The Making of an Assassin [NDE, R, Hard]

[Ōkami Shihoin]

Name: [The Making of an Assassin] - The Adventure Name

Participants: [Aevus Renald] - Who can participate?

Location: [Outskirts of Karakura Town] - Where does this take place?

Difficulty Level: [Hard] - Easy, Medium, Hard, Extreme. How difficult is this adventure?

Setting: [NDE] Is this DE or NDE? Death Enabled or Non Death Enabled?

Plotline: [That time has come once again. The time when Shinigami decide to step up and take on greater responsibilities in any one squad. They decide to step up and reveal what power they have in order to be even greater. Promotion. That is what Aevus Renald, former Unseated Officer of the Second Division, seeks. Thus, he has come to the Shihoin Head, Leader of the Ōnmitsukido, seeking promotion. He believes that he has what it takes to be second-in-command of the Secret Tactics Division, the Ōnmitsukido. However, the Ōnmitsukido requires more than just power. It requires cunning, stealth, and courage. Ōkami Shihoin plans to draw these things out of Aevus in an unconventional test for Vice Captaincy.

The mission is simple: Aevus must find and assassinate his target, using stealth and all the skills required to be an assassin of the Ōnmitsukido. His target is an escaped supporter of Hiroshi Shihoin, uncle to the current Head, Ōkami Shihoin. This supporter has been located somewhere on the outskirts of Karakura Town. It is here that Aevus must find the supporter and take them out, ending one more supporter of the coup d’etat which lead to the downfall of the Shihoin family.] - Explain the plot of your adventure.

Estimated Enemy Strength: [4-2] Estimate the strength of the NPC's people will fight in this adventure. Class 7-1, what is their strength on average?

Estimated Time Until Completion: [3-4 pages] - How many pages do you think this adventure will run for until it is over?

Starts: [Now. Intro can begin with Aevus receiving a Hell Butterfly to report to the Ōnmitsukido barracks in response to his request to test for the position of Vice Captain of the Ōnmitsukido.] - When does the adventure begin?

Special Conditions: [This mission is being used to test Aevus’s skill and ability as an assassin worthy of having the Vice Captain rank in the Ōnmitsukido. If he is able to hunt down and successfully assassinate his target, he will pass. However, there are other things which he must show in order to truly gain the rank of Vice Captain of the Ōnmitsukido.] - Any special conditions, limitations, or other things.

[☾ Aevus | Umbra ☽]

It was dawn and the sun was slowly peaking against the backdrop of an orange sky, the light of day would soon stray away the darkness breathing life into shadow. Wakeful eyes would awaken to the fade of night but one was already awake. A lone Shinigami stood silently, his tired eyes gazing thoughtfully down at an unmarked grave over a small mound where a cherry blossom tree stood proudly against the threshold of the surrounding greenery. He glanced downwards with his cold sapphire visage yet now they were softened as if the ice within had melted just by the place alone.

“It’s been awhile since we’ve last spoken Aura. Heh I think I had just became a Shinigami the last time. Sorry about that iv'e been busy with Shinigami affairs.” Pausing for a second he would continue. “Kiti isn’t with me anymore, but don’t worry the little rascal is with someone you’d trust. You see I recently met a boy with a similar dream to yours. He see’s a world where there is no war, where no one has to kill one another. A world where peace reigns supreme and well, he almost had me believing it too.” He would chuckle faintly.“ If you can believe that.”

A calm breeze would stir the Shinigami’s black hairs.“In truth I never really thought i'd end up being a Shinigami. I never actually had the talent for this line of work to my knowledge. Well I learned I was exceptionally good at purifying hollows, i’m rather proud of that fact." Aevus would feel the prying eyes of Lumina glaring down on him as he spoke and he would quickly realize his mistake. “I mean...we, Lumina and I. I couldn’t have gotten this far without her.”

He would than shake his head a sigh leaving his lips.“That’s right I never introduced you. Aura meet Lumina Umbra.” Aevus could hear his blade humming as if the wolf within was satisfied with his praise. “It's a pleasure to meet you dear Aura, this one has heard a lot about you.” Aevus would subtly smile as the spirit spoke and he could just picture the snow white wolf bowing. “Aevus thinks rather highly of you, enough to even risk his life and become a Shinigami to rid this world of all forms of plight. This one owes her existence to you dear Aura, Lumina is deeply beholden and thankful. Truly, for without you this one would never be and to that Lumina is forever grateful.” The wolf's words were gentle and Aevus could tell she was being genuine throughout the whole exchange.

A faint growl would catch the man off guard filling in the silence of the moment.“Ahem, tell her~” Aevus’s smile would swiftly fade to a frown, he became tense and his breathing was rather shallow as he stood over the unmarked grave.“Iv’e done all I can.” His blues would swerve to the orange and yellow hued horizon.“Yet I'm currently lost, in truth I've just been going through the motions recently. I’m sorry Aura but I am not strong enough to realize your dream well~” His voice fell to but a whisper.“Not yet at least and there is something iv’e decided. No something I must do that I know you wouldn’t agree with and I know you wouldn’t like but nonetheless I must break a promise in order to protect someone close to me.”

Aevus wouldn't go into detail but if Aura was actually alive in the flesh he knew she would pry wishing for a full explanation and so he would do the best he could."As a Shinigami I've fought hollows and aided lost souls to the gates of this world. Yet I have also fought people as well. People who wanted to hurt me and more importantly threaten the very lives of my comrades. I've hesitated to often in my endeavors causing controlled situations where either a teammate or me would have come out unscathed. To instead be treated to an injury and a situation where someone could have potentially died."

His eyes would close as he began to attempt to bring up the monster within him yet he decided not to but instead slur his own words."I will be going through a trial to join the Omnisukido as a vice captain. This is to gain greater influence in the Seireitei but also strengthen and broaden my skills as well as my shortcomings. I can’t protect anyone in my current condition and recently Lumina’s life has been threatened. She is a piece of me and my hesitance to kill has risked her life as well as mine. In truth I do not want this, no, I can’t possibly want this but this is the best path for me and the one I have chosen.” Aevus would hear the wolf spirit beckon him, she spoke softly as if trying to comfort the stressed Shinigami. “We have chosen this, Aevus.”

Aevus had arrived shortly at the Omnisukido barracks. His attire was far neater than his usual bed ridden look. His hair was even combed to the best of the ability that Aevus could possibly manage. Sauntering in he would reveal himself to the Shihoin, his posture lean and upright yet without fail he would kneel to a superior for the first time in his life, his cold gaze sheltering a focus like no other.“Aevus of squad 2 present, iv’e received your message.”

[Ōkami Shihoin]

OOC: Apologies for the short intro post. Just didn't want to keep you hanging for so long.

IC:
Play This

”Aevus of Squad Two,” From the shadows of the Ōnmitsukido grounds came the deep voice belonging to the Captain of the Ōnmitsukido. As Aevus arrived and bowed before, he would find that the man’s back had been turned to him. His back, emblazoned with the symbol of the Ōnmitsukido, was turned to Aevus as he walked in and approached. And as Aevus bowed and presented himself, the tall man turned towards his new guest. Now facing the young member of Squad 2, Aevus would see who it was standing before him. Tanned skin and a purple goatee signifying his heritage, and a haori and uniform as pristine as that of any noble. The man standing before Aevus was Ōkami Shihoin, Captain of the Ōnmitsukido and 24th Head of the Shihoin Family. Golden maize eyes peered at the Shinigami of Squad 2 from behind silver goggles. To Aevus, the presence of someone with such strength and such experience would be overpowering and awe-inspiring. Ōkami was a man that had been to Hell and back. After disappearing for over a century, he had found his way back to Soul Society and reclaimed not only his family to become Head but also the Ōnmitsukido to once again retain the organization for the Shihoin family, it’s rightful owners. ”So you want to be apart of the Ōnmitsukido?”

The question, of course, was rhetorical and needed no answer. But Ōkami gave a silence after he asked in order to allow the young man to give an answer. He wanted to know Aevus’s resolve and his passion. He wanted to know if the young man had what it took to be apart of the Ōnmitsukido and to defend the Soul Society not from the front line, but from behind the scenes. He wanted to know if Aevus had what it took to kill when ordered to. To defeat enemies of the Soul Society without resorting to war. These were all things that would be expected of him once becoming part of the Ōnmitsukido. He would become a spy and assassin greater than even those in Squad Two. He would take orders not from the Captain Commander but from the Central 46. Ōkami wanted to know if Aevus was ready to be thrown into this type of world.

”You understand what the Ōnmitsukido is tasked with, yes? You understand that our job is not to fight on the front lines, but to defeat enemies that the Central 46 sends us after? We work from the shadows, doing the missions that the Second Division isn’t specialized enough to do. Do you understand this, Aevus?” The Shihoin Head asked this as he gazed down upon the young Shinigami knelt before him. The Ōnmitsukido wasn’t something to take lightly, and Ōkami wanted Aevus to know this. He knew that the boy was strong, from what Kimiko had told him. Ōkami had made it imperative to ask Kimiko about Aevus before requesting his presence, given that he had seen the two together one a few occasions. Kimiko had revealed that the two of them were friends and had filled Ōkami in on the battle they had once had. From that information, Ōkami had been able to figure out just how to test Aevus’s strength and resolve. And now, he would see if Aevus was ready to take on the position of his right-hand, his Second in Command.

”Now rise, Aevus of Squad Two.” Ōkami commanded. ”Are you truly ready to be apart of our world? To join the shadows? From here, there is no turning back. So tell me, are you ready?” Ōkami placed his hands behind his back and observed the boy, making note of his body expressions. One thing he had learned from all of his years being trained to join Squad Two and the Ōnmitsukido was how to read people’s body language. He could tell many things from the slight tells that people gave off unconsciously. And at this moment, it was those slight tells that he was looking for in Aevus. While Aevus could say one thing, his body might say another. Thus, it was imperative to check for both. This way, Ōkami would be able to truly test Aevus’s resolve.

[☾ Aevus | Umbra ☽]

”So you want to be apart of the Ōnmitsukido?”

Still kneeling Aevus would keep his focused gaze upon the captain. His sapphire eyes showing that resolve of his, the look of a man who had already decided his path and with the knowledge that there was certainly no going back. That golden visage staring back at him caught him unaware as he locked eyes with the Shihoin captain. His dark skin reminiscent of his past partners Kimiko. Though that was obvious seeing how Kimoko shared the very same surname. That familiarity was a welcome sight and yet there was something awe inspiring about the man that he hadn't seen in Kimiko. He couldn't quite place it at the moment but the authority the man placed just in his mere presence alone, commanded Aevus’s respect.

”You understand what the Ōnmitsukido is tasked with, yes? You understand that our job is not to fight on the front lines, but to defeat enemies that the Central 46 sends us after? We work from the shadows, doing the missions that the Second Division isn’t specialized enough to do. Do you understand this, Aevus?”

Aevus would not hesitate nodding as he replied to the captain.“Yes I understand.” He spoke softly but his expression was hardened. This decision was his to make and was willing to do anything to make it a reality. In truth he had never killed before, he had never truly stained his hands in the blood of his enemies. His motives never truly were his own until now and for once he was setting himself down a path that was for his own good. In truth Central 46 was an ominous group an almost complete mystery to the pale faced reaper. But he was already a dog, handing the leash over to another wasn’t going to make a lick of a difference to the young Shinigami.

”Now rise, Aevus of Squad Two.”

With that the man would rise, it was imperative to follow the orders of the man he would soon call Captain. He wanted him to trust him, to know that could be valuable asset to the mans organization. Standing up firm and straight he refused to slouch for that would show potential weakness. He wanted to show his respect, his very resolve to the older Shinigami. An expression he held sternly in the face of superiority. The Shinigami had never shown such respect to any in power but now was different.

”Are you truly ready to be apart of our world? To join the shadows? From here, there is no turning back. So tell me, are you ready?”

It would be noted that he was nervous, his stiffness showed that plain as day. He wasn’t relaxed, no not at all. He was tense and even though his expression held firm he felt himself nearly cracking under pressure. Almost succumbing to his own personal fears of failure. Yet he didn’t regret this decision, he had decided to go down this path.“Your world may not be bright, it may be stained in blood and shadow but your world is the truth.” His cold visage sheltered those golden irises of the Shihoin captain as he spoke. “I’m ready to face the darkness of your world.” The silver lined eyes of his Zanpakuto sheltered itself inside him humming softly. “We are ready.”

[Ōkami Shihoin]

"Good. Your first Vice-Captain level mission will begin now."

The Shihoin Head towered over the young Aevus of Squad Two. His eyes watched the young Shinigami cautiously, gauging his response to that statement. Would there be shock? Would there be some sort of surprise to hear that he was entering a mission designated for a Shinigami of Vice-Captain standing already? How would Aevus respond to this challenge? Would he slink away in fear or would he take up the mission with steely resolve. All of this was to be seen in Aevus's next response. No, it would be seen in his body language before he even uttered any words. Ōkami Shihoin would see it, and he would begin grading the young Shinigami upon seeing his response.

Ōkami Shihoin took a deep breath before progressing into the details of the mission on which Aevus of Squad Two would partake. First, he would need to give some background, before delving into it. "In the past, about a century ago, the Shihoin attempted a coup d'etat with help from the Kasumi'Oji," the Shihoin Head began, eyes searching Aevus still for his reactions. "The Head during that time was my uncle, and he had had many followers supporting his ideals." Surely Aevus might understand where this was going. If he didn't, Ōkami would soon make it clear. "My uncle was killed for his treason along with many of his supporters. Upon my return, I was tasked by the Central 46 to capture or kill any remaining supporters. However, one of his supporters was able to escape capture. My spies tell me that he is now within Karakura Town in the Land of the Living, plotting an attack on the Soul Society. I want you to find him and bring him in...dead or alive." At that moment, Aevus might find himself unsure of how to understand what he had just heard. Surely, he would come to realize that those supporters who Ōkami had assassinated had been family. And upon realizing that, he would begin to understand the true resolve of this man who called himself the Head of the Shihoin family. Anyone who put the family at risk and didn't repent would be made to suffer.

Ōkami Shihoin stepped away from Aevus and turned his back. "That is your mission. This will be a true challenge for the skills you obtained in the Second Division." the Shihoin Head said in a stoic and commanding tone. It was true. If Aevus was attempting to become a Vice Captain for the Ōnmitsukido, he was essentially saying that he held that level of power. He was strong enough to carry out Vice Captain level assignments from the beginning. And even if he wasn't, the Captain of the Ōnmitsukido wanted to see how Aevus would rise to the challenge. He didn't care if Aevus successfully killed the supporter or not. He just wanted to know that Aevus didn't give up and that he showed the necessary skills to prove that he had what it took to join the darkness. He could improve after the test, but for now the Shihoin Head wanted to determine Aevus's true potential. Later, he would fight the young Shinigami on his own, but for now determining Aevus's true potential would come from putting him directly in the field. Simply fighting the Shinigami wouldn't show him what he wanted to see.

"You have your mission. I'll be waiting on your report. Show me that you are ready to enter our world." And with that, the Shihoin Head walked away, leaving Aevus to reflect on his mission at hand. He could prepare for it anyway he wanted. If he wanted to go home and take a day off to prepare himself he could. All of that was up to him. So then, how would he prepare himself for his first mission as a member of the darkness?


OOC: Bad start, but you'll be placed right into the action after your next post. Let's get this thing started!

[☾ Aevus | Umbra ☽]

Standing before the captain his blue eyes were unwavering. That resolve clung to his visage as he listened nervously. Heeding every breath that left the Shihoin’s very lips. Hanging onto every word in what could be described as a death grip. As the captain spoke of the level of the mission he would glance away for but a moment, those blues of his seemingly showing some signs of doubt. His hands would clench into a fist at this sign of weakness and he knew that the noble before him saw it.

It was true, he had gone on such missions before but that was with the aid of others. Could he truly handle something like this alone? It seemed even now he had his doubts but yet there was no going back. Or could he? A gentle humming would parade gently against his sheath as he began to fall into himself. “You are not alone, you have this one.” Lumina softly murmured into his ear and he would flinch in response. Fingers loosening from fists, those darkly lit blues of his would return to the captain from those very words alone.

They were the very same words he had spoken to her that fated stormy night. The night he had sided with a Rogue to face a horde of Hollows and Arrancar within a murky wetland. The thunderclouded night where he almost let into the dark temptations of that silver-tongued vixen. A vulpine who carefully tiptoed within his mind and whispered sweet nothings and hints of lustrous treats. Darkly furs and bushy tailed, the truth of the creature coming to light with but a golden hued glare. A hollow, true and true. The captain before him had similar eyes. Golden and strong yet they did not mock him nor invite him in as the vixen did. They held a strength all their own; curious.

'So I do.' Aevus replied earnestly to the spirit within his mind. His eyes shimmered with that very same focus as he would respond to the captain with but deafening silence. As he began to brief him, Aevus would stand still as ever. Looking over the head of the Shihoin with a curiosity. He generally detested nobles and their seemingly profound self entitlement that they got from name alone. But this noble was a captain and not only a captain but the leader of the Omnitsukido. A sect of elite assassins, he had avoided being recruited by while in the academy for good reason. He wasn’t a killer back then and well he still wasn’t; yet here he stood.

Attentively he would listen on. It seemed a supporter of this nobles treasonous uncle was his target. Of course his mission was assassination and or capture. Heh what else could it have been? Aevus suspected of much but it seemed that this was a personal matter to the noble or at least it came off that way. That tenseness fell away from Aevus as he watched the captain begin to leave him to his own devices. Uncoiled from his rigorous acting he would keenly glance over the Shihoin. A skeptical expression painting his visage as he spoke up just enough to get his attention.

“I see.”

Aevus would pause for a moment as he waited for the man to turn around. “Your traitorous uncle must have been quite a leader to host a rally of supporters to enact a coup d'etat. Expecially with having the backing of another noble family. From what it seems, he must have had a hunger for power; how suiting of a noble.” Aevus would feign a smile at that, his left hand slowly grasping the handle of his blade. “This supporter of your late uncle. I’m sure he’s willing to die for what that man believed in. To kill for him without a second thought.”

Looking askance for a time his fingers would begin to feel along the handle of his blade. “As cowardice as this might sound, i’m not willing to kill for you nor die for you-” Aevus would narrow on those golden piercing eyes at that. “Not yet at least, not until I know who i'm serving under. Nobility and rank aside I want to see who you really are.” Fully unsheathing his blade, he would reveal his Zanpakuto to the captain. The black runic designs ran up along the silver blade as he held it out before him in a reverse-grip.

“You pass judgment, so you are the one who should swing the sword. Lumina and I will find him and we will will bring him in alive. Do with the traitor as you will.” Aevus's eyes would remain on the captain, cold and focused. The pale faced reaper could feel Lumina's approval as he spoke and that is all he really needed."I'm ready to depart now. That is if you are still willing to send me on this assignment, Okami."

(OOC woo i'm back. Aevus was a bit risky here ^ ^" Hopefully he didn't screw up his chances.)

[Ōkami Shihoin]

The Shihoin Head stopped in his tracks upon hearing Aevus speak. He stopped in his tracks and turned slightly to look upon Aevus of Squad Two. He turned slightly to gaze upon Aevus of Squad Two and determine just what it was he had to say. Aevus understood the mission, but there was something else that was bothering him. Aevus could not hide his intentions from the Shihoin Head. His intentions were clear as the Shihoin Head turned towards him. He could see that Aevus did not intend to carry out his mission in the way he had wanted. Then Aevus spoke once more.

His words were full of a loathing for nobles that he had tried to hide and conceal. A loathing of nobles that he had tried to mask even as he spoke. It was no surprise, his loathing of the nobility, that was certain; however, it hadn’t been something the Shihoin Head had expected upon turning to face the young Shinigami. As Aevus continued speaking, he began to garner more and more of Ōkami Shihoin’s attention. No, not just his attention. There was a deep feeling welling up within the Shihoin Head as Aevus continued his speech. Oh how he had no idea how much his words were affecting the man before him.

The Shihoin Head turned fully as Aevus finished and drew his blade. Did he plan to attack? When he drew his blade, there was a gleam of light that reflected off of the Shihoin’s goggles in such a way that his maize eyes were hidden behind them. With his face betraying no emotion, Aevus would be unable to gauge the Ōnmitsukido Captain’s reaction by looking at his eyes. In that moment, Ōkami appeared all the more intimidating as he took in Aevus’s words. He grew silent for some time because his mind was beginning to fill with memories of someone else who had said something similar to this.

Snobby noble. You all sicken me.

You’re wrong, Takeshi. I’m nothing like them…

What Aevus would fail to realize was that the man standing before him was unlike other nobles. This was not a man that flaunted his nobility. Ōkami Shihoin was not a man that made others feel powerless and separate because of his nobility. No, Ōkami Shihoin was not snobby. Ōkami Shihoin was not corrupt. Ōkami Shihoin was not like the other nobles of Soul Society. Whereas other noble families committed crimes under the table with no one to hold them accountable, Ōkami personally punished those members of his family who thought they were above the system of the law. He was an enforcer. He would not allow his family to fall again as it had before. He would not allow it to become as corrupt as it had during Hiroshi’s leadership.

Ōkami Shihoin lowered his eyes, so that now the light only reflected off of one lens, leaving only one of his eyes visible. ”That’s a valid point.” the Shihoin responded in his deep monotone voice. He could not fault Aevus for having this sentiment. But where Aevus went wrong was assuming that he was dying for the Shihoin Head. ”Aevus,” he said, his voice resonating with an authority that would grab Aevus’s attention. ”You misunderstand. This mission is not being given by me, but by the Central 46, as there is potential for the traitors to leak information on the Soul Society to our enemies. It is fine if you do not wish to die for me, as I can understand the reserve you have about giving your life for a man you know nothing about. But in the Ōnmitsukido, you aren’t dying for me.”

With that, he disappeared into thin air. Just like that, the Shihoin Head would disappear from the young Shinigami’s senses for but a short moment. Just for that short amount of time. Ōkami reappeared near Aevus, about two feet to his right. Ōkami’s sudden movement would catch Aevus off guard because of its suddenness and the lack of reiatsu released that would signify that he had used shunpo to move that fast. No, Aevus would not recognize the technique, Shukuchi-Ho, that was available only to master practitioners of Hakuda. He would be left in shock at how quickly the Ōnmitsukido Captain had been able to move so close to him. And when he got there, rather than attacking, Ōkami stood at his full height and gazed down upon the young man. ”You are giving your life for Soul Society.” he said upon arriving there before Aevus.

With a step backwards, the Shihoin Head disappeared once again, moving away from where he had stood. He reappeared where he had once been, once more staring him down. ”I gave you the option of bringing this supporter in dead or alive. Whichever you choose is up to you.” ”Either way, the Central 46 wants them silenced, whether it be here in the Senzaikyu or in Hell…” With that, Ōkami Shihoin turned to walk away and Aevus would begin to understand a little more about the man who he would soon serve. Ōkami Shihoin was not the type of man to put his family over the Soul Society if that member had become corrupt. He was simply following the orders of the Central 46, orders that he believed would save not only his family but Soul Society as a whole. ”Aevus,” the Shihoin Head called back as he walked away. ”A man must learn to discern the true character of an individual from the general character of the group to which that individual belongs. If you are to join this world, you must also remember these words I give you: Nothing is true; everything is permitted.” With that, the Shihoin disappeared into thin air, leaving Aevus to ponder the words he had been left with. He would determine the course of the mission for himself. Whether he captured the traitor or killed him, everything had a consequence. And if he wanted to learn who his future Captain really was, he would have to look past the distrust of nobles that blinded him to Ōkami’s true nature.

[☾ Aevus | Umbra ☽]

Still holding his Zanpakuto out before him, he would meet that unwavering golden gaze head on. Taken aback by the captain's stoic expression the pale faced reaper would not give in that easily. Taking a step back, flinching for even a moment would show this captain that he lacked the resolve to move forward. The aura that this older wolf gave off took him unaware. His heart beat steadily rose and as the captain spoke in that deep monotone tone, Aevus had realized he had made a grave mistake. He lead himself to forget who really pulled the strings. That being Central 46.

How fool-hearted of him, letting himself be led astray by his emotions and his personal thoughts on nobles. How down right foolish he must have looked in front of the captain. He had never trusted nobility and in truth, he had a deep disdain for them. Ever since his waking in the Rukongai. Living off the scraps while they lived lavishly in their mansions. Free to prey upon the poor like they were but insects beneath their pedicured feet. It stirred a disgust in his heart.

Not all nobles fell into that hole though. He may have spoken illy of them but in truth he rarely had any interaction with those of noble birth. The Shihoin, Kimoko was an exception, she was definitely different in his eyes. Perhaps stubborn and hot headed but he felt she meant well. Maybe the Shihoin were different. He could only hope, for he would be serving under one in his days to come. A flash leapt forth and he immediately would lose track of the older wolf.

”You are giving your life for Soul Society.”

Eyes widened on the captain and he felt his golden visage staring down on him. He would fail to hide his surprise as he gasped. His heart trembled and raced from the shock of the movement. The reaper felt his heart beating like a drum and even almost thought it would leap out of his chest at any moment. This was like no step technique he had ever seen before. Silver lined eyes fell into him, murmuring softly. His Zanpakuto hummed in his left hand and the the whispers of his spirit set him at ease. “He can sense your fear, have courage now.” The man before him held strength he had never seen before. Just from his stance alone. He emanated it and he’d be lying to both himself and Lumina if he didn’t say he wasn't frightened by the older wolf. He was scared of this Onmisukido captain, dearly so.

”Either way, the Central 46 wants them silenced, whether it be here in the Senzaikyu or in Hell…”

He was right, this traitor would die either way. It didn’t matter if he let him live or not, he’d be executed for his treason. But something in the reaper told him that he did not need to be that executor. In truth he still didn’t have the heart for it. Despite how Lumina felt or hell even how he felt. That stealthy eyed girl still had a hold on him. Aura would have done anything in her power to keep herself from walking down that bloody road. Despite that, he’d kill for Lumina if he absolutely had too. He’d stain his hands and drench himself in the blood of his enemies. Aura’s way couldn’t be his way any longer.

”A man must learn to discern the true character of an individual from the general character of the group to which that individual belongs. If you are to join this world, you must also remember these words I give you: Nothing is true; everything is permitted.”

For once with a heavy heart, he took a different path, the fork sheltered a new destiny. His blade lowered as he watched the captain turn his back on him. As the Shihoin head spoke his name, he’d gaze upon him with all of his attention. He was still, but his heart trembled. Even the way the older wolf spoke shed his strength. This was his first lesson. He was wrong in his assumptions. Leaping forth on his emotions like a child. He thought he hid well but he painted a clear picture for Okami. 'Nothing is true; everything is permitted'. What did that mean? He would let silence take reign over him, staring with an icy resolve into that darkness.

[Ōkami Shihoin]

OOC: I've held this up too long, sorry about that. Let's get this started and do what we can before I start classes again on the 4th.


When light pierced the darkness, and a way was made open for Aevus, he would find himself stepping out into the cold, brisk air above Karakura Town. He would find himself stepping out into the air above Karakura Town in the darkness of the night. He would find himself there, stepping out of that Senkaimon far above where anyone could sense him. From here, he would begin his mission. From here, he would begin to plan and to plot the course of this mission. For, as a Vice Captain, he would be the one to lead others on missions like these. He would be the one to plan and the one to make the hard decisions. So, now stepping out into the World of the Living, he was to begin making those decisions for himself for the sake of this mission’s success.

Before leaving, Aevus had been given coordinates via the Hell butterfly he had used to open the Senkaimon gate to this location. He was not given a limiter, so that he could use his powers to their fullest immediately. Having to request removal of the limiter would mean too much time could pass and as such his target could escape. So, Aevus was given full discretion to complete this mission however he saw fit. After all, according to the Shihoin Head, everything was permitted. This is what he had left Aevus with upon his exit. In time, Aevus would understand the meaning of those words. In time, Aevus would understand how those words he had been left with would affect his future missions as a member of the Black Ops.

So, beginning at his location there in the sky, Aevus was to find a well-known shopkeeper and his shop. There, Aevus would be able to procure a gigai which he could use to travel and gather information in disguise. If he chose to forgo it, however, he would have to find other ways instead to gather the information he needed. But it might be a good idea to check out that location first if he wanted. It was possible that the shopkeeper might even have some information for Aevus in regards to the location of his target. At least, a location that would put him within the vicinity where his target was currently located.

Standing there in the sky, Aevus would need to make a decision. For the Ōnmitsukido, time was everything. It could mean the difference between success and failure of a mission. So, that was why when the roar of a hollow sounded in the background Aevus would already have a decision to make. The roar sounded far away. He could rely on the Shinigami stationed in the area to take care of it or he could dispatch the hollow himself before it caused any harm. But if he chose to head towards the hollow, the location of the shop would be in the opposite direction. That would put him behind in picking up his gigai. He would have to make a choice.

[☾ Aevus | Umbra ☽]

Overlooking the city, two would step out of that Senkaimon. A Reaper and his spirit. Their silhouettes enveloped in the fading light of those folding doors. The Shinigami clad in black robes, the wolf seemingly covered in a silver winter coat. Black markings etched forth along her entire form as her tail swung back and forth like a pendlum. Lumina’s sterling silver gaze would fall gently over the land like a moving shadow. This was the first time that she was seeing the human world with her own two eyes and it was breathtaking.

The updraft of wind paraded through her furs and she embraced the touch of the icy air, breathing in the world around her. She knew though why she was here. Turning to Aevus, icy eyes would meet hers. Her white tufted ears would pivot and shift, as a scream of a hollow rang out across the cityscape. “Aevus?” The pale faced reaper’s fingers brushed against the handle of his Zanpakuto. Casting that cold gaze in the direction of the scream. He couldn’t help but sigh in turn.

From what he could gather it sounded far away, it’d be a detour if he began to hunt after the masked fiend. After all he had another hunt all together. But in his eyes, this was more of a test than anything. A test to see if he was capable of doing the one thing he detested. “The traitor comes first Lumina. Others will deal with the hollow.” Lumina noted the shallow tone in which the reaper spoke.
“You aren’t just doing all of this for this one are you, Aevus?” The wolf spirit would turn her head curiously.

“Lumina. You’re part of me.” Aevus would look to the wolf, his cold gaze much softer than before. “My life isn’t something I can just throw away on a whim anymore. I can’t die when someone like you gives me a reason to exist.” His voice faintly cracked as he spoke in but a whisper. "If that means drawing blood in your defense, so be it." The nights cold air brushed softly against his darkly hairs. Sliding against his black Shikakusho, they’d ruffle in the wind. He embodied the very color of night while the wolf took on the colors of winter and her eyes the moon itself.

Standing in that stretched out sky Lumina was simply quiet. The absence of words, the wolf echoed silence. She had nothing to say to the reaper. He had never spoken to her that way before. Cool air escaped her maw as she attemped to speak. “Aevus-”
“Let’s go Lumina." With a quickened step Aevus was off with a silver eyed wolf on his heels. They would arrive at the coordinates of the shop shortly after leaving the Senkaimon. Lumina stood idly as Aevus knocked on the door with that frozen resolve. “I’m here for a Gigai.”