Growing Pains (Adventure, Hard, NDE, R)

[MrDoctorDo]

Name: Growing Pains

Participants: Shinigami. Class 4-1. Three Active Posters.

Active Posters:
Okami Shihoin

Official Reservations:
Kimiko Shihoin
Shokan Kawada

Adventure Time Frame: Until either they, or it, are no more.

Adventure Setting: Section AG(Alpha-7), SRDI, Seireitei. NDE

Adventure Synopsis:

///DANGER///DANGER///DANGER///

Within every command, of each of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads, is a communications center. These rooms may vary in size and design, but they all serve the same purpose. ”Attention. Attention. Code Yellow. All Squad Call.” A place where all transmissions and communique are routed. ”Code Yellow. Location: SRDI, Sector AG.” Rooms often unused, with the availability of Hell Butterflies. ”Authorized Officers, report.” However, in times of emergency, the Butterflies aren’t preferred. ”Attention. Attention. Code Yellow. All Squad Call.” The message played over every speaker, in every com center. Lights flickering on monitors; while they displayed every separate Squad’s facility. ”Code Yellow.” The message played over and over. The voice on it unnervingly monotone, giving the indication of automation. ”Code Yellow. Location: SRDI, Sector AAAaaaaᵃᵃᵃᵃᵃ…”, the sound of static suddenly disrupting the signal. The truth behind the voice revealed; not quite a recording. Through the scratching and rasp came few other noises. All of them quite wet...and disturbing to the imagination. Like discomforting, sickening sounds oozing from the chomping jowls of a mannerless slob. Of course...many things things sound like chewing with open lips. Many, many things…

Difficulty Level: (Hard)

Estimated Enemy Strength: Like most problems...this one gets worse with time.

Begins: “When the doors open…”

Special Conditions: Anyone unable to post within 72 hours will be skipped. Anyone skipped twice will be considered removed. Anyone removed may reenter upon request. Those who are removed, but unable to reenter, are considered to have exited the SRDI.

Though there was only static blaring across the signal, the warning lights kept flashing. Through the unpleasing drone of failing audio...one image did transverse without corruption.

[MrDoctorDo]

Arriving on the scene would greet the seated officers with a chaotic spectacle. Hordes of SRDI researchers and students being flushed from the various exits that dot the Institute. Everywhere one looked there was a sea of strange faces, all twisted in either fear or irritation. Attacks on this portion of the Seireitei were rare. Accidents are well prepared for. Emergencies of such caliber that lead the directors to order an evacuation were especially uncommon. For this reason the crowd could only be split two ways. Those in utter terror of the unknown that was unfolding, and those twisted by rage at the intrusion to their work.

Both of these groups did share one unassailable bond. None of them had any idea of what the danger was. Of the hundreds that escaped, trampling one another at times, none of them were connected with Section AG. The poor souls who operated within that sector were still inside. Or so the clamour of the crowd would suggest...assuming any dialogue could be interpreted through the chatter. It would be up to those who arrived to make their way through this rumor filled mass.

The Shinigami who came to assist with the calamity would need to reach the back of the commotion. Some fortune would be on their side, as the crowds parted for anyone moving in the opposite direction. Soon, due to their exposure, these individuals would be approached by the likes of custodians. Special members of the SRDI responsible for the management and maintenance of the SRDI facilities. Staff who did not wear the typical, white robes that signified researchers. These souls, instead, garbed themselves with sashes across their torsos.

Cloth dyed with the dark purple color associated with the SRDI parent squad, Twelfth Division. This helped them stand out as well, and made the interception of officers and guides quite simplistic. Once together, exchanging signals through the uproar, the custodians would lead the officers towards the massive set of structures ahead.Through the large gate they would pass. Squeezed through eager escapees. Directed onwards onto the doors. There they all should gather, and take note of whom had come to help. Only given moments to accomplish this before a man with a golden sash arrived at the scene.

”We’ve been told there is a Hollow loose in Section AG. Nothing in the way of description, but it is definitely dangerous.” The man speaking stood very tall, and extremely thin. Nearing 2.4 meters in height. The man’s features were quite exaggerated. High cheekbones and a sharp jawline. His skin was pale beyond belief, and seemed to be tinted with a hint of blue. The red color of the setting sun provided enough color for him to appear less abnormal.

”We need to get the remaining researchers out. The custodians will be targeting the upper levels. We were hoping you few would rescue the remaining members of AG.” Gesturing towards the officers present, the large fellow turned to greet more newcomers.Some purple sashed custodians now arriving, to reinforce the growing posse. ”You lot, levels C through E.” Almost as soon as they arrived, the leader dismissed them. The custodians quickly dispersing off towards the doors.

Waiting till they were gone before continuing, ”That Hollow needs to be dealt with. Either killed or contained.” Giving a noticeable frown. An expression reeking with disdain. ”I have been ordered to tell you, “Alive is preferable”.”, he did not agree. ”A few of our own will be leading you down. Once inside, what you do is officers’ prerogative.”, a touch of hope in his tone. Hope that they would make the right call when the time comes.

”Alright, lets head to the main corridor!” Shouting towards the gathered force, all were expected to move inward. Once inside the main corridor, the officers would be lead into an extended hallway of polished hardwood and shoji walls. The traditional style found in all of the Seireitei. Inside they would find the hallway lined with large, metallic doors. Elevators already shutting down or opening up for the access of custodians. The officers being lead by two purple sashes to one of the nearby lifts. Once opened, they would find the well lit interior quite large enough for them all.

”My name is Junko. Kazue and I will be getting you to AG.” The young man spoke, giving a serious glare to the others. His sharp eyes and stern voice ruining the almost comedic size of his eyebrows. To his right was a young, stick of a girl. Her pinkish hair done up in stylish manner, and her arms shaking in what was unmistakably terror. She remained silent despite the introduction given for her. Together...all of them would load up. With a quick, password input onto the lift’s monitor...the doors slid shut. With a sudden jerk, force enough to make Kazue to jump, the elevator began the descent. The final moments for the passengers to exchange what thoughts they might have. A final prayer, followed by the plunge.

[Kimiko Shihoin]

Reserving spot

[Shōkan Kawada Ⅺ]

Reserved

[Ōkami Shihoin]

Attention. Attention. Code Yellow. All Squad Call.”

That was the sound which broke the Shihoin Head’s concentration. The emergency alert reached even into the training grounds of the Onmitsukido. The blaring noise of the alert reverberated through that small wooden dojo which those members of the Secret Tactics Division used for training. The blaring noise reverberated until it suddenly became no more. At first, it had been assumed that the voice speaking was automated. However, the way in which the voice faltered and faded out indicated that it was more than just an automation. Someone was in danger.

The Shihoin Head’s attention was immediately drawn to the noise and he looked up. He took his attention off of the figure garbed in black whom he had been training with. The ginga stance which he had taken a moment prior to defend himself from the figure’s attack was lost and he simply stood in place. His training partner stopped moving and did the same. The two of them listened, waiting cautiously, hoping to hear more to understand what had happened. When five seconds passed and nothing more could be heard, the Shihoin Head decided to end the training there and find out himself. ”That’s enough for today. It appears my assistance may be needed in Sector AG of the SRDI.” Ōkami Shihoin said as he made his way towards the door of that training room. Understanding that their training session had ended, the black garbed figure bowed respectfully and disappeared in a burst of speed.

Ōkami took off, making his way towards the SRDI. As he approached, he saw the large mass of Squad 12 scientists exiting in a hurry. Shinigami bustled about, moving from here to there and disappearing in and out of the large swarms of people bursting out of the SRDI. The Shihoin Head stepped forward, making his way towards the large groups of people when he was suddenly stopped by a very tall man. The man revealed that there was a hollow loose in Section AG. A hollow loose in Section AG? But how? Ōkami was quite perplexed, but continued listening to the tall man, having to look up at him in order to look him in the eye.

”I believe I can help. My name is Ōkami Shihoin, Captain of the Onmitsukido.” the Shihoin Head introduced himself to the man. ”You need a hollow hunted? Dead or alive, huh? ” Ōkami asked the man out loud, reaffirming what it he needed to do. He was the perfect man for the job. As the Head of the Onmitsukido, the Black Ops and Assassination Division, he was just the right person for the job. Getting in stealthily and taking out the hollow was something he could do easily. He had been taught how to hunt by the best. So, he wasn’t going to disappoint or he wouldn’t hear the end of it. ”Hehehehe, let’s see if all that training I gave you paid off!” came the voice of Kyukyoku no Kasokuki.

Don’t worry, I won’t let you down.

A small smirk formed briefly on the Shihoin Head’s face as he followed the tall man to the main corridor. It was incredibly brief and disappeared as quickly as it had appeared. He wasn’t one to normally smile outside of his family’s presence, and thus any that would see that brief smile form across his face might find its appearance there quite…odd. Either way, Ōkami was led to two more Shinigami from there, who introduced themselves as Junko and Kazue. ”Could you give us more information on this hollow? Its abilities and anything it’s capable of? How did it get into the SRDI? Did it escape during an experiment?” The Shihoin Head knew that Squad Twelve experimented on Hollows and other races. How else did they gain the information they had on each race? Therefore, he was assuming here that the hollow may have escaped during an experiment rather than just randomly appeared in the SRDI from Hueco Mundo. He needed this information first before he could succeed in capturing the hollow.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Stats & Skills}

Strength - Lowered [250 (125)] Points

Speed – [400] Points

Spiritual Pressure - [300] Points

Reiatsu Strength – Boosted [300 (600)] Points

Light Aura - [80] Points

Dark Aura - [20] Points

Instinct - [150] Points

Senses - [150] Points

Energy sensory - [50] Points

Healing Expertise - [0] Points


Total SP: [1600] Points

Abilities

[*][Battle Analysis] {3}

[*][Special Skill: Stealth] {2}

[*][Martial Arts: Capoiera] {3}

[*][Pain Tolerance] {1}

[*][Movement Skill: Parkour] {3}

[*][Hakuda] {3}

[MrDoctorDo]

”According to current data, the Hollow has infiltrated this portion of the SRDI by unknown means. The area in question is said to contain medical research; however, the specifics of that research have not be declassified for us.” Pulling what looked to be a clear piece of plastic from his sash, a touch of his finger revealed it to be a monitor of sorts. The oval device illuminated with a three dimensional rendering of the Hollow captured in the message. Sliding his finger across the paper thin material, Junko moved to documents containing text, barcodes, and signatures. Handing it to Captain...respectfully. The documents being showcased would prove of little help. The appeared to be correspondence between a Section Chief, Himura and a Squad 8 finance director. The forms used only broad terms and phrases; while requesting the funds to begin a new project. Phrases such as: “cost efficient”, “well founded research”, and “a promising new data”.

”While staff was present and work being done, the higher ups don’t believe the Hollow to be involved. According to readings from a security station within the compound...there was an energy spike prior to the distress signal. A reading identical to recorded Gargantua openings. As for abilities, that one image is all we have.” Turning back to face the door, ”Now the SRDI is in lock-down, whatever it is won’t be able to use the same trick to get back out. Nor can we use a Senkaimon towards the same end. We’ll be stuck down there till an all-clear is called.” The sounds of the elevator were thunderous. The vibrations echoing of the walls that encapsulated them. Every clamor and clang of gears and machinery were made clearer by the stillness that surrounded them. It was clear, to the discerning sleuth, that theirs was the only carriage in motion. More so than that. The walls around them were the only things moving in a vast shell of abandoned floors. There were no other cars in motion. No other lifts being used. There weren't even sirens blaring from beyond the sealed doors.

There was simply silence...interrupted by toiling steel wheels and cable. Proof that the sections leading down to AG were already evacuated. A blessing...albeit, an eerie one. "...hnn.", the Shinigami maiden let slip a timid sigh. Her whole body giving one large shake, in tune with another bump from the descending vessel. Taking note of this, "I’ll be honest. I am very glad to see that someone of your station has been sent to aide us. There is never any guarantee who will respond in times of crisis." Turning now, the young man offered a rather practiced, customary bow.

Being on the tall side that he was, it did much to remind how much larger he was than his female counterpart. "I have been ordered to provide instruction by my superiors, but that situation has probably changed." Giving a pause, the Custodian tried to work in a smile. "They expected we would received seated officers. So, it would be stupid for me to tell someone of your skill how to handle a Hollow. So...instead, I'll explain the facility you'll be hunting in. Kazue, the directory." Speaking to her like a supervisor, sternly, warranted no response. Not at first. Seems Kazue was well embedded in her own thoughts. "Kazue...", softer spoken...with a hand placed on her shoulder. "The directory."

With Junko's broad hand nudging her, the frail girl snapped to. She looked up quickly to him, then back to the console used to operated the lift. "Sorry!" Among the luminous buttons which identified floors to be requested, there were a few more switches which bore jumbles of letters. Anagrams perhaps. Pressing one down, Kazue stepped back from the controls so that a projection of light might shine past. It was blue in color and filled the center of their shared space in an instant. Within the next, a rigid image came into focus. One that displayed a large, cubic formation.

On the exterior of the cube was the brightly lit symbols, "Alpha-7". This...was a hologram, detailing the full and exact layout of the AG complex. It was more than a three dimensional roadmap, however. Observing the display would reveal sections within the cube. Each being revealed in a cross section. Inside were various rooms. Each filled with the sorts of things one might expect in a research facility. Terminal and server farms. Laboratories with examination bays and operating tables. Secure rooms for data and resource containment. Lounges, break rooms, sleeping quarters, and bathrooms.

It was even possible to see digital projections of the researchers who worked in this department. In real time, as they went about their work and duties from one room to the next. At this point, it should be realized, "This is a recording from earlier today. Before the distress signal was sent and communications severed." Junko stepped closer, to gesture towards the lower levels of the AG facility. Areas of the projection which did not open up when observed. Blocks of the display that were hidden behind caution bar graphics and emblazoned with digital RESTRICTED signs.

This blocked areas made up the bottom two floors of the AG. The entire structure was laid out like a grid, made of rows lined three by three. There were five floors, or levels, each made of nine of these grid blocks. This simplistic sectioning was evidence of a very pragmatic architect...but it would make navigation easier. "It was in one of these lower blocks that the message was sent." Junko added, circling his hand around the hidden areas. "We would have gotten the recordings for those areas as well...had the director whose authority we need wasn't in there."

Lifting his hand, and sliding his finger across the hologram's side; Junko sped up the recording to the most recent events. All that could be seen of note was a commotion in the upper floors. Researchers gathering around consoles and yelling to one another. Eventually a few of them break for the exit; while others travel deeper into the hidden portions. It is then that the feed stops. The end of the connection. "We are going in somewhat blind. Which sucks...but does have a silver lining." Pointing to the researchers heading towards the elevator. "These folks were caught by the lock-down. So they will be waiting for us right at the door. From them we can get a better handle on the situation.", Junko concluded.

A very routine manner of elucidation. It would seem...such dangerous happenings were not so uncommon for this department. Or perhaps, it was just a personal attitude. "Kazue. The Kaido." The quickness of his voice enough to alert his partner. Kazue quickly nodding and placing a hand to her chest. Following the gesture with more words spoken under her breath. "We will be using a protective Kaido for this hunt. A protective seal that will envelope you body and interfere with contaminates that might be in the air. It isn't very sturdy though, and definitely won't do anyhing if a ceiling comes down on you. Or a Hollow." The air in their tiny space suddenly shifted, as the young woman's Reiatsu stirred. There was a light growing from her hands, and in an instant it surrounded her whole body.

The aura was faint, with a cool blue glow. It was persistent too, staying even after she had finished her incantation. Just as Junko had described, a slim envelope for her entire body. "And as an added bonus, a source of dim light." Junko began reciting his own incantation, and soon a far weaker glow spread about him. Revealing the differences in their talents. Turning towards them Kazue extended her hands as if to apply tee same touch that provided her with the luminous gossamer. Speaking meekly, "May I?" Piping up at this, Junko added "Normally it is non-optional for our members and accompaniment." Giving his best to not be rude; while also making a demand of those with higher station. In the end, accepting the help was a choice. One to be approved or denied.

The elevator began to creek. What had been a monotonous groaning their entire descent, now turned to more of a whine. By now everyone would prepared and girded for the mission ahead. Assist the trapped staff. Assess the situation. Access the lower levels. Eliminate the threat. Succinct and satisfactory. With a louder clamour, the lift heaved to a full stop. Kazue gave another small jump, and Junko leaned towards the door in anticipation. A light shifted and a speaker rang. The doors were cleared to open, and like curtains did they part. Yet...rather than slide apart to reveal the entry way beyond, the first pair moved aside to show that their exterior counterparts remained shut. Sealed tight...all except for a slim gap of caved in metal. A small crevice wedged into the rigid doors by someone desperate to force through the other side. So desperate in fact, that the bloody marks of their fingers still stained the sharp edges of the puncture.

With the light of the active Kaido flickering the the fresh mess, both Custodians straightened their backs. Each reach for the small blades kept hidden under their olive sashes. Each geared for whatever may come. Even the once shaken Kazue, who now gripped her sheathed blade with trained stillness. "Shit!" If no one beat him to it, Junko would drop to a knee. Putting his eyes at a matching level with the opening. Peering out into the area beyond. If someone decided to act instead, to do the same or to attempt to open the door, then they would see what Junko hoped to describe. "Emergency lights are still on. Door was locked, only operable from the outside. None of the researchers could have made it through to the shaft. No rush of air...the room wasn't pressurized. There is a breech, breeches, elsewhere. Shit shit shit."

Except perhaps the knowledge that this facility should have been airtight, the rest of these conclusions could have been deduced by anyone peering through the gash. Beyond they would see a room drowning in the color of red. The furnishings of a waiting area and lounge. Though the smell of blood was quite potent at the damaged doors, the room beyond seemed devoid of it. It all looked very still and clean. Not at all matching with the first sight they beheld. Still...there should be an uneasy tension looming in the air. The walls were very high, and the ceiling faded quickly into shadows. The only exit seemed to be at the far end, a large doorway opened to yet more shadows. Who was lurking out there? Anyone, or just...anything...

”We need to get these doors open, now!”