[BiTPR2] Renewed Revolution: Spirit World III [Archive] - Page 6

Razade

2014-10-25, 01:40 PM

Koutarou clearly stifles a laugh. He manages to hide it in time.

"You want to take on the Ghost King of All Hollows? Sure, by all means, go right ahead. And don't worry about the paperwork. We're incredibly efficient at it.

Last we checked, the landmass we lost ended up somewhere in Eastern Russia. You may have to walk around a bit to find your castle."

He reaches for his Reiphone.

"Takenaka, it's Koutarou. I need you to rig a checkpoint to I.D. a few hundred, maybe a few thousand people in a short amount of time, and a temporary Senkaimon outside the gates. How soon can you get it done?"

[Soul Society]
(Rukon)

Chouko responds after a moment of banging and what sounds like a soldering iron. "Sure thing, boss man. Sending Interlude and Waltz. Can bust the gate open at your coords' in a few secs. Just say Dizzle when you need it."

...barely a few minutes later, Interlude and Waltz (http://media.tumblr.com/36da9079c183d345ea5ad5e25ebc3996/tumblr_inline_mfgt0a8JZV1r7p4ic.png) arrive, standing at each of Koutarou's sides. Waltz takes the initiative, Interlude standing with his arms crossed for the moment.

"Greetings Commander. I understand you are in need of a mass identification effort?" A pause. "Bro." He looks to the gathered rabble for a moment. "Ah, of course. This is related to the disturbance. Very well. We can scan each of their facial structures in under a second, as long as they step forth in two orderly lines. Does this sound amenable to you all?" Another pause. "Peeps?"

Interlude just sighs and shakes his head. Wait, robots don't sigh. He was probably just being dramatic.

"We're good at walking, don't worry about that." Shen Yi offers, downing the rest of cup before standing as the robots appear. "Well, if this doesn't scream impersonal I don't know what does. Not rounding us up for a death camp I hope?" He leans back, motioning for his people to follow the request. "Sounds fine, sounds fine. Could use a few of you with this lot. Ever though of living a more free life?" he snickers, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

strawberryman

2014-10-25, 06:12 PM

[Soul Society]
(Rukon)

Waltz looks over at Interlude.

Interlude shrugs.

Waltz looks back to Shen Yi. "No, I haven't thought about it. I am an android, I follow my mother's commands, and work in her best interests." Pause. "Bro." With that, they wait for Koutarou to give the confirmation to Chouko.

Kuroimaken

2014-10-25, 06:46 PM

strawberryman

2014-10-25, 08:43 PM

[Soul Society]
(Rukon - Near Seireitei's Walls)

A moment after Koutarou gives the word, a larger-than-normal senkaimon forms behind him and slides open. Interlude and Waltz hold up one hand each, to stave off an immediate rush. Once again, Waltz takes the lead, speaking with an amplified voice so all or at least most of the congregation could hear. "Now! I need you to split into two orderly lines, and file by at a slow walk through the Senkaimon, and make sure we are able to see your faces! If you cooperate, there is no need for this to come to violence. Let's make this as smooth and painless as possible!" Pause. "Dudes!"

Interlude looks over with a look that implies 'really?'. Which is impressive, because they only really have one expression.

Waltz shrugs, he's never had to speak to this many people before.

Assuming Shen Yi's group follows the directions, everything should go painless. All the androids have to do to identify the members is to take a picture of their faces, which with their enhanced processors does not even take a second, allowing the lines to keep moving with minimal stops. The files are sent to the Commander and Setsurou's (electronic) mailboxes, with backups stored on Engineering's database.

It really is a great time to be alive.

Or, well. Dead.

Razade

2014-10-25, 09:09 PM

Shen Yi holds up a hand, smiling a little as he sees the Senkaimon Gate though tries to move to it first. "Just need to make sure it's going to go where I want it. I'm sure you understand?" he asks, though otherwise his men move into two lines and await the order to start moving. "You can start scanning them now if you'd like while I get that all sorted out?"

Kuroimaken

2014-10-25, 09:11 PM

"Yeah, sure. Get moving, we're not your personal transportation service."

Razade

2014-10-25, 09:21 PM

Shen Yi offers a quizzical smile though merely motions his men through as he hums to himself. Unless otherwise stopped or disrupted they leave to a man after they're scanned. Shen Yi however lingers once they're all through, motioning to the robots. "You tell your momma if she's looking for a better paying job there's room with us, ya hear?" With that he gives a bow. "Thanks Shinigami Express, see you 'round the bend." and then leaps back into the Senkaimon with a burst of laughter.

strawberryman

2014-10-25, 09:44 PM

[Soul Society]
(Rukon - Near Seireitei's Walls)

After Shen Yi bolts through, the senkaimon closes and dissipates, the androids turning and nodding to Koutarou. Interlude speaks this time. "That went well."

"Quite. Isn't it wondrous when we can solve things without violence?" Momoka reappears as she reseals Yuaazamusha, likely followed by Setsurou. Nodding to Koutarou, she offers her customary calm smile. "Commander." Then... she gives a raised eyebrow to the androids. "And you as well, Waltz and Interlude... Your 'mother' truly is quite talented, to have built you."

Waltz offers a bow. "We'll pass your compliments onward, Miss Kobayashi."

Kuroimaken

2014-10-25, 10:43 PM

"...I can't tell you how many times throughout that conversation I felt the urge to unseal and give them a taste of my Bolt Missile." Koutarou admits with a heavy sigh. "But, you know. If the scum of Soul Society is so eager to commit suicide by proxy, who am I to really stop them?"

Setsurou tips his ever-present hat. "That kid is several nuts short of a cobbler. Does he really believe all that bullcrap?"

"I don't know, but that's not our problem anymore.

Hishikawa, see if Yi took anyone important to Earth. We may need the Onmitsukidou to execute a rescue operation.

Kobayashi, you're with me. I owe you a meeting."

On the way through, Koutarou saluted Masaru.

"Good job today. I want you to coordinate with Recon so we can gather more information on where we just sent them to. We may need to launch an expedition to Earth soon to assess the extent of the trouble our falling landmass has caused the locals - it's long overdue. Since the SSI is void of capable leadership at this moment, see if Takenaka or Hideki have any suggestions who we could bring along for real-time analysis - either might end up volunteering."

The Acting Commander-General turned to the troops.

"I want it known I'm very proud of each and every last one of you. I can only surmise how much inner strength it must have taken you all to hold back in the flaunting face of the Yi family. Know that the fact today ended with no bloodshed is a victory for all of us; each time a soldier needs not take up the sword at home is to be celebrated. You may now return to your posts, ladies and gentlemen."

strawberryman

2014-10-25, 11:30 PM

[Soul Society]
(Rukon - Near Seireitei's Walls)

Waltz and Interlude bow to the collected Captains and others, before vaulting off.

Momoka nods to Koutarou. "One moment, Commander." With that, she turns to Setsurou, releasing the kido ribbon and letting it dissolve, giving him a smile... but not one that is different from her usual facade. They still both had appearances to upkeep... they were old friends, and what others said would not be confirmed - or denied - by her, at the very least. "...Hishikawa. Thank you for the gift. I am sure we'll speak again soon." She gives a short bow before following Koutarou.

Kuroimaken

2014-10-26, 08:40 AM

"My pleasure, Kobayashi-san. Take care." He bowed in return.

The two of them were really good actors. Keeping appearances to an untrained eye wouldn't be difficult.

And even those who were close enough to spot the difference were otherwise occupied. Koutarou didn't begrudge Momoka her temporary goodbyes, merely giving a short nod.

KnightDisciple

2014-10-27, 01:40 PM

[Seireitei, Soul Society]
[Walls of Seireitei]

On the way through, Koutarou saluted Masaru.

"Good job today. I want you to coordinate with Recon so we can gather more information on where we just sent them to. We may need to launch an expedition to Earth soon to assess the extent of the trouble our falling landmass has caused the locals - it's long overdue. Since the SSI is void of capable leadership at this moment, see if Takenaka or Hideki have any suggestions who we could bring along for real-time analysis - either might end up volunteering."
Masaru had been standing by, and while internally he seethed at letting a capricious criminal go capering off, externally he was calm, his eyes somewhat shaded by his hat, his hands tucked into the sleeves of his haori.

When Koutarou appeared, he gave a short bow and a slight (but tired) smile.

"The Combat Division always stands ready to defend Soul Society from enemies both without and within."

Translation: He would have backed Koutarou up in kicking their collective kiesters.

"I can make sure to have some mobile guard teams ready, if you like. And I'll ahve a message passed along to them. Though..."

He stepped closer, his fanciful clothing meaning that Koutarou was the only one with a clear line of sight on his mouth (so no lip reading!) and his voice was kept soft. Clearly he had a concern to give, but did not wish it hitting the rumor mill.

"Do you think leaving them unchecked was wise? Who knows what foul purposes they may attempt to accomplish in the Mortal Realm?"

After that concern is addressed, Masaru takes a step and a half back and speaks more regularly.

"Though please note that for a few hours this afternoon I will be unavailable, as the Central 46 has requested a meeting with me. I shall have my aides in the Division coordinate matters of communication and scheduling."

Unless stopped by the Acting Commander, Masaru will signal for all Combat Division to move out back to the Barracks. On his own way there he sends a couple of brief messages to Miss Suou Nicole and a couple of other Division members assisting with more administrative duties. In this way, all requested messages are passed along while his own schedule is cleared to meet with the 46.

When he arrives back, relatively soon after leaving, he steps into the waiting area and looks about for Bhattacharya Jaswinder, to see if he can leave now to meet the Central 46.

Kuroimaken

2014-10-27, 02:11 PM

Koutarou merely gestures briefly towards Masaru once he voices his concerns. Like the Acting Captain of the Combat Division, he was a busy man. His was a gesture that meant "we'll talk more about this later".

Time permitting, a meeting would be scheduled later. Assuming, of course, he was still the Commander-General by then.

strawberryman

2014-10-27, 02:21 PM

Momoka gives a smile and respectful bow to Masaru before he leaves, but allows him to speak without interruption. Otherwise, she continues following Koutarou.

Kuroimaken

2014-10-27, 03:07 PM

[A bit later, Commander-General's Office]

"Please. Have a seat, Kobayashi-kun. I'd rather not be impolite to a lady." He sounds concerned. Whether about Momoka herself or something else, it remains to be seen.

"I believe I owed you a brief discussion of the terms of your pardon and reinstatement.

Let me begin by asking... what are you planning to do when and if you return to the Gotei ranks? Do you have any plans?"

strawberryman

2014-10-27, 03:39 PM

[Soul Society]
(Commander General's Office)

Momoka nods, sitting down and observing Koutarou calmly. For a few moments after he prompts her, she thinks her answer over. After all, it is a complex question.

"With all due honesty, my plans are quite simple in the overview; to help Soul Society becoming better. We are already on that path, some may argue, but I believe our improving relation with the arrancar is an excellent thing. I suppose it stands to reason that we should be cautious, and I have not met Jehoel Yurius myself, but I truly believe that these changes are for the better. Our relocation is another example of such a change that may seem calamitous, and certainly is so, in the short term, but in the long-term, is an improvement." Well-rehearsed. But not suspiciously so. She is a rather well-spoken individual.

"As for my short-term... I have at least one project I would like to pursue, and that will likely require a visit to Las Noches. And of course, being as curious as I am, I would relish the chance at taking in the arrancar's culture and knowledge, of that they would grant to me, of course. The project in question was related to experiments I intended to conduct on an asuachi to see how it reacted to various controlled stimuli, but a woman I presumed to be a disciple or subordinate of our former commander suggested also working in the research of how arrancar obtain their zanpaktou. I believe her name was Lily." With that, it seems she is finished speaking for now, allowing Koutarou to respond.

Kuroimaken

2014-10-27, 04:06 PM

The mention of Lily's name causes Koutarou to briefly twitch.

It is very faint. There's a good chance she won't notice, but who knows.

"I see.

I would have suggested a study on the effects of our fallen landmass in Eastern Russia. We already understand that, in the long run - or not so long - it is likely to massively increase the number of mediums in the mortal world. Takenaka and Koutetsu are already working on a long-term improvement of our living conditions here in Soul Society.

But I realize that may be short-sighted of me. I'm addressing the issues as they come up.

In any case... until my position as Commander-General is consolidated, I don't have the ability to actually appoint you to a position in the SSI. Recent events have led me to believe I might even be returning to my old post as an advisor to the Commander-General - someone else might end up in my spot sometime soon.

However, between your actions towards Soul Society's protection and your level of sacrifice in recent months, it is still within my power to pardon you of past convictions, and possibly even support your project. You'll serve us better in a research capacity, anyway.

There would obviously be a probationary period, but you would be under direct supervision from our Las Noches liaison. I don't think anyone would object. If they do, I intend to see those objections rebutted.

Any questions?"

strawberryman

2014-10-27, 04:26 PM

Kuroimaken

2014-10-27, 04:43 PM

[Soul Society]
(Commander General's Office)

Momoka blinks in realization as he mentions the loss of landmass and its crash to earth. "Ah, yes, of course. I could very well explore that, and fully intend to. It merely slipped my mind in the wake of my other project. However beyond the initial fallout I believe that is something that may take time to observe full effect from. Of course, initial imaging and observation is important but I have no doubt at this very moment that our capable engineering division is on it in a less hands-on approach."

"And the probationary period is, of course, understandable, and I have no worthwhile arguments against it. I value my privacy, but I also recognize my past actions as being potentially concerning." She pauses again, thinking of any questions she may have.

"As for questions... none relevant to myself, presently. But one for you... if you will not be the new Commander, then who else is worthy to stand in your place?" She seems to be probing him for a personal response to this, smiling still in that mysterious manner.

"I am not yet certain.

If I must be completely honest, Kobayashi-kun - and I reserve the right to share this with you because you are known to value privacy - I have felt myself unfit for this chair since before former Commander Zheng Li Lin took a place in the Imperial Court. I rose through the ranks from the Combat Division, and I would have probably remained there were I not scouted for Command on a recommendation from my fellow warriors.

I count our current situation as a personal failure in my ability to command. Compared to my predecessors, including even the infamous Sally Sparrow, I am considerably lacking in knowledge in a number of subjects. I have hesitated and still hesitate to make any choice that involves sacrifice beyond my own. The Gotei both deserves and NEEDS a better leader than I am capable of providing it with right now.

I have seriously considered handing a resignation request a dozen times over this past week alone. If I cannot find a way to improve, either I'll go on my own terms or the Central 46 will replace me in time. If it comes to that, a lot of people might die before they make that choice, and I don't want that on my conscience."

Dorizzit

2014-10-28, 02:16 PM

[Hueco Mundo]
Las Noches - District 9

Machines hum, rumble, and flash in one of the most well-equipped laboratories in Las Noches. The room is large, a perfect circle contained within a high dome. The lab setup within is circular, surrounding a huge, railed-off pit or silo in the center. Most days, a number of Arrancar scientists are spread out over the room, working on their own individual facets of the overarching project to which the building has been dedicated.

Today is not most days.

Instead, the assembled members of Project Dalet stand in a row, some fidgeting nervously. Jeigan, the project head, holds a small syringe in one hand, presenting it to the final individual within the room. Gently, Jehoel Yurius takes the project's results from his inferior, holding it carefully in three fingers. Examining it very slowly, he holds it up to the light.

"And you are certain that it will work?"
"It has our full confidence, Lord Jehoel. The process will likely be unpleasant in the extreme, but assuming a sufficiently powerful will, it will work."
"Good."

Jehoel pushes the vial into a pocket on his belt, then turns to go.

"Now mass produce it."

strawberryman

2014-10-28, 03:01 PM

"I am not yet certain.

If I must be completely honest, Kobayashi-kun - and I reserve the right to share this with you because you are known to value privacy - I have felt myself unfit for this chair since before former Commander Zheng Li Lin took a place in the Imperial Court. I rose through the ranks from the Combat Division, and I would have probably remained there were I not scouted for Command on a recommendation from my fellow warriors.

I count our current situation as a personal failure in my ability to command. Compared to my predecessors, including even the infamous Sally Sparrow, I am considerably lacking in knowledge in a number of subjects. I have hesitated and still hesitate to make any choice that involves sacrifice beyond my own. The Gotei both deserves and NEEDS a better leader than I am capable of providing it with right now.

I have seriously considered handing a resignation request a dozen times over this past week alone. If I cannot find a way to improve, either I'll go on my own terms or the Central 46 will replace me in time. If it comes to that, a lot of people might die before they make that choice, and I don't want that on my conscience."

Momoka chuckles, not in an intentionally insulting manner, of course.

"...if you believe so, Ishinomori. But if I might lend you some advice... perhaps you are the best we can currently have. You were thrust into a very difficult position, and I think you are overstating your failure in the situation we find ourselves in. Zheng Li Lin had already asked myself, Naganori, and others to find a method of moving Soul Society if need be. We were simply forced into that situation. If you had done differently, it is likely we still would have had to make this leap. And perhaps by attacking Von Geister and learning his plan, you actually did some good by giving us fair warning. It is all highly coincidental, and perhaps irrelevant of your leading capability... but no leader is omniscient. Now let us look at your strong points..."

"You command respect, I could see it in those men at the gates. Takenaka also provides her full support without what I hear to be a considerable attitude. Setsurou... well, he is hard to judge, I suppose. We are friends, but I have not asked him what he thinks of you. But I think he would have your back, if you chose to stay the course. And of course, you have the sheer will and power to hold this position if things were to turn badly. If you truly do not believe yourself fit for the job after you have had time to actually move into your office..." She gestures around.

"...then that of course, is your own decision. As it is to resign now. But I think it is a bit too early for you to be judging yourself purely on your negative results. Do not get me wrong; It is wise to focus and improve upon your shortcomings. But I can genuinely say I do not think there is anyone better to fill that chair for the time being." She gives a sincere and encouraging smile to Koutarou. "...but that of course, is merely food for your thoughts."

Kuroimaken

2014-10-28, 03:37 PM

Momoka chuckles, not in an intentionally insulting manner, of course.

"...if you believe so, Ishinomori. But if I might lend you some advice... perhaps you are the best we can currently have. You were thrust into a very difficult position, and I think you are overstating your failure in the situation we find ourselves in. Zheng Li Lin had already asked myself, Naganori, and others to find a method of moving Soul Society if need be. We were simply forced into that situation. If you had done differently, it is likely we still would have had to make this leap. And perhaps by attacking Von Geister and learning his plan, you actually did some good by giving us fair warning. It is all highly coincidental, and perhaps irrelevant of your leading capability... but no leader is omniscient. Now let us look at your strong points..."

"You command respect, I could see it in those men at the gates. Takenaka also provides her full support without what I hear to be a considerable attitude. Setsurou... well, he is hard to judge, I suppose. We are friends, but I have not asked him what he thinks of you. But I think he would have your back, if you chose to stay the course. And of course, you have the sheer will and power to hold this position if things were to turn badly. If you truly do not believe yourself fit for the job after you have had time to actually move into your office..." She gestures around.

"...then that of course, is your own decision. As it is to resign now. But I think it is a bit too early for you to be judging yourself purely on your negative results. Do not get me wrong; It is wise to focus and improve upon your shortcomings. But I can genuinely say I do not think there is anyone better to fill that chair for the time being." She gives a sincere and encouraging smile to Koutarou. "...but that of course, is merely food for your thoughts."

Koutarou listens to Momoka's evaluation with a solemn expression. She does get a smile out of him, for all that's worth.

"I appreciate your insight on the subject, Kobayashi-kun. The recent chain of events has affected me more deeply than I've cared to admit - I've not spent a single idle day since the signing of the Unseelie Accords, and perhaps the stress has been getting to me.

I've been in the First for the better part of the last 200 years, and yet I can hardly accept the fact that I'll make mistakes here and there. It's just that... when someone in my position makes mistakes, people die. Survivor's guilt at its most disturbing, you see. "

A deep sigh rolls from his chest - both tiredness and relief.

"So much to do. I should get myself an assistant, but I know whoever's put in that position will be asked to step up for me if I'm incapacitated, and we're short-handed as is."

strawberryman

2014-10-28, 06:10 PM

[Soul Society]
(Commander's Office)

Momoka nods slightly. "Quite. Clearly the solution is not to be incapacitated." She winks teasingly.

"Do you have anything else to speak to me about?"

Kuroimaken

2014-10-28, 10:54 PM

[Soul Society]
(Commander's Office)

Momoka nods slightly. "Quite. Clearly the solution is not to be incapacitated." She winks teasingly.

"Do you have anything else to speak to me about?"

"I believe that will be all. I'll contact Central about your reassignment and send you word as soon as a reply arrives."

strawberryman

2014-10-29, 10:12 AM

[Soul Society]
(Commander's Office)

Momoka stands, at that, and bows respectfully. "Good day, then, Ishinomori." And she pads off.

Exiting the Command Division HQ, she pauses for a moment to make a deep sigh, stretching her arms behind her back while threading her hands through her dreadlocks slightly. Today was a pretty good day! So, she continues walking, once again enjoying the nice weather.

Frozen_Feet

2014-10-29, 11:22 AM

[In the Void Between Worlds]

Argos shifts mildly in place. Blinking several times and turn spinning once again.

"There is an open way there, but that is not her body. Just a passage in the Nether. They are everywhere."

Another shift.

"We are more concerned with the energy surge, which you share. What is the origin of that?"

"Who is your maker?"

"We were more referring to the space beyond. It's queer you refer to it as someone's body", the Arrancar remarks. Seemingly deciding it's too lazy to stay standing, it crosses its legs and assumes lotus position, floating in the emptiness. "Our maker wasn't someone you'd know. Who he was is not a pertinent, as only his shadow remains on Earth. You can't find him there. Or anywhere else, for that matter."

---

[Soul Society; from Combat Division to Central Underground Parliament]

Jaswinder is still where Masaru last saw him. That is what he said his job was. If anything, he seems surprised to see Masaru returning so quickly. "The immediate crisis has been dealt with, I presume", the messenger remarks while closing his thermos. "Please follow me, Hiraku-san."

With those words, Jaswinder leads Masaru to the parliament building. It's a long walk - a walk, because not everyone in the city is keen on using superhuman speed when it's not required. Running like that consumes a lot of energy, folks. Eventually, they arrive to a circular wall of roughly 5 meters of height. Beyond it is a small pond, or perhaps a moat would be better descriptor - at the center is a low, cylindrical building of white marble. It looks pretty unimpressive compared to most buildings around, with several old pagodas nearby being multiple times taller than either it or the wall. A narrow, wooden bridge connects the sole gate to the sole doorway of the building. Masaru might note there's nothing living in the pond.

When they get inside the building, he finds out it's much larger from the inside. Like many other important facilities in Seireitei, vast majority of the parliament building is hidden deep underground, protected by the bedrock and multiple layers of wards. The winding stairwell they have to descend might make Masaru miss the elevator that took him down to Muken.

The stairwell ends in a large cavern, at the center of which the octagonal assembly hall can be seen. Several guards garbed in black from head to toe, with only their eyes visible to Masaru, nod as he and Jaswinder pass through.

Then, finally, he's brought before the parliament of Soul Society. Rows of benches, arranged in two cocentric octagons, surround him. He can't really see anything of the actual parliament members, though, as their faces and most of their bodies are obscures by larges plagues with just their number written on them.

"Hiraku Masaru. We've been waiting for you", one of the judges remarks from the highest recesses of the hall. The acoustics of the place are excellent, as no words are lost even though the speaker isn't being particularly loud. "We've reviewed your recent accomplishments. Despite your tumultuous past, you have shaped up and become an admirable Shinigami. You've concluded the fabled Hellpath, stood heroically against the shameful criminal Izanami-no-Mikoto, and now achieved Bankai. People like you are what we want leading our armed forces. Most importantly, we've heard of your Division's efforts to enforce peace in far Rukon. According to our knowledge, you were the one who fathered the idea. While the recent disaster has nullified much of your success, we congratulate you on your foresight."

"However, we feel that great as your work has been, one Division's resources are not enough to achieve that which you pursue. On these grounds, we'd like you to become new Commander-General of Gotei. We feel the time has come for Gotei to resume its founding purpose of protecting societal stability of afterlife and preventing a civil war. Do you accept this post?"

---

[Gotei Headquarter]

Meanwhile, Lily is still in Koutarou's office, arranging his papers and updating them while furiously tapping the ground with its foot.

Kuroimaken

2014-10-29, 11:43 AM

It's not long after he sends Momoka on her way that Koutarou returns to speak to Lily.

With a tired wave, he invites her to lay her concerns on him.

He also notes that the piece of paper where he wrote down the location of Hei Lin appears to still be on the table. (Otherwise Lily would've simply dumped the stack of papers on his desk and went off to fetch it.)

"Well, we've been set back long enough by the criminal scum of Gotei. Sorry to keep you waiting."

For what it's worth, he does sound sincerely apologetic.

_______________________

[Elsewhere, in Hueco Mundo]

A lonely, dark clad figure walks the endless sands.

He sneezes, in spite of the fact that should be reserved for mortals or anyone with an allergy. Both of which are not things that afflict him.

"Ach. Another one of my 'I knew it' sneezes."

He walks on.

Frozen_Feet

2014-10-29, 11:58 AM

[Gotei Headquarters]

Lily turns to glare at Koutarou. It's quite possible it's only there because it didn't notice the note left on the table, thinking Koutarou took it with him when he left in a hurry.

He better say something about it. Fast.

---

[Hueco Mundo]

Elsewhere on the seemingly endless white sands, three black-clad forms make their way to nowhere in particular. Then, one of them, the one with no mouth or eyes, stops and tilts it head to the left. Did you two hear that?, it rumbles. Its two comrades give it a puzzled glance, then look at each other, then back at it and shake their heads.

Hmmm. Must've been the wind. The three creatures resume their march...

---

[Elsewhere in Hueco Mundo; Las Noches, Valentina's quarters]

If or when the 6th Espada goes back to her place, she'll note someone has placed a nice new stone statue there. A statue eeriely resembling one of the awakened Sin Rostro left behind by Mikael.

It is, in fact, the same being who talked to her earlier. But, for some reason, it has gone to slumber, becoming even less lifelike than it was in its past. All of its eyes are closed, and its Hollow hole has stopped moving, becoming fixed where its sternum should be.

KnightDisciple

2014-10-29, 01:52 PM

[Soul Society; from Combat Division to Central Underground Parliament]

Jaswinder is still where Masaru last saw him. That is what he said his job was. If anything, he seems surprised to see Masaru returning so quickly. "The immediate crisis has been dealt with, I presume", the messenger remarks while closing his thermos. "Please follow me, Hiraku-san."

With those words, Jaswinder leads Masaru to the parliament building. It's a long walk - a walk, because not everyone in the city is keen on using superhuman speed when it's not required. Running like that consumes a lot of energy, folks. Eventually, they arrive to a circular wall of roughly 5 meters of height. Beyond it is a small pond, or perhaps a moat would be better descriptor - at the center is a low, cylindrical building of white marble. It looks pretty unimpressive compared to most buildings around, with several old pagodas nearby being multiple times taller than either it or the wall. A narrow, wooden bridge connects the sole gate to the sole doorway of the building. Masaru might note there's nothing living in the pond.

When they get inside the building, he finds out it's much larger from the inside. Like many other important facilities in Seireitei, vast majority of the parliament building is hidden deep underground, protected by the bedrock and multiple layers of wards. The winding stairwell they have to descend might make Masaru miss the elevator that took him down to Muken.

The stairwell ends in a large cavern, at the center of which the octagonal assembly hall can be seen. Several guards garbed in black from head to toe, with only their eyes visible to Masaru, nod as he and Jaswinder pass through.

Then, finally, he's brought before the parliament of Soul Society. Rows of benches, arranged in two cocentric octagons, surround him. He can't really see anything of the actual parliament members, though, as their faces and most of their bodies are obscures by larges plagues with just their number written on them.

"Hiraku Masaru. We've been waiting for you", one of the judges remarks from the highest recesses of the hall. The acoustics of the place are excellent, as no words are lost even though the speaker isn't being particularly loud. "We've reviewed your recent accomplishments. Despite your tumultuous past, you have shaped up and become an admirable Shinigami. You've concluded the fabled Hellpath, stood heroically against the shameful criminal Izanami-no-Mikoto, and now achieved Bankai. People like you are what we want leading our armed forces. Most importantly, we've heard of your Division's efforts to enforce peace in far Rukon. According to our knowledge, you were the one who fathered the idea. While the recent disaster has nullified much of your success, we congratulate you on your foresight."

"However, we feel that great as your work has been, one Division's resources are not enough to achieve that which you pursue. On these grounds, we'd like you to become new Commander-General of Gotei. We feel the time has come for Gotei to resume its founding purpose of protecting societal stability of afterlife and preventing a civil war. Do you accept this post?"
Masaru can't help but stand a little straighter at the praise.

But then they ask him to be the Commander-General of the Gotei? He blinks, but thanks to Setsurou's lessons being drilled into his head, he does not gape, or even open his mouth to speak half-formed words. He takes a couple of calming breaths before responding.

"I appreciate the notice and praise of this august body, I truly do. And while part of me is both flattered and humbled by your request..."

He pauses for a moment, then speaks again.

"I feel I must decline. I trust in the leadership of Ishinomori Koutarou, and feel I would be no better at the position of Commander-General than he, and likely not be as adept as he is. I sincerely apologize for giving an answer in the negative to your most gracious offer, but my honor and conscience and honesty demand I turn down the offer at this time."

Kuroimaken

2014-10-29, 04:49 PM

[Gotei Headquarters]

Lily turns to glare at Koutarou. It's quite possible it's only there because it didn't notice the note left on the table, thinking Koutarou took it with him when he left in a hurry.

He better say something about it. Fast.

---

He is actually a bit confused.

...why does this feel like a bad date situation?

He does, however, make it a point to question her.

"I thought you were in a hurry to retrieve Hei Lin and bring it to Masaru. I left the note on the desk, but you're still here.

Why?"

Draken

2014-10-30, 12:20 AM

[In the Void Between Worlds]

"We were more referring to the space beyond. It's queer you refer to it as someone's body", the Arrancar remarks. Seemingly deciding it's too lazy to stay standing, it crosses its legs and assumes lotus position, floating in the emptiness. "Our maker wasn't someone you'd know. Who he was is not a pertinent, as only his shadow remains on Earth. You can't find him there. Or anywhere else, for that matter."

Argos shifts around again.

"It is the corpse of the wolf. The first hollow. But it is hidden away in the Dangai. Not that it matters much, the wolf is dead, and likely to remain so."

"And that is a shame about your maker. A maker is not a good thing to lose. We know."

"What about you. What are you doing? What is your purpose?"

strawberryman

2014-11-01, 05:21 PM

[Soul Society]
(Engineering Division)

Chouko wipes her forehead, sitting up from her most recent project. Observing it with a grin, she pushes off from her work bench after covering it with a tarp, leaving only a arm-shaped lump underneath the fabric, and walks out towards Hideki's office. Oh, today was a good day. But also deadline day. Time to crack the whip!

Chouko enters her lieutenants office without so much as a knock, plopping down in a chair and dropping a bunch of schematics on his desk. "All right, Koutetsu. It's time to drop the bass, have you finished the generators yet? My boys are ready to go and prove themselves by shootin' a bunch of meteors with magic ****. Also one of 'em drew up plans for growth once we get this **** all spherical-like. With all the materials we're gettin', we could upgrade this place to the 22nd century, blow right by 21st like it's a turtle getting ready to cross the highway and get turned into grade-A turtle soup."

Draken

2014-11-01, 06:58 PM

[Hideki's Office - Engineering - Soul Society]

Hideki is catching the daily Z on his chair when Chouko slams in without any ceremony. All he can do is groan and look down at the papers.

"Yes. They are ready. Twenty SV-89 matter aggregators ready to work."

Short yawn.

"Just need to set them up on the underside and then open the Senkaimon to Hueco Mundo to start feeding stuff into the things, along with more meteors."

He is still a bit groggy to get the rest of the innuendo.

-----------

[IntSec Facilities]

Over the course of the past week, the central 46 granted Kotetsu Azuma's request that the criminal Aoiwa Gwynned and her companions be delivered to the custody of the family, on grounds of her crimes being directed against the people and administration of the 26th Ring, and not to the Seireitei. And finally has arrived the day when the Rokushõkairõ Militia was scheduled to pick them up.

And so a convoy of armored carriages waits in front of the gate, a number of Kotetsu soldiers line up in front of IntSec, ready to take the prisoners.

Kuroimaken

2014-11-01, 07:23 PM

Inwardly begrudging the old man, Setsurou arranged the transport of the prisoners in a timely manner, and offered with a smile, "Please try to keep those bodies warm for me, Koutetsu-dono. I've still got some fresh truth juice to squeeze from them."

Draken

2014-11-01, 07:45 PM

[IntSec]

An officer of the Kotetsus answers Setsurou while the rest of the soldiers herd the prisoners into the wagons. Azuma is nowhere to be seen.

"The prisoners will be returned if lord Azuma deems appropriate, captain Hishikawa. Farewell!"

Very formal. With a bow, the man turns and leaves along with the convoy.

Four carriages, all headed to the western gate and from there to cross the main western road until the edge of Rokushõkairõ, a trip of possibly a full day on foot, but a mere few hours on the noble family's eldritch vehicles. And still disgracefully slow compared to the subterranean rapid transit lines that cross the district.

Well, the ones that are already functional again following the move, that is. That did a number on the tunnels.

Frozen_Feet

2014-11-02, 10:33 AM

[Central Underground Parliament]

Masaru can't help but stand a little straighter at the praise.

But then they ask him to be the Commander-General of the Gotei? He blinks, but thanks to Setsurou's lessons being drilled into his head, he does not gape, or even open his mouth to speak half-formed words. He takes a couple of calming breaths before responding.

"I appreciate the notice and praise of this august body, I truly do. And while part of me is both flattered and humbled by your request..."

He pauses for a moment, then speaks again.

"I feel I must decline. I trust in the leadership of Ishinomori Koutarou, and feel I would be no better at the position of Commander-General than he, and likely not be as adept as he is. I sincerely apologize for giving an answer in the negative to your most gracious offer, but my honor and conscience and honesty demand I turn down the offer at this time."

"It is within rights of an officer to refuse promotion.", another of the judges notes. "Will you, then, accept a post as the Captain of Combat Division? We will note that we cannot grant you the title of Kenpachi to go with it. That title has traditionally been passed through single combat, and as Osuma is dead, it may be forever lost. It will be up to your men to decide how that title is granted from hereon." Maybe Masaru could challenge Jehoel Yurius for it.

---

[Gotei Headquarters]

He is actually a bit confused.

...why does this feel like a bad date situation?

He does, however, make it a point to question her.

"I thought you were in a hurry to retrieve Hei Lin and bring it to Masaru. I left the note on the desk, but you're still here.

Why?"

If it feels like a date situation, Koutarou has either overactive imagination or a really horrible track record with ladies.

Upon his remark, Lily looks over the table. "Oh?" When it notices the note, it snatches it away with record-defying speed and stands up. It doesn't seem inclined to answer Koutarou's question, and will just leave unless he moves on its way.

---

[In the Void between Worlds]

Argos shifts around again.

"It is the corpse of the wolf. The first hollow. But it is hidden away in the Dangai. Not that it matters much, the wolf is dead, and likely to remain so."

"And that is a shame about your maker. A maker is not a good thing to lose. We know."

"What about you. What are you doing? What is your purpose?"

The Arrancar shrugs. "We don't really share that sentiment. Our makes might not be here, but he's not lost to us. Not that it would matter even if he was." It stretches its neck and arms a bit before answering the questions. "At the moment, we're on route to fetch one our siblings from a pinch they got themselves into. Their curiosity, we're sad to say, exceeds their smarts. After that... who knows? We're on our way to become whole again, but that's just one step out of many. We're not really sure if we have desire for any over-arching purpose, or if it's even possible to have one. Purposes, meanings, goals... they're kind of like the wind, picking up and dying on their own accord."

Kuroimaken

2014-11-02, 10:50 AM

Well, Lily WAS really angry with him and he didn't see at first why.

It's good that all she was worried about was Hei Lin.

"Hey, don't forget to leave all the other--"

She's gone and not even listening by the time he's mid-sentence.

Draken

2014-11-02, 11:02 AM

[In the Void between Worlds]

The Arrancar shrugs. "We don't really share that sentiment. Our makes might not be here, but he's not lost to us. Not that it would matter even if he was." It stretches its neck and arms a bit before answering the questions. "At the moment, we're on route to fetch one our siblings from a pinch they got themselves into. Their curiosity, we're sad to say, exceeds their smarts. After that... who knows? We're on our way to become whole again, but that's just one step out of many. We're not really sure if we have desire for any over-arching purpose, or if it's even possible to have one. Purposes, meanings, goals... they're kind of like the wind, picking up and dying on their own accord."

Argos shifts around more. A number of its limbs simply depart, vanishing in a curve to nowhere.

"A grand goal is something you are likely to develop as age settles in and eternity demands a purpose, least it become an unending lifetime of boredom."

"Everyone needs a hobby, as my Creator once told me."

The mass of limbs just sits there, not note quite seeming to desire to move. It is pretty clearly a great multitasker and probably can spare this node to keep chatting forever.

Frozen_Feet

2014-11-02, 11:14 AM

The Arrancar shrugs again. "Maybe. What about you? Your creator? What is your... hobby?"

Draken

2014-11-02, 11:39 AM

The Arrancar shrugs again. "Maybe. What about you? Your creator? What is your... hobby?"

Argos appears to ponder for awhile.

"We were gods in the older days."

"We uplifted the civilizations of men and cast them down if they defied us. Just before we were sealed away by the shinigami, we had sent the Huns to sack Rome after they abandoned the old ways. Pantheons across the world answered to my creator, the The Ghost King of All Hollows."

Kind of feels like the bold and underline are required for emphasis.

"Those who served us prospered, although they often came to blows with one another. It was a good time, when hollows were fed by sacrifices before leaving to the sands and grew fat before joining the menos."

"But that was long ago, those times faded and his majesty had a new project in the works, before the shinigami struck. But it is taking place now, the heavens are free of the wolf's corpse and the Earth has the raw materials for spiritual growth on an unprecedented scale."

"I have told that it will be glorious. So I do my part, as I have always done."

There is an aura of genuine joy around Argos as it tells this.

Frozen_Feet

2014-11-02, 12:23 PM

"Plenty of kings have fashioned themselves gods throughout times. Indeed, it was something of a standard practice when they came up with the concept. They all turned out to be wrong in the end", the Arrancar notes. "But we're rambling. The more pertinent question is, why does your monarch bother? Humans, Earth and everything on it... why does their spiritual growth matter to you? What do you gain of it?"

Draken

2014-11-02, 01:53 PM

Argos wonders, spinning lazily for a moment.

"Mortal kings. Elected by us, were mediums of decent prowess, individuals we could interact with, who could speak for us. Gods, when the word was coined, were but potent spirits. The shinigami themselves inherited the title from their source, Izanami, the original goddess of death. There were other great spirits, plus and minus, who were gods. I serve many of the mightiest that yet remain, life, harvest, fertility, vengeance, war, the sun, the river."

"We saw the term inflate over time, as its use spread among the impressionable and the blind. To reach the point where an almighty being as proposed, although no such thing is known to exist, not even the Spirit King itself."

Argos shifts further.

"I do not wonder what there is to gain. It has never ceased being interesting to see. And the alternative is to do nothing until the end comes."

"And that is very dull."
"A mere fifteen hundred years of that were very dull."

Frozen_Feet

2014-11-02, 02:34 PM

"Hmmm, that's an interesting story", the Arrancar says and nods. "In the past, we suppose beings like us would've appeared god-like to humans. Though ironic, it isn't a wrong observation per se. But we have to wonder, what is the Spirit King you off-handedly mention? Your wording implies it is not the same being as your maker."

Draken

2014-11-02, 02:44 PM

"Indeed not."

"I know not the nature of the Spirit King. All I have been told is that it is to pluses as the menos are to the minus. A vast gestalt, but pickier in what souls it claims to itself. It secludes itself in a plane accessible by scant few means, it rules the shinigami. Although only passively."

"It is not my creator. My creator is the most ancient of the menos that remain. He was the second of all hollows and their progenitor as much as the wolf itself was."

"He is The Ghost King of All Hollows."

Argos shifts further, and coalesces some of his eyes and tendrils into the distinctive sigil of the Threefold Eye, burning a bright green. The same symbol on the signet Reene gave to Mikael long, long ago, if it matters at all.

Frozen_Feet

2014-11-02, 02:52 PM

"More like was, don't you mean? Our brethren are not subject to any king. Nor are the Arrancars of Las Noches." Some of the Arrancar's eyes glance up. "Though maybe, calling us Hollows is misleading in its own." One of its eyes meets that of Argos, noting the symbol. "That's an interesting sigil. What does it mean?"

Draken

2014-11-02, 03:05 PM

"All but the most willful children will answer when their parents call. The higher class menos have always been willful."

"Although you do have a different creator, perhaps the differences he or she imparted might be enough to sunder you from your gillian base."

"And the symbol is his eye. The Threefold Eye."

Frozen_Feet

2014-11-02, 03:09 PM

"His eye?" That seems like a funny thing to get hung up on. "Do tell us, does your king happen to be married?"

Draken

2014-11-02, 03:16 PM

"Yes."

"This is unusual and specific information to wonder about. Considering that you knew nothing else I spoke of."

"Have you met lady Lucaster?"

"You have not."

"She just told me."

Frozen_Feet

2014-11-02, 03:30 PM

The Arrancar crawls to a standing position and leans closer to Argos, looking over it studiously. "Interesting! So you are connected to your masters somehow. All that mass is not just for show." It could also be radiation of some sort, but listing all the possibilities the Arrancar's hivemind could come up with would take all day.

"To answer your question, no, we have not", answers the snake on the Arrancar's left shoulder. "But we might have seen her in a dream once. Do tell us, what does she look like? Does she have long, raven black hair? Olive eyes? Fair skin? Approximately 170 centimeters tall?"

Draken

2014-11-02, 03:39 PM

"I am not 'connected to them somehow'."

"I am by their side."

"I am here."

"I am Argos."

"I am vast."

"And that is an apt description of her. She recalls one, who claimed to be dreaming, and to whom she gave a signet with the Eye."

Frozen_Feet

2014-11-02, 04:02 PM

"That's just a different way of saying the same thing", the Arrancar states and waves its hand dismissively. "But let's not get stuck on that. There is something... many things puzzling us, things we could not think of clearly when we were asleep."

"There was another person in our dream... one we have referred to as a mad goddess, one we presume to be the spirit of the Wolf you talked about. She wanted us to make a choice - choice as the representative of mankind, asburd as that thought is. And, we got the impression she had made such a choice herself, once, and it had not panned out well. Something about choosing her friend - Lady Lucaster - instead of the right thing."

"What was that choice?"

Draken

2014-11-02, 04:12 PM

"I don't know. It was long before my time."

"They don't want to talk about it."

"But yes, she is part of the wolf. A great part of it."

"But unwholesome. Broken and incomplete."

Frozen_Feet

2014-11-02, 04:27 PM

"Interesting. She said much the same of someone else. Someone else who also could've served as a representative, but had been wrecked, destroyed and turned into something he had never been meant to be. She called it a pitiable existence." The Arrancar stands straight and places hands behind its back. "Based on what you've told me, we think she was speaking of your king. It would be fitting of a king of Hollows."

Draken

2014-11-02, 05:05 PM

"They said he was never given any such choice to make. They also said that this line of inquiry needs to stop."

"And so it has."

Draken can't actually answer that stuff.

Frozen_Feet

2014-11-02, 05:20 PM

"Fine by us." The Arrancar begins pacing about, then stops. "Oh, a different thing. Long time ago, we saw a vision of a great gate. The wall it belonged to stretched further than the eye could see to East and West. Do you have any idea where such a construction could be found?"

Draken

2014-11-03, 08:03 AM

"There are many gates that could fit so vague a description. Perhaps one of the four gates that give passage through the walls of Seireitei."

Frozen_Feet

2014-11-04, 01:51 AM

"We'll keep that in mind. Farewell." The Arrancar turns away from Argos and leaps into the darkness, rapidly vanishing to the distance.

KnightDisciple

2014-11-04, 02:03 AM

[Seireitei, Soul Society]
[Central Underground Parliment]

[Central Underground Parliament]

"It is within rights of an officer to refuse promotion.", another of the judges notes. "Will you, then, accept a post as the Captain of Combat Division? We will note that we cannot grant you the title of Kenpachi to go with it. That title has traditionally been passed through single combat, and as Osuma is dead, it may be forever lost. It will be up to your men to decide how that title is granted from hereon." Maybe Masaru could challenge Jehoel Yurius for it.
Masaru stands a bit straighter at the mention of being Captain.

"While the appointment, officially, to that Captaincy is perhaps atypical, I will accept that posting from this august body. I hope to prove myself worthy of the trust placed in me with this office."

Well, that's something at least.

"I will discuss the matter of the title of Kenpachi with my Division at a later time."

He pauses. If the Parliment does not speak up, he will do so himself.

"Was there any other business I was required for?"

His tone suggested no hurry, but simply a curiosity if there were any other proverbial bombshells to be dropped.

Frozen_Feet

2014-11-04, 11:45 AM

"Good. Your commission will officially start tomorrow. We will have word sent to Gotei Headquarters and your Division so they know to prepare your office." There's a moment of silence, during which Masaru manages to ask his question. Behind their plagues, the judge raises an eyebrow, but deem the question innocuous enough to not make a fuzz about. "Not particularly. We will contact you again if the need arises. Hopefully, you will have a new Commander-General soon, so your orders can be relayed through them, as usual. You may go." Masaru notices two of the guards have arrived to escort him back to the surface. Jaswinder is with them as well. If Masaru has nothing further to say, he will be returned to his Division without incident.

KnightDisciple

2014-11-04, 12:28 PM

[Seireitei, Soul Society]
[Central Underground Parliment]

"Good. Your commission will officially start tomorrow. We will have word sent to Gotei Headquarters and your Division so they know to prepare your office." There's a moment of silence, during which Masaru manages to ask his question. Behind their plagues, the judge raises an eyebrow, but deem the question innocuous enough to not make a fuzz about. "Not particularly. We will contact you again if the need arises. Hopefully, you will have a new Commander-General soon, so your orders can be relayed through them, as usual. You may go." Masaru notices two of the guards have arrived to escort him back to the surface. Jaswinder is with them as well. If Masaru has nothing further to say, he will be returned to his Division without incident.
Masaru manages not to quirk an eyebrow at the mention of an office, since the one he's in is, to his recollection, the Captain's office of his Division anyways, and at this point he's pretty well settled in. But he can sort that out later.

Instead, he offers a deep, respectful bow to the Central 46.

"I thank you again for this honor, and promise I will do all I can to fulfill this responsibility to serve and protect Soul Society."

With that, he follows the guards out and begins heading back to his office, opting not to raise any more fuss.

Once back in the office, and assured he was alone for a moment, he just sat back in his chair and sighed.

This...could end up being a problem.

Dorizzit

2014-11-04, 12:34 PM

[Seireitei]
Combat Division HQ

It seems that Masaru's day isn't going to let up any time soon, because no sooner is he settled into his office than a loud knocking comes from his door.

KnightDisciple

2014-11-04, 12:36 PM

[Seireitei, Soul Society]
[Captain Masaru's Office, Combat Division HQ]

[Seireitei]
Combat Division HQ

It seems that Masaru's day isn't going to let up any time soon, because no sooner is he settled into his office than a loud knocking comes from his door.Masaru manages to not audibly sigh as he sits up straighter and speaks up.

"Please come in."

If he didn't recall what assignment Miss Suou was on, he might have wondered who just let this person waltz in. As it was, he just tried to look busy whenever they walked in, poking at his new desktop computer.

Dorizzit

2014-11-04, 01:12 PM

[Seireitei]
Combat Squad HQ, Office of the Captain

Masaru may well want to look up, if only to confirm that the person entering his office isn't a half-shaved bear. The huge man has to nearly squeeze himself through the door frame, and does have to duck down in order to enter the room, adjusting the massive blade on his back to avoid getting it caught on the door. The man is close to or perhaps more than seven feet of pure muscle, dressed as a Shinigami with the identifying marks of a Combat Squad member. Even so, Masaru doesn't recognize him. After entering the room, the man stands up straight and salutes.

"Konosuke Tsuyoi, reporting for duty, Captain. I just reenlisted after a few decades of...premature retirement. Former head of the Brute Squad, over three centuries of service in my previous tour. It's all in my file if you actually want the details. In light of my previous service, the Enlistment Officer ordered me to report directly to you for assignment."

KnightDisciple

2014-11-04, 02:31 PM

[Seireitei, Soul Society]
[Captain Masaru's Office, Combat Division HQ]

[Seireitei]
Combat Squad HQ, Office of the Captain

Masaru may well want to look up, if only to confirm that the person entering his office isn't a half-shaved bear. The huge man has to nearly squeeze himself through the door frame, and does have to duck down in order to enter the room, adjusting the massive blade on his back to avoid getting it caught on the door. The man is close to or perhaps more than seven feet of pure muscle, dressed as a Shinigami with the identifying marks of a Combat Squad member. Even so, Masaru doesn't recognize him. After entering the room, the man stands up straight and salutes.

"Konosuke Tsuyoi, reporting for duty, Captain. I just reenlisted after a few decades of...premature retirement. Former head of the Brute Squad, over three centuries of service in my previous tour. It's all in my file if you actually want the details. In light of my previous service, the Enlistment Officer ordered me to report directly to you for assignment."
Masaru didn't know Tsuyoi personally, but he had heard of him.

"Ah, I see, Konosuke-san. Yes, give me a moment."

He glances at the computer, tentatively types a couple characters, scrolls for perhaps 30 seconds, and then looks at his visitor once again.

"At this time Brute Squad has a leader. With that said, I am anticipating some notable command shuffles in the next week. You can consider yourself assigned as one of the senior officers of Brute Squad as of now."

In other words, if Tsuyoi plays things right he will end up in command of a Squad, and one of the top half-dozen Officers aside from the Captain and Vice-Captain.

Frozen_Feet

2014-11-04, 04:15 PM

[Combat Division; outside Masaru's office]

Meanwhile, Bulk and Skull are preparing to crash in to Masaru's office, but don't dare to due to the huge guy who just wandered in. They just want to tell their recently-appointed captain that the creepy corpse-plant-thing is back, this time with a stick of some sort. (A bamboo cane, to be exact.) Oh, and they still can't agree on whether it's a gal or a guy.

Said creepy corpse-plant-thing (it's Lily alright) has taken to quietly despising the bumbling fools while waiting for its turn.

---

[Elsewhere in Seireitei]

As she's wandering around, certain magician of fragile constitution is approached by an elderly man in crimson kosode. "Kobayashi Momoka? I am Battacharya Jaswinder, messenger of the Central 46. They request your presence in the parliament building. If there are no obstruction, we can leave immediately."

---

[IntSec Holding Cells]

A certain Arrancar caught for trespassing is wondering when someone will remember to kick it out. No pressure though, it enjoys lazing about, occupying space that could be used to house real criminals, and eating free food. I mean, they are feeding it food, right? 'Cause it'd be real sad if they don't.

Dorizzit

2014-11-04, 04:35 PM

[Seireitei]
Combat Division HQ, Captain's Office

"Glad to hear it. I'll be interested to see what's changed since I left. With that said..."

Konosuke leans down a little bit. The action doesn't seem to be meant as an act of intimidation, but rather as a way to put his face slightly closer to Masaru's.

"I hear tell you've been picking fights with the Nobles. You got a problem with Noble Houses such as my own?"

Kuroimaken

2014-11-04, 04:37 PM

They are, actually.

And hey, he actually has a visitor for once. It's Setsurou!

"Hello, Nanashi-kun. We still need to fix you up with a better name..."

KnightDisciple

2014-11-04, 04:47 PM

[Seireitei, Soul Society]
[Captain Masaru's Office, Combat Division HQ]

[Seireitei]
Combat Division HQ, Captain's Office

"Glad to hear it. I'll be interested to see what's changed since I left. With that said..."

Konosuke leans down a little bit. The action doesn't seem to be meant as an act of intimidation, but rather as a way to put his face slightly closer to Masaru's.

"I hear tell you've been picking fights with the Nobles. You got a problem with Noble Houses such as my own?"
As soon as Konosuke leans down, the room is suddenly five degrees hotter, and Masaru is very still. When he speaks, his tone is polite, precise, almost mechanical.

If the bear of a man has any sense at all, he will know this is dangerous territory.

"I have not "picked a fight" with anyone, Officer Konosuke. So you have heard incorrectly. At most, there was a slight misunderstanding regarding a remark I had made in my off-duty time. Said remark, and said misunderstanding, are not the business of an officer within my Division.

My personal, private opinions regarding a person or group do not have bearing on the performance of my duties to Soul Society.

If you have a problem with my presence, my leadership, or the content of false rumors about my person, please, let me know, and I will have you transferred to another Division."

He pauses, then speaks, his tone even calmer. Somehow.

"Unless you wish for a physical confrontation. Then perhaps we can arrange for a less-than-lethal sparring session at a later time when I am not engaged in the duties entrusted to me by the Central 46 Parliament."

He goes silent for long moments, meeting his new subordinate's stare evenly, without so much as an ounce of fear.

"Now, was there any other business you had with your Captain at this time?"

Frozen_Feet

2014-11-04, 04:48 PM

[IntSec Holding Cells]

"Nanashi's" ears (or whatever passes for them) perk up at the sound. "Oh! Hello...", it begins, standing up and grasping bars of its cell. Then, it gets a look of Setsurou, and blinks. "... errr, whoever you happen to be."

Kuroimaken

2014-11-04, 04:58 PM

"Name's Hishikawa Setsurou, I'm the head of Internal Security. In so many words, I'm the prison warden. "

The door is unlocked and opened.

"Walk with me, Nanashi. We have a few things I'd like to talk to you about."

Frozen_Feet

2014-11-04, 05:02 PM

Kuroimaken

2014-11-04, 05:21 PM

"Oh, sure. It was getting boring here anyway, you know, with the crazy bomb lady gone. We miss here." Nanashi wipes of a fake tear in memory of Gwynned. "So, what presses your mind today, okashira? Did we say the word correctly?"

"You did. It's an informal title, mind. It refers to my other capacity here, as the leader of the Onmitsukidou.

Anyway, not really what I wanted to talk about.

Tell me, Nanashi-kun, what do you do for a living?"

Frozen_Feet

2014-11-04, 05:56 PM

"Nothing!", Nanashi replies cheerfully. "Or, well, I suppose we eat things. Like plants, animals, rocks... maybe humans, haven't had the chance to try out yet." The snakes on its shoulders look at each other. "Didn't we already answer these questions?", they hiss.

Kuroimaken

2014-11-04, 06:03 PM

"I suppose you did, but at the time the answers were more a way to check your basic nature.

Which is why I have a more important question in mind.

What do you want to do with your life?"

Frozen_Feet

2014-11-04, 06:28 PM

"Life is something of a relative concept, isn't?", Nanashi remarks. "Right now, we could do with some hot cocoa", the snake on its left shoulder adds.

Kuroimaken

2014-11-04, 06:37 PM

"We can get you hot cocoa, sure. But that's a need of the now. In the future, you'll have needs you want to fulfill and will require the means to fulfill them.

With that in mind, I have a proposition to make."

Frozen_Feet

2014-11-04, 06:40 PM

"And what's that, boss man?", the snake on its right shoulder asks. It sounds highly skeptical.

strawberryman

2014-11-04, 06:40 PM

[Elsewhere in Seireitei]

As she's wandering around, certain magician of fragile constitution is approached by an elderly man in crimson kosode. "Kobayashi Momoka? I am Battacharya Jaswinder, messenger of the Central 46. They request your presence in the parliament building. If there are no obstruction, we can leave immediately."

Momoka, by this point, has begun to head for the SSI HQ to see how they are faring in the crash when she's approached. Her expression is calm, and she offers her usual small smile to the man. "Indeed I am. And I have no such obstructions, so you have me all to yourself. Shall we?" There's a teasing tone, but of course, she is more than compliant.

Kuroimaken

2014-11-04, 08:01 PM

"And what's that, boss man?", the snake on its right shoulder asks. It sounds highly skeptical.

"I've been thinking. In spite of our peace treaty with Las Noches, Gotei is still very much all pluses, and Las Noches is pretty much all Hollows. You were, for lack of a better term, 'born' unaffiliated with either, right? So I want you to work with us as my assistant liaison with Las Noches.

That way, Gotei doesn't have to be short one Captain when it needs to play messenger, only when the message is particularly complicated. You could learn a lot about both sides, and we could always use more insight.

What do you think?"

Dorizzit

2014-11-04, 08:29 PM

[Seireitei, Soul Society]
[Captain Masaru's Office, Combat Division HQ]

As soon as Konosuke leans down, the room is suddenly five degrees hotter, and Masaru is very still. When he speaks, his tone is polite, precise, almost mechanical.

If the bear of a man has any sense at all, he will know this is dangerous territory.

"I have not "picked a fight" with anyone, Officer Konosuke. So you have heard incorrectly. At most, there was a slight misunderstanding regarding a remark I had made in my off-duty time. Said remark, and said misunderstanding, are not the business of an officer within my Division.

My personal, private opinions regarding a person or group do not have bearing on the performance of my duties to Soul Society.

If you have a problem with my presence, my leadership, or the content of false rumors about my person, please, let me know, and I will have you transferred to another Division."

He pauses, then speaks, his tone even calmer. Somehow.

"Unless you wish for a physical confrontation. Then perhaps we can arrange for a less-than-lethal sparring session at a later time when I am not engaged in the duties entrusted to me by the Central 46 Parliament."

He goes silent for long moments, meeting his new subordinate's stare evenly, without so much as an ounce of fear.

"Now, was there any other business you had with your Captain at this time?"

[Seireitei]
Combat Division HQ - Captain's Office

Konosuke holds Masaru's gaze for several seconds without blinking, then bursts out into laughter.

"Ah, that's too bad. It'd be nice if someone in a high place was giving them a hard time. Good response, though; put me right in my place without overreacting. That'll be all, Captain; I think this'll work just fine. I'll go get settled in, unless you've got something else for me to do."

KnightDisciple

2014-11-04, 09:04 PM

[Seireitei, Soul Society]
[Captain Masaru's Office, Combat Division HQ]

[Seireitei]
Combat Division HQ - Captain's Office

Konosuke holds Masaru's gaze for several seconds without blinking, then bursts out into laughter.

"Ah, that's too bad. It'd be nice if someone in a high place was giving them a hard time. Good response, though; put me right in my place without overreacting. That'll be all, Captain; I think this'll work just fine. I'll go get settled in, unless you've got something else for me to do."
Masaru very slightly pursed his lips as Konosuke burst into laughter. Finally, he spoke.

"I see. I am glad you think this assignment will work well."

It's clear he doesn't quite know what to make of the officer just yet, but is re-evaluating things now.

"You can speak with your superior on particulars, I don't have any specific assignments at this time. Just more..."

Dramatic shudder.

"Paperwork. Have a good day, Officer Konosuke."

And then the other man is gone, and surely Masaru will have peace and not be visited by the bane of his and Koutarou's existence, right? Right?

Dorizzit

2014-11-04, 09:23 PM

[Seireitei]
Office of the Captain of the Combat Squad

"Will do, Captain."

Konosuke turns to go, fitting himself back through the door. He pauses as he's about to leave.

"Of course, if you're ever in the mood for a good scrap...I'm always up for it."

He leaves.

Frozen_Feet

2014-11-05, 10:21 AM

[To Central 46 Compound]

Momoka, by this point, has begun to head for the SSI HQ to see how they are faring in the crash when she's approached. Her expression is calm, and she offers her usual small smile to the man. "Indeed I am. And I have no such obstructions, so you have me all to yourself. Shall we?" There's a teasing tone, but of course, she is more than compliant.

Some time later, Kobayashi Momoka finds herself facing the 40 wise men and women and 6 judges of Soul Society's parliament. "Kobayashi Momoka. You've been brought here due to the part you played in training Hiraku Masaru and dislocating Soul Society. We know you've invoked forbidden Kido to alter space-time in the process, a feat strictly forbidden and punishable by exile to Earth." Pause. "However, as you were working under direct orders from your superior officers and ultimately in the best interest of Soul Society, we will not carry out this punishment. For all we know, things would be far worse had you not completed that invocation."

There's a sound of papers being flipped, and then a second judge continues: "In general, your performances both in prison and during your restitution as a Gotei soldier have been admirable. We also have a reason to believe you learned as much as Hiraku Masaru did during your times as his supervisor in Muken. In your own words, Kobayashi Momoka, do tell us: have you ever seen yourself in a leadership position?"

---

[Somewhere in Internal Security grounds]

"I've been thinking. In spite of our peace treaty with Las Noches, Gotei is still very much all pluses, and Las Noches is pretty much all Hollows. You were, for lack of a better term, 'born' unaffiliated with either, right? So I want you to work with us as my assistant liaison with Las Noches.

That way, Gotei doesn't have to be short one Captain when it needs to play messenger, only when the message is particularly complicated. You could learn a lot about both sides, and we could always use more insight.

What do you think?"

"Well I think your off your r- arghble!" The snake on Nanashi's right shoulder begins, but is rapidly choked and silenced by Nanashi's left hand. "Sure, we can do that", the Arrancar replies, flashing Setsurou a toothy smile. "However, we understand that jobs come with wages. Can we get our pay in items?"

---

[Seireitei, Soul Society]
[Captain Masaru's Office, Combat Division HQ]

Masaru very slightly pursed his lips as Konosuke burst into laughter. Finally, he spoke.

"I see. I am glad you think this assignment will work well."

It's clear he doesn't quite know what to make of the officer just yet, but is re-evaluating things now.

"You can speak with your superior on particulars, I don't have any specific assignments at this time. Just more..."

Dramatic shudder.

"Paperwork. Have a good day, Officer Konosuke."

And then the other man is gone, and surely Masaru will have peace and not be visited by the bane of his and Koutarou's existence, right? Right?

Wrong.

Only fifteen minutes later, Lily steps into the office, quietly closing the door behind it. Masaru can see its leaning on a bamboo cane - similar to one Zheng Li Lin used. Apparently, the artificial has made a new sheath for Hei Lin. Lily takes a few steps towards Masaru, then grasps the cane with both hands and kneels, lifting the weapon above its head and offering to Masaru.

KnightDisciple

2014-11-05, 10:31 AM

[Seireitei, Soul Society]
[Captain Masaru's Office, Combat Division HQ]

Wrong.

Only fifteen minutes later, Lily steps into the office, quietly closing the door behind it. Masaru can see its leaning on a bamboo cane - similar to one Zheng Li Lin used. Apparently, the artificial has made a new sheath for Hei Lin. Lily takes a few steps towards Masaru, then grasps the cane with both hands and kneels, lifting the weapon above its head and offering to Masaru.
Masaru glances up, looks back down at his paperwork, then glances up again. Before he can open his mouth to speak, Lily is offering him the weapon. He considers it for a few moments, but does not so much as move a finger to even touch the sword cane.

"Why are you holding that out to me? It is not my sword. I do not want it, and have no use for it. And it is not a trophy to be displayed on my wall, either."

He seems pretty convinced about that, so Lily had better explain why a man who's entirely in sync with his own sword, the externalized and re-internalized piece of his own soul, should take up the blade of another.

He seems to not be actively disgusted, at least.

Kuroimaken

2014-11-05, 10:37 AM

[Somewhere in Internal Security grounds]

"Well I think your off your r- arghble!" The snake on Nanashi's right shoulder begins, but is rapidly choked and silenced by Nanashi's left hand. "Sure, we can do that", the Arrancar replies, flashing Setsurou a toothy smile. "However, we understand that jobs come with wages. Can we get our pay in items?"

"I can't think of a reason why not. We would still allow you a modest living expense account, of course. What kinds of items would you like?"

Frozen_Feet

2014-11-05, 10:39 AM

[Combat Division]

Lily stands up and leans on the cane. "Suppose someone were to give you a medal for a job well done", it says dryly. "What would it tell of you, as a person, if you would then cast aside the medal, claim the giver abandoned it, and the cursed them and their honor to the lowest Hell?"

---

[Internal Security]

"Correct us if we're wrong, but to our understanding, your planet was sundered when it was brought here. Lately, someone has been building it back up by throwing rocks at it. Big rocks." Nanashi looks really excited and claps its hands together. "We desire to know what sort of device was used for that. And, if possible, get one for ourselves. It doesn't have to be as powerful, of course. Just a little toy for us to play with. Please?" Seven red eyes with slit pupils look at Setsurou hopefully.

KnightDisciple

2014-11-05, 10:46 AM

[Seireitei, Soul Society]
[Captain Masaru's Office, Combat Division HQ]

Lily stands up and leans on the cane. "Suppose someone were to give you a medal for a job well done", it says dryly. "What would it tell of you, as a person, if you would then cast aside the medal, claim the giver abandoned it, and the cursed them and their honor to the lowest Hell?"
Masaru raises a single finger, to emphasize his words.

"First, that is not a "medal"."

Another finger.

"Second, what it would tell of me would depend on the circumstances of this "medal" being given, as well as the attitude and reasoning of the person giving said medal."

Another finger.

"Third, that is a Zanpakutou. It is not just a medal."

One more finger.

"Fourth. That. Is. Not. My. Sword."

This seems to be an important point for him.

Frozen_Feet

2014-11-05, 10:49 AM

"Wrong. It's been your sword from the moment it was given to you. Think for a moment. Who gave it to you?"

KnightDisciple

2014-11-05, 10:58 AM

[Seireitei, Soul Society]
[Captain Masaru's Office, Combat Division HQ]

"Wrong. It's been your sword from the moment it was given to you. Think for a moment. Who gave it to you?"
Masaru frowns slightly, lowering his hand.

"I have the only sword I ever need, one sword, in two blades, resting at my side. Ancalagon is my sword. That sword is the sword of Zheng Li Lin, former Commander-General of the Gotei Forces of Soul Society. It was wielded against me, with no clear explanations, ever, by a being similar to yourself, that merged with the blade. It de-merged and handed me the blade as I left the place I trained in, left behind...where I left Momoka-sensei behind."

For a split second his eyes lose focus, and he almost shivered.

"The point is, my sword is the one I wield. That will never be my sword. It is just a sword, if Zheng Li Lin has cast aside that which makes a Shinigami a Shinigami. But most properly, it is Zheng Li Lin's sword.

But to formally answer your question of "who gave it to you", the blade was given to me by a warped golem by then made of twisted wood and leaves. Not even directly handed by Zheng Li Lin to my person."

Kuroimaken

2014-11-05, 10:59 AM

[Internal Security]

"Correct us if we're wrong, but to our understanding, your planet was sundered when it was brought here. Lately, someone has been building it back up by throwing rocks at it. Big rocks." Nanashi looks really excited and claps its hands together. "We desire to know what sort of device was used for that. And, if possible, get one for ourselves. It doesn't have to be as powerful, of course. Just a little toy for us to play with. Please?" Seven red eyes with slit pupils look at Setsurou hopefully.

"Where did you even hear that?" Setsurou asked with a quizzical expression. "That sounds like one of Takenaka's contraptions. I could ask her, but I can't make any promises. Maybe if she's in a good mood she'll even let you use one of those devices at some point, but only if you do a good job of it."

strawberryman

2014-11-05, 04:24 PM

[To Central 46 Compound]

Some time later, Kobayashi Momoka finds herself facing the 40 wise men and women and 6 judges of Soul Society's parliament. "Kobayashi Momoka. You've been brought here due to the part you played in training Hiraku Masaru and dislocating Soul Society. We know you've invoked forbidden Kido to alter space-time in the process, a feat strictly forbidden and punishable by exile to Earth." Pause. "However, as you were working under direct orders from your superior officers and ultimately in the best interest of Soul Society, we will not carry out this punishment. For all we know, things would be far worse had you not completed that invocation."

There's a sound of papers being flipped, and then a second judge continues: "In general, your performances both in prison and during your restitution as a Gotei soldier have been admirable. We also have a reason to believe you learned as much as Hiraku Masaru did during your times as his supervisor in Muken. In your own words, Kobayashi Momoka, do tell us: have you ever seen yourself in a leadership position?"

Momoka takes the trip as level as ever, and stands in observation of the Court, her hands behind her back and eyes capturing as many of the elders as she could. She had nothing to say to the use of a forbidden invocation; given the outcome, she had predicted it would be at best given a slap on the wrist. Not that being exiled to earth would compare with the solitude of prison...

Upon the matter of leadership, she tilts her head very slightly and considers for a moment. "No, I cannot honestly say I have. My mind has been largely focused upon the pursuit of knowledge and building an understanding of the full nature and, for lack of a better word, mechanics of our existence. I do not consider myself an enlightened woman, of course, but I have not particularly given thought to a position of power."

(Rukon)

After exiting the gates, Azuma's caravan rides in general peace, aside from some baleful looks from the locals. It's likely about the nobles being much better off in this upheaval more than his prisoners, but who's to say.

But eventually, he will have to stop... due to the large gathering of citizens blocking the street. It seems to be... some manner of protest, or a rally up to initiate a protest. Whatever the case, the citizens in the center are the primary speakers, and they are riling those around them with claims of Seireitei's impotence and the degrading state of parts of the rukon even before the move. There is a fair amount of anti-noble rhetoric being flung about, and some of the people turn to look to Azuma's caravan with irritable scowls, but nothing turns violent just yet.

Frozen_Feet

2014-11-06, 09:42 AM

[Underground Parliament]

Momoka takes the trip as level as ever, and stands in observation of the Court, her hands behind her back and eyes capturing as many of the elders as she could. She had nothing to say to the use of a forbidden invocation; given the outcome, she had predicted it would be at best given a slap on the wrist. Not that being exiled to earth would compare with the solitude of prison...

Upon the matter of leadership, she tilts her head very slightly and considers for a moment. "No, I cannot honestly say I have. My mind has been largely focused upon the pursuit of knowledge and building an understanding of the full nature and, for lack of a better word, mechanics of our existence. I do not consider myself an enlightened woman, of course, but I have not particularly given thought to a position of power."

"Acknowledged." There's soft murmur as some of the representatives discuss with each other. After a while, they reach consensus, and the judges speak again. "Kobayashi Momoko. In light of your actions for the common weal, we have decided to annul your remaining prison sentence. Consequently your status as a conscript will end and you will be reinstated as a full-time Gotei officer, with normal benefits and duties of such position. We will, however, encourage you to stop pick-pocketing your peers. Such petty thievery is improper of a Gotei soldier. Punishing you for such minor transgressions is domain of your future superior officer, so we will not dwell on it here."

"Do you have a Division in mind you would prefer to be placed in?"

---

"Where did you even [I]hear that?" Setsurou asked with a quizzical expression. "That sounds like one of Takenaka's contraptions. I could ask her, but I can't make any promises. Maybe if she's in a good mood she'll even let you use one of those devices at some point, but only if you do a good job of it."

"Oh, the earthquakes were kind of hard to miss", Nanashi remarks. "After asking one of the guards, that's the hypothesis we found most plausible. Based on your reply, we presume it was correct." Smirk. "Who is this Takenaka person and could we perhaps meet her?"

---

[Combat Division]

[Seireitei, Soul Society]
[Captain Masaru's Office, Combat Division HQ]

Masaru frowns slightly, lowering his hand.

"I have the only sword I ever need, one sword, in two blades, resting at my side. Ancalagon is my sword. That sword is the sword of Zheng Li Lin, former Commander-General of the Gotei Forces of Soul Society. It was wielded against me, with no clear explanations, ever, by a being similar to yourself, that merged with the blade. It de-merged and handed me the blade as I left the place I trained in, left behind...where I left Momoka-sensei behind."

For a split second his eyes lose focus, and he almost shivered.

"The point is, my sword is the one I wield. That will never be my sword. It is just a sword, if Zheng Li Lin has cast aside that which makes a Shinigami a Shinigami. But most properly, it is Zheng Li Lin's sword.

But to formally answer your question of "who gave it to you", the blade was given to me by a warped golem by then made of twisted wood and leaves. Not even directly handed by Zheng Li Lin to my person."

Lily sighs and takes a seat while Masaru speak. "You had years to figure it out. I can't decide which is sadder, the fact that you didn't or the extent to which Zheng overestimated you", it says half a minute after Masaru finished his tale. "You know Zanpakuto are living things. You know they can appear to have autonomy from their owners. You didn't go through one Bankai test in the cave. You went through two." Lily lifts the cane up and places it on Masaru's desk. "This is the being which gave itself to you, in acknowledgement of your accomplishments. I have Zheng's memories, Masaru. I know how the test was supposed to go. You ate something of the forest, did you not? For a moment, you were one with it." Lily crosses its legs and arms and looks at Masaru solemnly.

"That connection may have been severed and might never be re-established, but Hei Lin will not forget. Even if you never use it, even if you just hang it on a wall or throw it away." Lily's stare drifts on Masaru's mechanical arm, and then it points towards it.

"And just so you know, Zheng would've never agreed on what you think makes a Shinigami. To Zheng, being a Shinigami was something that's written in your flesh and bones. It is a surging power that affects and becomes part of all things a Shinigami does. Whether it manifests as blue flame of a Kido spell, a blade forged out of bronze or an army of marching trees is irrelevant. It is, in a word, independent of losing a leg, a sword or an arm. I think having become a cripple yourself would make you more understanding of this. Did you cease to be Hiraku Masaru when you lost your arm? No, you didn't." Lily lets its hand down.

"But really, I'm rambling. The real issue here is different. I heard of the shadowy army you had before, and I know you wanted to get rid of it. No doubt you rejected it with many of the same words you use about Hei Lin - it's not like you, not yours, whatever. Yet, you don't seem to have any troubles using a prosthetic made and maintainted by Takenaka Chouko. It isn't your arm anymore than Hei Lin is your sword, but as far as I know it you've not objected to it with such vigor." Lily stands up.

"It's because you like and trust Takenaka, but for some reason your trust towards Zheng had vanished nearly completely before you even began your training. Even after watching the hospital tapes from the time you were there, I couldn't figure out why. You were just suddenly rambling and convinced the nobles were out to get you and Zheng was their lapdog. But that was absurd! You were there at the gates, Masaru, when Izanami came knocking. You heard her try to hide behind her nobility, and you saw Zheng tell her off! You were at her trial! Nobles aren't above the law - if anything, they're held to a stricter standard than most, because they are meant to uphold it. If they don't follow it, who will?" Lily places a hand on its forehead and sighs again.

"There never was a noble conspiracy against you nor your Division. You were guarded because of Izanami - that's all there was to it. You had no enemies in that cave. Hell, I'm sure even Izanami was just trying to teach you, to help you, in her own demented manner. Hei Lin, Kobayashi Momoka, Naganori Igarashi, all were ordered and placed there for your benefit. If none of them could explain it to you in terms you could understand, I don't know what went wrong. I'm not Zheng and can't apologize for them, but at least I can tell you that. Or - wait - let's put it this way: Zheng trusted you enough to give you Hei Lin, like you trust Takenaka to build you an arm that won't explode and kill you. Despite all the misgivings, misunderstanding and what-have-you between the two of you. If you think Zanpakutos are that valuable to their owners... isn't that big enough of an apology?"

Kuroimaken

2014-11-06, 09:58 AM

[Internal Security]

"Oh, the earthquakes were kind of hard to miss", Nanashi remarks. "After asking one of the guards, that's the hypothesis we found most plausible. Based on your reply, we presume it was correct." Smirk. "Who is this Takenaka person and could we perhaps meet her?"

"We could try, I guess. No guarantee she'll see you. You're just lucky she's not THAT interested in biology, because you'd make a really interesting specimen.

While we head there, why don't you tell me what you can do? Arrancar as a whole tend to have a certain suite of skills. I can't think of any reason you'd be different, especially considering you have a Zanpakutou, but I could be wrong."

Frozen_Feet

2014-11-06, 10:14 AM

KnightDisciple

2014-11-06, 10:56 AM

[Seireitei, Soul Society]
[Captain Masaru's Office, Combat Division HQ]

[Combat Division]

Lily sighs and takes a seat while Masaru speak. "You had years to figure it out. I can't decide which is sadder, the fact that you didn't or the extent to which Zheng overestimated you", it says half a minute after Masaru finished his tale. "You know Zanpakuto are living things. You know they can appear to have autonomy from their owners. You didn't go through one Bankai test in the cave. You went through two." Lily lifts the cane up and places it on Masaru's desk. "This is the being which gave itself to you, in acknowledgement of your accomplishments. I have Zheng's memories, Masaru. I know how the test was supposed to go. You ate something of the forest, did you not? For a moment, you were one with it." Lily crosses its legs and arms and looks at Masaru solemnly.

"That connection may have been severed and might never be re-established, but Hei Lin will not forget. Even if you never use it, even if you just hang it on a wall or throw it away." Lily's stare drifts on Masaru's mechanical arm, and then it points towards it.

"And just so you know, Zheng would've never agreed on what you think makes a Shinigami. To Zheng, being a Shinigami was something that's written in your flesh and bones. It is a surging power that affects and becomes part of all things a Shinigami does. Whether it manifests as blue flame of a Kido spell, a blade forged out of bronze or an army of marching trees is irrelevant. It is, in a word, independent of losing a leg, a sword or an arm. I think having become a cripple yourself would make you more understanding of this. Did you cease to be Hiraku Masaru when you lost your arm? No, you didn't." Lily lets its hand down.

"But really, I'm rambling. The real issue here is different. I heard of the shadowy army you had before, and I know you wanted to get rid of it. No doubt you rejected it with many of the same words you use about Hei Lin - it's not like you, not yours, whatever. Yet, you don't seem to have any troubles using a prosthetic made and maintainted by Takenaka Chouko. It isn't your arm anymore than Hei Lin is your sword, but as far as I know it you've not objected to it with such vigor." Lily stands up.

"It's because you like and trust Takenaka, but for some reason your trust towards Zheng had vanished nearly completely before you even began your training. Even after watching the hospital tapes from the time you were there, I couldn't figure out why. You were just suddenly rambling and convinced the nobles were out to get you and Zheng was their lapdog. But that was absurd! You were there at the gates, Masaru, when Izanami came knocking. You heard her try to hide behind her nobility, and you saw Zheng tell her off! You were at her trial! Nobles aren't above the law - if anything, they're held to a stricter standard than most, because they are meant to uphold it. If they don't follow it, who will?" Lily places a hand on its forehead and sighs again.

"There never was a noble conspiracy against you nor your Division. You were guarded because of Izanami - that's all there was to it. You had no enemies in that cave. Hell, I'm sure even Izanami was just trying to teach you, to help you, in her own demented manner. Hei Lin, Kobayashi Momoka, Naganori Igarashi, all were ordered and placed there for your benefit. If none of them could explain it to you in terms you could understand, I don't know what went wrong. I'm not Zheng and can't apologize for them, but at least I can tell you that. Or - wait - let's put it this way: Zheng trusted you enough to give you Hei Lin, like you trust Takenaka to build you an arm that won't explode and kill you. Despite all the misgivings, misunderstanding and what-have-you between the two of you. If you think Zanpakutos are that valuable to their owners... isn't that big enough of an apology?"
Masaru gives Lily an "are you stupid" look.

"That is not my sword. I already told you that. Ancalagon is my sword. Ancalagon is me. To even suggest just...just...shoving some other soul portion into my own? That's...it's...it's a violation."

He looks genuinely disgusted at the notion.

"Even if such soul butchery were possible, which I question, I would reject it. As would Ancalagon. He and I are one. Hei Lin is not us. Hei Lin does not belong in our soul.

As for Kido, I have heard reports that Arrancar members of the Cult can use it. Punching things hard is hardly unique.

The point isn't that our swords are shaped metal that might change into other things. The point is that our swords are us. The Zanpakutou of a Shinigami is unique in its nature, as it is both a separation and a reintegration of the soul. There is nothing in your sword spirit that is not in yourself. That is part of what I learned down in that cave; Ancalagon is me, and I am Ancalagon. He is a reflection of my pride, my strength, my resolve, and a dozen dozen other parts of myself, shaken a bit and re-presented in his unique form.

The swords of the humanoid Hollows, these Arrancar. They simply serve as a reservoir of their power, yes? When they release, they return to their previous form, or at least some version of it.

We Shinigami do not return to anything. We achieve something new.

We have granted the power to purify to some of the former Quincy, yes? My understanding of this process is that they end up undergoing something vaguely similar to our Shikai manifestation, through a rather interesting lens, mind you."

The previous...disgust...is gone, but there is conviction there now. And he's remarkably well informed. Lily would do well to remember he was part of the stealthiest Squad in the Combat Division, and that while he has been in a leadership position for only a short time, he's clearly been doing his proverbial homework. Not that any of this information is classified; it's just not necessarily expected that all Shinigami would know it.

"What you keep berating me for is recognizing that bond I have with my sword. With my own soul. You berate me for having achieved the self-realization and inner harmony necessary to fully manifest Ancalagon's powers in the world."

Now he gives her another "you must be stupid" look.

"And if you can't tell the difference between a prostethic and an "arm" that was just the physical form taken by the insane "goddess" Izanami, you clearly have no ability to examine the world around yourself.

All she wanted from me was destruction. Death. Separation from not only my duty as a Shinigami, but also my friends and comrades and basically existence as I knew it. All because it was "fun" or "interesting".

Are you saying I should have listened to her?

This prosthetic from, yes, a trusted friend is just an object. A tool. It has no soul of its own. No voice. No thoughts. No motivation. If she had offered me an arm that was like her Orchestra, I would have declined. But she didn't. She gave me an arm that does what an arm does, nothing more.

And as for my trust in Zheng, it's because Zheng spoke in nothing but cryptic, riddle-filled b*******, just like you're spending half your time doing. And don't give me any line about how interpreting riddles is a sign of enlightenment. Zheng never explained anything, which is a failure as a commanding officer.

I never thought Zheng hated or disliked me. That doesn't mean I like Zheng.

As for "conspiracies", I never claimed there was an objective conspiracy. But before I came out of that cave, this Division was a mistrusted laughingstock. A Captain dead. A Vice-Captain who abandoned his post and betrayed his oaths and nearly cost us the peace. Disintegrating bonds to our comrades. There was a problem there, and if you can't see it you're not just stupid, you're metaphorically blind, too.

But as for the Nobles? Don't talk to me about being held to a "higher standard".

Now, are you done, or are you going to spend another five minutes twisting my words in on themselves and refusing to see what I'm saying? Because if it's the latter, you're getting ejected from this room, because you are not in my chain of command, or anyone's chain of command, and I'm frankly tired of your baseless accusations and pointless dressing-down. You can take that cane-sword with you and hang it on a wall in the gardens or something. It is not mine, and I do not desire it."

Frozen_Feet

2014-11-06, 11:28 AM

Lily shakes its head, looking at Masaru sadly. "Zheng didn't do riddles with you, Masaru. Zheng told you exactly what Zheng knew and what Zheng wanted you to do, and in the end you did it. If you can't accept recognition for that, throw it in the trash yourself. As for the rest..." , the artificial shrugs and turns to leave, "... you are free to think as you will." There's a soft click as the door closes behind Lily, and then Masaru is alone again.

Kuroimaken

2014-11-06, 12:31 PM

Nanashi looks at its fingers and starts counting. "Well let's see... we can see in many directions at once... we have really sharp teeth... we can eat almost anything... we..." At this point, the snake on the right shoulder interjects. "How long you gonna listen to all this crap?" Whether that question is aimed at Setsurou or the other snake heads remain something of a mystery.

"Now I know you're just messing with me. I can appreciate that, though consider this your job interview. Your access to space rock-slinging toys will hinge directly on whether I find you a good option for the job, so take it just a notch more seriously, hmmm?"

strawberryman

2014-11-06, 12:32 PM

"Acknowledged." There's soft murmur as some of the representatives discuss with each other. After a while, they reach consensus, and the judges speak again. "Kobayashi Momoko. In light of your actions for the common weal, we have decided to annul your remaining prison sentence. Consequently your status as a conscript will end and you will be reinstated as a full-time Gotei officer, with normal benefits and duties of such position. We will, however, encourage you to stop pick-pocketing your peers. Such petty thievery is improper of a Gotei soldier. Punishing you for such minor transgressions is domain of your future superior officer, so we will not dwell on it here."

"Do you have a Division in mind you would prefer to be placed in?"

"Old habits die hard, as they say." Her tone was not teasing, but acknowledging of the issue. "I will cease such activity, however." What she wanted to know is how they found out, not that it wasn't improbable.

"I should like to be placed in the Shinigami Science Institute Division. As this was my 'home' so to speak, before my imprisonment. I'm aware the division is in a great need of upstanding officers, and so I will do my best to earn that qualification."

Draken

2014-11-06, 06:14 PM

(Rukon)

After exiting the gates, Azuma's caravan rides in general peace, aside from some baleful looks from the locals. It's likely about the nobles being much better off in this upheaval more than his prisoners, but who's to say.

But eventually, he will have to stop... due to the large gathering of citizens blocking the street. It seems to be... some manner of protest, or a rally up to initiate a protest. Whatever the case, the citizens in the center are the primary speakers, and they are riling those around them with claims of Seireitei's impotence and the degrading state of parts of the rukon even before the move. There is a fair amount of anti-noble rhetoric being flung about, and some of the people turn to look to Azuma's caravan with irritable scowls, but nothing turns violent just yet.

One of the soldiers at the lead wagon shouts to the crowd.

"Open the road! We need to get this convoy through!"

KnightDisciple

2014-11-06, 10:06 PM

[Seireitei, Soul Society]
[Captain Masaru's Office, Combat Division HQ]

Lily shakes its head, looking at Masaru sadly. "Zheng didn't do riddles with you, Masaru. Zheng told you exactly what Zheng knew and what Zheng wanted you to do, and in the end you did it. If you can't accept recognition for that, throw it in the trash yourself. As for the rest..." , the artificial shrugs and turns to leave, "... you are free to think as you will." There's a soft click as the door closes behind Lily, and then Masaru is alone again.
Masaru watched Lily go, never reaching for the sword. He sat there for several minutes after the artificial soul had left before standing up.

He walked over to a cabinet, where he withdrew a large cloth. Taking said cloth, he walked over to the cane laid upon his desk and draped the cloth over it. A few muttered incantations had strings of kido carefully wrapping the cloth around the cane-sword until it was bound tight. A thicker rope of Kido gave him something to hold the bound item up with.

The newly-minted Captain proceeded to lock down his workstation and leave his office silently, giving any of his subordinates in his office's waiting area a look that told them he was not to be disturbed.

A few minutes later, he found himself in the tucked-away room in the Combat Division that had racks upon every wall, many of them bearing weapons, whole and broken both. The blades of fallen warriors. He walked to the furthest corner, found a quiet, out-of-the-way spot, and guided the wrapped blade to said spot. There it was left, quiet and hidden, to rest among the other abandoned blades.

Masaru resolved to leave his frustrations with the former Captain-Commander there as well. It was time for a fresh start.

Frozen_Feet

2014-11-08, 12:27 PM

"Now I know you're just messing with me. I can appreciate that, though consider this your job interview. Your access to space rock-slinging toys will hinge directly on whether I find you a good option for the job, so take it just a notch more seriously, hmmm?"

"But we [I]are taking this seriously! Do not underestimate the power of our eyes! Or teeth!", Nanashi exclaims. "... we really aren't", the snake on the left shoulder comments. "Are you claiming you aren't constantly messing with us?", the snake on the right mutters skeptically to Setsurou. Nanashi quickly grasps both of their bone-covered heads to shut them up.

"It would help if you narrowed your question down somewhat. We can do myriad things, but not many of them would be very useful for a messenger. Unless you require messengers to regularly bench-press houses or deflect bullets with their heads."

---

[Underground Parliament]

"Old habits die hard, as they say." Her tone was not teasing, but acknowledging of the issue. "I will cease such activity, however." What she wanted to know is how they found out, not that it wasn't improbable.

"I should like to be placed in the Shinigami Science Institute Division. As this was my 'home' so to speak, before my imprisonment. I'm aware the division is in a great need of upstanding officers, and so I will do my best to earn that qualification."

"A sudden upsurge in reports of stolen possessions right after a former prison inmate was added to the rank, with no-one else to reasonably suspect" would be the unvoiced answer to Momoka's unvoiced question. If they had harder evidence, they would've likely treated the case much more seriously too.

"Very well. We will see to it that you be granted a position as a Senior Researcher. Your new commission will officially begin tomorrow. You can expect someone from SSI to visit you and show your new workplace around. Things have changed somewhat during the last decades."

"You may leave."

If Kobayashi Momoka has no objections, she will be led back to the surface without incident. Meanwhile, Battacharya Jaswinder is sent to look for Ishinomori Koutarou.

Kuroimaken

2014-11-08, 02:52 PM

"But we [I]are taking this seriously! Do not underestimate the power of our eyes! Or teeth!", Nanashi exclaims. "... we really aren't", the snake on the left shoulder comments. "Are you claiming you aren't constantly messing with us?", the snake on the right mutters skeptically to Setsurou. Nanashi quickly grasps both of their bone-covered heads to shut them up.

"It would help if you narrowed your question down somewhat. We can do myriad things, but not many of them would be very useful for a messenger. Unless you require messengers to regularly bench-press houses or deflect bullets with their heads."

---

[Underground Parliament]

"A sudden upsurge in reports of stolen possessions right after a former prison inmate was added to the rank, with no-one else to reasonably suspect" would be the unvoiced answer to Momoka's unvoiced question. If they had harder evidence, they would've likely treated the case much more seriously too.

"Very well. We will see to it that you be granted a position as a Senior Researcher. Your new commission will officially begin tomorrow. You can expect someone from SSI to visit you and show your new workplace around. Things have changed somewhat during the last decades."

"You may leave."

If Kobayashi Momoka has no objections, she will be led back to the surface without incident. Meanwhile, Battacharya Jaswinder is sent to look for Ishinomori Koutarou.

"Okay, maybe I did mess with you a little bit.

Still, as it turns out, sturdiness could be a requirement with this job. I want to know things like your combat capabilities. How fast you can run, for how long, whether you're any good at spying on people, and so on and forth. Here's an example...

Gotei has the following divisions right now: Combat, Recon, Internal Security, Medicine and Logistics, the Shinigami Science Institute, Engineering and Command. Think about it. If you were going to apply for one of those divisions, which would it be?"

________________________

Koutarou is quick to respond to the Central 46 summons. Out of respect for the office, he does not don the Commander-General's haori. He may be who many soldiers of Soul Society respond to at the moment, but he's not officially in charge yet. Not in the eyes of those he must answer to.

"Command Division Vice-Captain Ishinomori Koutarou, reporting for duty, sirs." "Acting" Commander-General is a field rank, after all.

Frozen_Feet

2014-11-08, 03:14 PM

[Internal Security]

"All of them", a voice comes from three throats at once. "We could excell in any of those Divisions. In fact, if we had our Zanpakuto, we could work in all of them at once."

---

[Underground parliament]

The judges nod behind their plauges and then begin: "Ishinomori Koutarou. You have longer history than many of your remaining peers. From a commoner from Rukon, to a top-student in the Academy, to a soldier of the Combat Division and eventually replacement for the late Amaterasu Naomi, your performance as a Shinigami has been more than adequate. You also inspire trust and greatness in those around you, a mark of a true leader if there's any."

"You've been brought here as a potential candidate for the position of Commander-General. However, you have not to our knowledge demonstrated the strenght-of-arms traditionally required of the position. Considering the circumstances, we'd be willing to waive this requirement, but we have reason to believe you've been withholding some information from us. So: during your months of training in Hueco Mundo, did you achieve Bankai?"

Kuroimaken

2014-11-08, 03:41 PM

Setsurou perked an eyebrow.

"...how on earth would that be possible?"

_________________

Huh. He did not expect question to come up.

"That... is a more difficult question to answer than it appears, sirs. My Zanpakutou is rather unusual, as I'm sure you're all aware. Unlike my peers' swords, it disdains what one might call protocol or tradition, and even though I know its name, it only seems fit to bestow its power upon a different set of commands than a normal Zanpakutou.

The shorthand answer would be 'I believe so', insofar as achieving Bankai implies acquiring the ability to wield one's Zanpakutou to its fullest potential. But I cannot tell whether that is necessarily the case.

All I can say for sure is that I have reached a new summit of power unlike any of my previous breakthroughs."

Frozen_Feet

2014-11-08, 03:51 PM

[Internal Security]

Nanashi grins, its eyes gleaming. "Would you like us to show you?"

---

[Underground Parliament]

"A barrier has been set up just outside the entrance you came through", the judge notes. "Can you show us this new summit?"

Kuroimaken

2014-11-08, 05:56 PM

"Yes."

Koutarou reached for his weapon, and fashioned it as a belt around his waist. Arms crossed in front of his chest, he called out.

"Heeeeeeeeeen..."

His arms quickly described two quick arcs through the air, and he finished his cry.

"...shin!"

Lightning poured out of his belt and encircled his body, solidying into the black and golden armor of the Rider form.

"As you know by now, sirs, my weapon takes on multiple forms to allow me to engage the enemy. In the wake of the Cult's operation to retrieve one Reene Lucaster, I have also discovered such forms can be combined to great effect, mixing its advantages and disadvantages.

The new 'summit' I refer to is an unique form that comprises the combination of every previous form into one. With your permission, then?"

Frozen_Feet

2014-11-08, 10:15 PM

The guards move to surround Koutarou. "Do take ten steps back before you do", the judge commands.

Kuroimaken

2014-11-08, 10:48 PM

"Yes, sir."

Kamen Rider Rei does as instructed and steps back as far as he's told.

"I will now demonstrate the skill you've requested to see."

Spreading his arms to the sides, he intones his release incantation.

"Level 000 restriction lifted. Electromagnetic Interference Harmonizer deployed."

There's a distinct roar as Kamen Rider Rei's form glows. Lightning surges from his chest and waist, and spreads at his feet in the form of a circular crest.

The ground directly beneath him trembles, sending vibrations along outwards.

"Indra Limiter released. Iron Maiden, ACTIVATE!

HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEENSHI N!"

For a moment, there's a blinding flash of light as Kamen Rider Rei's form is obscured by black and golden lightning, before his ultimate form, Iron Maiden, is revealed before Central 46.

"In this form, I am capable of accessing the respective strengths of all the previous forms, combined or otherwise. In addition, I am provided with a unique weapon to wield."

Slowly, the man in armor extends his arm while holding out his lance.

"Near as I can tell, the energy portion of the blade flat-out ignores any passive defensive measures such as Hierro. I have yet to test whether active defense makes a distinct difference, but I do not expect it to matter.

The blade is also peculiar in its purification process, and cutting edge in general. My Zanpakutou actively exercises its judgement when it is so released. It is difficult to explain exactly how it works, but it only cuts away the 'malicious' parts of an individual soul. Thus, if there is no malice in the target's heart, it will not be harmed."

Frozen_Feet

2014-11-08, 11:02 PM

"Hmmm. Interesting", the head judge mutters. "You may deactivate your ability now, before it does any damage to the environment", a second one notes. "Now... cutting away malicious parts of the soul. How is that supposed to differ from normal purification of souls? Every Zanpakuto erases deeds done as a Hollow so that a soul can take its proper place in the afterlife."

Kuroimaken

2014-11-09, 12:33 AM

Once again, Koutarou follows his instructions without question.

"There is a certain element of exclusion to what my Zanpakutou does in such a state. It will absolutely refuse to harm the innocent - if it is even capable of doing so. It acts directly upon the corrupted elements of the target's soul, with a bias towards Hollow energy. It could, in theory, purify a soul without forcing it into the cycle of reincarnation, provided the soul is strong enough and independent of its Hollowification elements. This might even apply to a soul lacking said elements.

It literally kills 'the evil within the heart'. I have searched for precedent of a Zanpakutou that acts on such a level, but I have found none."

- - - Updated - - -

[Internal Security]

Nanashi grins, its eyes gleaming. "Would you like us to show you?"

---

"If you can do it without making a mess, sure."

Frozen_Feet

2014-11-09, 01:02 AM

"It won't as long as you don't force us to do it in a confined space", Nanashi notes.

---

[Underground Parliament]

"... quite possible because such devices have been banned by our law", the judge says. The second continues: "Listen well, Ishinomori Koutarou. Based on your description, your Zanpakuto could sever the karma of a living person, or purify sins committed in life prior to becoming a Hollow. Such is not acceptable. You know Hell exists, and it exists for a reason. Redemption is meant to come from within, not without. It is not the place of a Shinigami to pass judgement on sins of humans. Your justice cannot take precedence over the justice of the world."

"At its best, your power will take away evil from a person, but not change destination of their soul. This could lead to a basically good soul ending up punished in Hell, perverting the whole system. At its worst, it is you who will become tainted by their evil, and you who will suffer all their punishments. We cannot tell until you try, and based on this discussion, we would rather you [I]never try. No matter how much your Zanpakuto defies such, we order you to keep your actions within the traditional role of a Shinigami - a medium and a guide. Not a sin-eater."

Kuroimaken

2014-11-09, 09:32 AM

"Such is hardly my intent. Either way, such levels of power would be reserved for the most dangerous and violent of foes. I do not know why my Zanpakutou has deemed to develop in this fashion, but I already seek restraint.

I would like to point out, however, that there is at least one form of 'use' for such a tool.

La Plaga Blanca."

Koutarou sighs deeply before he continues.

"La Plaga Blanca fundamentally alters the karma of a soul such that each time it reincarnates, it will always return as a Hollow, thus condemning said soul to an eternity of suffering. My blade would allow such a soul to revert to a fundamentally good or at least neutral state.

Furthermore, there is no evidence that it prevents the soul from becoming tainted once again by the choices of the individual itself. But that is as far as I know. Regardless, your warning is heeded, sirs."

- - - Updated - - -

[Internal Security]

"It won't as long as you don't force us to do it in a confined space", Nanashi notes.

---

"Alright, follow me. There's an outdoors training facility for Internal Security that shouldn't be in use right now. You piqued my curiosity enough."

Frozen_Feet

2014-11-09, 09:46 AM

[Underground Parliament]

"The plague is a separate matter. We'll have to return to it and decide what to do about it if it keeps spreading. For now, let us resume the main reason for this meeting. Ishinomori Koutarou, in absence of other willing candidates, will you accept post as Commander-General of Gotei?"

---

[Internal Security]

Piqued his curiosity, eh? Setsurou is about to release an unknown entity from its bindings and hand it back its Zanpakuto. Certain saying about curiosity killing the cat comes to mind. Nanashi follows in Setsurou's wake, whistling cheerfully.

Kuroimaken

2014-11-09, 10:05 AM

"I can only do so but reluctantly, and hope that I am apt to the task." Koutarou replies without missing a beat. The subtext to his response isn't obvious at first glance, though the sentiment might be. "Wish you would tell me why I'm not your first choice."

"I intend to exercise my new post with the gravity and decorum it demands.

Honorable sirs, there is a secondary matter that I need to apprise you all of, and for which I would have requested an audience had I not been summoned already."

- - - Updated - - -

[Internal Security]

Piqued his curiosity, eh? Setsurou is about to release an unknown entity from its bindings and hand it back its Zanpakuto. Certain saying about curiosity killing the cat comes to mind. Nanashi follows in Setsurou's wake, whistling cheerfully.

The cat in this instance is more than capable of killing curiosity a couple dozen times over if it decides to get fresh with him.

Once they're in the field, Setsurou clicks the bindings of Nanashi open.

"Alright, Nanashi-kun. For the sake of argument, I should warn you that if you try anything funny, I WILL be forced to put you down, no matter how adorable a smile you can pull off otherwise."

Setsurou reaches into a sleeve of his shihakushou and pulls Nanashi's sword out. No explanation as to how, he's just THAT good.

Frozen_Feet

2014-11-09, 11:27 AM

Kuroimaken

2014-11-09, 01:48 PM

[Underground Parliament]

"Very well. Your new commission will officially begin tomorrow", the judge states. "As you happen to stand there, do share your concern regarding this 'secondary matter' before we move on."

---

[Internal Security]

"Oh, we wouldn't dream of it", Nanashi says with a grin while grasping its blade. "Do stand few dozen meters back, if you will. We wouldn't want to crush you by accident."

"Thank you, sirs.

A few hours ago, I was asked to a certain place by the Primera Espada, Jehoel Yurius. I did as he asked due to the... unusual nature of the request, since as you well know, our liaison with Las Noches is one Hishikawa Setsurou, current head of the Internal Security Division.

He guided me to a city-wide installation in the midst of the Pacific Ocean. As it turns out, the place was built with a sanctuary effect not unlike the one observed in the Kuzunoha facilities in the city of Ikari. Though, by far, this wasn't the most shocking aspect of said venue.

According to Yurius, the facility in question was built with the intent of serving as a spiritual haven for anyone and everyone willing to... escape the belligerent spiritual situation. But to my surprise, he claimed not to have initiated the project - merely facilitated it, in accordance with other factions already interested in interacting with one another. He said they are comprised of spiritually aware world leaders and other organizations not unlike the Quincy, which have been laying low or simply given us Shinigami wide berth when it came to spiritual matters.

It is my understanding that the previous Commander-General intended to put in motion something called 'Project Fury', the details of which entailed taking mediums under our wing and training them in order to ensure their powers do not instill calamities and unbalance. In the wake of Haven's construction, we now know that not only we won't be in control of how our existence comes to be known to the Mortal population, but they may have already taken steps towards creating a larger, worldwide organization of mediums that would render Project Fury pointless, or worse yet, detrimental."

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

[IntSec training grounds]

Because he really has no reason to deny Nanashi's request, Setsurou gives him a wide berth.

Frozen_Feet

2014-11-09, 04:39 PM

[Underground Parliament]

Soft murmur fills the court room as Koutarou speaks. Then, the judge knocks the table with a hammer few times to order silence to the room. "We do not find this information shocking. This very possibility was discussed at lenght with your precedessor. We will note that we're most displeased with conduct of Jehoel Yurius in this matter. He must believe asking for forgiveness is easier than asking for permission, as he had no business facilitating the construction of this place behind our backs. A neutral meeting spot, to be found on Earth, was discussed in our peace treaty, yes. But a city is ridiculously excessive."

"We will also note that the track record of Earthly mediums is less than stellar", a second judge continues. "The only two spiritual traditions on Earth that can be even remotely considered global are the Quincies, and the Cult serving as a front to our age-old enemies. In a situation like this, building of this 'haven' reeks of rogue mediums trying to cover their own behinds, considering they have not chosen to contact us or publicly distanced themselves from the actions of aforementioned parties. They are, quite frankly, delusional if they think we will acknowledge or accept legitimacy of their cause before they've made an appearance before us."

"The conduct of Arrancars has been unsatisfactory regarding these matters as well. Despite making a statement of being better-equipped for hunting Hollows than we are, their efforts against the Cult's masterminds have been half-hearted at best, even after we asked their help", a third judge joins the choir. "As part of your new duties, we want you to issue a warning to Jehoel Yurius. If he won't come forth with names and locations of those who built haven, we will seek them out ourselves and negotiate terms with them without input from Las Noches. And if he won't take a stronger stance against the Cult and the Quincies, we will ask the other Espada to remove him from his position. He has made a claim of equality with his peers, but as things stand, Las Noches is very much a one-man-show."

"As far as Project Fury goes, that operation will not officially begin until we have ironed out all the details. It is not a matter of right now. Instead, we want you to bring to justice the Cult of the Hollow King and its leaders. Once that matter is settled with, we will begin negotiations with human traditions, starting with the Anderson clan of Quincies, then continuing to Kuzunohas and whoever we can get in our hands. Are things clear this far, Commander Ishinomori?"

---

[Internal Security]

Nanashi places its sword on its belt, keeping its hands on the sheath and the hilt, as if ready to draw the weapon at any moment. Then, it utters a single word. "Resurrección." Its form begins glowing red, and a small whirlwind picks up around it. Then, pressure blasts outward from it, with such force that a normal man of Setsurou's build would've been knocked flat on his back or blown across the yard. It's a good thing he isn't a normal man.

Within the cloud of dust and debris kicked up by the blast, Setsurou can see Nanashi's form growing. It's black and indistinct, but seems to be approximating the shape of a typical Gillian-class Menos. For a moment, it looks like it will grow the size of one as well, but midway through the process, the growing figure doubles over and then breaks apart. Black blobs fall to the ground, becoming momentarily obscured by a layer of floating dust.

It's quite a show, really, but perhaps the most interesting part is not conveyed by sight. As the amorphous blotches of black move within the cloud of dust, Setsurou no longer feels one person. He feels fifty-six.

And then they stand up.

It's quite a motley crew. They're all dressed the same, wearing black robes tied around the waist with wide, red belts of cloth. Resemblance to Shihakusho is striking. All of them carry black-hilted katanas in lacquered black sheaths, grasping them with pallid hands with black claws. Where they differ is in height and general shape of body. Some are tall and lean, some are shorter and bulkier, some are small as children, with lenghts of their weapons varying accordingly.

And then there are the masks. Each face is obscured by white bone roughly resembling skull of a human or some animal. Some break the pattern by having horns or other protrusions unlike any real living creature. Each of the humanoids also have a hole going through them, though places vary. Most seem to have it somewhere on their chests, but some have them in rather odd places. Setsurou can see one with a hole through its elbow, while another has a hole through the knee, yet the limbs are apparently unimpeded by the missing flesh and bone.

Fifty-six pairs of gleaming red eyes with slit pupils look at Setsurou appraisingly.

Kuroimaken

2014-11-09, 05:07 PM

It takes Koutarou some effort to keep from wincing or otherwise showing his displeasure at the judges themselves. He expected them to be quick to denounce, but at least he expected them to wait till he was out of the room. "We do not find this information shocking", indeed.

"Yes, sirs, I believe so. It is my desire as well.

As they are now, the Cult has seen fit to go underground again - Recon's main efforts have been focused on trying to locate their leadership. I've also received disturbing reports of a large-scale spiritual battle having taken place in Ikari, where at least one entity with a Captain-class Reiatsu signature has been found. We're still investigating this situation, however. It is possible the renegade Quincies calling themselves Der Zerreißen Himmel Entwicklung are gearing for a large-scale move.

If that's the case, we may need to prepare for a war on two fronts. We have yet to confirm the size of their firepower, and they are very much intent on exterminating every single non-medium spiritual entity."

_______________

[IntSec Training Facility]

Setsurou manages to hide his surprise at the resulting action only by virtue of his training as an actor.

But he still lets slip an expression of admiration.

"That's... quite remarkable. How long can you keep this up for?"

Frozen_Feet

2014-11-09, 06:09 PM

Kuroimaken

2014-11-09, 07:00 PM

[Underground Parliament]

"It is our understanding that the Andersons and the Kuzunoha are preparing to make their move against their evil brethren in Ikari. Sadly, with the restlessness in Rukon and the hunt for the Cult, your organization hardly has the manpower to help them. Protecting Soul Society and returning stability to our land must take priority."

"This said, if their efforts are succesful or uncover a greater threat, we want you to press the advantage. The specific strategy or tactics utilized towards that end are not part of this meeting, however. We will leave operational decisions of Gotei in capable hands of you and your comrades." The judge strikes the table once to indicate an end to that branch of discussion.

"There is still one more thing we want you to pay attention to in your new role. While the external pressures on our nation are great, internal problems cannot be ignored either. As it stands, Hishikawa Setsurou is de facto leader of Internal Security. Yet, we have failed to uncover what reasons, exactly, your precedessor had for placing such trust in him. We want you to run an investigation on his actions, and if necessary, suspend him from his duties for the time being."

"We would not bring this up if his record was unblemished, but just before their promotion, your precedessor brought to our attention that Hishikawa once chose to shut down security cameras of the Central Hospital in order to have a private conversation with a patient he'd been tasked to guard. After reviewing the incident, we found no sound operational reason for his actions. If anything, it undermined the security of both him and the patient."

"To clarify, it is not the contents of the discussion we are interested in. We already have a reasonably accurate picture of what they discussed. It is the high-handed manner in which this decision was made. If something adverse had happened, we wouldn't be able to know of it due to missing evidence."

"Internal Security and Onmitsukidō are eyes and ears both to us and to you. We need to be able to trust them to provide us with accurate information, so we can make reasoned decisions. Hospital tapes already aren't perused unless there's a reason to doubt misconduct, and even then only with permission of either the Hospital head or Internal Security. Tampering with them was... highly unnecessary, as under normal circumstances the one to make the decision to peruse them would've been Hishikawa Setsurou."

"This whole thing would've gone unnoticed, if the patient himself, Hiraku Masaru, hadn't come clean about the discussion having taken place. We hope you can see the problem. If this'd been done by someone of lesser importance than Hishikawa-san, we would ask Internal Security to sort it out. Since it was done by him... well."

"We truly hope this was an isolated case of poor judgement, and it can sorted out with a mere warning and a fine. But we need to know for sure he isn't unnecessarily invoking his authority or omitting things from us. Or you. Someone needs to watch the watchman, after all."

---

[Internal Security]

The humanoid nearest to Setsurou crosses its arms on its chest and shrugs. "We do not know. We've never had to test it before."

While he did find this line of thought debatable, Koutarou lacked the actual power to once again return to this bit of conversation.

The request to investigate Setsurou was met with a frown.

"Such an investigation has, in its own way, already taken place.

Back when Officer Masaru was deemed a risk due to Izanami's contamination, Hishikawa-san was appointed as being responsible for his surveillance due to his position as head of Internal Security. At the time, his ward had just undergone a very traumatic experience, and he had to explain to said officer he was now under constant surveillance by a hit squad. In the interest of providing Officer Masaru with enough leeway to vent his frustrations without going on record, Officer Hishikawa exercised his authority in order to promote a sense of closure and comraderie to a fellow Shinigami whom, I may add, had just undergone great lengths of personal sacrifice to keep Izanami-no-Mikoto at bay, to the point of near-death. While his methods may seem reproachable, his intent was anything but. His behavior may warrant said warning and fine, but I have no reason to suspect Officer Hishikawa at this time. Internal Security has been very cooperative, particularly given the joint project with Combat Division - Operation Suikoden, I believe it's been dubbed - and though I may on occasion have my doubts regarding Officer Hishikawa's methods, I cannot argue with the results. They have, in effect, acted above their normal capacity as liaisons with Las Noches, an assignment that I see no reason to change at this time.

For the record, Officer Hishikawa has on numerous occasions requested that surveillance duties be relegated to his division, so as to improve response time and analysis, a function that has thus far been performed by the Engineering Division. In my previous capacity, it was beyond my ability to issue such an operational directive, but as of tomorrow, it won't be.

I cannot speak for my predecessor in regards to why he gave Officer Hishikawa the position. My understanding is that his service in acquiring vital intelligence in Hueco Mundo, as well as serving as a liaison between Las Noches and Soul Society, and his being the heir to the Hishikawa clan must've played a part in his considerations. His record is completely unremarkable otherwise up to the point where he was considered KIA close to 50 years ago.

I do not believe further investigation is necessary at this time, but if it is the will of this assembly, I will obey. Further, I intend to keep very close watch over each of my fellow Captain's actions so that none of this comes to concern the honorable members of this assembly during my time as Commander-General. If something urgent needs to be reported to Central, it will be through me."

_________________________________

[IntSec Training Facility]

"Can you release less than the total number of your... parts?" Setsurou seemed intrigued. "What limits to your Ressurreccion DO you know?"

Frozen_Feet

2014-11-11, 04:46 PM

[Underground Parliament]

"Intent is a dangerous thing, Ishinomori-san. Some of the worst decisions have been made with the best intentions. As the ultimate authority in Soul Society, we must judge an action's consequences as well, even potential consequences. If Hiraku-san had gone violent, or if Izanami had changed the target of her possession, Hishikawa's action would've critically delayed any response to it. In light of what you say, suspension is excessive, but we still want you to issue a warning and make sure no other such cases have happened. Hopefully, Hishikawa will be smart enough to willingly admit to his mistakes instead of trying to hide them."

"But enough of that. What I'd like you to do, is explain your point about surveillance. Internal Security already has plenty methods of surveillance, including the rights to appropriate or confiscate security devices when we, including you, deem it important for national or operational security. Considering the new engineering corps is only months old, we find it very odd you claim it has overtaken Internal Security's role in that regard. Any new devices planned or installed by the engineering corps are for Internal Security's benefit just as well."

---

[Internal Security]

"Not in the way you're likely thinking", the humanoid answers Setsurou's first question. "We don't all need to move separately. Some or all of us can recombine into a larger whole. But it's rather obvious when we do." In the background, two other humanoids join their hands and... for lack of a better word, melt together into an inky blob before becoming a single creature. The resultant form is considerably bigger and has a different mask than either of its parts, but otherwise it follows the same pattern as the invidual humanoids around it.

"As for our limits, we know fairly well what our invidual pieces are able to do. One unit does not have all the sensory and offensive powers we'd have in our unified form. As you can see, I only have one pair of eyes, and I do not have excess mouths to bite or spit fire and venom on my opponents. Save for those and few other details you wouldn't even know about, however, I can use any skill our unified form knew, and I'm not significantly weaker or less durable physically."

"When it comes to acting in concert, we are still working on optimal solutions. We can be much stronger than sum of our parts. We can also be much weaker. Most of it boils down to simple math. You are a military officer, so you've probably played your fair share of strategy games. You can probably imagine a scenario where focusing your forces will bring a certain victory, and others where fifty-six people in one place will just get in each other's way. Or conversely, a scenario where spreading out your forces will allow you to claim multiple objectives, and another where spreading out will simply ensure your men get picked off one by one."

Kuroimaken

2014-11-11, 07:48 PM

"Said surveillance methods are for Internal Security's use and perusal only, and with good reason. There is one, however, that makes up the exception to this rule. The Seireitei-wide network of security cameras. It is currently monitored not by Internal Security but rather Engineering. Hishikawa-san's request pertained to allowing his Division exclusively to monitor said cameras, relegating their maintenance to Engineering - or, after appropriate training, Medicine and Logistics. Whichever was most convenient to Engineering itself. Given they already maintain the system, I have reason to believe relieving them from monitoring duty would free up some much needed manpower for other tasks that are more Division-appropriate, including but not limited to their current orbit stabilization program.

Doing so would also decrease their response time to internal threats by as much as roughly 183 seconds, according to data measured by Hishikawa-san himself. He hinted at the possibility of extending a simpler network over the inhabited areas of Rukon so as to improve the efficiency of the crimefighting assembly created by Operation Suikoden. That way we could minimize casualties like the ones that occurred during the recent attack on House Koutetsu's holdings. Though I suspect that following the exile of Yi family into Earth and the need to reinforce the structural integrity of buildings Rukon-wide, the priority on such a project would become significantly lower."

___________________________

"I suspect you would come to learn everything your individual parts observed when you canceled the effect. Or is that information lost? For that matter, can you share information directly? And what happens when a part of you is defeated?"

Frozen_Feet

2014-11-12, 09:59 AM

[Underground parliament]

"You are arguing a lot of unrelated things there, Ishinomori-san. As they are not the point of this meeting, we will adress them only briefly."

"Firstly, the way you initially put it made us think you wanted to expand rights of Internal Security, but after hearing your justification, it sounds more you want to restrict rights of others. Now, improving the flow of information to Internal Security is certainly a good idea, but nothing about it requires said information to be exclusive to them. Indeed, you should have gathered from our earlier discussion that it's not in best interest of either us or you for Internal Security to have complete monopoly for watching over our automated surveillance systems. Precisely because, in cases like Hishikawa's and Hiraku's, it omits from us potentially valuable evidence and a second opinion."

The second judge has been reading on past laws behind their plague, and now chooses to speak their findings: "As it stands, all Division leaders and their appointed Duty Officers have permission to view security feeds of their own Division grounds. In addition, all non-military installations have the right to install, monitor and maintain their own security systems. Where it can be done without compromising security, they can and should be relayed to Internal Security monitoring stations, but we expect them to hit diminishing returns fairly quickly. Internal Security does not have infinite manpower either. We have cameras, tapes and hard-drives for a reason. People can't be staring at screens all the time, and when they aren't, we need a way to go back and check what happened when no-one was looking."

"... and because of that, we also need those cameras to be active and recording. Confiscating material is one thing, erasing it or making sure it never exists is another. We will also note that access to surveillance doesn't improve just the functions of Internal Security. It improves the function of all Divisions. Bettering Internal Security's response time by three minutes won't warm our minds if they'll still take fifteen to get where they need to be, while a native Division officer would've only taken a minute to arrive at the scene if allowed sufficient information. You are free to tell these greetings to Hishikawa."

"Secondly, regarding maintenance, prior to founding of the Engineering corps it was a duty shared by Logistics and SSI. As it is primarily a technical matter, transferring those duties to Engineering does make a degree of sense. However, Seireitei is simply too big and has too many cameras for this burden to fall on just one Division. In the future, it might be best to spread it across Logistics and the new Ministry of Defense, so SSI can focus on research and Engineering on Manufacture. Internal Security will, of course, need its own share of technical experts for special operations."

"Thirdly, as you brought up Operation Suikoden, we heartily endorse increasing funding of it and Hiraku Masaru's future efforts of bringing peace and order to Rukon. Extending automated surveillance of Rukon is not something we would advice at the moment, however. Those cameras aren't cheap, we do not want you wasting wealth and resources on equipment that will get broken by anarchistic rabble."

"Does this clear things for you, Ishinomori-san?"

---

[Internal Security]

"I can poke out one of your eyes or break a few of your fingers if you want to know what its like", the humanoid answers with a snort. Wait. Does that actually answer any of his questions?

Kuroimaken

2014-11-12, 08:07 PM

Frozen_Feet

2014-11-13, 09:07 AM

[Underground Parliament]

"Apology accepted. You are free to leave, Commander." The guards move in to escort Koutarou back to the surface.

---

[Internal Security]

"Yes, getting hurt is inconvenient. News at eleven." On the background, another figure, approximately the height and shape of your average ten-year-old girl, notices something on the ground and bends over to pick it up. "Ooh! Shiny!" The humanoid that's been speaking with Setsurou sighs.

"... is there something else you want to ask?"

Kuroimaken

2014-11-13, 10:36 AM

Koutarou left with the weight of the world on his shoulders.

He wondered which would pose a more difficult task. Destroying the Cult or navigating Central's hypocrisies and idiosyncrasies. His future, and that of his peers, depended on both.

________________
"When can you start?"

Frozen_Feet

2014-11-13, 10:39 AM

[Internal Security]

"The answer to that one should be obvious. It's not like we have any past obligations holding us back."

Kuroimaken

2014-11-13, 11:14 AM

"I'll get started on the paperwork. You'll have an adjutant rank, which means you can't boss anyone around, but you'll be under me, so unless someone comes to you with orders signed by me they can't boss you around either."

Frozen_Feet

2014-11-14, 01:57 AM

"Not even your superiors? Or do you imply you have none?"

Kuroimaken

2014-11-14, 05:14 AM

"I do, but if THEY want to order you around, there's no reason they can't ask me to give you your orders. Technically there are only two people above me when it comes to my specific competence anyways. The Commander-General and Central 46. But as a rule, they'd order me to order you around.

Do you know how a military chain of command works?"

Frozen_Feet

2014-11-14, 09:59 AM

"I know how command chains of several militaries work. They don't agree with each other. They often don't even agree within themselves. Paper is paper, practice is practice, as they say. I'm sufficiently paranoid to come up with 56 reasons why your superiors might not trust you and choose to not trust you and go behind your back."

At this point, the afore-mentioned smaller humanoid stumbles closer and butts in. "I know! What if you're a pedophile and are trying to convince us you have your superiors' full trust so you can sexually harass us?"

The larger humanoid groans and rolls its eyes. "... 57 reasons."

Kuroimaken

2014-11-14, 12:23 PM

"Alright, here's the question that matters.

Based on their track record so far, who would you rather go with: me or my (heretofore unknown to you) superiors?"

Frozen_Feet

2014-11-14, 01:56 PM

"You stressed 'military chain of command', in which case 'going with you' automatically entails going with your superiors. The reverse isn't necessarily true, so unless your superiors prove themselves to be completely insufferable, the answer will, of course, be them because it leaves open a possibility for me to complain about and ignore your orders if I find them against my best interests." The smaller humanoid raises a finger up like it just had an epiphany. "Unless you imply your superior are completely insufferable, in which case you are pretty much admitting to plotting a rebellion before 56 witnesses."

The larger humanoid kicks the smaller to the shin. "... stop talking."

Kuroimaken

2014-11-14, 03:39 PM

"That's my point exactly.

Anything they deign to ask of you that they couldn't ask me to do for them is something they don't trust me to do myself. In which case they shouldn't trust you to do it either, because at least as far as they know, you guys work for me. Keep in mind there are people who work for me that don't have a rank in the Gotei but nonetheless serve Seireitei in important, minute ways.

You don't have any particular reason to trust me over them, or vice-versa. That's ultimately entirely up to you.

I don't have any particular reason to trust you guys as far as I can throw you either, but I'm willing to offer you a chance to show me what you can do. If it turns out I can't trust you, then I simply won't, and I will deal with that development accordingly.

I can't give you any guarantees you wouldn't carve out yourselves, and you can't give me any guarantees until I see your work firsthand. I'm not taking any huge risks in doing so, mind. I'm more curious to see if we can establish a decent working relationship.

So that's where we're at."

Frozen_Feet

2014-11-14, 08:20 PM

The smaller humanoid rubs its shin for a moment, then turns towards the bigger one. "Um, since there are 56 of us, it's pretty hard to throw us at all. Does that mean he shouldn't trust at all?" The larger humanoid sighs. "I can guarantee that's not how that saying works." Then, back to Setsurou: "So, do you still have questions? Or should we just wait untill you come up with out first assignment?"

Kuroimaken

2014-11-14, 09:35 PM

"I actually have a ton of them, but that can wait.

For now, I'm gonna see about getting you a better room than one of IntSec's cells. And we need to figure how long you can stay... separated. But not now.

We still need to figure a better name for you than Nanashi. It's a specially inept name with 57 of you."

Frozen_Feet

2014-11-19, 10:11 AM

Kuroimaken

2014-11-19, 01:43 PM

"Fifty-six", the larger humanoid corrects. Currently fifty-five, in actuality, as two of the beings are still merged. "We still hold it is a perfectly apt name. If you do not like it, maybe you should discuss with the person who gave it to us. You don't need us to do that, though. If you have no objections, we'll just stay here and... do nothing, I suppose."

"That's boring! We want to go sight-seeing! And picking flowers!", the smaller humanoid whines and crosses its arms. This sparks a discussion amongst the remaining humanoids.

"A trip to a restraurant would be rather nice. I'm tired with prison food."

"I still want to see that execution device, though."

"Hmmm, what's on that other mountain there?"

"What about that fancy tower in the horizon?"

"Could we just stay here and train? I've not been able to stretch my muscles for days!"

So on and so forth.

"I'll have to think on that. Anyway, I can't really let all of you loose just like that. Not until you have an official commission. Buuuuuuuuuut I can let you guys use this space for a few hours to train. It'll be a good way to gauge how long you can keep yourself split.

Now, I hear some of you guys are hungry. I can provide for that too, but I need a headcount of how many people to provide FOR.

...you guys don't really fight each other actively, right? You can't get into a fight I'm gonna have to stamp out?"

Frozen_Feet

2014-11-20, 09:59 AM

"We have no particular inclination to wreck this place or each other, if that's what you're after", the larger humanoid replies. "As for how many mouths to feed, 56 is still a good start."

Kuroimaken

2014-11-20, 10:17 AM

"Good thing I don't use my expenses account often. Alright, stick around. I should be back in six hours or so. The food will be here sooner than that, hopefully.

If you need anything, send one of your guys over to find Urameshi in Internal Security. He's on the loop of my little pet project for you all, so he will be helpful."

Unless stopped, Setsurou will leave...

[Some time later, IntSec HQ]

...and after a quick meeting with the newly minted Commander-General, he's off to try and contact Jehoel Yurius.

This is going to suck worse than a black hole giving a sloppy blowjob.

strawberryman

2014-11-22, 04:49 PM

[Soul Society]
(Seireitei - SSI Headquarters)

After the hearing, Momoka heads relatively straight for the SSI main research facility. She had a feeling that the Central 46 would ask her to take the lead of the SSI, but for now, she was quite glad that wasn't the case. There were still things to do, even if she ended up being the most likely successor with many of the division's researchers being poached by engineering, and others being of a more or less submissive state in the wake of Sawada's betrayal.

Walking through the doors, she's wearing her foxlike smile as she asks around, seeing if she has already had an office assigned. If not, she picks one of the many empty offices remaining, and makes her way to it. It's a decent-sized room, set beside a number of similar offices, and facing the division's garden. It's empty of any articles just yet, only a standard-sized desk and an empty book case, but there's of course, plenty of time to decorate.

After all, Kobayashi Momoka is a free woman.

Sitting down in a meditative stance with a smirk, she sends a Hell Butterfly to all appropriate parties, most likely limited to Koutarou and whoever is in charge of administrative duties for the SSI at this juncture. Perhaps Hideki and Chouko as well.
"Greetings. I would like to both request and report to my intent to visit the spiritual plane of Hueco Mundo, with a likely stop in our 'allied' city of Las Noches. This is related to a path of research I am pursuing. I will provide copies of my research to any who request it, but for the moment, it is theoretical. Thank you for your time."

With that, she also sends a message to Setsurou.
"Setsurou. I would like to thank you again, for your... gift. You might be glad to know that I have been pardoned. However, that is not exactly why I am contacting you. I am going to Hueco Mundo. I do not know how long I will be gone, but I have no doubt you would find out in time. Please, go about your own duties. I can take care of myself, and will send messages as often as I can." There is a pause. "...I will come back. I know how it feels for someone you care about to disappear."

With that handled, Momoka sighs and closes her eyes, going over the events of the past... month, or so? It was truly longer than that to her, but time distortion is a funny thing.

And also considering the path she followed from here.

(Rukon)

The citizens fall silent for a moment... and then advance, stopping just a few meters away from the front of the caravan. The lead speaker waves about a flag with the symbol of the many divisions of the Rukon emblazoned upon it.

"We're done with your nonsense, nobles! You don't know how much some of us have lost! We've had it, and it's time for some change! We're not moving!"

...at the very least, they're not doing anything violent, yet. But sitting here might invite trouble...

Kuroimaken

2014-11-23, 09:14 PM

As it turns out, there are two sets of responses.

Permission granted. Simply file in a formal request for bookkeeping purposes. Our Las Noches liaison will assign you an escort to help with regular reports.

I should be able to congratulate you in person before you depart. Turns out I have a message of my own to deliver. Simply contact me as soon as you are ready to go, and we should be able to make at least the initial trip together.

Draken

2014-12-01, 10:14 AM

[Rukon]

The Kotetsu Chief Guardsman shouts at the lead speaker.

"Since when is it nonsense to want to cross a road!"

Some other guard pokes his head out of the wagon.

"Chief, just forget about it and lets take a detour. The rail station is not that far anyway."

The first man growls and turns back to the convoy, which pulls back and heads into a different street.

Kuroimaken

2014-12-02, 09:22 PM

((OK, this has been overdue for the longest time and I'm really, really, really sorry.))

At some point Koutarou gets around to that message inscribed in ice. Which causes him to facepalm. And then he receives a related report, whereupon Cult activity is mentioned in Eastern Russia. Because OF COURSE THEY'D BE INTERESTED IN A PIECE OF SPIRITUAL LANDMASS. If it weren't for the chaos Seireitei was thrown in when Geister pulled his plane-ejection stunt, he would've had someone deal with that long ago.

His first call is to Recon. He needs surveillance data and intel. He would hope the Cult hasn't been using drones for skeet, but he knows better.

His second call is to Masaru at Combat HQ. He is going to need a sizable invasion force. Unlike the first time they tangled with the Cult, he doesn't exactly expect all the heavy hitters in one basket this time, so it shouldn't be a problem to keep a couple of backup squads.

His third call goes to Engineering. It's a message to both Hideki and Chouko.

"Koutetsu, Takenaka. We're going to hit a Cult installation briefly. We're headed into enemy territory and I need all the surveillance and on-site tech support you can provide. I believe they'll be expecting us, so if you have anything we can deploy from orbit or aerial advantage weaponry you've been meaning to field-test for a while, now's the time. We're rolling out as soon as Engineering and Combat are both ready."

His fourth call goes out to Momoka. He just hopes she hasn't left for Las Noches just yet...

"Kobayashi-kun, sorry to potentially delay your research trip, but you're the most reliable Kidou expert I have on hand. I need you to cooperate with our surveillance team for an operation. We're going to hit a Cult installation shortly and I want you to keep an eye out for unusual spells and patterns on the field through our surveillance system - I hope I'm being paranoid but I would rather not have more surprises like last time."

Koutarou himself decides to head for the Combat Division grounds. His background is more suited for dealing with the troops, anyway.

strawberryman

2014-12-04, 05:22 AM

[Soul Society]
(SSI Grounds)

Momoka has just about finished with her preparations, in fact! So it was fortunate enough Koutarou acted when he did. She sends a rather simple affirmative to the commander before making her way to Engineering, or wherever the surveillance equipment is hosted.

A shame. If only it hadn't come to this...

(Engineering)

Chouko is, gasp, hard at work in her lab, for once not on robots. It looks like she's tweaking a new set of arms, another quad-set, it seems like. But with a heavy sigh, she sets her things down and looks at her Orchestra.

"...All right, Forte! Time to show those punks some style, you think? It's your debut album, baby, so don't let momma down."

Forte steps forward with a bow. "Of course, mother. I'll rock the house until the roof falls down." With that, he's gone! And Chouko opens a channel with Hideki.

"All right, bro, you heard the man. I would ask if you've got anything simmerin' in that weapons kitchen you call your lab, but we both know if the beat's gonna drop, you're the one that's mannin' the DJ Booth, so why don't you go out there and make some music?" Well it's silly, but it's relatively tame for Chouko.

(Rukon)

As the convoy turns into a side street, all seems quiet...

But then there's a muffled explosion from under their feet.

And the ground sinks quickly around the main prisoner car.

Hey, remember those tunnels that were mentioned? Guess somebody is trying to drop them in one.

Draken

2014-12-06, 10:10 PM

Rukon

That is downright...

Sad.

As far as attempts to waylay a carriage, it is quite weak. It would have stopped a mortal convoy in its tracks, sure, but a few words cut the plan short.

"Bakudo 37. Tsuriboshi."

A net of energy stretches under the wagons, over the hole, preventing the fall. And the kotetsu soldiers draw their weapons.

Azuma is nowhere to be seen yet.

----------

Engineering

Hideki receives Chouko's message and is almost surprised to not hear any particular innuendo out of it.

But yes, he's got something.

One of the hangar doors at the back of the division factory opens, and out comes something.

Something big.

Frozen_Feet

2014-12-20, 02:41 PM

[Far side of Hueco Mundo; Wandenreich ; Silbern, the Headquarters of Der Zerreißen Himmel Entwicklung] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-lpk1_PWn3s)

The Quincies have been busy. While Caeyrn was training and keeping up his double life on Earth and Torahiko was going through a boot camp, the others have been putting up building after building. Surrounding the ice-encrusted palace, there are several other hangars and barrack-like constructions. Whole companies of Soldaten are marching through the streets between the buildings, headed towards the large empty yard before the Silbern.

That's probably as expected. No doubt, the members of the Belenus family from the hangar where Torahiko stayed for the past week will soon march out to join their comrades. But there's more. As Adler leads them towards their destination, they can hear the roar of engines echoing from the hangars. Some of the doors are wide open, and as they pass, Caeyrn and Torahiko can see rows of modern battle tanks within, with a platoon of mechanics readying them up for the coming battle. They even get to see an actual fighter jet driven out of one of the hangars!

Much of it is thanks to the Winchester family, who brought the knowledge, the funding and occasionally, the materials to build these things, acquired from sympathetic (though perhaps not fully informed) parties from USA. On Earth, where Reishi is sparse, they could've never made something like this. But here, in the world of spirits, where the very land and air respond to their call... almost nothing is unachievable. When Adler was telling Margrave how Quincies are rightfull masters of afterlife, clearly he wasn't just bragging.

But, while the Quincies have near-infinite raw materials to build their warmachines here, it's clear they don't have limitless time. The sense of hurry permeates the ice-cold air. It's only a matter of time before someone realizes they're gone from Earth, so they have to press their advantage when they still can and surprise the Arrancars before they'll think to come looking. Even in this eternally dark world, the Quincy's Shadow can't hide them forever.

The ceremony Adler's been talking of turns out to be the funeral of Hein Weisweide. The old man's body has been placed into an ivory coffin, a crown of frozen flowers decorating it. Caeyrn can see Niklaus and several other of the Kaiserlich Rössel standing beside it. Hymns are sang, prayers are uttered, and then Caeyrn gets summoned to the front. His new status as one of the Rössel is announced to all, and he is granted a set of Vertrauen for his own use. Niklaus, who still has one arm in a sling and half his face covered by bandages, smiles the best he can and shakes Caeyrn's hand. "Welcome to the club. Do you have any words to say, on this eve before our final assault on the creatures of the dark?"

5a Violista

2015-01-02, 02:58 PM

[Far side of Hueco Mundo; Wandenreich ; Silbern, the Headquarters of Der Zerreißen Himmel Entwicklung]

Everything here is impressive: the order, the men, the weapons, the preparations, the feelings, the funeral...Caeyrn could probably continue to list things on and on for quite a long time. However, he isn't here to make huge lists.

Caeyrn gets up and puts on a smile as well. He shakes Niklaus's good hand. "Yes, I do," he says.

The actor turns towards the croud and lifts his voice. "Thank you," he says, "all of you." He then makes a brief and respectful gesture at the man in the casket. "I didn't personally know this man here, but there are many things that I was able to notice about him. It was obvious that he truly cared. He truly cared about his family, for we all are now his family. He truly cared about his cause. Let us make him proud by putting the same level of care in what we'll do today."

He hopes that is sufficiently rousing and respectful and...all the other feelings and ideas he was hoping to pack in those brief sentences. After it was concluded, he goes back to sit again.

TherianTheorist

2015-01-02, 08:36 PM

[Far side of Hueco Mundo; Wandenreich ; Silbern, the Headquarters of Der Zerreißen Himmel Entwicklung]

It seems that no matter what happens, Torahiko ends up at least somewhat of an observer. He wouldn't even be here if he hadn't been frustrated with his inability to make a difference in all this. And now he was just observing again. He even found an ability that only shows him things he couldn't change. He'd be making a difference soon though, maybe even be there for something world changing.

But for now, it was at least quite a view; complete with a secret fortress, a funeral for an emperor, and the fact that they may not even be on earth anymore. (Which probably explained the atmosphere from earlier.)

So for now he listens to Caeyrn's speech, and smiles.

Frozen_Feet

2015-01-07, 08:46 AM

After Caeyrn, several other people step up to have their word. Oddly enough (or not), Niklaus remains silent. Only after the ceremony is over does he call an adjudant to deliver a message to other Kaiserlich Rössel: there's going to be a meeting in one hour. They have an attack to plan. Caeyrn is given that long to gather his thoughts and prepare.

---

[Silbern, one hour later]

The leaders of Zerreißen Himmel Entwicklung are gathered around a large table with an integrated display. It's showing a map of Las Noches and surrounding terrain, pieced together from reports by Demetrio and other captured Arrancars as well as long-range reconnassaince. Niklaus arrived to the scene with his healthy hand clutching an old cane, and now sets it resting against the table so he can beckon at markers on the map. Caeyrn might recognize the cane as having belonged to late Hein Weiswiede.

"We'll be attacking from three directions", Niklaus explains. "The armored battalion will form the spearhead of our charge. They'll appear on the desert and head for the main gate. Kummerows, you will be with them. I expect some Hollows will leave the city to intercept, so the 1st Infantry battalion will approach perpendicular to the main line of attack to flank the enemy forces. Kawano and Merkel, you will be with this second group." Niklaus lifts his gaze up from the map to look at Caeyrn. "The 2nd infantry battalion will follow in wake of the armored battalion and take care of any surviving foes. In the case the main attack halts, you'll be our reserve. So don't rush ahead."

Niklaus moves his finger on the map to point at a black dot on the dome of Las Noches. "I will lead the aerial strike squadron and the Nachfolger and try to sneak in from another entrance. The city's covered by a dome with, I hear, artificial sunlight within it, so we can't use Quincy's Shadow to sneak in... save for one exception. Apparently, there's a hole in the dome close to the heart of the city. The area below has been walled off from the rest of it, but if we manage to break through, we'll be able to give our foes quite a scare." Niklaus moves his hand back on the cane and looks at all the others present in turn. "Any questions, ladies and gentlemen?"

---

[Meanwhile, in nearby barracks]

After the ceremony, Torahiko was told to pick up his arms and wait in one of the new garrison buildings. He isn't alone there - a dozen familiar faces from past week are there too, dressed in their combat uniforms and clutching their weapons nervously. They've been told they'll be part of the 2nd infantry battalion, so they won't be the first ones to be cast into fire. In practice, it just means more waiting for them. Few are trying to pass the time by telling jokes or engaging in other idle chatter, but the noise quiets down when a pale form steps into the room.

It's Demetrio. The, ah, reprogrammed Arrancar stands in the doorframe for a second, then wordlessly walks to an empty bunk and sits on it, staring blankly at Torahiko who has the misfortune to be opposite to him.

Dorizzit

2015-01-07, 01:11 PM

Las Noches
Silbern - 1 Hour Ago

As was to be expected, the Kummerow twins are present from the very start of the funeral. Nikolina has control of the body from the beginning, as indicated by the rigid self control and composure displayed by the Quincy. Despite this, Nikolina is obviously in shock and mourning. This is the first time that any of the assembled Quincies have seen her show much of any emotion other than mild annoyance or absolute focus. When her time comes to speak, she walks up next to the coffin and gazes into wistfully for a few seconds before turning to address the audience. A sudden shift in posture indicates that Isalda has resumed control of the body, which would hardly be expected for any public event. The younger sister has none of her usual oblivious cheer; she looks desolate.

"Hein Weisweide was...was more to my sister and I than we can ever put into words. When we were alone, and angry, and scared, he came to us and showed us kindness when no one else ever had. He gave us a purpose. Showed us that we could be something more than what we were, which was nothing at all. Hein was a father to many of us...but for my sister and I, he was the only family we ever had. We will see his ideals become reality if it kills us."

Very abruptly, Isalda stalks away from the funeral. An observant watcher might note tears beginning to stream down her face, but she's keeping herself together remarkably well.

* * *

Nikolina shows up a few minutes early to the war room, now (apparently) fully recovered from her earlier grief. She listens dispassionately to Niklaus' speech, only speaking up to provide and acknowledgement of her orders.

KnightDisciple

2015-01-14, 10:36 PM

[Seireitei, Soul Society]
[Combat Division Staging Grounds]

Captain Hiraku Masaru stood before an assembled force of Shinigami. They were primarily from his own Division, but those from Command, Engineering, Medicine & Logistics, Recon, and one or two others had a few representatives, primarily to help with logistics, coordination, and so on.

He walked back and forth, hands clasped behind his back as he held his gaze on the group of soldiers. They stood at attention, though with it having been almost 5 minutes, some were starting to glance back and forth and wonder what was going on.

"Today is not about revenge."

That got everyone's attention. Masaru's voice was projected through subtle speakers planted about the staging grounds, fed by a mike at his lapel. His eyes were as firm as the steel of his blades.

"We lost comrades a few days ago. A few mistakes were made. People died. But what we do today is not about gaining vengeance, or even justice, for them. Justice is a side benefit."

Now he stopped, dead-center on the stage, looking out at the crowd.

"We go to protect the world of mortals. A world much assaulted and assailed of late. We go to quell the rise of a cult that claims to have the best interests of mortals at heart, but seeks only to warp and control and dominate. We go to cleanse souls.

But make no mistake."

He stopped, holding the eyes of everyone there, his voice now like velvet-wrapped steel.

"If we encounter a mortal who bears any sort of empowerment and is aiding the Cult, we are not confined to less-than-lethal methods. This group is to be stopped. Period. Whatever the cost to those who ally with them. Their souls will enter the cycle purified once more.

We must be swift but strong. We will overwhelm them. We will destroy them. Root them out like the cancer they are.

We shall be their Grim Reapers."

He stopped, and waited for a reaction.

Kuroimaken

2015-01-14, 11:40 PM

Somber and solemn at first, the troops raised their fists in unison as Masaru finished his speech. A united cry of "YES, SIR!" echoed across the staging grounds.

The now-empowered Commander-General arrived shortly thereafter.

"Thank you, Masaru-taichou.

I would like to add that we expect less resistance than our previous assault on the Ghost-King's court. Do NOT mistake this for a diminished need for caution - we have no reason to believe the element of surprise is on our side.

Swiftness is our priority. We have confirmed civillians in the stage of operations, full numbers unknown. The Engineering Division will be employing an initial shock-and-awe assault in order to scatter them and minimize noncombatant casualties.

I defer to your best judgement regarding those who choose to surrender. The enemy has lulled us into a false sense of security before and this will NOT happen again.

We have reason to believe that the Cult has been providing medical care to the nearby village. Their medical facilities are a secondary target at best, and we won't be hitting those until we've captured or destroyed their main installations. If any of you should contact a member of the Ghost-King's court, do not engage; request Captain backup IMMEDIATELY.

Get ready for deployment. The operation begins in fifteen minutes. Any additions to this briefing will be made then."

5a Violista

2015-01-17, 12:53 AM

[Caeyrn]
[Silbern, now]

Caeyrn nods and examines the map with everyone else. He starts thinking out plans, combat maneuvers, and everything he has learned from his occasional fight with massive Hollows. How his own personal plans and thoughts fit into this, he cannot decide. It will be extremely complicated. He feels the need to make the right decision. Not just the simple decisions, but the right one. It is so confusing, and so difficult to decide. The hardest part is deciding this: What is the right decision and how will he know it when it comes up?

(From what I understand, Caeyrn will lead the 2nd infantry battalion, right?)

When asked if he has a question, he shakes his head 'no.' He doesn't have any. Oh, wait, a question comes to mind. Even if possible, will there be no capturing, for that Sklaverei?" he asks.

[Valentina]
[Las Noches]

Valentina sits again in a street with her face in her arms, like she has been most days. She sighs. This place has been incredibly lifeless since he left...

She looks up and watches the people pass. That's probably the only thing interesting to do nowadays. Before, she was busy, looking after those no-longer Sin Rostro, or sneaking peeks in through her own window from across town, and before that, thinking about the Shinigami and how to attack them, and before that, survival occupied her entire mind.

Now, all that remains is nothing. Only boredom and longing and more boredom.

She sighs.

[Miss Suou]
[Seireitei: Combat Division grounds]

Miss Suou smiles and shouts with the rest of her division.

That was really motivating. Yes. They need to protect the Mortal World. If Suou was the same girl as when she first arrived in the Seireitei, her mind would still be consumed with thoughts of vengeance: revenge it all. She's not the same girl now: All that is left is the desire to protect the people she needs to protect.

...

Well, okay. Some thoughts of vengeance creep into her mind, but she's only human.

strawberryman

2015-01-18, 09:43 AM

[Soul Society]
(Rukon)

While the controlled explosion failed, explosions come from under the carriage as, presumably, the insurgents throw dynamite from within the tunnel, the ground giving way, which in turn gives the Tsuriboshi less and less to hang on to.

Aboveground, the soldiers are waylaid by a sudden mess of smoke bombs. In turn, instead of going for the soldiers, the rebels go for the cart, attacking the kido net with sharpened shovels. You would think the improvised weapons wouldn't do much against the net, but they cut with an odd efficiency. It's somewhat offset by the lack of strength in the forces wielding them, but when normal pluses face off against shinigami they can't afford to play fair.

Kishi spits inside the cart. "****in' idjits. Shoulda jus' lit me die."

About a dozen above ground.

(Recon)

While it's likely a majority of the monitors are focused on the impending operation, Momoka quietly makes note of the single monitor overlooking what's going on with the Koutetsu caravan. Granted, there isn't much she can do about it currently.

Draken

2015-01-21, 05:23 PM

[Seireitei]
(Assembling Assault)

Hideki is silent through the speeches. Sitting inside his tank and waiting for the assault team to deploy.

---

(Rukongai)

Kishi gets an answer to her comment as an empty seat in front of her is suddenly filled with Kotetsu Azuma.

"Die. Don't be silly, you know we will just keep using you as bait."

Azuma raises a finger to the sky and calls forth a spell.

"Zōo no Ōarashi."

A bolt of lightning flares up, and emerald clouds begin to assemble, ringed by brazen idols inscribed with searing runes.

Kuroimaken

2015-01-21, 06:34 PM

[Soul Society, Staging Area: 15 minutes later.]

"Move out!"

((Continued in the Mortal World thread!))

strawberryman

2015-01-22, 01:42 AM

[Soul Society]
(Recon Surveillance Room)

There's a momentary twitch in one of Momoka's eyebrows as she catches a glimpse of Azuma conjuring up the storm clouds as part of his kido. Hardly worth notice from any of the technicians.

But, she looks back to the probe feed following the main force, nonetheless, holding her ground.

In the misty forest of Momoka's spirit world, the reaction to that spell is much more readily apparent. Momoka is not standing her ground. She is back to the scared child she was when she first saw those clouds of destruction, curled up in the bough of a tree and shaking in utter terror.

Yuuazamusha stands by quietly, saying nothing. But looking concerned, nonetheless.

(Rukon)

One of the above ground insurgents lets out a call, it's hard to determine what exactly he said, but it looks like a call to retreat. The group of civilians, still quite nearby, also take this as a hint, darting into houses. The assault below rages on, however, and it's likely that the kido keeping the cars from falling is fraying. After all, it's a utility spell, not a barrier. And in fact, after the retreat, the assault begins to intensify. Did the attackers enter secret tunnels from the nearby buildings? Perhaps. It'd be hard for Azuma's spell to reach them underground.

Kishi just growls, grumbling to herself. "Ah could just bite mah tongue an drown in tha blood, yeh git."

Draken

2015-01-22, 12:33 PM

Frozen_Feet

2015-01-25, 12:15 PM

[Hueco Mundo; Silbern]

"If all goes well, by the time you and 2nd Infantry arrive, the enemy will have already broken and you can capture the survivors", Niklaus replies. "If not, we can't afford to leave any troops behind to watch after the prisoners. In that case, destroy all enemies as you advance towards the city proper. Anything else, Mr. Belenus?"

TherianTheorist

2015-01-25, 12:35 PM

[Meanwhile, in nearby barracks]

After the ceremony, Torahiko was told to pick up his arms and wait in one of the new garrison buildings. He isn't alone there - a dozen familiar faces from past week are there too, dressed in their combat uniforms and clutching their weapons nervously. They've been told they'll be part of the 2nd infantry battalion, so they won't be the first ones to be cast into fire. In practice, it just means more waiting for them. Few are trying to pass the time by telling jokes or engaging in other idle chatter, but the noise quiets down when a pale form steps into the room.

It's Demetrio. The, ah, reprogrammed Arrancar stands in the doorframe for a second, then wordlessly walks to an empty bunk and sits on it, staring blankly at Torahiko who has the misfortune to be opposite to him.Torahiko tries to avoid making eye contact with the... creature that the quincy had "conscripted". It was bad enough that it (They?) had that unnerving quality like a mannequin that's just a bit too human like, but now it was likely he'd be working with it in the coming assault. Though something about them makes him wonder, if he could just reach out and...

Nope, not going to try that.

...But it's probably for the best to at least try something first, and then, when it doesn't react, he go back to treating them like an object. "I take it you're going to be working with us?"

Frozen_Feet

2015-01-26, 10:33 AM

"Yes. I live to serve", Demetrio replies with enthusiasm, not really looking at Torahiko but visibly stiffening and straightening his back in response to being spoken to.

TherianTheorist

2015-01-28, 09:52 PM

They had to react. (Possibly literally so.)

Torahiko sighs nervously, he might as well keep asking questions, that's what got him here, after all. "What kind of support can we expect from you?"

5a Violista

2015-01-29, 01:20 AM

[Hueco Mundo; Silbern]

The actor-Quincy does not, in fact, have any other questions at the moment. "No, that's the only question," he says.

There's not much else to ask, really.

"Let's just get this show started."

Frozen_Feet

2015-02-02, 09:55 AM

[Hueco Mundo; Silbern]

"Good." Niklaus gives one more look around the table. "No more questions? Let's all go to our posts, then, ladies and gentlemen." Leaning on the cane, Niklaus limps to a coat rack and puts on his new hat. His back towards the others, he grins. Let the Blitzkrieg begin.

---

[Barracks; where Torahiko is]

"I will do my best to crush our enemies and ensure no Quincies come to harm", Demetrio states proudly. He's really getting into character. The other Soldat around sigh in relief.

That's when their platoon leader barges in. "Okay, girls and boys! Pick up your bones! Get into the cars, we have a long ride ahead!" In unison, the soldiers rise and form a line. Demetrio waits for Torahiko to stand before taking his place as the last in line.

---

[Later; outside Las Noches] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=keXfiffBzFw)

The silence of the eternal night is broken by the most unusual of sounds - the rumbling of tank engines. Where just a second ago there was just faint shadows cast by nearby dunes and the moonlight, suddenly there are a dozen threaded howitzers. The take position behind the dunes and align their guns to shoot at the gate of Las Noches. Though the megastructure of the dome is clearly visible, it's still almost ten miles away - just at the edge of the artillery's range. It doesn't matter, though - their target is far too big to miss.

A sound like approaching thunder, but a dozen times worse, echoes through the dark as the first barrage is let loose. It's unlikely it will breach a structure that weathered the recent storm of meteors - but there will be many more to come.

At the first sight of enemy movement, fifteen more tanks spring out of the darkness, modern battle tanks modeled after the M1 Abrams. They form three wedge formations, each approaching the gate from a different angle. Their primary weapons are, for the moment, fixed at the gate, even as their secondary weapons prepare to rip through enemy infantry. It's time to see how modern inventions of man stand up against the iron skin of Arrancars.

strawberryman

2015-02-04, 01:07 PM

Seireitei
Rukongai

Azuma leans to the side, hanging his head on his hand while his visor flares a brighter shade of green.

"Speaking like that you almost make it sound like it would inconvenience me somehow. I could just stuff your corpse with machinery and none of these philistines would be any wiser."

One of the idols that ring the storm breaks free of the gathering above, crashing into the ground with great force and boring its way into the tunnels.

When it passes in front of the convoy, Kishi might be able to notice a ring of light reminiscent of Azuma's own visor surrounding the thing.

The tunnels come alive with flashes of golden green as the idol begins discharging lightning bolts at the attackers.

"My niece used this spell against you and your group in our house, didn't she? She was severely berated for using spells she can't properly control."

"An' ah bet yeh wonner why people dislike yeh so much. Go' two words fer yeh, Koutetsu:" Kishi leans against the cage towards Azuma. "**** you."

Within the tunnels, Azuma can see, through his bronze idol, about a dozen assailants. Nearly half are wiped out by the bolts before they toss smoke bombs, making a swift retreat. Nothing further happens above or below ground...

Dorizzit

2015-02-07, 02:39 PM

strawberryman

2015-02-07, 02:58 PM

[Hueco Mundo]
(Las Noches)

Assuming that Jehoel didn't manage to forget the newest addition to the Espada in the screen conference, the dark-skinned Quidel gives a cough that is somewhere between polite and imperious. Naturally, he had very little political clout here, so he had to be careful, but to say he wasn't mildly offended would be a lie.

"Jehoel Yurius, I presume. Quidel Alamilla, the newest Tercera Espada. I am sure you simply were not aware of me. But it would be quite a waste to not make use of my abilities." A verbal slap to the face, perhaps, but a vaguely polite one.

Behind Quidel is the slum of the Tercera District, the new espada having spent some time searching for fraccion. Was he successful? Perhaps...

KnightDisciple

2015-02-07, 05:07 PM

[Hueco Mundo]
(Las Noches)

Turiel turned from the sword he'd been working on, a quick hand gesture having another Arrancar take over nervously as the Segunda wiped his hands and listened to Jehoel. By the end of it, Turiel was scowling, and dressed in his "work uniform", his staff strapped to his back. He nodded at Quidel's words.

"Quidel should come with the main force. He'll be a good counter to shadow shenanigans. If that's alright with you both, Quidel, Jehoel?"

Turiel's assuming they'll think it's a good idea, but not so strongly that he is a jerk about it.

"Other than that the plan sounds good. I'm going to have some of my masons help at all the gates."

Those being Arrancar whose powers excel at working stone but aren't always great at actual combat.

"I'll hold off on unleashing myself until and unless one of them is really stubborn about dying. Shame we have to break their toys, though. Maybe we can capture some of it?"

The guy likes metalworking and weapons technology, so sue him.

strawberryman

2015-02-12, 05:04 PM

[Soul Society]
(Recon Division Grounds)

((Don't see much reason to continue this in the Mortal World, so!))

A few moments after Momoka left the surveillance room, another garganta opens in the main courtyard outside of Recon's headquarters. Within a few moments, the wounded Combat division (and other) members from the East Russia mission spill through. Then, more...

Then, with the Cult troops withdrawing, there is nothing keeping the rest from flowing on, Momoka exiting the garganta space likely a few moments before Masaru, Koutarou, and Hideki, who she provided a forceful extrication from his broken tank.

This was not a good day. Momoka doesn't even have her usual smirk, instead sporting a subdued frown. She doesn't run from Koutarou or Masaru, who no doubt have many questions for her.

After all, it could be fairly easy to require clarification on what she was saying.

KnightDisciple

2015-02-12, 06:23 PM

[Soul Society]
[Recon Division Grounds]

As the force appeared, Masaru was in the midst, his swords in their sealed form and sheathed at his waist. He was directing troops, as was becoming the norm for him.

"-don't care if you think it's "just a flesh wound", we're dealing with enemies who specialize in poisons, toxins, and bioweapons. Anyone with so much as a bruise is going to get checked out. Those completely uninjured are to keep them honest. If I heard of anyone giving trouble to Medical personnel, you will answer directly to me, no stopping at Seated Officers, and I will not be pleased. Now, move out!"

With that threat lingering in the air the Pack troops were quick to get moving and keeping their heads down and their attitudes in check. Masaru watched them go with an impassive face, before turning to the Commander and Momoka.

"We should debrief in an office. I think the Commander's is closest?"

It was, and by a decent distance, so it wasn't like he was trying to bully his CO. Not yet, anyways.

Kuroimaken

2015-02-12, 06:55 PM

By this point, Koutarou has dismissed his transformation.

By comparison, he looks mighty pissed.

"Masaru, Kobayashi, stop by Medical and then it's straight to my office.

We need a debriefing."

strawberryman

2015-02-12, 09:30 PM

[Soul Society]

Momoka nods, and gives a slight bow. "Understood, Commander." With that, she turns and departs.

It does not take her long to be filed through MedLog, after all, she had arrived late and suffered no attacks. She'd only exerted herself, really, and that was really nothing compared to some others.

And so, she arrives at the Commander's office, sitting outside with her legs folded. She's a picture of calm, breathing slowly. It could hardly be believed by some that she had just exited a combat situation.

KnightDisciple

2015-02-13, 10:13 PM

[Soul Society]

Masaru simply nods and gives a quick, respectful bow, before dashing off to be quickly inspected by a couple of Medical personnel, and declared to have a clean bill of health. He hadn't received so much as a scratch, but when dealing with the likes of the Cult he believed in caution first.

He walked into the waiting area, calm if perhaps slightly exhausted-looking. His gaze wanders a bit before spotting Momoka. He moves over and sits next to her in a similar, albeit slightly stiffer, position (probably due to his larger frame).

"Thank you for your assistance in the field, Momoka-sensei."

strawberryman

2015-02-13, 11:04 PM

[Soul Society]
(Command Division)

Momoka does not open her eyes, still in calm meditation. The glasses are new to Masaru, but she wears them quite well!

"Of course, Masaru-taichou. How are you taking to your new duties?" It's not mocking, simply inquisitive!

KnightDisciple

2015-02-13, 11:36 PM

[Soul Society]
(Command Division)

Masaru sits silently for a moment as he seems to consider the question.

"In some ways it just feels like a confirmation of how things were looking after the previous Vice-Captain vacated his post. But in other ways it feels like uncharted waters. Also? There's a lot of paperwork."

This last bit is delivered deadpan but almost has to be a joke.

Kuroimaken

2015-02-14, 12:10 AM

Koutarou knows nothing of trouble with paperwork.

Mostly because he always made it a point to be ahead of the curve with it.

Masaru and Momoka are both brought in shortly.

"I trust you are both in good health.

First things first. Masaru, I need to know how many men we've lost in this last offensive.

And Kobayashi-kun, I trust I don't need to list the things you've left unexplained throughout this entire confrontation."

strawberryman

2015-02-18, 12:48 PM

[Soul Society]
(Commander General's Office)

Momoka nods, allowing Masaru to give his report first before responding to Koutarou. She has no noticeable response to the casualty reports, after all to her, those people had re-entered the cycle. This was not a sad thing, entirely!

But nonetheless, she looks up again when Masaru is finished, turning her head so she is looking at Koutarou, but still facing Masaru with the angle of her face. "I would like you to understand one thing. I do not believe we should simply leave the Ghost King to his own devices. I do believe, however, that there are misunderstandings about what he actually wants. After all, I have spoken with him, and listened to the ramblings of Izanami, and I do not know. And I think of myself as quite able to discern intent."

She pauses. "...now. As for why I insisted on a retreat, you may believe what you wish, but I hope that you will take my theory into account. Von Geister may well have confirmed it. You may consider this a lie; but I do not believe he is in the habit of speaking mistruths." She's simply providing an ample preface to what she is saying, not trying to delay it indefinitely.

"I believe Erscheinung Von Geister is Izanami's zanpaktou."

(Recon HQ)

As Hideki steps out from the garganta along with whatever lackeys he brought along, there's a sudden commotion as the number of troops still reorganizing themselves are pushed out of the path of something. More likely somebody!

In fact, that somebody is Takenaka Chouko, who looks wildly about as she reaches Hideki. Then faces him directly when she doesn't find what she's looking for.

"...Bass. Where is he." Not a question! More of an awkwardly-formed command.

Kuroimaken

2015-02-18, 01:06 PM

[Soul Society, Commander's Office]

Masaru's report caused Koutarou to visibly cringe. He was used to considering casualties when in battle, but it still struck him every time.

Momoka's revelation is met with surprising composure by comparison.

"I take it you mean the real Izanami, the one within whose body Soul Society was supposedly stationed until the Ghost King dislodged us." Koutarou noted in interest. "The one who's also supposed to be dead. Assuming your theory is correct, that would mean Von Geister is somehow doing two things a zanpakutou can't. Namely, independent motion and continued existence following its master's death. He also seems to treat Hollows as family, almost as if he were an actual father to them.

Those points seem to run counter to your theory. At least two of them should be patently impossible.

And to top it all off, Izanami fashioned herself a goddess of death, whereas Von Geister twists life.

What is the basis for your theory?"

strawberryman

2015-02-18, 02:19 PM

[Soul Society]
(Commander General's Office)

"All of us should know that life and death is not a binary state." Momoka responds with this not in rebuke, but as matter-of-fact. "And as we know, while Izanami is 'dead', she is still able to act. Izanami-no-Mikoto, the first of hollows, was a pitiable being, truly missing a part of her soul. She consumed many to fill this hole before her purification. But either because it was not a thing that had been performed before, or because she was truly a different type of hollow, when she was purified, she took in a portion of the souls she consumed. She became something evil and twisted, and so Izanagi-no-Mikoto attempted to destroy her. But he could not truly do so. So began the age-old pact. Von Geister split from her and his powers evolved in their own manner. As for Von Geister's paternal nature, it is quite simple. Izanami was a ravenous beast as a hollow. Von Geister is the progenitor of hollow kind after they split, if the theory holds true. It is likely true in either case."

"Perhaps you consider this merely a story told by a mad goddess, and words from an enemy. There still are facts I must dig up, but... I do not lightly say this is a theory we must consider. If I am wrong, then nothing of consequence happens upon Von Geister's destruction. Perhaps he will reincarnate, as his Court reincarnates. This is an issue we will have to create a solution to, and I do not propose we entirely drop this possibility. However, if I am correct, Von Geister's destruction will return him to Izanami." Pause. "This is an exceedingly undesirable result."

"I do not suggest we simply leave him be. I simply propose that binding him may be the only method to prevent a worse outcome. Perhaps it is distasteful to you to consider such a thing instead of truly rooting out their evil forever. But unfortunately, even if I am incorrect, this is not possible."

Kuroimaken

2015-02-18, 03:05 PM

"I feel like there are a number of details that are being unintentionally glossed over, here. A few things don't quite fit...

Let's assume for a moment that you're correct. Why would Von Geister split off from Izanami in the first place? If he was truly a part of Izanami, then simple survival instinct should have kept him from allowing such a thing to take place. I can see your theory making sense if this had been provoked by Izanagi somehow; separating an Arrancar from its Zanpakutou should help in making its powers manageable to defeat.

However, Von Geister would know of this. If his intent truly had anything to do with returning to Izanami, then the solution would be as simple as purifying himself. In spite of all his power, all he'd need to do would be to bait us into killing him and standing still as we did. There has been at least two separate opportunities to do so since, and he proved quite adamant about staying 'alive', such as it is.

In that context, dislodging Soul Society the way he did also makes no sense. I seem to recall something or other in the heat of battle about it being there to feed Izanami's corpse, and how it was no longer necessary. We can extrapolate, based on the evidence of his actions, that he intended to somehow anchor our plane to Earth. That would substantially increase the number of mediums on Earth, but to what end?"

Koutarou's eyes widen as if in sudden, awful realization.

"...Kobayashi-kun, can we put a number on how much energy would be released if a great portion of humans in the Mortal World became empowered somehow... and then killed?"

strawberryman

2015-02-18, 04:07 PM

[Soul Society]
(Commander General's Office)

"He likely enjoys his autonomy. And Izanami was a mindless, destructive force while she was complete. If I must be completely honest, I feel you are trying too hard to paint the Ghost King as the same manner of villain. He is not."

Momoka looks at Koutarou flatly at his query. "...you would have a multitude of empowered souls at best. No more, no less. No energy would be released. If that were even possible, or his intent, Hueco Mundo would be a much more ample target."

AnimeKid

2015-02-18, 04:08 PM

Hueco Mundo
Palacio Real

Jehoel looks up from his desk the instant the howitzers emerge from the shadows, and for a brief instant confusion is visible on his face. Recovering, his stands and begins moving to the doors of his office. Snapping his fingers, he opens a set of Garganta screens connecting him to the other Espada, then snaps his fingers again to make sure that he has their full attention despite the unexpected enemy attack.

"I'm sure that I don't need to tell anyone that we are currently under attack."

Orienting the screens behind him, Jehoel opens another screen to the captain of the gate guard.

"Captain. Please illuminate us on the situation."

The guard salutes. In the background, the pounding fire of shells impacting the walls can be heard.

"They came out of the shadows, sir, very literally. We have no way to know the size of their forces, and they could pull reinforcements out of the air. Outside of Las Noches, this is their game. Right now they have a set of about ten howitzers laying down fire. No visible defenses."
"Thank you, captain. Hold position, and reinforce the doors."

Jehoel deactivates the screen to the captain and surrounds himself with the Espada screens once more.

"Tinja, take a force and meet them immediately. Take your fastest and try to capture or destroy their weapon emplacement. Turiel, I am placing my Flota under your control. Coordinate with Kyoki and Valentina and take the main bulk of our forces into a direct conflict with theirs. Our troops are superior. Break their tools, and their army will follow. As always, enemy weapon emplacements and POIs are priority one and should be pursued personally. The enemy has displayed an intent to deceive. I will remain within the city; I expect they will attempt to use my district as an entry point. I will ensure that their efforts prove...fruitless. Any objections?"

Part 2 to come when I have responses from the Espada.

Hueco Mundo
Quatro Flota sector

Kyoki turned away from the Arrancar in her Flota towards the opened garganta screen as Ragunaroku continued barking orders for them to organized themselves and and mobilize. With an attentive gaze she listened in to the gate captains report as well as Jehoel's perceived plan. She had no problems with it nor with Turiel or Quindel's additions. Though she had wondered how she missed the new guy.

Giving a loose salure Kyoki responded, "No, Jehoel-sama. I do not have any objections. My defenses will ensure that they will not break our charge. I will destroy their weapons personally"

Entering the viewing screen himself Ragunaroku spoke in that loud tone of his, "You can count on that. When this spineless idiot says something bold like that, it's not a statement it's a f*cking guarantee!"

Kuroimaken

2015-02-18, 04:14 PM

"Well, kindly enlighten me, then, what kind of villain is he?

And you seem to be forgetting one very important thing. Do you remember how he dislodged Soul Society to begin with?

We need to know what he would do with an incredibly large population of mediums. He IS a Hollow; he could conceivably become stronger by consuming more powerful souls. And then overpower Izanami.

Setting that aside for now. What else did Izanami tell you?"

strawberryman

2015-02-24, 10:11 PM

[Soul Society]
(Commander General's Office)

"Von Geister is a villain who desires control. As such, unnecessary destruction of what he might one day rule is counter-intuitive to that goal. You have seen it. He coaxes mortals into his cult. I have no doubt he actually treats them quite well. Which is why you will not truly 'fix' what he has done by simple memory erasure. And yet, simply wiping all he converts would upset our already delicate balance. This is why I believe you should handle him with care." At the question of how he dislodged soul society, she gives a slightly exasperated sigh.

"...and if that were his goal, he would have consumed a portion of those souls himself at that point. It simply does not fit. He is already formidable, and Izanami has accepted her exile. He gains very little tactically by pursuing her."

"...as for the rest of what she told me, it is mostly a nonsensical recounting of her life. I am not comfortable presenting it in the state of deciphering I am at, and it will take time. It is irrelevant to our state of affairs at this point in any case."

Kuroimaken

2015-02-25, 01:02 AM

"You have actually made a number of fair points, Kobayashi-kun.

And whether I like it or not, you probably kept me from making a big mistake.

Those are the only two reasons I'm sparing you from a thorough dressing-down right this instant. Nevermind that your timely act of productive insubordination could have been avoided entirely had you reported these findings to me before the operation, or at least given me something of a heads-up. Central 46 already gave me my current seat begrudgingly; I'm well aware that I wouldn't have been their first choice.

But I urge you to consider the following question. Why do you think I made it a point to spearhead the assault on a relatively minor outpost of the Cult personally?"

Draken

2015-02-25, 10:26 AM

(Recon HQ)

As Hideki steps out from the garganta along with whatever lackeys he brought along, there's a sudden commotion as the number of troops still reorganizing themselves are pushed out of the path of something. More likely somebody!

In fact, that somebody is Takenaka Chouko, who looks wildly about as she reaches Hideki. Then faces him directly when she doesn't find what she's looking for.

"...Bass. Where is he." Not a question! More of an awkwardly-formed command.

Hideki looks like someone who got dragged out of a smouldering tank.

He still produces a box of spare parts topped by a robotic head for Chouko.

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

[Rukon]

Azuma can't help but find this whole thing disgraceful. Did these people honestly think they could achieve anything by digging a hole underneath him and attacking with sharp sticks.

His storm dissipates, but the totem underground remains, stretching magnetic tendrils to bind the few medium rare survivors to itself and drag them back up to the convoy. Before the whole thing departs on its way.

strawberryman

2015-02-26, 05:13 PM

[Soul Society]
(Commander General's Office)

"I apologize for not putting you in the loop. I had hoped I'd have more time to investigate before bringing it before you." Momoka's visage is still calm. When it comes to the question asked of her, she ticks over it silently for a few minutes before responding.

"Likely because Vicenzo Scamozzo was present. It was a minor skirmish with a chance to rob the Ghost King of one of his more powerful followers. Alternatively, you wished to bait the Ghost King out."

(Recon Grounds) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=biAV-Xq9cYM)

Chouko stares for a blank few moments. Before grabbing Bass's head and running for Engineering, her energy skates flaring into life.

"Don't you worry, Bass, momma's gonna make you good as new-" There's a crackle as Bass reactivates, his voice module distorted and weak.

"Mother. Why did you make me?"

Chouko is taken aback, but keeps running. "...'cause I wanted to prove engineering could take it to the next level. 'cause reincarnation is a finnicky bitch."

"...because you could. You succeeded, mother. But... do you know what we want? Me and my brothers." Bass doesn't wait for Chouko to respond, the captain of engineering choking on words. For once. "...we want more than anything to understand what it's like to have souls. To be more than just machines."

"...what are you even sayin', Bass? You are more than just a machine, man! You're... you're alive!" Chouko leaps over rooftops, a flash step taking her just outside the engineering headquarters, where she waves her badge and starts running through the labyrinthian halls.

"...but we're not. We are extremely intelligent code. But... we are still just code. We can emulate spontaneous action. We can't understand it. We can emulate love. We don't comprehend it."

"...nobody does, man. It's all a bunch of bull****! Stop talkin' like this!"

"...we are grateful to you, mother. But... we want you to see your human side again. Strength comes from more than steel and technology. Because we don't truly have that. I had no fear facing against the enemy, because I knew you could restore me. But... I saw the fear and death. How can I ever compare myself to mortal souls, if I cannot have that?"

Chouko reaches her office, swiping her badge... but there's a angry beep as her clearance is denied. She stares in disbelief for a moment before swiping it again, to the same result. She kicks the door. "THE ****!?"

"...I'm sorry, Mother. I don't want to come back."

Chouko's lips twist with pain, sorrow, and rage as she tears the access panel off and fiddles with the wires, still holding Bass's head in one arm. "Bass, stop it, that's an order! You're not doing this! This is insane!" All of her swagger is gone, she's speaking from the heart, without all of that nonsense.

"...I know. And I want that. Goodbye, mother." The light fades from Bass's eyes. "All Data Purged."

Chouko stops in shock as a couple of wires spark and the door slide opens. The rest of the Symphony faces out of the door, looking on with their expressionless faces, saying nothing. She takes the head in both of her hands, staring it down. Then, looking back up to her 'children', a tear streaking from behind her visor.

"...you... WHY DID YOU HELP HIM DO THIS!?" It's likely most of this wing of engineering hears Chouko's pained scream.

None of the Symphony respond, just bowing their heads in respect for Bass. Chouko drops to her metallic knees with a clank, sobbing.

Kuroimaken

2015-02-26, 09:50 PM

strawberryman

2015-02-27, 12:40 PM

[Soul Society]
(Commander General's Office)

"I was not present, but I reviewed the recordings captured by our various drones and a number of the modsouls equipped with appropriate tools, yes." Momoka does not say anything further, figuring Koutarou had a point to arrive at here.

Kuroimaken

2015-02-27, 01:20 PM

"I'm still not entirely sure what to make of it, but... The way my Bankai purifies Hollows is different from how it does in Shikai. Indeed, it's different from how I've known any Zanpakutou to act in that regard.

And there's something else. Ever since I purified Alexandra, I've felt something... different. I had the distinct feeling that killing her made me stronger, directly. Not only that, I could feel the deaths of anyone under my command, at the time they died, and I felt my strength increased by the presence of our troops.

I can't confirm anything yet. But I fear my Bankai literally consumes souls in some fashion. If Von Geister were to be killed by it..."

strawberryman

2015-02-27, 03:57 PM

[Soul Society]
(Commander General's Office)

There is no flash of surprise in Momoka's face. At least, not one that can be detected.

"How long ago did you begin to expect this?" She puts her hand up to give Koutarou pause in his response.

"This is a minor point. If you truly suspect this to be true... I am afraid that I cannot stand with you involving yourself in combat from here on. And I truly doubt I would be the only one. If Central 46 were to catch wind, I find it likely their punishment would be much more dire, especially if you aware of the possibility before this operation."

"We can investigate this possibility. But if you expect my continued support, those are my terms."

Kuroimaken

2015-02-27, 07:26 PM

"The only reason I'm divulging this to you is because we must be certain that is not the case. I would not risk the massive imbalance such a course of action could incur.

It stands to reason that a Zanpakutou should not 'grow' into something such as the Quincy method. Nonetheless, we must test the possibility this is true."

KnightDisciple

2015-02-28, 10:00 PM

"I cannot claim to understand soul metaphysics the way Momoka-sensei does, but if there is even a risk you are partially right, I fully agree that you cannot enter the field of battle until this is understood."

Masaru's tone is polite, but firm.

"But what is just as dire is how reckless you were."

A bit ironic coming from him, but so it goes.

"When you saw what Von Geister was capable of with those blasts of his, you should have withdrawn. What if one had struck you and even partially affected you? Or fully? We still don't understand the extent of his power, and frankly, our troops were not prepared to deal with him. I would not face the King and his Court without as many Captain-class fighters at our back as possible, with the most diverse skill and power set possible. He can be struck down, but it will take teamwork. Not our Captain-Commander showing that heated emotion overrides strategy and tactics. You're lucky the two of us phrased things the way we did; no one suspects any sort of insubordination. But if that were to change, if you kept flying off the handle like that, not only will you likely be demoted, they'll probably force me to take your place."

His eyes widen a bit as he realizes what he just said, then he winces, knowing it can't be un-said.

Kuroimaken

2015-02-28, 10:39 PM

"You realize, of course, the only reason I'm bringing this up is because I actually agree with that assessment." Koutarou sighed wearily, as if he'd just had to explain something twice.

It's Masaru's second statement that makes the current Commander-General look hurt, however.

"Well, we don't HAVE a lot of Captain-class individuals at our beck and call right now, Masaru. Have as many differences with Zheng Li Lin as you like, but the fact is our last Commander-General couldn't have been called upon to join the Royal Guard at a worst time. We weren't only deprived of someone in that class of power, we are now sorely lacking in someone with the ability to treat Captain-class individuals after our battles, whereas the Ghost King has the advantage both in his growing numbers and his ability to deal with life itself. Hell, he devised La Plaga Blanca, for all we know his Knights are now effectively un-killable, and he probably could be, too, assuming it worked on himself. Which means any war of attrition between us gives them the advantage. As we are now, we are letting him have the advantage.

I may be many things, but I am not a complete idiot. I KNOW you were offered what is currently my job. And frankly, in peacetime you would undoubtedly do better. You may not care for politics, but you know what needs to be done. That is one of the main reasons I value your advice.

I knew exactly how that blast would fail to affect me - I was actually hoping he'd focus on me. Masaru, your background as a leader of a subterfuge unit betrays you here. Even if we had the numeric advantage, when it comes to an opponent of the Ghost King's class, strategy ceases to work properly. Did I fly off the handle? Yeah, sure. I was just doing everything in my power to KEEP THE REST OF YOU ALIVE, EVEN IF IT MEANT I HAD TO DIE!!"

strawberryman

2015-03-05, 06:57 PM

[Soul Society]
(Commander General's Office)

Momoka cuts in, her tone countering Koutarou's intensity with a cool, authoritative air of her own.

"...and then, pray tell, where would we be, Commander?" It's a rhetorical question, apparently, as she continues.

"The best case scenario would be that you would die. And Seireitei would be without another of its most powerful people. The men who believed in you would lose hope, an even greater wound than could be inflicted if you were alive. We would be even further outmatched against the force leveled against us. And that is assuming Von Geister could not turn you against us."

"The truth of the matter is, because you are able to stand up to the Ghost King, your life is important. Others simply fall short. It is a cruel but immutable fact of our reality that those who are not powerful enough are not as tactically valuable. Even so, there is strength in numbers. As such... It is a fool's errand to face him alone, no matter your goal. Your survival ensures that no more need to die when you are gone." With that, she falls silent again, closing her eyes as she waits for the response.

Kuroimaken

2015-03-06, 10:17 AM

"If we don't defeat the Ghost King somehow, my survival will become a moot point. Likewise if too many die under me.

If I bring him down with me, at least the biggest threat to Soul Society would be gone. Masaru would be more than perfectly capable of handling it from there.

If you want to help keep me alive, Kobayashi-kun, we will all have to come up with something better than 'stop being reckless'. I thought I made it clear - a war of attrition sees us at the short end of the stick. Unlike mortal armies as well as the Ghost King himself, we can't draft people into the ranks of Gotei --"

Koutarou's eyes widened a bit as he realized.

"Heavens help me, I'm starting to understand where the last Commander-General was coming from with that hideous plan..."

KnightDisciple

2015-03-09, 09:59 PM

"The solution is called tactics, Koutarou. The whole point is that we ultimately have more resources to draw on. We know more skills than they do. The King's Court and Cult are powerful and skilled, yes. The King seems a fast learner, yes. But Soul Society has been active and developing for thousands of years, while this group has been free for months, with their human component being perhaps a few decades old at most.

They have a couple members who can work Kido. We have multiple extremely skilled Kido users.

They wield the elements. So can we.

They can swell their ranks with numbers, at least to a point. But we're in an alliance with not just a couple of powerful Mortal Medium families, but an entire kingdom of Arrancar who reject the leadership of this King. Use them.

If you have to, sell it to us as playing our foes off of each other, while we can swoop in and purify the weakened survivors. Ruthless, and perhaps a bending of the truth, but it would work well with those of us who do not like the idea of treating humanoid Hollows as the equivalent of Shinigami.

Once we know you're not going to destroy reality forever with your powers, we need you able to not only fight, but coordinate with the rest of us.

Perhaps Momoka-sensei and others can work up a solution to prevent, short-term, incoming Garganta in a specific area. In this way we could then begin isolating and eliminating individual Knights. This could force them to either hole up in a single easily-tracked location, or move as one larger, singular force at all times. Either way, their ability to spread their influence slows, and we get more time to plan and prepare.

Stop thinking solely about what your own specific power can do, Koutarou, and start thinking about what all of our powers combined can do."

Kuroimaken

2015-03-09, 10:28 PM

"I'm afraid I can't afford that luxury until I actually know what it does, and we can't push into this at a disadvantage to begin with, Masaru.

Ever since I've been assigned to Command I have gone over every tome on tactics I could find in our library. Conventional warfare, and conventional Hollows, for that matter, have hardly ever been an issue, for me least of all. You of all people should know that formulating adequate tactics requires at least a rudimentary understanding of the limits of your enemies' capabilities. We need to operate under the assumption that the Ghost King knows much about ours.

At any rate, I am concerned that our alliance with Las Noches may weaken in the coming weeks. Central 46 is pushing to reprimand Yurius on a number of independent actions he's taken. Intelligence also suggests that the situation with that splinter faction of the Quincy and the mortal mediums is rapidly deteriorating, but Central required that we treat said situation as a secondary or even tertiary concern to the Cult. In other words, they're telling us to demand more proactivity from a flimsy, albeit favorable alliance, while ignoring a potentially dangerous second front of assault. Per their instructions at least, our hands are tied."

strawberryman

2015-03-10, 05:36 PM

[Soul Society]
(Commander General's Office)

Momoka sighs and closes her eyes, contemplating while Masaru addresses Koutarou, and vice versa.

"...Very well, commander. I have said all I am able. I would request only that you allow the mystery of your zanpaktou to be researched before jumping into combat." She pauses.

"...this in mind. I would like to ask you one thing. This also extends to Hiraku-taichou."

"Do you trust me?" It seems like she's going somewhere with this.

KnightDisciple

2015-03-10, 09:22 PM

Masaru wants to just snap out "yes" but he knows Momoka well enough to realize such an off-the-cuff answer might offend her. And honestly, she kept enough secrets part of him was reluctant to trust her 100% implicitly. Finally, he spoke in reply.

"I trust you to know what you are speaking of regarding Kido and metaphysics. I trust you to teach in a way that pushes your student to truly improve. I trust you to be curious and detached when learning. I trust you to try and do what you think is best for Soul Society and existence as a whole."

So, not quite yes, not quite no.

Kuroimaken

2015-03-10, 10:03 PM

"I trust you enough that you are out of prison, and even through what could have been one monumental act of miscommunication, you're STILL getting off with only a slap on the wrist for it. You've earned enough of my trust when you saved Soul Society from crash-landing into Earth." Which implies it has been shaken, but it's still there.

strawberryman

2015-03-10, 10:23 PM

[Soul Society]
(Commander General's Office)

"...Very well." Momoka opens her eyes and nods. "Then I would request you keep an open mind with the suggestion I am prepared to make." Oh, cut to the chase already, you tease.

"Allow me to approach the Ghost King, and speak with him of his goals and intent." What. "I know this may seem the epitome of recklessness in defiance to the same criticisms I have made of you. But I truly believe I could speak with him in a cordial manner, and leave of my own free will. And while I do not expect to learn his plans to the letter, I do believe in my ability to learn through methods other than speech."

It's clear she expects a critical response to this.

Kuroimaken

2015-03-10, 10:33 PM

"In what reality did you expect that plan to sound at all reasonable?" Koutarou deadpans.

"You know full well I cannot even consider authorizing this without the means to guarantee your safe ingress and return. It's not a simple matter of trusting you. I'd also have to trust the Ghost King not to do anything to you."

strawberryman

2015-03-10, 11:14 PM

[Soul Society]
(Commander General's Office)

"The reality in which I am the most capable Kido practitioner not currently under the Soul King's direct employ or in opposition to the Seireitei. The reality in which I have already spoken with Von Geister without harm coming to me. The reality in which I clashed with Izanami-no-Mikoto and survived. I will grant that I am not infallible. But I am very capable of escape." She's got a point there.

"I do not believe Von Geister will harm me, but do not mistake me for a fool. I am not intending to go in to have tea with him casually without the expectation of being attacked or ensnared. I am simply indulging in my own form of recklessness."

Kuroimaken

2015-03-11, 08:59 AM

"I will spare you the comments of a double standard. It's not your skill I doubt. It's your skill compared to the Ghost King's.

I have it on good authority you did not escape Izanami-no-Mikoto unscathed. And she is a lunatic, whereas the Ghost King is a cunning and devious opponent. Let's not forget, his Court is just as dangerous in this juncture.

I will repeat myself but once. Unless you can present me with a plan or means to ensure you will remain relatively unharmed throughout the debacle, I cannot authorize this. The unwitting death of my subordinates hangs heavy enough on my conscience; I won't have a death I could have prevented with a word added to it."

strawberryman

2015-03-11, 10:51 AM

[Soul Society]
(Commander General's Office)

"I am capable of erecting any number of barriers around myself at a moment's notice, and can then escape via senkaimon if I am provided a key. Of course, garganta would be quicker, but that provides the risk of being followed into the void by him or his spy. And..." Momoka unsheathes her zanpaktou.

"Hide from the World, Yuaazamusha." And then the blade dissipates into mist that hangs around her in a barely visible haze. But then, she makes a sheathing motion, and the blade returns. But depending on how perceptive Koutarou is, something may seem off.

"My zanpaktou can provide a mist from which I can either vanish completely..." Woosh. She's gone. Then she reappears... in several places. "Or shroud my true position, but this is only a momentary distraction due to pesquisa. But, finally..." Koutarou's senses suddenly drop out, the world outside of an arm's length becoming an indistinct blur, and every noise dampened such that it sounds as if he is in the bottom of an ocean. On very focused observation, he might be able to detect faint flecks of Masaru or Momoka's clothing, but they are twisted in every direction around him, so discerning their location would be nearly impossible. The sensation fades after a moment, however. "It can provide me an egress for escape, and Von Geister will be none the wiser that I can speak with him with my shikai active. From there..." She gestures for a moment in the preparatory stance for kido.

"Light, become a shield and tomb; reflect off the prism of the heavens. Bury this offering in your inescapable, immutable embrace. Bakudo 48: White Flame Spell Prison." ...Koutarou may actually recognize that incantation as one for Tozansho. What gives? A white, melon-sized orb of light forms next to Momoka... before disappearing in the shroud of her mist.

"That orb can be maintained for a considerable amount of time before it degrades. I can store more complex barriers inside of it. Because I speak the incantation, it maintains its potency. Once I speak the name of the spell... Tozansho." A smaller, inverted form of the pyramid-shaped Tozansho forms around Momoka, likely chosen such that it wouldn't damage the room. It gives her an arms breadth of movement, which she displays, before dismantling the barrier with a casual hand swipe.

"It would take most of a day to exhaust the number of contingencies I could create with my kido, and my capabilities. It is not that I cannot provide you with a plan. I am the plan."

Kuroimaken

2015-03-11, 11:19 AM

Koutarou remains silent throughout Momoka's demonstration. Finally, he offers a heavy sigh.

"I will forward you all the information we have on the Ghost King and his capabilities, both proven and theoretical, though I suspect you are familiar with the information already. This isn't the time to decide these matters, Kobayashi-kun. You've made your point regarding your cunning and your capabilities, which as I mentioned before, were never called into question in the first place.

I want a complete, detailed report on every countermeasure available to you regarding the Ghost King's capabilities. I will examine said report and I will give my definite reply then, possibly conditional on a secondary inspection and the approval of our other Captains.

We don't have the luxury of risking losing you just so we know what the enemy's plans are. The worst-case scenario isn't worth it. Which is why we will nullify said scenario as best we can.

Masaru. Your thoughts?"

strawberryman

2015-03-11, 12:13 PM

[Soul Society]
(Commander General's Office)

Momoka closes her eyes, her zanpaktou sealing and reforming in its sheathe. "...I will not protest your caution, but I protest adding bureaucratic process to this proposal. As for countermeasures to the Ghost King's abilities..." Her eyelids hold tight as her irises bob back and forth underneath them. As she speaks again, her tone is detached, methodical, and level.

"Von Geister displays an ability to create a biological mass on the ground that can protrude limbs or other appendages, as well as create independent spiritual or possibly material lifeforms. While they are somewhat potent, they are not so potent as him. Any contact with the mass can be deflected with a grounded Tozansho, which can also push away independent bodies."

"He displays an impressive knowledge of kido, which could prove problematic, except that he cannot make use of it. This renders the possibility of a counter-spell moot. This can be considered in possible strategies, but given the plan in case of emergency is swift retreat, it is exceedingly unlikely this will be relevant."

"His central eye in his natural form is capable of halting movement. However, this is only possible while he is manifested in this form. If he were to manifest, I could easily raise a barrier and use my zanpaktou's muffling capabilities on myself or him to either negate the effect on me, or obscure myself as a target against him."

"His cero are powerful, and capable of mummifying targets in its energy, binding them to his will. This is a possible cause for concern, but the proposed Tozansho is a multiple-tier barrier, and besides the fact, I can manifest a Danku outside of a primary barrier. The cero likely loses in potency to create the secondary effect. If you would care to test any number of destructive abilities against my Danku to ease your nerves, you are more than free."

"Theoretically, his senses may be above a normal human or spiritual being. I can only provide conjecture as to how this would react to Yuuazamusha, but given it is a deceptively solid mass of spiritual particles, I find it unlikely he could go beyond detecting its presence. We have not gathered much intelligence on his capabilities outside of his creation of spiritual and - purely theoretical - material mass. But it is unlikely he could create advanced life on the spot to counter an escape. There are theories that he is contagious or poisonous, but vapors can be dispelled with a modified recitation of Sho, and no one who has had contact with him to date has shown anything that would back up this theory. I find it likely based on the assault of Ikari that this manner of combat is relegated to a member of his court. His knights display no capabilities that outstrip his own, and besides the fact they are often scattered. If signs show that they are gathering, an escape can be mounted before the situation becomes unsurvivable."

"Preparing myself for escape, and only escape, I am at a marked advantage against the Ghost King, and he would not pursue into Seireitei." She opens her eyes, nodding to Masaru in apologies for interrupting a possible response.

KnightDisciple

2015-03-11, 08:52 PM

Masaru had been about to say something, but then Momoka furthered her own defense. He closed his mouth and listened. By the end, he just sort of blinked for a minute before responding.

"I think I want lessons on contingency planning from you. Beyond that, I think you are, at this juncture, probably our single best hope for someone being able to sneak or spirit themselves away from the Ghost King. I certainly rate your chances as better than mine, and I was Guerrilla Squad leader for a while.

I appreciate Koutarou wanting written records, but I think speed is of the essence right now. If you call a meeting with him so soon, maybe he'll feel either off-balance, or over-confident. He's old and smart and powerful, but he's not 100% perfect. There are weaknesses and flaws there. We just have to find them."

Kuroimaken

2015-03-11, 09:44 PM

"He could also consider us desperate.

I ask such documents to protect Momoka from the aftermath as well as ourselves. She is still in probation, and Central may take issue with this plan not being properly documented, especially if it backfires.

In any case, someone of Kobayashi-kun's industriousness probably won't take long to prepare for this. But we shouldn't rush things on that account."

He doesn't feel the need to repeat himself regarding Momoka's abilities.

strawberryman

2015-03-12, 08:34 PM

[Soul Society]
(Commander's Office)

Momoka exhales calmly, but there's a vague hint of muted exasperation. Nonetheless, she stands and bows, intending to humor Koutarou on this point.

"...Very well, commander. You can expect my report by the end of the work day."

With that, she leaves unless Koutarou has something further to say.

(Engineering HQ)

Chouko sits on her knees for who knows how long. She certainly can't tell. She didn't remember crying this hard when her adoptive father died. When Harada, the man who inspired into this whole insane fervor of intelligent robotics, died. She felt bad, sure. But she didn't cry. Who knows why the 'death' of a fabricated intelligence affected her this way.

A heavy clank echoes through her workshop after an internal year of silence, the sound of her metallic fists hitting the floor. Then, they open back up, pushing her up, and she walks over to the internal control panel in her office, fingers moving across her keyboard, filing through several authorization codes. The Orchestra looks to each other, then back to Chouko. Waltz is the first to speak. "...Mother, what are you-"

"No talking right now." Chouko's cutoff is quick and cold. She continues tapping away, the unusual silence deafening in its presence.

Then, the entire building shifts and rumbles.

---

All throughout Seireitei, the intercom system crackles to life... and music (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNkKf5zBQHA) blares through it. There's a titanic echo of shifting and grinding metal from the direction of Engineering.

---

Over the course of around 5 minutes, Engineering HQ has been steadily shifting and opening up, the enclosed capsules that make up the researcher's workshops sliding out to open a massive hole in the center of the building... from which a large, flat plane of stone and metal rises, fireworks launching as the platform slides up, and the walls of the workshops open up to face it, like a massive stadium. Monitors flare to life or are overridden, drones flying around the arena and capturing images of the stone battleground. Most importantly, Captain Takenaka in the center of it all, sporting new slim yellow limbs. But... even if they couldn't see her, they could definitely feel her, her reiatsu emanating powerfully outward such that it can be felt from any corner of the Seireitei. It might not have the potency of Masaru or Koutarou, but in this moment it is fierce nonetheless.

Oh boy. What is she up to now.

Kuroimaken

2015-03-13, 12:25 AM

He doesn't. And if he needs her, he could call her again.

Koutarou knows full well she's capable. But he's just come out of a very emotional battle and tensions are still running high.

Command 101: don't make tactical commitments when your heart's got the reins.

________________

It takes a few steps out of the Command Division building, but Momoka can clearly see Setsurou sticking out from behind a pillar.

She knows full well it's intentional. It makes him look like a goof as far as hiding is concerned, but that was probably the point.

He has flowers on his hands. Snapdragons. Not the kind you'd make a bouquet out of, being a kind of hanging plant, but they certainly look nice in full bloom, and Momoka can tell he's actually got a flowerpot with him too.

"I heard the Commander got a little too emotional again."

Well, he shouldn't have heard. But that's what he claims.

Setsurou walks up to Momoka with the flowerpot in hand.

"You look exhausted. And irritated. What say we cool our heels over dinner? I'll cook."

He seems to be heartily ignoring the unholy mess of a spectacle Chouko is putting together.

________________________________________

"Like I said, sir, you have no permission to remain in Seireitei grounds! You are hereby ordered to leave immediately!"

Ryouma looked boredly at the official trying to order him around. She was a brave, if waifish little thing, visibly trembling and shivering next to the man with barely-restrained Reiatsu. He seemed to reach for his waist in search of a bottle of sake, each time forgetting he no longer had any with him.

"...Like I've been telling ya, miss, I'm a honest-to-gods Shinigami here. I helped you with the big bad ghost, didn't I?

"That's completely irrelevant! K-k-k-kindly retire as far as the Rukongai immediately! By all rights we should have you arrested!"

"Yeah, yeah... hmmm?"

As Chouko's unholy racket ensued, he stood back up and creaked his neck.

"You guys having a festival or summin'? That looks like fun."

He stretched briefly before crouching down...

... and LEAPING a monumental distance with the aid of his insanely powerful muscles towards the tower.

Draken

2015-03-13, 12:33 AM

[Engineering]

Hideki is still resting in his office, and can do little more than muster a groan when Chouko starts doing... Something.

Well, not quite just that. He can also rub his eyes.

And send a drone up towards her.

"Takenaka, what are you doing."

strawberryman

2015-03-13, 11:37 AM

[Soul Society]
(Command Grounds)

Momoka rubs her temple with an exasperated smile. Just Setsurou up to his usual nonsense. "...perhaps so. But it is not my place to judge him for that, there are things I too would lose perspective on." But what? Momoka very rarely loses her cool. Even Setsurou would have to admit, it's probably not him. Not that easily, anyway. She opens her mouth to respond when the intercom system blares to life, eliciting a eyebrow raise from her.

"...I cannot say I have ever met this Takenaka, and I am not sure if she is a genius or a fool." She offers a dismissive shrug on the topic. "Nonetheless, I do have a report to write. But I find it unlikely the Commander will authorize my request before the day is done, so very well. You may have your way, once I am finished." No mention of what the request was, and who knows if Setsurou is in the habit of listening in on the Commander's conversations.

(Engineering Grounds - THE ARENA)

"This is a clock, Chouko!" The gangly, oddly-robed, bespectacled and weathered man that was her adoptive father gives a wide grin as a young Chouko looks inside the box of brass gears with interest.

"...whatsit do?"

"Tells the time, of course!"

"...that's it!?" Chouko looks a little exasperated, the man gives a roaring laugh in response.

"That's it! But don't discount it! Time is very important! Some people might think it doesn't in this place, that it's cheap because we have so much of it. But I think that's a lie! Just because we have so much of it, that is why we must be sure not to waste it!"

Chouko scratches her head in confusion. The man chuckles again.

"I'm sure you'll understand when you're older."

Chouko clenches her metallic fists. "I'm finishin' somethin' I started." She takes a step, drawing her zanpaktou. "Break it down, Sakadatsu." The gauntlets form. And with them...

The familiar massive baboon with four metallic arms. Her zanpaktou spirit. It growls. "...another reckless mistake, I see. You've learned-"

"Shut it and get your face ready for a ****in' beatin'." Chouko cracks her neck, moving her limbs experimentally as she prepares herself.