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

[KnightDisciple]

Soul Society - the Memorial

"As with anything we Shinigami do, unity is our strength. The Pack is further proof of this. The Arrancar are fearsome individually, but because each of them values only their own strength, they don't work well together. And in the story of war, the most organized army wins."

The sudden words came from a ways away from Scarlet and Masaru. His red scarf billowed in the wind as Koutarou finished placing flowers and incense, and offering a quick prayer to other graves. A closer look would reveal he had apparently done so for every grave except the Kenpachi's so far.

"It's been a while, Masaru-kun. You feel a little different, but no worse for the wear."

A sad but true smile graced Koutarou's lips as he walked over to the pair. In the somewhat recent past, Masaru's hard partying had gained him a few choice encounters with Koutarou - usually during disciplinary hearings. For his own part, he didn't seem to condemn Masaru's behavior, and merely asked that he show restraint so as to not blemish the name of Seireitei.

Masaru respectfully nods at Koutarou's presence.

"Thank you, Koutarou-san. I am different. My time in the Hellpath, and my recovery afterwards, led to something of an...awakening."

He gives a smile to both Scarlet and Koutarou at that, but it doesn't quite reach his eyes, and quickly falls away as he continues.

"Sadly, it seems that even if The Pack itself is united in bonds of brotherhood...the rest of the Gotei is fractured. Hanging on by a thread. Or just thinks we're not worth anything but dying in their stead. I wish to prove them wrong, to help show our worth. But I do not know how."

[Terry576]

Mortal World
Cathedral of the Trifold Eye

"Ah, bien! Come then, Monsieur Sora."

She beckons him out of the impromptu conference room, waiting until they are out of earshot from the others before speaking again.

"A little advice, monsieur. You may be part of la famille, but call me 'darling' again, and I will personally introduce you to levels of pain that will make even your worst nightmares seem like a day at the park," she beams, the most serene smile imaginable on her face. "Now, let us begin our tour avec la cuisine."

"Ooooh, you got fire, don'tcha? Thas alright, Isabelle. Jes remember, that e'en if you've got the fire..." Sora's eyes flash the brightest shade of green, energy hissing through and out of them as he waltzes after her, his grin as wide as can be, sharptoothed and fickle, "Ah'm made of stone. An' we both know fire can't e'en touch stones."

He whistles as they walk, a simple tune, four beats then nothingness, until a girl runs inside, slamming the door behind her, and Sora catches a glimpse of some sort of monster. And then he laughs, long and hard.

"Isabelle, ya ne'er told me that you and yours 'ad so much fun with all'a them psychopomps!"

Chains wrapped themselves around his right arm as he hefted an enormous club into existence, spikes extending out of the behemoth he called a zanpakuto while he grinned like a madman.

He paused, however, and sighed. "Oy, love," He began, looking at the girl, "Ya want me ter kill yer friend, or can ya promise me tha' it won' hurt us?"

It was impolite to tenderize someone's zanpakuto if they were on your side, after all.

[Kuroimaken]

Soul Society - The Memorial

"Don't lose heart, Masaru-kun. As long as you believe in your friends and believe in yourself, your earnest desire, however simple, will shine through. The thing about politics and politicians is that they appear to be more lasting than they truly are."

Holding up a fist as he looked wistfully at the clouds, Koutarou added, "Your duty is to 'protect'. In order to protect, you need to stay alive. Stay alive long enough, and you'll be able to find your answer, and change things. Strength doesn't come without understanding after all.

What is it you think the Pack ought to do? I am all ears."

[dancrilis]

[Soul Society]
(Academy)

Jou Asura

They talked for a long time as Jou got more and more uncomfortable - she had explained her emotion sensing as best she understood it - but the nature of the questions brought back memories she would prefer to forget.

She remembered the initial hollow attack and her friends dying, she remembered the terrible presence that wished her harm. But even those horrors were not as pressing with the certainty that Sho was considering killing her now ... and she had no idea what to do about it or how to stop it.

When she noted the hand on her shoulder and the dark images before her eyes it was to late to even scream.

[Soul Society]
(Academy)

Sabitsura Sho

The girls answers were insufficient, they offered no certainty of defense and no clear mechanism for developing them herself.

All her life she had been killing threats to her and this woman represented a minor one, logic dictated that she should kill her - a light tap would collapse her skull, break her neck or similar.

Her hand on Jou's shoulder she was prepared to finish it but for reasons that baffled her she did not, "Hakufuku".

The girl crumpled into unconsciousness as she moved away activating Kyokkō as she did.

She would leave this city, shortly Li had all the time she needed to evaluate her idea and had not accepted seemingly - which meant she could fall in line or leave.

But before she left she had two last stops to make: The Phoenix Temple and the Tiger Temple. And to retrieve Karia.

She could get stronger in the wild by she would need the knowledge that was supposedly held within to truly keep pace with herself.

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

Lucita

She left them after her second drink both to keep her head and to allow them to socialise without the boss present.

Returning to the Monastery of the Ho-ou briefly to make sure nothing required her attention.

Before moving to check the records on there newest captive.

She wasn't present, and other than a scared nurse she had no idea when she left other then that she had decided that her detention was at her discretion.

Captain Li had not gotten back on other matters and as such was likely indisposed, generating a hell butterfly she directed it to the central network of Internal Security.

To Whom It May Concern,

Sabitsura Sho is currently at large, and wanted for breaching detention within the Monastery of the Ho-ou.

Subject is associated with multiple murders and is to be considered extremely dangerous, current whereabouts unknown however it is likely she may visit the academy she resided in recently. Further it is likely that she will return to the Monastery of the Ho-ou, however due to subjects mentality and abilities I wish to place a general order for assistance in locating and of necessary detaining her.

Vice-Captain of Logistics and Medicine,
Lucita

She didn't expect them to be able to do much, but it may prevent some deaths if she went off the deep end.

[Edge]

Mortal World
Cathedral of the Trifold Eye

"Ooooh, you got fire, don'tcha? Thas alright, Isabelle. Jes remember, that e'en if you've got the fire..." Sora's eyes flash the brightest shade of green, energy hissing through and out of them as he waltzes after her, his grin as wide as can be, sharptoothed and fickle, "Ah'm made of stone. An' we both know fire can't e'en touch stones."

Isabelle snorts with derision.

"Non, je n'ai pas this fire you speak of, monsieur Sora. I have faith and I have zeal. And both have broken walls of stone before."

Then the woman enters the cathedral.

[Mortal World]
(Cathedral of the Trifold Eye)
"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..."

He paused, however, and sighed. "Oy, love," He began, looking at the girl, "Ya want me ter kill yer friend, or can ya promise me tha' it won' hurt us?"

It was impolite to tenderize someone's zanpakuto if they were on your side, after all.

Isabelle throws Sora a quick glare.

"Monsieur Sora, if you could leave the diplomacy to the established member of notre famille, sil vous plait?"

She then turns back to face the newly arrived Arrancar, her fingers already wrapped around her charm bracelet.

"Bonjour mademoiselle. I am Isabelle Nishimura. How can I help you?"

[KnightDisciple]

Soul Society - The Memorial

"Don't lose heart, Masaru-kun. As long as you believe in your friends and believe in yourself, your earnest desire, however simple, will shine through. The thing about politics and politicians is that they appear to be more lasting than they truly are."

Holding up a fist as he looked wistfully at the clouds, Koutarou added, "Your duty is to 'protect'. In order to protect, you need to stay alive. Stay alive long enough, and you'll be able to find your answer, and change things. Strength doesn't come without understanding after all.

What is it you think the Pack ought to do? I am all ears."

Masaru is thoughtful for several long moments. Finally, he speaks up, his brows furrowed a bit, his gaze locked on nothing in particular.

"I think...First, we make sure we're doing our jobs right. Which I believe the Vice-Captain has covered well. I mean, he left Scarlet in charge of the Kido Squad, that's a good sign."

He gave his comrade-in-arms a slight smirk. Masaru had matured, but not that much.

"After that...I think we need to try and forge closer bonds with the Recon Division. We get in the thick of the heavy fighting, but they do a lot of fighting too. They're the ones catching rogue Hollows in the Mortal World. A lot of times they're risking their necks to give us the information that helps us hit the enemy harder.
We can't make friends with all the Divisions at once, but I think we can make friends with the Division who knows best the dangers we face, because they share at least some of that danger.
Maybe go drinking with some of them? Set up some joint training? I bet they have things they could teach us, and we have things we could teach them."

He looked at Scarlet and then Koutarou, more confidence leaking into his expression.

"And once we prove our detractors wrong, once we prove we're not savage beasts, but people willing to fight by their side and work together, at least with one Division, it will make it better with other Divisions.
But we need to try and make sure we stop ourselves from insulting the other Divisions too much. We're liars and hypocrites if we act like we want to be friends, then turn around and make fun of them for not fighting as much as us. Kind of like how I don't make fun of Scarlet for using Kido as much as her sword."

[Kuroimaken]

Soul Society - the Memorial


"You have the right of it, Masaru-kun. Especially at a time like this, bickering amongst ourselves is not something we can afford. Fighting is something everyone does in their own way. Logistics and Medicine keep us alive to fight another day. Recon tells us all we need to know. Internal Security makes sure we don't have to look over our shoulders. Command tries to make sure we all come home safely. Research makes sure we have the best tools to get the job done. And the Pack puts their very bodies on the line.

No single Shinigami in Gotei has an unimportant job, and no single Shinigami in Gotei is "better" than the others. Stronger, perhaps, but there are no absolutes in strength. And our strength is supported by the people around us.

I will make sure Kiba-san hears your suggestion - I think it is something he would find agreeable, and could be more than willing to set up."

[strawberryman]

[Mortal World]
(City Park)

Taking a step forward, Alice attempts to support Katsuo and prevent the Mortal from toppling over completely. Should it fail, Alice will reach down to offer a hand.

"Ah, you all right, sir?".

Katsuo is quite all right physically, a bit more rattled at being trampled by a demon bull than anything. He takes the help with a disheveled smile.

"I'm f-fine..." But then, his composure lapses as he re-realizes the situation he was in, sitting down immediately and looking into empty space. "...But... maybe not..."

He is quiet for some time. "...What just happened?"

(Cathedral of the Trifold Eye)

Alexandra shifts impatiently, looking up for a moment as she recognizes the spiritual clashes taking place across the city.

"Well... We should attempt to find one of these record chambers with all haste. Oscar, was it?" She closes her eyes in concentration for a moment, then opens a garganta to one of the points near the center of the labyrinth, where she's already been.

"Shall we?" She barely waits before taking the map and materials in her bag, tapping along the materialized path with that curved cane of hers.

[Lady Serpentine]

Mortal World
(Cathedral of the Trifold Eye)

Isabelle throws Sora a quick glare.

"Monsieur Sora, if you could leave the diplomacy to the established member of notre famille, sil vous plait?"

She then turns back to face the newly arrived Arrancar, her fingers already wrapped around her charm bracelet.

"Bonjour mademoiselle. I am Isabelle Nishimura. How can I help you?"

Lucy's hand drops to her Zanpakuto when Sora's does, a face appearing in the hilt momentarily, though when Isabelle speaks, she relaxes a fair bit, even chuckling softly at something.

"Greetings to you as well, Milady est une cloche," she replies, shrugging, the hypothetical smile growing to become a definite reality. "As for how you can help me, well... You clearly keep some rather interesting company, no? And it seemed only courteous to introduce myself to my new neighbors.

Though, considering your companion's reaction, it would appear he considers assisting others a less worthy pastime than yourself?"

[Dorizzit]

Spoiler

Show

Katsuo is quite all right physically, a bit more rattled at being trampled by a demon bull than anything. He takes the help with a disheveled smile.

"I'm f-fine..." But then, his composure lapses as he re-realizes the situation he was in, sitting down immediately and looking into empty space. "...But... maybe not..."

He is quiet for some time. "...What just happened?"

[Mortal World]
The Park

Naito smiles absolutely evilly. He clearly has something terrible planned for all present.

"Well, you see...you grabbed life by the horns."

Naito, that was bad, and you should feel bad.

"On a more serious note, you just had what I am guessing is your first real encounter with a Hollow. Based on the fact that you just threw that guy around like he was a rag doll, I'm willing to guess that, much like me and the lovely lady on the roof over there, you have spirit powers. They work differently for everyone, but the long and the short of it is that you're superhuman. Also, you're going to start attracting Hollows. Myself and a few other people with similar interests are meeting up later today; it might be a good idea if you joined us."

[DiscipleofBob]

[Mortal World]

"My, you've sure been eating your porridge", Mikael mutters. " *Ahem* What I tried to say before was that there are none of these Hollow things near. What you came looking for, is probably me. I have similar powers to one, though. The difference is, I'm alive, and they are dead. Or that's what I've gathered."

Powers, huh? What now, has Mikael's life become some sort of a superhero comic? But he really couldn't think of a better word, even though it feels just wrong to use it in a casual conversation.

"I've come a long way to arrive here. I'm trying to find other people like me. Maybe you are one.

"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."

(City Streets - VS Shell Scrapper)

Miko decides it's time to get out of there, watching the kids from class take down the giant hollow. Where the family of ghosts is standing, it would be easy for her to sneak behind them and grab one... No, it'd be too easy to get caught. It wasn't safe. "Mi-chaaan~! I'm huuungry~! Can't I have just one?"

"Now now," Miko whispers to herself as she attempts to sneak away.

(Restaurant)

Charlotte follows the Frenchie into the restaurant. She takes her seat and smiles at the server, though in that outfit she didn't have to do much to draw people's stares. "If y'all don't mind, just bring me the hottest, spiciest thing you've got."

"So, Mister Gentleman, ya got a name?"

[Soul Society]
(The Memorial)

"Hello, Koutaru-san," Scarlet greets the senior officer, silently wondering why Koutaru had not paid his respects to the Kenpachi yet, if he was going to at all or merely saving it for last.

((OOC: As a side note, the place wasn't supposed to be a full graveyard, but just a memorial to all the Kenpachis, but I don't really care enough and cinematically it works better the way things are posted now.))

"Kiba-san would agree with you both, as would all the Seated Officers I'm sure. I know he's been trying to reach out to the other Divisions, but you know Kiba. When it comes to diplomacy, he'd make Bulk and Skull look like ambassadors. And while it's true that we need to be able to work together with ALL of Soul Society in order to survive, there are many Shinigami who are out for our blood right now. It will take more than just the hand of friendship to fix everything that's broken with Soul Society.

"Not to mention those demands by the hollows. Morale is down enough as is, not just in our Division but across Soul Society."

"And once we prove our detractors wrong, once we prove we're not savage beasts, but people willing to fight by their side and work together, at least with one Division, it will make it better with other Divisions.
But we need to try and make sure we stop ourselves from insulting the other Divisions too much. We're liars and hypocrites if we act like we want to be friends, then turn around and make fun of them for not fighting as much as us. Kind of like how I don't make fun of Scarlet for using Kido as much as her sword."

"You don't make fun of me because I can still kick your ass," she playfully chides.

[Draken]

Mortal World
The Cathedral of the Trifold Eye

Oscar follows Alexandra into the garganta.

Hueco Mundo
Palacio Central

Clovis prepares the baths, setting the tanks that feed the pools to fill them with a very special mud.

[Edge]

Mortal World
(Cathedral of the Trifold Eye)

Lucy's hand drops to her Zanpakuto when Sora's does, a face appearing in the hilt momentarily, though when Isabelle speaks, she relaxes a fair bit, even chuckling softly at something.

"Greetings to you as well, Milady est une cloche," she replies, shrugging, the hypothetical smile growing to become a definite reality. "As for how you can help me, well... You clearly keep some rather interesting company, no? And it seemed only courteous to introduce myself to my new neighbors.

Though, considering your companion's reaction, it would appear he considers assisting others a less worthy pastime than yourself?"

Mortal World
Cathedral of the Trifold Eye

"Monsieur Sora is a new member of la famille. He is still learning several important things we hold dear. Including, it would seem. manners."

She glares at Sora again before continuing.

"Whilst I appreciate you may well just be here to introduce yourself, je regrette that I am unable to take an unaffiliated Arrancar at their word. If you would slowly take your hand from your blade, sil vous plait?"

[KnightDisciple]

[Soul Society]
(The Memorial)

"Hello, Koutaru-san," Scarlet greets the senior officer, silently wondering why Koutaru had not paid his respects to the Kenpachi yet, if he was going to at all or merely saving it for last.

"Kiba-san would agree with you both, as would all the Seated Officers I'm sure. I know he's been trying to reach out to the other Divisions, but you know Kiba. When it comes to diplomacy, he'd make Bulk and Skull look like ambassadors. And while it's true that we need to be able to work together with ALL of Soul Society in order to survive, there are many Shinigami who are out for our blood right now. It will take more than just the hand of friendship to fix everything that's broken with Soul Society.

"Not to mention those demands by the hollows. Morale is down enough as is, not just in our Division but across Soul Society."

"You don't make fun of me because I can still kick your ass," she playfully chides.

"I...yes. The Vice-Captain is a good man, a phenomenal fighter, and a great leader for us. But he can be very...direct."

Masaru seems almost embarrassed. He clearly agrees with Scarlet's analysis, but perhaps feels he must be careful so as to not besmirch his leader's name.

"It might be best if one or more of us Seated Officers took charge of trying to build bridges. It would let Vice-Captain Kiba focus on organization, planning, and the leadership meetings."

Considering how half the leaders of Divisions were Acting or Temporary Captains, calling it a "Captain's Meeting" seemed a bit disingenuous.

"As for what to do...some will be out to sabotage us, yes. Not much we can do after a point. Keep our noses clean I suppose. But perhaps we should see about contacting Recon and arranging...I don't know, a joint exercise or something? Volunteer a few of us to go on a Mortal patrol with them?"

He had to laugh at her rebuttal.

"You could kick my ass before. Don't think I didn't learn a thing or two there in the Hellpath, even aside from communing with Ancalagon."

[horngeek]

[Mortal World]
City Streets

Natsuki breathes in, then out as she lets her bow disappate, grinning slightly. "Phew... good work, Chuck-san.

Let's head over to the park, check on the others."

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..."

[Hueco Mundo]

Daiki follows Jehoel, the Segunda frowning slightly. "So, what next? I see two ways we could approach this. We could either take this as a declaration of war, or give the Shinigami a chance to denounce the Captain's actions. The first would give a chance of motivating our troops, but..."

Daiki shrugs. "Given our goals, it might be more to our benefit to take the second option."

[Kuroimaken]

[Soul Society]
(The Memorial)

"I...yes. The Vice-Captain is a good man, a phenomenal fighter, and a great leader for us. But he can be very...direct."

Masaru seems almost embarrassed. He clearly agrees with Scarlet's analysis, but perhaps feels he must be careful so as to not besmirch his leader's name.

"It might be best if one or more of us Seated Officers took charge of trying to build bridges. It would let Vice-Captain Kiba focus on organization, planning, and the leadership meetings."

Considering how half the leaders of Divisions were Acting or Temporary Captains, calling it a "Captain's Meeting" seemed a bit disingenuous.

"As for what to do...some will be out to sabotage us, yes. Not much we can do after a point. Keep our noses clean I suppose. But perhaps we should see about contacting Recon and arranging...I don't know, a joint exercise or something? Volunteer a few of us to go on a Mortal patrol with them?"

He had to laugh at her rebuttal.

"You could kick my ass before. Don't think I didn't learn a thing or two there in the Hellpath, even aside from communing with Ancalagon."

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 circunstances, 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."

_____

At the gates

Setsurou noted that Hikaru seemed much too busy commanding everyone else for his jokes, so he turned about and proceeded to find a way into Seireitei proper. Eventually, he turned to someone apparently at random and asked, "Excuse me, I need to invalidate my death certificate. Do you know if there is anyone at Logistics right now?"

[Dorizzit]

[Hueco Mundo]
The Roof

Jehoel is silent for several seconds.

"I am willing to wager that the good Captain was not acting on orders of the Soul Society. Moreover, I will guess that he was disliked or mistrusted by a number of his peers, and that he has history, known or not, of illicit actions."

He looks back at Daiki.

"Make no mistake. His goals were at best a threat to the Seireitei's strength and at worst outright treason. The Shinigami may use this to start a war, but I will make sure that they cannot claim we initiated it."

[horngeek]

[Hueco Mundo]

"Well, they can, it'd just be untrue. And I think the truth is the best weapon against any attempt to do so, in fact."

Daiki falls silent for several seconds. "It almost sounds like you have some history with either him or this Eibon."

[Demidos]

[Soul Society]

At the gates

Setsurou noted that Hikaru seemed much too busy commanding everyone else for his jokes, so he turned about and proceeded to find a way into Seireitei proper. Eventually, he turned to someone apparently at random and asked, "Excuse me, I need to invalidate my death certificate. Do you know if there is anyone at Logistics right now?"

The tall, well built man he addressed turns a carefully controlled gaze onto him. Setsurou feels the glance analytically flick up and down him. "I have myself just returned." The man answers after a moment, infinitesimally raising the pack he carries in one hand. If Setsurou is paying attention to the hand, he will notice that two fingers are missing, the ring finger and the pinky off the left hand.

"Logistics will probably be quite full of people calculating the costs of a war with Soul Society. One should be able to help you."

[Terry576]

Mortal World
Cathedral of the Trifold Eye

Sora snorts at the ensuing barrage of comments about his mannerisms. "Psh. Murder is jes another way to introduce yerself! 'Aven't either'a ya e'er made friends in a deserted alley? No? Pity, that. Closest friends y'll ever make're the ones that try ta stab ya first."

He throws a mock glare, humor dancing in his eyes at Isabelle. "Ah'm sure y'all be takin' back yer comments 'bout my manners, s'not like ah've done nothing wrong yet. When in doubt, whip it out an' all, y'know?" His sword vanishes, the massive club disappearing in a flash. He bows to the girl, his wide, mad grin never leaving his face. "'lo, ah'm Shiki Sora, bastard an' Living psychopomp. Nice ta meetcha."

Shrugging his shoulders, he grins widely. "Ne'er tell me tha' ah can't be polite when ya wan' me to. S'my choice ter speak an' act like ah do. Can't take from a man wha' he doesn' want ta be taken."

[strawberryman]

[Mortal World]
(Underneath Ikari - Catacombs)

Alexandra presses through the void between worlds without a word, tapping her cane about half-way to create a light at the top end of it. In mere moments, she steps out into the dark, long halls of the catacombs. Silence reigns. As Alexandra speaks, her voice echoes infinitely down the halls.

"I believe... it is your turn to take the lead?" She certainly doesn't waste time. "A Knight of the First King is sure not to disappoint." That could almost seem like a veiled taunt.

(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."

[Dorizzit]

Spoiler

Show

[Hueco Mundo]

"Well, they can, it'd just be untrue. And I think the truth is the best weapon against any attempt to do so, in fact."

Daiki falls silent for several seconds. "It almost sounds like you have some history with either him or this Eibon."

[Hueco Mundo]
The Roof

Jehoel nods.

"I have seen his kind before. Eibon, however, was unique; a man unlike any other."

Jehoel says it like the highest possible form of praise.

"What Eibon started, the work that has apparently continued until now, was god's attempt to become man. Now, however, it is irrelevant. There is little we will be able to do to influence it."

[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..."

[Tebryn]

[Soul Society]
White tiger temple

After waiting awhile Castus decides that the Hollows spiritual pressure has been gone long enough and deactivates the shield before moving to leave, when he gets to the lobby there seems to be a lot more people than when he had entered. Taking a look around for the cause he heads to the entrance looking to find out who was ordering the people around.

While looking around the entrance he finds someone he hasn’t seen around in quite a while. Jogging over to greet the other member of the SSI before giving Hei Chan a grin and offering his hand to shake.

“Hei Chen! Good to see you back, how was your time in the mortal world, did you bring any interesting tech back with you?”

Not sure when this should be presumably fairly shortly after she comes skidding though the gate, if the shield isn't supposed to be deactivated I'll edit it.

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.

[DiscipleofBob]

[Hueco Mundo]

Azmus had been noticeably absent during the fight, but what else would you expect from an Arrancar whose specialty was assassination. In reality, his dagger was merely inches from Sawada's back before the time slow halted him, leaving him at point-blank range when the blast hit. During the blast, if any of the Espada weren't too busy dealing with their own problems, they might have noticed a large flock of black skeletal birds attempt to soften the blow and withdraw the Espada only to be obliterated.

Now, after the dust had settled, a few cracked skeletal birds fly to Jehoel and the other Espada, squawking as if they were trying to tell them something, and attempting to lead someone, anyone, to a distant location.

Whoever answers the distressed call will find Karasu, his once proud wings now reduced to a completely barren skeletal frame, reduced to complete fatigue barely able to kneel much less stand, over the unmoving body of the third Espada.

[Draken]

[Mortal World]
(Underneath Ikari - Catacombs)

Oscar steps forward at Alexandra's taunt.

"Do not doubt me, crone."

With a stomp, Oscar sends a shockwave through the ancient tunnels, causing dust to dislodge itself from the ceiling and an echo to resonate through the halls.

He then waits for a few moments, still.

And proceeds to punch the wall next to the two, opening a square passage into a previously sealed chamber, one with a number of quiescent machinery on it. A laboratory of some sort, with some abandoned terminals to it.

"You take a look at the machinery. I must check something else."

Oscar heads to the back of the laboratory.

[Kuroimaken]

[Soul Society]


The tall, well built man he addressed turns a carefully controlled gaze onto him. Setsurou feels the glance analytically flick up and down him. "I have myself just returned." The man answers after a moment, infinitesimally raising the pack he carries in one hand. If Setsurou is paying attention to the hand, he will notice that two fingers are missing, the ring finger and the pinky off the left hand.

"Logistics will probably be quite full of people calculating the costs of a war with Soul Society. One should be able to help you."

"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.

[KerfuffleMach2]

Hueco Mundo - Quinta Palacio

Randii arrives at Tinja's chambers, still carrying the wounded Espada. Unfortunately, she left before Clovis appeared with his suggestion. However, Tinja should still make a fine recovery here.

Randii will lay Tinja down on her bed carefully.

[Lady Serpentine]

[Mortal World]
(Cathedral of the Trifold Eye)

"Friends are something I prefer not to indulge in, actually. My last experience with them went horribly, to say the least. The best friendships may be made by trying to kill each other first, but when that's the last part, well... It can sour one on the whole experience," she answers dryly, removing her hand from Alyssa, though the blade continues to warily watch the pair. "As for being unable to take from one what one does not want taken... That may be true for us, but most mortals are far frailer, as I know well.

And I would ask, Дочь творения, how you plan on confirming my story, then? Perhaps you could make a pair of chains that would hold me while you try, but I must decline the honor of wearing them... And if you try anyway, what is to stop me from tearing an отверстие в мире and running off holding a grudge?"

[strawberryman]

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

Alexandra approaches an ancient-looking monitor, and sets to work, activating it rather simply with her universal affinity with objects. The dusty monitor flares to life, and she sets to work with... alarming proficiency, for one so old. One would guess she has kept up with the times in technology, at least to a passing level. A few security prompts come up, but they are bypassed with minimal concentration as Alexandra compromises the system from the inside.

In no time, she has brought up a map. She compares it to her own sample for some time, occasionally cycling through what are apparently floors of the complex.

[Terry576]

[Mortal World]
Cathedral of the Trifold Eye

Sora chuckles, grinning at the dry wit of the newcomer. "Ah'm sure Isabelle can relax fer a bit! The gen'ral atmosphere right now seems a biiiit tense fer a group 'a newfound friends! 'ere, ah've always been a good sport!"

Standing with his arms wide open and a mad mad grin, Sora speaks, his eyes glinting with some unfathomable emotion, "C'mon! Gimme yer best shot!"