[BiTPR2] Renewed Revolution: Spirit World III [Archive] - Page 4

KnightDisciple

2014-06-26, 01:27 PM

[Soul Society - ELP*³]
[Senkaimon Grounds]

[Soul Society - ELP*³]
(Senkaimon Grounds)

Chouko bumps into Masaru, and nearly falls back. She's since removed her respirator, the thing was uncomfortable after all.

She looks to Masaru with some annoyance. "...what're you gawkin' at?" She follows his eyes, slipping on her visor.

"...huh. Lookit that."

Bass, Duet, Presto, and Interlude just look up, sunglasses reflecting the light dramatically.

"Intriguing."
Masaru barely moves when Chouko bumps him, but somehow manages to grab her shoulder for a moment as she steadies herself. At least his spatial awareness is top-notch!

It takes him about 45 seconds to shake off the shock, but the troops are mostly gawking or murmuring among themselves. Masaru frowns and looks around at them. He raises his voice and speaks loudly in a drill-sergeant-like manner.

"Enough sight-seeing! **** has gone down! **** might be ******! But we are The Pack! We don't care! We **** **** up right back!"

All Pack members are paying attention and grinning, and at that last statement give out a "huah!" in response.

"I am going to name off a few of you to undertake specific tasks! As you complete these tasks you will contact me by radio! The rest of you are to head back to the barracks, alert everyone else, and get the troops on standby! We may be needed soon ladies and gentlemen, so I want our Division to stand at the ready!"

All troops snapped to attention at that.

It seems that perhaps the Spear of Soul Society has finally been reforged.

"Alenko! I want you to report to the Dispatch Center at Command and do whatever it takes to get Squad Leader Hijū Naijeru and the troops assigned to him back to Soul Society! Make sure there are Medical personnel on standby!"

An unassuming-looking man with short, dark hair saluted before racing off.

"Williams! You go to the same place, but your job is to corral Officer Suou Nicole and her forces back to Soul Society! Same note about standby personnel!"

A woman who looked like she could break half the people here over her knee saluted and hustled out.

"Vega! You go talk to Internal Security, see what they can tell us about the state of things here in Soul Society, offer our aid!"

A man who may or may not have a neck under all his muscles, who was actually a member of both the Artillery and Kido Squads, saluted and blurred away.

Masaru looked at the rest of the troops.

"Everyone else! Barracks! Now!"

When they were gone he turned to Chouko and her robotic companions.

"I need to ask you a favour, Chouko. I need you and your science pals, in the SSI and Engineering, to tell me, tell us, where we are. Dimensionally, spatially, the works. We need to know what we're dealing with. I'm going to go find Koutarou and see if we can sort this mess out. I don't have high hopes of easy solutions, though."

She knows the man well enough to know he's worried. Rather worried, even.

Once she accepts or declines the favor, he will offer her a professional nod(TM) and start moving for the main Command Division complex, his extra senses reaching out to find the Acting Commander-General.

Kuroimaken

2014-06-26, 01:49 PM

There's very little doubt in Koutarou's mind as he speaks to Lily.

"If it can be continued, we're changing the focus of project Akai Ekibyou. Instead of developing a a carrier mechanism to ensure the creation of Shinigami, I want the advances of that research used to neutralize any form of La Plaga Blanca, or to develop countermeasures to the Ghost King's weaponized forms of disease. If we let things get to the point where the artificial creation of Shinigami is our only hope of survival, we'll have nothing left to protect but our pride. And that is not worth infecting the Rukongai over.

I want more shorthand information on project Fury. Zheng-soutaichou had already briefed me on Project Tokyo once before - though I hoped he meant to use that one device exclusively as a resort to neutralize Von Geister.

If I'm reading his intentions right, he just may have been about to make the same mistake of the humans sixty-nine years ago. This is something I simply cannot abide. And Yurius would have none of this nonsense either.

I need better instruction on what Project Fury truly entails. I am definitely inclined towards requesting it be disregarded completely. Zheng Li Lin may be a brilliant physician, but perhaps the kind of decision-making process required of a medical doctor is not the same that should be asked of a leader.

Operator. Get me a direct line with Hiraku Masaru. My Reiphone stopped working sometime after I deployed to the field... I might need something more resillient against electromagnetic interference."

strawberryman

2014-06-26, 03:16 PM

When they were gone he turned to Chouko and her robotic companions.

"I need to ask you a favour, Chouko. I need you and your science pals, in the SSI and Engineering, to tell me, tell us, where we are. Dimensionally, spatially, the works. We need to know what we're dealing with. I'm going to go find Koutarou and see if we can sort this mess out. I don't have high hopes of easy solutions, though."

She knows the man well enough to know he's worried. Rather worried, even.

Once she accepts or declines the favor, he will offer her a professional nod(TM) and start moving for the main Command Division complex, his extra senses reaching out to find the Acting Commander-General.

Chouko raises an eyebrow at Masaru's sudden flurry of commands. Well, seems the time in that cave certainly changed him.

"Sure thing, bos-" Then, Interlude speaks up.

"We are in the third Lagrangian point orbiting the sun. In layman's terms, we are on the opposite side of the Mortal World designate 'earth', but slightly closer to the sun. There appears to have been a preexisting planet to merge with, which has an existing atmosphere. Or perhaps, Soul Society created an atmosphere. It is largely irrelevant, as long as humanoid souls are not choking on lack of air. Further tests will be necessary to determine how this will affect the natural influx of souls. I believe this answers your question, bro?"

Draken

2014-06-26, 11:45 PM

Hideki arrives shortly after Interlude is done with his spiel.

"That is correct, other than the portion about a preexisting planet. As it stands we are a reishi asteroid adrift in the mortal world, the atmosphere we had in Soul Society remains, and I presume we are being strung along by the gravity of the scant particles that aggregate on the cosmic bodies of this plane. With less stability than ideal."

"Welcome back Takenaka, now doff the war gear and lets go draw a project for a planetoid."

KnightDisciple

2014-06-27, 12:44 AM

Masaru stopped and turned as Interlude spoke. As the android explained the situation more fully, at least some comprehension dawned. He nodded as Hideki explained further.

"Thank you Interlude-san, Hideki-san. I will inform Acting Commander Koutarou about what you have explained of our situation. Pardon me."

And with that, he raced off for Command Division HQ, going for the main building. Once there he began asking around for Koutarou's location.

Frozen_Feet

2014-06-27, 12:58 AM

[Soul Society; Gotei telecommunications center]

The display reacts to Koutarou's request before Lily can. A new holographic projection emerges, simply titled "calling Hiraku Masaru". Somewhere, Masaru's reiphone starts ringing.

Lily gives Koutarou a dry look. "You really had to do that?" With a sigh, it then turns back to the screen. While they wait for Masaru to pick up, it continues: "The operator isn't here. You'll have to wait for that new phone until we get out. Likewise, these files are read-only here. I have neither authority or technical ability to alter the documents here. You'll have to take it up with the Central 46." Lily resumes looking at the Akai Ekibyou file.

"I don't think what you requested regarding this vaccine is possible. It immunizes a patient against La Plaga Blanca by attaching to the same receptors in their body, subsequently preventing anything else from attaching there. We could leave out the blueprints for Shinigami powers or replace them with junk data to leave just the immunizing effect, but that would mean a person would be unable to gain powers in any future reincarnation. Anything else, based on this research, is wishful thinking."

strawberryman

2014-06-27, 01:32 AM

[Soul Society - ELP*³]
(Senkaimon Grounds)

Chouko gives Interlude an odd look that is somewhat stifled by her visor. But then Hideki arrives, and she shrugs.

"Sure thing, Koutetsu. Gonna ditch the duds, catch a catnap, change into some lingerie and you can talk dirty about terraforming and rocking this place like a..." Bass coughs.

...Androids don't cough. He was probably just saving Hideki from another ridiculous risque escalating hyperbole. "...OK, I guess momma needs to teach the kids about interrupting her. Talk at ya later." Waving, she hops off towards the engineering division, her android posse following nimbly.

Kuroimaken

2014-06-27, 08:40 AM

KnightDisciple

2014-06-27, 10:27 AM

[Soul Society - ELP*³]
[Command Division, Front Office]

[Soul Society; Gotei telecommunications center]

The display reacts to Koutarou's request before Lily can. A new holographic projection emerges, simply titled "calling Hiraku Masaru". Somewhere, Masaru's reiphone starts ringing.
Truly this world of technology is one full of bizarre wonders, such as voice-activated phones.

Masaru was about to ask the front desk about the location of the Acting Commander, when he heard his headset chime with an incoming phone call. He offered the secretary a polite smile and held up his finger in a "just a moment" gesture, turning and walking a few feet away before pressing a button on the headset to take the incoming call.

"This is Officer Hiraku. Who am I speaking with?"

Kuroimaken

2014-06-27, 10:51 AM

"This is Koutarou. You sound well. How are our troops?"

KnightDisciple

2014-06-27, 11:43 AM

"This is Koutarou. You sound well. How are our troops?"
Privately, Masaru is a bit amazed Koutarou's using a phone, but admits such a thought is uncharitable.

"My group has returned intact. No major injuries, maimings, cripplings, or death. No report yet from the other groups; I have 2 of the Officers tracking on that. I sent Vega to liaise with Internal Security to see if they need assistance in the aftermath. Speaking of which, where are you; I would rather continue the debrief in person, and not over the phone in a semi-public place."

Kuroimaken

2014-06-27, 12:19 PM

"Good point. I'll meet you at the Command office in fifteen minutes. Koutarou out."

He turns to peer at Lily.

"I'll be requesting special permission so that you can examine the project information in more detail and relay the information to me. In the meantime, Medlog will be in charge of any needs you can't provide for by yourself.

Effective immediately, Lily, I'm granting you provisional researcher rank. You were closer to Zheng Li Lin's projects than I was and your insight should prove invaluable.

I need to work on the fallout of this mess. I'll see you later."

KnightDisciple

2014-06-28, 01:28 AM

"Good point. I'll meet you at the Command office in fifteen minutes. Koutarou out."
Masaru nods.

"Roger that. See you in fifteen."

He terminated the call and turned to the secretary.

"I'll be waiting at the Commander's office."

And with that he went to wait outside of Koutarou's (presumably locked) office.

Kuroimaken

2014-06-28, 10:08 AM

True to his word, Koutarou was there in exactly fifteen minutes, no more and no less.

With a nod to Masaru, he unlocked the office and stepped inside.

"What's our situation?"

KnightDisciple

2014-06-28, 10:36 AM

[Soul Society - ELP*³]
[Command Division, Front Office]

Masaru followed Koutarou into the office, already speaking.

"First off, the Cathedral itself is destroyed, with no casualties on our part. However, no major casualties were inflicted on the enemy forces, either. Some of their minor warriors, humans infested with some sort of parasite, were brought down, but it seems many of their forces were elsewhere. I faced this purported King directly, having gone directly into Bankai to do so. He did not fight me directly, instead opting to use misdirection and organic "clones" to serve as mouthpieces while he talked about his plan to plane-shift Soul Society. Engineering Officer Chouko engaged in direct combat with another member of the King's terrorist organization, but all I could determine from my location was that he turned into a bug-man and used sonic attacks. Chouko could provide more detailed information. As for the Cathedral, the troops and Chouko's android assistants turned it to rubble."

He paused, a slight smirk coming to his face.

"I made sure it's a pile of melted slag and glass.

As for the secondary sites for the Cult's activities, preliminary reports indicate at least partial success. I am still awaiting final word from Office Sou Nicole.

No word on success or failure in assault on the Von Geister Mansion yet. Naijeru's team has not reported in yet at all and I'm honestly a bit concerned.

Two things come to my mind as lessons from my own actions.

First, this terrorist group freely empowers and employs living Mortals as secondary troops and, most likely, proxies. Some of the forces I faced might give a freshly-seated Officer pause. It would take a Vice-Captain or higher level combatant to reliably take them down without major risk, or the cooperative effort of multiple Officers and regular troops.

Second, they seem to favor misdirection and confusion, if their King is anything to go by. We will likely have to fight through a lot of illusions and false enemies before we finally stamp them out.

Also, I received initial information from Interlude, one of Chouko's androids, as well as Engineering Officer Hideki.

They state we are at..."

Here he closes his eyes for a moment, and his face shifts to one working to remember specific details, almost like re-reading aloud from a book.

"Soul Society, what remains of it, is at the third Lagrangian point orbiting the Sun. In layman's terms, we are on the opposite side of the Mortal World designate 'earth', but slightly closer to the sun.
Officer Hideki notes that we are currently on a free-floating Reishi "asteroid", meaning we are not merged with a planetoid yet. He did, however, make mention of he and Chouko creating one.
As well, obviously we still have an atmosphere.
They stated they will need more tests to figure out how this will affect soul movements."

He opened his eyes and raised an eyebrow, waiting for Koutarou's response.

Kuroimaken

2014-06-28, 11:14 AM

"All told, the outcome was slightly less horrific than expected. It still doesn't change the fact that people lost their homes, and that things are only going to get tougher from now on. Were it not for the foresight of my seniors... there's a good chance Soul Society might not be standing here today."

Koutarou sat down at the table and let his head hang from between his hands.

"I'm a soldier, Masaru. I only got to where I am today because I know how to follow orders in spite of my personal feelings and the fact I'm expeditious about everything I do. To this day, I have no idea why anyone would think I'm leadership material besides the fact that in most missions I led, our casualty rate was as close to zero as I could make it. And even that's falling apart in recent months.

I don't have the level of knowledge Li does. I don't have the heart to send other Shinigami off into hopeless, despairing situations. Everyone's turning to me for answers and I don't have the slightest idea what to tell them.

Maybe I ought to recommend someone with a better mind for logistics for this job... someone like Hideki. Now there's a man with bright ideas. I'm dealing with one of the smartest opponents in Soul Society's history here, and I feel dumber than a bag of bricks. I'm simply not confident I can lead us to victory without too great a cost."

KnightDisciple

2014-06-28, 12:03 PM

Dorizzit

2014-06-28, 12:53 PM

"Worthy of the title of god? Don't be stupid. That's an oxymoron."

impossibly enough, the storm seems to be intensifying even further, the lightning, wind, and rain whipping into ever greater heights of fury. Through the crashing of the storm, it seems impossible that anything could be heard, yet Jehoel's voice carries easily through the storm and Mikael's unique form of speech bypasses this limitation entirely. Jehoel, for his part, does not move, remaining a fixed point. Despite this, it is the motionlessness of one forcing themselves to hold still, quivering almost imperceptibly, rather than the usual relaxed stance he assumes. Although Jehoel is as reserved and focused as ever, he seems less controlled, and more like he's winding up like a coiled snake, ready to strike at any second.

"To be a god is to be powerful. Incredibly so. I am this, you are correct. To be a god is to fulfill a role in the spiritual realm. I do this, too, as you said. But the core essence of godhood? It's being what you are by virtue of your birth. Nothing more, nothing less. A god is handed their power. Given the strength that indicates their title. A god is a supreme being, standing above all others by virtue of what it is, rather than what it has accomplished. A pathetic existence forever suckling off the luck of its birth. What value is there in a leader that has known only leadership? A creator that knows no limitations? An artist without woe? Barely more than a child, yet arbitrarily given the strength to shift mountains! I am as strong as a god, yes, but I earned my power with blood, and sweat, and time!"

Jehoel becomes more animated and wild over the course of the speech, before taking a deep breath, closing his eyes for a second to center himself. When he speaks again, it is in a tight, angry tone.

"The worst thing, though, is that gods drag down others to their level. Have you seen what religion, what faith does to people? It kills them. Rots them from the inside. Inspires them to mediocrity. Victory becomes the will of god. Defeat, the same. Triumph and failure alike attributed to the same source, given no differentiation. People are reduced to cogs in the grand machine of divine will, whether it exists or not, unable to see the truth, the glory of their own achievements. It destroys ambition and originality. What, after all, can a human do before a god?"

Jehoel spits again as thunder crashes and lightning swirls through the clouds.

"Gods are guilty of the only unforgivable sin: they bore me."

Kuroimaken

2014-06-28, 01:40 PM

Masaru waited patiently as Koutarou worked himself into a depressed funk and questioned his ability as a leader.

The he calmly took two steps forward and slapped Koutarou full across the face. He raised an eyebrow at his friend and, technically, superior officer.

"Are you done, or do you need another to get your head on straight?"

Ah, yes, the tried and true "Snap Out of It Slap". Masaru will find his friend is a teensy bit more resillient to the technique than most.

"I appreciate that was meant to make me feel better, Masaru, but it still doesn't change the fact that I failed a lot of people. Yes, yes, no such thing as an infallible leader and all that, but on my first day on the job, the only thing that kept thousands of souls alive wasn't my competence, but that of others! Any failure belongs squarely upon my shoulders. Had I only been a little bit smarter, maybe we would've ended everything today. Instead, we further endangered a mortal city and still had our home torn out of its roots by a millenia-old madman!"

KnightDisciple

2014-06-28, 02:09 PM

Masaru gives Koutarou a Flat Stare (TM).

"Leadership isn't "doing everything myself", Koutarou. You know why Soul Society wasn't crumbled into dust? Because we have good, intelligent people, people like Hideki and Chouko, out there figuring out problems like "what happens when Soul Society is farted out of the rotting carcass of a dead "goddess"?". That's not a question of leadership it's a question of science and knowledge and the application thereof.

Hideki is great at science. Honestly, as much of Chouko's friend that I might be, I think Hideki is a better leader....for the Engineering Division.

Look, Li was maybe good at talking to all the department heads or whatever, but Li was terrible at being open and transparent, or at really making anyone feel like the Gotei was truly a cohesive unit. Li was not a very good Commander-General. Li preferred secrets piled on secrets, and that sort of thinking from Izanagi is what got us to the point we didn't ****ing know about the Ghost King's prison until it was long-breached.

You know what I did on our raid on the Cathedral, as leader? I gave directives to groups of capable Shinigami, and left them to sort out the details and adapt to the situation. The whole point of leading everyone in the Gotei isn't being able to do everything, it's being able to not only talk to all those people, but inspire all those people.

Frankly, thinking we could end everything today, with no preparation, was silly. This terrorist group of the King's is too large and entrenched. We need to fight on multiple fronts. They're luring Mortals into their Cult, infecting them with Hollow powers. Li did nothing for months about them, beyond vague recon. But we struck them a blow; we destroyed multiple strongholds and purged dozens and dozens of Hollows from Mortals they were infesting. We've gained ground, even if it's temporary.

That ground gives us breathing room to get our feet underneath us in our new location. So what you need to do is get everyone organized, on task, and doing things. We've got energy and momentum. Don't waste it."

Kuroimaken

2014-06-28, 02:37 PM

"There's a good chance you're right. I can't shake the feeling that Li knew something like this was coming. How else do we explain actually having countermeasures for it?

If I had any idea what he knew, I would have probably planned things differently. There is a point to keeping secrets, Masaru. It means that in the long run, you get to fight without worrying about what you leave behind. At the end of the day, our job is protecting Soul Society, and each Shinigami we allocate to fighting off the Ghost King's minions is a Shinigami that's not here to protect the people of Rukongai.

Yes, it's a great thing we had a lot of very capable people ready to counter this event. We were also extraordinarily lucky to have had allies we could count on at this point for an emergency we never saw coming. We got by the skin of our teeth this time and I, for one, don't want to see it happening again.

Von Geister will probably dig in deeper now. But we know for a fact he did something on a global scale before he jumped ship. The Kuzunohas were a great help with keeping the mess in Ikari under a reasonable degree of control, but I don't think they have the manpower to handle what Geister's got planned on a larger scale... And we still have that Quincy debacle to deal with."

Koutarou leaned back on his chair.

"I'm going to need a full assessment of our current structural integrity. For now, I want you to get a headcount on the Combat Division. Divert any other available manpower to help with crowd control in the Rukongai - I'm sure people will want to return to their homes soon and we won't be able to let them until Engineering knows how far the damage goes.

I need to get ready to address them."

Koutarou didn't wait for Masaru to leave the room before he pressed a button on the intercom. He was placing a call to one Koutetsu Hideki.

"Koutetsu-san. I need a structural report on our fair share of the universe. How much ground have we lost, and how much can we regain?"

KnightDisciple

2014-06-28, 03:55 PM

Masaru just saluted at the orders. It seemed that he'd lit enough of a fire under Koutarou's posterior that the latter was actually giving orders again.

Without speaking a word, he turned and left the office. Just outside of the office, he stopped as he realized he felt a familiar spiritual signature. But it was faint enough he couldn't pin it down.

He hustled out of the Command building and put in a call to the Medical division to inquire about the status of his friend and teacher Momoka.

strawberryman

2014-06-28, 04:03 PM

Kuroimaken

2014-06-28, 04:10 PM

Of course he is. Not that anyone at the hospital would know.

For all effects and purposes, Hishikawa Setsurou is still stationed at the Mortal World.

Draken

2014-06-28, 07:23 PM

[Soul Society]

Koutarou's phone takes unusually long to be answered.

"The majority of Rukongai beyond district fifty-seven has broke off. Everything beyond sixty-five has broke off. Much of that land fell on Earth, and by all appearances all of that fell on Eastern Russia. Some of the lost territory is adrift on Earth's -and now our- orbit, parts on Earth's path and parts on our own, the later concern me more, since we will impact those over the course of the next six months. Seireitei has suffered minimal damaged."

"As for rebuilding... Give me a timeframe. Engineering will need less than a week to repair the damage to Seireitei. Give us a month and we can have relevant infrastructure of Rukongai back up and running, most importantly my family's holdings in the twenty-sixth ring, most of the industrial complex is there."

"I am drawing plans to stabilize our orbit with a planetoid, but that is on a timeframe of centuries. Maybe decades if Central 46 approves of a full-on draft of all available citizens into the project."

Kuroimaken

2014-06-28, 09:09 PM

Koutarou groaned inwardly. Things were significantly bleaker than they looked. Not half as bad as they could have been, still, but...

"Alright. Our priority is Rukon rebuilding - any strictly non-essential damage to Seireitei's systems can wait, it's what we have reserves and backups for. Draft resources and manpower from other divisions if you have to, save for Medlog for obvious reasons.

I want a skeleton crew working around the clock on how to deal with our own debris within the next six months. See if there isn't a way to reattach that lost portion to Soul Society's landmass. So much the better if we can, but I trust you'll find some way to deal with it otherwise. For obvious reasons, if we had a space program before, it'll get more attention now.

With our farmland having diminished but our population having remained roughly the same, we're going to have to look into a way to increase our housing while expanding arable land. The obvious solution that comes to mind is to expand either above or below. I'll need an evaluation on which is more viable to present to Central 46.

We can't afford the time and manpower for execution now, but I'd like a future plan to at least recover our size back to its original proportions, likely on a similar timetable to the one meant to stabilize our orbit. We could terraform a part of Hueco Mundo, attach it to Soul Society. There's a good chance I'm talking crazy here, but we've had ambitious projects before.

What do we know about the situation on Earth, as well as the projected long-term effects of our territory having crashed on Eastern Russia?"

Draken

2014-06-28, 11:28 PM

"The good news is that Von Geister all but emptied Earth of plus souls, his stunt sent billions to our doors and they are now in reincarnation. This means a lot less work ferrying spirits for us and for Las Noches, and decreased hollow activity as well."

"Still good news, our lost pieces had nearly no impact on Earth due to low spiritual friction. That will, however, change. Earth will become increasingly saturated with spirit particles over the next six months, by this time next year it will be spirit-rich due to our debris. I project minor geological instability over the transition period. More concerning is the simple fact that mortals will become spiritually aware on an unprecedented scale, I presume that his cult will gather these mediums to his cause, an effort I do not see either quincy faction opposing very strongly, nor are we in any condition to meaningfully counter."

"As for terraforming Hueco Mundo, that is not likely, we are not hurting for food that much, the overwhelming majority of our crop yield hails from the third and fifth rings. Plus that world is sand and dry rock, and it severely lacks light and water for crops. I do intend to quarry it for raw materials to replenish our landmass, however. Yolanda, that is my liaison from Las Noches, is drafting courses through the void for that, but she is finding issues due to 'unknown gravitational anomalies' that 'sometimes attract the attention of a colossal non-hostile unknown entity'."

Kuroimaken

2014-06-28, 11:58 PM

"Emptied? Just what kind of scale -- never mind, stupid question.

I imagined that would be the case. Even had the impact been smaller, we're still talking about an inordinate amount of Reishi. Is there any way we can minimize the impact this will have on the generation of new mediums? As it stands right now, we just might have to contact Earth's governments to work in tandem with them. We are responsible for this event, after all, but it's never been Soul Society's work to control Earth's spiritually empowered population, and I don't plan on it starting now. Can we cordon some of it off with sekkiseki?

What do we know about this nonspecific entity? If it's nonhostile, then we know it's not the Kototsu."

Draken

2014-06-29, 12:10 AM

"Our sekkiseki quarries are nonfunctional and I am fairly sure that their output will be lowered now that we are out of Izanami's stomach."

"Deciding what our attitude towards mortal mediums will be is neither yours nor my responsibility, however. You will have to take your report to the Central 46 for them to make a decision."

"As for the entity, yes, it is not the Kototsu, that should be obvious by the fact that I am speaking of the Void, not of the Dangai. Which is another issue, for that matter. Our Senkaimon still use the Dangai, which will result in transit delays. All we know about this entity is that it is vast and made of tendrils bearing eyes. It mostly ignores the trafficking arrancar, the real issue are the gravitational anomalies it sometimes..."

"Examines. I have been informed that it is not a hollow or a plus, but boasts a spiritual signature."

Kuroimaken

2014-06-29, 12:33 AM

"So if something makes a dent in the Shakonmaku we'll have a hard time with the repairs...

You're right in that Central 46 is who decides how we handle mortal mediums. It doesn't mean I have to agree with them.

We can deal with the transit delays in time. Any evidence this unusual creature can be communicated with? Assuming we can get even close enough to try."

Draken

2014-06-29, 12:43 AM

"You don't have to like Central 46, Koutarou, but you do have to obey their decisions, personal feelings notwithstanding. And interesting as this entity might turn out to be, it is not our concern, you should leave it to Las Noches. This is their report after all."

"Anyway, we should have enough quarry output to keep the Shakonmaku fully operational before the end of the month."

Kuroimaken

2014-06-29, 09:24 AM

"I'm getting a little biased towards my own decisions of late, Hideki. You'll forgive me if I value the counsel of people who are actively engaged in this situation more than I value Central 46's actions. People like you.

I'll put in a request before Las Noches to see what we can discover about this entity. If you figure there will be a shortage of sekkiseki, let me know. Koutarou out."

Frozen_Feet

2014-06-29, 11:46 AM

[Not-Earth; Where Soul Society once stood] (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZrCQFSkLcE)

Hnn. And yet. You.
Let. Me.
Live.

My debt. To you.
Is greater. Than.
I. Thought.

The serpent pulls its head back from the Arrancar, as if preparing for a strike.

Listen, and listen well, Jehoel Yurius.
I neither wanted nor earned my powers.
They were foisted upon me by sheer luck.
In that respect, my name is perfectly accurate.
After all, who is like God, if not me?

The serpent opens its maw wide and roars, fangs larger than tusks of mammoths.

So let's fix that, Jehoel!
Be the angel who stopped Leviathan once more!
Fight me! Make me prove myself!

---

[[Soul Society - ELP*³ ; Gotei Telecommunications center]

"Good point. I'll meet you at the Command office in fifteen minutes. Koutarou out."

He turns to peer at Lily.

"I'll be requesting special permission so that you can examine the project information in more detail and relay the information to me. In the meantime, Medlog will be in charge of any needs you can't provide for by yourself.

Effective immediately, Lily, I'm granting you provisional researcher rank. You were closer to Zheng Li Lin's projects than I was and your insight should prove invaluable.

I need to work on the fallout of this mess. I'll see you later."

"I'm going to need that on paper, you know", Lily shouts after Koutarou, but the man is already out. Conveniently enough, the technician soon returns. "Dontcha worry, Boatlights. We recorded yer lil' chat. Practically what dis place's for", he says with a wide grin. Lily glares at him, not too keen on the new nickname.

"... send the audio to Zheng Li Lin's old phone. Thank you and good night."

Later that evening, Koutarou once again finds Lily waiting for him at the Duty Officer's desk. The modsoul is playing Klondyke solitaire with a deck of cards, turning to look up when it notices the Vice-Commander. "So, did you get things off your chest? I need to have a chat with you about the earlier. Let's go upstairs."

Kuroimaken

2014-06-29, 12:18 PM

Koutarou perks an eyebrow.

"Why, Lilium Longiflorum, I wasn't aware that was a specific concern of yours. I suppose I should thank you for minding it, regardless. In this sense you are refreshingly different from your creator.

But far be it from me to keep a flower waiting. Go on ahead."

Frozen_Feet

2014-06-29, 01:04 PM

"I would prefer if people stopped coming up with new names for me", the modsoul states as they get upstairs. There, it spreads out a selection of pages from the botany book on the table.

"I was created for the specific purpose of helping you, especially in tasks that fall outside your expertise as a field officer and soldier. This is one of them, because I want to stop you from giving conflicting orders." It pulls out Li's old Reiphone, presses a few buttons, and then projects a mass of text next to the spreat out pages. It's a piece of Project Fury, detailing a global intelligence effort to identify, track down and capture humans who might develop powers, ideally before they reach adolescence and become dangerous to their surroundings. It then briefly outlines methods for dealing with the captured people: either they will have their powers removed and memories erased, or they will be taken wholesale to Soul Society. Ideally at the behest of them and their families, though the file mentions "special measures" in case of those resisting.

"You said you wanted to neutralize La Plaga Blanca. But even if we had a cure, we would need to find every carrier of that disease and subject them to treatment. That implies infringing the lives of thousands of humans, because we can't reasonably expect for them to find us for testing." Lily shrugs. "Or, we could delay testing until they arrive at afterlife, but that in turn implies letting them turn into Hollows first and per our treaty with Las Noches, we are not allowed to systematically purify them anymore." Lily turns off the projection.

"Now, back to what you asked regarding dormant Shinigami powers... Gotei is a professional army. We do not draft people, even when they have potential to be Shinigami. Exceptions can be made during times of emergency, of course, but that's rare. Shinoreijutsuin, the Academy of Spiritual Arts, mainly takes in those who ask to be taken in and pass our entrance examinations. Even today, an unknown number of Pluses with Reiryoku exists in the Rukon, because they never wanted to become Shinigami." Lily looks at Koutarou. "So, if you don't want to, nothing compels you to give them Asauchis, or enroll them in Shinoreijutsuin, or make them purify souls, or grant them any other privileges or responsibilities of Shinigami. In time, powers given by the vaccine might fade, or might evolve into some unforeseen direction. They might end up like Sabitsura Sho or other myriad criminal lowlives who used to inhabit Zaraki, or they might pull themselves together and found a community of their own, separate from Seireite. Afterall, in the past the existence of those with Reiryoku has been characterized by their comparative rarity. We can't say for certain what happens when this many Pluses have their spiritual potential magnified. One possibility stands above all others, though."

Kuroimaken

2014-06-29, 01:25 PM

"Oh good, I found one of your buttons. And here I thought it was a clever one."

All of his joking ceases momentarily, though.

"La Plaga Blanca is not a naturally occuring phenomenon. It is a bioweapon. One that ensures that cycle after cycle of reincarnation, a given soul will always become a Hollow. A case could be made that Hollowification is a natural process, and that is one of the reasons we've even given the peace treaty with Las Noches consideration - because they had a point. The entire purpose of La Plaga Blanca is to give the Ghost King an army, which is something we cannot abide. There's something that one of his lieutenants spoke of that bothered me when I eliminated another of them. He said..."

"Bravo. You have cast down the newest knight of the ghost king and returned her soul to the great cycle."

"In a few months, she will be reborn, in a few years, she will regain her memory, in a few decades, she will be among us again. And La Plaga Blanca will have taken root into more mortal souls along the process."

"I didn't pay it much mind at the time. But if what he said is true, then even should that knight come to regret that path from a previous life, for whatever reason, she would not be able to stray from it. She would be inexorably pulled back into the Ghost King's fold.

The Ghost King is the source of La Plaga Blanca as we currently know it. There's a good chance he has found a way to cheat the reincarnation cycle altogether - meaning if we are to stop him for good, we may have to resort to soul destruction. The very same sin we convicted the Quincy of centuries ago.

Compared to having to live with that hypocrisy, the sin of condemning souls to be Shinigami for two or three instances of the cycle of reincarnation... it feels light, don't you think?

Personally, I would be more comfortable with finding whatever it is that makes La Plaga Blanca persist through reincarnations and annihilate that aspect altogether. If it can be done, so much the better. If it can't, then I will have to stain my hands. It's the life of a soldier."

Dorizzit

2014-06-29, 01:34 PM

Jehoel nods.

"Yes, Mikael. You are, at this point, as a god in every way that matters. But what differentiated you to me was that you were born human. You know what it is to be powerless and alone. To gain all of that power so suddenly...it was interesting to me. I wanted to see what you would do. What you could do. I have not been disappointed."

He bows his head in thought, then slides into a combat stance.

"Very well. If this is what you desire...so be it."

Frozen_Feet

2014-06-29, 02:02 PM

[Not-Earth; where Soul Society once stood]

The serpent lunges at Jehoel, attempting to swallow him whole. Jets of water gush out from its gils to further accelerate the sudden movement. Around them, the strikes of thunder grow more frequent and intense.

---

[Soul Society - ELP*³ ; Gotei Headquarters]

"Interesting. This is new information." Lily fetches a piece of paper and begins sketching. "There's one thing about the original La Plaga Blanca that I don't think Zheng spoke of much. Supposing Hollows created by it behave normally for their kin, they are drawn to destroying their families, and then themselves." Lily draws a picture of a common Hollow, then a Gillian, and Adjuchas and a Vasto Lorde. "Hollows have a natural tendency to isolate themselves, from the wheel of reincarnation as well as physically. Something like an unintelligent Gillian may remain in Hueco Mundo for centuries without being purified, so the souls within it can't spread the disease. As Hollows are cannibals, they would also be likely to consume other carriers, further inhibiting the spread."

"Zheng wondered about this quite a lot. It's hardly efficient for a bioweapon. But it makes sense if, instead of infecting and destroying most possible victims, the pathogen is intended to create a maximally powerful Menos to serve as a host for the memories and personality of whoever served as the basis of that strain." Lily puts the pen down.

"Of course, to confirm this theory, I would have to converse with the original creator. In any case, Shinigami behave differently, so the effects of releasing the modified pathogen into Rukongai would have rather different effects. Zheng calculated that because Pluses are not biologically immortal, they will reincarnate and reproduce at much faster pace that carriers of the original strain. In time, there should be between three to five carriers of Akai Ekibyou for every carrier of La Plaga Blanca. But, a question emerges." Lily turns to Koutarou and crosses its arms.

"Hasn't this grudge, this pointless conflict, gone on long enough? Between the Sokyoku and Quincy arts, you have the means to ends this conflict once and for all. Is your aversion to killing enough to justify dragging this on for untold reincarnations? Because we already know how it's going to go. First the bad guys win a bit, then the good guys win a bit, maybe someone gets imprisoned for a while and then breaks out - but it will never end. It will go around and around, with the world always in danger, and always in need of saving."

Kuroimaken

2014-06-29, 02:20 PM

"I have already come to terms with the fact that Von Geister and his ilk will never be reintegrated in a productive way into the spiritual society. There is no doubt that they are the kind of monsters we keep the Soukyoku around for. I know that much already.

But we still need an answer for what La Plaga Blanca represents as a menace. Even when we eliminate the threat that is Von Geister, his creation would remain. If we don't find a way to deal with La Plaga Blanca as well, we risk this selfsame situation emerging further down the road. Sure, the Ghost King will no longer be at the helm, but his followers would be. And then his followers' followers. Like you said, it would never end, and they're an insidious lot. They could remain dormant amid the mortals for centuries.

I'm not averse to killing them. Eliminating them from existence. That doesn't mean I have to treat it as though it were a matter void of weight.

In this case, cutting off the head still leaves behind a mobile, decomposing corpse."

Dorizzit

2014-06-29, 02:34 PM

Jehoel simply leaps into the air, disappearing from in front of Mikael's jaw within moments of the attack connecting.

"You've adapted quite well to the powers and shape of that body."

A Cero swirls into existence in Jehoel's hand, blasting down towards Mikael.

Frozen_Feet

2014-06-29, 02:48 PM

[Not-Earth; Where Soul Society once stood]

The serpent's jaws catch only air. Being so big as it is, it is unable to turn to Jehoel before the Cero fires. The blast of spiritual energy strikes it with full force, pressing its coils downward towards the floating bubble of water.

But, before it sinks down to it, it manages to swivel its head back towards the Arrancar. Its body swells, and then it opens its mouth, a torrent of water rushing out with speed of an artillery shell and enough force to knock down a building. It is quite like using a firehose to swat down a fly.

---

[Soul Society - ELP*³ ; Gotei Headquarters]

"Hnn. A mobile, decomposing corpse." Lily looks ponderous. "This may be the very same dilemma Izanagi-no-Mikoto faced when his spouse went mad. We know what his choice was, but I don't think it worked very well for anyone." Lily puts down the rest of the botany book, then takes a step towards the door. "I will return to researching the matter. In the meantime, please familiriaze yourself with that." Lily beckons towards the book.

"Zheng-taichou was not omniscient, Zheng's memory was not infallible. To that end, taichou employed a number of memory techniques and kept hundreds of mementos of the past. When you next walk in the alchemical gardens, realize it's not just a place for growing things. It's like you were walking inside Zheng's brain. That book, is a key. In time, I hope, you or someone else will learn to read it. Oh, and take this too." Lily throws Li old phone towards Koutarou.

"That's yours now. You decide who to give it to." Lily turns to leave. "That letter of resignation is still in the top drawer."

Kuroimaken

2014-06-29, 03:03 PM

Interestingly enough, Lily actually left with Koutarou with more questions than answers. In time, he'd have to answer them all.

For now, he took her advice to heart and set to studying the book. Admittedly, botany had never come across as a particularly fetching area of interest for Koutarou. He was a curious man, yes, but his lowborn status made him more attracted to fields of study with practical applications. History, for example, as a means to keep himself from repeating the mistakes of his predecessors. In order to apply the study of plants in practical terms, Koutarou would require a deeper understanding of chemistry, biology, and medicine than he possessed at present - possibly, a deeper understanding than he could attain even if he'd studied those subjects his whole life.

Nonetheless, he set about to the task at hand. By comparison to Li's mind, Koutarou's had a lot more space to fill. His memory was more reliable as well. In time, he might just figure a thing or two about his predecessor.

The Acting Commander-General declined giving thoughts as to his resignation, but one thing became recurringly clear as he studied.

He needed a second-in-command.

Dorizzit

2014-06-29, 03:44 PM

Jehoel reflexively attempts to split the water blast as it approaches him, but is not prepared for the resistance caused by Mikael's own exertion of control over the attack. He is caught off guard for less than a second, but his is long enough for the torrent of water to hit Jehoel full on. When the water disperses, however, he is already gone, appearing midway along Mikael's back. Jehoel drives his fist into a point next to the armor of the frill, which sends pain racking through Mikael's body; even this form, it seems, has weak points. As this happens, another memory passes from Jehoel to Mikael.

The man is old, decrepit. Jehoel is fond of him, in his own alien way. The man has lived a long life, and a good one. An artist, a father, and a respected member of his community. He will pass beloved by all, surrounded by his loving family. Jehoel has visited this man a dozen odd times over the course of his life, the man's barest spiritual power letting him see and talk to the Hollow. Jehoel has provided encouragement, chastisement, companionship, advice, and silence, as needed. As a child, the man had not questioned it, and as an adult had come to accept the existence of his mysterious benefactor. Jehoel, now, has comes to pay his last respects, in his own alien way.

The room is not small, but feels cramped due to the press of bodies within. The man's wife, children, and grandchildren fill the room. They have come to say goodbye. When he has finished with each of them, giving them his parting words of advice and regard, he looks into the corner of the room and nods, once. To his family, it seems he is staring into space. But in reality, it is a signal to Jehoel. Striding forward, he leans over as the man lies back on his bed, closing his eyes and relaxing. Gently, Jehoel pushes the man's soul from his body. In the same motion, unseen to the family, Jehoel fills the man's lungs with water. Devoid of a soul, the body does not struggle even reflexively as it dies. Jehoel turns to the man's soul, standing patiently with an ease not felt in years.

"You are certain that this is your will?"
"I am, my friend."
"It will be as a dream. An endless, peaceful slumber."
"It sounds lovely."
"It will also be the most irrevocable kind of death. You will never live again."
"I have lived enough."
"Very well."

Jehoel tenderly places his hands on either side of the man's head. Then swallows him whole. The soul slides in easily, digested within seconds. Jehoel sighs, and waits. His favorite part is yet to come.

Frozen_Feet

2014-06-29, 04:17 PM

The serpent roars in pain, its body trembling and shaking. In but a fraction of a second, its bulk swings away from Jehoel, then back towards him like a falling wall of steel, trying to bash him away. Mikael had anticipated Jehoel knowing and trying to exploit weaknesses of his own form, but hadn't anticipated just how much it would hurt.

Meanwhile, Jehoel experiences another flashback, another memory in return of the one he just shared:

"Daddy! Daddy! I caught one!"

A small boy is standing on gently sloping cliff by a lake. He is struggling to hold long fishing rod, the cause toil dangling from the line and hook. A large perch, its silvery scale gleaming, fights for its life.

Thin, small arms strain, and the boy, eyes wide open from shock and joy, pulls his catch to the beach. Deprived of the water it is used to breathing, the fish jumps and wriggles on the cold, grey stone. "Daddy, where are you? Come quick!", the boy shouts, but no response comes to his plea. His overjoyed smile falters when he realizes he's on his own.

Reaching down, he grabs the flailing fish to his hand. Yuck. It feels cold and slimy. Letting go of the fishing rod, his other hand reaches to detach the hook from fish's mouth, but his little fingers aren't deft enough to remove the wicked thing. "Why won't you just stay still?", the boy asks from the fish in frustration, finally just tearing the hook off the side of its mouth.

Then, he lowers the fish on the stone, and reaches for an empty platic bottle. He gives the fish a good whack, but it doesn't stop wriggling. So the boy hits it again, and again, the stone , the bottle and his hands becoming stained in fish blood. "Just die already!", he half screams, half pleads. His joy is gone, replaced by cold horror, and tears are flowing down his face.

After many blows, the perch's gills stop quivering and its eyes glaze over. The boy, panting, sits down a wipes a tear off his face, even if it only serves to spread the blood and muck on his face. He caught the fish to sate his hunger, but eating the damn thing is the last thing he feels like.

Yet, if he does not eat it, the fish will have died in vain.

And so, he takes his catch to his father, and they gut it, and fry it over a campfire, and they have a good time. But the guilt, it aches in the boy's heart. Because he knows that behind those inhuman, bulging eyes, the fish must've been suffering greatly. If only he'd been strong enough to kill it faster...

Dorizzit

2014-06-29, 06:38 PM

Jehoel flashes away from Mikael's path, deftly swerving around the massive serpentine form. He moves even further away before stopping in the air.

"I feel, perhaps, that I am pulling my punches a little too much."

Reaching one hand up to his mouth, he bites into his thumb with visible effort until a tiny drop of blood emerges. He extends one hand upside down at Mikael, a Cero beginning to form at his palm. After a moment, a drop of the blood from Jehoel's thumb falls into the Cero, causing it to darken and begin swirling even faster, changing into a more jagged shape as it does so.

TherianTheorist

2014-06-29, 07:26 PM

[Orbiting the Sun at Sun-Earth Libration Point Three]

Kaoru, the Arrancar and the stranger arrive at the closed gate of Seireitei. "So, what happens next?", one of the snakes asks. "That thing looks quite heavy. Is someone going to let us in?" The Arrancar waits for Kaoru to signal the gatekeepers and for them to come and check who's knocking.

((OOC: someone else can NPC the Shinigami reaction to an Arrancar requesting entry.))

The shinigami on guard duty stop Kaoru and his guest who remains nameless for now, the one on the left is trying not to stare, but failing miserably at it. "Who is that, state your name and buisness." says the one on the right. Since Kaoru passed though this gate just a bit earlier, this difference in treatment may be related to the arrancar's presence.

-----

[Hueco Mundo] (Turiel's shop) <TIME INDETERMINATE>

A large rectangular box lays waiting for Turiel, a small folded piece of paper sits on top.

To Turiel Vulkenssen, El Segunda Espada.

For reminding me.

-Bernadette Almira, Craftswoman....There's no sign of what she meant by that.

It's the sword from before, while the overall construction is sound, there are a few flaws that only a smith would catch, as well as some unnecessary detail work that appears to have received more attention than the actual blade.

Beside it, pointing the other way is something strange, It's a sword, near identical in shape to the first, but made of glass with fine wires running though it, twisted around inside to form a seemingly meaningless pattern.

Frozen_Feet

2014-06-29, 07:54 PM

[Not-Earth; Where Soul Society once stood]

The serpent doesn't respond, nor does it seem to follow Jehoel's movements. Its head dives closer to the floating water, with its body following in wide spiral - but just as Jehoel completes his little ritual, the serpent twists, and its tail lashes towards Jehoel like a giant whip, aiming to swat the Arrancar and his little orb out of the sky.

---

[Soul Society - ELP*³ ; Gate of Seireitei]

The Arrancar looks at the guard, then at Kaoru, then at the guard again. With seven eyes, it could look at all of them at once, but out of politeness (?) it only keeps open those two eyes that are roughly where they should. "We guess we technically have no name. Nor any business here. We came from Las Noches and were helping with the evacuation, but... it seems we screwed up and got left behind? We would like to request shelter within your walls. This young Shinigami here suggested we visit this place called SSI." The Arrancar bows to the guards, while beckoning at Kaoru.

Dorizzit

2014-06-29, 09:34 PM

"Gran. Rey. Cero."

A spiral blast of riotous, barely controlled energy erupts from Jehoel's hand, hurtling unerringly down towards Mikael like a torrent. Jehoel, meanwhile, is struck down by the tail, ignoring it completely in favor of accurately firing his Cero. This brief moment of contact brings with it only the fragment of a memory.

A black sea, thunder and lightning, and over a hundred ships in the waves, many shattered by the storm's fury. Men scream and die.

Jehoel tumbles through the sky, but quickly lands and regains his balance. He awaits Mikael's next move.

Frozen_Feet

2014-06-30, 09:13 AM

In return for that memory, Jehoel only gains the sensation of being crushed between two metal objects. The pain of that is quickly drowned out by the shock of being actually hit by the serpent's tail.

Helped by the momentum of its lashing tail, this time the serpent spins around in time, meeting the blast head-on. Too late to meaningfully dodge, it catches the chaotic energies with the only thing it can: its mouth. For a brief instant, the lenght of the creature's body swells becomes transilluminated by bright blue light, its bones and shadows of its organs showing through its scales. Trembling with the forces raging inside it, the beast turns its head towards Jehoel, and then its jaws are flung wide open as it can no longer contain it.

A bright light burns an afterimage on Jehoel's retinas. It's that of a snake composed of thunder and light emerging from Leviatan's mouth, as if the form of his Resurreccion was just an old skin to be moulted by some different entity. In the wake of that vision comes a shockwave, pushing the stormclouds before it and blowing them away. But it travels not just through the air. The force strains the very fabric of reality, twisting dimensions and sending ripples through the Void. In time, they will be felt even on the material plane.

KnightDisciple

2014-06-30, 01:34 PM

[Soul Society]

Presuming not-Setsurou took the likely more expedited route to the monastery of the Ho-ou, Masaru receives word that the woman is being processed and re-examined, due to a rather sudden departure from West Gate hospital by leave of Lieutenant Koutetsu.

(Monastery of the Ho-ou - Room 2346)

And so it is that Momoka is led to a new room after a brief examination (fortunately her little stunt did not exacerbate her condition) and kaidō application to recover some of her reiatsu. She's still quite out, but she does stir very slightly in all the moving and hustle.

One wonders if not-Setsurou is going to stick around.

Of course he is. Not that anyone at the hospital would know.

For all effects and purposes, Hishikawa Setsurou is still stationed at the Mortal World.

Masaru thanked the staff and took himself to said Monastery, moving quietly through the halls with enough skill that many didn't even notice his presence.

Finally he makes it to Room 2346, concern on his face as he opens the door...and sees someone already in the room.

"My apologies, I didn't realize Sensei already had a visitor. I can come back later."

Dorizzit

2014-06-30, 06:28 PM

Jehoel runs. He knows, without doubt, that if the attack thundering towards him connects he will die. There is no conscious thought, no calculation, and no intent other than survival. He vanishes from the air; there is little blur of motion, and less noise than usually accompanies a Sonído. Jehoel, for all intents and purposes, disappears completely.

He reappears a few seconds later, now breathing almost imperceptibly harder. Although blown away, the storm clouds quickly begin to gather once more.

"Are you yet satisfied, Mikael?"

Frozen_Feet

2014-07-01, 01:02 AM

The serpent flies towards Jehoel from the distance, steam rising from its mouth and gils. Jehoel can't see it now, but it's lost all but one of its fangs. Its scales glisten bright blue under the light of the vast sky, until the stormclouds obscure it once more.

Why did you run?
You could've stopped that attack, Jehoel.

Disappointment echoes in the voice of the creature.

There's another form, more powerful than this.
I know it. You know it.
So why didn't you assume it?
If this is about your knife, I will gladly give it back to you.
Just, if you're going to stop pulling your punches, do it properly.

strawberryman

2014-07-01, 12:24 PM

[Soul Society]
(Monastery of the Ho-Ou - Room 2346)

A weak but familiar voice calls from around not-Setsurou. "...sensei? Oh dear, I never thought I'd hear that word in reference to myself." A chuckle escapes Momoka's lips. "It's fine, Hiraku. My friend here has not been overly talkative, and I could stand to see some new faces." She gives not-Setsurou an amused look, then beckons with her bandaged hands.

((I know Setsurou is a ninja but geez, just take the character interaction. :smalltongue:))

Kuroimaken

2014-07-01, 12:31 PM

((Hey, it's not like he's been mute by choice here. ))

Masaru is greeted by a Shinigami of plain, unassuming features, in a red scarf, whom promptly stands up and takes a short bow.

"Nice to meet you, sir... I'm Takeshi Hongo of the SSI."

Credited with creating the Shocker system, no doubt.

"And I haven't been overly talkative because you could use the rest. You've been through a lot, you know."

There, now we can stop speaking of Setsurou as not-Setsurou.

strawberryman

2014-07-02, 01:28 AM

[Soul Society]
(Monastery of the Ho-Ou - Room 2346)

"I was not quite aware of the fact, actually. It might have been lost somewhere in the dangai void in the presence of one of the most dangerous spiritual beings in existence. Or perhaps not having time to recover from that before being asked to almost single-handedly make use of secret protocols to move the Seireitei through time and space." Momoka's voice is entirely flat through this... but she eventually breaks for a light chuckle.

"...with all due respect, I think I can rest and speak."

KnightDisciple

2014-07-02, 02:03 AM

[Soul Society]
[Monastery of the Ho-Ou - Room 2346]

Masaru offers them both smiles as he steps into the room fully, offering Momoka a bow.

"Nevertheless, you taught me much in our time together. To not refer to you as Sensei would be a dishonor to both of us, and silly of me besides.

It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Takeshi-san. Thank you for keeping watch over Momoka-sensei.

As for your personal exploits, Sensei, I shall put in a good word with the Acting Commander-General regarding your person. Especially in light of the...comparatively good condition we find ourselves in. It sounds like only the outer 20 or so Districts suffered massive damage. And we are not merged with the Earth but instead in an orbit opposite of it."

strawberryman

2014-07-02, 03:27 AM

[Soul Society]
(Monastery of the Ho-Ou - Room 2346)

"In truth what I did was not so impressive. Izanami-no-Mikoto cannot be bound, I can only expect she allowed me to leave. And the transportation of the seiretei was only possible by several months of work and research by Igarashi and myself. Your praise is appreciated, but hardly necessary." Momoka brushes it off casually. "While I can only grasp at the Ghost King's true mechanisms and desires, in a manner of speaking the removal of the Seireitei was not an unsound concept on its own. After all, Commander Li thought of it before it came to a more... expedited and forceful ejection."

"...we could only survive so long with the Seireitei in such a poisonous location, after all. We may face some short-term logistical issues, but... I do believe we have taken a step in the right direction for our long-term survival. Some may speak of ancestry and tradition, but Izanagi-no-Mikoto saw fit to leave us in a situation where we were simply staving off the inevitable by feeding a system quite literally composed of rotting bones." She closes her eyes, smiling mysteriously.

"...if you are to believe the Ghost King's words, of course. But myself, Li, and others have seen things to suggest a grain of truth to the myth."

Kuroimaken

2014-07-02, 09:25 AM

"Wait. So you knew exactly where Soul Society had been located and what might happen? This is the first I've heard of possible prior knowledge of what the Ghost King's plans were." Takeshi questions.

"At this point I'm not sure whether you're being humble or boasting about your accomplishment. But either way a lot of people owe you and Igarashi their lives.

Any word on what the impact on the Mortal World might be? We did dislodge a lot of Reishi. Hard to believe it would come out unaffected."

strawberryman

2014-07-02, 11:55 AM

[Soul Society]
(Monastery of the Ho-Ou - Room 2346)

"Truthfully, Izanami-no-mikoto did not deign to be silent in the time I was near her. She informed me of the Seireitei's position in her rotting gullet, and as I did not see a liar, I was inclined to believe her. Koutetsu Hideki informed me of the Ghost King's responsibility in the violent near-extrication of soul society. So your guess to forward knowledge of his plans is as good as mine." Momoka nods slightly, flipping Hideki's business card out of the single pocket on her gown and putting it on the bed stand.

"I would hardly deign to boast. The Seireitei's survival from here is on its people as a whole. As for the mortal world... there will be a likely increase in spiritual activity. Quite a simple hypothesis, really."

Kuroimaken

2014-07-02, 03:59 PM

"Hmmm. The increase in Reishi cannot by itself create more pluses or Hollows... but it would lead to the increase in the number of mediums over time, if I understand you correctly.

The question is, what, if anything, are we to do about it? I don't think we can simply start monitoring every mortal for the appearance of spiritual powers. We've got a lot more on our plate right now."

KnightDisciple

2014-07-02, 05:06 PM

"Considering we have an active, hostile terrorist organization with larger-than-you'd thing resources and the ability to rapidly deploy an army that could end up matching our own. Not to mention the clear and present danger the elemental nature of the Knights presents to large swathes of the Mortal World. Which they are spending all their time in.

Considering that, the long-term development of mediums is an issue for another day, one we can delegate to have researched and multiple proposals put forward, I'm sure.

Oh, don't forget the simmering war between that Australian branch of Quincy, the ones that call themselves Reiniger now, and most of the rest of them. That stuff is going to get bad, soon, and we may have to step in to assist. Or to keep it from spilling over."

At this point Masaru's just leaning against the wall, eyes half closed in a thoughtful expression.

strawberryman

2014-07-02, 06:49 PM

[Soul Society]
(Monastery of the Ho-Ou - Room 2346)

"It would be impractical to monitor the results of this reishi infusion currently, yes." Momoka turns thoughtful at the mention of Reiniger. "...I cannot say I have an opinion on being involved in another conflict. But it's not really as if I have a say in the matter, I am a convict recruit after all."

Kuroimaken

2014-07-02, 07:38 PM

"Still doesn't feel particularly wise to delay a relatively small problem until it turns into a bigger one. Though my thoughts on the matter are just as void... I'm a researcher, not a strategist."

Except for the times he's not. But it's still not his business then.

Dorizzit

2014-07-02, 10:46 PM

[Not Earth]
Where The Soul Society Once Stood

The wind blows. Thunder crashes. Lightning tears through the sky. And for a long moment, Jehoel is utterly silent and still. Then, he jabs both hands forwards and parts them as if ripping open a curtain. The clouds divide, opening a clear line of sight between Mikael and Jehoel.

"Because there is a difference between failing to hold back and actively attempting to kill. My full power is not something to be called upon frivolously. I have never had to assume the form you describe. Nothing I have faced has ever possessed sufficient strength to warrant its use. The power of which you speak is dangerous beyond all belief. It can rip worlds asunder, destroy the natural order of all creation, and kill without my will. To use it for more than a few seconds invites consequences that I can only guess at. Using it in even this barren place may have aftereffects. But, if you insist...I will show it to you (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yb7RfwXhxs)."

Jehoel closes his eyes, folding his hands together in front of his chest as if in prayer. Unheard, he murmurs a brief intonation under his breath, then begins to radiate Reiatsu in a series of waves. As this happens, the storm collapses into Jehoel, the clouds, lighting, rain, and even wind all collecting around him and obscuring him from view. The first wave of power feels like a tidal wave, awe-inspiring in power and intensity. The second is like the rain; heavy, but only partially felt. The third is tranquil; it contains none of the helplessness or despair that usually infests Jehoel's Reiatsu. This is soft, and barely present as it passes over Mikael like a fine mist. Within the miniature storm, a pair of glowing, yellow eyes radiate into visibility. A deep, hissing voice echoes out through the emptiness.

"Resurrección, Segunda Etapa."

The clouds finish coalescing into a vaguely humanoid shape, which vanishes before Mikael can get a good look at it. Instantly, Mikael can feel his body ripped apart, a dozen holes carved through his flesh before he can even react. The contact is so brief that not even a fragment of a memory can transfer between them. Despite the horrifying wounds, Jehoel carefully avoids damaging any organs; the damage inflicted will not be fatal for some time. The Arrancar himself is nowhere to be seen.

strawberryman

2014-07-02, 11:05 PM

[Soul Society]
(Monastery of the Ho-Ou - Room 2346)

"...in either case, we are diminished." Momoka closes her eyes. "I suppose it will be up to Commander Li." ...oh. Right. She probably doesn't know.

KnightDisciple

2014-07-03, 12:43 AM

"Respectfully, Takeshi-san, I am of the hope that both the Ghost King and Quincy situations will be resolved within the next calendar year. I believe that is within Soul Society's capability if we really and truly focus on these matters. After that, we can decide how to approach the issue of increasing numbers of mediums.

But it won't do much good to have a policy set for mediums if everyone on Earth is a Hollowified slave to the Ghost King, or if the Quincy destroy so many souls that it all comes crashing down and together.

But, I am not even a Captain, let alone the Commander-General. My stance is ultimately just one man's thoughts."

At Momoka's remark about Li, Masaru's face goes from "thoughtful" to "emotionless".

"Li left Soul Society with essentially no warning, and without collecting Hei Lin, to go to the Soul King's Palace. Koutarou-san is the Acting Commander-General."

5a Violista

2014-07-03, 01:12 AM

[Soul Society]
Finally, a Hell Butterfly arrives to Masaru, from Suou Nicole.

Its message is this:
All their churches in that city were successfully destroyed.
A handful escaped, but most mortals were cleansed of any Hollow Taint and the cult was wiped from their minds.
We lost one hundred and six Mod Souls to battle and the remainder are all on standby.
If you need any further details on the aftermath, I'm with Med&Log now.

She fails to detail the reason she hasn't left Med&Log yet. She's still in there for Reiatsu restoration, the matter of her "slight headache," and both her broken femurs. It hurts, but there's no way she'll admit that to a superior officer. She spends the time there with her mind away, speaking to her Zanpakuto's spirit. As melancholy as Kyūketsuki is, she's still company who can sympathize with the pain she's feeling.

[Hueco Mundo => Soul Society]

Valentina actually enjoys herding cats.

That is the reason why she likes directing the Pluses away from Hueco Mundo, back to Soul Society's new location.

Frozen_Feet

2014-07-03, 05:19 AM

[Not-Earth; where Soul Society once stood]

The serpent hisses in pain. It as expected. All the power required to move the giant body of a Leviatan, but placed within a frame of humanoid proportions and mass. Such combination allows for vastly greater acceleration and change of direction. Swift, unpredictable and deadly like the stormwinds that blow high in the atmosphere, that is Jehoel's true form. Even if the serpent is able of reaching the same speeds, its heavy bulk would make it require vastly more time. As such, it is completely outmatched.

Yet, that is not what bothers Mikael. Being torn apart by Jehoel would not matter, if it would grant him new insight to the Arrancar's actions. But at these speeds, the only sound that can be heard is that of flesh being carved to bits, the only information transmitted is pain.

If Jehoel has no more story to tell, clinging to the serpent's form is pointless.

Its maw of broken teeth wide open, the serpent begins to sink from the skies. Its blue scales turn pale and wither, its blood turns to water and its fins are torn by the wind. Jehoel can feel the power emanating from it fading, being reduced back to the level of but a single Plus. If it's not stopped, the serpent will crash on what remains of Soul Society's ground.

Dorizzit

2014-07-03, 06:27 AM

As he falls, the same humanoid form as before flashes into existence directly above Mikael.

"Disolver."

The figure unfolds into a tremendous, disproportionately large cloud of water, and gathers around Mikael. He can feel his fall slowed, until he rests almost gently against the ground. During this process, in the last fading moments of connection several complete memories transfer from Jehoel to Mikael. The water streams away from Mikael, who will likely be uninjured once he reverts, and coalesces back into the shape of a sealed Jehoel, his arms folded over his chest. The Primera Espada says nothing, his face unreadable.

Memory transfer will be completed via PM because spoilers and time.

Kuroimaken

2014-07-03, 09:00 AM

Frozen_Feet

2014-07-03, 09:32 AM

The serpentine form doesn't really appear to notice anything, its eyes turning white and dead as it falls. As it is lowered to the ground, it already appears to be decomposing, the reek of rotting fish filling the air. It holds together for a minute after Jehoel lets go and returns to his sealed form, then collapses under its own weight into what appears to mud and filth scooped up from the bottom of Earth's polluted oceans.

For a moment, everything is still and silent. Then, a light gust blows over the wreckage, and Jehoel can feel a certain tension. Globules of something black and oily isolate themselves from the muck and float somewhat above its surface. A mound of filth collapses, revealing a bulge shaped like a human lying on his back. Jehoel doesn't need to admire it for long, as blink of an eye later, Mikael crawls to a sitting position with a sputter, then stands up. With dirt and water dripping from the remains of his clothes, it's hard to say how the wounds received by Leviatan translate to his humanoid frame. For a second he just kind of hovers in place, before swinging his arm and throwing something at Jehoel. It's Jehoel's Zanpakuto, apparent whether he catches it or lets it hit the ground next to his feet.

"What's the matter, Jehoel? Didn't I tell you to stop holding back?"

TherianTheorist

2014-07-03, 03:08 PM

[Soul Society - ELP*³ ; Gate of Seireitei]

The Arrancar looks at the guard, then at Kaoru, then at the guard again. With seven eyes, it could look at all of them at once, but out of politeness (?) it only keeps open those two eyes that are roughly where they should. "We guess we technically have no name. Nor any business here. We came from Las Noches and were helping with the evacuation, but... it seems we screwed up and got left behind? We would like to request shelter within your walls. This young Shinigami here suggested we visit this place called SSI." The Arrancar bows to the guards, while beckoning at Kaoru. The guards merely stare in confusion for a moment, waiting for someone to clarify what's happening, why couldn't guard duty be boring?

"Name, Yoshida Kaoru, of the Yoshida clan. Business, escorting our guest here to the SSI, as you can see, they're with me, so it will be fine, they don't mean any harm, and if somebody wanted a spy, they would have picked one who didn't stand out so much, so they can't be here for that, and we're only going to the SSI to ask about recent events, so what could possibly go wrong?" He may have said too much there, but the guards just sort of give up on understanding things, then let them through anyways.

A few moments, after passing the gate, Kaoru begins his investigation into his guest's namelessness. "Do you really not have a name?" Names are pretty common, at least in Kaoru's experience, and they tended to be important, almost a basic part of identity itself, really.

strawberryman

2014-07-03, 03:17 PM

[Soul Society]
(Monastery of the Ho-Ou - Room 2346)

"...I see." Momoka opens her eyes, not seeming truly that troubled. "Merely conjecture on my part, but I would imagine with such a sudden invitation would mean Li had been in standing to ascend for some time. As for Hei Lin being left behind... it is merely an asauchi, Hiraku. The spirit will leave it, and follow its master."

"I do hope that Ishinomori will live up to his new position." ...Momoka suddenly sighs. "...the outer districts were lost, hm? My home was in the outer forests... just my luck. It seems my past has a tendency towards being erased." A dark chuckle escapes her lips. Before Masaru or Takeshi can respond to this, she continues.

"...this may seem to come from nowhere, but allow me to tell you a story. Long ago, a family lived in one of the outer districts of the Rukon. A simple father and mother, they adopted lost and abandoned children, having none of their own. They were happy enough." She pauses. "...and yet, one day, a Noble family bought all the land from under them. A simple enough act. They wanted to raze the homes with experimental weapons, to test their effectiveness on the buildings. Something that would appear in history with the wake of atomic weapons, amusingly. Although the mortals built instead of forcing families from their homes. Admittedly it was not one of the safer districts, many homes were... ill attended. But the father harbored some grudge towards the noble houses, and he would not budge, even as those around him left, and he sent his children to safer places. Some would not leave. Why would they? This man gave them a home."

Momoka closes her eyes. "...the experiment occurred without delay. Those people, the father, the mother, two sons, and a daughter... were lost. Erased." She puts a hand to her eyes. Perhaps she's crying? "...but, you see, the daughter would get hungry. She had no idea that meant she possessed spiritual power at the time. But she was out wandering the forest, foraging for berries... anything to stave the hunger. She saw the edge of the destruction, her eyes, her skin, were burned white. She choked on poisonous fumes that made her weak and would scar her for life. Her surviving siblings thought her dead, and the horror she witnessed... she would rather leave herself behind. Society had only wronged her." The hand comes away, and her eyes open. She was not crying, she was simply pulling away a veil. The orbs that look upon Masaru and Takeshi are an icy blue-white (http://fc01.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2012/119/8/a/husky_eyes_by_i_run_withwolves-d4xwvxq.jpg).

"...I have hidden these eyes for years. Even before the academy... I found myself able to manipulate reiatsu into rudimentary kido. In truth, I would have lived in those woods until I died, if not for... well, that is not my place to say. But the paths I have taken to come here have been scorched. You might consider whether I am vengeful... but in truth, in my imprisonment, in my solitude... I have learned hatred only deepens the scars, magnifies the hurt. The only way to peace, is through forgiveness. Letting go of the past." She covers her eyes again, and they return to her more human hazel-blue. "This I have learned. War only intensifies. Unless you are able to surgically strike at your foes, strike at their foundation and scorch them from the earth... they will heal, and the collateral damage dealt from anything less will only create more enemies. We have lived in an age where we were able to think of hollows as common monsters, and yet a city has sprung from the ground of their efforts. Times have changed. The foundation we were built on... was a lie, at its most fundamental level. Now we can begin to build of our own accomplishments... if we only do not cling desperately to the past, to failing tradition."

"...I am Kobayashi Momoka, and no one else. I hold no ill will to the nobles who destroyed my family, for they are my past, not my future. I bear no hatred to the Ghost King for forcing our hand, for at its basis, his plan was not so vile. I will move forward as best I can, and that is all I can do."

Kuroimaken

2014-07-03, 05:20 PM

"Momoka... it's not within my rights to tell you how to think or how to live your life. It's really noble of you to make an effort just to let it go. To forgive and forget. But at the same time... I think I can understand why that father wouldn't let go of his home. Of what his home meant to him.

Long-lived as we Shinigami are, there's an end to all our lives. When our time comes, the only things we leave behind are the memories in other people's hearts, and our personal marks on the land. Humankind is the only manner of creature concerned with its own history, because if the meaning of life lies in what you leave behind, then our history is all we've got."

Takeshi reaches for one of Momoka's hands.

"That is why what you did for us all means so much. You risked your life - don't pretend you didn't, I read your charts - so we could all have a future to look forward to. Don't make light of what you've sacrificed in the process. It is important, just like you're important to us. Whether we can recover it or whether we need to build upon it, well... that's a different matter.

But please don't play fast and loose with what is dear to your heart. Many times we lose sight of what's really important to us until it is gone and we cannot replace it.

For what it's worth... I will try my best to make sure neither you nor anyone else in Soul Society is forced to sacrifice anything else. That's a promise."

strawberryman

2014-07-03, 11:19 PM

[Soul Society]
(Monastery of the Ho-Ou - Room 2346)

Momoka closes her eyes again, smiling sadly. She squeezes slightly at Takeshi taking her hand, as if to confirm its realness. "...though I live at peace with my past, I believe I owe an apology if I gave the impression I discount it entirely. To do that would be foolish."

"...and very well, I will make a point of sending a formal message to those I care about when I am in the process of binding a mad goddess or reformatting the alignment of space as we know it. But of course, I learned the art of disappearing from someone in particular, and it has served me quite well." OUCH. Quite a burn to Setsurou. Good thing he's not here.

The smile on Momoka's face implies that she is merely teasing, however.

Man, this must be really weird for Masaru to watch.

Frozen_Feet

2014-07-04, 07:58 AM

[Soul Society - ELP*³ ; Gate of Seireitei]

A few moments, after passing the gate, Kaoru begins his investigation into his guest's namelessness. "Do you really not have a name?" Names are pretty common, at least in Kaoru's experience, and they tended to be important, almost a basic part of identity itself, really.

The Arrancar smiles widely at being granted the opportunity to see the city of Noble Souls from within. Not a whole lot of his kind have managed that. The snake on its right shoulder answers Kaoru: "Oh, we've had a lot of names. But using those would be inappropriate. We ceased to be the people to whom those names belonged a long time ago... calling us with any of them, would be disingenuous." The mouth on its face continues: "Think of it like this: when a person dies on Earth, his material body disintegrates and only their spirit remains. Since many of them retain their memories, it may be reasonable to keep calling them with the names they had in life. But when they die in the afterlife, their self - the memories that shaped their identity - are wiped away. They move on in the cycle of reincarnation and are given a new body, new parents, new memories... what would the point in still calling them with their old names, when for all intents and purposes they are nothing like they once were?"

Dorizzit

2014-07-04, 09:01 AM

Jehoel's hand flashes up, snatches his Zanpakuto from the air, and slides it back into its sheath in a single, fluid motion. He then returns to the same position as before, his arms folded before him.

"Do you want me to kill you again, Mikael? Is that your goal, here?"

KnightDisciple

2014-07-05, 03:46 PM

Masaru's eyes widened a bit as Momoka spoke of her past and revealed her damaged eyes. Then they narrowed, and the quite whine of slightly-stressed servos could be heard as he clenched his metal hand quite tightly for a moment, before closing his eyes, taking a couple of calming, meditative breaths, and opening them again. This also gave Momoka and Takeshi time to speak of more private things (as it were). When Masaru spoke, his voice was the same calm it had been right as he achieved Bankai for the first time.

"I commend your forgiving spirit, Momoka-sensei. Further, you are correct about the need for quick, decisive action.

But I would say something about these so-called "nobles" who so callously destroyed homes and lives.

Such individuals dishonor the entirety of Soul Society, the Gotei, and Shinigami. Their greedy, callous, craven ways are the sort that keep us bogged down and afraid of true innovation. They are the sort that breed discontent and mistrust among the people outside our walls.

We have passed the most immediate crisis, but it is my hope that more compassionate and rational minds shall reign supreme in the coming months as we work to recover from this disaster. I am sure that you and many of our other brightest minds shall ensure this, Momoka-sensei.

I suppose I should be going, I have things to do. Do either of you have anything you need from me before I depart?"

strawberryman

2014-07-05, 04:33 PM

[Soul Society]
(Monastery of the Ho-Ou - Room 2346)

Momoka's eyes shift to Masaru, her expression impassive. "I admire your tenacity and share your hopes, Hiraku. But we shall see." She gives a wane smile.

"...but no, be on your way. Thank you for your visit. Hopefully I will not have to stay much longer, but there is little point in pushing it. We seem to be out of peril, for now." She chuckles.

"I trust you will try to make it last?" There is one passing thought before Masaru has a chance to step out. "...oh, yes. All I ask is perhaps a few visits be arranged. Ishinomori, and the Lieutenant Koutetsu. Can you pass it along to them?"

Kuroimaken

2014-07-05, 06:07 PM

For his own part, Takeshi lightly shook his head to signal he needed nothing from Masaru at present.

KnightDisciple

2014-07-05, 11:37 PM

[Soul Society]

Masaru bows to each of them in turn.

"I shall pass the messages along, Momoka-sensei. Takeshi-san, I bid you good day."

And with that, and a slightly dramatic flair to the fanciful overcoat he had donned sometime between arriving in Soul Society and arriving in the room, he was gone.

Well, he was Guerilla Squad. A man needs to have a few secrets, one supposes.

As he moved out, he put in a call for the Pack to get a headcount again, including Officer Nicole's returned forces.

Then he placed a moderate-priority call to Command Division that Momoka (who had orchestrated the effort that saved most of Soul Society from destruction) requested meetings with Acting Commander Koutarou, as well as Engineering Lieutenant Hideki.

This was as he himself returned to Pack HQ and helped get everyone coordinated.

strawberryman

2014-07-06, 02:39 AM

[Soul Society]
(Monastery of the Ho-Ou - Room 2346)

Momoka is silent for a few moments after Masaru leaves before her calm, composed smile fades, replaced by one of muted lament, her gaze shifting back to Takeshi. The hazel-blue illusory orbs that are her eyes scan his face slowly.

"...what now, Setsurou?" She says this quietly, such that no one could hear unless they were within inches. "...what happened earlier..." Her eyes close. "...I don't think it is for our best. Where even could we go? Would your family accept me, knowing we could not produce a family?"

"...I am scarred. I have hidden behind a mask so long, it has become my face. I have been more true to you than any... but I am not healthy, Setsurou. I will not throw my life away, but I hold no hopes of a happy, full life. The acceptance, the surrender of anger, hatred... it is a defense mechanism." Her eyes open, and her hands wander, locking around his and giving a faint squeeze.

"I can't be with you." There are many conflicting notes in her tone. While there is finality, there is also regret. What she speaks is the truth, but in it is also a lie. She cares. But she also fears.

Kuroimaken

2014-07-06, 10:29 AM

"Takeshi" undoes the disguise Bakudou he'd donned a while back, and he looks into Momoka's eyes as she speaks.

"That's an answer I can't accept, Momo."

The onmitsu leans forward quickly, as if for a kiss upon her lips - only to change midway and place it upon her forehead.

"For one, we both know you don't care what my family thinks, and neither do I. A successor to the Hishikawa family line is the least of anyone's worries - if all else fails, I have brothers and sisters who could succeed me. Or we could adopt. I could even take on a mistress for that sole purpose and none would be any the wiser, except for you.

The mask is not your face. I more than anyone can understand how frightening it is to bare one's true self to another. But you have to remember that the masks we wear are defense mechanisms. From judgement, from hurt, from fear itself. It is true that by hiding behind one you can keep yourself safe. But you also close yourself to the possibility of being happy.

I, for one, am not afraid, nor in any way repelled by your scars. I do believe they could do with a little soothing, if you'll let me.

What I'm going to say now might scare you even more, but please, be brave as you listen."

As Setsurou speaks, he cups both sides of her face, bringing his own closer, his eyes shut, as he places his forehead against hers.

"I love you, and I won't let you go."

And then he kissed her.

Frozen_Feet

2014-07-06, 10:31 AM

[Not-Earth; Where Soul Society once stood]

Jehoel's hand flashes up, snatches his Zanpakuto from the air, and slides it back into its sheath in a single, fluid motion. He then returns to the same position as before, his arms folded before him.

"Do you want me to kill you again, Mikael? Is that your goal, here?"

A joyless chuckle emerges from the man's mouth. "What makes you think losing a few loaned organs would've killed me?" The words are followed by a sigh and a shrug. "... oh well. I already sealed your blade. Too late to test that now. Guess we'll never know." Mikael tries to open the zipper of his jacket, but it appears stuck, or broken, so he has to tear off the fabric. Jehoel can tell it takes quite a lot of effort. The movement reveals that while the outer fabric has several gashes on it, the inner fabric is more elastic and still intact. It still couldn't have absorbed much of the Arrancar's blows.

True enough, when Mikael finally gets it off, the bandages underneath are already dripping with black blood. But more glaring is the hole through where the man's heart should be. Considering Jehoel took care to avoid vital organs, it couldn't have been his doing.

"As for my goal... tell me, Jehoel. When you're one of a kind, is there any meaningful distinction between testing your limits and attempting suicide?"

strawberryman

2014-07-06, 12:06 PM

[Soul Society]
(Monastery of the Ho-Ou - Room 2346) (http://www.listenonrepeat.com/watch/?v=qWL201UYvcY)

Momoka's other hand is placed on Setsurou's shoulder as he leans in, but there is no force behind it as Setsurou continues. Between her weakness and her more sincere feelings, she cannot fight the man as he presses against her lips. Bitter tears roll down her face, and eventually she works up the strength and nerve to lightly push. Her lips did lock for a moment, but it appears the fear was too much for her. Her face is still a mask, muting her emotions.

"...I c-can't, Setsurou." She keeps steady pressure on the man's shoulder as she takes a deep breath to compose herself. "...not now. Go back to the mortal world, your duties." For a moment it looks as if she is working up to speaking more, but then she just deflates.

"...not now."

Kuroimaken

2014-07-06, 05:18 PM

For the longest moment, Setsurou stood quietly. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KoaAjv7F4hE)

"I already told you that's an answer I can't accept." He wiped her tears with his right thumb and then brought it up to his own lips, brushing it against them.

"Whether it takes a day or a hundred million days, my heart is already yours... and yours is already mine."

He leans back up and turns about, ready to leave. His right eye gazes over his shoulder in Momoka's direction. Within it she can see a glint of determination. It might just cause her to shiver a little bit... she's never seen that look on Setsurou before.

"I don't care if the red line connecting us stands as tall as a mountain, or if it is paper-thin. I will definitely make you happy.

That is a promise."

He steps outside the room, the chantless bakudou taking form as soon as he gets past the threshold.

strawberryman

2014-07-07, 12:38 AM

[Soul Society]
(Monastery of the Ho-Ou - Room 2346)

Momoka does not respond to Setsurou before he walks out. Or even after, if he's still sneaking around. Rolling to her side, she hides her face from the door, still crying.

...you are right, Setsurou... and that is what scares me.

Thinking twice, yet?

...no. And leave me be.

TherianTheorist

2014-07-07, 09:15 PM

[Soul Society - ELP*³ ; Seireitei]

The Arrancar smiles widely at being granted the opportunity to see the city of Noble Souls from within. Not a whole lot of his kind have managed that. The snake on its right shoulder answers Kaoru: "Oh, we've had a lot of names. But using those would be inappropriate. We ceased to be the people to whom those names belonged a long time ago... calling us with any of them, would be disingenuous." The mouth on its face continues: "Think of it like this: when a person dies on Earth, his material body disintegrates and only their spirit remains. Since many of them retain their memories, it may be reasonable to keep calling them with the names they had in life. But when they die in the afterlife, their self - the memories that shaped their identity - are wiped away. They move on in the cycle of reincarnation and are given a new body, new parents, new memories... what would the point in still calling them with their old names, when for all intents and purposes they are nothing like they once were?"Kaoru still has trouble following conversations with the arrancar when it changes mouths partway though, but the namelessness somehow remains his main point of contention as he guides them though the seireitei.

"I guess those wouldn't work, but still, I need something to call you, you can't be nameless forever... Or maybe you can stay 'Nameless'... I'll call you Nanashi, until we can find something better to call you, okay?" There's no real functional difference, but it's the thought that counts.

Frozen_Feet

2014-07-08, 07:18 AM

"Nanashi. Heh. We find a certain allure in such a moniker. It brings back memories." Of a certain man traveling through Europe, no doubt.

Nanashi allows Kaoru to lead it towards the Dragon Spiral Tower. Somewhere along the way, Internal Security goons intercept them, confiscate Nanashi's Zanpakuto and demand it put on Reiryoku-sealing handcuffs. The Arrancar doesn't seem to mind following their orders.

Then they turn to Kaoru.

"Hey there, pal. We got a word from the gate. I don't really care how you got acquianted with your, errr, friend, or why you though bringing him in was a smart idea. But the area ahead is strictly off limits to visitors. Especially visitors of which we know nothing about." The goon gives Nanashi a suspicious glare. Nanashi smiles and waves in return.

"So... yeah. The only way we're letting him any further is as a research subject. You'd better return to your division with him and wait until your superior gives him clearance to go anywhere."

Mina Kobold

2014-07-08, 05:07 PM

Forgotten by Nanashi and Kaoru, the wounded SSI member suddenly seems to have caught up, despite having to limp while walking. Cheerful, but noticeably hurried, the young stranger greets the assembled group

"Greetings, I see you've been acquainted with... Ah, Internal Security. Pleasure to meet you folks, don't think I've had the pleasure before."

Upon greeting the IS goons, the SSI agent tries to reach out a hand to shake, but nearly drops an assortment of papers and a Reiphone in the effort. Settling for a friendly nod, the unfortunate Shinigami continues, somewhat abruptly.

"You esteemed protectors of order wouldn't happen to know who to report to regarding potentially troublesome matters in the Mortal Realm, would you? My superior assures me that it may result in great destruction, possible great dangers for Soul Society, or possibly just the most work for field agents on record. It seemed somewhat urgent, but I am terribly confused as to who is in charge of Mortal matters at this time."

Despite the nature of the request, the overburdened SSI messenger seems less concerned with the gravity of what the message may be than with the speed at which it is delivered. Granted, the rumours of the SSI would indicate that most members would see their own final deaths as fascinating subjects of study well before realising that they might want to prevent such a thing.

Frozen_Feet

2014-07-09, 07:31 AM

Draken

2014-07-09, 07:45 PM

[Soul Society]
(Monastery of the Ho-Ou - Room 2346)

A few minutes after Setsurou leaves, the door opens and in comes a distinctive masked figure. Kotetsu Hideki.

"I heard that you wanted to speak with me, miss Kobayashi."

strawberryman

2014-07-09, 09:22 PM

[Soul Society]
(Monastery of the Ho-Ou - Room 2346)

Momoka is still facing away from the door, almost motionless... until Hideki speaks. After some unseen fidgeting, she turns, sitting up with a calm smile. Nary a sign remains of her tears.

"...Koutetsu. A pleasure." She gestures idly to the simple chair nearby. "Do make yourself comfortable, if you so wish. I've a few things to speak with you on." She waits until Hideki seats himself or declines to continue.

"First off, I appreciate your past offer, and the implied offer given when you gave your card. While I admire the Engineering Division's contributions, I am more of a... scholar, than an engineer. I research and create kido, I do not work to integrate its purpose into society. To that... your division is a beacon of progress, and I commend you. But I find myself more comfortable in a traditional research setting."

"...besides the fact that I am still a convict, and thus may not have a choice in the matter until I am pardoned."

Mina Kobold

2014-07-10, 10:27 AM

The goon officer talking to Kaoru looks uncertain, then nods at his partner who hurries to answer the new person. "Ah... okay. State your name and rank. If it's that important, I'm fairly sure we can patch you a meeting at the HQ. You look pretty roughed up, so I can escort you there once we're done with that guy." The second officer glances sideways at Nanashi. Nanashi is still smiling.

"Junior archival assistant Lê Lin Lành of the SSI, currently serving as secretary and messenger for Senior Researcher Alice Ruggles. It was the Senior Researcher who requested the message be delivered."

Lành rattles off the requested information, standing a bit more upright and rearranging a few loose papers while the opportunity is able. the assistant retains the Reiphone, evidently the method of contact between the assistant and the Senior Researcher. The name and position should match, though it is a very minor position. Alice Ruggles rank is among the higher in the SSI, however.

"I do hope our guest will have a good tour, seems like a fascinating sort. Do pay visit to the Institute if you have the chance!"

Lành cheerfully remarks to Nanashi, seemingly oblivious to the Internal Security officers' dislike of the visitor.

Draken

2014-07-10, 06:29 PM

[Soul Society]
(Monastery of the Ho-Ou - Room 2346)

Well, that is too bad.

"That status is not a concern. While we may not stand among the four great noble houses, Kotetsu could still call in small favors to relieve you of that status. Although I presume that Ishinomori will be doing it instead."

"Is that all you wanted to talk about?"

TherianTheorist

2014-07-10, 06:59 PM

"Junior archival assistant Lê Lin Lành of the SSI, currently serving as secretary and messenger for Senior Researcher Alice Ruggles. It was the Senior Researcher who requested the message be delivered."

Lành rattles off the requested information, standing a bit more upright and rearranging a few loose papers while the opportunity is able. the assistant retains the Reiphone, evidently the method of contact between the assistant and the Senior Researcher. The name and position should match, though it is a very minor position. Alice Ruggles rank is among the higher in the SSI, however.

"I do hope our guest will have a good tour, seems like a fascinating sort. Do pay visit to the Institute if you have the chance!"

Lành cheerfully remarks to Nanashi, seemingly oblivious to the Internal Security officers' dislike of the visitor.Kaoru has barely reacted to being stopped, this was pretty much guaranteed to happen, and he's probably in a lot of trouble for this, even after finding the correct loopholes and excuses... Still the most fun he's had in a while. He apologies to Nanashi. "Sorry, we got caught." He shouldn't have forgotten Lê either, but he was dealing with something much more entertaining at the time. "Really didn't expect to get this far."He mutters. He's remarkably passive about this, considering how active he was just a moment ago. Whim can be the harshest motive at times, or maybe it's all part of a plan of some sort?

strawberryman

2014-07-10, 08:15 PM

[Soul Society]
(Monastery of the Ho-Ou - Room 2346)

"...I am not sure what to say with regards to my pardon. It would ease my mind, to be certain." Momoka nods respectfully.

"...but no. I have something more personal to speak of. I spoke of this to two people, one of whom you know as Hiraku Masaru. And I worry I may have... instilled in him a false view of your family." She closes her eyes, smile fading. "...I did not mention names. But my adoptive family, or at least... my father, mother, and a few of my siblings, died in the blast zone of one of your families' experimental weapon exhibitions. I was scarred, being at the edge of the blast, but I could have as easily been in that house with them. My adoptive father... he was a caring, wonderful man. But his pride was his undoing. And to a degree, I rest knowing that he has moved on in the cycle." She opens her eyes again, looking directly at Hideki, and speaking (as far as he could tell) genuinely.

"I bear no ill will to you, or your family. Years of living in the woods outlying Rukon, and of solitude in those jails... I have made peace with my past. But Hiraku does not seem to recognize the good your family has done. I do not believe it will come to violence... but a dangerous, vengeful mindset can breed anything. I believe it best to nip these things in the bud before they come to more... drastic measures."

"It is my hope a simple reminder will do." She nods calmly, frown evening out somewhat but not truly resuming her composed smile.

Draken

2014-07-10, 08:28 PM

[Soul Society]
(Monastery of the Ho-Ou - Room 2346)

There is a brief pause by Hideki as he takes in the reveal and then parses some information on his helmet.

"You were in fifty-six then, the Verdigris Corridor. It was my grandfather's experiment, it had many interesting results."

"I will speak to Hirako to make sure he does not nourish undue ideas. Heaven knows we've got more than enough of that running around already. If you will excuse me, miss Kobayashi."

With that, Hideki turns around and goes for the door.

Kuroimaken

2014-07-10, 09:16 PM

Just outside, he meets... Koutarou.

"Koutetsu-san. Good to run into you. Come by my office sometime later. We have something I feel we need to discuss."

He's also bearing sunflowers. It's not an unusual get-well gift, all in all, but... he probably knows nothing of flower language, or trusted some advisor with which to pick.

"Kobayashi-kun. You've asked for me." He speaks matter-of-factly, though he doesn't seem annoyed by the fact.

"Before you say anything, I'd like to extend my thanks. It's my understanding that not only did you have a hand in helping Masaru-kun achieve Bankai, you did so while keeping Izanagi at bay and away from the rest of us. Not long after that, you were instrumental in safeguarding Soul Society as a whole from the effects of a plane-wide attack by the forces of the Ghost King. I only regret that such measures were necessary in the first place, but if not for your contribution, the damage would have been catastrophically worse.

As Acting Commander-General, my thanks are the least I can extend at the moment. Proper compensation for going above and beyond the call of duty will follow."

He sure is standing on ceremony in an awkward way.

strawberryman

2014-07-11, 12:31 AM

[Soul Society]
(Monastery of the Ho-Ou - Room 2346)

Momoka is impassive as Hideki responds. "...Good day then, Koutetsu." She gives another respectful nod.

...then looks to the next visitor with her calm smile renewed. She is silent through his speech. Then, she chuckles. "...with all due respect, the large degree of Hiraku's bankai training were the former Commander's doing. I set up the atmosphere, and maintained it. I did... not exactly involve myself directly in his Bankai training, but he did request my knowledge of Kido, and so I helped him build a budding proficiency in it."

"As for Izanami-no-mikoto... she is still, to a degree, a threat." Her smile fades, a clear sign she is being serious. "I transported her into the expanse of the dangai void, but if she willed it... she could be back easily. It is simply a matter of her choosing not to. So be cautious in considering that matter resolved. At most, she is not a threat right now."

"...and finally, Naganori was as involved as I, and we had a number of researchers contribute to the Dangai research and theories. And were it not for the action of Lieutenant Koutetsu, I would have been unconscious in a hospital room. My ultimate effort in the ritual to relocate Soul Society notwithstanding, I am merely one of many."

"But your meaning is interpreted, and your words appreciated. I am not nearly as important in these events as you might think, but if you must insist." She's back to smiling, eyes glancing over the sunflowers. "...did you pick those out yourself?"

Kuroimaken

2014-07-11, 09:08 AM

"I am fully aware you're not solely responsible for these actions. Each one is being credited properly. With the exception of the former Commander and Igarashi, whom are no longer among us - still, it goes in the record." Koutarou replies.

His face darkens a bit at the mention of Izanami's last reported bit of information.
"Whatever the outcome, you had to face up to that beast on your own. That alone is worth some praise. I'll take your counsel under advisement, however."

His face does brighten up a bit again as she asks about the sunflowers.

"Ah... yes. A bit of nostalgia is involved, I'll admit. There used to be a sunflower field next to the village I used to live in back before I was a Shinigami. It has come to my attention they're not the most practical flower gift... Though I hope the sentiment will carry past the awkwardness."

Koutarou finds a vase to delicately place the flowers in. He seems to be thoughtful for a moment or two as he looks at them... but that soon appears to be dismissed.

"I do not believe modesty suits your participation in recent events, Kobayashi-kun. Not considering this specific set of circunstances, the physical state you were in at the time, or the magnitude of the events themselves. Even your background would have otherwise excused you from performing as you did.

We need people like you now more than ever, Momoka. And you have more than amply demonstrated your intent.

Effective immediately, I'm suspending the remainder of your sentence. You will still undergo a short probationary period where your actions will be reported periodically, but at this point we're talking formality. You're no longer a 'convict recruit'. You'll be enlisted back among the ranks of the Shinigami.

Considering the emergencial nature back then, and the end results, I won't indite you for use of forbidden Kidou within Seireitei. And no, Koutetsu-san had nothing to do with me knowing. The elevator you were supposed to take showed no records of actually going down within the timeframe reported for the activation of the device that surrounded Soul Society. Likewise, Hideki himself will face no charges in regards to concealing that fact.

Just try not to make a habit of it. I'd hate to have to ask Internal Security to imprison you again."

strawberryman

2014-07-11, 11:31 AM

[Soul Society]
(Monastery of the Ho-Ou - Room 2346)

Momoka falls quiet as Koutarou continues, looking on impassively. She's obviously thinking over the implications of this verdict for a few moments after he finishes.

"...yes, of course, acting Commander. I suppose to a degree, I acted above my scope of duty. But being my only home still left... I have considerable reason to protect it." She nods, thinking in silence for a few more moments before looking back up with her usual calm smile.

"I appreciate your pardon, acting Commander. To put that part of my life behind me... it would be a weight off my shoulders. There is one thing, however. If you must make a public recognition of those responsible, I would request you not laud my name over any others. I am, to my very core, a creature of solitude. To receive recognition from even my peers would not only make me uncomfortable, but would also only serve to distract from day to day workings which are even more important in these turbulent times." She pauses.

"...is that unreasonable to ask?"

Kuroimaken

2014-07-11, 12:02 PM

"It is a touch unfair to you, in my eyes. But I will respect your desires. It's the least I can do.

If I may offer a bit of advice, on a personal level?" Koutarou questions as he approaches the bed.

strawberryman

2014-07-11, 12:09 PM

[Soul Society]
(Monastery of the Ho-Ou - Room 2346)

"You certainly may, and I will do my best to consider it." Well, at least she's honest.

Kuroimaken

2014-07-11, 04:25 PM

"I understand solitude can be as much a refuge as a burden. But whichever it is, we sometimes do not fully realize. To be noticed by many can be bad, so can being all alone when you need others most.

Do not seek solitude. Enjoy it, cherish it even, but do not seek it. The time will come when you'll have need of people to stand by you.

I should know, I've been realizing this more and more in the past few weeks."

strawberryman

2014-07-11, 06:40 PM

[Soul Society]
(Monastery of the Ho-Ou - Room 2346)

"...Solitude protected me." Momoka's response is quiet. "I bear no illusions of omnipotence, acting Commander. Even shinigami cannot accomplish everything alone."

"Thank you for your words. I should like to speak again some time in the future, but for now... I should likely ease the nerves of our healers and rest."

Kuroimaken

2014-07-11, 06:54 PM

"Naturally. Take good care of yourself, Kobayashi-kun." Koutarou offers a short bow and walks out the door.

Frozen_Feet

2014-07-12, 04:42 PM

[Soul Society - ELP*³ ; Seireitei; near SSI grounds]

"Junior archival assistant Lê Lin Lành of the SSI, currently serving as secretary and messenger for Senior Researcher Alice Ruggles. It was the Senior Researcher who requested the message be delivered."

Lành rattles off the requested information, standing a bit more upright and rearranging a few loose papers while the opportunity is able. the assistant retains the Reiphone, evidently the method of contact between the assistant and the Senior Researcher. The name and position should match, though it is a very minor position. Alice Ruggles rank is among the higher in the SSI, however.

"I do hope our guest will have a good tour, seems like a fascinating sort. Do pay visit to the Institute if you have the chance!"

Lành cheerfully remarks to Nanashi, seemingly oblivious to the Internal Security officers' dislike of the visitor.

Kaoru has barely reacted to being stopped, this was pretty much guaranteed to happen, and he's probably in a lot of trouble for this, even after finding the correct loopholes and excuses... Still the most fun he's had in a while. He apologies to Nanashi. "Sorry, we got caught." He shouldn't have forgotten Lê either, but he was dealing with something much more entertaining at the time. "Really didn't expect to get this far."He mutters. He's remarkably passive about this, considering how active he was just a moment ago. Whim can be the harshest motive at times, or maybe it's all part of a plan of some sort?

Nanashi bows to Lê Lin Lành . "It was a pleasure. We wish you luck!" The second Internal Security goon officer proceeds to escort the archival assistant to Headquarters, quite likely to discuss with Vice-Commander Koutarou.

The first goon officer gives Kaoru and Nanashi one last glare. "We'll be taking the nameless guy's Zanpakuto to IntSec weapons storage. You can request it back when you leave. Now shoo." Nanashi shrugs, and turns to walk away, while looking questioningly at Kaoru.

"So, where next?"

---

[Monastery of the Ho-ou; Room 2346]

Momoka almost gets to relax before yet another visitor comes to bother her. There's a knock on her door and a dry voice asks: "Hello. Can I come in?"

strawberryman

2014-07-12, 05:43 PM

[Soul Society]
(Monastery of the Ho-Ou - Room 2346)

Momoka gives a thankful, respectful nod to Koutarou before he leaves, and does actually sit back to rest before she's interrupted, looking up in slight surprise.

"...you may enter."

Frozen_Feet

2014-07-13, 11:58 AM

A person in a white lab coat, with one green eye and one blue, steps into the room. "Kobayashi Momoka. I have a few questions to ask", Lily states, sitting next to Momoka while holding a small notebook and a pencil. "Let's start with the easy one: how did one Hiraku Masaru gain Hei Lin?"

strawberryman

2014-07-13, 12:47 PM

[Soul Society]
(Monastery of the Ho-Ou - Room 2346)

Momoka thinks calmly. "I cannot say I recall. I was somewhat preoccupied with creating a barrier around Izanami-no-mikoto. Normally I am not so short-sighted, but I'm sure you'll excuse me if my full attention was better served towards binding the closest thing to a goddess we know of."

Frozen_Feet

2014-07-13, 12:50 PM

"You yourself are a goddess", Lily says matter-of-factly while scribbling somethng down. "So you don't know. That's fine. Next question: I've received a note saying that you should be rewarded with an Asauchi. What do you need it for?"

strawberryman

2014-07-13, 01:03 PM

"You could say that, but in another tense it could be said you were flirting with me." Momoka winks at Lily, then considers.

"Research. I wish to see if one can create an 'artificial' zanpaktou through various means, such as kido. It is a highly theoretical and unlikely possibility, but all researchers need side-projects."

Frozen_Feet

2014-07-13, 01:07 PM

"If you want to know how Zanpakuto are made, I can just tell you", Lily says. "I'm more concerned with what you'd do with the finalized product."

strawberryman

2014-07-13, 01:15 PM

"...I have one of my own, with due respect. Zanpaktou are made by imprinting one's soul upon the asauchi, a hollow weapon designed for that purpose. But what happens if a shinigami has already imprinted upon a blade? One would think that their spirit may merely move. But I'd like to try, perhaps, some methods that may result in something new."

"As for what I will do with it if I am even successful, I have not thought that far ahead." Momoka shrugs.

Frozen_Feet

2014-07-13, 01:30 PM

"There was one theory on the subject that Zheng Li Lin wanted to test, but didn't manage to test to my knowledge. They discussed it with Sanbo Kojin, an apprentice to the maker of Zanpakuto, when she was still here."

"It was to explore where Arrancar Zanpakuto come from. Normally, a Zanpakuto is layered from blank souls. When handed to a Shinigami, the blade slowly becomes one and the same with the wielder. Arrancars don't appear to have a similar system. So, who forges their weapons, and from what? Zheng-taichou considered it possible that the blade of an Arrancar is made by itself, forged from the excess Hollow souls inside it. After all, what is a common Gillian, if not a big pile of blank souls?" Lily scribbles furiously for a moment, then tears a page off the book and hands it to Momoka.

"An off-hand mention on the Royal Guard states that once, it was their task to take care of Menos Grande. They did not do that task for 50 years, because the Menos disappeared. It was not explained what they did with those Menos, but I consider it likely they were used as raw materials for Zanpakuto. If that's the case, it should be possible to forge a blade out of one. But Menos are rare these days. I don't think you could capture one without going through Las Noches." Lily shrugs, and stands to leave.

"Just something for your consideration. Good night."

strawberryman

2014-07-13, 01:38 PM

"...An interesting theory." Momoka's expression is thoughtful, as she takes the page and... has no pockets. She'll have to get a new coat. With a sigh, she places it on the nearby bed stand.

"Might I ask the name of my interrogator, before she leaves?"

Frozen_Feet

2014-07-13, 01:47 PM

"Lily", comes a terse reply, followed by closing of the door. Momoka is finally alone.

strawberryman

2014-07-13, 02:10 PM

Momoka nods to Lily as she leaves, then closes her eyes in thought. An interesting theory, indeed... Perhaps she'll have to arrange a visit to Las Noches after her recovery. For now... she turns over again, smiling mysteriously as she eventually lapses into a restful sleep.

Frozen_Feet

2014-07-13, 02:56 PM

KnightDisciple

2014-07-14, 04:18 PM

[Later; Soul Society - ELP*³; Combat Division AKA "the Pack"]

Upon returning to his Division, one thing Masaru will likely be glad about is that Najeiru & Co had followed his plan for peace-keeping in the Rukongai during his absence. His joy is perhaps dampened by the fact that many of the districts they worked on have suffered an acute existential failure. Much of what they achieved has hence been undone; the masses of Rukongai are in greater disarray than ever before. Though the outer districts were among the least populated, the concentric nature of the city means that losing them made most of Soul Society's area to vanish. Add to this the million souls sent to afterlife in one sudden burst, and the result is that the remaining districts are suffering from an immigration problem of unprecedented scope.

But, one thing that hasn't gone away is the accumulated experience of the Pack members. They learned a lot in three months, so Masaru's plan will definitely serve the greater good in time.

In some respects, Masaru can sigh from relief. While the set-backs in fighting the Cult were severe, the opportunity to exert their strenght was vital to the troops, and the past three months have largely allowed them to recover from losing Kenpachi Osuma and Kiba. Morale is higher than Masaru remembers and there's distinct lack of anyone fearing their Division being cancelled. When he orders them, they act without confusion or resentment. He may be no Kenpachi (yet), but to a degree it feels like the path's already been paved for him.

... yet, just as he might start feeling at home, Bulk and Skull barge in.

"Hey, boss man! There's some really ugly chick in a white coat at the door! Says she really wants to see you!"

Skull blinks. "Chick? Could've sworn it was a dude."

Bulk looks somewhat annoyed by the comment. "Get your eyes checked, man. If I say it was a chick, it was a chick."
[Soul Society - ELP*³; Combat Division AKA "the Pack"]

Masaru is giving polite smiles and nods to his fellow Pack members as he moves through the barracks and staging areas. Things are busy, but the strengthened resolve of his fellow soldiers means that spirits are at least somewhat positive now.

Naijeru was clearly Vice-Captain material.

He stopped for just a moment when that thought crossed his mind, but he realized that he didn't recoil at the thought of being the Captain. After all, he met the criteria. He had trained in Kido expressly for this purpose. It just seemed more real now that he was actually back in his barracks.

Any officers, team leaders, and Squad Leaders he met with were told to keep alert, keep up the hard work, and stay open to working with other Divisions. Any conflicts or complaints were to be moved up the chain to himself, Naijeru, or another Squad Leader.

He had just sat down in his own office when Bulk and Skull came in. He gave the two soldiers a raised eyebrow.

"The gender of the person is irrelevant. See this guest to my office here politely and promptly."

His words were calm, but there was an undercurrent of command in them. He expected to be obeyed, not just listened to.

Draken

2014-07-14, 04:27 PM

(Soul Society)
[Commander's Office - Sometime Later]

Kotetsu Hideki walks into Koutarou's office at a time when he should be there.

"What did you want to talk about, general?"

ImpSyndrome

2014-07-14, 04:58 PM

[Some time later...SEIREITEI, APPROACHING RUKONGAI]

Despite all efforts to contain the situation, there was an uproar in Rukongai. Echoes of commotion meet Takakura Satoshi's ears as he approaches the heavy gates separating Seireitei from the rest of Soul Society. Though standing alongside capable comrades-in-arms, he can't help but feel tense as they prepare to face the rebellious konpaku running wild throughout the lower-class districts. He doesn't have time to hesitate now, though; it's the duty of every member of IntSec, himself included, to restore peace to the masses before they bring the walls of their society crashing down around them. He clenches his fists anxiously to stop them from trembling as the gate begins to rise...

((I had an idea about how to further develop Satoshi beyond your ordinary Shinigami. It'd happen well after this particular incident, but I want to see how it sits as a concept first before I start making references to it. Given the mention of mythological figures, like Izanagi and Izanami, how does the player base feel about a reference to influential clans, like the Fujiwara?))

Kuroimaken

2014-07-14, 06:08 PM

(Soul Society)
[Commander's Office - Sometime Later]

Kotetsu Hideki walks into Koutarou's office at a time when he should be there.

"What did you want to talk about, general?"

"First of all, I believe I owe you an apology, Hideki." Wow. First name basis AND no honorifics. This must feel personal.

"I thought back to when we last spoke. And you were right. My personal feelings musn't factor into my decisions. Ultimately, even in a position of authority, I am a soldier. A soldier exists to protect people. Regardless of how he feels about each person.

I failed to take into consideration that Soul Society isn't made up only of the Rukongai. Seireitei - the Court of Noble Souls - it, too, must be protected. As a former street urchin, I no doubt must seem an undignified leader in the eyes of a noble. For the most part, I am uneducated. And more inexperienced than I'm willing to admit. It took me a good friend's strong will to show I have even more to care about now, than I did before.

It is my understanding that, as a traditionalist, politeness prohibits you from speaking frankly towards those higher in the chain of command.

Thus, I would hear your thoughts on what you find lacking in my leadership. Your honest, professional assessment. You're a man of study beyond your field. Surely the subject falls within your personal library of knowledge."

So many pretty words. And they all mean "let's get some bad blood out of the way before this becomes an actual problem."

Draken

2014-07-14, 06:47 PM

Hideki is silent for a bit.

Then he reaches for his arm and pulls out his liutenant badge, storing it in his pocket.

"There are simple ways around certain social mores. Speaking to you as a representative of house Kotetsu instead of a gotei officer is as simple a measure as they come."

"At this point I cannot give you many opinions on your brand of leadership. You led a military incursion that was eminently successful at what it set out to do. There was no way of knowing that it would incur such a reaction from the enemy and it is not proper to blame you for that."

"My only standing concern is that you declared yourself willing to overrule the decisions of central forty-six in favor of your own, that is unacceptable, and at best you can rescind that statement to earn back a measure of trust with Us, but that is not a bridge that will be so simply mended, it would be ideal to consider yourself on probation and tread carefully in political issues. Kotetsu will not hold a grudge, but there are those who do, and it is not wise to think your words evaded their ears."

"You should also talk to Hirako about his own commentaries. What happened to the family of Kobayashi Momoka was a shame, but it was the fault of her father's sole decision to disregard warnings and compensation, as proven by the fact that he and his own were the only casualties of my Kotetsu Azuma's experiment. We will be expecting an apology on his part."

This man still keeps way too much power over the surveillance systems of the Seireitei.

Kuroimaken

2014-07-14, 07:44 PM

It takes Koutarou a few moments to assimilate what Hideki means by the incident with Kobayashi Momoka.

"It is my understanding that such incidents warrant some form of compensation to the survivors. But I leave that at your discretion. It is YOUR business, not mine."

He sure stressed that word out a lot. The message is clear: the Gotei isn't touching that with a 10-foot-pole.

"As for Masaru, he is not yet used to having to watch his words. I'll speak to him. He may not be as quick to swallow his pride, however. IF he does.

Above all, I want to settle these issues on amicable terms. I'll be the first to recognize your work in service of the Gotei has been nothing short of exemplary, Hideki.

I would ask, however, that any and all personal matters be relegated to the sphere they belong to. I have apologized to you personally because I owed you the courtesy, at the very least, on a professional level. Like I said, my opinion notwithstanding, I have my duty, and the priorities that come with. So long as personal opinions do not interfere with the job, and so long as we have a job to do, our personal and professional lives must remain separate.

I am not privy to the details of this incident. Or Hirako's opinions thereof - though I can hazard a guess -, nor how you came to hear them. But I want this settled. Quietly. We have a war on our hands, a home to repair, and precious little time to spend bickering among ourselves. I will take your advice and tread lightly on political matters, but I'll be damned if I let politics get in the way of securing peace for what includes, ultimately, even the Koutetsu household."

Ishinomori's gaze is the most resolute he's ever seen. Yet there's a measure of respect for Koutetsu nonetheless. For all of his tone, Hideki has known the current commander long enough to tell that autocracy isn't his style.

Draken

2014-07-14, 09:14 PM

"I will offer her what aid engineering can to ameliorate her chronic health issues, if that is what you mean. But she is the only 'survivor' because her family was the only one to stay behind in a honestly filthy region instead of moving into the much better living arrangements and jobs my family provided to those that were displaced by the experiment."

"And I am keeping professional matters out. It is the whole point of taking off my badge for this exchange. Otherwise I would be doing petty things like threatening to withhold engineering support from the Pack if the apology isn't provided."

"And no, this is not a 'veiled threat' out of some prime time drama. I am merely expecting that a modicum of respect be given to one of the oldest families in Soul Society."

Kuroimaken

2014-07-14, 10:23 PM

"Like I said. I leave compensations, if any, to your discretion. I find it strange you keep mentioning this is her father's fault - my opinion has no weight or place on the issue."

At the mention of a 'veiled threat', Koutarou actually rolls his eyes.

"Of course you won't, Hideki, you're an adult. You know better." Ishinomori offers a heavy sigh. "Though I admit I misread your intent when you took the badge off."

The Acting Commander-general tents his hands in front of his face and rests his chin upon it.

"Look. Regardless of what exactly happened, it did. Regardless of who's at fault or not, it's been a long time. Kobayashi Momoka did not deserve that fate, we both know that. I don't intend to dredge it up. Neither do you, and in spite of Masaru's thoughts on the subject - which, again, I can only guess, and I can only imagine how you know them, or why they seem to bother you - I don't think he intends to do that either.

Your family DOES have my respect. It's done a lot for Soul Society, arguably more than even a couple of the great four, and I don't make that statement lightly. I don't think one blemish on the record makes all past contributions nil.

I can't force an apology out of Masaru anymore than I can punish him for having an opinion, whatever the circunstances under which he uttered it. I can only speak to him about it, and ask that he listens to reason.

I must admit I have a couple of mixed feelings knowing your house took part in an experiment that took lives. I'm just choosing to keep them out of this. Out of respect for you, if nothing else."

Draken

2014-07-14, 11:45 PM

"That last line is why I feel the need to stress the point. My house did everything that was reasonable to avoid deaths. I quite honestly only found out about these casualties now. The detonation that created the Verdigris Corridor, as we all know, did not exactly leave traces of what was there before."

It was a nice explosion.

"And I know because I took a look at the hospital's security footage after miss Kobayashi implied that his reaction was... Precipitous. You ordering him to apologize would simply beat the purpose, but I want you to tell him that we will cut our part of the Pack's funding if things remain as they are, this is a blatant offense against the head of our family being perpetrated by the de facto captain of the combat division and it is simply not acceptable."

Said family head is also Hideki's grandfather, which is why he is exceptionally not amused by it.

"At any rate, this line of conversation is going nowhere. And before you ask, if we do cut out our funding, it will probably be redirected to recon, as it stands, the Gotei needs intelligence more than soldiers at this point."

Kuroimaken

2014-07-15, 12:08 AM

"Hideki. I'm not blaming you or your grandfather. But I can't help but sense that you feel responsible. I won't act on it nor will I ask you to. As I feel I have not stressed enough: how you deal with your end of this is entirely up to you. My end is dealing with the conflict and the issues it brings.

I've already promised you to deal with the issue on my end. That is, to try and talk sense into Masaru, for all the good it'll do.

Frankly, the funding is the least of my worries. I'm more concerned about there being bad blood between two of my top officers. Two of the people I depend on to defend our entire way of life.

So I need to ask you, Hideki. What else do you want from me?"

strawberryman

2014-07-15, 12:21 AM

Draken

2014-07-15, 12:33 AM

"I want you to learn to judge character better."

Hideki takes his liutenant badge and places it back into its proper place.

"Now, if you will excuse me, general, I must return to my division."

And he waits to be dismissed.

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

(Rukon)

The facility is a small palace, perhaps a summer home, an enclosed area encompassing about one square kilometer and bearing the usual aesthetics of the Kotetsu family.

That is, some unusually heavy steel fortifications and an encompassing decorative motif of centipedes. The decoration of the wall is as intricate as it is creepy.

There are vague reports that the noblewoman Kotetsu Misaka arrived earlier today to inspect the house.

Kuroimaken

2014-07-15, 07:24 AM

"I'll take it under advisement. Dismissed."

Not long after, he asks the duty officer to fetch Hirako Masaru.

This is going to be a long day.

Frozen_Feet

2014-07-15, 11:08 AM

[Soul Society - ELP*³; Combat Division AKA "the Pack"]
"The gender of the person is irrelevant. See this guest to my office here politely and promptly."

His words were calm, but there was an undercurrent of command in them. He expected to be obeyed, not just listened to.

Only a little while later, Lily steps into Masaru's office and closes the door. "Hello." The modsoul looks at the man with its mismatched eyes, head tilted slightly to the right. "Your troops appear fine. What about you? Has your indignation petered out enough to answer a few questions?"

KnightDisciple

2014-07-15, 11:37 AM

[Soul Society - ELP*³; Combat Division AKA "the Pack"]

Only a little while later, Lily steps into Masaru's office and closes the door. "Hello." The modsoul looks at the man with its mismatched eyes, head tilted slightly to the right. "Your troops appear fine. What about you? Has your indignation petered out enough to answer a few questions?"Masaru merely raises an eyebrow, regarding Lily with...well, it's hard to tell. Certainly not a lot of outright respect, but neither outright disrespect.

"I find I'm a bit busy for indignation at the moment. Please ask your questions."

He sits back a bit, clearly waiting for the Modsoul to speak more.

ImpSyndrome

2014-07-15, 04:21 PM

[Soul Society]
(Rukon)

IntSec, with assistance from the Combat Division, is doing a rather effective job of maintaining a perimeter around the gate, it appears, holding the rioters back easily, however beyond, closest to the Noble House holdings in particular, it's absolute anarchy. Looting, destruction of property...

Of note to Satoshi is that a gang is at the center of an organized assault on a Koutetsu facility, the building being understaffed with the family having retreated to their holdings in the Seireitei proper. The gang is lead by a former miner, supposedly, who has spiritual power but has chosen not to enroll in the academy. The leader wears furs and heavy metal plates fashioned into all-encompassing armor, and wields a repurposed bladed shovel with great strength. It's said no one has seen their face, and everyone just seems to call them Kishi.

Satoshi certainly has his work cut out for him.

The officers in charge start barking orders as their reinforcements arrive on the scene, directing them to one area or another. Satoshi ends up being dispatched among an improvised contingent from both IntSec and Combat to the Koutetsu facility currently occupied by local dissidents, but they first need to wade through the crowds of rioters. Most of them are angry or just plain frightened, but few of them actually seem to have taken up arms. That said, there are a few intense moments where improvised weaponry strikes out at the group from the throngs of the masses. One by one, members of the Shinigami cadre break away to confront the offenders, leaving only a small regiment to continue on to the complex. Their first task will be to assess the situation and devise a plan of attack...

((I was mainly just pulling stuff out of nowhere, so let me know if this doesn't work.))

Frozen_Feet

2014-07-16, 10:17 AM

[Soul Society - ELP*³; Combat Division AKA "the Pack"]
Masaru merely raises an eyebrow, regarding Lily with...well, it's hard to tell. Certainly not a lot of outright respect, but neither outright disrespect.

"I find I'm a bit busy for indignation at the moment. Please ask your questions."

He sits back a bit, clearly waiting for the Modsoul to speak more.

"Let's start with the easy one: how did you get Hei Lin?"

KnightDisciple

2014-07-16, 11:02 AM

"Let's start with the easy one: how did you get Hei Lin?"
Masaru raised an eyebrow, but shrugged.

"A Modsoul that never gave me their name had a second Modsoul with them. They..."

Here he stops, clearly thinking back hard for something that was years ago, for him.

"The first Modsoul said something about "commencing back-up protocol". This was after ejecting the second Modsoul from its Gigai, at least I am assuming that is roughly what happened. Said empty Gigai was fed a pill that took the name "Chappi the Bunny". Chappi gave me the sword of Former Commander-General Zheng Li Lin. I rode an elevator down to the training area that was somehow connected to the Dangai Void, which resulted in time distortions favorable to accomplishing much training in little time.

Momoka-sensei briefly took Hei Lin's sealed form from me in...I still take it to be some sort of training exercise or lesson. She took the blade and stabbed the Gigai containing the Chappi Modsoul with it.

At which point, said Modsoul released the Bankai. It used its powers to harry me for a bit, before settling for standing guard at the elevator, apparently not to allow me past until I was "ready", which I still assume to primarily mean "has Bankai". It had filled the fairly empty space with a large number of trees that slowly were twisted by the Dangai nature of the place, as well as by little sunlight or external nutrients.

When I ingested the green pill given to me by Former Commander-General Zheng Li Lin, it briefly chided me about how long it too, then proceeded to assist in separating the shadow-arm grafted to me by the one using the name Izanami, as well as all traces of Izanami's taint.

I achieved Bankai. Momoka proceed to seal the shadow-arm in barriers, alongside the aide of the forest. The plant-creature that the Modsoul Chappi had become presented the re-sealed Hei Lin to me. I am not an expert on the interactions of Bankai powers and Modsouls, but my vague assumption is that housing the release for so long gave that Modsoul enough power to assist in the final task of sealing, even without the full measure of Hei Lin's released power contained within itself.

I then proceeded to the surface, and after stretching our wings, found Acting Commander Ishinomori Koutarou and yourself, and ultimately presented you with the still-sealed form of Hei Lin, still separate from the rest of its soul in the form of its actual wielder."

He opens his eyes, pensive after recalling all of that, and looks to Lily.

"Is that answer satisfactory?"

Frozen_Feet

2014-07-17, 11:22 AM

Lily has written the story down as Masaru has told it. When he stops, the modsoul bites the end of its pencil and looks ponderous. Then, it asks a follow-up question: "How, exactly, did this plant-creature present Hei Lin to you?"

KnightDisciple

2014-07-17, 01:37 PM

[Soul Society - ELP*³; Combat Division AKA "the Pack"]

Lily has written the story down as Masaru has told it. When he stops, the modsoul bites the end of its pencil and looks ponderous. Then, it asks a follow-up question: "How, exactly, did this plant-creature present Hei Lin to you?"
Again he closes his eyes and recites his memory carefully, though with less pause, as it is more recent.

"It knelt before me and the manifestation of my sword after I fully released my Bankai, holding Hei Lin up on both palms. I think it may have bowed what passed for its head as well."

Frozen_Feet

2014-07-17, 03:27 PM

"I see." The modsoul puts the pencil between the book and closes it. "I think that's all I need to know. Thank you for your time."

KnightDisciple

2014-07-17, 03:48 PM

[Soul Society - ELP*³; Combat Division AKA "the Pack"]

"I see." The modsoul puts the pencil between the book and closes it. "I think that's all I need to know. Thank you for your time."
Masaru gives a single nod.

"Indeed. If you have questions in the future I will endeavor to answer to the best of my ability and recollection."

"I'll take it under advisement. Dismissed."

Not long after, he asks the duty officer to fetch Hirako Masaru.

This is going to be a long day. Before the Modsoul had a chance to even leave, a messenger slipped into the room with an envelope marked "Urgent". Masaru gestures for him to bring it to him, and he quickly opens it and scans its contents. He nods and hands it back to the messenger.

"It seems I must take my leave and meet with the Acting Commander. Good day, ma'am."

Within the minute, Masaru was off and traveling for the HQ building.

[Soul Society - ELP*³; Command Division, Primary Offices]

Masaru is quick to arrive on-site, though it was still a few minutes since Koutarou had sent his messenger. Masaru quickly made his way inside to the Acting Commander's office. Once there, he stood in front of his friend's desk, one eyebrow raised.

"What exactly is the situation now?"

Kuroimaken

2014-07-17, 05:33 PM

To his credit, Koutarou would have preferred not to have marked that as 'urgent' if he could've helped it.

But since he can't, he decides to give it a heavy, weary sigh instead.

"Thanks for coming on such short notice. I'm afraid I have something extremely unpleasant to ask of you.

Before I start, though, I wanted to personally congratulate you on the Cult attack operation. Casualties were low in no small part because of the diversity of the troops' training as well as leadership on the part of its top officers. Which includes you."

That's it, Ishinomori. Cushion the blow.

"It has come to my attention that Kobayashi Momoka's family was the victim of a horrible tragedy many years ago. Something outside the scope of the Gotei to investigate and process, I'm afraid, since Shinigami weren't directly involved.

It has also come to my attention that she chose to share this tale with you. She was concerned about your initial reaction to it."

At this point, Koutarou snaps his fingers, and offers a quick series of gestures that, should his office be monitored, would force temporary shutdown by the camera. A necessary measure for secrecy in any echelon of command, after all.

"She reached out to the closest person of the noble family responsible. As it turns out, that's Koutetsu Hideki, our head of Engineering and, to our displeasure, the one man with access to eyes and ears at all times throughout Soul Society.

He was not pleased. In fact, he's taken personal offense to it, and threatened to cut off financial support to the Combat Division, unless you apologize."

Koutarou leans forward into the table and looks Masaru in the eye.

"I can only imagine how much this frustrates you, but I'm hoping you'll be the voice of reason in this. If the Koutetsu noble house cuts off resources to the Pack, I'll just re-route them from somewhere else, possibly Engineering itself. I won't leave you guys hanging out to dry. Hideki has also promised me that Engineering will provide as much medical support to Momoka-san as they're able.

I don't need you to so much as mean it. All I need is for you to make a token gesture of apology. I'd be willing to consider it a personal favor.

While we're off the record, I also want you to understand my hands are tied. I'm not asking you to do this because I think Hideki is right. I'm asking you to do this for the sole purpose of avoiding bad blood between the two people I need the most right now to ensure a future for Soul Society.

Can I count on you?"

KnightDisciple

2014-07-17, 06:38 PM

As Koutarou speaks, Masaru's face grows as impassive and still as stone. His body becomes utterly still, broken only by calm, regular breathing, and the blinking of his eyes as he stares straight ahead at a point on the wall.

It is over a minute before he speaks, barely breaking his stillness.

"Do you know what I actually said in the hospital room? I explicitly said I would not pursue vengeance or justice or anything like that.

I said that I found the actions of this "noble" family lacking in honor. I said that such an action as this "test" brought dishonor on the entirety of Soul Society, the Gotei, and Shinigami. I referred to the noble family as greedy, callous, and craven.
I opined that such attitudes about others restrain true progress in Soul Society and contribute to attitudes of discontent among those not privileges to be pushed from the right wombs.

I then said that, having passed an immediate crisis, my sincere hope was for calm, compassionate minds to help steer Soul Society into a brighter future.

At no time did I express a desire for any actions on my part or the part of other Shinigami. At no time did I express a desire for harm or ill fate to befall this noble family, Kotetsu or otherwise.

Apparently, this was insufficient. Apparently Soul Society cannot withstand someone in its command structure having a less-than-favorable opinion of the oh-so-valuable nobility of our illustrious, paradisaical afterlife."

Touch of sarcasm there at the end. Masaru's gaze shifts, and his eyes lock with Koutarou's.

"Did I ever tell you of my parents, Koutarou?"

The answer is "no", and none of his files, psych evals, or any of the sort mention them at all.

Kuroimaken

2014-07-17, 10:59 PM

strawberryman

2014-07-18, 12:33 AM

KnightDisciple

2014-07-18, 12:38 AM

Well, at least Koutarou is getting the full scope of the story now. He has no reason to disbelieve Masaru. This isn't even about whether Masaru would take revenge or not. This is about bruised egos and ruffled feathers.

In a sense, Hideki does have a point. Regardless of the heinousness of this act - which begs the question, what was Koutetsu Azuma thinking - they do otherwise have a great record.

Or at least so is Koutarou told.

To be fair, this is one of those situations where Zheng Li Lin would have probably not failed to be assertive either way. No matter what he does, he'll be seen as taking sides. He'll just have to pick the path of least destruction.

"No, you haven't, Masaru.

But you stand nothing to gain by not withdrawing your words. You already are on the moral high ground. Nothing you do or say in condemnation is going to change what happened or how they think. Frankly, I should not even be spending the time this is taking when there's a maniac out there with the power to level a city on his own terms. I won't claim to understand where you're coming from, I respect you too much for that. I'd just rather we do not bicker among ourselves when there's work to be done.

It bears repeating, I'm not asking you to apologize because I think you're in the wrong. Only because it's the easiest way to defuse this entire situation. The most unpleasant, sure, but still the easiest. I don't like this any more than you do."
Masaru closes his eyes and seems to spend several long, quiet moments thinking. Finally, he opens them.

"I suppose my past matters less than my future, right now.

I had not intended my offhand, slightly emotional remarks to cause such a stir. I should have known privacy did not exist in the Gotei. But very well. I will pen up an Official Apology and have it sent to Koutetsu Hideki.

I will even take a further step and do everything in my power to not escalate things any further. Any further...less-than-glowing opinions...will be kept to the counsel of my own mind and soul.

And as always, I will strive to protect every Shinigami and every citizen in Soul Society to the best of my ability.

Did you need anything further from me, Acting Commander?"

Mina Kobold

2014-07-18, 06:20 AM

[Soul Society - On way to Commander's Office?]

Lành dutifully follows the goonish officer, presumably to Koutarou's office, restlessly adjusting bags and securing pockets as if the actions could speed up the time it'd take to be allowed to report.

Kuroimaken

2014-07-18, 08:33 AM

"I will require a detailed report of our casualties during the most recent operation so we can properly honor the dead.

And for the record, Masaru, you're still free to share your opinions and concerns with me, whether on a professional or a personal level. I wouldn't let any snooping make use of that.

In any case, I thank you for showing the maturity Koutetsu Hideki didn't when he made a problem out of this.

Keep up the good work."

KnightDisciple

2014-07-18, 11:49 AM

[Soul Society - ELP*³; Command Division]

"I will require a detailed report of our casualties during the most recent operation so we can properly honor the dead.

And for the record, Masaru, you're still free to share your opinions and concerns with me, whether on a professional or a personal level. I wouldn't let any snooping make use of that.

In any case, I thank you for showing the maturity Koutetsu Hideki didn't when he made a problem out of this.

Keep up the good work."
"As I said, I will strive for polite professionalism in the future."

Something in Masaru's eyes shows that at this point, he personally thinks Hideki could go jump off a cliff, but obviously he has more than his person to think about.

"Some of the junior Officers are compiling casualty lists now. Naijeru's group arrived not long ago, and theyr'e the ones that are going to make things less than ideal. They ran into some nasty bio-weapons, apparently, and are all in quarantine. I'll get you the initial reports when they're ready."

He pauses, and then speaks again, determination flaring in his eyes.

"Since I am being treated, both by the Acting Commander and the Senior Officer of another Division, as the de-facto Captain of the Combat Division, and in turn the officers and soldiers of said Division seem to be treating me in a similar manner, and since I have achieved Bankai, I intend to officially apply for the Captaincy within the next couple of days.
I shall speak with the other Senior Officers, Squad Leaders, and most senior members of the Combat Division regarding the dispensation of the title "Kenpachi", but while I find said title carries a degree of honor with it, at this time the most pressing need is recognition and confirmation of leadership. As well, said title is one only informally associated with the Gotei command structure; thus it seems a matter to be discussed by those it is most pertinent to.

Unless you have anything else for me, that will be all."

Kuroimaken

2014-07-18, 12:41 PM

"No, that should be everything. Frankly, in terms of skill alone, I already consider you a successor to the tile of Kenpachi. In spirit, if not in name.

I have my own situation to consider as well. I can't be a stand-in forever, but whether Central 46 will accept me as Commander-General is a different matter altogether.

Thank you for telling me about these bio-weapons. I'll have Medlog provide me with their analysis as soon as possible. We should look into combat-ready protective measures against that... Maybe some form of immunization Kidou.

In any case, that's all. Dismissed."

KnightDisciple

2014-07-18, 05:23 PM

[Soul Society - ELP*³; Command Division]

Masaru simply gave a nod, and then a formalized bow, and left in silence. If Koutarou cared to check, as soon as the cyborg was around the corner he was out of sight.

Bloody sneaky Guerilla Squad members...

[Soul Society - ELP*³; Combat Division AKA "the Pack"]

Masaru returned to the Combat HQ with a calm air about his person, and greeted everyone he saw with a polite smile and nod. They could sense something had his mind occupied, but didn't get the sense it was urgent, and so were themselves not worried.

As soon as he was in his office, he sat down and quickly penned a letter on the highest quality paper he had, with the best pen and ink, in his best handwriting. It was sealed in an envelope with a small wax seal bearing the mark of the Combat Division (rather than, say, a noble house).

It was handed to a messenger with orders for speedy delivery to one Koutetsu Hideki, with a note that only said Officer could open it.

Once delivered, if Hideki took the time to read it, it would read thusly:

Senior Officer and Researcher Koutetsu Hideki of the Engineering Division, Member of the Noble Koutetsu Family,

This letter is being sent as a formal measure of apology to you, and thus by extension your family, by myself, Guerrilla Squad Leader and Senior Officer of the Combat Division Hiraku Masaru.

It seems words I spoke in passing and in a moment of emotion to a friend and sensei of mine have reached you and offered some measure of offense to you and your family.

For this I offer apologies, for both the offense and the words. I spoke not as an Officer but as an individual, and spoke in a moment of emotion, nothing more. I politely and dutifully retract the statements offered in that private hospital room to the ears of a friend and sensei, and thus hopefully retract any and all offense implicitly offered and explicitly taken by you, and by extension your Noble family.

My one request is thusly that you retract your threat of withdrawing funding from the men and women of the Combat Division, who did not know of or endorse the words I spoke in private as an individual, and are thus in no way responsible for the speakings of a man who is still only the leader of a single specific Squad within the Division as a whole at the time of the words' utterance and the writing of this letter.

If you require that we meet in person so that I may exchange a verbal apology as well as this written apology I am of course amendable to that. If that is your wish, please indicate so in a rapid response to this communication, so that we can thus settle the matter for good. If no response is given by you within a day's time, I will thus take the meaning that you consider the matter settled and forgotten, not to move beyond exchanges of words and writing to larger consequences to active Divisions in a time of war.

Sincere Hopes For Good Health and Productive Research,
Hiraku Masaru

Masaru thinks in the corners of his mind, where hopefully he is allowed his own thoughts and opinions at the good graces of his Noble overlords.

'Hopefully that satisfies him.'

His sword rumbled back.

'Perhaps you should watch your words more in the future, Masaru.'

Masaru snorted.

'Well the lesson I learned is that the Nobles believe themselves above distrust or words spoken against their persons, and they have no moral qualms about utterly violating the privacy of anyone not ejected from the correct birth canals. That doesn't mean I won't fight alongside Hideki or offer him important information or take tactical or technological advice into consideration. It just means I consider uptight, self-important nobles like him a blight on our society, that's all. But there's nothing I can do about it, so I will focus on being the best Captain I can be for the fine men and women of the Combat Division. That's something I can do. That, and make sure this place is a space where all members, noble and commoner alike, are treated equally and fairly, and all expected to pull their weight accordingly.'

Ancalagon rumbled what might be considered a laugh.

'The best revenge is to live well?'

Masaru got up with a smirk to make himself a pot of tea.

'Just so.'

5a Violista

2014-07-18, 07:20 PM

KnightDisciple

2014-07-18, 07:30 PM

[Soul Society ; "The Pack" : Masaru's office]
Late

Late in the evening (or whenever it actually is. The new day-night cycle is confusing since Soul Society fell out over here. Suou Nicole hasn't been able to quite get used to it.), Miss Suou knocks at Masaru's office. She waits a moment. Then, she lets herself in.

She left Med&Log's care as soon as her legs were well enough to walk. Honestly, it seems Miss Suou has spent just as much - if not more - time recovering with Medicine and Logistics as she had spent training in The Pack. This thought brings a brief smile to her face. She probably now knows as much about it as the combat medic guy.

"Masaru-sensei," she says. She waits for him to recognize her presence, standing at attention. It could be a short time, or...well, it might be a long time.

As soon as he recognizes that she's there, she swallows and then interjects, "Sir. I have failed several times recently in spite of the higher duties I've received. A few months ago, I wished to desert and then I broke one of the rules of The Pack. During our assault on the Cult, one of our largest losses were the Mod Souls I was given charge over. I take full responsibility for it, from my inexperience and possibly bad decisions. Now that I'm out of Med and Log, I came to apologize and receive what discipline I need."
Masaru had been going over papework for a bit now, making a few notes in a document he'd be passing on to Koutarou soon enough. He actually missed Nicole's original knock, but didn't miss her coming in.

"Please come in and sit, Suou-san."

He then listens to her...apology? He doesn't react outwardly to what she says, and simply reaches over for the still-warm pot of tea. Conveniently, there were two cups; he filled both.

"Tea? It's a blend more like what one might find in Europe than Asia; there's a Merchant in District 23 who I know who makes it. Rather invigorating and blessed with an excellent and unique taste."

He waits for her to decide to partake, taking a couple of sips himself, before speaking again.

"Before we enter a discussion of discipline, I would like to explore the actions you feel merit discipline.

First, which of our rules did you break?

Second, in your leadership of the Modsoul forces, what were your orders, decisions, and so forth? What caused the loss of forces; what factors played into that group suffering loss where others did not? What could you have done differently, or anticipated, to prevent the loss?"

5a Violista

2014-07-18, 08:19 PM

[Soul Society ; Masaru's office]
Late

Miss Suou sits.
"Yes, please," she says when offered tea. She takes it and sips it as well.

"I went to The Thousand Deaths without permission from a seated officer," she states matter-of-factly, "and I harbored feelings of desertion." That's it, actually. Everything else, she had already received her punishment back when Kiba was still here.

As she explains the second question, her voice becomes less matter-of-fact, less formal - more personal - as she goes on. "My orders were to direct all the Mod Souls to destroy all the cult's minor churches in that city and bring all its inhabitants to Med and Log. I chose to hold half of my forces back, sending only just over one hundred to each of the six churches. While all the buildings were demolished, the clergy from two of the churches escaped, over a hundred of the Mod Souls were destroyed, and several of the Med and Log personnel nearby were injured. I -" Her voice cracks. "I ... all these losses were caused because I overestimated our strength and I failed to do reconnaissance in the churches before ordering the attack. The only reason it didn't go worse was because they chose to retreat after destroying our forces. They were stronger than I had imagined, and if only I had done more recon work, they wouldn't have been destroyed." Tears begin falling down her cheeks here, and she babbles more and more. "If I had planned it out better, or if I had tried to see what they would do, or if I had been stronger, or...or if I had...they never would have...and..." She can't say any more.

KnightDisciple

2014-07-19, 12:32 AM

[Soul Society ; "The Pack" : Masaru's office]

Masaru allows her to speak, remaining a bastion of calm composure as her emotions waver.

"Having thoughts of desertion and actually deserting are two entirely different things, Suou-san. You made the choice not to desert. In my mind, that makes all the difference.

As for your entrance into the Thousand Deaths, that is more serious, but primarily because recklessness with the course can lead to dead Shinigami, and that is something we can ill afford. Speaking from my own experience, the course is rather punishing on its own, but we shall still discuss some manner of rectification eventually.

Now, as to your performance in the field."

His expression shifted to one of sympathy, a wan smile on his face.

"You are one of our youngest and least experienced members, Suou-san. This is no crime, to lack experience. It is merely a fact.

We gave you a force you had never worked with before, never trained with, whose capabilities you were familiar with only on paper, gave you little to no intelligence, gave you very little support or backup in Shinigami forces, and let you loose.

Considering how badly things went for Officer Naijeru and his team, who are, to a man, in quarantine at this time, not to mention several of them dying, it is not as if you alone had problems.

Now, your forces suffered losses, this is to be sure. But frankly, considering the troops we faced at the primary Cathedral, I am unconvinced recon could have aided you, especially as the point of our strikes was to eliminate opposition as rapidly as possible.

You held back forces. This is only prudent; it allowed you to have a reserve you could call upon, as a whole or in pieces, to adjust to the battlefield situation.

This entire operation, while important and, I believe, good, could have used more information. But the esoteric nature of the abilities of our enemy in this case mean that such extensive recon may have tipped our hand too soon and too thoroughly. You only obeyed the order to attack in force as soon as possible.

You sent overwhelming force to each location, even with the reserves. You brought back the large majority of your troops, you accomplished your objective, and you acknowledged the imperfections in your planning.

While it was not a perfect operation, I cannot find it in myself to punish you for the fickle whims of fate, Suou-san.

That you feel remorse and a desire for penitence shows you are not a terrible commander.

I think we will rotate you into further training, both for yourself and from you to others. This will give you a chance to think things over while keeping you active.
Tomorrow we will discuss what, if any, disciplinary actions will be enacted for your unauthorized access to The Thousand Deaths. If, after thinking on the matter and sleeping on it, you feel some measure of discipline is in order for your performance during the raid, we can discuss that matter at the same time."

5a Violista

2014-07-21, 06:12 PM

KnightDisciple

2014-07-21, 06:37 PM

[Soul Society ; "The Pack" : Masaru's office]

Suou Nicole listens to Masaru-sensei's explanation and decision. It is very logically sound, but Miss Suou can't help but think she's getting off too easily. Well, maybe that's how it works in Soul Society, especially because of the recent crises.

"Yes, sir," she finally says. "I understand. The Seireitei needs The Pack now more than ever. I promise to train hard and do better."

She stands up. "With your leave?" she says, asking if she has permission to leave now.
Masaru did not immediately speak when she requested permission to leave, and his expression showed it was not implicit permission.

"One final matter. Between needing to levy a manner of rectification, and as a way to bring you back from direct field command until such a time as you and your senior officers feel you are better prepared to lead troops in the field, your duties shall focus in two primary areas.

Firstly, you shall serve as my primary aide. This will mean assisting me in remembering scheduled appointments, helping keep me "on-task" for the more "boring" items in my duties that will hopefully soon be officially recognized as Captaincy, and asissting in clear communications between our Division and others. It is not a glorious duty, but it is a necessary one.

Secondly, you will be spending at least a few hours a week either writing up tactical and strategic proposals for the use of our Modsoul forces, using the lessons you learned in the field, or at times working directly with said forces with the aid of a few other Officers, perhaps of multiple Divisions. Not glorious, but also necessary, and you are one of the few who has personally seen them in actual fighting action.

These duties are a degree of punishment, as you will see almost no combat for a fair bit of time, and you will be busy. It may well feel thankless at times. But I believe you can accomplish both of these sets of duties with the honor and energy a member of the Pack can bring to the table."

Now he offered her a small, friendly smile.

"Now you may be dismissed, Suou-san, unless you have notable further questions."

5a Violista

2014-07-21, 06:57 PM

[Soul Society ; "The Pack"]

Suou Nicole stands at attention during the description of the punishment. "No, sir," - she has no questions - she says, finding it awfully coincidental that part of Masaru-sensei's punishment is eerily similar to Kiba-sensei's temporary punishment that he gave her so long ago. She smiles at this thought. Leaders of The Pack really don't like doing paperwork and scheduling, it seems.

"Thank you. I'll report here first thing tomorrow."

Leaving the empty tea cup behind, she turns and leaves Masaru's office.
Time to go to the barracks and finish recovering.

ImpSyndrome

2014-07-21, 10:17 PM

[Soul Society]
(Koutetsu Holdings)

As Satoshi and his group approach the compound, things are... unusually quiet for the reports. As they pass through the gates, there's a few telltale scorch marks across the courtyard, and... well, bodies isn't really the right word. It's more like several black piles of mushy mass that stinks like nothing one could ever imagine, with bits of bone sticking out. There's no sign of any insurgents.

"What happened here," Satoshi wonders aloud as the group draws near. "These remains aren't just brutalized; they're deformed beyond identification...No ordinary Konpaku could do this, not in such a short time."

"Watch your backs, everyone," one of the IntSec Shinigami advises as the lot of them. "Whatever went down here, we could be next if we aren't careful...Issei, Takakura, Katsuragi: you three sweep through the east wing. Kishimoto, Gama, Ashimaru: take the west wing. I'll lead the others through the center of the compound. Remember: we're not clear to use deadly force unless it becomes absolutely necessary, and there could still be survivors on location, so think twice before you draw your weapons."

((I hope I haven't taken things too far, but I wasn't sure how else to keep things moving, and I figured that this would be a logical choice for the acting leader to make. Berryman, feel free to take control of any of these NPCs I've named/described as necessary.))

Draken

2014-07-21, 11:33 PM

Seireitei
Engineering Division - Liutenant Office

Hideki receives masaru's letter of apology and writes a response.

Officer Hikaru Masaru of the Combat Division,

Your apology is accepted. Nothing further is needed for it to be so.

I must iterate that the retracted words were considered a grave insult because we respect your skill and authority, and hold no doubt to the simple fact that you will become the captain of the Combat Division in the near future, a role you already occupy in fact if not in title. By any other man, they would have been disregarded, but you are a pillar of the Gotei, make no mistake.

Remember this event in the future. All noble families have eyes and ears across all of the Gotei. As a captain, you must measure your words against the ruling class, for these may bring consequences much direr should you anger a family with greater influence on your division than mine.

Fight On, Fight Rarely, Fight Well,
Kotetsu Hideki, Engineering Liutenant.

Hideki hands the letter for an agent to deliver and returns to his work.

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

Rukongai - Kotetsu Hold

As Satoshi's commander finishes his speech, one of the doors of the house opens, and out comes a well-dressed woman and two attendants, the later bringing a large box loaded with rakes and spades.

The woman looks mildly surprised to see Satoshi.

"Internal Security out here? That is unexpected."

KnightDisciple

2014-07-22, 12:43 AM

[Soul Society ; "The Pack" : Masaru's office]

Seireitei
Engineering Division - Liutenant Office

Hideki receives masaru's letter of apology and writes a response.

Hideki hands the letter for an agent to deliver and returns to his work.
The letter isn't delivered until after Masaru has finished meeting with Suou Nicole. He takes the communique and reads it slowly, actually going over the whole thing twice.

Then he pens a brief reply.

Engineering Liutenant Kotetsu Hideki,
I see.

I will endeavor to be more cautious and respectful in my private expressions of opinion regarding the noble ruling class of our society in the future.

Officer Hikaru Masaru of the Combat Division

ImpSyndrome

2014-08-02, 02:34 PM

Seireitei
Rukongai - Kotetsu Hold

As Satoshi's commander finishes his speech, one of the doors of the house opens, and out comes a well-dressed woman and two attendants, the later bringing a large box loaded with rakes and spades.

The woman looks mildly surprised to see Satoshi.

"Internal Security out here? That is unexpected."

A few of the Shinigami, including Satoshi, flinch as a woman emerges from the complex flanked by two others. A few of them place their hands on the hilts of their Zanpakuto in instinct, but the IntSec Shinigami who was issuing orders just a moment ago motions for them to stand down. He seems to recognize her as a neutral party, perhaps as an ally. "Ma'am, this facility has been compromised," he tells her. "Take your followers and make your way into Seireitei as quickly as possible. I can assign one or two of our number to escort you, if necessary, but we still need to secure this area, so I can't spare more than a couple of guards."

Satoshi stands back and allows his headstrong comrade to handle the situation, but a few things about the encounter seem odd to him. For one, why would anyone remain in the Kotetsu compound while rioters are running amok inside? Second, why is she acting so calm (or possibly clueless)? Doesn't she know that all of Rukongai is in chaos? Third, what is she doing trying to bring all those implements with her? That's too many questions for him to not be at least a bit unnerved, and he'll regard the three newcomers with some note of suspicion unless they can explain themselves...

Draken

2014-08-02, 05:04 PM

[Rukongai
Kotetsu Hold

The woman chuckles.

"Now, now, don't be silly, the estate is perfectly safe. Those ruffians won't be coming back, not that it matters if they do. Now, if you will excuse us, I need to clean my garden, those remnants have many uses, but fertilizer is not one of them."

The two guards pick a rack and a spade and start gathering the... stuff on the ground into a steel cart.

strawberryman

2014-08-02, 06:54 PM

Draken

2014-08-03, 02:02 PM

[Rukongai]
(Kotetsu Hold)

The first few explosions draw the woman's attention, and her attendants raise their gardening tools as if they were weapons. When the second salvo of bombs appears from the dust cloud, they are ready to respond.

"Tenran."

The gust comes from her open hand and blasts cloud and bomb away without great concern from the noblewoman, who then pulls a metal fan from the back of her belt and spreads it open with a flick of her wrist, before bringing it up almost to face level.

"I guess there is still some dross left. And to damage a work of art such as our walls, barbarians."

The two attendants walk closer to her, forming a shield.

ImpSyndrome

2014-08-06, 10:47 AM

[Soul Society]
(Rukongai - Koutetsu Hold)

While silence prevails for the moment in the talking, those keen of ear may hear an odd thunk as something hits the outer walls of the hold.

Then, it explodes. Several points of the wall reduced to rubble.

Debris flies everywhere, and through the obscuring clouds of dust fly several sticks of dynamite. Lit dynamite. Meanwhile, explosions echo from other parts of the house. It might not be kido, but dynamite is dynamite.

Well. So that's what they were up to. Several shadows run through the dust, avoiding conflict, apparently deciding on a guerilla tactic.

The initial detonation nearly deafens the Shinigami party, Satoshi included. As TNT is flung into the courtyard, a few of the Shinigami hit the dirt, but Satoshi and a bold few stand their ground. While the Koutetsu woman's highly-impressive Kido repels most of the explosives, the strays are defused by the brave soldiers, who expertly sever the burning wicks from their payloads with their blades. The cadre quickly regroups and the rest arm themselves for combat, forming a defensive ring to cover all angles of approach.

"Stand your ground," the spiritual leader calls to his fellows. "This is what we've trained for! Seek out the enemies as they appear and dispatch them quickly! Use non-fatal techniques if possible! Takakura, Ashimaru, Issei, Kishimoto: protect the Koutetsu survivors! Take up rear guard positions and defend them with your lives, if you must!"

Satoshi and his companions don't need to be told twice. They quickly nod their assent and quick-step through the roiling dust and smoke to reach the three survivors with haste. Once there, they'll take up a defensive role as the enemy continues to move around under cover of the smog cloud. Even if the Koutetsu personnel raise complaints or debate their presence, they'll remain close and fulfill their duties regardless. At the same time, the remaining Shinigami will disperse into the fray and begin seeking out the attackers...

Dorizzit

2014-08-10, 04:58 PM

[Not-Earth; Where Soul Society once stood]

A joyless chuckle emerges from the man's mouth. "What makes you think losing a few loaned organs would've killed me?" The words are followed by a sigh and a shrug. "... oh well. I already sealed your blade. Too late to test that now. Guess we'll never know." Mikael tries to open the zipper of his jacket, but it appears stuck, or broken, so he has to tear off the fabric. Jehoel can tell it takes quite a lot of effort. The movement reveals that while the outer fabric has several gashes on it, the inner fabric is more elastic and still intact. It still couldn't have absorbed much of the Arrancar's blows.

True enough, when Mikael finally gets it off, the bandages underneath are already dripping with black blood. But more glaring is the hole through where the man's heart should be. Considering Jehoel took care to avoid vital organs, it couldn't have been his doing.

"As for my goal... tell me, Jehoel. When you're one of a kind, is there any meaningful distinction between testing your limits and attempting suicide?"

[Not Earth]
Where Soul Society Once Stood

Jehoel looks at Mikael's wounds briefly before turning his attention back to Mikael's face. At Mikael's question, he nods.

"Yes. Your actions combine traits of both, but are an efficient way of solving neither issue. 'Limits' are a construct. The man with no limits is one with no goals, no purpose. A limit is the desire to achieve a goal or acquire a desire, and failing to do so. Unless these actions of yours serve some purpose beyond serving as flailing attempts at self-discovery, then you have no limits. Or, perhaps, that is your limit."

Frozen_Feet

2014-08-11, 08:49 AM

"I asked for a meaningful distinction, not a semantic quibble", Mikael retorts. "Based on your answer, if we take as granted that my 'goal' was to destroy this body, then there is no distinction." Mikael spreads his arms and shrugs. "I guess you can call that 'flailing attempt at self-discovery'. I find that phrase fairly ironic, coming from you. 'Botched and extremely melodramatic suicide attempt', wasn't it?" Mikael lets his arms drop down.

"Of course, that was just a tiny part of what I was after. I was more interested in seeing if I could surprise you. Startle you. Shake you into spilling the beans you hide behind that annoying facade of yours. I could say I was successful. But I've also reached my limit." The man's voice is calm, but in the eerie way the air is calm before a storm. There's a look in his eyes that is out-of-place in his frame, that of someone who's seen a lot, and seen enough. Jehoel has seen it before, on the face of a certain long-gone scholar. Mikael lifts index finger of his left hand and presses it on his own forehead. "I understand you a lot better now, but in the end, I'm still me, and I have no desire to become you yet. My only advice to you is: go back to the sea. Drop that awful pretense of control. It doesn't suit you any better than it suits me."

"Good bye."

Jehoel could swear that there's one more word Mikael says, but no matter how much he thinks on it, it just doesn't translate into anything useful. It's a mere passing howl of the wind, ephemeral and elusive. Their brief moment of comprehension is over and a barrier has been erected between them, perhaps to never be lowered.

Before Jehoel's eyes, Mikael's body starts to crumble, as if it's just an effigy made of rotting leaves. A small whirlwind whips up and starts throwing the pieces around.

strawberryman

2014-08-12, 07:01 PM

[Soul Society]

As the leading officer barks orders, explosions ring from two separate and opposite directions some distance away. Then, yet another on the opposite side of the compound. They're attacking from all other angles at this point. Perhaps to split the shinigami up? It's a daring gambit. On one hand, the assailants will fall that easily if they're scattered. But on the other hand, splitting the group of shinigami up may be just the plan...

((Basically trying to get Satoshi alone here so the leader can jump out. :smalltongue:))

Dorizzit

2014-08-12, 08:57 PM

Jehoel remains typically impassive at Mikael's castigation. He keeps the same air of polite interest that he uses for almost everyone, reacting much the same as he would to small talk or matters of unimportant. Watching Mikael has been entertaining, but all good things must come to an end, and he has already begun to lose interest. There are more important things to attend to.

Once Mikael is finished, Jehoel turns away from what's left of Mikael's body and opens a Garganta. He pauses for a moment at the threshold, looking back.

I wonder if this could have turned out differently.

He strides through the portal.

No, we're too similar to ever get along.

* * *

Ishinomori Koutarou's Reiphone begins ringing. It's Jehoel.

Kuroimaken

2014-08-12, 09:37 PM

You mean Ishinomori Koutarou.

I get it though, too many Kou's.

Oh, joy, something to break through the tedium of constant paperwork that has settled since he gave his last set of orders, which are unfortunately as long in the working as they are vital.

"Acting Commander-General Koutarou speaking.

How can I help you, Jehoel Yurius?"

Dorizzit

2014-08-12, 10:23 PM

"We need to talk in person. Now. Coordinates incoming."

He hangs up. When acting in his capacity as one of the leaders of Las Noches, Jehoel is usually polite to a fault and careful to observe protocol. The terse, demanding message is uncharacteristic from a man who very rarely acts against his usual habits. Sure enough, a message follows giving coordinates to...the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

Kuroimaken

2014-08-12, 11:22 PM

Well, that was... disturbing. Koutarou had no idea how to properly respond to it, so that left him little choice but to head off after Yurius' mysterious meeting place.

He did leave a brief message with the duty officer for Masaru and Lily, detailing where he'd gone.

Frozen_Feet

2014-08-13, 08:04 AM

As Jehoel heads to the agreed meeting point. It's a stange feeling, as if he'd... forgotten something important.

Which shouldn't happen, because he is clinically unable to forget.

It is actually the last lingering memory he received from Mikael. But why didn't it take effect earlier? He can't... remember. A period of time just few seconds long when he was lowering the rotting body of Leviatan to the ground has been rendered blank. There certainly was something there, but it has now been erased or rendered inaccessible.

On the handle of Jehoel's Zanpakuto, a small emblem of a snake eating its tail now rests where no carving was before.

---

[Hueco Mundo; Las Noches]

Somewhere in Valentina's district a group of nine peculiar Arrancars laze about in a rough circle, some standing but leaning against walls of nearby buildings, some sitting cross-legged on the ground. Their eyes are all closed and they make no sound save for breathing. It would be easy to assume they're resting, perhaps even sleeping.

Suddenly, all at once, they open all their eyes, their pupils narrowing into slits. One leaning on the walls stands upright, sounding alarmed. "It is over."

The others look at it and nod. "Should we get going then?", a second one sitting on the ground asks.

A third one shakes its head. "It's a long way off. We wouldn't make it in time to contain it."

The first one replies with a concerned look. "Shouldn't we at least try?"

The remaining six look at each other and shrug. "Why? There's nothing in there. The place was pretty throrougly emptied before the two got there. That world has already ended. This is just... I don't know, death throes? I mean, what's the worst that could happen?"

The question hangs heavy in the air for half a minute, and then all the Arrancars stand up and dust their black robes.

"... we should find some sort of shelter."
"Definitely."
"We agree."

Kuroimaken

2014-08-19, 10:14 AM

[Soul Society - ELP*³ ; Seireitei; near SSI grounds]

Nanashi bows to Lê Lin Lành . "It was a pleasure. We wish you luck!" The second Internal Security goon officer proceeds to escort the archival assistant to Headquarters, quite likely to discuss with Vice-Commander Koutarou.

The first goon officer gives Kaoru and Nanashi one last glare. "We'll be taking the nameless guy's Zanpakuto to IntSec weapons storage. You can request it back when you leave. Now shoo." Nanashi shrugs, and turns to walk away, while looking questioningly at Kaoru.

"So, where next?"

"Next ya'll are getting escorted by yours truly."

The voice belongs to a middle-aged-looking Shinigami, with apparently early grey hair. He also sports a full beard, and spectacles, which lends unto him an air of respectability. The only thing suggesting a minor deviation of discipline is that the sleeves of his shihakusho are ripped off, and it is worn open, displaying a number of scars on his chest and abdomen. He is also plenty ripped for someone his age.

"Gunji Dojima, Onmitsukidou Section Seven. I'll take it from here, juniors."

Frozen_Feet

2014-08-19, 10:17 AM

"Pfft. Juniors." Few of the snakes on "Nanashi's" heads seem to find that choice of words intensely funny. The Arrancar shrugs and its main mouth answers with a smile: "We suppose that is only fair. After all, we are just visiting. We wouldn't know where to go on our own."

Kuroimaken

2014-08-19, 10:37 AM

He's a crusty old man who's entitled to his prejudices.

"We don't get visitors often, much less from your neck of the woods, so you'll have to excuse the boys for a lack of specific protocol in these situations. Just another write-up I'll be forced to work on for the okashira." Dojima grumbles.

"Still, you're covered in the treaty between Soul Society and Las Noches. So we oughta show some hospitality. What would you be most interested in seeing?"

Frozen_Feet

2014-08-19, 10:46 AM

Kuroimaken

2014-08-19, 11:10 AM

The Arrancar looks ponderous for a moment. "That's a difficult one...hmmm", it mutters. The snakes on its head sway from side to side as if looking for something, then eventually settle for looking at one direction. The Arrancar turns its head there too and points a finger towards Sõkyoku Hill. "What's on that mountain?"

"That's where we execute those guilty of highest treason. Those we CAN'T allow to be reincarnated.

Execution sites aren't popular tourist sites. Even on the off-chance, we can't allow those without clearance up that mountain anyhow."

5a Violista

2014-08-19, 06:33 PM

[Hueco Mundo: Las Noches]

Valentina just happened to turn onto the street that let her see the nine uplifted Sin Rostro. She glanced at them just as they all stood up. Watching them all act like that, in unison...

She shivers. It's eerie. Even after so long, she still hasn't been able to shake off that feeling. They were a creepy force of nature when they were Sin Rostro, and they're unnerving now that they're not.

Regardless.

Something must be up. Maybe they know something about Mikael and where he went when all the trouble in the Soul Society happened.

She walks up to them and prepares herself for their unnatural way of answering. "Hey. Have any of you seen what happened with Mikael?"

strawberryman

2014-08-20, 01:09 AM

[Soul Society]
(Seireitei > Engineering Lieutenant's Office)

Outside Seireitei and Rukongai, beyond the expanse of the surviving buildings, there is a short expanse of wastelands before the odd satellite that is Soul Society cuts off into space. For a few hours since the start of the first day in its new position... there's been movement. A small, but visible dust cloud kicking up as something moves across the wastes.

...and the booming of music. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGIrUWTx0mA) It's hardly fully audible at this range. But the bass is audible at the outskirts of the Rukon.

It makes a few cycles... before turning. The music gets louder...

And then Takenaka Chouko, skating on... what appears to be a quickly oscillating wheel of energy protruding from her metallic legs, zooms through the Rukon, followed by the source of music, which is apparently Samson, speakers blasting near their maximum volume. She makes a beeline for the gates, or more particularly, the one she knows is open through surveillance. Leaping fully over the rioting crowds in a acrobatic pirouette off the handle, she lands and continues skating in the direction of Engineering.

Hideki likely hears the music long before Chouko's shouting. In fact he might not even hear Chouko's shouting over the music.

"YO! KOUTETSU! OPEN THE WINDOW! GOT A HEAD FULL OF CRAZY TO SHARE WITH YOU!"

Assuming Hideki opens a window, Chouko leaps through, deactivating her boots and rolling, landing square in a chair, her metallic legs finding a place on the desk, and... is she smoking a cigar? The hell? She didn't even smoke, that Hideki knew of. Samson leaps through after, turning the music down.

Assuming Hideki does not open a window... well, Chouko just kicks through it and the same thing happens. Except now there's glass everywhere.

"So, what's up, homes? Got any plots for this mad science powwow?"

Frozen_Feet

2014-08-20, 08:10 AM

[Soul Society]

"That's where we execute those guilty of highest treason. Those we CAN'T allow to be reincarnated.

Execution sites aren't popular tourist sites. Even on the off-chance, we can't allow those without clearance up that mountain anyhow."

The Arrancar places its hands behind its back. "You shouldn't underestimate people's curiosity towards the macabre. I'm sure great many people would pay a big penny to see a genuine place of death and torture." The snakes on its shoulders chuckle. "Alas, we have no money with us. Out of curiosity, how do you keep those you kill from reincarnating?"

---

[Hueco Mundo: Las Noches]

Valentina just happened to turn onto the street that let her see the nine uplifted Sin Rostro. She glanced at them just as they all stood up. Watching them all act like that, in unison...

She shivers. It's eerie. Even after so long, she still hasn't been able to shake off that feeling. They were a creepy force of nature when they were Sin Rostro, and they're unnerving now that they're not.

Regardless.

Something must be up. Maybe they know something about Mikael and where he went when all the trouble in the Soul Society happened.

She walks up to them and prepares herself for their unnatural way of answering. "Hey. Have any of you seen what happened with Mikael?"

Nine heads and uncounted eyes turn towards Valentina. Eight voices answer from eight heads:

"Mu. *)"
"Mu."
"Mu."
"Mu."
"Mu."
"Mu."
"Mu."
"Mu."

Then, eight of the Arrancars turn away from Valentina and begin walking down the street in an arrowhead formation, hands behind their back. One remains behind, giving the Sexta Espada a concerned look. "Why would you care of what has happened to him?"

*) Mu roughly translates to "nothing", and can be considered a negative answer. However, it can also be considered a non-answer indicating that there's a fault in the question that prevents a meaningful answer from being given. It has many other appropriate meanings as well, but I'll leave the fun of figuring those out to you.

Kuroimaken

2014-08-20, 08:40 AM

[Soul Society]

The Arrancar places its hands behind its back. "You shouldn't underestimate people's curiosity towards the macabre. I'm sure great many people would pay a big penny to see a genuine place of death and torture." The snakes on its shoulders chuckle. "Alas, we have no money with us. Out of curiosity, how do you keep those you kill from reincarnating?"

---

Nine heads and uncounted eyes turn towards Valentina. Eight voices answer from eight heads:

"Mu. *)"
"Mu."
"Mu."
"Mu."
"Mu."
"Mu."
"Mu."
"Mu."

Then, eight of the Arrancars turn away from Valentina and begin walking down the street in an arrowhead formation, hands behind their back. One remains behind, giving the Sexta Espada a concerned look. "Why would you care of what has happened to him?"

*) Mu roughly translates to "nothing", and can be considered a negative answer. However, it can also be considered a non-answer indicating that there's a fault in the question that prevents a meaningful answer from being given. It has many other appropriate meanings as well, but I'll leave the fun of figuring those out to you.

"One usually reserves such luxuries for places of death and execution that are not in use anymore. Too much of a security risk otherwise." The second question causes him to perk an eyebrow. "Well... I haven't been to such executions myself, so I wouldn't know, but from what I hear, the soul is completely incinerated down to its most elementary particles."

Frozen_Feet

2014-08-20, 08:48 AM

"Incinerating implies burning. Creating enough heat to release all energy in one's soul would truly be a feat. What kind of a device do you use to generate it? Is it some kind of a furnace?"

Kuroimaken

2014-08-20, 09:23 AM

"Like I said, I wouldn't know. I suppose such a furnace would be something you can see from here, so it's probably not that.

We don't actually execute people that way that often. It's bad for the spiritual environment, and the offenses that come with that penalty are incredibly serious. I don't think there's been that heinous a crime in Soul Society for well over six hundred years."

Frozen_Feet

2014-08-20, 09:34 AM

"We'll have to ask someone better informed, then." There's a sly undertone to the Arrancar's voice. "Hmmm... someone like your 'okashira', maybe?It would be interesting to see what kind of a person a man like you defers to."

Kuroimaken

2014-08-20, 09:48 AM

"Not sure whether that's a compliment to him or to me, but either way I'll take it.

There aren't lots of folks in my division that deal with executions. Nobody likes the work. Leaves your sake with a bitter aftertaste, and poisons the tongues of people around you. At least the boys and girls in Combat and Recon get to fight enemies that don't look like your next-door neighbor..."

Frozen_Feet

2014-08-20, 09:58 AM

A snake on the Arrancar's shoulder speaks: "Oh, we know the feeling. It's hard to escape the fact that executing people who murder others is, in itself, murder. Back in our day, we wore masks, so people wouldn't recognize us in our civilian lives. But then we died, and the mask became something we could remove no longer."

Kuroimaken

2014-08-20, 10:03 AM

"Our executioners wear masks, too, but they don't help. By virtue of necessity, one in the Gotei is not allowed to lie about which division he or she belongs to. And the people of the Rukon certainly can't tell. So either way we become bogeymen among our own people, never-you-mind that most of the time Internal Security acts more as diplomats or bodyguards within our own ranks."

Draken

2014-08-20, 10:15 AM

Frozen_Feet

2014-08-20, 10:18 AM

ImpSyndrome

2014-08-20, 11:15 AM

Kotetsu Hold

The noblewoman sits back while the engagements begin. Looking at her fan for a few moments more.

And then she looks back to the front and points her hand up.

"Secret Hadõ. Rokushõbaku."

A ball of viridian flame forms amid the clouds above, and then descends into the frontline as a meteor, and crashes similarly, spreading its vitriol out in the frontline in a wide blast before imploding into itself.

The shinigami had better shunpo out of the way, this is most certainly the same attack that left those piles of twisted, charred meat they saw before. The rioters, mere pluses, won't have much of a chance to dodge it.

The IntSec Shinigami all scatter at the sight of the cataclysmic Hado forming overhead. The one named Issei trips over himself as he tries to flee, but some quick thinking on Satoshi's part spares him from the effects of the meteoric blast. In the wake of the fireball, Satoshi sees several piles of blackened remains similar to the ones they had seen before. So those other bodies were likely from a previous encounter with the raiders...No wonder the noblewoman was surprised to see a Shinigami response team.

((If you want to introduce the leader, now might be a good time for him to strike and take down a few witless Shinigami before engaging Satoshi.))

strawberryman

2014-08-20, 11:19 AM

Seireitei
Engineering - Hideki's Office

Hideki does not hear shouting over the music and the rioting, but he does hear the music and the rioting. The window is open.

And then Chouko is sitting in front of him after backflipping over his head.

"I do, in fact. The drafts for initial quarrying of materials are done, as is the project for a terraforming engine to make the planet's core."

Quarrying is boring as all hell, but Hideki slides the file to Chouko anyway, under the engine's, which is a big reactor of reishi-fusing kidõ.

"Relatively simple to develop, although it relies on a number of family secrets, and will thus require my supervision."

Chouko looks over the file, puffing on her sudden cigar a few times. "Practical."

Pause. "Meaning boring. How do ya plan to get the rocks here? Lasso 'em?"

Another pause. "Because ya can't. My idea. BAM." She slams her hand on the table. There isn't actually anything in it, if Hideki was expecting a file.

However his printer does fire up. While Chouko looks over the specifics some more, assuming he takes a look, apparently Chouko was looking at... a gravity glove? With all of the meteors around, it's certainly effective. But space travel would probably be perilous, even for shinigami, with the lack of oxygen.

Oh wait right she has robots.

(Koutetsu Hold)

Actually, the noblewoman's kido was the exact reason the assailants decided to switch to a more guerilla style of assault. She does catch one in the flames, perishing instantly... but they're all moving between the buildings outside and effectively using cover. Plus, most of them are on opposite sides of the building, steadily demolishing it with dynamite.

Of course, as the shinigami scatter, something leaps through the hole in the wall after the kido, clad fully in armor yet disturbingly nimble, wielding a shovel that seems repurposed into an axe. It cuts through the green flames with an aura of energy around it, swinging for the Noblewoman's head, speaking with an echoing, ambiguous tone.

"Yeh nobles 'ave 'ad more'n yer fill fer cen'tries! S'time we took back!"

Draken

2014-08-20, 11:54 AM

Chouko looks over the file, puffing on her sudden cigar a few times. "Practical."

Pause. "Meaning boring. How do ya plan to get the rocks here? Lasso 'em?"

Another pause. "Because ya can't. My idea. BAM." She slams her hand on the table. There isn't actually anything in it, if Hideki was expecting a file.

However his printer does fire up. While Chouko looks over the specifics some more, assuming he takes a look, apparently Chouko was looking at... a gravity glove? With all of the meteors around, it's certainly effective. But space travel would probably be perilous, even for shinigami, with the lack of oxygen.

Oh wait right she has robots.

"Takenaka, we are not making a world out of kishi. It would destabilize the rest of the orbits of this system and crash us somewhere."

(Koutetsu Hold)

Actually, the noblewoman's kido was the exact reason the assailants decided to switch to a more guerilla style of assault. She does catch one in the flames, perishing instantly... but they're all moving between the buildings outside and effectively using cover. Plus, most of them are on opposite sides of the building, steadily demolishing it with dynamite.

Of course, as the shinigami scatter, something leaps through the hole in the wall after the kido, clad fully in armor yet disturbingly nimble, wielding a shovel that seems repurposed into an axe. It cuts through the green flames with an aura of energy around it, swinging for the Noblewoman's head, speaking with an echoing, ambiguous tone.

"Yeh nobles 'ave 'ad more'n yer fill fer cen'tries! S'time we took back!"

The IntSec Shinigami all scatter at the sight of the cataclysmic Hado forming overhead. The one named Issei trips over himself as he tries to flee, but some quick thinking on Satoshi's part spares him from the effects of the meteoric blast. In the wake of the fireball, Satoshi sees several piles of blackened remains similar to the ones they had seen before. So those other bodies were likely from a previous encounter with the raiders...No wonder the noblewoman was surprised to see a Shinigami response team.

((If you want to introduce the leader, now might be a good time for him to strike and take down a few witless Shinigami before engaging Satoshi.))

The woman is unfazed, merely looking down into her fan once more after the leader is finished talking.

strawberryman

2014-08-20, 12:50 PM

[Soul Society]
(Engineering HQ - Hideki's Office)

...Chouko stops grinning for a moment, and Hideki can tell she is glaring at him through her visor.

"...are we really having this conversation right now, Koutetsu? 'cause I thought you had more faith in me than that." Something else comes through his printer. "You wanna throw down? I will totally throw down. I'll throw down the gauntlet of all gauntlets, 'cause the gauntlet is my arm."

Oh. It's a kishi conversion engine. That could work.

Draken

2014-08-20, 01:53 PM

[Soul Society]
(Engineering HQ - Hideki's Office)

Of course.

"Throw down both while we are at it. But yes, I suppose this would expand the range of materials while allowing less reactors. More troublesome to mine, however."

"My plan was to mine from Hueco Mundo and to harvest from the Void, for the record."

Kuroimaken

2014-08-20, 02:00 PM

[Soul Society; somewhere in Seireitei]

"That is the common fate of all of those with authority and power. The law is never trusted by those who've been slighted by it or can't affect it. We would wager that just like your compatriots are suspicuous of your Division, so many of the Rukongai are suspicuous of all of Gotei. No matter how noble or kind you really are, in the end it's you who bear arms and have the license to use them. It does not take much sense to realize the things nominally meant to protect them could as well be used against them."

"I suspect they would be slightly less inclined towards fear if they would be able to see our work in their favor. In fact, the new leading man at the Combat Division's put a project forward to that effect. We've been drilling some of the Combat Division on non-lethal techniques and policework for a few months now. They ought to be on patrol right now."

strawberryman

2014-08-20, 03:45 PM

5a Violista

2014-08-20, 05:03 PM

[Las Noches]
Valentina's District

"I was just wondering," she says defensively. Valentina then adds, "It's because of everything that was happening. There were portals and gargantas and pluses and Shinigami everywhere, and if you ask me, some of them you can only trust them as far as you can throw them, and Mikael had been feeling a little week, and I was just worried that he might have gone somewhere he shouldn't have and..." The gaze of this arrancar is pretty intimidating. What if he gets the wrong idea?

La Sexta Espada gets flustered before continuing. "It's not like I miss him already or anything. Good riddance, always calling me 'cat girl' and stuff. It's just that, well, you know, he's been staying here for so long. W-what if he left something behind? Or, with all the chaos that was happening with Soul Society, and he's just a human, and what if he got left behind somewhere?" Valentina's pretty silly, thinking Mikael can't take care of himself. "I-I mean, why am I telling you this? It's not like any of you know where he is, they all - gesturing in the direction of those eight that left - said so."

All across Las Noches

Over the past short while - and especially just after the influx and departure of so many Plus souls - the Hollow population of Las Noches has been sharply increasing. By this, I don't mean Arrancares, but just plain regular Hollows and Adjuchas pouring in from far outside the influence of Las Noches. With all the movement in Las Noches, these foreigners went basically unnoticed but once the din died down, their presence became more apparent.

Little minor problems began happening across all of Las Noches: disagreements over prices, growing arguments over what can or can't work, brawls breaking out in the streets, large groups of people slowing down movement through arches and other narrow construction areas, and so on. Nearly every single one of these minor problems could be traced back to a Hollow who just arrived in Las Noches that day or the day before.

Meanwhile,
Grand Library

Not a single one of the aforementioned problems are occurring around the massive library. Just like the majority of Las Noches citizens, many of the foreign Hollows have no care for all the knowledge hidden in these books.

There is, of course, a single exception to this. A single Hollow - still with her mask on, obviously - enters the library and begins browsing through the entire building, looking for a particular bit of knowledge.

Like most Adjuchas, she looks fairly humanlike. Even her mask looks humanlike. The biggest difference is below her waist, which is a big long snake's body. Her clothes are fairly standard for Las Noches citizens, except she also wears a hijab veil (which covers most all her head except her eyes). I suppose that's significant.

ImpSyndrome

2014-08-21, 08:38 AM

(Koutetsu Hold)

Actually, the noblewoman's kido was the exact reason the assailants decided to switch to a more guerilla style of assault. She does catch one in the flames, perishing instantly... but they're all moving between the buildings outside and effectively using cover. Plus, most of them are on opposite sides of the building, steadily demolishing it with dynamite.

Of course, as the shinigami scatter, something leaps through the hole in the wall after the kido, clad fully in armor yet disturbingly nimble, wielding a shovel that seems repurposed into an axe. It cuts through the green flames with an aura of energy around it, swinging for the Noblewoman's head, speaking with an echoing, ambiguous tone.

"Yeh nobles 'ave 'ad more'n yer fill fer cen'tries! S'time we took back!"

((Whoops, heh...My mistake on the whole "only one person died" thing.))

The Shinigami struggle to react as chaos continues to wrack the Koutetsu hold. Few of them are paying attention as the armor-clad leader of the insurgents vaults through the breached wall and takes a swing at the Koutetsu noblewoman. The edge of his makeshift weapon gets about two feet from her head before it's batted down into the turf by the blade of a Zanpakuto. Being possibly the fastest of the cadre, Satoshi was the first to react to the enemy's entrance, and with his quick-step, he was also the only one to reach the danger zone in time to protect the noblewoman.

"I don't care what you think you're due," he growls at the armored man, struggling to keep the axe-bladed shovel pinned down. "It doesn't give you the right...to lash out like this!!" Glancing back briefly toward the Koutetsu noblewoman, he instructs her, "Please, step back...I'll handle this." His gaze will fix on the assailant again as he finishes, "I'll give you one chance to be the bigger man and drop your weapon. Stop this pointless violence now, and you and yours might be given some lenience. But if you insist on fighting me...I will subdue you by any means necessary."

Frozen_Feet

2014-08-21, 08:53 AM

Soul Society; somewhere in Seireitei]

"I suspect they would be slightly less inclined towards fear if they would be able to see our work in their favor. In fact, the new leading man at the Combat Division's put a project forward to that effect. We've been drilling some of the Combat Division on non-lethal techniques and policework for a few months now. They ought to be on patrol right now."

"We're afraid that is wishful thinking", the snake heads say. "Oh, by the way... where do you think we should stay for the night?" The logical answer to that would be "in jail". "Nanashi" is a self-admitted penniless drifter and is not, strictly speaking, part of Las Noches military. As they caught it and Kaoru snooping around a restricted area, it'd be fully in their rights to just lock the Arrancar up somewhere before kicking it out of the city's nearest gate.

---

[Las Noches]
Valentina's District

"I was just wondering," she says defensively. Valentina then adds, "It's because of everything that was happening. There were portals and gargantas and pluses and Shinigami everywhere, and if you ask me, some of them you can only trust them as far as you can throw them, and Mikael had been feeling a little week, and I was just worried that he might have gone somewhere he shouldn't have and..." The gaze of this arrancar is pretty intimidating. What if he gets the wrong idea?

La Sexta Espada gets flustered before continuing. "It's not like I miss him already or anything. Good riddance, always calling me 'cat girl' and stuff. It's just that, well, you know, he's been staying here for so long. W-what if he left something behind? Or, with all the chaos that was happening with Soul Society, and he's just a human, and what if he got left behind somewhere?" Valentina's pretty silly, thinking Mikael can't take care of himself. "I-I mean, why am I telling you this? It's not like any of you know where he is, they all - gesturing in the direction of those eight that left - said so."

All eyes on the Arrancar's face blink. First, those that are where eyes should be. Then those that are not. Then those on the snake heads, like blinking lights on a console. "We can hardly believe our ears. You have a crush on him", all the mouths on its face and of snakes speak in unison. The voices are soft and full of surprise. "Not something we would expect from a creature like you."

strawberryman

2014-08-21, 08:57 AM

[Soul Society]
(Koutetsu Hold) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtVQy7AIIxM)

Satoshi might not get to finish before the armored figure aims a punch straight for his jaw. If he lets it through, it's like getting walloped by a combat squad team member. This person definitely was no normal plus. With one hand, Kishi brings its axe-shovel to bear, sweeping for his legs.

"Ge' outta my way, yeh daf' prick!"

Frozen_Feet

2014-08-21, 09:44 AM

[Meanwhile, in the Void between Dimensions]

The fabric separating the Earth from the spiritual realm, and the spiritual realms from one another, has been under a lot of strain lately. First, a certain Shinigami of ill health cast a mad goddess to some far reaches of space, hopefully to never return. Second, the 1st King of Hollows sent millions of souls at once to afterlife to upset the balance between worlds. Third, hundreds of Arrancars created thousands of pathways in and out of Soul Society to evacuate citizens of Rukongai from the way of disaster. Indeed, the space between Hueco Mundo has likely seen more traffic in the last two days than it saw in the last hundred years, and that is accounting for the mass onslaught preceding the disappearance of Menos. Then, most of Soul Society was broken apart and forcibly shunted through time and space to various parts of the material universe. Lastly, there was the fight between the Primera Espada and his challenger.

Through all this, the Void has remained largely as it was before. But now, something has finally become the straw breaking the camel's back. At the spots where Arrancars crossed to the place where Soul Society used to be, holes are punched into the dimensional wall, with blue light shining from them. At first, they are tiny, like distant stars if viewed from the common routes from Hueco Mundo to Earth, but slowly they expand. Then, cracks appear, connecting the dots to each other like frozen bolts of lightning. For hours, they do nothing but spread, like a spider's web along a wall. They look rather innocuous, until they cover an area roughly similar to outer Rukon rings in diameter... or in other words, a large country. Then, like maw of some ancient god, the space itself yawns, filling the ordinarily dark expanse with bright blue light.

The light isn't the only thing coming out: all the remaining air and bedrock from the dimension where Soul Society used to be are vomited into the emptiness. The space around them constricts, convulses and then expands, creating a sort of pressure wave accelerating the cloud of debris before it.

Soul Society is so far removed from its old location that it is safe from these phenomena. Shinigami don't ordinarily use the Void for anything and most of Rukon citizens are now safely staying in either Las Noches or the newly-relocated Rukongai. Hueco Mundo and Earth, well, they might not be so lucky...

Kuroimaken

2014-08-22, 10:27 AM

Soul Society; somewhere in Seireitei]

"We're afraid that is wishful thinking", the snake heads say. "Oh, by the way... where do you think we should stay for the night?" The logical answer to that would be "in jail". "Nanashi" is a self-admitted penniless drifter and is not, strictly speaking, part of Las Noches military. As they caught it and Kaoru snooping around a restricted area, it'd be fully in their rights to just lock the Arrancar up somewhere before kicking it out of the city's nearest gate.

---

"You actually have a few questions to answer, but other than a bit of trespassing, you haven't done anything I actually have to worry about, did you? You'll go through a standard interrogation procedure, and then I'll talk to the okashira to decide what to do with you.

Strictly speaking, you're actually Las Noches' problem. You're one of their citizens, I trust?"

Frozen_Feet

2014-08-22, 10:34 AM

"We were created there, yes." The eyes of the Arrancar glance up. "We did not bother to check if that makes us a 'citizen', though. Nobody... save for one person... really cared all that much about our existence. We probably weren't even considered sentient."

Kuroimaken

2014-08-22, 10:43 AM

"That's a story I need to hear more of. Don't be intimidated by the interrogation room. Curiosity's only a crime if it's done with ill intent.

Come along, then."

Frozen_Feet

2014-08-22, 10:53 AM

The snake heads again chuckle at the officer's comments. Besides that, the former Sin Rostro follows obediently, without further commentary.

((OOC: feel free to fast-forward time by plenty to get boss man to right location.))

Kuroimaken

2014-08-22, 11:18 AM

[The Interrogation room]

"Here we are, then.

You said your name was Nanashi, right? 'No-name' is a really bad moniker to go by." Gunji noted.

Frozen_Feet

2014-08-22, 11:51 AM

"It is a perfectly accurate one."

Kuroimaken

2014-08-22, 01:17 PM

"It is until you decide to pick one for yourself. With humans, it usually goes the name the child after what they hope for him or her. With Arrancar, whatever sense of self they got picks the name for them.

You look plenty smart and plenty sentient to me. So why don't you pick a name for yourself? 'Nanashi' sounds like something you'd come up with if you were a really unimaginative spy. Like Mr. Smith, or John Doe."

Frozen_Feet

2014-08-22, 01:20 PM

"Oh, it wasn't our idea. That honor goes to the kind person who let me in. It will do for the time." Nanashi smiles broadly. It has disturbingly sharp teeth, but luckily only one mouth.

Kuroimaken

2014-08-22, 01:42 PM

"Alright. If you insist on being that way: how did you come to be here?"

Frozen_Feet

2014-08-22, 01:46 PM

"We followed others of our kin to this place, to help with evacuating the people outside your walls." Eyes of the creature glance at various directions. "Come to think of it... why were they being evacuated? We recall there being an earthquake and something went funny with the sky, but what did it mean?"

Kuroimaken

2014-08-22, 01:51 PM

"Still waiting on the official story, but word is the whole of Soul Society was pushed right out of where it ought to be by a massive force. Luckily the boys and gals in our think-tank had predicted this might happen, so they managed to avoid the worse of it.

Do you have a military division in Las Noches that you belong to?"

Frozen_Feet

2014-08-22, 02:13 PM

The Arrancar shakes its head.

Kuroimaken

2014-08-22, 03:34 PM

"Anyone you know? Anyone at all?"

Frozen_Feet

2014-08-22, 03:50 PM

"No-one we could name from the top of our heads."

strawberryman

2014-08-22, 03:50 PM

[Las Noches]
All across Las Noches

Over the past short while - and especially just after the influx and departure of so many Plus souls - the Hollow population of Las Noches has been sharply increasing. By this, I don't mean Arrancares, but just plain regular Hollows and Adjuchas pouring in from far outside the influence of Las Noches. With all the movement in Las Noches, these foreigners went basically unnoticed but once the din died down, their presence became more apparent.

Little minor problems began happening across all of Las Noches: disagreements over prices, growing arguments over what can or can't work, brawls breaking out in the streets, large groups of people slowing down movement through arches and other narrow construction areas, and so on. Nearly every single one of these minor problems could be traced back to a Hollow who just arrived in Las Noches that day or the day before.

There is one situation in particular that may require more... direct response. There's a surge of reiatsu as a blindingly brilliant golden cero blows off the upper floors of the Tercera's abode.

The source... (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SiJ-GRwTubo) well, it's hard to tell if it's an adjuchas or not. The hollow is... startlingly similar to a vasto lorde in stature, but there are... certain odd mutations more indicative of an adjuchas. It is covered in brilliant rainbow-colored scales, its hollow mask evokes the image of a falcon, the 'beak' extending over where its nose would be, but it has three eyes on one half of its face, and two on the other, leading up to its forehead, all serpentine in nature. It seems to have a mane of hair on examination from afar, but really, it is just a bunch of feathers bunched to simulate hair. One of its hands is actually the head of a snake, independently flicking its tongue and blinking. His other hand is a talon, cruel and predatory, as are his feet, and radiantly yellow wings extend from his wrists and elbows, twisted in an odd, clearly vestigial manner. But several more stretch from his back, several of them well within ability of flight. Also from its back extend several tentacles, scaled much like the rest of his body, each ending in the heads of snakes.

What is easy to determine about his power is the reiatsu. On the low end, it's very possible it could be a vasto lorde. But there's something... unstable. Like it's just on the cusp of evolution from adjuchas. Whatever the case, it is now staring intently at the smoking wreckage of the Tercera's abode.

A challenge has been sent.

Frozen_Feet

2014-08-22, 04:12 PM

[Hueco Mundo; Las Noches]

From afar, eight heads turn to look towards the smoke. "What in the world?", utters the creature at the point of an arrowhead formation. Others behind it glance at each other.

"It's probably one or more of the newcomers fighting."

"Don't they know they're not supposed to wreck the city? Yurius won't like this."

"We're not sure he actually gives a damn, if the Tercera is not able of taking care of his own district..."

All the heads turn to look at the one walking last in the formation. "Wouldn't this be a good instance to test our strenght?"

The one walking last looks hesitant for a moment, then draws its Zanpakuto... and hands it to the next in line. "There is a chance we might not come back. Do find someone to replace us if that happens."

Seven heads nod in unison. "We will", the formation leader says. Then, they turn to look back towards the smoke, even as the last one blurs away, jumping from roof top to roof top as it makes its way towards Tercera's district.

---

Buta few moments later, the golden-feathered challenger is presented by an odd situation. From the crowd of spectators circling the area some distance away, a lone black-clad figure detaches and leaps to him, stopping on a ruined pylon ending at somewhat lower level than the challenger himself stands.

The black-clad figure has a certain similarity to the challenger. It too, has a black mane consisting of snakes where its hair should be - the heads of the snakes are raised and hissing at him. Two larger snakes stare from its shoulders. That's where the similarities end, though. Its clothes are but an imitation of the Shinigami uniform from its pale face stare five red eyes, and from its forehead rise three small horns. It's hard to say at a distance whether it has a mask or not.

"You. What do you think you're doing? You are destroying our city! If you wanted to send a challenge, you could've just written a letter!"

Kuroimaken

2014-08-22, 04:24 PM

"No-one we could name from the top of our heads."

"So you have no name, no place to go, and no one who can tell us who you are, or take you off our hands.

Why should I believe you? And what do I do with you?"

KnightDisciple

2014-08-22, 04:28 PM

[Las Noches, Hueco Mundo]
[Air Above Tercera Palace]

There's a figure standing in the air, higher than either the couatl-like challenger or the five-eyed "defender". He is large, with tan skin, a metal staff strapped to his back...

And a delicate filigree golden bracelet clasped in one hand, a positively dainty-looking jeweler's tool in the other hand, jeweler's glasses resting on his nose. He seems unconcerned with the potentially violent situation below, though he does speak up.

"While destruction of the White City is frowned upon, any are within their rights to challenge an Espada for their position. If you wish to counter-challenge you are free to do so. The Tercera has been unusually quiet of late, however. Someone offering a more...direct...challenge is acceptable, if the damage is kept within a limited schope."

He never looked up from the jewelry he was working on while he spoke.

5a Violista

2014-08-22, 04:31 PM

[Las Noches]
Valentina's district

"No, that's not true," Valentina protests. She steps back, on the defensive. "Not true at all! I would never fall in love with someone so disrespectful and...and...and arrogant." I'm sure she's just making that up. Mikael doesn't seem very arrogant, from what I can tell.

"There's just...other reasons why I'm wondering where he is!" Of course, these 'other reasons' will take some time to think of.

Grand Library

The snake-lady, after much searching through the books, feels the Void changing and breaking.

That could be bad.

She hurries through the library and quickly grabs three books, not sure if they're the exact right information she was looking for. She then turns around to find the exit of the library again.

Frozen_Feet

2014-08-22, 04:31 PM

Two of the "defender's" eyes look at jeweler, while the rest stay on the challenger. "Well, he'll have to go through us first."

strawberryman

2014-08-22, 05:01 PM

The challenger observes the responders impassively. Of note, the lower half of its mask does not include a mouth. But nonetheless, it speaks in a masculine tone, filled with a certain pride.

"...I've come to this city to prove my greatness. It doesn't matter who answers. Espada... it suits me. And weakness does not suit your city." He points to the Sin Rostro with its clawed hand as it responds.

"...are you the challenger, then?"

Frozen_Feet

2014-08-22, 05:10 PM

[Hueco Mundo; Las Noches, Tercera District]

"Yes", the awakened Sin Rostro responds impassively, standing relaxed on its post. Its eyes are glowing brighter now, like fanned embers, but it's secure enough in itself to let the gold-feathered challenger make the first move.

---

[Meanwhile, in Valentina's District]

"... you're reaction proves we are right." The black-clad Arrancar takes a step towards Valentina. "But do you know who you are really looking for?"

---

[Soul Society; Seireitei, IntSec interrogation chambers]

Nanashi smiles and shrugs widely. "That, we believe, is up to you. Use your imagination."

5a Violista

2014-08-22, 05:29 PM

[Hueco Mundo]
Valentina's District

Subject change. Valentina sighs in relief when the subject suddenly changes. No need to back up any further. "Yes, I do," she says. "After all, he's been staying in my room for the past while." It's hard to tell the exact amount of time, what with the (lack of a) day-night cycle here. "I know what he looks like."

strawberryman

2014-08-22, 05:37 PM

[Las Noches]
(Tercera District)

"...very well." He looks up to Turiel. "...you. You will observe, and provide testimony to my victory?" Well he certainly doesn't mince words. He doesn't wait either. It's not like he didn't have other observers.

"I accept." He waits for a response... and then jumps in like a snake that was primed to spring forward, slashing for the Sin Rostro's face with his clawed hand (right), even as his snake hand (left) goes for his opponent's weapon hand (presuming he has one, if not, just grasping at the wrist of the Sin Rostro's right hand).

...well, until recently, this being was a predator in all likelihood. And predators don't exactly play fair.

KnightDisciple

2014-08-22, 05:49 PM

Kuroimaken

2014-08-22, 07:42 PM

[Soul Society; Seireitei, IntSec interrogation chambers]

Nanashi smiles and shrugs widely. "That, we believe, is up to you. Use your imagination."

"I suppose it is.

We'll ask Las Noches if it wants you. Otherwise, we'll put you to work here, or in between here and Las Noches proper. That way we can keep an eye on you. Everybody here pulls their own weight, and we can always use more people helping.

You've got a Zanpakutou already, so you could easily do Shinigami work. But if that happens, you're going to need a new name."

Frozen_Feet

2014-08-23, 03:38 AM

[Las Noches]
Grand Library

The snake-lady, after much searching through the books, feels the Void changing and breaking.

That could be bad.

She hurries through the library and quickly grabs three books, not sure if they're the exact right information she was looking for. She then turns around to find the exit of the library again.

As the snake-lady finds her way out, she finds herself running into seven identically dressed Arrancars. They are walking past as she barges out and turn their multitude of heads and eyes to look at her. "Hello there, good lady. Why are you in such a hurry?"

---

[Hueco Mundo]
Valentina's District

Subject change. Valentina sighs in relief when the subject suddenly changes. No need to back up any further. "Yes, I do," she says. "After all, he's been staying in my room for the past while." It's hard to tell the exact amount of time, what with the (lack of a) day-night cycle here. "I know what he looks like."

The Arrancar shakes its head. When it speaks, its voice carries a hint of sadness... and pity. "If you go out looking for a man in bandages, dressed in the uniform of no army, you can only find disappointment. That disfigured form does not exist anymore. It was not who he was, it was something foisted upon him by circumstance and bad luck." It takes another step towards Valentina. "But neither you would have any better luck looking for the form he had in his past. The one with that form, that heart and those memories, has returned to his place of origin. But is that the person you really want? What do you really know of the one you desire?"

---

[Las Noches]
(Tercera District)

"...very well." He looks up to Turiel. "...you. You will observe, and provide testimony to my victory?" Well he certainly doesn't mince words. He doesn't wait either. It's not like he didn't have other observers.

"I accept." He waits for a response... and then jumps in like a snake that was primed to spring forward, slashing for the Sin Rostro's face with his clawed hand (right), even as his snake hand (left) goes for his opponent's weapon hand (presuming he has one, if not, just grasping at the wrist of the Sin Rostro's right hand).

...well, until recently, this being was a predator in all likelihood. And predators don't exactly play fair.

Of course he was a predator. All Hollows are, or have been, predators. It's what their cruel fate forces them to be. The souls inside the "defender" were predators once as well. But they've learned to be a lot more things since then.

As the clawed hand reaches for its face, the defender closes its five eyes. Despite the force of the blow, it barely even flinches, and a sound like metal scratching metal echoes around as the claws futilely scrape along its iron skin. The snake hand succesfully wraps around its right wrist, but the defender proves unexpectedly strong: while it fails to wrest its hand from the snake's mouth, it lifts it up with eerie speed and ease, grabbing the challenger's right wrist and twisting it. Simultaneously, its left hand moves to push the challenger's right elbow, putting considerable torgue on the challenger's right arm. If he was a human, this would be a rather painful lock, forcing the challenger to kneel to avoid breaking his arm. Let's see what effect it has on his non-human physique.

---

[Soul Society; Seireitei, IntSec Interrogation chambers]

"I suppose it is.

We'll ask Las Noches if it wants you. Otherwise, we'll put you to work here, or in between here and Las Noches proper. That way we can keep an eye on you. Everybody here pulls their own weight, and we can always use more people helping.

You've got a Zanpakutou already, so you could easily do Shinigami work. But if that happens, you're going to need a new name."

That sounds good enough", the Arrancar reponds with a smile. "Though we have to ask... doesn't one usually have to pass some sort of training or exam to be let into an army? You only have this brief interview to determine if we're suitable. Las Noches doesn't have even that. For all practical purposes, we are but children. Putting us to work sounds like putting the cart before a horse."

Kuroimaken

2014-08-23, 08:27 AM

[Soul Society; Seireitei, IntSec Interrogation chambers]

That sounds good enough", the Arrancar reponds with a smile. "Though we have to ask... doesn't one usually have to pass some sort of training or exam to be let into an army? You only have this brief interview to determine if we're suitable. Las Noches doesn't have even that. For all practical purposes, we are but children. Putting us to work sounds like putting the cart before a horse."

"True enough, but whatever tests and training you will have to undergo will come only AFTER we determine if you're going to be in service. You're a smart one, though. I don't expect you to have a hard time."

Draken

2014-08-23, 12:06 PM

[Soul Society]
(Engineering HQ - Hideki's Office)

"Kind of the point there, Hideki. Meteroids have s***tons of minerals in them that we can put to use. We combine the plans for max efficienacity, and get a bunch of free iron-filled space rocks for the the trouble. Everyone wins." Beat.

"Well, except the meteormen. My 'bots will shoot them on sight."

"Reasonable."

The first part, not the stuff about meteormen. That is demented.

"So, what step are we on with your gear? Prototype testing or ready for the production line?"

strawberryman

2014-08-23, 03:57 PM

[Las Noches]
(Tercera District)

Of course he was a predator. All Hollows are, or have been, predators. It's what their cruel fate forces them to be. The souls inside the "defender" were predators once as well. But they've learned to be a lot more things since then.

As the clawed hand reaches for its face, the defender closes its five eyes. Despite the force of the blow, it barely even flinches, and a sound like metal scratching metal echoes around as the claws futilely scrape along its iron skin. The snake hand succesfully wraps around its right wrist, but the defender proves unexpectedly strong: while it fails to wrest its hand from the snake's mouth, it lifts it up with eerie speed and ease, grabbing the challenger's right wrist and twisting it. Simultaneously, its left hand moves to push the challenger's right elbow, putting considerable torgue on the challenger's right arm. If he was a human, this would be a rather painful lock, forcing the challenger to kneel to avoid breaking his arm. Let's see what effect it has on his non-human physique.

((Music. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8n6r7DPiow)))

The reptilian hollow does not even give a twitch of annoyance as his claws don't pierce through. It was a test. As for the countergrab, it probably would hurt... if the 'bones' in the being's arm weren't still in a state of flux. His wrist turns in an odd manner, like it were still a snake. It probably hurts, but not as much as it could.

His left hand, however, also twists upward, snake jaws holding on viciously as the other snakes on his back twist forward and bite for other portions of the Sin Rostro's body. There's a glow from the hollow's hand, as a cero charges from within the snake, aiming the energy upwards, but obviously looking to take the defender's arm in a explosive burst of energy.

Which also has the unfortunate effect of being more blinding in nature than most ceros. The crowd likely sees spots after it passes.

"Reasonable."

The first part, not the stuff about meteormen. That is demented.

"So, what step are we on with your gear? Prototype testing or ready for the production line?"

"Gimme 8 hours and I'll have a prototype. Easy enough from there to work on production, but I'll probably have the kids go out and play with'em." By kids, she probably means her new robots.

"Or else we'll need to make suits for anyone feelin' ballsy enough to go out in space. Seems like a waste to me."

Draken

2014-08-23, 04:22 PM

"We should be the only ones going into space to oversee the proceedings and I am sure you already have your equipment up to speed. I know mine is."

5a Violista

2014-08-25, 12:33 AM

Las Noches
Grand Library

The snake-lady, as she‘s called, stops to respond to the seven. If she just tries to run past them, they could stop her or blow her cover. “Where I‘m going isn‘t nearly as interesting as to whom I‘m going,“ she responds. Her eyes dart between all opposing her, looking for an opening, a pattern, a leadership heirarchy, anything that tells her about these seven here.

She would really rather not get in a fight; the books could get damaged that way. She continus talking - every word said is a moment where they‘re not in combat. “If it really interests you that much: I‘m going to a very specific city on the Mediterranean Sea on Earth.“

Valentina‘s District

La Sexta Espada does not get what point the other arrancar is trying to make, as evidenced by what she thinks he‘s trying to say. Also, the tone of her voice is a little frustrated. “Okay, fine. You don‘t have to keep on harping on that. Sure, against my better judgment, I grew a little fond of him. Happy now? I already know that he will.continue to change much too quickly because he‘s a human still. I got it.“

“I‘m done with this conversation,“ she asserts. Valentina turns around and begins storming away. If the once-Sin Rostro wants to leave Valentina with her ignorance, all he has to do is let her walk off.

[Soul Society]
that next morning
Combat Division

Miss Suou reports just after sunrise, ready to begin a paperwork-based punishment for the second time. Obviously, her leg still hasn‘t reached top-shape, but the Pack members who have been training with medical expertise have been helping her with that.

Frozen_Feet

2014-08-25, 08:00 AM

[Soul Society; Seireitei, IntSec interrogation room]

" 'Smart one'. Kehehehe." The snakes on the Arrancar's shoulders let out a truly epicaricacious chuckle. The eyes on its face glance to the sides, four to the left, three to the right. "Be silent", the mouth on its face mutters. Then the eyes focus back on the interrogator. "Is there still something you wish to know?"

---

[Hueco Mundo; At the Grand Library of Las Noches]

The seven forms stay utterly still, all looking at the snake-lady unblinkingly. "Sounds fair. We wish you luck on your journey. Though we suggest you delay its onset by a day or two." The Arrancar at the tip of the arrowhead formation looks up to the artificial sky of the city. "We suspect the weather is going to take a turn for the worse. It might start raining soon." Even as it speaks, the other six turn on their heels and continue walking.

---

[Hueco Mundo; Valentina's district]

" . . . "

The Arrancar watches Valentina stomp away, hands behind its back. "We could tell you how to find him", it speaks just as Valentina's back disappears behind a corner. Unsure whether the woman heard it, it shrugs and turns to walk away and find the others.

---

[Hueco Mundo; Tercera's District]

No matter how hard the snake hand bites, its fangs fail to pierce the defender's hide. Same goes for the other snake heads as they lunge for it, but nonetheless they manage to get a secure hold of its clothes and limbs, keeping the defender in place; or rather, any movement it could make would just drag the challenger with it. Even though its eyes are closed, it can still see the glow of the charging Cero through it eyelids - it is that bright. The challenger must feel pretty safe in his defensive ability to use a Cero in this kind of situation where it's guaranteed he will get caught in the explosion as well. The time it takes for the energy to build up allows for the defender to utilize his own technique - while using it without a weapon is hardly ideal, at this range the loss of efficiency hardly matters. The defender flattens its left hand, a dark red glow engulfing it, and then rams it towards the point where the challenger's mask meets his neck. "Lanza Sangriento!"

Even on its own, the defender's hand is like a steel spike being hammered to his flesh, but there's another level to this attack. Through its middle and index fingers, the power of a Cero is focused into a single, narrow beam, striving to cut through the challenger's flesh like the electron jet of a beam welding machine.

Then, the challenger's Cero explodes and for a moment, everything is obscured by the bright light...

Kuroimaken

2014-08-25, 09:45 AM

strawberryman

2014-08-25, 12:15 PM

"We should be the only ones going into space to oversee the proceedings and I am sure you already have your equipment up to speed. I know mine is."

"Just need to install new speakers, ain't goin' out in space without my jams."

[Hueco Mundo; Tercera's District]

No matter how hard the snake hand bites, its fangs fail to pierce the defender's hide. Same goes for the other snake heads as they lunge for it, but nonetheless they manage to get a secure hold of its clothes and limbs, keeping the defender in place; or rather, any movement it could make would just drag the challenger with it. Even though its eyes are closed, it can still see the glow of the charging Cero through it eyelids - it is that bright. The challenger must feel pretty safe in his defensive ability to use a Cero in this kind of situation where it's guaranteed he will get caught in the explosion as well. The time it takes for the energy to build up allows for the defender to utilize his own technique - while using it without a weapon is hardly ideal, at this range the loss of efficiency hardly matters. The defender flattens its left hand, a dark red glow engulfing it, and then rams it towards the point where the challenger's mask meets his neck. "Lanza Sangriento!"

Even on its own, the defender's hand is like a steel spike being hammered to his flesh, but there's another level to this attack. Through its middle and index fingers, the power of a Cero is focused into a single, narrow beam, striving to cut through the challenger's flesh like the electron jet of a beam welding machine.

Then, the challenger's Cero explodes and for a moment, everything is obscured by the bright light...

It's hard to say whether it's hubris or actual ability, but the hollow certainly doesn't seem to care it'll get caught in the blast. He looks at his opponent flatly as he lunges... and then everything's bright light.

As it fades, the hollow has leaned its head simply to evade the jab, a simple burn mark across the side of its neck.

"You are irritating."

Frozen_Feet

2014-08-26, 03:27 AM

[Soul Society; Seiretei, InSec interrogation room]

"I won't blame them for trying", the Arrancar replies, flashing another grin that's too wide and shows too many sharp teeth than is normal. It doesn't resist when the guards arrive, docily allowing them to take it to its cell, then laying back and enjoying life without any apparent care in the world.

---

[Hueco Mundo; Las Noches, Tercera District]

The defender cannot see the challenger's condition, still seeing nothing but red spots after the explosion. It is using echolocation to keep track of his position. His voice does tell it that he's relatively uninjured, though.

As for the defender itself, the explosion has torn of almost all of its shirt, with just the left sleeve hanging in place by a tiny shred of cloth. Its right arm is blackened from wrist to elbow and continues as darker grey up to the shoulder, in contrast to its pallid skin. Its left hand is still holding a red, needle-like weapon.

Blink of an eye later, it throws the needle at the challenger's face. It's really just a feint, though the Lanza still has plenty energy left due to missing earlier. At the same moment, the defender closes distance with the challenger, aiming an uppercut towards his jaw with his right hand, and a thundering punch towards his gut with the left.

Kuroimaken

2014-08-26, 07:18 AM

strawberryman

2014-08-26, 03:35 PM

[Las Noches]
(Tercera District)

The hollow challenger snarls at his opponent's survival, the needle deflecting off its mask... but the punch hits home, and he actually staggers back... but the first hit was merely a confidence play, as he grabs at the defender's other arm with his clawed hand, digging into the charred skin with his talons.

"Enough." Looking straight into his opponent's eyes, his hand starts to glow golden... and the Sin Rostro will feel a draining sensation, a quickly settling feel of fatigue. If he doesn't pull away quick, his body may actually begin to start opening up spontaneous lacerations, even now it is likely causing bruising and burst blood vessels, if it has them.

5a Violista

2014-08-26, 04:12 PM

Frozen_Feet

2014-08-26, 04:24 PM

[Hueco Mundo; Tercera District of Las Noches]

The skin on the defender's left hand and arm start to blacken as well as the challenger holds on to it. It doesn't seem to mind at first, instead using the time relentlessly pummel the challenger's head with its right fist and elbow. But when the skin on its left hand starts to crack, with bloodied flesh showing through, it realizes something is wrong and opens its right palm. "Barrera de Negacion." A square wall, ten by ten meters, comes to existence and separates the combatants. At first, it is transparent like glass, but then starts to dim to not let any light through.

If the challenger doesn't let go, his hand will be partially left within this strange apparation. Implications of that event remain to be seen.

Meanwhile, the spectators are distracted by an unusual sounds. As many of them are still blinded, they duck for cover, thinking it has something to do with the duel near them. Those with their sight intact realize that can't be and turn to look upward.

The sound is somewhat like distant thunder and rain falling on the rooftops. But no clouds can be seen on the artificial sky, nevermind no-one's really sure if that'd even be possible.

Outside pieces of what used to be Soul Society fall down from the perpetually dark sky as a blazing shower of meteors. Most fragments burn away in the Reishi-rich air, but some survive to hit the great dome below. Luckily, the dome was designed to take a lot worse just to withstand its own weight. The only exception might be the spot that had to be remade following the suicide attack by Yasunobu Sawada, but surely, that one has been fixed many times over during the past months... right?

---

[Elsewhere in Hueco Mundo]

High in the night sky, fragments from a dying world pierce into the eternal gloom. They have followed the trails of ancient Hollows who tried to reach for the moon and failed. Not many are there to witness this spectacle. Hueco Mundo is mostly wasteland, now emptier than ever before as even the Menos who used to inhabit the caves below have wandered off, either to Las Noches or to die in the blades of Shinigami 50 years ago.

Few of the larger clumps of metal or ice make it all the way to ground, raising great clouds of dust as they crash to the caves under ground and reveal them to the moonlight for the first time in aeons. In time, the tremors from their impact will shake a few teacups all the way in Las Noches.

What happens next is perhaps even rarer sight. The dust from the explosions serve as condension points for vaporized water from the comets, forming great, dark clouds. In time, the water will freeze and rain down as snow, forming a thin blanket over the dunes. In the cold of the eternal night, it may stay in place for a long while if left undisturbed.

---

[In the Void]

Since nothing in Hueco Mundo served to guide the falling chunks of Reishi, they fell all across that world, mostly around Las Noches as that is where most pathways lead to. Now, the Void around Hueco Mundo is largely empty again as the wave of debris continues towards Earth.

Yet, there are some large, metallic chunks still on their way. They're harmless enough in the Void, being like small isles in a vast sea, but should they fall near Las Noches the results might be disastrous.

Having spit out all the Reishi it could use as fuel, the blue light coming from the giant maw starts to dim. As the space behind it has shrunk to almost nothing, there's also little keeping it open anymore. Slowly, natural order begins reasserting itself, the dimensional fabric knitting itself back together at the corners. It may take days, even weeks for the process to finish on its own, but eventually no trace will be left of something having been there.

strawberryman

2014-08-26, 07:26 PM

[Las Noches]
(Tercera's District)

The hollow challenger leans its head and redirects the blows as best he can, however the Sin Rostro's strength is steadily decreasing as the hold continues. When it summons the wall... the hollow just pulls, his own strength bolstered by the reiatsu he stole. Assuming he succeeds, the hydra on his back lunges in, grabbing at every part of the Sin Rostro's body they can... and continuing the draining effect.

[Soul Society]

After Chouko finishes her meeting with Hideki, the plan more or less formulated, she goes to her lab to finish the prototype of the gravity glove. Surprisingly, it only takes 6 hours before Hideki receives a call on his commlink.

"Yo! Koutetsu! Cut off a few hours, the kids are pretty good with their hands. And I don't just mean they helped me with the gravglove and started production, if you know what I mean." Ok, ew.

"Drop whatever you're doin' and meet me in the DS-Armory!" DS, of course, means Deep Space.

Because clearly, the engineering division had to be prepared for space operations. It's just common sense.

Draken

2014-08-26, 09:51 PM

Soul Society

Shouko's response is swift.

"I will be there in a minute. And unless you exchange your womb with a miniature production line and start breeding robots, stop telling me about it."

---

A Minute Later

---

Hideki arrives at the deep space armory.

"So, what have you got."

KnightDisciple

2014-08-26, 09:52 PM

[Soul Society]
[Combat Division]

Miss Suou reports just after sunrise, ready to begin a paperwork-based punishment for the second time. Obviously, her leg still hasn‘t reached top-shape, but the Pack members who have been training with medical expertise have been helping her with that.
She would find Masaru sitting at his desk, apparently having been awake for an hour or two already, and up late the night before, if the papers on his desk are any indicator. That said, he was as fresh as a bubbling brook, so clearly he had an excess of energy.

He glanced up as Suou Nicole entered, giving her a slight smile.

"Ah, yes, Miss Suou-san, welcome, welcome. I've got some work prepared for you today, but not to worry, there's at least some delegation to be done here.

First, these letters are to be sent by couriers to the various Divisions. Each letter carries an indicator of which Division gets what. I am entrusting you to get couriers here and get these moving out. They aren't extremely time-sensitive, but promptness matters, especially with the lingering chaos in the Districts beyond our shining walls."

He looks as if he wishes to say more, but does not. Instead, he hands the letters to her.

"I would actually suggest perusing them. Feel free to correct any grammar or spelling mistakes, but I feel confident that's one or two at the most. More pertinently, it will give you an idea of the scope of what I'm trying to do, and thus a better grasp of the information that will hopefully begin flowing back into this office soon. Information you are simply going to have to help me sort if we hope to grapple with it properly. None of this is secret, cloak-and-dagger matters, though I would say it would be best to seal the envelopes when you send them."

Thankfully, he somehow got a hold of peel-and-stick envelopes (probably Chouko, somehow), so it's not like Miss Suou is going to have that terrible, terrible aftertaste.

"Once you've gotten those communiques sent off, your big assignment for the day is heading over to the Archives, specifically the Legal section. Enlist help from Modsouls if you feel you need it, or even Pack members who can be entrusted to not cause more trouble than help. Your mission is to find whatever references you can to Soul Society's laws and rulings about non-Gotei bodies of protection and law enforcement, specifically focused on such matters within the Rukon Districts. I want to try and make sure future efforts of the Gotei are not explicitly violating edicts, and perhaps might even have solid legal grounding. You also have my permission to request assistance from other Divisions, though obviously I can't make them give you any help.

Do you have any questions thus far?"

He seems to realize it's a lot to take in, and wants to give her a chance to process and question.

To Researchers Takenaka and Koutetsu,
This letter is a request for information on a few matters of minor to moderate importance.

First, I was wondering what recommendations you had for more robust communications systems for Shinigami to use in-field to coordinate. The Reiphone+headset combination proved functional, but I have had many reports of damaged or destroyed phones and headsets. This seems a waste of resources, and a danger to our forces in the field. In my studies of the last few centuries of mortal warfare, in particular the last century, I noticed that for a fair number of years, they had a squad-based communications setup, with one individual using a very robust, if somewhat bulky, radio backpack. It has been lessened in recent years, but I am curious if you think some sort of "node-based" system would be appropriate? I am not even certain what would ultimately work best; I would be fine with losing some functional versatility in exchange for notably increased durability, if the cost can be kept similar. If you have something already designed, all the better. The past few months have been, shall we say, hectic, and such developments sometime slip us by.

Second, I was wondering if you had any devices that might be useful as less-than-lethal supplements to unarmed combat for non or low spiritually empowered individuals.

Third, I was wondering how feasible working with various Divisions it would be to set up more...modernized...communications infrastructure in the Rukon. Or...any infrastructure, really.

Fourth, has your Division or the Shinigami Science Institute made any developments on low-cost, easy-to-use paperwork aid devices? Specifically something to help organize and categorize information, store it in non-physical copies, that sort of thing. Not just the large computers I know both of your Divisions have, but something cheaper, smaller, simpler.

Only the first item is anything close to "time critical", however. The others are long-term ideas, really.

Signed,
Acting Combat Division Commander Hiraku Masaru

To Current Head Officer/Researcher,

I have some matters of inquiry I wish to pass along to you.

Primarily, are there any Hado on record that are specifically focused on less-than-lethal attacks at Shinigami or Plus targets? I realize Binding spells generally accomplish that, but in my experience, the primary deficit is in the lack of ability to affect large numbers of people at once. A less-than-lethal spell similar to a Hado #33 in are of effect is what I am going for. If there are Bakudo spells that accomplish this, that is a most welcome piece of news. I must admit a degree of ignorance of the full scope and breadth of the Kido available to us, and this seems a matter that is not necessarily at the forefront of our minds most times right now.

Secondarily, and this question has also been passed on to your compatriots in the Engineer Corps, what systems and setup do we have in place at this time that would allow for the deployment of more substantial infrastructure to the Rukon? Even if unpowered Pluses do not need to eat or drink (and the associated effects), they need to rest and engage in basic hygiene, and hopefully also engage in recreational activities. It seems only natural to ensure some manner of infrastructure beyond "roads and buildings" be in place to support that.

Feel free to contact me for more information on my queries.

Signed,
Acting Combat Division Commander Hiraku Masaru

To Captain Hishikawa Setsurou,

I am sure your duties keep you busy, including the ones brought on by my own Division's recent efforts to better the lot of the people in the Rukon Districts. I will attempt brevity for that sake, then.

First, from the efforts thus far, do you have any insights or suggestions on ways to, in general, improve our work?

Second, does your Division have any sort of basic educational materials that could be distributed to those aspiring to be officers of the peace in the Districts? This would of course be on a provisional basis, pending investigation of the relevant laws and rulings of Soul Society related to the matter.

Third, are there still major spots of internal friction between the Combat Division and other Divisions? I feel as though your forces might have a better finger on the pulse of things. Our internal morale has improved, but considering what happened in short spans of time, external relations seem like they might still be...rickety.

Signed,
Acting Combat Division Commander Hiraku Masaru

To Office of Acting Commander Ishinomori Koutarou,

One of my officers, one Suou Nicole, is going to be performing some research in the Archives regarding legal matters. She can give more detail, but it would be much appreciated if it was ensured she had access to all relevant sections of the Archives.

Further, to keep matters "above board", so to speak, I will state I have sent a few other contacts out to other Divisions. The intent of this is to help improve the functionality of our recent efforts to improve the situation, both in the narrow scope of peace-keeping and in the broad, general scope, in the Rukon Districts. If any of these communications become a matter of concern, or some other part of these efforts do, please feel free to contact my office at your earliest convenience so we can discuss the matter quickly and civilly.

I am sure contact between our Divisions will continue for a good amount of time.

Signed,
Acting Combat Division Commander Hiraku Masaru

strawberryman

2014-08-26, 10:20 PM

[Soul Society]

After the letter is delivered to the SSI headquarters, it is filed into the mail room, and in a matter of minutes, it shoots through the pneumatic tube system and lands in Chouko's mailbox. Shortly after this happens, a small orb-shaped object floats to it, scans it, and then opens it, scanning the contents. As it processes the items, it converts them into an email, sending them as an electronic copy to Chouko's email.

--

"You know, I could totally do that." She sounds disturbingly serious.

(Deep Space Armory)

The deep space armory is a relatively small room, housing a handful of futuristic, bulky-looking armored suits. (http://img3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20110921033350/disgaea/en/images/3/3e/Dis4-battle-suit.jpg) Hideki, of course, had as much input in the design as anyone, especially with Chouko building anything else her insomnia-addled mind could concentrate on for more than a minute. Chouko herself is sitting on the floor of the armory with one of the suits, replacing one of the gloves with the prototype gravity glove (http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zekQjRBNnKs/UZGzMcuI6-I/AAAAAAAAAIc/36wFcIoW7TM/s1600/gravglove2.png). After a email notification on her communicator causes her to look up for a moment, she turns to Hideki, smirking.

"Only the raddest thing in the universe. Check it." Clicking the last of the mechanisms in place, she pulls the release switch on the glove itself, fits it onto her arm, and points it at one of the other suits on its stand. Activating the glove, she points it... and pulls the suit from its dock, damaging part of the dock itself. The suits were made of hardier stuff, at least.

She laughs. "Whatever. It works." She directs the suit over to Hideki and sets it down, deactivating the glove. "So what do you think? It won't do much out here, where we've got gravity, still working on the reiatsu efficiency matrix, but it won't matter in space. We just need to rope those big puppies and pull them here, convert 'em into reishi, and bond them up with your engine. BAM. Planet. And a s***ton of gold. Well. Prob'ly iron. But might as well be gold. Might make a grill. Yathink?" She grins widely, displaying her teeth.

For all her eccentricities, at least she's effective.

Draken

2014-08-26, 10:38 PM

Of course she could. What is the point in proposing a situation that can't happen?

Engineering Deep Space Docks

"Fancy. Lets see how they work in the proper environment then."

Hideki walks to one of the docks, holding his personal suit, quite a bit bulkier than the rest but not much different in design. Probably more heavily armed and armored, Hideki always likes to add more weapons and armor to everything he uses.

"Are you still using the suit with direct connections to your limb ports?"

Frozen_Feet

2014-08-27, 08:32 AM

[Hueco Mundo]
Grand Library of Las Noches

"Thank you for your advice," the snake-lady tells the Arrancar. She's glad the others left already: if it comes to it, she has a much better chance against one than so many.

She watches the others leave. Some things are important enough to try to do regardless of the difficulties. Besides, she doesn't even know what, specifically, this arrancar is talking about. Could be something big, or could be merely an annoyance. Could even be just made-up. "Fortunately, I don't mind bad weather." She makes a move to pass by the Arrancar.

The Arrancar makes no move to stop her, instead turning to join the others. "It is your choice", it says overs its shoulder while the shower of meteors starts drumming the great dome of Las Noches.

---
[Las Noches]
(Tercera's District)

The hollow challenger leans its head and redirects the blows as best he can, however the Sin Rostro's strength is steadily decreasing as the hold continues. When it summons the wall... the hollow just pulls, his own strength bolstered by the reiatsu he stole. Assuming he succeeds, the hydra on his back lunges in, grabbing at every part of the Sin Rostro's body they can... and continuing the draining effect.

The challenger pulls the defender out of balance, but it mostly just serves to shift the barrier's location closer to him than intended. He can see their hands get trapped within the transparent layer... and then, for a brief moment, all he can see is blackness. His grasping hand goes numb and the flow of energy halts. The additional snake heads hit the wall and have to go around it.

Then, just as suddenly, light returns to the universe and feeling returns to his hand. He can feel its still holding on to the defender's hand, only said hand is no longer attached to it. The defender is good twelve meters away, gaining distance to the challenger. In time, maybe Turiel can tell him it bit its own hand off while the barrier cut him off and then used it as a platform to leap backwards. Now, however, he has more immediate things to think of. There's a series of red flashes as the snakes on the defender's shoulders shoot several Bala at his face. Their explosive force is barely that of an infantry grenade, but at this range they hit near-instantly. Hopefully, they'll serve to stun or distract the challenger so he won't notice the much more powerful Cero forming in the defender's open mouth.