Mortal Monsters (Adventure, Medium, NDE, R)

[MrDoctorDo]

Name: Mortal Monsters

Participants: The first venturing group will be open admission. Anyone between Class 5-2 is welcome. For all nonHuman Worlders, please contact me through PM or PC first to discuss entry.

Adventure Time Frame: However long it needs.

Adventure Setting: Karakura, in the Odaima Business District. NDE

Adventure Synopsis: Karakura, here we are again. Most every spirit worth mentioning is aware of this abnormal, Japanese prefecture. However, fewer individuals might know of the districts that make up the overall metropolis. One in particular, the Odaima Business District. While the name might lead one to think of this area as a thriving jungle of corporate towers and industry; that would not be entirely correct. The name misinforms. While various corporate towers do look down onto this area, Uzaki Enterprises as an example, the district itself is closer to a slum. Sectioned by very narrow streets. Filled with thin, cramped buildings. None of the structures ever extending more than eight floors into the air. At street level is an unending parade of shops, bars, and parlors...tattoo or otherwise. Above these seedy shops are residential apartments filled with financially unstable, yet often innocent and kindly tenants. The area has a bad reputation for gang violence, gambling, drinking, and illegal sales of drugs...or worse. Living there comes from a lack of options. Karakura residents know to avoid it if they can. Tourists are urged to do the same. Even the spiritual community will notice a sensation of ill-omen. Streets and alleys that go from either poorly lit by neon, or not lit at all. A smell in the air that always seems rotten or foul. And in recent days? High levels of spiritual activity. More so than what is normal for Karakura. An increase that is sure to attract wild, developing Hollows...and some other special guests as well.

For those venturing into the Odaima area, prepare for the worst. It will be up to you to find the cause of this recent increase in spiritual activity. To seek out the sources of growing spiritual pressure. To risks the dangers of the streets for information and answers. All the while knowledgeable of the fact…that each moment this spiritual growth goes unchecked, could spell doom for themselves…and all the residents of Odaima.

Difficulty Level: (Medium)

Estimated Enemy Strength: Class 4-2, with two exceptions depending on the choices of the Participants. These exceptions will be revealed if necessary.

Begins: R...Really? Right freaking now of course!

Special Conditions: Participants may enter and leave the Adventure whenever they desire. This includes new and replacement members. Anyone unable to post within 72 hours will be skipped. Anyone skipped twice will be considered removed. Anyone removed may reenter upon request! This is merely an experiment to improve Adventure Progression.

In addition; participants will receive certain clues in regards to the unfolding mystery. These clues will be shared privately, but may be passed on to other participants in-character. Members of certain races will also receive special challenges to complete for bonus information...and rewards.





And one final thing…

Odaima Population - 36,785

...good luck.

[Deleted]

(ooc: Reserving a spot)

[Takara Takeda]

Claiming a spot

[Deleted]

Odaima Business District.... A den of darkness. For shinigami, it was one of the (if not the) most hated patrol locations. It was often a punishment assignment, and those who recieved it dreaded the prospect of this mission. Arashi Kawada stood at the top of the districts tallest building, looking over the entirety of it. Arashi wasn't here as a punishment thankfully, he had been sent to assist the current patrol in keeping up with their duties. It seemed that the increased workload was just too much for the standard patrol to deal with. Towards this end of alleviating such a work load, Arashi had recieved a quota: 12 pluses must be excersiced before dawn. Sighing, Arashi thought to how he had gotten into this mess...

---

It was a normal day in the Kawada Clan household. Arashi was sitting at the rather large table in the manors 3rd dining room, his favorite of them. Sitting across from him was Shōkan Kawada. Ever since his return from the past, the once powerful captain had insisted that the members of the clan must attempt to eat breakfast together in the morning. His reasoning was that, the clan was to distant from each other, to focused on their own goals that they missed what they were fighting for. For one to truly fight for something, they had to appreciate it. Thus far, Arashi was the only one that adhere'd to the mans request. He had to say, it was... Pleasant.

He found he enjoyed his morning far more now. Ever since he was a child, Arahsi had always been a bit seperate from the rest of the Kawada Clan, due to not being a pure blooded member. In these mornings with Shōkan he found that he was beginning to feel more and more like he was an actual member of the family. He greatly admired Shōkan, who's wisdom and experience seemed extraordinary, and despite having lost nearly all of his powers, seemed to fight with just as much passion and vigor as he had when he was in the past. To tell the truth, Arashi didn't know where he got such extreme levels of determination from.

Just as he finished his meal however, a servant appeared. 'Arashi-sama, a letter from your squad has arrived.' This was... Unusual. Most of the time, they would wait until he had actually arrived at the barracks before sending him any paperwork. Taking the small letter, Arashi read it's contents quietly to himself. Finishing, his eyes widened a bit. This was even more unusual. He had actually never been assigned this position, and he had honestly hoped he never would. Although he shouldn't have been surprised, as a vice-captain, it was his duty to aid his subordinates. Gathering his equipment, Arashi prepared to leave via the Kawada Clan senkaimon, as it was significantly faster than the public ones.

'This should be fun... or not' Arashi thought with a chuckle.

---

Arashi wasn't altogether worried, while he knew he was far from the strongest soul reaper, he was still a vice-captain, and even the weakest Vice-captain could deal with your average hollow with ease. Breathing in the night air, Arashi thought to himself 'My mission begins... Now!' snapping his eyes open, Arashi leapt from the top of the building in search of souls to purify. Landing in the streets of the forboding district, Arashi slowly walked through the cramped streets, taking care to avoid obstacles in his path, eyes scanning the area in a searching pattern, checking all of the corners and alleyways.

Arashi's plan of action was to purify any souls he met along his way. Be it by Konsō, (Arashi preference in this situation) or if he were forced to exorcise them manually. Personall, he would prefer to use the much more peaceful method of the two, Konsō. He was completely prepared to draw his weapon to end violence if he hadto however. Arashi had always somewhat pitied the pluses in the human world. They were often so lost and terrified that when they actually saw a shinigami they were scared out of their minds. Arahsi always tried to be as kind and helpful as he could to help comensate for that.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Stats}
Strength: 50

Speed: 175

Reiatsu Strength: 400 (600)

Spiritual Pressure: 250 (375)

Light Aura: 85

Dark Aura: 15

Instinct: 150 (97.5)

Senses: 150 (97.5)

Energy Sensory: 0

Healing Expertise: 0

Total SP: 1175

SPOILER: Click to show

{Skills}
Mental Incantation: 2

Martial Arts [Jeet Kune Do]: 1

Battle Analysis: 2

Calm Mind: 2

Weapons [Swords]: 1

Learning: 1

Kidou: 2

Analyzing: 2

[Deleted]

Odaima. Vannan had been here a few times before even though this place was a slum there were a few shops here and there that held things he could use and couldn't locate in other parts of Karakura. Either way he never liked coming down to this place without a reason and this time he had one hell of a reason. His reason was to track down a missing member of the Vandenreich who's job was to recruit other quincies to join the Vandenreich. Even if he didn't like the idea of helping a recruiter given his own recruitment there was a fellow member just missing in the middle of his home town and he couldn't allow this to continue, not for the safety of the man, but for the safety of his own sister.

His sister was kept out of the Vandenreich because of his own deal with a higher up, he would work for them as long as they kept their hands off of his sister. So he would be the faithful soldier and continue to work for them till he died. Even after the death of Der Kaiser he didn't leave because even though he hated them, the Vandenreich made him feel safe, protected and in some cases he felt them a bit like a family. Those under him did look up to him, given his luck and some missions he had been on, while from time to time those above him did complement his power. Unlike his own family they treated him with some kindness, that's not to say that his own sister didn't, but he did feel a sense of comradely from them, even if they were a bit more Der Kaiser loving then he wanted to be.

In a back ally a gate opened up and he stepped out, Vannan wasn't wearing his Vandenreich uniform, no instead he had on a black pair of pants with a blue shirt and a cloak which to most would seem like any other one, but Vannan knew that this was his stealth cloak. Under that he had a few other things tucked away that could prove to be useful later. For now he had one mission and one lead, his mission was to find the missing Vandenreich member and his lead was Nakama Health Care Center. He had gotten a report that the man he was looking for had been seen there and that's where he was heading to.

As Vannan stepped out of the gate he could see that the sun was already setting and there were dark clouds forming up above. Slowly walking out of the ally he felt a raindrop hit his cheek, then another one shortly followed. The rain started while he simply walked towards his destination without saying a word. He simply blended into the background of people walking along the streets. If anyone had been following him they would of lost him the moment he walked around a corner. Soon the small drizzle evolved into a heavy downpour and under that downpour Vannan took in some reiatsu, without stopping, he wanted to get this over as soon as he could and not even the rain would stop him from doing so Vannan wouldn't stop walking until he arrived at the hospital.

(OOC:Remanding reiatsu 2800/2000 +500 from cross + 300 from spirit fragment)

SPOILER: Click to show

Strength ☣ [150] Points x.33= 50

Speed ☣ [200] Points

Spiritual Pressure ☣ [200] Points

Reiatsu Strength ☣ [400]x2=800Points

Light Aura ☣ [75] Points

Dark Aura ☣ [25] Points

Instinct ☣ [150].33=50 Points

Senses ☣ [50]= 50 Points

Energy sensory ☣ [0]x2=0 points

Healing Expertise ☣ [50].33=17 points


☣SKP ☣ 16/21( 0 free) 7/8 to next SKP

☣ [Stealth ] [3]
☣ [Archery] [2]
☣ [Acting] [2]
☣ [Sex] [2]
☣ [Focused Eye] [2]
☣ [Strength of will] [2]
☣ [Battle analysis] [3]

SPOILER: Click to show

Item Name: Utility Belt
Item Type: Carrier
Item Description: A thick, leather belt reinforced with metal. Five pouches are arranged around the belt, each capable of holding different kinds of items. Shaping crystals, flashbang grenades, small items like that can easily fit into these pouches. Additional 'clips' can be bought. Possesses the same RS as the user. Each pouch can hold one 'serving' of an item.
Price: 1,000 ryo
Donatedtoshop?(Yes or No?): Yes
Owned: 1

Item Name: Pistol Clip
Item Type: Carrier/Special
Item Description: A rigid leather holster that can fit most types of standard handguns. A clip on the back is meant to clip onto the Utility Belt. Possesses the same RS as the user.
Price: 200 Ryo each
Donatedtoshop?(Yes or No?):
Owned: 2

Item Name: Pistol Ammo Clip
Item Type: Carrier/Special
Item Description: A large rectangular pouch, meant to hold pistol ammo. Can be clipped onto the Utility Belt. Can hold up to 5 magazines. Possesses the RS of the User.
Price: 500 ryo
Donatedtoshop?(Yes or No?): Yes
Owned: 2


Price: 20,000 Ryo
Donatedtoshop?(Yes or No?): Yes
Owned: 1
Item Name: Cheap sunglasses
Item Type: Accessory
Item Description: In normal sunlight these glasses work about as well as almost any other pair however against sudden and bright flashes of light and energy the glasses filter it out and allow the user to see normally.(This also includes light off of reiatsu based attacks This only protects a person's eyes from being blinded by the light and not anything else the light would do.
Price: 2,000
Donatedtoshop?(Yes or No?): No
Owned: 10

Item Name: Firearm License
Item Type: Other
Item Description: When looked at, this is a simple photo ID showing that the person is allowed to purchase and own firearms. Purchasing this item allows the purchase of Firearm class weapons. Item is not allowed to be owned by anyone under Class 3, so only Class 3's to Class 0 can own a license. This license only allows for the purchase of Human World Guns
Price: 30,000
Donatedtoshop?(Yes or No?): Yes
Owned: 1

Item Name: M1911 Handgun
Item Type: Weapon
Item Description: The Colt M1911 is a single-action, semi-automatic, magazine-fed, recoil-operated pistol handgun chambered for the .45 ACP cartridge. The magazine size is 8 rounds and it fires bullets at speeds of 600. The strength of each round fired is 300. Uses Handgun ammo. Is a Human World Weapon, meaning it is useless against any beings made from Spirit Energy (Shinigami, Arrancar, Hollow, etc)
Price: 10,000 ryo
Donatedtoshop?(Yes or No?): Yes
Owned: Two

Item Name: Handgun Ammo Pack
Item Type: Ammo Pack
Item Description: This simply a crate of ammo for Handguns
Price: 50 ryo per bullet (500 ryo for a full magazine of 10 rounds)
Donatedtoshop?(Yes or No?): Yes
Remaining ammo: 120 bullets

Item Name: Vannan's Unique Gauntlets
Item Type: Weapon/Defense
Item Description: This pair of guantlets has had the air cannon locked into the frame and rerouted for a different effect rather than a straight shot. It is capable of firing through the air flaps and through the holes in the fingers to produce a 180 degree pulse that extends 10 meters. While it has 150 strength for purpose of pushing back objects and people, the frequency is fine tuned to be perfect for breaking natural glass. Any glass caught in the blast will shatter immediately and violently. It is capable of holding six portions of air, and needs 3 of them per pulse. It intakes air at a rate of 1 portion per post.
Cost: 7,500
Owned: 1 however it is a pair of gauntlets

Item Name: Super Stealth Cloak
Item Type: Clothing
Item Description:

Item Rank: A
Item Description:
This is a cloak created by the infamous Mr. Hat & Clogs and upgraded by the famous Kazura Uzaki designed to enhance the natural stealth capabilities of those with Reiatsu. It was inspired by the Lothlorien Cloaks from Lord of the Rings. Basically, it creates a field of Reiatsu around the user, masking them from site by blending them into the background, while simultaneously masking their spiritual pressure further. With added Reiatsu storage, channeling, and nullifying abilities, it goes beyond the abilities of the original cloak. With 1 point in Stealth, someone would need 200 in Senses or Energy Sensory to detect their presence. Each point in Stealth beyond the first adds 50 to the requirements.

It can only be used for 10 posts total in a thread, before becoming a normal cloak for the duration of the thread. To use, the user must give up 100 reaitsu for each post, and draw the cloak around them. Techniques up to Class 5 can be used while the cloak is being used, but Releases and techniques of Class 4 or higher cannot escape detection. Unfortunately, due to the delicate nature of the network of reiatsu storage and transfer, taking a direct physical blow to the cloak causes it to cease functioning at peak nature. The user will be able to be sensed with a flat 200 Senses or Energy Sensory, regardless of level of Stealth and their techniques. Obviously, something that exits the cloak such as a Quincy's arrow will no longer be hidden.
Price: 100,000 Ryo
Donatedtoshop?(Yes or No?): No

[Takara Takeda]

Takara moved throughout the streets of Karakura Town. Over the last few nights she had been up on the roof of the Uzaki Company tower gazing out over the town. While at times it was very beautiful especially while the sun began to set and the veil of the night crept over the horizon there was still doubt in the mind of the Mod Soul. She couldn't help, but think that even with the use of Kazura and all of his resources maybe there just wasn't a chance that she would be able to find enough of her siblings to actually build a society for all of them in which to life safely.

Her life, power and existences was fit to serve the purpose of saving her doomed race. A race that had been created by the Shinigami to handle things that they themselves feared. Even after telling herself time and time again that it wasn't due to her existence the guilt still crept up onto her shoulders. She was the reason the Mod Souls had been deemed to dangerous and execution was decided. She had thought of it last night while gazing out across the town and her hands had tightened into fists while rage claimed her mind. "The Old Man must die." Takara had a goal and she would see it through. She would find them all bring them together under her and then kill the Captain Commander of the Shinigami bringing justice to her people for all those that had been taken.

It was immediately after her rage had subsided that Takara felt something strange from the town. Well actually it was a specific section of the town. There was a high rise in spiritual signatures all over a district of the town that Takara hadn't been too as of yet. Even while she had been in that cute little wolf plushy she hadn't managed to go into this area that she was feeling a spike in reiatsu from. Takara left the roof of the tower and went down into the security room. She knew that right now she had little authority to the others of this company yet that didn't stop her from accessing the computer.

Takara was a mathematic genius and while her brain wasn't quite at the utmost limits of what she could achieve she was still able to estimate the location that she had felt the reiatsu from. Scanning it through the computer while over viewing a map of Karakura Town brought about a specific section known as Odaima. Takara then spent roughly half an hour researching what she could on this section of the city and gathered a fair bit of knowledge that would aid her by the following morning.

So here she was walking throughout Karakura Town on her way towards Odaima. She was wearing one of the duplicate dresses that she favored so much since obtaining her gigai. The long purple dress that covered most of her skin other than the middle of her chest even revealing a bit of cleavage. One in this area would more then likely believe her to be easy bait due to the dress that jewelry on her wrists, in her ears, and around her neck. That and the fact that she was wearing very high black heels that boosted her height at least four inches. Takara had one goal for the moment find a out if there were any Mod Souls in this forsaken section of Karakura.

[MrDoctorDo]

Odaima was always active. A symptom most congested cities shared. No matter the hour or the day, there was always something providing sound and commotion. The hum of electricity always notable. The constant drone of running engines and the occasional interruption of screeching brakes and blustering car horns. The approaching night did little to stem this noisy tide. If anything, the setting sun helped this neighborhood expand her sound. Music would begin pouring through the dingy air. Tunes varying from energetic to melancholy. Joining the melodious renaissance was a chorus of words. People everywhere. Filling the streets and residencies.

Everywhere there was conversation. Everywhere there were stories. The sad truth of it being...that not all these stories could be heard. Some would always be louder. Some would be more intriguing. Claiming the spotlight. More terrible than being un interesting were the stories that weren’t very long. If every moment is recorded, then every: day, month, or year might be a chapter. How sad for those whose chapters are neither numerous, nor lengthy. The plight of mortality, perhaps. In this particular portion of the world, unlikely. Odaima was corrupted, to the heart, with more than the presence of death.

It was cursed with a coldness that crept into the lives of all who lingered too long. This chill was sufficient enough to create shivers, but also callousness. People learned to not care for others. They turn towards survival, rather than sensitivity. The result being many unheard stories. Lives beginning, ending, or simply continuing without so much as a glance. A life cut short is a tragedy, yes. However, a story cut short without ever being read...now that seems worse. None of Odaima’s children may think to listen to other’s stories, but hopefully someone could teach them? Someone from beyond the boundary streets. Someone not yet made bitter by the cold.

---

”A Walk with Death: Arashi’s Tale”

The sky had lost all color. The sun having fallen far beyond the mountains and towers that littered the urban horizon. Clouds above shrouding the living from the warm hues of orange, pink, and purple that often decorated dusk. The gray and heavy vapors threatening the world with a shower. Given the moisture already in the air, that much seemed inevitable. The late summer evening was quite torrid, and honestly...rain would be a blessing. A cooling refrain from the torments of August heat. For now the streets would remain quite unpleasant. Making the company that Arashi kept quite unpleasant. Fortunately for the young noble; Shinigami are not necessarily troubled by the moods of humans.

Not unless they wished to be. Certainly the sidewalk crowding pedestrians did not bother with the lingering spirit. Other than walk through his incorporeal form...and shivering with confusion in his shadow. How must it feel for him? Being on patrol was routine enough, for most Shinigami. Arashi was not most, however. Being a Vice Captain also meant being far away from this sort of work. This was the labor of unseated members more times than not. Yet despite his station as noble and officer...here he was. What was it like walking among the oblivious? Getting to observe so many lives going on about him. None of them, knowingly, dependant or even conscious of his existence.

These are things most Shinigami do not ever feel obligated to study. Then again, Arashi wasn’t most. Perhaps he would move on with his duties nonetheless? There was indeed work to be done in this world. souls needing safe passage to the realm beyond. In the search for these spirits; Arashi’s instincts would serve him well. The observant officer already making the right decision of inspecting the less travelled places. The alleys and back roads of Odaima; which exist around the corners and out of sight. Given enough time examining these thoroughfares; the Kawada would find that the shadowed places hid all the fascinating stories of this town. Just beyond the glow of neon bar signs and illuminated puchinko parlors, were curiosities to spare.

Most of the things that the Shinigami could find, were well outside his jurisdiction. Without a gigai they were even outside of his involvement. Dealings between whispering associates. Trade of rumors and paraphernalia alike. Various persons appearing to be either the common slumdweller, or the more nefarious dealer. Sometimes people were just chatting off and out of the way. Discussing matters of their own lives and stories in confidence. Other times, there were far less personal exchanges. Negotiations of price on controlled substance. Questions about the affiliations of certain troublemakers.

Talks about the horrible effort being put into building upkeep in the area. Price increases on rice, eggs, and cigarettes. The explosion that recently leveled a building on the south side. For the most part their problems were just their own. Only on occasion would Arashi come across a thuggish individual with problems that could be shared. The ever exhilarating plot that was gang activity. After all, there was no shortage of such groups in this area. Their activities never well-kept secrets. Members of a local biker troop were especially common topics for those who talked about crime.

And in the midst of all these hidden events, there came a sudden interruption. A scream that curdled the blood in the ways those familiar with tragedy know all too well. Though, it was not close. What Takashi heard had been an echo. One that resonated deep within his soul. It called out to him as he emerged from yet another inactive narrow causeway. With both his feet set upon a secluded road. One that serviced only the rear entrances and loading areas of various businesses. An abandoned stretch of poorly kept asphalt.

Setting off in the direction of the scream would see that his route was overlooked by looming buildings on either side. This street might be wider than normal, but with: frequent dumpsters, fenced off properties, and an uncomfortable amount of shady places for ambushes to wait, it felt no different than any other alley before. Even complete with resident scum. Or, at least it was before. Now that Arashi had arrived on the scene; there stood only a single young woman. Shaking where she stood. Shivering in the heat of the night...undoubtedly from some sort of shock.

Approaching her would prove no challenge. She did not seem to take notice of the Shinigami’s presence in the slightest. She simply stood, and stared straight ahead to whatever her eyes might beheld. As his steps brought him nearer this woman, perhaps his voice calling out to her for some sort of reply...the Kawada would find her completely capable of hearing him. If there was any cause for doubt before, it should not subside. This woman was a Plus. Recently departed from her mortal coil. A fact she was more than aware of...as she charged towards him.

Quick to try and throw herself against his chest. The look on her face on of utter fright. Cheeks whiter than the light coming off of her soul. Jaw trembling as she tried to exhaust the adrenaline that fear had fed her. Her eyes were widened till her youthful face began to show wrinkles. The look in them...absolutely dead. this was no comment on her recent passing, or a joke at the deceased expense. No, her eyes simply seemed dead. They did not move or look elsewhere. She did not blink, and her pupils did not fidget. They stared straight ahead. Always. Even when she tried to bury her face into the black cloth of his robes, and hide from everything.

Into the reaper she would begin to scream. Voice muffled, if he permitted, into his chest. ”Please...please please please!”[/color] No attempt he made to sooth or calm her would work. She did not seem to respond to any message or compassion. If ever he tried to force her away from him, or grip onto her, she would struggle. Not with his grip, but with any motion that would separate her with the first contact she has had in days. ”Please! Please!” She continued to utter into his robe. With a tone of panic and exhaustion.

”Please please please please…” Being strong as he was, he might succeed in getting her off him without her needing to be harmed. Doing so might even grant him a glimpse of her soul chain. The once pristine and sparkling links now turning brown, and corroding away into dust. She had barely two left, and already one was half faded. She would turn soon. There was no denying it. Konso was her only salvation from the hole that was growing in her heart. Kawada would need to act fast to save her.

”Please...don’t let it get me!!” As her fingernails tried to dig into him, her whole body fighting with great strength to stay close. The Reaper would learn that she had no idea of the danger she posed to herself. That instead, there was something else to fear. Something not in the dark of her soul, but in the dark of the night. Something...coming for her. Something that stood tall upon two out stretched arms. The total height of the creature nearing twenty feet. With a reach that equalled half of that. A silent figure...that lorded over them in total silence. No typical roar. None of the normal ferocity, or aggression. It simply stood there. Waiting for something with a menacing glare.

SPOILER: Click to show

{”Something”}

Class 4
Freak, Rank 1

Strength: 500 (400 Originally)
Speed: 300
Spiritual Pressure: 100
Reiatsu Strength: 125 (100 Originally)
Aura: Light 0/100 Dark
Instincts: 95 (120 Originally)
Senses: 100
Energy Sensory: 100 (80 Originally)
Healing Expertise: 0

Total SP: 1200

---

”Labor of Love: Vannan’s Tale”

Can we really feel god in the rain? When the water falls like a miracle, and the world shudders in relief? For man this is a question for poets and priests; whether to give god credit for the life that rain sustains. For the Quincy, are these thoughts shared? Does the lost tribe still feel a connection to the nature of the living world? Or, by chance, does their spiritual ascendency leave them ironically severed from such spiritual connectivity? With the coming of storm clouds, so too did a heavy rain begin to fall upon the baking asphalt and concrete of Odaima. The heat of the once brazen sun now cooled by the downpour.

Vannan’s every step now tormented by growing puddles. The weight of his cloak becoming more apparent with the water soaking into it. Yet, his existence insubstantial to those with whom he shared the walkways. With careful steps being taken through the crowds, he moved without trace. The evidence of his presence further concealed by rising mist. An ephemeral beauty developing out of the squalor that was east Odaima. It put the entire district through which Vannan walked in a sort of...eerie shade. It wasn’t possible to see to the ends of streets, regardless of how short they were.

People weren’t long stretches of bobbing heads on the sidewalks ahead. Instead they were ghostly images that appeared. Developing slowly into focus, as they emerged from the nighttime fog. Then, vanishing into it again as they passed. There was no way for anyone to be tracked in this sort of weather. Hunts were best abandoned. The only thing that was ever clearly visible were the lighted interiors of buildings he passed. Whether they be open windows or doorways. Large, glass displays for the boutiques. Every residence poured light into the dim night. On passing examination, the Quincy would come to realize that everything he passed involved food.

A restaurant here. A Grocery there. Whenever he stayed on the major avenues in this region, this is all he would find. With this fact came a happy bonus. The constant barrage of delicious smelling food. His senses enjoying a dancing spectrum of ever changing spices and styles. Maybe there were a few locations he would take special note of? Some cuisines that suited his fancy...or better yet, things he had never tried before. How long had it been since his new career in the military took off. How long had it been since he enjoyed a meal out on the town? How long since his life had appeared in any fashion of the word…”normal”. Questions to consider another time, maybe? When there isn’t a mission at hand, and a sister’s life to not be considered. Now was probably the time for focus and professionalism. Probably.

Certainly he was heading the correct way. From what little information he gather on his destination; the Nakama Health Center was on the eastside. The streets surrounding it far wider and more welcoming. Much like those in the western world. This area once being markets for all the farmlands that used to be much closer to Karakura’s center. Time and changes had reduced them to what they remain. People favoring eating out than making food at home theses days, it seems. Which explains the crowds that constantly provided Vannan with reasons to watch his step and passage. All until he came to the end of one particularly busy street.

Finding himself on the corner, at the crossing of two major avenues. Here the district lights would seem even brighter. The surrounding buildings no longer as tall as they were before. Now even more of the distant city and outlying neighborhoods could be seen. All the way towards Tokyo to the far northeast. None of that being his goal, however. No, his target was the lovely white building spread out over a massive lot directly ahead. Much more modern in appearance, and definitely eye catching with disparity in size.

Vannan had finally arrived at Nakama. Large signs, well illuminated by flood lights, telling him plainly. From her he could decide if he wanted to proceed onwards to the center itself. Or, perhaps observe it from a distance. As well hidden as he was, it might be a waste to go inside. In there he would most certainly find an active staff and a plethora of patients. It would be possible for him to ask for information at many different desks. Perhaps, with the right amount of charm and care, he could glean information from the secretaries and nurses working the counters. If not that route, maybe he was talented with computers or record keeping? In password protect consoles and locked doors; both digital and hard-copy records would be there.

The scout known had been reported injured before his status was changed to MIA. It would have been necessary for him to receive some sort of treatment in order to survive. Just maybe he gave his name? Left evidence of his passing? For a Quincy, whose life is the sensing and manipulation of Reishi, there was definitely a presence in Nakama. even across the street Vannan would feel a shift in spiritual distribution. This building weighed heavy with spiritual pressure. Some of residual from former contaminations. Some of it fresh...from a source capable of both containing and producing it. Undoubtedly, there was something intriguing within the hospital.

Something that not only he was aware of. ”So, we’re looking for some kind of...foreigner? Like a Korean?” Came a voice from behind Vannan. Turning would reveal two figures emerging from the fog. The both of them strolling right up to the corner where Vannan hid in plain sight. Unknowingly flanking the hidden soul. Each of their tall figures glinted with a light orange from the restaurant to their right. A Korean BBQ; which the speaking one was now looking into. ”No no. European. Big guy. White. Light hair. The works.” Of the two, this second voice seemed far more mature. This individual had shaggy hair and a scantily noticeable beard.

He spoke quickly, but with a soft tone. The one he was addressing did not share the same soft-spoken gift. ”Ha. Well that should make this easy. Not like he will blend in.” This fellow had a shaved head, but poorly kept considering the hairs were already coming back in. All up his neck and down beneath his shirt collar were trails of intricate tattoos. Possible gang affiliations? Maybe just an style choice. The fellow also sported an assortment of piercings on his face. Eyebrows and nose being most prominent. ”OK. Let’s go in and see if anyone has seen him. Maybe he’s still drugged up or something? Ha.” The loud mouth continued, his quiet partner just nodding. The two of them simply standing at the street corner. Waiting for the crosswalk light to shift.

All the while completely unaware of the Quincy presence between them. ”You know…”, baldy chirped. ”We can’t drag this fool through the streets. Shit, we should have brought a car.” Nodding once again, the shaggy headed fellow began with a chuckle, ”Heh. Imagine if we got him in an ambulance. How great a story would that be?” His counterpart immediately shared the chuckle and nodded back. ”Fuck...and here I thought my drunk-taxi idea was going to be a hoot.” By this moment, the light switched. Each of these fellows began their strides again. Heading straight for the lit up hospital. Carrying with them a tension that felt quite hostile. The kind of pre-battle feeling a warrior like Harper was all too familiar with. How Vannan handled his approach now...would be up to him.

---

”Pardon Me: Takara’s Tale”

Stepping through the evening streets often provides many with a sense of uneasiness. The growing shadows and dying light do wonders to excite the nerves. Drawing them to poise. Making one alert to all that lingers and shifts around them. For this reasons, people often seek shelter for the night in big cities. Even more so in hostile neighborhoods, in big cities. Certainly in notoriously dangerous streets of such hostile boroughs. Those of the more vulnerable declination, average women and the too young or old, would know...or be told...to stay inside. They would not seek the risks that accompany such places, at such hours. Heeding the warnings.

However, the rules of the human world do not always apply to those in it. The stereotypes which should issue caution to some, offer nothing to others. One such example available on this evening. The deceptively elegant visage of young, capable Takara. A Mod Soul of both physical and mental excellence. On her seemingly hapless stroll, garbed in finery both exquisite and alluring, she invited the danger. Like a glittering beacon of opportunity. Naivete incarnate and treasure-gilded. Oh, such satisfactory bait. The spirit’s plan was a clever one. Traditional. Detering on the cliche. Guaranteed to work.

With each step she took from her home of Urazaki Enterprises, she placed herself further into the trap. One of her own construction, but a trap nonetheless. Entering the winding streets and haunting alleyways of Odaima. The loveliness of her attire and demeanor soon coming under assault by the foulness of the district. The air dank with sea salt and distant, enveloping, factory fumes. The smell could spoil one’s clothes in short time. It could do worse to their lungs and skin with extended stays. Certainly she would burn what remained of her outfit when she returned home. If...if she returned home.

To be fair. Her chances were far greater than some. A fact she would easily call to mind. See, worse than the smell of this place were the sounds. Constant drones of a bustling city life kept the area blanketed in steady noise. Even if one didn’t mind the passing rumbles of trains and frequent outcries of verbal disputes, it was still unpleasant. Takara, sadly, would find a keen ear shared much more with her than the typical lot. She would hear the things in the dark places. Things humans cannot...and want not to acknowledge. Cries of pain which ring all the way down to the heart.

Death knells. Grief and horror that linger beyond death. Monsters unearthly as the screams they draw from spirits who thought the worst was behind them. One far off. Nothing that promised any danger for her, but possibly sealed the fate of another. A reason, possibly, for her to raise her guard in this place? Even with her gifts. This place, human or not, was heavy with spiritual energies. None of it really focused. Ever present. Always clouding and masking the weaker life energies of the average populace in the sheer constancy of it. Weaker souls like Shouto. A common, run of the mill vagabond.

Shouto’s first impression on Takara would have most likely be the smoke from his cheap cigarette. Even amid the stink of this slummy district, the strong scent of burning stuck out. After all, Shouto wasn’t in any way visible initially. There were a few other pedestrians occupying the sidewalk with her as she strolled. Some going her way. Most heading the opposite, getting out for the night. All of the men who shot her uncertain glances as she passed. Mixes of interest and confusion. They were delighted to see such a vision on their various ways. Some of them were simply bright enough to know that the sight was inexplicable. The quality of the lady, the clothe, and them gems...in Odaima? It bordered on the outrageous.

Such was the same though in Shouto’s mind. His eyes glancing up from the tip of his cigarette to catch the light gleaming off Takara’s finery. Even though he had just sat down, the opportunity was simply to grand for him to remain. So after the Mod Soul passed, he rose. Stepping from a darkened stairway that often lines the sidewalks in Japanese thoroughfares. Street level entrances that ascend immediately to the second floor. Often times these steps lead to homes, not businesses or offices. More often still, they are abused by people seeking shelter from the breezy streets or sudden rains. Either way. They are so common that it is not in one’s interest to constantly inspect them. Perfect little hiding holes.

Shouto approached quickly after getting to his feet. No need for a sprint or rush. With just a few swift steps, he was at her side. The sounds of his footsteps all but buried by the cities clamour. The scent of his cigarette the true flaw in his subtlety. A fact he would never have considered. Just like he would never have considered the inhuman senses, instincts, and speed of his prey. Oh, how costly misconceptions can be! ”Hello gorgeous. How are you?”, his words sung with a practiced charm. Implying, falsely, some sort of connection or preexisting relationship between them both.

”I wouldn’t have expected to meet you. What are you doing here?” By now, if still vertical, Shouto would have positioned himself alongside Takara. Intending to make the most of his claimed familiarity, and close the distance between them. With this attempted closeness he would reveal himself. A young man. Taller than most. Sharper features than most, making him not unattractive. With hair styled in dishevel, but uneven stubble; he looked the type who tried hard to look like he didn’t try hard. A ruse continued in his grungy, name-brand clothes. Not even his expression looked genuine. It seemed distressed and forced, despite the assertiveness he laid into his words and moves.

”You must be heading to Waka’s. Me too…” Arm reaching out as if to wrap around her waist. A move that would only further cement the suggested intimacy. In reality, a sly method of pressing cold, dull steel to her side. Right at the base of the back. Pressed only enough to make itself known, not to do harm. ...keep walking. Don’t scream or try to run.” Now those words didn’t seem so charming. Shouto could be a bit demanding as it turns out. If the basic human had the will and capacity to do continue, ”I just want the jewels and yen. Don’t need your purse or cards.” Hmm, clever enough mugger. ”Take ‘em off. Hand everything over. We part ways. You don’t bleed…” Damn. A please might not have been too out of line. Takara might just take it upon herself to teach him that.

Odaima Population - 36,624

[MrDoctorDo]

(OoC: Bumpity Bump. Damn sorry about the delays. Damn shame the speed experiment had nothing to hold me accountable. Edits to future parameters! If anyone is still good with continuing, I am too.)

[Deleted]

OOC:(Sadly I'm dropping this thread, I have too many on my plate and as much as I love your stories doc I don't feel like I put in the time that this thread really deserves)

[Garret]

Mind if I jump in? Garrets Osen is active

Why was he here? How many times had he told himself that he shouldn't have been doing this? What was the point of setting these rules if he wasn't going to follow them? Avoid civilization. Civilization meant people. People meant souls. Souls meant Hollows. And, frankly, Garret dealt with enough Hollows to not want to attract anymore with his large amount of Reiatsu. But none of that seemed to matter right now, did it? For whatever reason he had broken his own rules, stepping into this odd town and entering it's slums.

For whatever reason. A reason he wasn't even sure. It was as if he was pulled here, attracted by something he couldn't identify. It wasn't the first time this had happened either. There was something about this city, Karakura, that called to spiritual beings. He didn't know it's name, but he had seen it before. For whatever reason this town like a lighthouse for Reiatsu, leading it towards itself until it became a focal point. He had been pulled here once before, though he was able to resist it's attraction before entering it. But this time had been different. He didn't know why he kept going, but he did, and he wasn't happy about it.

Everything was different. The buildings, structures, roads, people, it was all different. Different from his time. Different from the Rukongai. He didn't like it. The way people dressed, the horseless carriages that screamed at one another, it was different to him. Nobody noticed the mountain of a man as he walked in that tiny street, easily side stepping passing the small vehicles that people rode. Around him were bright lights and shops built right into, what he assumed, where the bottom floors of living quarters. It was cramped. It was cramped and it was loud.

No matter where he walked on that wet street there was sound. Noise from the vehicles, noise from the shops, noise from the rooms above, and noise from the people around him. How could so many people fit in one place? Even in the Rukongai, the destination for many after death, had room. A place where all humans went after death had more room than....this. He narrowed his eye, his fingers tightening into hard fists beneath his cloak, deciding that he needed some breathing room.

So, he decided to use his abilities a bit to accomplish this. Using that Strength of his he lifted high off the ground in a single leap, utilizing air ground to stop himself from falling before doing it again, and finally landing atop the roof of one of the many housing complexes. With his new vantage point, Garret turned and looked out across the city. He saw the lights of the buildings stretching out for miles, a scene that even he must admit was...decent.

Free from the crowds and the noise, he could take a minute to actually appreciate human ingenuity. From the time it took from when he was still alive to now, humans had made excellent progress. Ranging from castles that almost anyone could own, to animal-less carriages, to flying machines, and even being able to easily cross vast oceans. The development of medicine, being able to cure nearly an amenity. It was...fascinating. Humans were a devoted species, hard working and self obsessed. They would always fight to improve in one way or another.

But even so, Garret missed his own time. Unlike most spirits, Garret remembered his living life in excruciating detail. Perhaps it was because Cassandra never wanted him to forget. Maybe it was because of the way his life had turned out. He still remembered the faces, and the voices, of every man he cut down in life, in vivid detail at that. Sometimes he wanted to forget, but knew that he couldn't. There were lots of things he wanted to forget, but he knew that he musn't. He knew that if he did, then the source of his anger would go with them.

So why was it he was here? Garret looked at the rising moon, knowing full well that it had become dark. Had he come here to test himself? To prove himself in some way? Perhaps he was looking to die without actually knowing it. He hadn't a clue. He was willing to let the citizens of this city get caught up in his battle, though he had chosen to use the rooftops instead a of the streets for this. With the descent of the sun came his curse, the contamination of his soul releasing itself into the world.

It was best described as a scent, at least that's what the Hollows always called it. His curse lured them in, some sort of bait similar to a Quincy invention. He didn't know what kind of Hollows he would be facing tonight, but he knew that just like always he would pull through. But, pull through for what? He was just wandering without a point right now. He had sworn to kill them all, so why did it feel like all he was doing was running away?

He closed his eye, calming himself before the battle began. But then he heard something. A woman's scream. He turned his head in the direction he heard it, his mind hesitant to go but his body deciding to react. It wasn't that Garret really cared about what was going on, but his heart was still set on his late wife. So he reacted to women, something he wished he didn't.

From one rooftop to another, Garret found himself above a wide road covered in junk. In the middle of it, a Shinigami and a woman...who took a minute for him to identify as a spirit thanks to that chain emerging from her chest. But, his attention was not on those two, instead it was on the silent figure simply loitering over them. The swordsman eye narrowed, and he finally picked up on more howls coming from across the city. Seems the Hollows finally picked up on his Osen. So, was this thing going to pick up on him as well, or would it remain interested in the Shinigami and the women?

God damn it

When did he jump? Why did he jump? Why did he put himself between the Shinigami and...it was a Hollow, right? He landed between them, that cloak of his getting itself wet in the puddle he landed in, standing to his full height and facing the monster. "Leave." Whether it was to the Shinigami or the Hollow, he really didn't know. But, regardless, he figured the Hollow wasn't going to run. So, the swordsman calmly reached behind him and wrapped his fingers around the bandaged hilt of his weapon, ready to draw when the need arises.

Remaining Reiatsu: 3900 / 3900

Life Force Total: 3900 / 3900

SPOILER: Click to show

{Stats & Skills}
Because I am on my IPad, it won't let me copy the stats and skills. Once I am on a computer I should be able to post them. Till then just use the link to his App in my signature to see his Stats and Skills.