[BiTPR2] Bleach in The Playground: Renewed Revolution Thread I

[AnimeKid]

Mortal World-City Streets

Tamaki sighed as he rolled to a stop and pulls himself up, looking scruffed up. He looks over at Charles and gives him a nod before saying to Natsuki, "Yeah, I sent Hinata and Naito there. There was another empowered mortal there so we should go check on them.

Soul Society-The Graveyard

Naijeru walked somberly into the graveyard. He looks at Masaru and says, "Hey Masaru-kun. I thought that you would be here. Though I must say that I didn't expect there to be so many others. So how are you feeling about the whole thing."

Hueco Mundo

Kyoki looked at Clovis and them over to Jehoel as she considers their words. She thinks for a moment before she speaks up. "Um, Jehoel-sama? Are all captains that strong? Because it seems that when it comes to Kido the Shinigami have us at a disadvantage. If it does come to war I mean."

[Draken]

[Mortal World]
(Underneath Ikari - Catacombs, Forgotten Lab)

While Alexandra checks the terminal, Oscar looms over jagged shards of twisted shells enveloped in long-dried mucus. He has seen those before, that he did. And his brows furrow.

"Hah! The imbeciles caused their own doom in the end. This place must be crawling of Her Highness' unmodified eggs, which might also mean larvae and drones. Probably in the sealed rooms and deeper levels."

Oscar walks back to Alexandra.

"You got anything good?"

[Demidos]

"Sounds like one awful boring journey to do alone. Wanna come with?"

Setsurou did notice the lack of fingers, but spoke nothing of it. Swordsmen in general tended to be very sensitive of the subject*.

"I'm Setsurou, by the way."

Spoiler

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*The pinky and ring fingers are supposed to be the fingers that most affect your grip strength with a sword. The reason Yakuza cut off pinkies is due to a tradition harkening back to when swords were commonplace weapons - cutting the tip of the pinky, then the tip of the ring finger, then another knuckle on the pinky and so on gradually weakened the effectiveness of a swordsman and forced him or her to rely more on their teammates.

Igarashi looked into the distance. "Very well". Something seemed oddly...foolish about this fellow, not at all in keeping with the decorum usually required by the Court Guard squads. It seemed a good idea to keep an eye on him until he could be properly examined at Hospital Division Headquarters. "Naganori Igarashi. Former sixth seat of the SSI Division." A slight emphasis on the division would have an attentive listener explaining from which division they themselves proceeded.

[Kuroimaken]

Soul Society - The Gates

"A pleasure to meet you, Igarashi-san. I, uh... used to run with the Onmitsukidou, myself. Is that still a thing?" Setsurou pondered aloud. The contradiction was obvious.

"Anyway, I'm back after fifty-five years away from Soul Society. That was one doozy of a side-trip, let me tell you..."

[Rhyvurg]

[Soul Society]
Academy

Returning to his office, Sato begins working on the Academy's revised curriculum. All lessons about Pluses were cancelled until further notice. Additional training grounds were to be built, a request would be sent to the Kido Corps for a Hado specialist to join the school as part-time staff, and all classes were put on hold while the student's current abilities were assessed and tested for practical use. From them on, students would all have personalized courses designed to being their skills up to snuff, taking remedial courses if necessary. Trips to the Human World would be arranged to get the students used to combating Hollows, once Sato was satisfied they could handle themselves. Sato intended to train these children to the point they could give any Lieutenant a decent fight. The best of them would be given advanced training to try and get them to achieve Shikai.

[Mina Kobold]

[Mortal World]
(Do you like the way I'm burning you?)

Behind Rin, a tear opens in the fabric of the world, granting a glimpse of white sands and black sky, at least if anyone with the ability to see such things happens to looking that way before it closes.

From it steps a lithe, humanoid, figure with pitch-black skin, four arms, each ending in a clawed, ten-fingered hand, a double row of spines down her back, and an elongated face, covered in a white mask with a stylized green flame over most of it.

"Hello, mortal. So nice to meet you (eat you)," she says, her voice echoing oddly on the last two words, and the too-wide grin that spreads across her face revealing she has long, needle-sharp, teeth, which curve slightly inward. "A treat, one could say..."

Taking a visibly startled step backwards, Rin stares in the direction of the Hollow. As she speaks, Rin looks around, seeing only one visitor in the room, quiet and ignorant of the voice.

"Who's saying that? Hallucin-no, maybe not"

Recalling something, the quite spiritually noticeable security guard raises a hand to remove her eye-patch. Despite evidently not quite seeing the Hollow yet, Rin still continues absently backing up.

City Park

Hinata lets her own bow disappate, staring in slight disbelief. She jumped down, running over. "...superhuman strength, I'm assuming?

Good work. Even if we weren't able to..."

She sighs. "Um. I'm Akiyama Hinata, it's a pleasure to meet you..."

[Mortal World]
(City Park)

About now, people have started gathering after the initial hectic flight from the invisible commotion. Katsuo winces. "...Can we go? Somewhere else? I really d-don't like getting this much attention..."

He stands again, sighing. "I... don't even know how to respond to this. But I know I don't want to talk about it here."

"...Yamada Katsuo. I'm in your class."

[Mortal World]
The Park

Naito nods.

"Right! Follow me!"

Then he halts mid-step, and turns sheepishly to Hinata.

"Ah...you can find your sister, right? I'm...not so good at this whole sensing thing yet..."

Giving Katsuo a sympathetic look, Alice nods.

"An alternate location is of no problem for me, first encounter with a Hollow can be very traumatic. But-just a moment-"

Turning, the Shinigami makes a gesture at her other self, making it stand and carefully jog closer. When it catches up, it makes no attempt at conversation, nor even acknowledges the Mortal kids.

"-but at least none of you died, you are very lucky to have such great people around you as Naito and... Akiyama-san?"

Turning, the red-clad spirit does a deep bow to Hinata, the double eerily following the gesture in unison with Alice.

"Please excuse my rudeness, my manners are severely unpractised, it seems. I am Alice Ruggles, 1882-1900, Shinigami. Tasked with communicating with and assisting empowered Mortals and a few other Mortals that you may have knowledge of."

Alice says, smiling and holding a polite tone. In spite of this, Alice still manages to make it apparent that there is no question about whether Hinata knows of these "other Mortals".

[strawberryman]

[Mortal World]
(Underneath Ikari - Catacombs, Forgotten Lab)

Alexandra looks at the bottom level, which seems to include a large chamber of some manner. "Yes." She... notes the coordinates. "This will greatly expedite things. If I know where to open the 'gate'... It is as simple as stepping through." Alexandra pauses, taking down the map and observing other lines of information. Experiment logs. Alexandra... gives a surprised smirk.

"...It seems the fools bit off more than they could chew." She closes the prompt, and shuts down the monitor. Without ceremony, she opens up another hole, and steps through. "You do not disappoint, Sir Meyers." And with that, she taps along, with a purpose, giving a half-grin.

(City Park)

Katsuo follows after Naito, sighing. He... really wasn't sure if he was even awake at this point. He looks to Hinata with... somewhat of an intense gaze at her question, however. "...I don't know about superhuman, but, it's... been a real problem for me. I can't really function normally anymore..." He sounds like he really, really wishes that weren't true.

Following Naito, however, one thing he said stands out. "...What... do you mean, I'll start attracting 'hollows'? I... think I've seen one of those... t-things... before, but... they've never attacked me." He seems more than a little nervous about this prospect. "I don't even know how this happened to me. There's just... so much I don't understand."

[Spacewolf]

Hei Chen glances about, noting his traveling companion already moving off to the source of the Hollow reading. Just meant he didn't have to worry about it, he wouldn't have trusted anyone else with the task however. He blinks as an S.S.I member approaches him from deeper in the Temple. "I had a donut. Probably somewhere in the Dangai." he shrugs, glancing about more with a frown. "You want me to go back and get you one?" he asks via his rabbit, holding it up in front of the other Shinigami.

Castus drops his arm down to his side, "No I wouldn't worry about it, not exactly what I meant anyway." muttering the last part under his breath.

"Oh I'm Castus by the way, doubt you would remember me i was just joining the SSI as you left for the mortal world. So what brings you back anyway? Are you taking over this installation now it's up and running?"

[Dorizzit]

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Hueco Mundo

Kyoki looked at Clovis and them over to Jehoel as she considers their words. She thinks for a moment before she speaks up. "Um, Jehoel-sama? Are all captains that strong? Because it seems that when it comes to Kido the Shinigami have us at a disadvantage. If it does come to war I mean."

[Hueco Mundo]
The Roof

Jehoel continues his analysis of the roof's condition.

"He was among the best, by definition. The other Captains may approach him in skill, but I would be surprised if any truly surpassed him."

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(City Park)

Katsuo follows after Naito, sighing. He... really wasn't sure if he was even awake at this point. He looks to Hinata with... somewhat of an intense gaze at her question, however. "...I don't know about superhuman, but, it's... been a real problem for me. I can't really function normally anymore..." He sounds like he really, really wishes that weren't true.

Following Naito, however, one thing he said stands out. "...What... do you mean, I'll start attracting 'hollows'? I... think I've seen one of those... t-things... before, but... they've never attacked me." He seems more than a little nervous about this prospect. "I don't even know how this happened to me. There's just... so much I don't understand."

[Mortal World]
The Park

Naito shrugs.

"To be honest, you know just about as much as I do, now. Hollows go after people with a lot of spirit energy. Also, your strength is definitely superhuman; I'm pretty close to peak physical condition, and I couldn't hold a candle to that thing in raw strength. Stuff like that is powered by spiritual energy."

[Draken]

Mortal World
(Underneath Ikari - Catacombs, Forgotten Lab)

"Ha! Very true , very true."

Oscar follows Alexandra into the garganta, which closes behind him.

...

...

...

Once the traces of menos reiatsu are gone, numerous shapes start moving from the corners of the room, and dash out of the opening left by Oscar, catching the scent of fresh air.

[Frozen_Feet]

[Mortal World]
Unspecified part of Great Tokyo Area

[Mortal World]
"That was you, huh?" Kenzan thinks for a bit. "Man, I was hoping to get to fight another one of those today. Seriously, several over the course of a few days and then nothing. I must not be tuned into the right frequency or something. Speaking of which. That thing you did that got my attention? Don't do that. I nearly tripped off a rooftop.

"People like you? Nah, I don't think so. I don't really have any powers." Even though recent events would clearly suggest anyone else. "I met some guys recently who have powers though. We're supposed to meet later today actually." The strange boy holds out a hand in introduction. "Hakuto Kenzan."

Mikael looks at the offered hand. "Sorry, I'd rather not shake hands. Mine are a bit sore." Mikael lifts his hands so Kenzan can better see the bandages covering them. Kenzan's comment about not really having powers is confusing to Mikael - he obviously has some. Maybe Mikael phrased his sentence badly again?

But there's another confusing thing about the tall teenager. The more Mikael hears him speak, the more apparent it becomes that there's a strange undertone to it. To Mikael, Kenzan sounds like he's dead. And not in the same way as a corpse - but in the same way as a rock. An object.

But Mikael doesn't dwell on this feeling long. He is delighted to hear Kenzan knows more people with powers. "This meeting sounds fun. Can I accompany you?"

[KnightDisciple]

Soul Society - the Memorial

"He's not the first Shinigami with a blunt personality on the Gotei ranks and he won't be the last. But he means well. All he needs is someone to help him smooth over ruffled feathers.

Given the circumstances, bridge-building will have to wait. The Primera Espada's proclamation is something that will consume a lot of attention at this point. Whether or not we accept it things are bound to change.

I hate to admit this, but we're nowhere near the best condition for all-out war with Hueco Mundo right now. It's not just leadership; like you said, our morale is low. We need to hearten our comrades' spirits again. For that reason alone, I think that the most fearful of us will push for approval. They will likely be followed by the most cautious. Anyone that pushes for us to reject the proposal outright might be stamped out as bloodthirsty.

I think this was Jehoel's intent all along, in fact. While we're distracted bickering, he diverts attention away from himself. We need to keep an eye on him somehow. Someone with a cunning plan."

"Yes. It was pretty clear he was trying to shake our focus. But that's something the Pack is pretty good at. Unfortunately I don't have any ideas on how to-"

Naijeru walked somberly into the graveyard. He looks at Masaru and says, "Hey Masaru-kun. I thought that you would be here. Though I must say that I didn't expect there to be so many others. So how are you feeling about the whole thing."

Masaru blinks at the sudden entry of Naijeru, and his rather...odd...question.

"Which whole thing? The mess at the Gate? Or the Kenpachi being dead? "The whole thing" is kind of vague. And my feelings are under control."

Well. Mostly. It was obvious his response was a bit testy. Perhaps he felt a bit intruded-upon? Hard to say. It was a rather...oddly blunt...question, after all.

[Kuroimaken]

Koutarou shot a glare towards Naijeru that practically screamed "how rude!" in tones that would make a Menos shrink. It was accompanied by a cough for emphasis.

He didn't like interruptions, from the look of it.

"Naijeru-kun, there is this thing called 'tact' that you would greatly benefit from. I'll lend you a book sometime." Koutarou turned back to Masaru. "It is likely the Pack will be facing a lot of additions soon. Lots of inexperienced recruits. People who won't be able to learn everything before they go to war.

They are our charges, Masaru-kun. We will need to train them properly."

[Viera Champion]

Soul Society - in front of the Northern Gate

"Well that settles that." Setsurou spoke matter-of-factly, like he'd just discussed arrangements with a paperboy.

Instead of, y'know, a sweeping proclamation from Hueco Mundo that could potentially change Soul Society for the foreseeable AND unforeseeable future.

One quick and spooky Shunpo later, and the man was standing right besides Hikaru while holding a small tray with exquisite balance and drinking from a teacup.

"Oh! Hikaru-san! It's been what, fifty-five years, two months, five days, six hours, thirty-two minutes and twenty seconds, give or take a day? I trust you've been well. I've also got a crapton of intel to relay, possibly to the other Captains. I might have to pull rank on that, assuming Soul Society even does posthumous promotions anymore. Heck, I'm not sure my Division is even still there."

Sip.

"Tea?"

Hikaru gives him a disinterested glance.
"You are the biggest fool I have ever met. I don't have time for tea at the moment, but you and I will talk when I get the opportunity, and it will not be the conversation of old acquaintances."
And with that, she shunpos off.

Soul Society
Recon Headquarters

Arianna lets out a sigh, her shoulders and wings slumping a little. Just another thing to add to the huge pile of unwanted bad things happening lately.

Alright, I want you to go back to your regular duties, then. Keep an eye out for any other odd alarms. And thanks for finding this.

Once Hideki goes back to his post, Arianna will try to contact Hikaru.

And Arianna is calling her again. Goody. Hikaru slows to a walk again and sighs before answering her reiphone.
"What's to report?"


Heuco Mundo
Daiki & Jehoel

Arañita sonidos up behind Daiki, dressed in a lavish red dress, and her current eyepatch is also red and equally lavish. She looks like a kick-butt sexy spy. Her eyes are filled with worry, but she does not show it in her voice or the way she stands.
"My love. Are you hurt?"

[dancrilis]

[Soul Society]
(The Phoenix Temple)

Sabitsura Sho

As she moved she considered her life, always more powerful than those around her and feared for it she had learned to control the power flow to allow for stealth. After all fear led to anger, anger to hate and hate to suffering. As such to avoid suffering one merely needed to destroy the weak that would fear you - Karia had made the case well.

However one than needed to consider the strong they had to power to oppose you as such you could fear that they would interfere with you also, as such murdering the strong was also important if one aimed to avoid suffering.

However she had suffered anyway so there was some flaw in her framework.

There were people here who against all logical thought were not attempting to kill one another, even the Arrancar at the gate seemed to have missed this most basic of truths. There were times in life when one needed to consider if they were wrong.

Jou was a threat but she had let her live, and while it bothered her she did not regret it not yet at least.

Looking at the The Phoenix Temple her mind considered the likely defenses, illusions and barriers. Being cautious not to touch her own protection she drew Noren Mekuri as she entered the building to reveal any traps.

Perhaps there was power outside of murder, and there was power in this place if she could harness it.

She continued cautiously through the building avoiding those within to avoid the distraction as she followed the signs and groups to the more restricted areas, finally coming to an old library where she could research the nature of power in peace.

[AnimeKid]

Koutarou shot a glare towards Naijeru that practically screamed "how rude!" in tones that would make a Menos shrink. It was accompanied by a cough for emphasis.

He didn't like interruptions, from the look of it.

"Naijeru-kun, there is this thing called 'tact' that you would greatly benefit from. I'll lend you a book sometime." Koutarou turned back to Masaru. "It is likely the Pack will be facing a lot of additions soon. Lots of inexperienced recruits. People who won't be able to learn everything before they go to war.

They are our charges, Masaru-kun. We will need to train them properly."

Soul Society - the Memorial

"Yes. It was pretty clear he was trying to shake our focus. But that's something the Pack is pretty good at. Unfortunately I don't have any ideas on how to-"


Masaru blinks at the sudden entry of Naijeru, and his rather...odd...question.

"Which whole thing? The mess at the Gate? Or the Kenpachi being dead? "The whole thing" is kind of vague. And my feelings are under control."

Well. Mostly. It was obvious his response was a bit testy. Perhaps he felt a bit intruded-upon? Hard to say. It was a rather...oddly blunt...question, after all.

Naijeru gives a flat stare to Koutarou before he says, "It may be blunt but I feel it's bit more prudent to be blunt and dance 'round less in times like this. So please keep yer book. However yer right about needin' train the new recruits."

He then looks at Masaru not really bothered by the testyness, in fact he expected it. He still needed to know. "Both really. I mean a lot has happened in the time you woke up. I want to know how you are feeling. We are friends after all."

[KerfuffleMach2]

Soul Society - Recon Headquarters

After the Arrancars left, an old alarm stayed active. It required my password to view what it was about, but it didn't give me much information. Apparently, a high-security prison, facility number HM-001, has been breached. It says it has only one prisoner, but that person's name is classified.

Do you know of this facility? And where should I send a team to look?

[KnightDisciple]

[Soul Society]
(The Memorial)

Koutarou shot a glare towards Naijeru that practically screamed "how rude!" in tones that would make a Menos shrink. It was accompanied by a cough for emphasis.

He didn't like interruptions, from the look of it.

"Naijeru-kun, there is this thing called 'tact' that you would greatly benefit from. I'll lend you a book sometime." Koutarou turned back to Masaru. "It is likely the Pack will be facing a lot of additions soon. Lots of inexperienced recruits. People who won't be able to learn everything before they go to war.

They are our charges, Masaru-kun. We will need to train them properly."

Masaru's eyes widen slightly at the news.

"Well. If they can't learn everything. We'll teach them enough, and keep them safe as part of The Pack. It's what we do. We train hard so we can keep on living."

He looks back over to Naijeru with a slight frown.

Naijeru gives a flat stare to Koutarou before he says, "It may be blunt but I feel it's bit more prudent to be blunt and dance 'round less in times like this. So please keep yer book. However yer right about needin' train the new recruits."

He then looks at Masaru not really bothered by the testyness, in fact he expected it. He still needed to know. "Both really. I mean a lot has happened in the time you woke up. I want to know how you are feeling. We are friends after all."

"Koutarou-san is correct. And please do not tell him to be silent; Scarlet and I were having a perfectly respectable conversation before you arrived."

His own expression was now carefully neutral.

"As for my feelings. That is my business, and my decision to share or not. And while we are comrades in arms and part of the Pack, I am not so certain joint participation in a few drinking binges necessarily makes us friends. And that's the sort of thing I'm trying to leave behind me as I forge my new path."
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[Mortal World]
(Streets, post Shell Scrapper)

Charles Anderson looked about himself as the Hollow Shell Scrapper faded away, the Garganta sealing back up. He calmly folded up his rifle and stowed it on his back, reaching down to pick up the spent SSB. It was tucked into his bandoleer, with the other one quickly retrieved after another high-speed step. He glanced at Natsuki and Tamaki before looking back at the family of spirits, giving them a friendly smile and tip of his slouch hat.

"Either of you able to get these fine folks moving along?"

He'd clearly heard Tamaki's statement about the park, but felt that the family's situation warranted more immediate concern.
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[Mortal World]
(Cathedral of the Trifold Eye)

Thomas had let Oscar and Alexandra move on to the catacombs without a word. He closed his eyes for a few moments, nursing his tea and considering the things he felt in the distance.

'Hm. A lot of potential running around out there. But with so many of them, it will take effort to get them to each consider our work...'

Finishing the tea, he gathered up the dishes and took them to the kitchen, taking a few minutes to clean them.

He could feel the low hum of the not-quite-confrontation at the door of the Cathedral. Isabelle could take care of herself, and keeping the rest of the residents happy and calm was important if things did go south.

After the dishes he'd made were clean, he quietly headed down to the more finished part of the basement/catacombs, right below the Cathedral.

His wards were done, but he felt it wouldn't hurt to look through some of the manuscripts about the King, Queen, and Knights to get a better feel for things. And it was an interesting subject unto itself!

[Tebryn]

Castus drops his arm down to his side, "No I wouldn't worry about it, not exactly what I meant anyway." muttering the last part under his breath.

"Oh I'm Castus by the way, doubt you would remember me i was just joining the SSI as you left for the mortal world. So what brings you back anyway? Are you taking over this installation now it's up and running?"

Hei Chen continues to keep his eyes focused on the area around him, casually picking his nose as he glances back at the other Shinigami. "You're still here?" he asks bluntly, sighing a little before throwing his arm about Castus's shoulder. "Now Ken...we're friends so I'm going to call you Ken. Why do you think we're all back huh? You tell me, let's write this story together ok?"

[Spacewolf]

Hei Chen continues to keep his eyes focused on the area around him, casually picking his nose as he glances back at the other Shinigami. "You're still here?" he asks bluntly, sighing a little before throwing his arm about Castus's shoulder. "Now Ken...we're friends so I'm going to call you Ken. Why do you think we're all back huh? You tell me, let's write this story together ok?"

Huh either this guy was extremely distracted or just trying to annoy him. Castus just goes along with it anyway and lets Hei Chan put an arm across his shoulders before answering him.

“Like I said my Hypothesis is that you’re here to take over the new installation and I would presume you had something to do with building it as well.”

[strawberryman]

[Mortal World]
The Park

Naito shrugs.

"To be honest, you know just about as much as I do, now. Hollows go after people with a lot of spirit energy. Also, your strength is definitely superhuman; I'm pretty close to peak physical condition, and I couldn't hold a candle to that thing in raw strength. Stuff like that is powered by spiritual energy."

Katsuo... just falls silent at that. He's not sure how to process any of it. It's like this secret world was so normal to Naito he didn't observe the absolute absurdity of what he was saying! Granted, Katsuo had good reason to believe he was different, but...

Hollows? Spirit energy? Not sure what else to say, Katsuo just follows Naito in a daze.

...what am I getting myself into...

Mortal World
(Underneath Ikari - Catacombs, Forgotten Lab)

"Ha! Very true, very true."

Oscar follows Alexandra into the garganta, which closes behind him.

...

...

...

Once the traces of menos reiatsu are gone, numerous shapes start moving from the corners of the room, and dash out of the opening left by Oscar, catching the scent of fresh air.

Alexandra taps through the garganta-space without much more ceremony... then, steps through the other side. Looking around, she adjusts her light as needed as the pair touch down in the hallways immediately before entering the Tomb of Flame.

"...There were guardians in your tomb... correct? Perhaps you should go first. I am merely a frail old crone, after all." That said, she digs in her bag, pulling out a large vial of red, somewhat luminescent liquid.

[Draken]

Mortal World
The Tomb of Flame

Before Oscar and Alexandra, a massive brass furnace smolders in solitude, the air shimmering from the heat around it.

"Yeah, yeah. I will take the lead."

Oscar draws his claymore and tears open a gash large enough for himself in the metal shell.

Inside it, the flames roar in a spiraling maelstrom, but do not escape to the outside.

"But this whole place is out of energy, odds are that any guards left won't be able to leave their alcoves."

[DiscipleofBob]

[Mortal World]

"Yeah, sure, I don't see why not. It's just an informal Ghostbusters Anonymous meeting anyway," Kenzan shrugs as he offers to lead Mikael to the meeting. "Speaking of which, what's the deal with all this?" Kenzan asks motioning to all of Mikael's bandages and general disfigurements. "Is this some kind of condition or did somebody give you a full-body massage with a blender?" While they make conversation, Kenzan will lead Mikael to the designated meeting place, though depending on what mode of transportation they take he may get restless.

[Soul Society]
(Phoenix Temple)

Yumiko was attempting to finish up the days' paperwork when the alarms sounded. Someone was attacking HER library? Equally scared as she was defensive, she immediately commenced the standard procedure, activating artificial Barrier Kidos throughout the complex, sending Hell Butterflies to multiple Divisions just to see who would respond first.

(Kenpachi Memorial)

Scarlet's face burns red in anger at the passive-aggressive bull**** of her fellow officers. Even the Vice-Captain of the Command Division, who outranks her by quite a bit, earns her fiery glare. Everyone there is equally the subject of her fury. "If the three of you are going to act like children, take it somewhere other than the Kenpachi's grave! We are ALL Comrades on the same side in a war here, no matter what Division or how much 'tact' one may or may not have. Masaru, if you don't consider Naijeru your friend now, then you'd better start soon, because you're both going to need to have each other's back regardless of whether you approve of the other's behavior."

[Kuroimaken]

Soul Society- The Memorial

"It is PRECISELY because we are where we are that I ask for tact. Are you not a little quick to forget some of us have had no time to mourn? I have only just been able to visit this grave myself." Koutarou noted, returning the glare in kind, but with a hint of sadness. "You're right on one point, though - this is the kind of thing we cannot have amongst our ranks. However lacking in subtlety though his intentions were, Naijeru's heart was in the right place." He turned to Naijeru with a wicked smirk. "Although I WOULD suggest thinking twice before you refuse the kind offer of someone who could transfer you to Logistics and make you scrub toilets for the remainder of your afterlife, Naijeru-san." He was joking... right?

"Scarlet-san. I don't think Masaru-kun's intent is to mean he does not trust Naijeru to have his back in battle.

But trusting one to have his heart is another matter. We are all comrades, but by necessity, be it of hierarchy or otherwise, friendship is something that cannot be forced. I for one would struggle to try and keep everything that everyone in Soul Society holds dear safe. But that is not something I expect of anyone."

At this point, Koutarou's expression twisted into a sad smile. He was trying to be kind, in his own way. But for all he noted of Naijeru's lack of tact, he himself seemed at a loss on how to make his own friends.

[KnightDisciple]

[Soul Society]
(Kenpachi Memorial)

Scarlet's face burns red in anger at the passive-aggressive bull**** of her fellow officers. Even the Vice-Captain of the Command Division, who outranks her by quite a bit, earns her fiery glare. Everyone there is equally the subject of her fury. "If the three of you are going to act like children, take it somewhere other than the Kenpachi's grave! We are ALL Comrades on the same side in a war here, no matter what Division or how much 'tact' one may or may not have. Masaru, if you don't consider Naijeru your friend now, then you'd better start soon, because you're both going to need to have each other's back regardless of whether you approve of the other's behavior."

Masaru had the grace to look very much chastised at Scarlet's words. Once or twice he seemed almost ready to say something, but then thought better of it.

"It is PRECISELY because we are where we are that I ask for tact. Are you not a little quick to forget some of us have had no time to mourn? I have only just been able to visit this grave myself." Koutarou noted, returning the glare in kind, but with a hint of sadness. "You're right on one point, though - this is the kind of thing we cannot have amongst our ranks. However lacking in subtlety though his intentions were, Naijeru's heart was in the right place." He turned to Naijeru with a wicked smirk. "Although I WOULD suggest thinking twice before you refuse the kind offer of someone who could transfer you to Logistics and make you scrub toilets for the remainder of your afterlife, Naijeru-san." He was joking... right?

"Scarlet-san. I don't think Masaru-kun's intent is to mean he does not trust Naijeru to have his back in battle.

But trusting one to have his heart is another matter. We are all comrades, but by necessity, be it of hierarchy or otherwise, friendship is something that cannot be forced. I for one would struggle to try and keep everything that everyone in Soul Society holds dear safe. But that is not something I expect of anyone."

At this point, Koutarou's expression twisted into a sad smile. He was trying to be kind, in his own way. But for all he noted of Naijeru's lack of tact, he himself seemed at a loss on how to make his own friends.

Masaru slowly spoke up, somewhat softely.

"It is...it is as Koutarou-san says."

Masaru went and knelt before the memorial to the Kenpachi once more for a moment, perhaps begging forgiveness for his impertinence in his arguing with the others. He then stood and faced them, about to say something-

(Phoenix Temple)

Yumiko was attempting to finish up the days' paperwork when the alarms sounded. Someone was attacking HER library? Equally scared as she was defensive, she immediately commenced the standard procedure, activating artificial Barrier Kidos throughout the complex, sending Hell Butterflies to multiple Divisions just to see who would respond first.

When a couple of Hell Butterflies landing among them and broadcast the alarm. Masaru's eyes widened.

"With the activity at the Gate being so recent, Internal Security's response might be slowed. We should go back them up."

Without waiting for a response, Masaru was flash-stepping away.

His hot-headed-ness hadn't entirely faded, it seemed.

[dancrilis]

[Soul Society]
(The Phoenix Temple)

Sabitsura Sho

She sat beside a bookcase reading a thesis on the meaning of nature of power, not something you gain, but something you awaken - something that you are or are not, the book was interesting.

If she was power and others were not than killing them was not in her interest, which supported her hypotesis that killing the weak was a waste of time. However if you were power than the deaths of the strong was also meaningless as it had no affect on your overall nature. This was almost heretical to her mindset.
Of course perhaps the murder was an integral part of the awakening process.

It was than that the alarms went off - they annoyed her, it is a library people what was the point in dropping barriars to ensure she would not be disturbed if they were going to generate noise as well?

Finding the nearest she focused on it, a quick jump and her foot collided with it shattered the offending device. With the noise only in the background the could read again - although her presence would be known now.

Hoping up onto of a bookcase she lay down with the book content that with Kyokkō in use and out of sight they would wander off and leave her alone to study.

[Soul Society]
(Monastery of the Ho-ou)

Lucita

When the paniced call came in from Yumiko she thought the worst, it would either be Sho or a Hollow breach either would be interested in the secrets of Kido - given the situation the second might be worse.

She immediately generated a response for the girl.

To Unseated Officer Yumiko of the Science Division,

This is Lucita Vice-Captain of Logistics and Medical - can you confirm if the alarm was triggered by a Hollow detection of other - if other please specify.

Further do not engage the intruder may be considered extremely dangerous.

Hopefully the girl would not act rashly to make a name for herself, as many did in times of crisis - often to tragedy.

[DiscipleofBob]

When a couple of Hell Butterflies landing among them and broadcast the alarm. Masaru's eyes widened.

"With the activity at the Gate being so recent, Internal Security's response might be slowed. We should go back them up."

Without waiting for a response, Masaru was flash-stepping away.

His hot-headed-ness hadn't entirely faded, it seemed.

Soul Society
(Captain's Meeting)

"We should all go," Scarlet suggests to the other officers there. "Even if it turns out to be just one Ryoka, now's the time to start rebuilding broken bridges, especially with the SSI." Scarlet too goes as quickly as possible to the Phoenix Temple, though she attempts to bring Naijeru and Koutarou with her as well.

(Phoenix Temple)

Feeling at least somewhat secure now that the barriers are up and the alarms are on, Yumiko starts performing #58: Kakush*tsuijaku, forming a glowing circle on the ground to give her the exact coordinates of the intruder, down to the room number and aisle section. As soon as someone answered her distress call, she would send another hell butterfly to relay the location before selectively deactivating (and then reactivating) the Kido barriers necessary for help to reach Sho. Just as long as they didn't hurt her precious books.

[dancrilis]

[Soul Society]
(The Phoenix Temple)

Sabitsura Sho

She noticed the tracking affect clever even without Reiatsu or sight it would pin point on even the lowest sound. But where before things had bee a dull annoyance now there was an intelligence deliberately seeking to annoy.

Reversing it she dropped Kyokkō and preformed the chant in full and carefully to ensure accuracy got you.

Had she been able to preform Tenteikūra she would have simply used that to request a cessation of noise and disturbance, perhaps I could learn it now.

She closed her book carefully with a gentleness she had never shown to a living thing she hopped down from the bookcase and threw up her own barrier over the doorway, it would keep the sound down and also prevent most interruption.

Enough theory she needed some actual power - which was unfortunate as she had really liked the book.

Locating a book that dealt with more advanced Bakudō she began to see if she could replicate the power for communication.

Returning to the top of a difference shelf she began to research carefully, absorbing the theory and movements at an alarming rate.

[strawberryman]

Mortal World
The Tomb of Flame

Before Oscar and Alexandra, a massive brass furnace smolders in solitude, the air shimmering from the heat around it.

"Yeah, yeah. I will take the lead."

Oscar draws his claymore and tears open a gash large enough for himself in the metal shell.

Inside it, the flames roar in a spiraling maelstrom, but do not escape to the outside.

"But this whole place is out of energy, odds are that any guards left won't be able to leave their alcoves."

"...Very well." Alexandra looks around at the flames, concentrating for a moment as Oscar presses forward. The liquid in the bottle almost immediately shifts to a bluish almost vapor-like substance, and the glass, despite the heat, starts to frost over. With that, she taps along after the huge Arrancar. "Then I do not expect freeing the Knight will be a problem." Beads of sweat roll down her face at the heat, but she does not remove her cloak.

[Soul Society]
(SSI research facility)

Chouko pays no mind to the bumping against the wall of her personal lab as she blasts tunes from her proper musical setup. With a smile, she adjusts and checks the bearings and inner mechanisms of her mechanical limbs for imperfections, down to the screw.

However, when the banging comes from her door, she has no choice but to pause it. Approaching the portal, she slides it open, giving the person on the other side an... well, she's grinning like an idiot. This guy basically hated her.

"...Look. The month you were gone was the happiest month in my life. But now you're back. And your music is knocking things off my shelf. I had to put a lip on most of them. Why do you hate me."

"Hate you? Nawww, man. You and I gotta back'n forth. It's for good times sake. And I know you missed those fat beats."

"I did not. I silently wished you would die." The latter part goes unheard as Chouko laughs.

"Aw, c'mon man, I'm enriching your life. Any more and you'll be downright radioactive."

"What does that even mean. You make no sense. You have to know that."

"It means..." Chouko flips a remote in her hand, and the speakers blast to life again.
"Get down, son, if ya can't appreciate the atomic weight of this beat, ya better be ready to throw in and conjugate some lyrical debate."

Her neighbor throws his arms up in defeat. "I hate you." Departing, he returns to his own lab.

...It was lucky for Chouko she only had the one neighbor. Any more and she might start racking up too many complaints and, kami forbid, have to actually turn down her music.

With that, however, the mechanical engineer sets back to work.

[Draken]

Mortal World
The Tomb of Flame

Oscar just stands in front of the maelstrom. He kicks up a shaft of rock from the floor and pokes the flames with it, pulling back the molten haft of the thing.

"One problem, actually. This is Vincenzo's fire. There must be a kidõ causing it to run rampant and I am honestly not going to touch it if I don't have to. Do you think you can do something about it?."