The Temple of Sol [NDE/R/Easy]

[Ajraka Kuchiki]

Name: The Temple of Sol: Expedition into the Wilderness!

Participants: Kenji Masaaki and Miranda Frost

Location: Soul society's Wilderness!

Difficulty Level: Easy

Setting: NDE

Plotline: In an attempt to give combat experience to some of the Shinigami with jobs more attuned to the home front, ajraka Kuchiki has saw fit to organize an expedition to the Wilderness of Soul Society! The Goal is to investigate a strange well of hollow-like reiatsu in a temple well out of the ways of The Rukongai and the normal reach of the Shinigami.

Estimated Enemy Strength: 7-4

Estimated Time Until Completion: 2-5 pages.

Starts: In the Outer districts of the Rukongai! Just past Area 80 where the land transitions from shoddy living areas to the true wild and untamed landscapes.

Special Conditions: This Thread will have two special mechanics involved! Threat Level and Morale! Threat Level will begin at 0 and Morale will begin at 50. Depending on each individual's actions in their posts, such as expending reiatsu, making a lot of noise, or otherwise drawing attention will result in the Threat Level being raised! This means that the attention of more powerful enemies will be drawn to the party. Morale will be effected by the character's actions in thread as they relate to how YOUR characters behave as leaders. Take charge and lead them well? Their morale will bolster! Leave them to their own devices and have them fend for themselves? Then morale will drop. Your Morale will effect how capable your fellow shinigami are at assisting you in combat, as well as their willingness to follow orders, should you decide to give them.

[Miranda Frost]

Miranda’s trip had been successful in one thing, the healing of her body after her intense initiation spar with Arantima-sama, her lieutenant in squad 10. The meditation by the mystic stream that ran through her district and out into the wilderness beyond the Rukongai’s borders did well for her recovering mind and body. The mystery of that water always confounded her. No one knew where it originated and where it led to. Many expeditions were led to follow it, but none was really powerful enough to get far to obtain useful leads in their search. Miranda had accepted that they may never know the origin of the most valuable resource to her hometown.

Frost had received a message from a runner that had ventured out to her district during her brief stay there. She would be taking part in an expedition led by the Noblewoman Ajraka Kuchiki. As Frost walked through the gates of the Sereitei to the initial muster point for the mission, she recalled the conversation they had prior to the training session she led them in, how she sympathized of the plight squad 10 was subjected to. Guarding the Sereitei was a quiet job and missions to the world of the living were few and far in between. This expedition of hers would be just what Miranda needed.

Miranda was in better shape than before. During her stay, she managed to grasp the concept of kido she had struggled with. Not only could she perform the two spells she had encountered with her brief bout with Hibiki: Sho, and Byakurai. Her ability to perform shunpo had increased as well, but to what extent her new abilities stretched were untested. To her, she felt as if she could use them with ease, but in a battlefield situation, that could change everything. Miranda’s feet stopped upon the smooth stone tiles on the courtyard just outside the gate. She was early… again.

Frost’s hand moved to her neck, pulling the necklace that had been tucked away beneath her uniform. The steel chain held the Saphhire that Ajraka-sama herself had given her. Frost could have sold it back home. People struggled there, she could have used this sapphire to provide at least a little relief to a few of the souls there. She knew its value. It wasn’t much but it could have helped. Instead, she chose to keep the gift and have a simple necklace made to house it. From its polished steel chain to the fine bone frame that held the beautiful gem in place.

Miranda was glad she didn’t get rid of this particular special gift. Is monetary value wasn’t too up there, but it was a gift from a Noble. Very few back home could say they’ve talked to a Noble let alone receive a gift from one. This alone could gain her particular prestige back home, should she ever be relieved from Shinigami service. Furthermore, Ajraka-sama was leading this expedition. How would she react to Miranda keeping a hold of her gift? Would she even care? In either case, it would be good to see the giant otter-woman again. Her uplifting nature was a relief to witness.

Later she’d find herself marching along back through the gate in which she’d came with others assigned to this task. She was uncharacteristically distracted during the majority of the brief. She did manage to catch a little bit of what they were doing. They were to go out into the wilderness beyond the 80th district. Whether that was the 80th of west, east, north, or south she had no idea. There they were to find a strange reiatsu and investigate it. How far they would have to go to get there she would have to see.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Stats and stuff}
Stats:
Strength - 80 Points
Speed - 90 Points
(soldier modifier result = 63)
Spiritual Pressure - 70 Points
Reiatsu Strength - 90 Points
(soldier modifier result = 135 )
Light Aura - 75 Points
Dark Aura - 25 Points
Instinct - 70 Points
Senses - 50 Points *
Energy sensory -50 Points
Healing Expertise - 25 Points
Total SP: 525 Points

Skills:
Learning:1
Calm Mind:1
Strength of Will:
1
Weapons: Swords: 1
Weapons: Pole-arms: 1
Martial Arts: Hakuda: 1
Battle Analysis: 1
Battle Focus: 1
Cold Tolerance: 1

[Masaaki Kenji]

Kenji Masaaki was someone who had genuinely enjoyed being out exploring and wandering the wilderness. The pursuit for information and the exploration aspect of his squad was what made him the perfect candidate for this task. What was more interesting to Kenji was the fact that Ajraka Kuchiki had specifically requested this expedition. What was the noblewoman thinking and was there a very specific reason why she was wanted them to be venturing that far out into the wilderness of Rukongai. All the noble families had their own hands in shady things so was it possible they sent the shinigami instead of them themselves. Who knew? All Kenji knew was that he had a task to complete.

Kenji certainly had come far since his previous excursion outside the Seritei, after being smashed into the ground with the modified hollows. That was something that Kenji was quite proud of the fact that he had really improved since his time in Germany. He had trained specifically for the moment when he would encounter that lady once again, the one he would hopefully send straight to hell with the way she turned those souls into hollows. Their agony often kept Kenji up at night as all he could hear was their screams as they slowly became rotting hollows that would live a short and agonizing lifespan.

However, he soon saw the small group he was accompanying, however the main point of interest was Miranda Frost who was an up and coming shinigami, someone who was being trained by the squad 10 and particularly Arantima & Captain Hotaru Kuchiki. He needed to keep an eye out for her, he liked a bit of new talent. However, he was waiting for Arajaka to appear, afterall the noblewoman was particularly a character indeed.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Stats}
Strength - [50] Points
Speed - [300] Points
Spiritual Pressure - [200] Points - 400 after type
Reiatsu Strength - [350] Points - 700 after type
Dark Aura - [25] Points
Light Aura - [75] Points
Instinct - [100] Points
Senses - [100] Points
Energy sensory - [100] Points
Healing Expertise - [0] Points

Light Aura - 75
Dark Aura - 25
Mental Incantation - 2
Battle Analysis - 2
Anti Stealth - 2
Damage Recovery - 1
Weapons - 2
Learning - 1
Memory - 1
Strength of will - 2
Illusion resist - 2

[Ajraka Kuchiki]

The entire expedition team was rather small. A group of no less than 15 shinigami, including both Miranda and Kenji. Some of them were already conversing. Friends, rivals, all sorts of little interactions. Kenji and Miranda would find that they were somewhat outcasts in this particular group. They would see no familiar faces, and rather they would notice a few smirking faces now and then, as the little pairs no doubt spoke about them to one another. That was up until the Kuchiki noble appeared before the lot of them, grin plastered across her face as she took a moment to regard her collection of followers. The woman was garbed as regally as one would expect any Kuchiki Heiress to dress. That trademark noble's cape about her shoulders, tied at the neck with golden string. A black tunic and hakama that looked almost like a shinigami's uniform, though perhaps a bit more related to the Onmitsu kido than anything. But in actuality, it was simply a black getup to go with her cape.

Couldn't go showing up to her mission nude after all. _{Much to her own annoyance}

Her eyes flashed across the assembled troops, a brief smirk on her lips as she spotted Miranda in evidence. "Welcome~ I'm glad to see so many of you here. You've all been briefed, but to reiterate, we're going to be investigating a malignant reiatsu signature out beyond the bounds of the Rukongai. I've been given permission to accompany you on this mission as insurance. Some of you may consider this some form of training. Others may think this is just some menial task. However I assure you that this is every bit as serious a mission as what your very own Captains would assign you to. It's about a day's march to the edge of the rukongai and to our destination. As soon as you are ready, form up on this red line on the ground." She noted brightly and chipperly despite the content of what she said.

Several of the shinigami would already line up along that red line. Two members of Squad 1 as well as a member from Squads 3 and 5 each. Five shinigami remained off to the side, the Squad 11 group, and finally two pairs also sortof milled, making sure that they were all ready. They were from Squads 2 and 7. Alas, there was nobody from either Miranda or Kenji's squad. Already they were being eyeballed by those from Squad eleven, the singular member of Squad 3, and the two members from Squad 1. But otherwise, the rest seemed to just be going about their own business as they prepared for the expedition. No doubt these would be the individuals that the pair would have to try and get along with.

For better or Worse.

For now they had to decide about making sure they were all ready, socializing, or just getting in line and waiting for the march to begin.

[Miranda Frost]

Miranda wouldn’t be waiting for people to arrive for long. It would seem others wanted to arrive early as well, which was quite strange from her own experiences within squad 10 and 7. Tardiness would be a rarity, especially in the lower ranks, but to be early at this extent was just as rare. She had recognized her squad as being fairly diverse when it came to appearance and personalities, but this was just absurd. As her eyes flicked from the various individuals and groups she found herself seemingly out of place. Those from the same squads grouped together while the others joined into other groups.

Miranda could feel the others' eyes upon her, and they not like the inquisitive and curious eyes of her own squad. It didn’t take long for her to feel excluded, but she stood resolute in her position, not allowing that particular emotion to surface. Her hand gripped upon the small blue gem that hung from around her neck, clenching it tightly as she awaited the appearance of Lady Ajraka Kuchiki, the leader of this particular expedition. Again, she wouldn’t wait long. Ajraka arrived sporting the regal clothing befitting of one of her social standings, but functional enough to be worn in a mission such as this one.

Her stature was as impressive as the first time Miranda had seen her. Frost had remembered what she had said, how she wanted to give experience to those who otherwise couldn’t gain that valuable resource. Frost assumed that was why she was here, yet she couldn’t recognize anyone else from her squad. Was she really the only one from squad 10 here? What made Frost so special from the others? Miranda shook the thought from her mind and moved in with the others as they formed up until she spotted one that stood out from the rest.

The man was smaller than many of the others with skin as pale as her own. He was only slightly shorter than Miranda and appeared a bit younger as well, yet she could tell he was a bit stronger than she and many of the others in this expedition. She approached the man, providing a polite bow before introducing herself. “Good evening. I am Miranda Frost, Unseated of squad 10, and you are?”

[Masaaki Kenji]

Kenji smiled as he took a look around the room, trying to gauge the strength's of the expedition team. It was very clear that some people in the group were promising indeed or at least in 200 years at least. If they made it there at least. It seemed like Kenji was one of the most powerful people there in the expedition which was rather odd to say the least, however Kenji wasn't complaining about that. When you had the experience like Arjaka and himself, then that was when you learnt who had the power to succeed within the Shinigami ranks or who would flounder and fail. That was why many great Shinigami succeeded through the Third Division! After all, it routed out the weak.

Yet still, it seemed like they had all formed their cliques already. Damn, that was what happened when Kenji showed up late. Yet still, it was amusing to see those shinigami form them. They would soon see the error of their ways, especially when they would encounter an enemy, after all teamwork makes the dream work! It seemed like only 1 member from his squad was here which was disappointing to say the least. The main expedition squad had no one involved there! How could they not be good enough to join the main squad! That was ridiculous in itself and he wondered how Arjaka had decided the categories.

However, he soon encountered another shinigami all on their lonesome, however it seemed like she was also feeling alone. "It's a pleasure to meet you Miss Frost! My name is Kenji Masaaki, Squad 3's 4th Seat! I do wonder what the criteria is for this expedition, after all, it seems like none of my squad are here!" Kenji pouted before re-positioning his big glasses frame.

[Ajraka Kuchiki]

Ajraka suddenly appeared beside Kenji and grinned, PATTING him roughly on the back, her strength dialed back, but still being a bit strong as she let out a chuckle. "Well well! Kenji! Nice to see you here! I was a little worried after all~ You were the only seated officer to volunteer!" She pointed out, as immediately several of the groups began eyeballing him, as if he had been made a target. Most noteably the man from Squad three who looked arund Rapidly before suddenly MARCHING on over and grinning. "HAHAHAH! Yes see? It is my most famous officer! The integrity of this FFFFFFilthy spirit-pig operation shall be an enormous success!" He declared with perhaps the most ridiculous manner of speaking that one might have imagined. Those eyes on him constantly shifting around as he clapped Kenji on the back.

Of course, Kenji would actually feel something surprising, a faint hint of spiritual pressure from the man, despite his strange manner of speaking, he actually felt stronger than Kenji. It seemed that some of these people were hiding their spiritual pressure! In any case he leaned in and Kenji would hear a low whisper. "We should stick together Kenji-sama. We do not know for how shall these other squadlings behave. We may have to rely on one another....friend." His voice was dire, as if he knew something that Kenji did not, narrowing his eyes specifically at a member from squad one, who seemed to be leering right back. Kenji would recognize the man as Jujugra Itachi, an unseated, but very .....well-known member of his squad. Incredibly notorious for his strange mannerisms.

Miranda would alas see nobody she knew, but that didn't mean she wans't approached. The two members of squad 2 promptly were at either side of her, haughty looks given to the rest of the group as one of them, a blue-haired girl with glasses set her hand on Miranda's shoulder, adjusting her glasses. "I wouldn't associate with THAT sort, dear. Why don't you stick by me and Ubu?~" She inquired, seeming very strict and stringent, the woman had the very essence of business-like behavior about her. Her companion IMMEDIATELY tensed and gritted her teeth.
"WHAT did I tell you about callign me that?! That's incredibyl unladylike! Ahem, my name is Ubusagi. It's a pleasure to meet you."
She allwoed her voice to turn soft...ish. There was a very weird hint of seduction about her voice.

In any case, the other members all seemed to be lining up, even if it was clear that the members of squad 11 were trying ti keep one of their own from scrabbling away now and then, the young lad clearly not wanting t be involved.


In any case, once they were all formed up Ajraka would grin. Once again having moved almost by magic, she would nod her head at those gathered. "This group, as stated, is mostly unseated squad members. All of you have been noted for potential. With the exception of Kenji, who is our control group. For one reason or another, most of you haven't really made it into a seated position despite your strengths or talents. That is why you're all here. I'll be able to monitor and keep track of all of you as we progress on this mission. And I'll be reporting back to your squads if I see anyone taking especially good initiative during this operation. Understood? Awesome! Now lwt's get marching! We should have a fairly simple march straight to the outer districts. If we make good time, then we should make it there by evening! So let's get going."

Threat Level: 0
Morale: 50

[Miranda Frost]

“It would seem you were mistaken.”, Miranda thought idly. The newly unseated of squad ten was used to seeing many personalities intertwined within its web of organization, but even still there were key factors among them that held them together like glue. It was puzzling to witness first hand, the strange workings of the one that dragged the fifth seat away from her. She bit her tongue. It would seem that gleaming some of that officer’s experience would be a tougher ordeal. Even still though, she wouldn’t be alone. Miranda would be flanked by two unseated hailing from squad two. Their eccentric nature bugged her, but she believed they meant well. Miranda possibly appeared a bit lost in this crowd. So many people widely varying personalities bound together only by the clothes on their back and the weapons at their side.

Miranda paused to listen to the Noblewoman as she explained the purpose of this expedition. During their training session, she mentioned how she couldn’t do much with the current state of her strength along with other factors. However this was a change of scenery and goals. A detachment of troops would march into the wilderness to achieve a goal. It was a test in the guise of a menial mission. Her jaw tensed as the rest of the group turned to collect themselves and prepare for the march ahead. She reached out and grasped the woman’s shoulder that had first greeted her. “I appreciate your greeting, and it would be an honor to conduct this mission alongside you two, but know that even the scummiest among us are our brothers and sisters. Right now we are a unit tasked in a particular goal.”

The words were difficult to say, but nonetheless true. If she were to rise the ranks as per her ambitions, then she would need to embrace this line of thought. The weapons on their hips were not toys and the black robes they were not petty costumes. There were a few that Miranda particularly didn’t hold in the highest regard, but at the end of the day, the verdict on what must be done would be the same. “I would gladly die for each one of my brothers and sisters.” Miranda smiled and gripped the butt of the blade at her side. “It is a pleasure to meet you two. I am Miranda Frost, unseated of the tenth squad. May this venture be fortunate to us all.”

With that said she found herself in the shinigami formation, ready for the march ahead of them. Tests like these always made her nervous, but she felt oddly optimistic about its outcome. Her other hand clasped ahold of the sapphire necklace hanging from her neck. It was possible that she wasn’t the only one optimistic about her future. This thought swelled in her chest with pride. She would succeed.

[Masaaki Kenji]

Kenji smiled widely with a big cheshire cat like grin as he looked at everyone around him, however it didn't appear that Miranda was completely focusing on him as it appeared that someone else wanted his attention as well because as soon as he turned around, he was greeted by the looming figure of Ajraka Kuchiki who appeared beside Kenji in an instant, not even he could try to hide his surprise. However, what it felt like was that he punched when Arjaka clapped him on the back, showing her strength and taking him by surprise but he did give a big grin to the looming figure "It's a pleasure to meet you too! My captain was aware that this would be the perfect thing for me to be on so I am honoured you allowed me to join you." Kenji grinned happily.

However, he appeared to turn round and see a member of his own squad, who he couldn't really remember what his name was but that was not the point, it was more the fact that he was barreling towards him at a terrifying rate however, there was nothing to fear as he soon figured out that he was out that it was a member of his own squad Jujugra Itachi, he relaxed a bit and gave the man a big grin. "Hello there Jujugra, how are you? Are you excited for this expedition?" Kenji asked curiously however, just after he he said this, his squadmate said his ominous statement and he wasn't even too sure how to respond to that statement. "You're too worked up Jujugra! Here take a lollipop for the road and to ease you a bit" Kenji stated offering a lollipop to his colleague before turning to face his colleagues and to listen to Ajraka.