[BitP:R] Soul Society 2

[tgva8889]

The stranger hits ground few dozen yards below, rolling and ducking past a low cliff to shield himself from the shrapnel, the sound of the explosion hopefully obscuring his tumling. After the deafening blast stops ringing in the air, he crawls to a crouching position. Had he gotten the bastard? Hard to tell - he can feel Taiki, but the cliff he jumped from prevents him from seeing him. Checking to see his Kyokko is still intact, the stranger starts sidling along the cliff, careful not to make a sound, hoping to get Taiki back to his view. He's running out of tricks - he'd have to make the next attack count.

As the cliff comes into view, Taiki appears to be gone. Which is strange, because there is an obviously detectable amount of his reiatsu present at the spot, and almost no other trace of him in the immediate area. His presence almost seems to flicker in and out, sometimes there and sometimes not at all.

[Terry576]

Rukon 38

Spoiler

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Seiko's staff spins to deflect Hollow/Karite's slash, then holds it up in preparation for an attack when Hollow/Karite slams his sword into the ground. Then he started floating? How is that possible; Karite's Zanpakutou can't do that! Seiko thought to himself as the Hollow babbled on. Seiko wasn't terribly impressed with the Hollow's skill with Karite's sword. Seiko had sparred with Karite on a number of occasions, and they'd proven mostly equal; Seiko was more skilled at Zanjutsu than Karite, but Karite's Zanpakutou's abilities gave him an edge over Seiko. Thankfully, the Hollow didn't seem to be in full control; it was possible that Karite was still fighting. What should he do, then? Kill the Hollow, an act that he shouldn't hesitate to do, or try to stall him and see if Karite can beat the Hollow?

Seiko is startled out of his thoughts when Karite releases his Bankai. When did he achieve that?! Today was just full of surprises, wasn't it? That would make this much harder. Seiko began moving as soon as he saw the Hollow's hand moving, vanishing into a blur of shunpo as the blast of ice hurtled past him. The ice felt...wrong. The cold felt so much more desolate than when Karite had been in control; the Hollow was corrupting Karite's Zanpakutou. No, Seiko wouldn't allow that. As its mask appeared, covering Karite's face, Seiko set himself. He wasn't sure what Karite's Bankai could do, which would give the Hollow an edge. This was a problem.

"MOVE!" Seiko bellowed as he saw the icicles forming beneath them. He knew that move, and it would hurt if it caught them. Hopefully the other three would be able to dodge them.

But Seiko couldn't worry about them right now. Right now, it had to be him and Karite. So it was. Seiko blocked out the world, and it was just him versus Karite. Like they were alone on a dance floor. It was perfect, almost beautiful.

"No, you are not Karite-kun. You are a manifestation of everything Karite-kun hated. You are everything he feared. And you are everything that he will overcome. You have not overcome him, Hollow, and you will not overcome him!"

Seiko raised his staff, and gathered his reiatsu. A dark red cloud gathered around, the color of newly spilled blood.

"You would be well served to not be so arrogant, beast. You have not yet beaten me, and you will not beat Karite-kun. You can be sure of that."

Seiko vanishes in flash of movement as the battlefield bursts into ice. He reappeared behind Karite, whirling and slashing at Karite, his movements like a dance in their grace and complexity. It was nearly impossible to predict.

Of course, for a Hollow, impossible is nothing. He easily matches Seiko, blow for blow, but then begins to push, using Seiko's own zanpakuto as leverage against Karite's now stronger weapon.

[Inner World]

The wave of black smashes downwards, striking Karite down. The Hollow grins as it begins to absorb him.

"Weakling. You can't even hope to defeat me."

Karite slowly, slowly, but surely, vanishes. Until he is gone, and the Hollow cackles.


[Rukon 38]

The Hollow shows a sharp-toothed grin.

"Karite's dead. He's gone, Seiko-kun."

[Frozen_Feet]

[Maggot's Nest]

The heck?

Is Taiki using some form of Kyokko himself. Maybe... in either case, the set-up is so obviously a trap it isn't even funny. But the stranger realizes that there isn't much he can besides walking straight into it if he doesn't want to prolong their game of hide-and-seek.

The stranger backs away from the cliff again, weighing his options. Then, he grasps the hilt of his Zanpakuto with both hands and strikes at the base of the cliff, soulsteel carving a deep fissure in the rock, and then kicks it to make the face of the cliff collapse.

Then he jumps down again, on the side of the slight trail leading to the Nest door, eyes fixed on the crumbling face of the cliff as he tries to spot any reaction from his opponent.

---

[Rukon 38]

Ryuuma has to retreat, the growing cold slowing his old body down too much. He's covered in frost from head to toes, and his hands are pale and stiff - just holding onto his sword is painful.

Heihachi dives down as Seiko takes his place in the assault, hurrying up to Michiko to move her further still from the creeping ice. Letting their unconscious Captain freeze to death for their neglience hardly seems like a good idea.

This leaves Kurosaki to fight Karite alongside Seiko. As the hollowfied Lieutenant focuses on parrying Seiko, the younger warrior flanks him and slashes at his side with his Urumi.

He isn't really listening to the Hollow's gloating. Bankai or not, it's four against one - soon five or more, if Miyaki would just haul his lazy butt back soon...

---

[3rd Division]

Nasumi shoots a confused look at Shishimaru as she tries to haul Suzume and Magatsu of their feet. "WHAT!?! Can't you see he's out of his mind?" That's the only reasonable explanation. After all, Magatsu had just used a paralyzing Kido on his opponent - and demanded she give answers. "How's she supposed to answer with her mouth glued shut? He's just looking for an excuse to gut her!"

[Kayne650]

Spoiler

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Of course, for a Hollow, impossible is nothing. He easily matches Seiko, blow for blow, but then begins to push, using Seiko's own zanpakuto as leverage against Karite's now stronger weapon.

[Inner World]

The wave of black smashes downwards, striking Karite down. The Hollow grins as it begins to absorb him.

"Weakling. You can't even hope to defeat me."

Karite slowly, slowly, but surely, vanishes. Until he is gone, and the Hollow cackles.


[Rukon 38]

The Hollow shows a sharp-toothed grin.

"Karite's dead. He's gone, Seiko-kun."

Spoiler

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[Rukon 38]

Ryuuma has to retreat, the growing cold slowing his old body down too much. He's covered in frost from head to toes, and his hands are pale and stiff - just holding onto his sword is painful.

Heihachi dives down as Seiko takes his place in the assault, hurrying up to Michiko to move her further still from the creeping ice. Letting their unconscious Captain freeze to death for their neglience hardly seems like a good idea.

This leaves Kurosaki to fight Karite alongside Seiko. As the hollowfied Lieutenant focuses on parrying Seiko, the younger warrior flanks him and slashes at his side with his Urumi.

He isn't really listening to the Hollow's gloating. Bankai or not, it's four against one - soon five or more, if Miyaki would just haul his lazy butt back soon...

Seiko scowls as Hollow/Karite blocks all of his blows, grinning the whole time as if it wasn't even hard! Yes, Seiko was injured, but he should be doing better than this. As their blades lock, Seiko smiles. It was getting more obvious that this wasn't Karite fighting him; by now, Karite knew better than to try to catch Seiko's blades using his own.

Seiko detached the two halves of his staff, unbalancing the blades resting on his staff and suddenly sidestepping, slashing at Hollow/Karite as he moved past. But Seiko's eyes were wide as he moved past the man. Had what he said been true? No, Karite couldn't have lost to a Hollow, not even one within him. That couldn't be!

"Dammit, Karite! I know that you haven't lost yet!" Seiko turned back to the Hollow's back, staring at the man that he'd worked with, who would've been severe competition for Vice-Captainship of the 11th if he hadn't gone to the 13th. "I know that you still have more in you! Don't let this dirty Hollow beat you! You can still fight!"

[3rd Division]

Nasumi shoots a confused look at Shishimaru as she tries to haul Suzume and Magatsu of their feet. "WHAT!?! Can't you see he's out of his mind?" That's the only reasonable explanation. After all, Magatsu had just used a paralyzing Kido on his opponent - and demanded she give answers. "How's she supposed to answer with her mouth glued shut? He's just looking for an excuse to gut her!"

"Be that as it may, Nasumi-san, it isn't our place to correct the actions of our mentally unstable lieutenant." Shishimaru said, whispering the part about mental instability. It wouldn't do to get Magatsu-sama angry at him too. "And besides, it probably won't work perfectly on Suzume anyway. I'm pretty sure she'll be able to talk."

[horngeek]

"Right. Let's head back, I'm checking on Hikari, then finding out where else needs a Captain. From the reiatsu I can feel all over, somewhere will."

[Terry576]

Spoiler

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Seiko scowls as Hollow/Karite blocks all of his blows, grinning the whole time as if it wasn't even hard! Yes, Seiko was injured, but he should be doing better than this. As their blades lock, Seiko smiles. It was getting more obvious that this wasn't Karite fighting him; by now, Karite knew better than to try to catch Seiko's blades using his own.

Seiko detached the two halves of his staff, unbalancing the blades resting on his staff and suddenly sidestepping, slashing at Hollow/Karite as he moved past. But Seiko's eyes were wide as he moved past the man. Had what he said been true? No, Karite couldn't have lost to a Hollow, not even one within him. That couldn't be!

"Dammit, Karite! I know that you haven't lost yet!" Seiko turned back to the Hollow's back, staring at the man that he'd worked with, who would've been severe competition for Vice-Captainship of the 11th if he hadn't gone to the 13th. "I know that you still have more in you! Don't let this dirty Hollow beat you! You can still fight!"

The Hollow roars in pain as it's leg is cut. It goes for a overhand slice, and then suddenly... stops.

[Inner World]

"...What? What's this?"

A sword slowly exits the Hollow's chest, slicing outwards. Karite steps out, his sword perfectly sealed.

The Hollow falls to its knees, gasping for breath.

"It's over."

The Hollow grins as it's shadowy form begins to dissipate, and skin is slowly revealed. "You know... Karite... I'm jealous of you..."

Karite stares coolly at the downcast Hollow, watching as it's hair changes to gray, as the skin around the yellow eyes is revealed.

"You... have all those people out there... wanting... praying... that you return. All I've got is... This damn sword..."

Holding out it's hand, the shadowy blade appears in front of him. He throws it towards Karite, who catches it, surprised.

"That sword... It's all I was. It's all I could have been... And this stupid, useless mask... Neither are worth it."

The mask vanishes, revealing Karite's own face staring back at him, albeit with muted features. Karite steps back, horrified. The Hollow grins.

"You see... They refused to believe me. I am you now Karite Mitsukai. We are one... But remember..."

The Hollow's form begins to vanish from Karite's inner world, watching it change in bemusement. The usually downcast wartorn area had become a simple white room, with three thrones. The highest one was slowly changing from black to a strange color - the color of twilight, and the twilight one was changing to black. Only the white one remained solid.

"Though you may have the high throne now... I can take it from you... And I'll never stop trying..."

The Hollow vanishes, his last sentence echoing through the room.

[Battlefield]

Karite looks at the battlefield, and grins. he flicks some blood off his face, and removes the mask, standing still.

[Frozen_Feet]

Unfortunately for Karite, when his Hollow self suddenly stops, all Kurosaki sees is an opening. So Karite's first sight is that of a sharp piece of metal lashing against his chest...

Through the golden cubical barrier, several 4th Divisioners stare in disbelief. On the edge of the battlefield, Michiko stirs.

[Terry576]

Karite glares at Kurosaki, and holds up his left hand, and stops, startled.

The blade from the Hollow is there. It should hold fast against Kurosaki's zanpakuto.

"Kurosaki, what the hell? It's me, Karite. Would you calm down?!"

[Kayne650]

Seiko's staff spins, tangling Kurosaki's urumi in its shaft. Seiko doesn't even look at Kurosaki, though; instead, he stares at Karite. The yellow in his eyes is gone and the mask has dissipated, but he can't be certain.

"...Karite-kun? Is that you?" Seiko said carefully. He hoped that his friend was back, but he wasn't willing to take that for granted.

[Terry576]

Karite stares at Seiko, and then grins. Probably a bad plan, blood's running through his teeth.

"Hey Seiko, you feeling okay? You usually don't release on me."

Seiko might notice that Karite's Zanpakuto is now completely unreleased.

[Kayne650]

Seiko, the adrenaline now leaving his system, feels his body pick that unfortunate moment to convulse and he doubles over, coughing up no small amount of blood. When he stands back up, the wound in stomach is bleeding again.

"You could say that I've been better. I'm just glad to see that you're okay." He then turns to Kurosaki. "Go make sure that Ryuuma-san and Heihachi-san are all right. Karite-kun is back, and the stuation here is under control."

[Frozen_Feet]

Kurosaki does as instructed. Ryuuma is suffering from mild hypothermia, which the 4th Divisioners soon hurry to correct as the younger soldier escorts him to the other side of the barrier.

Heihachi is fine. He's also occupied by the waking of their priorly unconscious Captains. "Could I have some water, please?"

[riccaru]

[Third Division]

Suzume laughs loudly as she barely misses being hit by the Bakudo. Her piercing howl covers the grounds and her smile comes back to her face. "You all think I'm a murderer, don't you? There's another part of the tale of the Ex-Captain, one no one has heard but myself and Yuuki! The real reason I slaughtered the poor fat pig!"
She again chuckles, sitting on the edge of a low roof now, legs kicking excitedly.

[Frozen_Feet]

Nasumi looks up at the mad woman and bites her lip. She's not convinced if letting Magatsu goes is actually an good idea.

She focuses on Suzume, and a green cloud whips towards her. Suzume doesn't seem to be thinking all that clearly, since she's neglecting her guard so badly, acting like a little girl with half of Gotei on her heels.

Hopefully, that will give the cloud a chance to swallow her and fix on her skin.

[Moon Wolf]

There is a chuckle. Go ahead, tell them why don't you. Yuuki appears a second later, an amused look on his face.

[HirokatsuGoto]

INVASION DAY

Hirokatsu Goto Vice Captain (Acting Captain) of the 9th Division: The Rukongai 63rd District, the Ryuunosuke Castle loomed large nearby.


Hirokatsu sat cross legged and was reaching out to feel the nearby spiritual presence of whom he could, trying to get a fix on the direction the Primera as she exited. In his mind he saw bits of wispy tendrils dancing about, and one very thick one, it was undeniably the Primera's. It was faint but it was clear.

Hirokatsu rose from his seated position, taking his umbrella into his right hand and setting it on his shoudler as his eyes remained closed. He was just about to open his eyes and rush in the direction of the Primera's trail, when two hot flashes of spiritual presence popped into his head. They were close, and getting closer, and they were familiar.

Hirokatsu opened his eyes quickly and looked in the direction they were coming from. And racing in from the direction of the outer Rukongai, down a road which he saw from down the hill, were five Shinigami. They were all shunpo'ing at their top speed, but looked almost like they were running from this distance. And they were not just any Shinigami, Hirokatsu knew them, they were five members of the 9th Division's "Outer Rukon Recon Squad". A small rotating squad of the 9th Division who were to stay at the edges of the Ruokngai and do 24/7 Recon, as the communication lines were not as reliable the farther away from the Seretei.

Hirokatsu immediately shunpo'd towards them, down to the road landing him directly in their path, stopping only a few hundred yards away from the Ryuunosuke Castle, which lay directly along the small road. Hirokatsu opened his umbrella as he came to a rest, and as it clicked upwards and it rest on his left shoulder held with his left hand, the shadow of the umbrella came down over his eyes, as his black haori flapped in concert with his beard and long eyebrows.

Hirokatsu waited a moment as the five Shinigami approached, as they got closer, each of them started to take note that someone was in their way. Their eyes all seemed to widen at the same time as they all figured out that of all people along their path was THEIR commanding officer, THEIR Vice-Captain. They all, almost like a synchronized swimming team, slowed immediately and skidded to a stop in front of Hirokatsu, and in one motion all went down to one knee bowing their heads to him, before looking up to greet him.

In unison "Vice-Captain Goto?!...sir!" they burst out as a hint of their gasping, as they were all at top speed, came through in their voice.

Hirokatsu looked at them for a moment, and let them catch their breath. He tilted his umbrella up so they could see his face, and then motioned to them to rise. Then in his direct put quiet voice said "At ease, boys...now tell me what you are doing."

They all came to their feet and composed themselves for a moment before the leader, an older Shinigami..Makinose, the 18th Seat of the 9th Division, and 2nd in charge of the "Outer Rukon Recon Squad", stepped forward and explained.

"Vice-Captain sir, we were in the Western 78th District when we heard through a hell butterfly that the Seretei was under attack and the 17th Seat (leader of the Outer Rukon Recon Squad") ordered half the Squad to head back to the Seretei to help out. So he sent us. We headed out immediately, He, as well as myself and the others tried to send a hell butterfly to notify you sir, but they werent working for some reason..."

Hirokatsu quirked his brow for a moment, having heard of this problem before when sending hell butterflies from the outer Rukon. Still he listened on as the 18th seat continued.

"...Sir, we went at top speed, knowing time was of the essence, taking the straightest path we could...we were to about through the 70th District when we were all startled to see an unfamiliar and obviously Arrancar or Hollow female figure with a massive amount of spiritual energy in the distance. We stopped and saw her open a Garganta...that's what it is called right?...and stepped through confidently, it looked like she had a white Captain's coat with her too...she didn't see us or anything, but we all knew this did not bode well...is everyone ok? Which Captain lost their coat?....once she was through and the Garganta?? closed, we tried our Hell Butterflies again, but again it was to no avail, so we raced off again as fast as we could not only to help in the Seretei but also to raise alarm to the Arrancar or Hollow or whatever that was.... then we ran into you sir....Sir what is going on?" He stopped abruptly and looked on to Hirokatsu, the other members did as well, there was definitely worry in their eyes.

Hirokatsu took a moment and exhaled a bit, he stepped forward to the group and laid his hand on the 18th Seat's shoulder and patted it deliberately saying... "Good work boys..good work.." He then turned around and looked towards the Seretei, the looming Ryuunosuke Castle was almost filling his whole vision. He lifted a Hell Butterfly to his finger, said a few words into relaying all this new information to the appropriate channels and then sent it on its way. He knew, though, that it would be a long journey and timely journey for that Hell butterfly and shunpo'ing back to the Seretei was also timely. He wanted the info sent back immediately, so that the 8th, 10th, 1st could all plan accordingly.

He looked at the Ryuunosuke Castle for a bit as the Hell butterfly fluttered off and then began to speak again to the other 9th Division members. Beginning his words with his back to them and finishing with him looking at them all.

"You all did very well, you did exactly what you were supposed to do, and your happening upon that exiting Arrancar only furthers your good work, as well as saving me a great amount of time. That Hell butterfly will take some time to get back to the Seretei and those who need the information. So we should seek a QUICKER alternative, don't you all think?"

The other Shinigami all looked at themselves a bit, not knowing what other options they had at their access. "What do you mean sir?" the perplexed 18th Seat said.

"Sometimes the solution, is right in front of your face"

He then pointed at the Ryuunosuke Castle, before turning to face it and motioning for the others to follow him as he sped off towards it.

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

Hirokatsu Goto Vice Captain (Acting Captain) of the 9th Division: The Rukongai 63rd District, at the gates of the Ryuunosuke Castle with five other 9th Division Shinigami.


Hirokatsu and the other Shinigami approached the Ryuunosuke Castle, it blocked out the light and cast a huge shadow on them as they walked towards one of its gates intended for pedestrian traffic. As they walked Hirokatsu spoke to the other Shinigami, keeping his umbrella up, even in the heavy shadow of the castle's walls.

"If you did not know, this castle is the Great Noble Ryuunosuke Castle, the Gotei's 5th Division Captain's FAMILY castle...not their home mind you...but still to be revered no?...." he paused for a bit deciding to end his explanation there "...Inside we will find communications equipment that can relay our information more quickly...and directly to whom would disseminate it appropriately as well."
They came to the pedestrian gate, and then Hirokatsu knocked quite loudly on the large door. He was a patient man, but his heavy clap on the door definitely made it apparent that an expeditious response was needed.

He then loudly (a rarity for the other five Shinigami to observe of their Vice Captain) belted out to an unseen, but undoubtedly present, attendant.
"Ryuunosuke Castle, this is Hirokatsu Goto, Vice-Captain and Acting Captain of the Gotei's 9th Division, i request entrance and use of your communications equipment so as to send a message to the Gotei. Time is of the essence with our communication, and the Seretei and Rukongai being in a state of emergency i pray we dispense with appropriate formalities, until a time when such can be properly given."

At those last words two of 9th Division Shinigami, tried to brush their hair with their fingers and slightly and straighten their uniforms a bit trying to knock off the dust on their hakama's, finally realizing they were not just about to enter a normal home.

Hirokatsu, with his Division members behind him, stood facing the door. Unmoving and in utter silence. The rest of the Gotei were probably rushing about everywhere, but here in the mid Rukongai six shinigami stand still, not usurping etiquette any more than they have to, to accomplish their work.

[Wahrheit]

Magatsu glared up at Suzume, irritated by her childish demeanor.

"Enough toying around. I am sick to death of this day, and you, little girl, are the closest responsible person." The Horin binding him shattered as Magatsu flared his reiatsu into an oppressive green bonfire, filling the area with the feeling that Magatsu was about to personally slaughter everyone present. "You think I give a single flying f*** about your childish little motives? SAI!"

He began to stalk towards Suzume even as he loosed the Bakudo, moving with the dangerous purpose of a hunting wolf. "What do I have to do around here to get some damn respect?! GEKI!" Red light flared, seeking to paralyze the rogue. "FORCE MISSILE STORM!" Twenty homing force blasts erupted from his clenched fist. "HORIN!" He never stopped his slow walk even as he lashed the energy rope at Suzume while the force missiles formed a distraction.

"I've killed enemy after enemy after enemy, all in the name of Seireitei, and still I'm treated as a joke! I claw my way to Lieutenant atop an ocean of blood and service, and some pissant criminal with a chip on her shoulder chooses to kick her feet like she's enjoying a day at the pool! ENOUGH!"

His eyes narrowed to dangerous slits and his eight floating blades began to lash at the air around him, responding to their master. "So no more toying. No more games. I am Shizuka Magatsu, you f***ing little girl!"

Magatsu barely even blurred as he stopped being on the ground and started being on the rooftop. "And now I'll show you what sort of Shinigami you're dealing with."

[Kayne650]

4th Division

"Right. Let's head back, I'm checking on Hikari, then finding out where else needs a Captain. From the reiatsu I can feel all over, somewhere will."

"Okay! Do you need me to accompany you, Natsuko-taichou? I think that I'd rather make sure that you're okay. Not that you can't take of yourself!" Daisuke hastily added, "I just think that it'd be better if someone were with you, in case that...thing in Kagome-san's body comes back."

Rukon 38

Kurosaki does as instructed. Ryuuma is suffering from mild hypothermia, which the 4th Divisioners soon hurry to correct as the younger soldier escorts him to the other side of the barrier.

Heihachi is fine. He's also occupied by the waking of their priorly unconscious Captains. "Could I have some water, please?"

"Someone get them some water!" Seiko calls out to the 11th and 4th divisioners who are still wandering around. Then Seiko turns back to Karite. "Are you sure you're all right, Karite-kun? I would hate to have to take you down again; I might have to hurt you next time." Seiko smiled slightly as he spoke; it was evident that in his current state, a stiff wind could knock Seiko out.

3rd Division

Nasumi looks up at the mad woman and bites her lip. She's not convinced if letting Magatsu goes is actually an good idea.

She focuses on Suzume, and a green cloud whips towards her. Suzume doesn't seem to be thinking all that clearly, since she's neglecting her guard so badly, acting like a little girl with half of Gotei on her heels.

Hopefully, that will give the cloud a chance to swallow her and fix on her skin.

But then Shishimaru tackled Nasumi, hopefully breaking her concentration. He would've let her attack Suzume normally, but he'd just seen what Magatsu was doing, and he didn't want Nasumi getting in the middle of that. It would be far too easy for one of the combatants to kill her.

"Nasumi, NO! You don't want to get any more involved in this! That's our lieutenant and a captain-killer fighting, and another captain is about to get involved! You'll get killed if you get in there, you know that! Please, Nasumi-san, let's just leave. We can't do any more here."

[Dorizzit]

Spoiler

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Boabone vs. Damara

When the good Vice-Captain leaps into the air, Boabone's threads stop dead for a moment then shoot through the air towards him. A couple wrap around his foot with their ridiculous speed, but not nearly enough to actually pull him towards his adversary. Instead, they merely seem to mark his position as he launches the purple rods down at Boabone. The arrancar woman seems wholly unprepared for the bakudo, bashed back and forth by the bakudo spell even as one or two pin her down to the ground.

Right away she begins to strain and tug at her bindings, even as her position means the Sokatsui is pulled directly into the Garganta concealed within her own body.

As Damara releases his sword, Boabone finally frees herself from the ground by yanking the poles away with masses of thread and rises into the air in front of him, a terribly thin finger with the wind tunnel focused directly upon him. It doesn't save her when the crescent shaped attack cuts into the stitched together arrancar, even if the majority of the attack vanishes into the void. Blood drips down into the ground as the arrancar collapses back unto the ground as the garganta hidden within her...closes. In it's absence is nothing more then more and more black threads, all of which look severed in the absence of the portal as if they had lead back through it.

"*Cough* Nnghkk...H-how...? Lady Primera...promised to rescue....usssss...." Boabone whispers hoarsely, even as her body begins to disintegrate...

Rukongai
Middle Districts
That was disappointing. I barely did anything.
Damara severs the cords wrapped about his leg with a precise motion, then jumps gracefully down to the ground, his flight detaching the ends of the cords. He lands in a crouch, then stands slowly and walks forward until he is around ten feet away from Boabone. As he walks, he speaks.

"Trust should never be put in one who possesses such a title."
Always so dignified. You just have to have the last word.
As he comes to a halt, Damara reverses his grip on his sword and sticks it into the ground next to him, within easy reach but out of his hand. For a long second, he watches the dying Arrancar before him. He then brings his hands together, pressed flat against each other in front of his chest.

"May your soul find peace in your next life."
Well. Aren't you all gracious and philosophical.
The tone of Damara's voice changes as he begins a Kido chant.

"Years of war, shattered dimensions, pieces and fragments of a thousand civilizations. White to black, oblivion to nothingness. Blue fire, red wind, cross and form a storm of flames. Wipe the stains from this sinful earth. Hadō 54: Haien."

As he chants, his hands begin to glow. When the glow has reached its apex. He snaps both hands forward, sending a blast of incinerating energy towards Boabone's fading body.

[Terry576]

Rukon 38

"Someone get them some water!" Seiko calls out to the 11th and 4th divisioners who are still wandering around. Then Seiko turns back to Karite. "Are you sure you're all right, Karite-kun? I would hate to have to take you down again; I might have to hurt you next time." Seiko smiled slightly as he spoke; it was evident that in his current state, a stiff wind could knock Seiko out.

Karite stretched, wincing in pain as he felt his wounds begin to stretch.

"Yes, I'm quite fine now Seiko. If I could just be going now...?"

[Callos_DeTerran]

Hirokatsu Goto Vice Captain (Acting Captain) of the 9th Division: The Rukongai 63rd District, at the gates of the Ryuunosuke Castle with five other 9th Division Shinigami.


Hirokatsu and the other Shinigami approached the Ryuunosuke Castle, it blocked out the light and cast a huge shadow on them as they walked towards one of its gates intended for pedestrian traffic. As they walked Hirokatsu spoke to the other Shinigami, keeping his umbrella up, even in the heavy shadow of the castle's walls.

"If you did not know, this castle is the Great Noble Ryuunosuke Castle, the Gotei's 5th Division Captain's FAMILY castle...not their home mind you...but still to be revered no?.... he paused for a bit deciding to en his explanation there "...Inside we will find communications equipment that can relay our information more quickly...and directly to whom would disseminate it appropriately as well.

They came to the pedestrian gate, and then Hirokatsu knocked quite loudly on the large door. He was a patient man, but his heavy clap on the door definitely made it apparent that an expeditious response was needed.

He then loudly (a rarity for the other five Shinigami to observe of their Vice Captain) belted out to an unseen, but undoubtedly present, attendant.
"Ryuunosuke Castle, this is Hirokatsu Goto, Vice-Captain and Acting Captain of the Gotei's 9th Division, i request entrance and use of yoru communications equipment so as to send a message to the Gotei. Time is of the essence with our communication, and the Seretei and Rukongai being in a state of emergency i pray we dispense with appropriate formalities, until a time when such can be properly given."

At those last words two of 9th Division Shinigami, tried to brush their hair with their fingers and slightly and straighten their uniforms a bit trying to knock off the dust on their hakama's, finally realizing they were not just about to enter a normal home.

Hirokatsu, with his Division members behind him, stood facing the door. Unmoving and in utter silence. The rest of the Gotei were probably rushing about everywhere, but here in the mid Rukongai six shinigami stand still, not usurping etiquette any more than they have to, to accomplish their work.

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Ryuunosuke Castle

For a long couple of minutes there is no response, making the 9th Division Shinigami (aside from Hirokatsu that is) begin to doubt if there was truly anyone within the defensive redoubt or not. It was at that moment that the fortified gates finally swing open to reveal three guards and one shinigami standing just behind the first wall. The trio of guards are steely eyed men in heavy armor, looking decidedly more anxious about the situation then the shinigami did. She stands tall and proud, reaching up to brush blue-black hair back from sharp blue eyes even as a smile crosses her face.

"Hello Acting-Captain Hirokatsu! Welcome to Ryuunosuke Castle! We'd begun to get worried with the presence of arrancar out in the Rukon that an attack was imminent but I see our worries were needless!" she says cheerfully, giving a precise, proper bow before gesturing for the small troop to enter the castle grounds. Just as Hirokatsu remembers, there is a garden between each of the walls, though it's a slow process to get through the five gates. Each is opened one at a time, to minimize the chance of harm if visiting guests turned out to be threats (Osamu's own procedure) and each garden has a small swarm of Hell Butterfly wafting through the air.

"By the way, I'm 7th seat Ryuunosuke Jikkousu. It's a pleasure to meet you. What brings you out this far into the Rukon today?" Jikkousu asks curiously, eyes bright as the guards return to their posts and she leads the way to the towering castle proper. Each gate passed has less normal guards and more shinigami until the small company stand in the inner courtyard. Numerous training yards are scattered about in front of the looming castle itself, the numerous 5th Division shinigami and Ryuunosuke family members looking at the visitors with their own intrepid curiosity. It appears the chaos of the attack hadn't reached her, but then again the owner of the castle had always been so very fond of drills and procedure...

[Frozen_Feet]

[Rukon 38]

"Go where?", a faint question carries through the battefield. Himura Michiko has risen to a sitting position and is glaring at Karite. The 4th Divisioners have hurried to start healing her again and created another, smaller barrier around her just in case.

Kurosaki, Heihachi and Ryuuma are standing beside her. At least the last one is not convinced anything is over yet. The last two look at Seiko, than shoot a suspicious glance at the first; Kurosaki picks up the hint, and hurries next to Seiko with one medic to support him. He's in stupidly bad shape.

[3rd Division]

The green cloud continues on its path towards Suzume, even though Nasumi's concentration is shaken by Magatsu's fit of anger. She hesitates, wondering what she should do... when Shishmaru smashes against her. It probably hurts him more.

The girl stares at her fellow Shinigami. He's reminding him of herself, when she'd tried to stop Kazuma in the same way. Good grief, their madness is infecting me too!, she wonders, letting her sword arm down, six of seven clouds settling into cocentric rings around her.

"All right! Lets go sound the evacuation signal so everyone knows to get out of the Division!", she chimes half-heartedly. "We still have a minute or so left!"

[Terry576]

Karite stares at the golden cube in a kind of awe, before quietly answering Michiko,

"Just... away. Away from this, so I can be alone. Away from my past, the present, and look towards the future. Why not? It's not like I have anything left here now, besides my friends. Those who would have helped me will now gladly betray me. I'd prefer to be alone, think, and clear my head. Perhaps where I first trained with Kuyashinaki."

A slight grin, a sad grin fills his face.

[Frozen_Feet]

Michiko frowns, then shakes her head. "Your words are ridiculous. You can't just walk away and expect the world to forget you", she croaks, before fixing her gaze on Seiko. "We're taking him with us."

[Terry576]

Karite turns around, and the sad smile remains.

"Oh? And what will you do with me?"

He holds out his hands, palms facing upward.

"Will you lock me up, like Hannibal? Because that's what's going to happen if you take me in. You know it, in your heart of hearts."

He looks at all those assembled.

"No matter what happens, no matter what any of you say, your determination will eventually falter. You won't be able to stop them, and I'll be caged forever, and never released. They won't even bother with that 'trial' they gave Hannibal. I'll just be thrown in, and forgotten."

The smile grows into a full fledged grin.

"But if you really want to, I'll go with you. Peacefully, in fact."

[Kayne650]

[3rd Division]

The green cloud continues on its path towards Suzume, even though Nasumi's concentration is shaken by Magatsu's fit of anger. She hesitates, wondering what she should do... when Shishmaru smashes against her. It probably hurts him more.

The girl stares at her fellow Shinigami. He's reminding him of herself, when she'd tried to stop Kazuma in the same way. Good grief, their madness is infecting me too!, she wonders, letting her sword arm down, six of seven clouds settling into cocentric rings around her.

"All right! Lets go sound the evacuation signal so everyone knows to get out of the Division!", she chimes half-heartedly. "We still have a minute or so left!"

Shishimaru breathes a sigh of relief. Thank the Spirit King that she hadn't argued. "Good idea," he agrees, willing to agree with anything that gets them away from their homicidal lieutenant. As they walk away, he rubs his shoulder. Why in heaven's name was Nasumi so powerfully built? It had felt like running into a brick wall...

[Rukon 38]

Seiko had been about to respond to Karite when he had heard Michiko. He turned to look at her as the medic came to his side, patching up his injury for what must have been the umpteenth time.

"Thank you," he says to the medic, listening as Michiko and Karite talk. He understands Karite's reasoning, but Michiko was right; Karite couldn't be left to his own devices, and Seiko was in no condition to take care of him, though he was loathe to admit it.

"Karite-kun, I don't think that's true anymore. You didn't do any actual harm, and maybe you can be treated! I mean, you've already beaten the Hollow, maybe we can convince them that you won't rampage like Hannibal did. If you run away, they'll never stop chasing you. It's stay, and maybe have a chance at freedom, or run, and never be able to return, or stay in one place. Come on, Karite-kun. Don't be an idiot."

He nodded to Michiko. "I understand. Shall we leave now?"

[Terry576]

Karite listens to Seiko, politely, before shaking his head.

"No. You know Takahashi is. He won't relent. No matter what, he'll make sure I go, to protect Natsuko. You know this Seiko. You damn well know how Takahashi is about anyone who is affected by Hollows."

He looks longingly at the gate, so close and yet so far.

"If I don't leave, I'm as good as dead."

[Kayne650]

Seiko sees Karite's gaze wandering to the gates.

"NO! Listen to me, Karite-kun. We can reason with Takahashi-taichou! He wants to protect the Seireitei, but he's not crazy. He can listen to us, if we go and actually speak with him."

"If you run, you'll only prove your guilt to Takahashi-taichou. Please, Karite-kun. I'd hate for the last time I see you to be one of us killing the other." Seiko looks incredibly tired, and almost dead on his feet. Seiko severely overextended himself fighting Karite, and his face was pale as death. He was in no condition to chase Karite now, but he would be soon enough.

[tgva8889]

[Maggot's Nest]

Spoiler

Show

The heck?

Is Taiki using some form of Kyokko himself. Maybe... in either case, the set-up is so obviously a trap it isn't even funny. But the stranger realizes that there isn't much he can besides walking straight into it if he doesn't want to prolong their game of hide-and-seek.

The stranger backs away from the cliff again, weighing his options. Then, he grasps the hilt of his Zanpakuto with both hands and strikes at the base of the cliff, soulsteel carving a deep fissure in the rock, and then kicks it to make the face of the cliff collapse.

Then he jumps down again, on the side of the slight trail leading to the Nest door, eyes fixed on the crumbling face of the cliff as he tries to spot any reaction from his opponent.

Silence fills Taiki's mind. His eyes closed, he focuses intensely. Though his subject may be invisible to his sight and reiatsu senses, his other senses may be able to detect him. The leaves rustle in the slight mountain breeze. A bird caws in the distance. Then he hears something. Something close, and obvious...

As soon as the Zanpakuto strikes the rock, the stranger can hear the wind move around him.

A shunpo.

Shortly thereafter, Taiki's fist flies at high speed directly at the source of the sound from behind the stranger. Assuming he is bent over slightly after the strike, the fist should be aiming somewhere around belt-level.

[Frozen_Feet]

[Rukon 38]

Michiko observes Karite and Seiki sternly as they make their arguments. "You are both right", she says, and sighs, closing her eyes to think. When she opens them, she fixes them on Karite. "Mitsukai. I'll give you two options."

"One. You surrender yourself to the 10th. I will attest for you and do everything in my power as a Captain so you will have just trial, and just punishment. What you've now done here is not any worse than my own drunken officers do from time to time." Seiko might feel Michiko's eyes affix on him; granted, he's never particularly needed alcohol to be rowdy. The other officers, especially Ryuuma, look away and try to feign innocence.

"Second. We take you to my Division grounds and maroon you in the Dangai. What happens to you then is of your own concern."

---

[Maggot's Nest]

The stranger feels Taiki's fist pass his body by inches, brushing against his clothing and causing it to chafe against his skin. He doesn't waste time to move for the counter-attack - it's his best chance. He turns around rapidly, invisible Zanpakuto cleaving through the air in a diagonal, downwards arc to cut the Captain down.