this particular spell, he quits the field for a moment and fetches a bandage from his pouch of hastily-assembled supplies resting nearby. He places some gauze over the wounded area before wrapping the bandage around his hand, binding it tightly to keep it from coming off again when he resumes his training...

((I'll continue this in exposition if no one responds. Kind of uncanny how everyone stopped posting right around the timeskip...))

Kuroimaken

2014-05-11, 10:06 PM

Kuroimaken

2014-05-12, 05:47 PM

[13 hours before the events in Ikari

The SSI]

"Sir, we have an unscheduled Senkaimon opening up in sector seventy-three. The Reiatsu signature is..."

The researcher blinks as he reads the screen.

"Sorry sir. It vanished before we could get a proper lock-on."

The assistant looks up sheepishly at Michael Harada.

_____

[The Alchemical Gardens]

"Damn it, Commander. You left too many questions unanswered."

Koutarou stepped in and looked for signs of a Gigai. Or Li's modsouls.

Dorizzit

2014-05-13, 11:02 AM

[Hueco Mundo]
Las Noches
Three Months After the Signing of the Unseelie Accords

In the time since Jehoel Yurius had deposed Dainichi Nyoria, he has gotten his schedule each day down to a science, with very little variation. He goes to sleep at 3:00 A.M., resting for approximately one hour. Jehoel can function completely without sleep for extended periods of time, but sees no reason to tempt fate, and a single hour gives him everything he needs. At 4:00 A.M. he awakens and meditates for two hours, using this period to calm and then suppress the raging emotions that would otherwise prevent him from rational action. At 6:00 A.M. he moves through a kata from the nameless martial art he invented and uses, a fluid and constantly-evolving series of motions tailored to his unique physiology. This is done more of habit than any need for exercise or practice. After half an hour of this, he studies Go, a more recent indulgence.

At 7:00 A.M. Jehoel begins working, dealing with the paperwork that has accumulated for him during the day. The bureaucracy of Las Noches is built from the ground up to be extremely efficient for a militarized city, based off of the most effective sections of a number of Mortal World institutions. During this period, he also deals with necessary communications to and from the Court Guard. In both cases, any paperwork or communication that requires his attention immediately during the day is relayed to him via messenger. At 9:00 A.M. Jehoel meets with his immediate lieutenants within his section of the Armada, receiving their reports and handing out assignments in turn.

At 10:00 A.M., Jehoel tours the first four districts of the city, keeping himself apprised of events in each. The prison is the most potentially volatile and least controlled element of the city, so Jehoel monitors it closely. Thus far, it has remained relatively stable, helped along by a number of prisoners looking out for Jehoel's interests. Interestingly, it is also the only area where the Cult has gained no traction whatsoever. Districts 11 and 10 are useful for keeping track of potentially important new recruits to the city, although Jehoel never announces his presence within. Finally, Las Noches science team has been uncharacteristically effective during the last few months.

At 1:00 P.M., Jehoel enters the desert of Hueco Mundo, finds, kills, and consumes a single animal Hollow, providing him with sufficient sustenance for the day. He takes the rest of the next two hours off, wandering the city. To the people of Las Noches, Jehoel is a presence both infinitely distant and far too close for comfort; his presence, when recognized, tends to bring more concern than honor.

At 3:00 P.M. Jehoel's schedule splits. Usually, he oversees the continuation Las Noches' various construction projects. Once a week, however, and on this very day, Jehoel moves to the Palacio Real in order to meet with the rest of the Espada. He is, as ever, precisely on time nearly to the second. He takes a seat at the head of the table, taking stock.

KD, this can happen at a different time than your current scene, but I'd like to get things moving forwards.

KnightDisciple

2014-05-13, 01:42 PM

[Hueco Mundo]
Las Noches, Palacio Real, Meeting Room
Three Months After the Signing of the Unseelie Accords

Turiel was already sitting at the table, feet resting on the table as he worked at...it appeared to be a simple gold band that he was polishing down. And occasionally working at with a very fine engraving tool.

He didn't move his body to acknowledge Jehoel's entrance, but his Reiatsu, scarce that it was, pulsed briefly and rapidly. No one outside the room would notice, but Jehoel, and perhaps anyone else who was particularly observant and sensitive, would deduce it was Morse Code for "Hello".

ImpSyndrome

2014-05-13, 01:44 PM

"Amazing how much more effort you put into your training ever since you killed that Hollow, Satoshi." Why, it's Urameshi, the guy who loves to give his recruits a hard time out of tough love. Or something...

"What are you trying to do now, exactly?"

Satoshi would recognize that voice anywhere. He turns to face Urameshi and says, "Well, it's like you've been telling me, sensei: wishful thinking usually doesn't do a Shinigami much good on its own. I've been trying to nail down a higher-level Hado, but I can't seem to stabilize it. I was thinking that I might be using the wrong chant, but I've memorized it back-to-front...so I'm down to running basic trial-and-error for now."

Kuroimaken

2014-05-13, 05:21 PM

Urameshi perked an eyebrow.

"Kidou isn't my specialty, but aren't you supposed to try and master higher-level Kidou before you try to make up your own? That should make it easier, right?"

ImpSyndrome

2014-05-13, 05:44 PM

Urameshi perked an eyebrow.

"Kidou isn't my specialty, but aren't you supposed to try and master higher-level Kidou before you try to make up your own? That should make it easier, right?"

"That's just the thing," Satoshi elaborates. "The Kido I'm trying to use isn't custom or anything; it's a standard Hado, as far as I can tell. I don't know what the deal is, but I've never had this much trouble with a spell before..."

((Or is it still considered made-up if it hasn't already been established?))

Kuroimaken

2014-05-13, 05:45 PM

"Ok... what's happened so far?"

TherianTheorist

2014-05-13, 07:00 PM

"Any questions thus far?"

"No." Bernadette continues watching the class with a bored look in her eye, waiting for the moment where she can participate.

ImpSyndrome

2014-05-13, 08:05 PM

"Ok... what's happened so far?"

There isn't really much to tell, but Satoshi describes how the spell consistently flubs at a certain point. He indicates his wounded hand to show that there's been a bit of a rebound each time. The damage isn't terrible or serious, but it's happened enough that he's taken the time to bandage it.

Kuroimaken

2014-05-14, 08:40 AM

KnightDisciple

2014-05-15, 01:00 AM

"No." Bernadette continues watching the class with a bored look in her eye, waiting for the moment where she can participate.

Suddenly, the blade, having just been drenched in oil and thus cooled down, is tossed almost carelessly into the air in Bernadette's direction.

"Good! Then perhaps you'd like to finish the blade's work for the class?"

Amusement danced in the big man's eyes. He'd clearly picked up on Bernadette's somewhat fickle mood.

ImpSyndrome

2014-05-15, 01:22 PM

"Hmmmm." Urameshi considers for a moment.

"Like I said, Kidou isn't my specialty. Well, Hadou isn't. I know my way out of any Bakudou up to level 80. But it seems to me you're dealing with a nasty case of Newton's Third Law of Physics.

Have you considered the timing during the chant where you're injecting your Reiatsu? Or more specifically when you want it to fire? See, most Shinigami have the Hadou blow up in their faces because they're eager to see results. As a battlefield tool, a long casting time is a detriment to its usability.

Let's try a simple exercise of patience. I want you to try and cast that Hadou by holding it back as long as you can."

As simple a solution as it sounds, Satoshi does see the logic in it. Perhaps his training in other regards has caused him to forget temperance in using Kido. It's also possible that he's misjudging the timing necessary to perform the chant properly. In any case, he nods assent and faces the training dummies again, ready to test out Urameshi's theory. Taking a deep breath, he begins to recite the incantation and allows Kido to start flowing into his hands. It's obvious that the slower casting pace is more difficult for him to manage, but he isn't expecting it to be easy or to come naturally either.

"Empower me, o boundless river of life! Water's edge, northern wind, devil's spear, bearer of a human name! Reveal the faded tapestry of mortality unto the ignorant masses and pierce the veil of silence!" ((Rough translations to Japanese and Romaji coming soon.))

As Satoshi completes the chant, his Reiryoku begins to seep from his fingertips, congealing into four separate masses of ice and frost hovering before him. Over the next few seconds or so, these masses elongate and solidify, forming a diamond formation of large, pointed icicles. It seems to take an extra bit of concentration for the novice Shinigami to keep the icicles from shattering, but it only weighs upon him for a moment before he manages to complete the spell, declaring its name:

"Hado no yon-jyu: Taihyokugi!!" ((Hado #40: Absolute Ice Spike))

This is where the spell fails again. Normally, the ice crystals should be projected forward at high speed, impaling up to four targets designated by the user. Instead, they fall out of formation and collide with each other, eventually breaking apart and dissolving into vapor before even touching the ground. Satoshi cusses loudly and drops his arms to his sides, the possible faults racing through his head. Was he still rushing the spell too much? Did he lose focus when he managed to finally make some forward progress? Was he nervous about failing in front of Urameshi? Or was his Reiryoku simply lacking the energy to complete the spell correctly? It scarcely occurs to him that his success in at least finishing the chant without a hitch was worth some note of satisfaction...