RPG Hollow-Kao no Shinigami [M-LV, maybe S]

[Onix]

[COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1][I]Rain.

Heavy, oppresive. Dark and gloomy. Cold.

Flash of light. Sick white face. Hollow.

Flash. Black robes. Great sword. Shinigami.

Flash. Blood. Death. Cry of pain.

Flash. Hollow gone. Almost. Mask broken, blood everywhere, still alive. Clinging. Surviving.

Great sword rises again. Flash, shine like the moon. Strike down like lightning.

Still alive.

What would happen, if the mask was his?

Put it on.

Pain, blinding, surrounding.

Flashes, not lighting.

More pain, more screaming.

Death, everywhere.

Hollow.[/I][/SIZE][/COLOR]

[CENTER]*****[/CENTER]

[COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]The Hollow-Faced Shinigami awoke with a start. He was still in the same position he had fallen asleep in, against the wall, Utsuro Kokoro clasped in his hand. The one that wasn't bandaged, anyway. Behind the skull mask, he gasped for breath. With a quick shake, he tried to clear his head.

"It does not do to dwell on the past," he croaked. The mask, and the pain, had warped his voice. Now it was gravelly, deep, and strained.

He looked up, red eyes glittering.

"No, I must focus on the future."

The Court of Pure Souls stood like a shining candle in the distance, surrounded by the gloom of Rukongai.

"It is almost time."

If he could've, he would've grinned.

"Time to meet old friends. And make them pay."

A whisper of cloth caught his ear. Shinigami, no doubt, out to find him. He readied his sword, but then decided it wasn't worth it. When the young warrior dropped down, he had gone.[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[CENTER]*****[/CENTER]

[COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]Utamuro let out a long yawn as he walked out of his chambers, clad in a pale blue kimono. His long black hair fell touseled around his shoulders, not straight and shining like it usually is. No, today, he was planning on relaxing in the 10th Squad's section of the Court. No need to dress up without the pomp and ceremony that was usually required of a Captain.

He looked out the window lazily, and saw a young Shinigami with vibrant pink hair tumble to the ground, holding several bokken. He leaned out of the window, calling out.

"[I]Daijobou[/I], Sato-kun?"

The Shinigami looked up, smiling sheepishly.

"[I]Hai[/I], Yakuta-taicho!"

He quickly gathered up the bokken, running off to the 10th Squad's training hall. Obviously, some of the Squad members were spending their morning training. And Utamuro knew, in his heart and in his bones, that Sakura was one of them. So, naturally, he had to stop her, and take her to relax.

Juujikamaru swaying at his side, Utamuro walked quickly down the hall towards the training room, where about 20 Shinigami of various ranks and appearences were sparring and otherwise trianing. And, just as Utamuro suspected, Sakura was among them, currently doing battle with a scarlet-haired girl, 5th Seat, Sanada Chieko, Utamuro remembered. She was pretty and, thus, often subjected to Utamuro's flirting, and she always rebuked him.

So, it gave Utamuro great pride to see Sakura send her crashing to the floor, her bokken spinning over to Utamuro's feet. The Captain placed one sandaled foot on the wooden sword, smiling over at them.

"Daijobou, Chieko-chan?" he asked, grinning wickedly.

The Shinigami looked up at him, her emerald eyes narrowed harshly.

"Hai, Yakuta-taicho. Could I have that bokken back?"

Utamuro leaned down, twirling the sword in his fingers. He smiled jauntily as he looked at her, flicking back a lock of hair.

"Maybe...if you'll let me take you out for a date."

"No."

"Okay, then...how about we have ourselves a spar. If I can defeat you, with my eyes closed, then I you will go on a date with me. However, if I lose, I will never ask that of you again."

Chieko smiled haughtily. "You're on, Yakuta-taicho."[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[CENTER]*****[/CENTER]

[COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]20 minutes later, Utamuro stepped out of the training hall, Sakura at his side. He smiled over to Chieko, who was fuming.

"See you at sunset, Chieko-chan!" he said, blowing a kiss before shutting the door.

Sakura smacked his arm gently.

"You're so mean sometimes, Yakuta-taicho. You knew she couldn't beat you..."

"Yeah, I know...but it was really fun. And besides, I'm getting a date out of it." He turned quickly, hooking his arm under hers, pulling her along. "Now, come on. You're going to relax today. I know, let's go to the hotsprings!"

Sakura sighed.

It would be a long day.[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[CENTER]*****[/CENTER]

[COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]It's a nice, peaceful day in Soul Society. For now. So, let your characters do what they do. All hell will break loose soon enough, as the Hollow-Faced Shinigami makes his appearence. For the record, Soul Society resembles fuedal Japan, so no TV, no radios, no heaters, no technology to speak of. In general, have fun, let your characters relax, because it won't last long.

[I]Ja ne.[/I][/SIZE][/COLOR]

[Engel]

[color=darkslategray][size=1]In a small spring, the sweet smell of boiling, hot water rose. In that hot spring, was a Shinigami. Taichio of the 3rd Division, to be exact. Akuma. Arms spread, eyes closed, and body relaxed, he let the warm flow of water drift and bubble, as lazy as a springtime breeze. The two long groups of his hair, entwined by what seemed to be a white bandage, drifted carefree across the stone floors above the spring.

Akuma heard footsteps. Opening one amber colored eye, he saw Sakura and...Utamuro. He didn't like the guy much, or his fighting style. He had to respect him though. While not exactly...graceful, he got the job done. Before he was in sight to them, as they laughed and walked, Akuma got up, and threw a white kimono on with a cherry red, intricate design running up the sides, on.

[b]"The hot spring is yours."[/b]

[b]"Where ya goin-"[/b]

[b]"I don't like company this early."[/b] Was all that he would say. That was true. He'd been awake, maybe five minutes. Taking a small drink from a pitcher, the sweet, slightly flavored with the faint taste of strawberries, filled his mouth. He filled a cup sitting by, and retreated from the pools.

[b]"Lesse...I died in 1695...so that would make me how old today?"[/b] Akuma spoke to no one but himself. No one knew it was his birthday today, and he didn't really care. Or, it wasn't that he didn't care, it was just that he figured, no one [i]would[/i] Before they were out of earshot he spoke,

[b]"Today's my birthday, Utamuro, Sakura."[/b] And soon, he was back in his chambers, the drinking bowl of strawberry flavored water still in his hand. Pulling a strawberry from the pantry, he squeezed the juices out over the water, and drank.

[b]"Happy 300 to me."[/b] Akuma lay down on the floor, hands behind his head.[/color][/size]

[Orcus]

[color=#990000][SIZE=1]Gin ran his hand through his hair. The sun was shining brightly in the Soul Society, and Gin was going to treasure today. He dressed in his favorite robe and grabbed Kuroenkou, putting it at his side. He walked casually from his quarters, and waltzed through the 1st squad's section of the court.

Gin got himself something to drink, and watched as the others in the 1st Squad trained. He watched as bokken met bokken. He finished his drink and turned around to leave when he saw Vice-Captain Kane walk by. He left his cup by his seat and caught up with her.

[B]"Good morning, Kane. How's it going?"[/B] Kane looked at him quickly and spoke curtly.

[B]"Fine."[/B] Gin grinned sheepishly. Kane wasn't the scoial one. He had tried many times to speak with her, but she was far from a conversationalist. Gin did know, however, what she was interested in. Fighting.

[B]"So, do you plan on doing anything today?"[/B] She shook her head in response. Gin grined and walked in front of her, blocking her way. Risky, but he needed to get her attention.

[B]"What do you say to a spar? And I don't mean with the bokkens...I mean lets battle each other with our Zapakutohs."[/B] Gin looked Kane in the eyes. He could see the fire dancing in them. She wouldn't pass this up. Kane nodded and Gin could've swore he saw amusement on her face.

[B]"How about in the courtyard?"[/B] Gin grinned and bowed, allowing her to go past. He followed her to the courtyard, walking right next to her. He attempted to put his arm round her in a friendly manner, but she growled at him. They finally arrived, and stood at opposite ends, facing each other. Gin drew Kuroenkou.

[B]"Ready?"[/B][/SIZE][/color]

[SIZE=1][B]OOC:[/B] Hope that's alright Revelation.[/SIZE]

[Ezekiel]

[SIZE=1]A soft beam of sunlight filtered through a pair of lush, velvet curtains, falling on the pale face of Nozomi Hikari. She preferred to wake up this way and was glad that her quarters were far away from where the main early morning "traffic" was. Her light green eyes flittered open and she yawned, stretching in an attempt to wake herself up from a peaceful sleep.

By the strength of the sunlight she assumed that most of Soul Society would be up by now and that annoyed her. What if she was presumed to be lazy? That wouldn't do.

The lieutenant stood and dressed in black robes with crimson butterflies going up the right side. She looked to her Zanpaku-to and shook her head; it wasn't needed in the court now.

Stepping out of her room and stretching again, Nozomi failed to remember the art of "look before step". She walked straight into her taicho, Abarai Renji, with a loud 'thud' and a cry of shock.

[B]"Kisama!"[/B] Nozomi threw her hands back to steady herself on the frames of her sliding door while Renji stumbled back and hit the wooden railing on the other side of the walkway. He laughed softly and rubbed his chest, opening his eyes to look at Nozomi.

She bowed her head in apology and grumbled, trying to wipe the sleep from her eyes. [B]"Tired, Nozomi-chan?"[/B] Renji asked, he was far too perky for this time of the morning, and Nozomi was not in the mood for his humour...or lack thereof.

[B]"I was."[/B] she replied, before turning the other way and leaving Renji, muttering to herself in her annoyance.

She headed down to the hot springs, hoping to rouse herself from sleep, when she heard two familiar voices. One was Sakura's, a woman who had to be pretty strong to put up with her taicho, Utamuro. Then of course, the captain?s voice was heard, loud and confident as it always was. It riled Nozomi and she would have left if she had not bumped into Akuma. [B]"Ah, Akuma-taicho, happy birthday."[/B] she said in an off-hand way. He had come to Soul Society only a short while before she had and the two of them had got to know each other through training and fighting. He wouldn't be considered a friend, but a strong ally, for certain. At least they shared one point--neither of them liked the Tenth Division Captain.

Akuma looked shocked that Nozomi had remembered his birthday but pushed it aside, instead replying with,
[B]"Ah, Nozomi-chan, you look like you could use a pick-me-up, the hot springs are hardly full...if you can ignore certain people."[/B]

Nozomi sighed and nodded in thanks, walking towards the hot springs and heading to the one Sakura was in, ignoring Utamuro who obviously hadn't seen her from the other side of the grass screen.

[B]"Ah, ohayo, Nozomi-san!"[/B] Sakura said cheerfully. Nozomi cringed as Utamuro splashed in his spring, letting out a laugh. [B]"Nozomi-cha~an! How are you on this fine day?"

"I was fine before I heard you, Utamuro-taicho..."[/B]

[B][U]OOC:[/U][/B] "Nanao-cha~an!" XP I'm so seeing Shunsui-sama in Utamuro.[/SIZE]

[Sakura]

[color=Navy]Sakura huffed as Utamuro pulled her from the training hall, protesting. Finally she gave up and brushed her sweaty bangs from her face with her free hand.

Before the two left for the hotsprings, Sakura returned to her room to change into a clean kimono that wasn't for training. She emerged from the room clad in a pale pink kimono with sakura prints. Her obi was a soft pale blue, and attached to it over her left hip was Chiméiteki.

As they arrived at the hotsprings and saw Akuma, they said happy birthday to him after he informed them. The man just nodded and walked off. Sakura and Utamuro looked at each other and shrugged, maybe he just didn't want to talk to anyone as he had said.

Sakura and Utamuro split up as they reached the different hotsprings, going to opposite sides where they were divided into men and women with a bamboo fence between them.

She undressed and slipped into one of the robes provided, walking over to the pool of hot water. She shed it and slipped into the water carefully, resting her folded towel on top of her head. Sakura sighed and sank in, feeling the stress being released from her body.

Not too long after she was joined by Nozomi Hikari, the Vice-Captain like herself, of the 6th Squad. Sakura greeted her as she entered, cringing as she heard her taicho greet her loudly. She rolled her eyes and chuckled quietly at Nozomi's reply.

Nozomi slipped in beside her and sighed as Sakura had done.

[b]"How have you been, Nozomi-san?" [/b]Sakura asked, leaning back to submerge herself a little more into the water.

[b]"All's well. And how are you, Sakura-san?" [/b]Nozomi replied, flapping her arms slowly, pushing around the water.

[b]"Not bad at all, he stopped me from training today to come here, I was quite upset." [/b]Sakura said, jerking a thumb to the fence which indicated she talked of Utamuro.

[b]"Ah, you should relax sometimes, Sakura-san. You train so much." [/b]Nozomi told her, smiling.

[b]"Hai hai! Listen to what, Nozomi-chan says." [/b]they heard Utamuro call.

[b]"Stop listening to our conversation!" [/b]Sakura laughed, knowing they were both right, but she always though that if she stopped training, she would get lazy and her skills would drop.

[b]"I give up." [/b]Sakura announced after listening to Nozomi and Utamuro bombard her with reasons why she should relax sometimes. [b]"I'll take time to relax, ok? Just stop giving me reasons." [/b]Sakura sighed, the two others laughed and cheered at their 'victory', Sakura just rolled her eyes and sank further into the onsen.

[b][color=Black]OOC: [/color][/b][color=Black]I hope that was alright, let me know for changes.[/color]
[/color]

[Raiyuu]

[font=Trebuchet MS]Once, Renji might have been concerned by his [i]fukutaicho's [/i]curt reply and hasty exit, but over time he'd come to know her better than anyone. He could tell, as he watched her walk elegantly away down the corridor, that she was, as ever, putting her reputation first; it wouldn't do for the more junior members of 6th Squad in the corridor to see their superiors displaying weakness.

He chuckled a little as the door slid shut behind her. [b]"Ah, Nozomi-chan ... you are allowed out of your shell sometimes ..."

[/b]The Court of Pure Souls was beginning to resound with the [i]clack [/i]of bokken on bokken, as the elite members of the thirteen Court Guardian squads began the day with vigorous training. With no pressing matters weighing on his schedule, Renji ambled over to the training ground his squad shared with squads one through five. Each squad had a private dojo, but that was for far more intensive, private training than morning exercise. Renji grimaced, remembering the gruelling programme he'd put himself through in order to attain [i]bankai.

Ssssshhhhhhhh...

[/i]There was no mistaking the sound of steel amongst the deadened wooden sounds of training weaponry. Someone in the training ground had drawn their Zanpakutoh.

[i][b]Is he here?

[/b][/i]Renji broke into a run. The day seemed peaceful, and Koroga-taicho, captain of 1st squad, had assured his colleagues that the mysterious Hollow-Faced Shinigami couldn't enter the Court without detection. But there were members of Renji's own squad in the training ground, new, junior members, and he was damned if he was going to take chances with their lives.

Zabimaru was still on its ceremonial stand in his room. There had been no order for Zanpakutoh to be worn constantly, despite the threat. Renji didn't care.

He bounded round the corner into the broad, sand-floored square to see Koroga-taicho and his lieutenant, Miyami Kane, squaring off. He let out his breath and relaxed. This wasn't unknown for Gin.

[b]"Abarai-taicho! Care to observe?" [/b]called Gin cheerfully.

[b]"As long as you keep it clean! I know what you're like, Koroga-taicho-sama. No getting carried away and releasing in front of my new recruits! I don't want them getting hurt!"[/b]
[/font]

[Revelation]

[size=1][color=#191970]The drawing of Hantorayasha initiated that Kane was ready. She had taken a kanzashi from her hair and extended it to its full length, twirling it with one swift movement and managing to cut an orchid from the ground into her hand. She felt a strong breeze wrap around the courtyard and let the orchid fly with it as she smirked towards her captain, who was impressed with her handling.

?What are the rules in this spar?? Abarai sounded a bit bored and was ready to see a good spar. He stood against a beam and watched the two. ?Shouldn?t there be rules if you?re going to have a spar??

As Gin opened his mouth to speak, Kane stopped him and spoke. ?No rules, no boundaries, and no time limit. The spar goes as for as the courtyard and until the last is standing, the spar is not over. Fair enough, Koroga??

Impressed, Gin nodded and was caught off-guard when Kane disappeared and tried to sweep him off of his feet. He jumped and caught a glimpse of Kane?s robe, managing to throw her while he was still in the air. She slid across the floor but stopped just before she hit a column.

Standing up, Gin grinned as he saw that Kane wasn?t holding Hantorayasha. He then examined her a bit more and saw that Kane was, in fact, holding Hantorayasha, only it wasn?t a katana but a kanzashi, the form that it first came in.

?Giving up already, Kane?? Gin walked towards Kane and the two began to walk opposite of each other, creating a circular movement with their walk. ?This is unlike you.?

?Judging by your expression, your stance, and your poise, I?d say that you know I?m bluffing.? At that moment, Hantorayasha appeared in Kane?s hands and attempted to slash Gin?s arm but was stopped by his own strike. She jumped back and twirled Hantorayasha in her hand. ?Your movements are playful and motivated by something that interests you.?

The two ran towards each other with their Zanpakutohs behind them, ready to strike the other with ease. The Captain and Vice-Captain blocked each other?s moves, canceling out each other?s strategies with their own, almost as if they had practiced this before. Neither of them was tired and several people had proceeded to watch their spar.[/size][/color]

[Cambrian_Explosion]

[COLOR=DarkGreen]Several minutes ago-

Sato Setsuko hurried along the path, clutching several bokken to his chest, and silently cursing his luck that he happened to be the most junior Shinigami present at the training hall, thus the appointment to fetch the wooden practice swords. But this task had to be performed, and he would complete it in record time if it killed him. On the home stretch to the training hall, his sandal caught the hem of his robe, sending him sprawling.

?Daijobou, Sato-kun?? called a confident and all too familiar voice from an upper-story window. Sure enough, it was the Captain of his Squad. Needless to say, Setsuko didn?t feel too proud of himself at that moment.

[I]The curse of having such distinctive hair,[/I] he thought in his pink-haired head, [I]everyone knows it?s you from a mile away.[/I] ?Hai, Yakuta-taicho!? he called back, doing his best to keep the sheepishness out of his smile. He gathered the scattered bokken as quickly as he dared, not wanting to make a fool of himself in front of his Captain twice in five seconds, and dashed headlong to his destination, now cursing out the one responsible for his pink hair.

Inside, Setsuko skidded to a stop in front of the Vice-Captain of his Squad. ?Ohayo, Hiwatari-fukutaicho,? he said, ?I brought the bokken.?

?You ran the whole way?? Sakura asked with a raised eyebrow as she selected a bokken.

?Hai.?

?And the Energizer Bunny isn?t even out of breath,? commented Sanada Chieko.

Setsuko shrugged modestly, ?Well, I keep going and going and ??

?So get going,? Chieko suggested, enforcing it with a whack across the rump.

[CENTER]***[/CENTER]

Shortly thereafter, Setsuko was treated to a display of his Captain?s skill; as Utamuro left, steering Sakura along with him, the younger Shinigami could only shake his head in admiration. [I]If I can get as good as him, without the ego, I?d be perfectly happy,[/I] he thought.

?Hey, Energizer Bunny,? called Chieko, tossing him Sakura?s discarded bokken, ?let?s spar.?

Setsuko glanced around, realizing too late that everyone else was [B]very[/B] busy sparring and he had no one else to partner. [I]Damn it all, she outranks me by five seats AND she?s pissed off. This is not going to end well. Got to think, how did Yakuta-taicho beat her?[/I] He pissed her off?

?Gomen ne, Sanada-sama,? he said, ?I only spar pretty girls.? [I]That oughta spike her blood pressure.[/I]

His ?plan? worked well. A bit too well. ?How would you know the difference, you queer?? she shrieked back.

The next interval of time was a bit of a blur to the younger Shinigami, mostly the strident clack of bokken, cries of pain, grunts of effort, and everything suddenly taking on a red hue. It took him a moment after he regained a true sense of space and time that he could stop swinging his bokken. Chieko was down, sporting some prominent bruises and lumps. [I]Now I?ve done it,[/I] he thought.

Setsuko slung Chieko over his shoulder and headed to the healer. The healer took one look at him and immediately insisted on treating him, too. After enduring treatment he didn't think necessary, Setsuko headed for the hot springs, both on the healer's advice and his own desire to relax. Even the Energizer Bunny had its limits.

On the way there, he stopped at his quarters, and continued on his way, Denkou Yaiba swaying at his hip. The young Shinigami wasn't entirely sure why he bothered to pick up his Zanpakutoh, but the thought that Chieko might recover quickly and seek a rematch seemed a good enough reason to him. But then as he came into view of the hot springs, he found other things to divert his attention. Such as the fact adrenaline had stopped circulating through his blood and he was now painfully aware of how hard Chieko had beat on him.[/COLOR]

[Engel]

[color=darkslategray][size=1]Akuma was surprised that Nozomi-san had remembered his birthday, but he soon shrugged it off. He felt a slight bit guilty, but pushed that aside. From his quarters, he grabbed his Zanpakutoh, Tetsu-Okami, and made his way for the trainning hall. Rukongai surrounded the city of sorts, where the rest of Soul Society lived. Jidanbou guarded the gate, and no normal passerby could have a hope. Nor most of the hardened warriors. This gave Akuma and many others comfort.

Not bothering to change his garments, Akuma grabbed a pair of fingerless cloth gloves, sliding them over his tough hands. His right arm was still bandaged. Akuma didn't know why he never had bothered to take it off. He guessed it was homage to the fight he had to bandage it from, from a fight with [i]Menos Grande[/i]. He and another got away. Menos Grande...didn't.

[b]"I'm probably just too lazy to take it off."[/b] Akuma laughed. He didn't mind the white bandage, slightly frayed. Before he left for the training hall, he redid the bandage. To his horror, the wound had come back. It was small.

[i]You can change from just one bite.[/i] When Akuma looked again, it had faded. Must of been a trick of the eye. Fetching a white bandage, he looked at it, and sighed. The metal cuff around his wrist clinked lightly against the two chain links hanging from it. Akuma bandaged his arm again. He flexed. Released. He flexed. Released. It would hold. Grabbing his Zanpakutoh, Akuma returned to his feet.

Sliding open the door, someone tapped his shoulder. Hand on Tetsu-Okami, he spun. Who could be in his own quarters? He sighed. It was his fukutaichio, Renku Inomi.

[b]"Inomi...."[/b] Akuma growled. Inomi grinned.

[b]"Yes, Akuma-Taichio?"[/b]

[b]"Get. Out. I'm not in the mood today."[/b]

[b]"But Akuma-Taichio...I brought you a birthday gift."[/b] Inomi held out a large box, ornately wrapped. Akuma took it, thanked him, and told him once again, to get out.

[b]"Fine, fine, Akuma-Taichio..."[/b] He wouldn't stop grinning, like a damn fox. Finally, to Akuma's relief, he left. The paper fell off in four even sections, the slight ring of metal evident, but no blade. He pulled out a pair of sharkskin, fingerless fighting gloves, white with a skull wreathed in black flames. Taking off the old cloth gloves, he slipped these on. They were comfortable, but provided good grip, even if his hands got bloody.

Akuma resumed his path to the Training Grounds. On the way, he ran into a fellow Shinigami. Coming behind them, he simply asked, without seeing who exactly it was,

[b]"Want to practice?"[/b][/color][/size]

[b]OOC:[/b] This can be anyone, I don't care who.

[Kamuro]

[CENTER][IMG]http://tinypic.com/8weeck.gif[/IMG][IMG]http://tinypic.com/8wef76.gif[/IMG]
[SIZE=1][I]Yozen Hihei
Beginnings[/I][/CENTER]

[I]I hate this damn place[/I] thought Hihei as he sipped from a small cup in a rough stool at an "out-of-town" drinking establishment. Across from him sat his friend and fellow teammate, Kuro. He was a man of large stature, and his body was cluttered with armor, making him seem even more enormous as he sipped his fellow drink. "Couldn't we have gotten a drink somewhere else Kuro?" asked Hihei, looking up from the table. "We could have, but this place has good wine, and theres no one here that knows who we are," spoke the large man, his voice rough and unforgiving.

"Ahh, I was wondering why we went so far out of the way for a simple drink," spoke Hihei, sighing and taking another short sip. "We have something to discuss, this is not merely a social call," said Kuro, his face changing at his partner's careless attitude. "Why so tense? Whats up?" asked Hihei, looking more interested by the minute. "The Hollow are becoming stronger you know. I think you underestimate them. This is not a game. We must-"

"Hold your tongue Kuro," interrupted Hihei. He would have no one of lower rank lecture him on the strength of Hollows. However, he caught himself before interjecting a comment he might regret. Kuro was just worried about him, although he expressed his concerns in a way less subtle, his intentions were well enough. "You know me Kuro. Do you think I would simply allow myself to be overcome by the weakness of Hollows?" spoke Hihei somewhat reassuringly. "A new enemy has emerged, and he isn't a Hollow, or so they say. I've heard only rumors but it seems he's a being of unfathomable power. Some say he might even be Shinigami," Kuro inquired, sitting back in his chair. "Hmph, ridiculous. Shinigami banish Hollow, not aid them," spoke Hihei in utter disgust.

"He does not aid them, not necessarily anyway. His motives are unknown, and unimportant if you ask me. I'm only concerned with his strength. Oh, how I'd love to slay him. Could you imagine? I'd be the famed fighter I've always desired to be," spoke Kuro, his speech drifting off into nonsense of dreams and aspirations. Hihei took a final sip and stood from the table. "Fine, if we find him I'll let you kill him. But I get the next one," he laughed, turning from the table. Kuro joined him, laughing as well "I can't wait."

[B]OOC: Sorry for the delay.[/B][/SIZE]

[Orcus]

[color=#990000][SIZE=1]Giin smiled at Kane. This was the only way he was close to her, by sparring. Not that it bothered him. He was always up for a good work-out. Gin raised Kuroenkou and sprung onto Kane. She parried with Hantorayasha ad spun around, aiming for his leg. Gin barely touched down on the ground before springing into a front flip over Kane. He spun quickly, hoping to get a strike in on her back. Kane was too quick, though, and blocked his strike. The both jumped to opposite ends of the courtyard and stared at one another.

[B]"Amazing, Kane! You're offense, defense, and agility are all perfect this morning. This will definitely be a good battle. I haven't had on...since my last with you." [/B] Kane smirked and spun Hantorayasha.

[B]"Thank you, taicho."[/B] She dissapeared again. Gin closed his eyes and concentrated. Where are you... Swish. A rustle from beside him. Damn she moves fast. He jumped to the left, but wasn't fast enough. Kane struck his robe and ripped the front. He backflipped and slid. He held his chest, smiling.

[B]"You cut my robes. Impressive. But that won't go unrepayed." [/B]

Gin lunged up into the air, apparently going to launch an aerial assualt on Kane. Kane leapt upwards, hoping to meet him in mid-air battle. But what she found suprised her. Gin had sheathed Kuroenkou, and was merely jumping towards the ground. [I]She took my bait[/I], Gin said happily in his head. She tswung at him but he gracefully dodged it. She passed him slightly, and Gin went into action. He spun in the air, unsheathing Kuroenkou, and cut the back of Kane's robes.

[B]"Hmph."[/B] Gin landed in a crouching position, while Kane landed on top of a column. She looked down at Gin menacingly. Something close to a grin appeared on her face.

[B]"Nice strike, Koroga-taicho-sama. Seeing as this battle has no rules...Can we take this fight to the next level?"[/B] Gin raised his eyebrow, and then grinned. His eyes flickered over to Abarai.

[B]"Sorry, Abarai-taicho...I promise not to set any of your new recruits ablaze."[/B] Abarai held his head. Gin smiled and began spinning Kuroenkou before him. He stopped it right-side-up and yelled.

[B]"Kuroenkou! Yakedo Genjuu!"[/B] Kuroenkou grew larger, spikes emerged from the tsuba, and a chain grew from the elongated hilt that had a happy face crest on it. and then it appeared. The great western dragon. He towered over Soul Society, for all to see. He flew into the sky, spinning great circles of flames over the courtyard. He then swooped down, landing behind Gin. It blew a great plume of fire forth, scorching the air and raising the temperature. Abarai rolled his eyes. [I]Show off...[/I] Gin smiled and looked to Kane.

[B]"Your move."[/B][/SIZE][/color]

[JJ]

[Font=Arial][Size=1]The sun was shining, the birds were singing, and it seemed like everything was glowing. It for some reason seemed to have no effect on Inoue Orihime as she and her friend Arisawa Tatsuki sat under the shade of a tree talking. They had been in the Soul Society only a short time, and even now they both had their insecurities about being Shinigami.

?I don?t know Tatuski.? Orihime said, watching some of her fellow Shinigami training.

?Orihime, you?re a chair higher than I am. You should be proud of yourself. We?ve worked our way into the standings and are at the top of our game. At the rate you personally are moving, you?ll be Vice-Captain no problem.? Tatsuki said, pumping her fist up.

?What about you?? Orihime asked, looking concerned.

?Don?t you worry. The jerk that has the third chair is gonna slip up here soon, and we?ll be even again.? She said, smiling at Orihime.

Orihime wasn?t sure whether to believe her or not, especially since her death, but she didn?t dwell on it at the moment. ?Is Yasutora coming soon??

?He said he be around, but being Vice-Captain does have its little responsibilities.? Tatsuki said, letting her smile drop. ?I wonder about him though.?

?Hmm?? Orihimr asked, letting her gaze follow a certain Shinigami as he crossed the Training Grounds.

?? tion. Are you listening to me Orihime?? Tatsuki asked, looking puzzled.

?That Captain, the one that thinks he?s all that has a date today.? Orihimr said smiling.

The Captain of the 1st squad had set his sights on Orihime when she arrived. Luckily for her, Tatsuki arrived soon after, and he kept his distance after that. All it had taken was a little ?persuasion?.

?I wouldn?t worry about it ?Hime.? Tatsuki said, standing up. ?I best be getting back to Training. You gonna wait for Chad??

?No, I was gonna go find a partner to spar with. I need to practice.? Orihime said, standing up.

?Alright then, See you at dinner?? Tatsuki asked, heading towards the group.

?Probably.? Orihime said smiling.

Orihime dusted off her bottom and stretched. They had been sitting for an hour, and her muscles were too relaxed. She made sure her says with her sword in it was still at her side, and she began to jog, sighing. The days here in the Soul Society were nice enough, but Orihime still missed her home in the living world. She missed, well, she just missed things. Although to Tatsuki this was a once in a ?lifetime? opportunity, Orihime wasn?t so sure.

She stopped as she noticed Tatsuki entering the bathhouse. It wasn?t unusual of her to do that, it just seemed odd that she didn?t invite Orihime along. As Orihime bent over and took a couple of deep breaths, she was startled by a voice behind her.

?Want to practice?? It asked.

Orihime made a 180 and had her hand on her Zanpakutoh. She quickly relaxed as she saw that he had a face. ?Depends on what you want to practice.?

?Whatever your game for.?

?Hmm, would you like to spar?? Orihimr said, not really sure.

?Sure, why not. I?m Akuma.? He said, stretching out his hand.

?Orihime.? She replied shaking back. ?Any rules??

?Everywhere?s game, wana go ?till someone?s tired?? He asked, walking away from her.

?Sure.? Orihime said, putting her hand on the Zanpakutoh. ?3..2..1, GO!?[/size][/font]

[Raiyuu]

[b][font=Trebuchet MS]"I should have known I couldn't stop you showing off," [/font][/b][font=Trebuchet MS]called Renji over the roaring of the great dragon. [b]"Sixth Squad recruits! Morning practice is over! To your duties!" [/b]Much as Gin had promised to be careful, Renji knew he'd get lost in the battle and cut loose without meaning to. It wouldn't be his fault, exactly, but someone would still get hurt, and so it was better to have an empty training ground for this particular spar.

[b]"Since you're so set on taking this to extremes, I'm gonna have to keep watch and reign you in," [/b]Renji informed the combatants, nimbly backflipping up onto one of the pillars surrounding the training ground.

[b]"C'mon," [/b]protested the first squad captain. [b]"Can't you let us have just a little fun?"

"Not if it means you demolishing Soul Society," [/b]winked Renji. The dragon seemed to be checking him out, but he ignored it. It was an extension of Gin's Zanpakutoh, and therefore merely a manifestation of his [i]reiatsu, [/i]his spirit force. It couldn't do a thing without Gin willing it to.

[b]"Right, combatants! I'm your referee, and I reserve the right to spank your behinds if this fight gets out of hand! And I know you ignored me last time, but no, and this time I mean [i]no, [/i]use of Bankai. Understood?

"Fight!"
[/b][/font]

[Revelation]

[size=1][color=#191970]?Hantorayasha, yaku to hakai suru!?

Once the words have been said, Hantorayasha, as a Zanpakutoh, began to emit a bright light and covered itself in a sheath of light. As the light grew larger and larger, it seemed to cover the whole courtyard, almost creating a dome of bright light. Just then, the light shrunk within a rapid speed and a black tiger emerged from its place. Kane smirked as it kneeled for her to mount it for her to ride upon. Shikai Hantorayasha then roared fiercely, challenging Gin?s dragon, who snorted at Hantorayasha and looked to its wielder.

The two Shikai almost eyed each other with rage and chaos, they were challenging each other to make a move, as was the two Shinigami. Gin looked to Kane, who smirked and disappeared from sight. Kane?s chuckle was heard around the courtyard, almost everywhere, confusing Gin, as well as Renji. Just then, Hantorayasha appeared in the air and slashed at Kuroenkou?s dragon spirit. The dragon countered its attack by emitting a fire blast towards Hantorayasha who escaped it narrowly.

?Koroga, is that the best that you can do? I was given the impression that you were the general captain of the 13 squads, am I wrong??

?Iie, you are correct. Given that impression, I suppose I should live up to it. Are you ready??

?Always.?[/size][/color]

[Engel]

[color=darkslategray][size=1]Akuma saw the attack coming. His high spirit power wasn't just for a large Zanpakutoh. Left hand on his Zanpakutoh, he sidestepped, flicking the sword from the sheath, aiming for the back of her head. Orihime had felt it, and she spun, batting it back down in the sheath. Akuma grinned.

[b]"Good to see my opponent can sense spirit energy better that most of the people I've thought."[/b] With that, he dissapeared from her sight, suddenly above her in the air. Tetsu-Okami in hand. Orihime brought her Zanpakutoh up, to block. The swords never connected, as his leg shot out, striking her in the shin. She managed to catch her fall, springing back up to her feet.

[b]"Did I mention...no rules. Kicks, punches, biting, anything's aloud. Don't hold back, Orihime."[/b] Drifting past her, without a trace, he went for three stabs. One in the spirit link, the other in the chain of fate. Even practice had to be deadly. She managed to block and parry, sending her Zanpakutoh for his stomach. Akuma drifted back. However, one of the long locks of his hair, entwined in bandage, fell clean on the ground.

[b]"Looks like I got you this time, Akuma-taichio!"[/b] She smiled, then went back to battle pose. The girl was good. Time to stop clowning around. Akuma increased his spirit energy, the hair soon growing back, as he ran his hand through the bleach white hair, to the red ends. The girl was indeed good. But the power separation between her seat and captain....

[b]"Indeed."[/b] Was all that Akuma would say, before running for her, Zanpakutoh filling with spirit energy. He felt empty that day, but his sword...was not. Tetsu flowed with a silver and red sheen, from the massive amounts of energy being poured in. Akuma [i]lived[/i] for battle. Rumors went around of him being named Kenpachi next. He was one who had made a cut on even Zaraki Kenpachi, whose spirit energy was so thick no one could make a dent in him but the highest powered people.

Zaraki couldn't ask his Zanpakutoh its own name. It didn't matter. He was as tough as the strongest steal. And yet...Akuma had damaged him. He should of been captain of the 11th division, but he took third. Ichimaru Gin had taught him. He owed it to him.

[b]"Usuwara, Tetsu-Okami!"[/b] The blade glowed with the bright silver and red light, and dashed up his arm, forming as a metal gauntlet. Tetsu-Okami still glowed with the immense power.

[b]"I got no interest in weaklings, so Shikai."[/b] Akuma's personality completely changed. He waited for her to Shikai, so he would have a challenge. He wouldn't use Bankai...it'd be no fair.[/color][/size]

[JJ]

[Font=Arial][Size=1]?He changed, when he changed, he really changed.? Orihime thought to herself as she stood in the ready position. ?I?m not losing to him now.?

?Aisuru Eiei!? Orihime called out, covering her Zanpakutoh in a white light. It grew longer, and seemed to round itself out. When the light faded, the red staff with the design fell into Orihime?s hands.

?You?re ready now?? Akuma said, starting her dead in the eyes.

?Of course.? She replied, charging.

Orihime swung Eiei towards Akuma as to seem like an overhead shot, but she instead stuck it into the ground and leaped over his head, giving him a light kick as she went. She then went on the offensive with a simple side-to-side attack which he blocked easily.

Again she tried to bring Eiei for a forward strike, but this time Akuma was ready, and he swept Orihime off her feet and onto the ground on her back. He brought his arm back to ram into the ground, but Orihime rolled and used her momentum to spring up. She took a step back, and charged once more. By placing Eiei in the ground once more, she used it fire a swinging kick in which she nailed Akuma in the chest, who wasn?t prepared for that.

?Nice shot.? Akuma said, stumbling.

?Thank..? Orihime started.

Akuma had used that opportunity to lunge at Orihime with all five fingers stretched out towards her. Orihime tried to side step and counter it, but his pinky caught her and stopped the attack. A tear along the belt line could be seen as Orihime attack his temporarily unguarded backside. She got a good solid smack in, and Akuma whirled around, knocking Eiei from Orihime?s hands, and then positioned himself in between the two.

?Looks like this is the end of the match, Orihime.? Akuma said, smiling. ?It was fought..?

?Hinagiku! Baigon! Lilly! Santen Ketshunun! I reject!? Orihime chanted as the familiar triangle shield shot up, causing Akuma to shoot back. ?I?m not finished so easily.?

Orihime then used this time to retrieve Eiei, which had landed a couple of feet behind Akuma. She picked it up, and held it tightly as Akuma tried to attack.

Not being able to overpower Akuma in this position, Orihime wasn?t sure what to do. She didn?t want to use the Shunshunrikka a lot, because then it wouldn?t be fair to her opponent, or herself. As she felt his body weight slowly shift onto his weapon, Orihime came up with an idea. If this didn?t work, she?d probably be hurt, but she didn?t want to think about that.

Orihime threw her entire body forward, and tried to throw Akuma?s balance off. He didn?t stumble or even move, but it threw his weight off enough to allow Orihime to slip out from under him. She turned to face him and smiled. ?We could be at this a while.?[/size][/font]

[Kamuro]

[SIZE=1]Hihei sighed as he entered Soul Society's famed training area. The wind blew lightly against his face as he watched numerous colored leaves dance over the cobblestone courtyard. One hand on his hip and the other on Aka Doragon leaning against his shoulder, the blade vanished behind his flowing black hair. Kuro stood behind him, his large figure erupting a couple feet over that of Hihei, his rough armored hands gripping a long double-sided spear placed over his shoulder.

As the two walked Hihei glanced back and forth, observing spars and various training activities. The regimen had been increased as of late, no doubt the rumors had spread about the lone shinigami and presumably stronger Hollow. As the two men reached the 7th squad recruits they stopped. "Hello everyone," spoke Hihei, a smile on his face as he watched the team squirm to get into proper position. "You'll all be training with Kuro today. I've got some other things I need to attend to," he said, turning from the group and leaving them staring at the large man. "Hihei as given me permission to work you like never before," laughed Kuro, admiring the nervous faces before him.

Hihei made his way through the courtyard finding an interesting spar between Orihime and Akuma. He sat on a nearby bench, observing their moves with great intrigue. "How entertaining," he mumbled to himself. Orihime was in quite the predicament, sure, she could hold her own, but her strength was waning. Akuma was no pushover, having never fought with him before Hihei couldn't gauge his strength to accurately, but he'd observed many matches including the captain and was quite impressed.

However, as his weight shifted Orihime did the same, slipping from his grasp into the safety of the surrounding area. She was a quick one, maybe he'd underestimated her? Still, his money was on Akuma. How fun it would be to spar with the two. It had been so long since he'd let Aka Doragon release it's power. Even Hollows had seemed weaker as of late, and his sword was kept from transforming. He longed to use such great power, an ache rising inside of him, the Red Dragon nearly bursting from it's idle state without even being called upon.

Even so, Hihei had complete control over his emotions, and supressing the power made him even stronger, training or not. Even just sitting there, a fight was going on within him, his inner chi protecting him from the dragon's fury. As he rose from the bench his coat began to flap in the wind, the sharp tug bringing him back to reality. It wouldn't be right to interrupt, and so he turned, again placing the sword upon his shoulder, it's crimson edge gleaming in the sunlight.

[B]OOC: I'd love to fight, but I didn't wanna interrupt. Figured I'd offer a little insight anyhow.[/B][/SIZE]

[Engel]

[color=darkslategray][size=1]Akuma grinned. He was going to have a fight, probably no better than some, but better than most. While she was going for a better position on him, Akuma took this time to jump into the air, moving Tetsu-Okami behind his back, the five fingered, one and a half foot bladed Zanpakutoh gleaming in what seemed to be eternal sunlight in the Court.

Before she was completely done grabbing her weapon, he made a slash down her left arm, a bit shallow, but still painful.

[b]"Don't turn your back to your enemy, Orihime!"[/b] Akuma roared, half hoping she would of been able to block or dodge it. Blood trickled from the wound. He let off a furious series of painful and deadly slashes at her, which were countered by Eiei. Using her quarterstaff, Orihime dashed back a bit, then lunged forward at his legs with Eiei, creating a large bruise.

However, Akuma had been trained to block out pain. And to use the momentum created by the attacker against them. Akuma flipped forward, using the staff as a run-jump pallete, and lept over her head, aiming for a long gash down her back. He didn't know if he succeeded or not, but it was, on his part, a clever attack.

The moment replayed in his head, as he dove in for another series of heavy, brutal, and fast slashes. Battle was battle, practice or not. He'd just have to hold the killing blows.[/color][/size]

[JJ]

[Font=Arial][Size=1]The slice Akuma had made when he jumped over still stung, and Orihime worried about scarring, but for now, that wasn?t the main concern. Akuma had increased in intensity, and Orihime was reduced to blocking again. She hated being in this position and tried to think of a way out of it.

She suddenly got an idea, and decided to try it out. ?You?re a challenge. I will admit that, but things aren?t as they seem here.? Orihime said, standing in a defense position. ?Tsubaki!?

At that moment, a small black, almost moth-like thing descended from the Heaven?s and landed on Orihime?s shoulder. ?Should I splice him?? Tsubaki asked, looking excited.

?No, just distract him, make your attack reflectable. I want to distract him.? Orihime whispered, keeping her sights on Akuma the whole time. ?You ready??

Tsubaki merely nodded. ?Tsubaki! Kotezahnu! I reject!?

Tsubaki shot off in a beam of light towards Akuma, startling him. As he tried swatting at him, Orihime jumped up onto the roof of a neighboring building, and sat in the shadows, watching Akuma to see if he had noticed her. He hadn?t, and Tsubaki flew off unharmed, which was also a good thing. As Akuma looked around for a second, Orihime got in place.

With a yell, she sprang out of her hiding place, Eiei in front, and the sun to her back. She had hoped it was a surprise maneuver, but to her surprise, she felt Eiei being pulled at, and all at once, she hit the ground.

?Shortcuts are no way to win a match, Orihime.? Akuma said, bringing his Zanpaktuh to her throat. As he lowered it to call match point, Orihime gave a kick at his feet, and sprung to hers.

?No, but sometimes they do help in the end.? Orihime said with a smile, and she ran to grab Eiei. She picked it up with her front facing Akuma as he charged. She brought Eiei up to meet him, and began a series of parry and blocks. It ended with Orihime overstretching her attack, and giving Akuma the advantage of her stomach. The match had truly ended when he pressed against her stomach.

?Matchpoint.? He said smiling.

?Are you sure?? Orihime said with a smirk.

Orihime had Eiei at his throat, and a tip had appeared, giving off an aura of death. ?Shall we continue??

?How? In a real battle, we?d both be dead.? Akuma said, keeping his sword at her stomach.

?Well, we could go again.? Orihime said, starting to pace around him.

The pair moved like this for about a minute, and without warning, Akuma used Tetsu-Okami to knock Eiei away, and they were both left open. It was all up to who was going to attack.[/size][/font]

[Onix]

[COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]Utamuro chuckled softly as he relaxed back in the water. He always enjoyed getting a rise out of Nozomi - she was too uptight not to mess with. Sakura was very much the same. Really, the main difference between the two was that only one of them could really stand the Captain. Still, that made it all the more fun to tease her.

[B]"So, Nozomi-cha~an..."[/B] Utamuro called. He could feel Nozomi's grimace. [B]"What brings you here on this fine day?"[/B]

There was a brief pause.

[B]"I came here to relax..."[/B] Nozomi growled. [B]"You, however, are not helping."[/B]

[B]"Aw, that's not nice, Nozomi-cha~an..."[/B]

[B]"Stop...calling me...that."[/B]

[B]"You should not fight your love, Nozomi-cha~an!"[/B] Utamuro called with mock sincerity. [B]"Just because we're from different squads doesn't mean we can't be together!"[/B]

[B]"Urusai!"[/B] the Vice-Captain called.

Utamuro sighed and leaned back again. It was then that the door to the women's bath slid open again, and a new person entered. Utamuro raised an eyebrow and listened carefully.

[B]"Ah, Hikari-fukutaicho,"[/B] the girl said. [B]"Ohayou gozaimasu."[/B]

[B]"Ohayou, Arisawa-san,"[/B] Nozomi said, sounding a bit more relaxed.

[B][I]Arisawa? Hmm...must be Arisawa Tatsuki. She's new, but fairly powerful. And very cute...[/I][/B]

Utamuro grinned wickedly and began to count the planks of wood that formed that barrier between the men's and women's bath. At the 23rd plank, he slid it open, revealing a thin plane of glass. He had put it in himself - as a peeking window. It would appear to be nothing more than a standard plank on the other side. Utamuro grinned and checked around.

[B]"Ah, Yakuta-taicho...er, what are you doing? Is that a window!?"[/B]

Utamuro felt his blood run cold as the three women in the adjourning spring turned to face the wall, each radiating bloodlust. The Captain turned slowly to face an already bruised and bloodied Sato Setsuko.

[B]"Kono baka na..."[/B] Utamuro growled.[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[CENTER]*****[/CENTER]

[COLOR=SlateGray][SIZE=1]Utamuro was still damp as he ran out of the hot spring, still fighting with the sleeve of his kimono. He knew that very soon, Sakura, Nozomi, and Tatsuki would all be running out after him, and that he would probably end up battered and beaten if he wasn't fast enough.

[B]"Kuso, kuso, kuso, kuso..."[/B] he chanted.

With a quick leap, he jumped over the stone wall that served as a barrier between 10th and 11th squad. Surely, no one would ever look for him there. He panted softly as he rested against the wall, and was almost certain that he heard three people run by.

As he slowly calmed his rapidly beating heart, he looked around. It appeared that he was in the main courtyard of the 11th Squad. A tall, black marble monolith stood in the center. Standing in front was a small young woman with candy-pink hair, dressed in the robes of a Shinigami. It was Kusajishi Yachiru, Captain of the 11th Division.

[B]"Ohayou, Kusajishi-taicho!"[/B] Utamuro called.

Yachiru slowly turned to him, a tear dripping from one large eye. She smiled weakly and waved before turning back to the monolith. It was then that Utamuro noticed the flowers at it's base, and the broken Zanpakutoh. The sword that had belonged to the former Captain of the 11th Squad, Zaraki Kenpachi.

It was his memorial.

When the Hollow-Faced Shinigami first appeared, Kenpachi had been one of the first to fight him. The Captain was defeated, but spared. The next time they clashed, nearly two months later, Kenpachi had not been so lucky. It was almost a yeat since the death of the great warrior. Yachiru had been his Vice-Captain, and seemed like a surrogate sister to the man.

Utamuro sighed softly, and walked towards the memorial.

[B]"So, this is Kenpachi's memorial?"[/B] he asked softly.

[B]"H-hai...I come here every day."[/B] Her voice was somber, not like the cheerful, energetic woman she usually was.

[B]"He was important to you, wasn't he?"[/B]

[B]"He...was. He took me in. He saved my life."[/B]

Utamuro looked to the side, and saw that the tears were beginning to flow again. She reached up to wipe her eyes, taking a deep breath.

[B]"I want to kill him, Yakuta-san,"[/B] she said coldly.

[B]"Kill...?"[/B]

[B]"I want to kill that bastard for taking Ken-chan from me..."[/B]

Utamuro sighed again.

[B]"He was a great warrior."[/B]

[B]"He was a great man, too."[/B]

Utamuro looked to her.

[B]"I'll make sure we stop him. On my honor."[/B]

Yachiru turned and looked at his face, as if checking for lies.

[B]"Arigatou, Yakuta-taicho,"[/B] she said softly.

She turned away and walked towards the 11th Squad's quarters, slowly stepping inside. She paused, and called back, [B]"He was a great man, too."[/B] Then she walked inside, and shut the door.

[B]"I know..." [/B]Utamuro whispered, then turned to face his punishment.[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[Ezekiel]

[SIZE=1]Nozomi was fast, especially when riled, and grabbed her kimono, sprinting ahead of the other two women after Utamuro. She snarled as he ducked around a corner and noticed a low level member of the 4th squad carrying some bokken. She walked over to him and snatched one, startling the poor boy and causing him to drop his load. She ignored him and stalked after Utamuro, keeping her Spirit Energy radar on high.

Nozomi eventually found her prey at Kenpachi's memorial. She sighed and lowered the bokken as Utamuro's back was turned to her. [I]'I guess...he has feelings'[/I]. She grumbled and walked forward, standing next to Utamuro but not looking at him.

[B]"Ah, Nozomi-chan...I suppose you want to exact your revenge on my sorry hide?"[/B] Utamuro looked down at the shorter redhead with a sort of sad smile. Nozomi merely ignored him and stood with her hands crossed in front of her, reading and re-reading the name etched on the memorial. [I]'Kenpachi...I always knew your blood lust would send you to an early grave.'[/I] She bit her lip to hold in a sob. Kenpachi had been a good friend, helped her when she was training and saved her life on more than one occasion. He was a good, no, a great man and Soul Society was worse off without him.

The next thing Nozomi felt was a strong but strangely comforting hand on her shoulder. She looked up at Utamuro for the first time to see that his usually cocky smile had turned sad and thoughtful. Her lips quivered slightly before she turned, dropping the bokken to the floor and leaving quickly, avoiding Sakura and Tatsuki on the way out.

She needed to find Renji. Renji would make it all better, he would say something stupid and funny without even trying and Nozomi would cheer up...it was finding him that was the problem. Eventually she gave up and slumped down on the edge of the fountain, her usual 'thinking place'. It was at that moment that the heavens opened and rain came crashing down. Nozomi sighed and just sat there still--rain was good for the soul.

[B]OOC ...It does rain in Soul Society...right? O.o;[/B][/SIZE]

[Engel]

[color=darkslategray][size=1]Time froze. Akuma stood still, so did Orihime. The world went into a pastel of grey as Tetsu-Okami, a man cloaked in a white robe with a red dragon, and long hair, handsome, came in front of Akuma.

[i]Don't you love the rain, Akuma?[/i]

[i]...Indeed, friend.[/i]

[i]We should finish this fight. I feel Nozomi-chan's spirit energy...she feels sad.[/i]

[i]Then we should end it. A spar is nothing compared to the dispair of a Shinigami that needs someone to talk to.[/i]

Tetsu-Okami faded. The color returned to the world. Time resumed. The rain continued to fall. It had never stopped. Hair slick, weapon cold, the summery smell of the rain mixed with sweat, it was all what Akuma and Tetsu loved at that moment. Orihime was there too. She had begun to charge with Eiei.

Akuma met her. Before she was in range, he charged up his spirit energy, letting it out in the slash of Zangeki, he took her by surprise. She flew backwards. After helping Orihime up, he simply told her,

[b]"I am sorry for cutting the match short. There is something I must tend to. Maybe later."[/b] Akuma bowed, and began to visualize the Spirit Threads, grabbing the thread that was Nozomi's. He followed it, the rain still beating down. Akuma turned his head to the sky, enjoying the soft pour of rain, the rythmitic [i]tap-tap-tap[/i] on the ground and his face.

There she was. Slumped against the fountain, and he walked to her, his Zanpakutoh dissapearing, and a Hell Butterfly apppearing in the air, the spirit of Tetsu-Okami. Without a sound, Akuma placed a hand on Nozomi's shoulder, and sat down beside her, the long wraps of hair slinking into the fountain. The arm on her shoulder slid all the way around both of her shoulders.

[b]"Hey, Nozomi-chan..."[/b] Was all that Akuma said. He knew she felt...something. He didn't know.[/color][/size]

[Cambrian_Explosion]

[COLOR=DarkGreen]Sato Setsuko approached the hot springs with a few misgivings. He knew his taicho was in the hot spring, having seen his things in the changing area, and Utamuro would probably ask about the scrapes and bruises. Setsuko, however, would have to face his taicho sooner or later, and sooner seemed more preferable, with the taicho relaxing and (hopefully) in a good mood. So Setsuko stepped out to the spring confidently, and addressed him.

?Ah, Yakuta-taicho?? he began, but stopped, ?er, what are you doing?? Utamuro was crouched down near the wooden divider that separated the men?s and women?s sides of the hot spring, face almost pressed against something that looked suspiciously like glass. ?Is that a window!?? Setsuko exclaimed without thinking.

Everything went deathly silent. Setsuko felt the bloodlust radiating from the women on the other side. Utamuro turned very slowly to face him, took in the younger Shinigami?s condition with a glance, and growled, ?Kono baka na?? He. Was. Not. Happy.

Before Setsuko could even babble an apology, the lecherous taicho flew past him to the changing room, where he heard him simultaneously swearing and wrestling into his kimono. Setsuko sighed, walked over to the window and forcefully slid the plank shut. [I]This has definitely not been my day for impressing Yakuta-taicho.[/I] Setsuko slid into the water, the heat relaxing overworked and aching muscles, melting the pain of the bruises away. After awhile, he heard voices on the other side, but didn?t pay much attention. But then he found his eyes looking back to the well-concealed window again and again, as though magnetically attracted, and even found himself approaching it slowly. [I]Ina![/I] he thought, striking himself round the head, [I]Impure, dangerous thoughts!!![/I]

Setsuko quickly left the spring, donned his clothes, and wandered aimlessly down a lane, Denkou Yaiba swinging at his side. [I]Kuso, Yakuta-taicho has polluted my mind. I oughta destroy that window.[/I] Then he stopped dead in his tracks. [I]Ina, he?d know, he?d kill me for it, then install a new window.[/I] He smiled at that last thought, the grin widening as it started to rain. He privately enjoyed rain, especially storms?

Up ahead, there was apparently a storm in progress, two Shinigami locked in battle, Akuma and Orihime by the looks of it. He knew both in passing, but not very well. At that moment, Setsuko felt the taicho channel a lot of spiritual energy into his Zanpakutoh and knocked Orihime flying. He helped her up, said something, and then left. Orihime seemed a bit cut up, so he approached, and asked, ?Sumimasen, do you need help??[/COLOR]

OOC: Just wanted to strike up a conversation with someone, hope you don?t mind, ^.^.

[JJ]

[Font=Arial][Size=1]Orihime looked at the voice. His robes were soaked, as were her?s, and he was smiling. She figured he wasn't going to challenge her, so she smiled, and replied back, "No thanks, I'm good."

He didn't seemed shocked when she said that, and instead said, "I'm Seto. You're Orihime, right?"

She nodded, and replied, "Which Squad are you?"

"Tenth Squad, Tenth seat." He replied

"I'm in the fourth squad, third seat." Orihime replied smiling.

"You wana get out of the rain?" Seto asked, looking at the tree Orihime and Tatsuki had been sitting under earlier.

Orihime shook her head. "I'm enjoying it; you can go if you want."

Seto looked at her for a second, then at the tree, looked again, and sighed. "Where are we off to?"

"I want to find my friend Tatsuki. She was going into the bathhouse last time I saw her. I was going to head over there first." Orihime said, moving in that direction.

"She's not there now." Seto said, looking strangely.

"How do you know?" Orihime asked, watching him. Something was seriously fishy.

"She ran out chasing after Utamuro. He apparently had a window into the female bath. She and two other women chased him off. I know they went in the direction of the eleventh squad?s area, but I?m not sure where they?d be now.? Seto said, looking down at the ground.

?Well, I think I can find her.? Orihime said, starting to concentrate. After about a minute of nothing happening, Orihime blushed. ?I guess not. Looks like we get to walk around.?

Seto chuckled, and Orihime smiled briefly. She remembered something Chizuru used to say. ?You?re cute when you cry, but I like you the best when you smile.?

Orihime started walking and Seto followed. She tried to think of something to say, but nothing of any importance popped up. Suddenly, she had an idea. ?What?s your favorite food??[/font][/size]

[Ezekiel]

[SIZE=1]Nozomi started as she felt a wet hand slip around her drenched shoulders. She slumped further, her usually perfect posture ruined by the rain pattering down on her head. She didn't lift it, knowing that it was Akuma who sat next to her.

[B]"Hey, Nozomi-chan..."[/B] He didn't say anything else, sensible, really, as Nozomi wasn't one to appreciate verses for comfort. She merely nodded and sighed, the rain always depressed her and her Taicho was probably back in his quarters by now.

[B]"Thank you for coming to see me, Akuma-taicho-sama, but I think I should go..." [/B] she pulled herself from Akuma's comfortable embrace and bowed to him. His face looked a little unsure, confused, even, but Nozomi paid it no heed and left, walking to Renji's quarters.

She knocked, happy to hear the sound of his bare feet on the floor. He slid open the doors and blinked, [B]"Nozomi...you looked like a drowned rat."[/B]

[B]"Hai, the rain is pretty heavy, may I come in?"[/B]

Renji nodded and stood back to let his lieutenant in, closing the doors behind him. [B]"Where you sitting out there or something?" [/B] He knew how the rain depressed the redhead and wasn't surprised to see a sad look on her usually serious face.

[B]"I sat by the fountain,"[/B] she replied,[B] "Akuma-san came to comfort me."[/B]

"[B]Ah." [/B] was all Renji said in reply, keeping his voice steady and calm.[B] "Would you like something to drink?"[/B]

[B]"Hai, taicho-sama."[/B] Nozomi sat down at his desk and shivered a little, gasping as Renji then dropped a towel on her head. [B]"Come on, dry up, or you'll get sick."[/B]

Nozomi smiled a little and nodded, [B]"Arigatou, Renji."[/B]

[B]OOC Hope that's all okay, Raiyuu-san.[/B][/SIZE]