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 Posted: Sat Feb 04, 2012 10:21 pm
 Danny's office is adjoined to the dojo that lies just off Thirteenth Division's practice courts. An open walkway leads past several quiet meditation rooms, some of which are small and softly lit, while others are bright and open to the outdoors. The walkway ends at a door, behind which lies the office itself.
Two walls of the office are actually broad bay windows that look out on the koi ponds that surround the Ugendō Quarters, so they let plenty of light into the room. The floor is dark hardwood covered by a pale green carpet. Danny's desk is a nineteenth century partner's desk of English oak, varnished and ornately carved. The central panel features a snowdrop motif, the official insignia of Thirteenth Division. A low-backed swivel chair picked out in brass-studded leather sits behind the desk.
The desk's surface is protected by a slim, antique leather desk top, atop which a combination inbox and outbox for reports is situated in one corner, while two bookends hold several moleskin notebooks and a battered copy of Henry Gray’s Anatomy of the Human Body. The desk also holds a set of fountain pens and an inkwell, a memo pad, and a small mantel clock.
Two chairs similar in style to the one behind the desk sit in front of the desk so that Danny can sit in conference with visitors.
The remaining wall not occupied by windows or door is a set of floor-to-ceiling shelves, one of which has been modified into display cases. The bookshelves hold all manner of books, including a fair number of well-loved cookbooks, notably Julia Child's Mastering the Art of French Cooking and Irma Rombauer's The Joy of Cooking, as well as and a good amount of sheet music for the alto and mezzo-soprano range. The display case holds a neatly-folded, drab green uniform, hat, and brown leather gloves, a battered satchel, a set of dog tags, and a medal, mounted on plush black velvet in a simple hardwood frame and protected by a glass pane. The medal is a gold, five-pointed star with a laurel wreath encircling rays emanating from a tiny silver star superimposed in the center. The pendant is suspended from a rectangular metal loop with rounded corners which, in turn, is attached to a ribbon patterned in blue, white, and red stripes.
A door is embedded in the bookcase and opens into Danny's private quarters. Like her office, her quarters are bright and open. A living area complete with TV and stereo system transitions into a kitchen with a small bar separating the two. Two more doors off the living room lead into the bathroom and bedroom respectively.
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Posted: Thu Feb 09, 2012 2:12 pm
Danny pulled a manilla folder from her inbox towards her, licked her thumb and forefinger, and opened the folder to the first page, a short overview of one Elzee Razz, a new member of Thirteenth. A young woman -- she couldn't possibly have been more than 18 or so -- stared out at her from the photo paperclipped to the page, yellow-gold eyes alive and challenging. If Danny had been in a fanciful mood, she might have imagined the girl on fire, but as was, she glanced over the girl's dark skin and messy tangle of red hair, considered it a rather unusual combination, and moved on the report itself.
Elzee was a capable fighter, that much was certain. In fact, it was rather difficult to graduate from the Shinigami Academy without learning a thing or two about weaponry and their handling; however, the report was careful to note her skill with her asauchi as well as hand-to-hand combat. She was quick and agile, a quick study-- all in all an all-rounder, which was perfect for Thirteenth. Elzee's kido was woefully inadequate, though. 'Sloppy' was the word one instructor used to describe it. Her spiritual energy was simply too wild, or perhaps her control just wasn't strong enough.
Based on Elzee's psychological reviews, the latter seemed far more likely. She was deadly serious when it came to combat, aiming to kill even her sparring opponents. Her temper was short, her general attitude stubborn. Danny frowned thoughtfully. Never raise your blade in anger, said the Sentinels' oath. She wondered if Elzee would be able to follow it. Danny herself was nearly as pacifistic as warriors come without making a contradiction of the two terms. She wondered if Elzee would chafe at the restraint Danny enforced and if that would become a problem. But, as was her custom, she gave Elzee the benefit of the doubt. Danny's behavior was certainly less than perfect -- even her file said so -- and so she would forgive any of Elzee's perceived shortcomings.
One way or another, today was a small test of their compatibility. Elzee was scheduled to present herself in -- Danny glanced at the small mantel clock -- about five minutes' time. She wasn't one to stand on ceremony or even punctuality, but she was anxious to get a feel for the members of her new squad.
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Posted: Sat Feb 11, 2012 6:05 am
 As she sat on the peak of a nearby building a hell butterfly landed softly on her shoulder and gave her the request from her captain. Her golden gaze fell back out over the squad training grounds as she had been when idly thinking about the past few days. The loss of her family was crippling and she was realizing that it was effecting her day to day duties. Perhaps it was because of this the Captain took notice and found it necessary to speak to her in person. At least it was good to know that the captain took notice of little things and handled them herself. A reassuring measure Elzee didn't expect from someone of such a high position.
With a light sigh she took hold of the hilt of her Soul Cutter and leapt from the roof seemingly gliding to the ground and rolling head over heels four times before jumping to her feet and running in the direction of the captain's office.The entire motion from the fall to the tumble, even to the way she leapt to her feet was fluid and graceful. Before she had become a blacksmith in the Rukongai Elzee did a part-time job serving as a messenger for the nobles in the royal districts. Required to hide her identity and to serve each lord or lady with speed and efficiency, this particular woman had long ago practiced and perfected the arts of free form running. A leap from a single story building was a feat to be amazed at, however once unlocking a fragment of her soul as a Death God Elzee was able to leap from even greater distances and perform the same feats. ❙ ❚ ❚ ❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚ ❚ ❚ ❙ There was something to be said about a simple member whom could take what they've learned from the basic life of a normal plus all the way to the duties of a Death God.
It would only take a few seconds to reach the door of the office but Elzee decided to take a few turns out of her way, jumping over barrels here, boxes there, and occasionally jumping up and running along a wall to get over small crowds of fellow squad members. Plenty of people were impressed and even though he would never admit it, Elzee enjoyed the brief attention. Eventually the captain's office came into view and the pit she'd been avoiding in her gut became un-ignorable. A certain dread began to wash over her as her quick yet light footfalls brought her closer and closer to the door of the office building. Though through training Elzee was instructed to face her fears head on, and to never turn away, to never hesitate. With that in mind she took a single leap and hit the top step and quickly dropped to a knee and bowed her head respectfully, using the full health of her voice the squad member barked her respectful request to come within, "Captain, Elzee Razz of Thirteenth Devision here as requested!" falling silent she remained still, a hand outstretched before her and the other firmly held onto the leather-bound grip of her blade.
A habit she put herself into, no matter what, always be ready... for anything. 
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Posted: Sun Feb 12, 2012 12:41 pm
Danny looked up at the sound of footsteps outside her door followed by Elzee's voice. She flipped the folder closed, opened a drawer behind her desk, and dropped it inside. Rising, she nudged the drawer closed with her hip and went to answer the door.
Five minutes ago, she had been ready to recieve Elzee as she would any other visitor. But that had been before she'd gotten to the addendum to Elzee's biography. The sheet of paper was so fresh that she half fancied she had fresh ink smudged on her fingers and she self-consciously rubbed her hand on her thigh.
Fire was a terrible thing in a city made of delicate wooden frames and shoji screens. The house must have gone up like so much kindling.
Danny opened the door to find Elzee on bended knee as if in supplication.
"Rise," She at once, then after a pause: "Please. There's no need for such formality. Come inside and close the door behind you. I'd like to talk,"
Sad, Danny decided. She's sad. Angry. Wary, too.
Her powers of empathy only worked to its fully potential once her shikai was released, and then only by touch, but it had long since afforded her a greater sensitivity for the emotions of those around her. Even then, it wasn't hard to read Elzee. Danny could see the sadness in the lines of her shoulders, the wariness in the way she gripped the blade of her zanpakuto, as if expecting an attack. Maybe the anger was Danny's own, though her temper was a slow, steady thing. It was unlike her to be angry with such slight provocation.
She took a step back, swinging the door wide and making room for Elzee to rise. She then reclaimed her seat behind her desk.
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Posted: Mon Feb 13, 2012 7:54 am
  Listening Elzee could hear Danny approach the door from the opposite side, her soft footfalls padded sure and swift, each equal in tone as the last, and the one before that. Evntually there was a pause and then the door swung open. An untraditional style door that at first the death god barely even noticed at first, but then the girl couldn't help but take notice and couldn't help but look to see how the door was opened. Quickly realizing her lack of discipline the girl quickly lowered her head feeling the needles of regret fall upon her cheeks and chest. Biting her lower lip regretting her disobedience the Captain gently urged her to loose the formality and to stand. Of course if the Captain had told her to run her own blade through her mid-section Elzee would have without hesitation. The traditions of ancient Japan had been engraved into her very soul since the moment she entered Soul Society, not having to follow every code of conduct would take some getting used too...
Standing quickly she slid the blade comfortably to her side holding it more vertically so she could fit through the door frame, once through she slid the blade back to it's horizontal position across the small of her back and slid the door shut. Never once did her hand leave her blade. In a way it would be easy to describe her as a modern soldier, always keeping her finger hovering over the trigger. The way she carried herself wasn't one for paranoia but for simple untrusting anger, it would also be easy to tell that it wasn't the captain which made her so cautious but seemingly... every moving shadow and the far-off distant sounds.
It was true the most recent happenings in Elzee Razz's life put her into this unsleeping, unflinching caution. At any moment she half expected a rouge soldier to turn to her and draw his blade and finalize the kill that had failed out in the Rukongai. She knew that the assassin group was still out there, and knew by the loss of one of their own members was a good indication that their target still lived. Their killer failed... even their poison failed. Haru could have not been any more timely to rescue the girl from a near death experience. Something Elzee thought would never happen. She was sure the only other type of creature that could kill a shinigami was a Hollow, she never once though another plus would be capable. She arguably had the mindset of, we're all on the same side, why would we fight one another? and was quick to realize the mistake of her thoughts.
Even though the Captain requested that she relax nothing about Elzee followed the request, nearly the same time the door slid shut Elzee was standing before the Captain's Desk... something about it looked... like something she'd seen before? Perhaps in her last life there where objects like this where she lived. Blinking Elzee pushed the fanciful thought to the back of her mind and bowed respectfully to the captain, "Captain." she said flatly yet with respect. Normally she would have remained bowed at the grace of the higher ranking officer and would have been sure to bow lower than them but Danny made a request and the young Death God would be sure to take heed and stood upright again quickly.
Grief was something the girl always struggled to keep to the back of her mind, it came out during training especially. Her rage and sorrow would almost empower her strike, more often than not she had to be pulled or called off from her training partner due to simply overwhelming them with her emotions. Some even suggested that the way she held the blade during practice was to kill and not to simply submit. A very dangerous thing to have a potential murderer during practice sparring against other members. However surprisingly this particular woman had never actually hurt anyone during practice. Simply put them into a pure defensive stance, or pushed them out of the training circle. ❙ ❚ ❚ ❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚ ❚ ❚ ❙ There was a single time when she faced off with a trainer and she had dropped his guard lashing out and nearly nocking the blade from his hand, she looked to be following through and finish him off. Defensively the man wheeled around and kicked her away, surprisingly she fell back, tumbled to her feet and bolted right back at him yelling out his name. It startled everyone and if it wasn't for him dropping his defense and telling her to heel she would have lunged her blade directly at his chest instead Elzee dropped to a knee after sheathing her blade. It was then that she was forbidden from training with unseated members.
It stung to hear, "You're emotions have no discipline, just as your Spiritual Pressure lacks control. You are a dangerous woman Elzee Razz, you have the potential to become a mindless killer. We question your motives..."
From then on Elzee was silent with her rage, never doing anything unless specifically to do so. She avoided the training grounds though she would watch from a distance, it was easy to take note that Elzee always put herself at a distance from everyone else.
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Posted: Thu Feb 16, 2012 5:53 pm
“Elzee,” Danny returned with a nod, sitting forward in her seat. The fact that Elzee seemed distinctly uncomfortable was not lost on her. Her movements were stilted, almost awkward. Clearly the girl cleaved to decorum and Danny’s suggestion that she forgo these customary formalities had thrown her off. Danny could understand that. It could be daunting to speak with a superior, but following a predetermined script of military conduct and address relieved some of that pressure.
In fact, Elzee’s entire demeanor told Danny a good many things. Her tone certainly reinforced the notion that she was not here to be her subordinates’ friend, which, to Danny, was a pity. Her squad was not traditional. To say that they were the misfits was not entirely accurate, but Danny was more forgiving of personal flaws that other divisions. She couldn’t fault them for it their various quirks when she herself was not exactly the model soldier.
“Address me as you’d like. I won’t require any formality of you,” She said, resting a hand on her thigh. Her palms were sweaty—she didn’t like making new acquaintances, but, as a captain, it was both necessary and unavoidable. “I do require that you follow my commands, but if you give me your loyalty and your trust, it’ll be because I earn it, not because I ask for it,”
Danny bit her lip, but the gesture was so small that she didn’t think Elzee would notice. She knew she sounded formal, maybe even a little pretentious. She didn’t like that. She needed to be able to broach uncomfortable subjects with Elzee, but she didn’t want it to seem as though she were attacking her or demanding an explanation for her recent behavior.
“Please—sit,” She waved a hand at one of the chairs that stood in front of her desk. “I wonder… What do you know of me? What made you choose to apply to Thirteenth and not, say, Eleventh, a squad that may have been more fitting for your particular skill set,”
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Posted: Sat Feb 18, 2012 8:14 am
Hanging on by a Thread ✪ The Letter Black ( Theme Music for Post )Eyeing the woman for a moment there seemed to be a subtle change in Elzee's stance. It was as if she where sizing up the captain and her worth, something the woman had forced herself not to do knowing she was rather obvious with what she felt about any given situation. To be more precise miss Razz had little tact whenever her emotions or opinions where strong. In this case how this Captain conducted herself the unseated member simply stood questioning her ability to lead. Giving free reign like this felt counterproductive. Since this captain expressed how most things should be relaxed the girl stood straighter and folded her arms loosely behind her back. Jaw tightening the firebrick haired woman drew her weapon from her sash and laid it across her lap as she sat in the seat. A hand on the hilt while the other on the sheath ready to bare the blade if needed. ❙ ❚ ❚ ❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚ ❚ ❚ ❙ Simply sitting silently Elzee listened to everything the captain said and waited for her to finish before she herself spoke. Her voice was held flat though it held a tone used from soldier to commanding officer, "You are my captain, so I will respectfully address you as such." her piercing golden eyes peered deeply into Danny's, still sizing up her captain. This normally would be an act of disrespect holding such a gaze however Elzee was making it a point to make her stance strong and unflinching. This was her promise to her captain and would give it with her entire being without ever holding back. "You are my captain, my trust and loyalty lay solely within YOUR hands. My life is your's to command and I will die clutching my blade in your name, and in your honor." her voice still flat though now completely and thoroughly dead serious.
Narrowing her eyes as the captain bit her lip, then asking a few slightly though relevant questions, "I know very little of you Captain." pausing for a moment she glanced down to her blade as the captain questioned her application to this squad, questioning her motives just like everyone else ever had. For a moment the girls jaw tightened and her spiritual pressure fluxed ever so slightly. Looking back up with an almost lethal glare Elzee did her best to keep her emotions in check, "I have nothing to live for captain." her voice still held a venomous tone, though even more serious than it had been previously, "Have you ever heard of the tale Mountain of Tears?"
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Posted: Sat Feb 18, 2012 12:49 pm
It was quickly becoming clear that Elzee would have none of the easy friendliness that came so naturally to Danny. Still, Danny’s temper was a slow burn, and her subordinate had done little to evoke her ire. Elzee was the way she was; there was no changing that. But there were certainly ways to work with and around it. Danny met Elzee’s gaze coolly, pale, silvery gray regarding Elzee’s yellow-gold with steadfast calm, betraying nothing of the waves of disdain and antagonism she could feel rolling off the girl.
“Then know this,” She said, speaking clearly. Her voice was level, but it had taken on a hardness, sharp as cut crystal. “When I graduated from the Academy, I was placed in Fourth; I have a healer’s touch, one of the best. Within a month, I was discharged and given a commission to lead Thirteenth. Tearing a man apart with my bare hands, it seems, is termed somewhat other than honorable, conduct more becoming of a warrior than a healer.
“You see, Elzee, what little you know of me, I know a good deal about you, no matter the anecdote you planned to make of this Mountain of Tears. Your family is dead, and you are hurting because of it. I know you are already violent and short-tempered. Hollow, arrancar, human, or Soul Reaper, you fight to kill, and I am certain that this recent tragedy has done little to soften you,”
Danny stood then, all at once a good deal more commanding than she had seemed before. She knew how to handle subordinates like this, though it left a bad taste in her mouth. She didn't like to make demands; she would much rather they followed her orders because they trusted her enough to grant her their loyalty.
“I will. Not. Have it,” Her tone brooked no argument. “I am as close to a pacifist as you might find in our line of work. To the point that it is practical, I believe in non-lethal force. Hollows we purify, you’ll get no argument from me. Arrancar, too, need not be shown mercy; you’ll get none from them. Barring these exceptions, you will show mercy to your opponents.
“You will remember the oaths you made upon joining this division: ‘Never raise your blade in anger.’ If you find that you cannot abide by my commands, then I’m afraid we have very little else to discuss here,” She plucked an official-looking document from beneath a folder in her inbox. To all appearances, it looked as though she had expected her conversation with Elzee to come to this, but, if truth be told, she just happened to have the relevant paperwork lying around. “You may submit your application for transfer in writing, and I will recommend you to any squad you choose,”
Danny paused then, hand resting lightly on the transfer request as she let her words sink in. The truth was that she did not want to lose Elzee. She was undeniably skilled, a powerful addition to any squad, but she needed a firm hand. Danny’s easy friendliness was second nature to her, and she had to remember to conduct herself in a manner more befitting an officer of her rank. In an odd way, she was grateful that Elzee had reminded her of it. An interesting idea was beginning to take root, but she would not entertain the notion until she was sure of some things.
“If, however, you can find it within yourself to adapt, to yield when I say yield, then I think you will do well here. I don’t care what you’ve done; we are none of us perfect. You must believe me when I tell you that I know what it is to feel lost, to have fundamental pieces of yourself missing,” Her tone was honest, but not bitter. This was an old, old wound. “You make your peace with it. In one year, ten, a hundred, the ache will fade. In the interim, I will give you something to live for. You have my word on that, Elzee Razz,”
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Posted: Sun Feb 19, 2012 5:28 am
Eyeing the Captain the unseated member never flinched, her station within her chair never moving. With every word the Captain said Elzee could feel her anger building more and more, the doubt that dripped from the captain's lips hung like venom in her veins, this new anger began to burn. Though it would do little in the girl's favor Elzee quickly returned Danny's gesture and stood quickly only a couple seconds after the captain stood. Deftly she slid the blade under her sash and stashed it under the small of her back. As always, a single hand on the hilt ready to be drawn. Golden eyes and slate gray eyes stared unflinchingly at one another, either one of them capable of explaining layers of personality.
With her cheeks flushed with anger, silently she listened taking in everything the captain told her, and as per most normal arguments this one strayed no further. The slight handed and indirect insults ladled with just beneath the surface truths put both women toe to toe, and if at a moments notice either one of them might even be compelled to grapple the other out in pure anger. At least in Elzee's case sinking her fist into the captain's pretty face would be nothing short than completely satisfying. Instead this newfound anger, and impossible rage kemp up inside, fractured a piece of Elzee's psyche. Instead of letting the tears just behind her eyelids flow, or the rage burning within her chest out, she actually cracked a smile and found amusement in all of this.
Her flushed face completely faded away and her angry disposition disappeared from her stance, something in combat this might have appeared as a really good and well placed feint. Instead the second Elzee spoke it was obvious she meant what she felt, there was no change in her personality, though perhaps a slight... modification. ❙ ❚ ❚ ❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚❚ ❚ ❚ ❙ "I don't need anything to live for Captain." bowing respectfully she stepped to the edge of the captains desk and eyed her with a slight smirk across her face. A slight chortle escaped her lips and she looked down the paper work and picked it up and handing it back to the captain, "I've made my oath already to Thirteenth squad and I will not waver." Her hand slid from the hilt of her blade to Danny's desk and used it to lean on the desk to learn closer to the captain and outstretched her hand gesturing she no longer wished to hold the official looking paper-work. "There is something that paperwork cannot ever explain." her smile widened, "My pain, anger, sorrow, and grief make me stronger. It IS my weapon."
Whether or not the captain took the paperwork Elzee would either drop it into her hand or to the desk and would stand back grabbing her hilt once again, "I will be even more loyal than the blade in your own hand Captain, if you say submit I will kneel. If you tell me to surrender my own blade to you, it will be wrapped and gifted to you." her smirk never wavering, "You tell me to slit my own throat, my head will be missing." Leaning back on her heels she couldn't help but chuckle again, "I am the sharpest weapon you've ever had in your command, I will beg you for the blood of all of your enemies, and I will savagely defend you in every scenario." her lips smeared into a sort of snarl, "I promise you captain." she kneeled and bowed her head showing absolute loyalty, "I am yours to command, until my dying breath."
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Posted: Sun Feb 19, 2012 10:25 pm
“Excellent,” Danny said, apparently unruffled by Elzee’s nearness and the poorly concealed venom in her tone. She took the proffered paper back, crumpled it up, and tossed it in the wastepaper basket situated by the side of her desk. “It would have been a shame to lose you to another squad, though I’m afraid that we’ll have to agree to disagree on some counts. You and I are fundamentally different people,”
Danny opened a drawer behind her desk and removed an armband bearing the insignia of Thirteenth Division—the mark of a lieutenant. She peered thoughtfully at it for a moment, running a thumb over the engraved emblem before she looked to Elzee again. The girl’s head was bowed in submission as a visual testament to her oaths of loyalty, and was thus unable to see what Danny was holding.
“We are startlingly opposite, in point of fact,” she continued, making no indication that Elzee ought to rise. “I have little desire to take your blade for my own, nor do I require your head on a platter. Similarly, my thirst for blood is all but non-existent; however your loyalty is to be admired. Even after I challenged your motives and fitness for duty, you remained true to your oaths, to your division, and to me, though I’ve given you little cause to do so,”
Danny considered the girl once more, again noting the ferocity in her. From the shock of dark red hair to the tattoos that decorated her tanned skin—tattoos that were on full display thanks to a rather skimpy outfit—Danny knew she could find nobody more different from herself. It was these differences that appealed to her. She was no fool—her tendency towards mercy made her seem soft, which undermined her authority. Elzee’s behavior forced her to assume a stronger, more commanding persona that befitted a captain. She played a perfect counterpoint to Danny’s intrinsic good nature, which was an invaluable asset.
“If you would rise, rise as my lieutenant,” Danny allowed herself a small, somewhat rueful smile then. “The Seireitei is in need of strong defenders, and by your own estimation, you are the sharpest blade I might ever command. If you have nothing to live for, then perhaps you might find something worthy dying for in my service,”
Ideally, they would temper each other. Danny might one day come to soften Elzee’s tendency towards violence, while Elzee would fortify Danny’s quieter strength. It had the potential to be an extremely beneficial relationship.
And yet, a feeling of doubt stole over her. She and Elzee had certainly not made favorable impressions on one another. Perhaps the offer was premature and Elzee would refuse. That would be a pity. Elzee had the makings of a protector, certainly. The brutal deaths of her family members would make her sensitive to the plight of the common souls in the Rukongai, something few Soul Reapers considered. More than that, she was strong-willed and resilient. Maybe strong enough to protect me from myself, Danny mused. The thought of another episode like the one that had gotten her discharged from Fourth Division was unsettling to say the least.
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Posted: Thu Feb 23, 2012 6:44 am
At first Elzee could only wonder what her Captain was going on about, then as she was instructed to rise everything began to sink in. After everything that the captain had said she was only to be promoted instantly to her right hand. Looking up Elzee's hardened gaze had softened into a look of complete surprise, all of the anger she had ever felt, every bit that had built up over the years finally washed away with a HUGE payload. Slowly she stood and her eyes welled up with tears as both pride and self-accomplishment began to truly set in. Had her family still been alive Elzee was sure that making this rank would bring them all honor and happiness. The pay she would receive would have put them all into a mansion and they all would most likely become fat from all the warm foods.
That thought alone was echoed by a pang of pain, looking down she let the blade of her hilt go and both hands rose to her mouth covering it as a tear ran from her eye and dripped from her wrist to the floor. Her tears where easily identified as happiness. This was easily the best thing that had ever happened to her, and it was as if she won some sort of lottery. Looking up she dropped both hands folded over her chest and closed her eyes attempting her best to regain her composer. Tears streamed from her eyes looking back to the captain her eyes filled with sincerely she spoke with a soft tone, "Thank you Captain." and respectfully she bowed deeply and held it for a few seconds then rose sniffling lightly.
More than the pay which would have more than taken care of her entire family, having such a title was an immeasurable title that very few would ever even dream of acquiring. To be such a person would gain the respect of anyone that would notice her badge. She would soon become a memorable person that other squads would need to know. Her name would be in the history books and she would do everything in her power to bring her squad and her name honor. Nothing would dare stand in her way when protecting so many things that held so dear to her heart. More than wanting to protect Soul Society as a whole Elzee wanted nothing more than to protect the honor of her name, it was the only thing left which represented those she once loved more than anything else.
The tears fell, and she could no longer contain the emotions she had kept contained for so long. Turning away from the captain facing towards the door she peered out the windows taking in everything, remembering the faces of those she lost. Staring out she did her best not to completely loose herself, quickly she looked back again to Danny, "I will be your sharpest blade, and I will, without a hint of doubt, die to protect you, and the whole of Soul Society." turning fully she bowed again and held it, her voice holding a subtle kindness, "I will not fail you, my Captain. Forever will I stand by your side, forever I will protect you." Rising again she looked Danny directly in the eyes, "I promise." and through the tears there was a slight hint of a smile... ((OOC: Is there anything special I should do now, my captain?))
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Posted: Mon Feb 27, 2012 5:46 pm
"I know you will," Danny said gently, pretending not to see the tears. Her smile was not unkind as she held the badge out to Elzee, meaning for her to take it.
"Now, there is a matter I wish to discuss with you," She said, choosing her words carefully. Unfortunately, there was no delicate way to address the matter, but she spoke with as much tact as she could manage. "I know the wound is still fresh, but it regards the death of your family. It was no random act of arson-- you and I both know that. It was a hate crime by an organized syndicate, which poses a threat to both the Seireitei and the residents of the Rukongai. This technically falls under Ninth Division's jurisdiction, but... " She trailed off meaningfully.
"If you mean to act, you must act quickly. A threat like this will not go unnoticed, and I doubt Ninth will appreciate us stepping on their toes," Reaching yet again into a desk drawer, she drew out a warrant. She selected a fountain pen from the desk organizer and filled out the form, continuing to speak as she wrote. "Your new rank and this warrant will give you access to all but the most restricted intel as well as grant you the right to draw funds, supplies, and manpower as required,"
Danny scrawled her signature at the bottom of the page. She then produced a stick of red sealing wax, lit it, and allowed a dime-sized puddle to drip onto the warrant. She pressed a soapstone seal into the warm wax, leaving behind the impression of a hell butterfly decorated with a snowdrop and a tiny Thirteenth Division insignia. The wax was already cooling as she slid the warrant across the desk towards Elzee. "The mission's yours if you want it. I'll hold off the brass for you, and if you can bring in the leader for questioning, that would be a blessing. But, if he or she should happen to be killed in the fighting, I'll write it off as an accident and have done,"
She paused, fixing her new vice captain with her sharp gray gaze again. "I want you to understand, Lieutenant, this is not a double standard. I'm nearly a pacifist, and still I doubt anybody can accuse me of being a saint. I am not above revenge, and I believe this is your right,"
[This seemed like an important point for your character, so this could turn into a subplot you can write if you'd like, or it can all just happen off screen. Either way, I thought Elzee might appreciate the gesture.
Other than that, I have no real tasks for you. You've my blessing to write yourself an office thread if you'd like, and of course you can accept people into the squad and make announcements, just like I can. Neither of us are crew, but if you want something done, you can go to red_moon_wolfess, who's the mod working with me on 13th. If you want to make any major changes, adding stickies or planning events and whatnot, please do run them by me first, though.]
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