In the Soul Society out in the Rukongai there is a great forest where the villages are set throughout. It is a typical forest in appearance with wild life natural to the Soul Society.
After wandering aimlessly for a while as he waits for Hanaki to respond to any of his thoughts asking him if he knew where the forest was, Tanji suddenly is able to sense where near by trees are in relation to himself. Tanji's only noticeable response to this is a sigh. After a while of following this new sense, he finds himself in the rukongai forest. "Well Step one of finding my way to the forest is done, so what now Hanaki?" Tanji says before letting out a yawn as he awaits a response. Suddenly a voice other than his own came out of his mouth. "O Lord, Come Hither, and Reveal Thyself in Glorious Form! Passion and Pride Merge to Form a Single Being, it's Name Scribed Upon the Tower of Godly Light! Bougyoudo #66: Spirit Materialization!" it says as his hand, not under his control. suddenly draws his zanpakutou and tosses it forward. A vortex of leaves then forms around his zanpakutou, from which Hanaki emerges in a physical form. Now back in control of his body Tanji lets out a cough before saying "Man your voice is hell on my vocal cords. If you wanted me to materialize you you could have just asked rather than taking control of my body like that." Hanaki's only responce is to through a punch at Tanji. Tanji feeling the attack coming with his new wood sense just slightly leans back so that the punch harmlessly grazes off his shoulder then says "Is this going to be all this Bankai training is going to be you throwing punches I can easily dodge at me? I would much rather just have a nap out here. Can we just do that instead?" Hankai again only responds by throwing a punch. This exchanging of punches for snarky comments continues repeating for a few hours before Tanji decides to do something other than complain or make a joke. He decides to counter an incoming punch with a punch of his own. When his fist collides with Hanaki's fist, Hanaki's physical form explodes into a bunch of leaves, and his zanpakutou reappears is in his hand in it's Bankai form. "Fist bump." rings out in his mind in Hanaki's voice. After that, Tanji lets out a few huffs and puffs before saying "So do you want to explain what that was about or did you just want to mess with me for a few hours?""You needed to learn the hard way that you actually need to put effort into things sometimes Tanji." Hanaki responds with. Surprised by the fact that Hanaki actually responded to one of his questions for once Tanji snickers as he says "Oh, We are actually on speaking terms now? Cool. so what do you say to going to the bathhouse and taking a nice long soak.""Sounds pleasant." rings out in Tanji's head as he starts walking back to the Seireitei.
A man runs through the woods, stumbling over rocks and roots as he hopelessly tries in vain to escape a woman on a white horse. She is wearing a white kimono and red hakama along with a simple wicker hat called a tengai which covers her face. "Ryouga Gijutsu #3: Hi Hi Hi!" Sleet and then hail flies after him and then clings tight to him as he attempts to flee. Suddenly it bursts into flames. "You brought this on yourself, Hikari." He screams in pain and collapses. "I give up! I give up!" The man is still trying to crawl away, only to be surrounded by several men and women wearing white monks robes and tengai. "He is contained now, Jōkai Sensei." A man wearing the formal black robes of a priest steps forward out of the shadows. "Thank you for your hard work. Prepare the area for the purification ritual." His face is also covered by a tengai. The entire procession surrounds the area and three monks step forward in a triangle around the man and await the dispersal of the Ryouga Gijutsu by the woman in red. Once she makes a cutting gesture the flames and ice fall off of him and crumble. "He is not permanently harmed, sir." Announces the taller of the three. "Good, proceed. Waste no time." The three of them fold their fingers to resemble a halberd and make a sharp cutting gesture, "You who defiled your true name, Hikari, shall be purified and your contamination cleansed." A bright triangular barrier forms around him. "No! Please, no!" "No other choice, it has begun. You have had your chance to prevent this by dealing with your corruption and ill behavior before it put us all at risk!" the woman snaps. "Peace," says the priest, "He is right to be terrified. Though you are right about how he got here. Hikari, confess your wrongs and endure this, you might yet keep your name and become reforged." Hikari sinks to his knees and begins to weep. The priest continues the chant that the monks had begun, "Burn away thy vast defilement! We who are born of the flames eternal should have no fear of the fire, lest we lose our way." The Miko slides off of the horse and watches stoically as the man begins to scream and cry. "Confess already so we can get this over with," she growls softly, "Just do it so you can survive this, Hikari." One of those containing the area places a comforting hand on her shoulder which she pats. What cannot be seen under the tengai is the sad expression and the moistness in her eyes. This is a painful ceremony to endure and almost as hard to watch. It certainly is not fun for the ones who have to conduct it perfectly still and focusing on maintaining the barrier and purification. The man begins to transform somewhat. "Confess already!" she shouts. The man angrily attacks the barrier. This was not going to be an easy purification. The barrier is then tightened to where he only has room to stay in one spot. After a while he finally breaks and begins to confess to a number of indescretions, including betraying the clan. The dark blotches and lumpy disturbing bits of flesh and random extra eyes that had appeared on him during his transformation begin to disolve. It takes the duration of the night. The entire time he was crying and screaming. Not a single person there was feeling particularly happy about this situtation, not that you could tell with covered faces. Once the blight and mutations finally burn away the barrier fades and the man lies there sobbing. The priest steps forward, "Come, Hikari. That is enough. Your apology is accepted this time. Please use better discretion next time." Hikari nods, wiping his eyes and allowing the monks to help him up and aid him in walking back to where they had come from. The priest turns to the miko, "Are you coming?" "No, I think not. These kind of things make me need some peace and quiet for a bit. I think I will walk back to the Seireitei and try to get some things done before I return home, if I may have leave." "Go, and do not forget to get some rest." "Hai." She stands there a while and calms down while trying to deal with the emotions behind the ceremony. Ablutions were never easy to perform and emotionally draining for those who have to take part in any way. "Hakuba, give me a ride back," she says to the horse. "Nope, do I look like some kind of mount to you?" She stares at the horse for a moment and presses her forehead to its velvet muzzle. "Yes, you do, Hakuba." "Your legs work, why not walk back." With that the horse vanishes and a simple katana appears on her hip. She sighs and starts to walk off. Hearing a twig snap she quickly flash steps over and behind the source of the sound. "Freeze. Sleep." The man drops his bundle of twigs and freezes in place and then passes out. "Amnesia." With that she walks off and heads back to the Seireitei.
Posted: Sat Jul 18, 2020 9:55 pm
Elninio had finally found the Rukongai forest and she knew that she was now almost home. El could not wait to see her family once more. She also wanted to get them to help her find her son. But for now the main thing was getting home. She continued to walk stumbling hover tree roots and other things here and there. At one point El thought she heard the sound of a running horse and weakly called out. But her voice went unheard. The horse was to fast. "Oh well" El thinks as she continues to walk then freezes in her tracks a moment as she hears a commotion up ahead. She hesitates a moment then hurries on. She could either help who ever was being attacked if that was what was going on. Or she could find someone who could help her. If she was lucky they would be someone she could trust. It took longer than expected to reach where the sounds had come from. By the time she reached the spot the others had left, She sighed and leaned against a random tree. El did not know how much further she could force herself to go. After a moment she decided to try a different method to hopefully finding help. So she summoned Kaminoseigi and played a song on the violin that was sometimes used in times of distress. Elninio is not able to finish the tune as she succumbs to her illness and injuries and passes out.
Mitsuki is walking when she hears something rustle in the woods nearby and collapse. Curious she dashes over and sees Elnino laying prone, covered in injuries old and fresh alongside a black rash in places. "Lady El!" she drops her tengai and runs over by her side and kneels next to her. Not getting a response to her calling her by her shinigami name she cries out, "Tenrai! Tenrai! Please wake up!" At this point there is nobody around who would understand the significance. She rustles through her supply bag and pulls out a bottle of glowing water and pours it on the rashes and wounds to give her a chance. She wants to pour it down her throat but that might make the unconscious woman drown since there is no guarantee that she will reflexively swallow. "Hijiri hitotsu wa, kanojo o iyashite kudasai. Kanojo wa daijōbu kika sete kudasai!" she chants as she attempts to perform a cleansing ritual. It does work to a degree, but she needs serious medical attention. "Who could have done this to you!? I'll tear them apart." She is normally more composed, but right now her voice is cracking with barely suppressed rage and fear. "Do not leave us, milady. We need as many of us that we can gather." She feels the sting of tears at the edges of her eyes. She tugs at her neck gaiter, making sure that her identity continues to be concealed from the citizenry. Nobody needs to know who this woman is. She pulls off her cloak and drapes it over the body. Her slender fingers bandage up wounds as she finds them. The fake miko grimly focuses on her task at hand.
It has been roughly a few months since forcing himself into isolation after the run-in with Moth and the killings of his squad members. The toll took on Dotsu was more than what he had initially realized. The slaughter of his men and the inability to apprehend the culprit on his left behind a shadow of self-hate, disappointment, and a bit of grief within him. Bringing upon the decision alongside the approval of his captain, Dotsu removed himself from all other duties among his fellow Shinigami to refocus, enhance, and reinforce himself. Putting himself through vigorous training both physical and mental deep within the Rukogani Forest where his own life was set on the line with every training attempt. "I must have been gone for a while. Training has been a success and I have been missing home quite a bit..." With the development of plenty of kidou along with honing his attributes, Dotsu felt the rise in his strength and capabilities. Not only that, redefining his purpose among the squad as its Vice Captain, altered his attitude to quite the severe level. But now, it is time to go and regroup with the Captain. He had agreed to make up for Dotsu's absence and it was only natural for recruits as well as various promotions to deal with older members who have shown time and time again of their long-awaited worth.
Perhaps some well rest in an actual bed and some fresh clothes will be beneficial as well.
Walking to his exits, Dotsu traced some silhouettes in the distance of what appears to be two people conversing with one another. Because of the distance, acknowledging who in particular was rather difficult until he got closer and closer. The more he did, the more information he gathered, learning that one of them appeared to be harmed thus getting perhaps basic medical attention. There was something familiar about this one providing the medical assistance, however, Dotsu could not place a full finger on it. He continued to approach however slowly yet surely to not give off the wrong narrative. However, he was prepared to defend himself at any point.
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★ MOOD: xxx ★ COMPANY: xxx ★ OOC: [ Action: ]
WRD CNT: 358 x 2 = 716x✖xSHIKAI: Active/Inactivex✖xBANKAI: Active/Inactive
Elnino lay's prone as Mitsuki come running. After a few minutes which must have seemed like an eternity for Mitsuki She stirs a little"... We can gather."Is all El hears as she starts to come to. She does not even flinch or cry out as her injuries are tended to. She lays as still as she can so that whoever was tending her can do so without trouble. After another minute or two passes El opens her eyes and stares at the woman in white At first she does not recognize the woman who was treating her. Shinki? She wonders seeing what the lady was wearing. "… Sister?" She speaks weakly trying not to pass out again. "Mitsuki?... Water." After a moment El thinks she recognizes the older woman but is not completely sure of herself. "Gather what?" El's voice is barely a croak as she speaks but she is willing to do her part even as beat up as she was.
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word count 164 x 3.6 + 2,965 = 3,556
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Tai Mao
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Eighth Diviner
Posted: Sun Jul 19, 2020 7:33 am
Mitsuki barely holds back her tears as she begins to explain while having Elnino drink some of the purification water. "Most of our clan was slaughtered while you were gone. We are so few in number now. We barely have enough nobles in the clan to cobble together the twelve houses. Even nora are being accepted as brides and grooms for the survivors. Nobody knows where the other clans are these days, and occasionally we do find strays and they are often allowed in with little background checks because the current head is desperate to keep the shinki from going extinct." She helps her sit up and drink. "When you vanished, we thought you were dead. The court even removed you from the list of the living and gave your position to somebody else. If they could not sense you, then I know that you were in hell." She gently embraces her in a comforting hug. "My lady, you have grown so thin. They really did a number on you. I'll punish them if there is anything left of them." She is very serious in tone. There is no questioning that back in the sixth division she has the reputation of being able to extract information out of anybody and deal with them accordingly. It is her ruthlessness that has gotten her promoted as far as third seat recently. While it could be argued that she has a cruel streak within her, she is not without justice or mercy. Right now, the mercy part is not wanting to show itself beyond caring for Elnino's injuries. "Are you starting to feel any better?" she asks as she pulls a bit of her own rations out of her bag and offers some to her.
That voice...those mannerisms. They are, familiar.
Managing to get close enough without detection, he could actually hear the conversation with a bit more clarity. This supposed medic despite being covered up majorly, Dotsu recognized her sound. His eyes dimming at the curiosity of a good number of questions. Such as this slaughtered clan, extinction, her connection to this other woman. From what he remembered, this pile of information wasn't even brought up in the slightest. Though coming from who it is in the first place, it's no guess as to why considering her seat among the 13. He continued to stay clear enough to view them without being viewed himself. Normally he would've stepped but the more information he can grab, the higher possibility of learning exactly what is going on without question.
News of most of the clan being slaughtered broke Elninios heart. But she eyes remained dry as she had no more tears to shed for anyone, not even herself. She had been through to much or she was just to dehydrated. So she drank more of the water that Mitsuki offered her. "Who leads our clan now?" She asks as she shifts position. Then smirks as she hears that her old position was given to someone else. "Good! I do not think that I could do my old duties, at least not properly anymore." She says though she is not entirely happy about it but there was nothing she would do to reclaim it. Even if she could she had decided not to how could she even judge someone fairly. Besides where was the harm in starting over with a clean slate. Maybe when she returned to the Shinigami, if she was even able to she could change her name or just claim to be her own daughter. She was sure people had gotten away with that in the past. She thanks Mitsuki for the rations and eats them hungrily. Barely able to do so in a lady like manner. Once finished she sighs and looks back at her companion. "They figured out that I am a living weapon." El says even though she feels like someone is watching she no longer cares she was used to it after all this time. "They figured it out and used me to kill innocent souls Mitsuki." She feels her eyes burn even though she could not cry for the poor souls. But she had at least avenged them. "One had a son with me then stole the child and disappeared. He is the only one left alive the only one to escape me when the group messed up and gave me room to move of my own free will. You can have him if you find him." Elninio hangs her head leaning into the older woman. "Take me home Mitsuki where ever it is now. I need to go home."
Mitsuki pauses and listens to her speak. She wonders just how much to explain and how much to leave alone until a later time when she is more stable. Elnino's pragmatic reply about losing her judge's position causes her to let out a short burst of laughter. "Heh! Of all the things to expect you to say, I never thought you'd be grateful that they gave your seat in the Central Forty Six to somebody else when you were presumed dead." She grows serious once more upon hearing more about the conditions of her captivity. Worse yet! The monsters found out what they were! "Those monsters ... why can't people just leave us alone? Why do we- Ahem. Excuse me," she says composing herself once more. "I am speaking out of turn again, but I do not believe now is a good time to take you back home. Your injuries are in need of tending and they are beyond my skills. I can purify you, but I am an Enforcer and Interrogator at best. Internal Affairs typically does not train one to be a healer. Not when there's a division dedicated to the craft. Please, allow me to help you up and take you home. We will find a proper path to justice later. It is my duty to see you healed and let the higher ups know that you are back. Though, I hate to say it, you are in no condition to try to get back in. Bad things happened on our end, too. Nothing that cannot be worked around, mind you, but certainly there's no way you have the ability to carry out your old duties." She sighs and realizes that there's yet another question she has left unanswered. "Lord Sasuga Hi stepped down as head judge to take care of what is left of our family. The perpetrator was brought to justice not long after that. It is not my place to explain the history right now since he is trying to broker a peace between clans. As for your son, we need to take a statement while they heal you. Can you stand?" she asks as she summons up Hakuba. "I might need you, girl. Please be a nice zanpakutou and allow her to ride?" As she turns she takes notice of her vice-captain hiding in the bushes and weeds. Her eyes fly wide open and her breath catches in her throat. Just how much has he heard. Her eyes narrow in his direction and she sighs. "Well, if it isn't Kesato-sama. Please, sir, it's unbecoming of you to act like a ninja. Would you mind helping me get her to the Fourth Division?"
It really was her. Mitsuki Kanda. The 3rd seat of the 6th Squad Division. Quite a formidable member who was promoted to 3rd seat. He knew he would eventually be working closely with her. From what he already knew, Mitsuki was known to be quite the sadistic character. He hasn't been able to witness it upfront but it was a rumor he was quite curious about. Despite all that, she is very friendly and kind. He would be sure to see her power upfront at some point in this lifetime. First things first though, is to get to the bottom of the relationship between these two.
It didn't take long for her sharp wit to finally catch Dotsu being in the area. Learning he was around probably for quite a bit. Now both sides eager to learn about the other. Calling out to him, speaking on his actions being something that's not exactly him. Truth be told, she was right. If he wanted information. Simply coming straight forward was his best method. Most efficient method as well. Only a slight brush of sound merely whispered where in the middle of her asking for his assistance, Dotsu had already approached her from the side. Not even peering his eyes to her, standing his shoulder over hers. His voice didn't sneak out. Giving her the respect to at least finish her question, even if it took some time to finish. "It is good to see you again Kanda...I'm sure you have quite the explanation for such a relationship with this, being. Especially regarding information being held and kept secret." Being in Internal Affairs for quite some time, Dotsu's vocal mannerisms have adjusted to that of interrogation, even if it were unintentional. Regardless, his tone was cold, calculated and venomous, yet calm welcoming. If there's one thing he would want first is the knowledge of this woman and her ties with one of his own members. Given the lives lost so suddenly from back then, Dotsu has become more 'protective' of his members, any contact that even bears the stench of concern will have Dotsu on it without question.
Elninio Snickers at Mitsuki's outburst. But says nothing about it she felt the same way. "Whatever you think is best Kanda." Elninio says glancing around She is having a bad feeling about their open talk of Shinki. And being used like a sword or some other kind of weapon. Elninio raises an eyebrow when she hears about Sasuga being the one in charge though it annoys her that he stepped down as head judge. She would have to talk to her nephew about that. Elninio reaches up and scratches the zanpakutos muzzle. "Hey beautiful girl it has been awhile Are you and Mitsuki taking care of each other." She then freezes as Mitsuki confirms her suspicion that someone was watching. "s**t!" She whispers barely audible. Then looks over at the new guy sizing him up and wondering just how big of a mistake she had made and how to protect Mitsuki. As she studied the man she realized that he was a Vice Captain and thought crap can things get any worse. Hearing this Vice Captain refer to Mitsuki by Kanda surprises Elninio and she wonders what kind of relationship they have. The mans tone concerns Elninio some but their is nothing she can really do now the damage was done. She wishes that she could show proper respect but is to weak to stand on her own at this time. "Hello Vice Captain Kesato." Elninio says glancing quickly at Mitsuki then back at the Vice Captain. Hoping not to misspeak then deciding she just does not care. "I am Hi Elninio... supposedly dead former judge, former member of the fourth division." She looks at The man wondering what he would do with all the information that he has gleaned. "Please forgive Kanda her secret it is not something we are suppose to speak of."
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word count 305 x 2.6 = 793
Posted: Wed Jul 22, 2020 6:32 pm
When Dotsu flash steps beside her and speaks, her facial expression does not change. Twenty five centuries have taught her to control her emotions. Glancing out of the corner of her eye at him, and allowing Elnino to speak for herself first, she draws a breath and lets it out slowly as if she were deflating. "Sir, she is not some random creature. She is a citizen and a veteran. Lady Elnino answered the call of duty and has even fought on our side during wars. She is also at least part shinigami." Her words are even in tone, betraying nothing of her emotions. It is the same tone that she gives when delivering a verbal report. "As for why I am with her, she is a member of the family that heads my clan and a noble of the Hi family. To reject her is to reject me." Her face is now turned towards him. "You do not have to play coy. I know you heard most if not all of what we were talking about. If not, you wouldn't have betrayed that fact by approaching me in this way." Again, there is nothing but the even tone of one who has control over her emotions. "You remember how much of our division was slaughtered. Now multiply that in the thousands. That will give you an idea of what I have had to witness over the years. Secrets are exactly what has kept you safe from getting caught up in our problems, sir." Outwardly there is nothing inhuman about her. Nothing lacking in shinigami about her appearance whatsoever. However, there's a hint of cold steel in her eyes. "My blade, as it has been this entire time, is at your service - as always and as it should be. Our loyalty, despite what we have been through should count for something." Just that moment an urgent page rings on her shinigami cellphone. She reaches to answer it and then lets her hand drop. This matter was urgent in and of itself. Seldom does Internal Affairs need to respond immediately. Besides, it was a notification and not an actual phone call. Never mind the fact that her vice-captain is standing right here. She sighs and pulls down her red neck gaiter and reveals her face.
Unfortunately, Dotsu had already checked out the young girl that had Mitsuki's attention putting the sole focus on her and her reasoning. Listening with open ears learning that this is here being warrior herself but took a definite sense of the keyword; "least part." "You're saying this woman is of family relations?" Turning to see her face to face, his eyes dimmed at the actions and the information. Glancing over to her, a former 4th division member. Just what exactly has been going on since he's been away? But what has taken his interest in these secrets that kept us safe. "So it seems there are some things still left to learn." Exactly which secrets have you been referring to and explain further why this woman is part shinigami.
Looking back to the woman, "Elninio was it? How is it that a former dead judge landed here in the forest? Not only that, from what I've heard out of you, you claim to be a living weapon?" Of all things to learn, an actual being to manifest into a weapon. Usually, statements like those tend to be figuratively, but it doesn't feel like that in this instance. Something he now has interest in understanding.
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