Introduction to the Light [Raphael, Joint Training]

[Raphael Laurent]

Despite the fact that he’d nailed the damn thing in the eye, the mantis hollow decided that ignoring the man capable of shooting arrows of light prooobably wasn’t the best idea and turned to Raph. The thing was a little taller than normal human size, had large sharp talons and a tail, and to make matters worse, it was coming directly at him! With the dagger now so far away from him, and not enough time to try to influence IT he had to work on doing something else instead. He knew that his current knowledge and capacity for soul command wasn’t anything close to fully combat capable… Or…wait… Hearing Lucien coughing wasn’t exactly confidence boosting, but he had other things to try now, and so try them he would.

Working in a stance similar to how he always influenced the ground, Raphael lifted his foot a bit and gave a single, yet firm, tap. The energy behind the tap, however, was a bit more odd than normal. As soon as his foot landed on the solid ground between them, there was a sound like something was cracking or perhaps shifting. Suddenly there was a sound like something was breaking, and in the next instance a large chunk of ground between himself and the hollow suddenly shot up like a board and the hollow would find itself crashing headlong into a raised up piece of earth. The beast would find that both its talons and tail would come crashing into one another, if it didn’t stop in time.

Not wanting to waste the opportunity, Raphael focused on the ground below the dagger and performed a second such maneuver, another stomp and the ground below the dagger buckled and launched it up into the air, before suddenly whipping backwards and smacking the dagger like it was a pinball, sending it flying right at the back of the hollow’s head. If the beast didn’t evade in time, or properly, then that dagger would be digging into its skull, but either way, a rather different use of his power.

SP: 1950/2000 (if I did that right)

[Lucien Dantes]

The Hollow was taken offguard by this use of Soul Command and was thrown upwards by the raised ground. However, the creature still had sufficient control to avoid wounding itself with its talons. The flying dagger attack, the Hollow was partially prepared for. Having tipped his hand with his Soul Command powers, the Hollow adapted quickly, and noticed the dagger flying at itself. The Hollow twisted in the air to intercept the oncoming dagger with its talon, doubtless to knock the instrument aside. Surprise was, therefore, quite visible on its face when the dagger sheared the talon in two, the top part of the talon spiraling aside and decaying in the air. The Hollow was stabbed in the shoulder, its strike still managing to slightly alter the dagger's course and it howled in shock and pain.

The beast came crashing to the ground in front of Raphael with a snarl of anger. Its maw opened and a Bala exploded out at the Fullbringer at close range, combined with a sideways swipe of its talon, to try to cut Raphael in half at the waist. This one was certainly seeming to be a bit tougher than the peacock-headed hollow. Slightly cannier. Not, however, so canny as to remove the dagger from its shoulder. It didn't realize it, but the creature was already dead. It was only a matter of whether or not Raphael would destroy it, or Lucien now. The dagger in its shoulder was a death sentence-- something Raphael probably hadn't realized yet either. He probably could guess it was no ordinary dagger by the way it had cut through the Hollow's talon, but it could do so much more once Lucien was over his coughing fit.

It can't be helped. He's inexperienced. But I pity that poor Hollow. This is not an elegant, or efficient way to die. It's not clean or quick. Lucien thought, as his coughing abated. His breathing was still heavy though and he would need a moment or two to recuperate. He could potentially destroy the Hollow right this instant, but needed to be certain Raphael wouldn't be caught in the crossfire if he did so. His Firing Property had ended now. The only property Lucien was now currently sustaining was his Soul Property. Lucien briefly mused on the difference between Raphael's life and his own. Neither of them had expected to be soldiers, but it seemed that unlike Lucien, Raphael hadn't been expected to help his soldier sibling develop. He wondered how much freedom Raphael had been allotted. Was he allowed to run outside and play? To choose his future? Or at least to think he was choosing his future? Lucien gave a grim smile. Afterall. Raphael had then gone and awakened powers anyways. And here he was fighting Hollows, just as his adopted parents would have wished of him no doubt.

Fate is a curious and sad thing. There was no avoiding this afterall, Raphael Laurent. Lucien mused as he watched the battle below. He hoped Raphael could last awhile longer, without being hurt. Just a few moments more to let him gain a little bit more combat experience. If Raphael couldn't settle it by then... Then Lucien would finish the battle for him. It would take only a brief moment. Lucien's breathing finally evened out and he straightened up to his usual soldier's posture, eyes focused and waiting for his moment.

Reiatsu Remaining: 7385
+225 for Spirit Fragment with one property active
-70 for maintaining Soul Property on dagger

Stamina posts: 3
Rest Post: 1/2

[Raphael Laurent]

“Whoa, shit!” Raph had watched as his surprise had been effective, watched as the creature had crashed to the side, stabbed in the shoulder by the dagger. He’d been expecting all of that. What he hadn’t been counting on, however, was the creature preparing an attack at him, upon landing. So it was, with quite a bit of grit teeth, that Raphael influenced the ground beneath him to suddenly flip him into the air like he was a pinball. Yet the blast of concentrated energy was quite fast and as he was being launched, it shattered the ground beneath his feet, causing him to fall sooner than he’d meant. The claw, passed right under him as he feel, grazing his shirt and giving him a bit of a cut on his back.

What in the hell was that?! What the fuck?! The explosion launched the shrapnel of the exploded mound of earth that he’d attempted to use to launch himself backwards, all over the place. Raphael fell to the ground, the claw slicing a bit into his back, and he tried his hardest to resist the urge to bite down on his tongue. It was difficult to do, though, and he was certain that he nearly cracked a tooth, particularly upon his colliding with the ground. The pain that shot up through his back was indescribable, at least as far as his own experience went, and it was that searing that facilitated the anger for his next move.

As he landed, he used his entire body as the catalyst and focus for his ability, unseen will grabbing hold of the dirt around the creature. There was a much more powerful crackling sound as the ground behind, and to the right and left of the hollow swung inwards, all of them acting like a rat trap. The first one would slam down on top of it, trying to jam the dagger already in it’s shoulder down further, and even if that one failed, then the left or even right would pick up the slack, each one to crash within milliseconds of the one before it. All done to kill this thing, once and for all.

1900/2000 for soul command

[Lucien Dantes]

The Hollow snarled and screeched as its Bala and talon swipe had narrowly missed. The creature was reasonably agile, and tough. Stronger than the average human, and lightning fast. The creature was already moving for its next attack when Raphael used Soul Command to stymie its charge. Unfortunately for Raphael, the Hollow had learned from its first interlude with his geokinetic demonstration and was prepared this time. It lifted its limbs to shield itself from the attack on either side, which tried to slam into it. Soul Command wasn't a very practical ability for direct combat like Raphael was attempting, and he could only exert so much force directly on the Hollow on an attack. While Raphael was indeed using it creatively, the amount of power he could truly generate offensively was very limited.

The Hollow, even struck by Raphael's attack seemed only bruised and injured. Not defeated. And having lifted its limbs to block the attacks on either side of it, his attempt to drive the dagger deeper had failed. "Die, you vermin!" It snarled at Raphael. "You've given me enough trouble!" With some twisting and shifting of its slithering bulk, the Hollow quickly began working its way out of the trap Raphael had set, to loom above him, raising a talon to strike him with an impaling blow right through the torso.

Fortunately for Raphael, it wouldn't have a chance to finish the attack. Because in the next instant, the dagger in its shoulder, suddenly exploded in a blast of blue-white reiatsu that mirrored the color of Lucien's arrows. The creature howled in shock and pain as it was blown sideways, its arm and most of its head disintegrated by the explosion. It collapsed to the ground in its final death throes, twisting, snapping and whimpering before it finally dissolved away into reishi particles.

"Are you alright?" Lucien landed down beside Raphael. "That was the last of them. I apologize for the delay. I would have preferred you not to be harmed." He explained, holding out a hand and reaching down to help Raphael back up to his feet. "Though I suppose it's natural that in the course of battle, for someone to get hurt." He added. "An unpleasant reality of the world." Lucien wondered briefly how it felt for Raphael. To have finally fought and battled. Lucien was lucky.... in a sense. He hadn't had to have his first real fight be on the battlefield, but in the halls of his family manor. And on the training field. Even so. One's first taste of battle.

...Some found it came naturally. The taste of blood in their mouth and the dying screams of their adversary. War was messy. Uncultured and brutal. Some found it easy. Could sleep easily after taking a life. Lucien never could. He knew that what he'd done today would haunt him tonight. It was necessary-- yes. But still regrettable. Lives had been ended. Lives that would have gone on to hurt others make no mistake, but lives nonetheless. Those Hollows that he and Raphael had killed had been men and women once. With their own hopes, dreams and ambitions. Perhaps some of them lived happy lives, and others did not. Whatever lives they had chosen to live, whatever potential they had in the world. All of it had ended at the point of Lucien's arrows today. And he believed there was something sad about that. He didn't blame the Hollows, and he didn't blame himself. It was necessary. Utopia wasn't for everyone. It was nobody's fault but that of the world. A world he desperately hoped that the Vandenreich could change, where no others had. Only the Emperor's will was absolute. Humans, hollows, arrancar, Shinigami. Every hand that could guide the world withered and died eventually. The great became corrupt. It was not by the hands of a mortal that the world could be saved. Only by an immortal. Only an immortal with the will and vision to see it through. Only the Emperor could create such a thing. Lucien could not. None of the other Vandenreich could. It was only the Emperor that could make a world like this wholly unnecessary.

Lucien did hope that one day Raphael would come to understand that truth as well. But he also knew it was a lot to heap onto someone so early on. For now, he would settle for just making sure Raphael was alright. Lucien's bow disappeared and he allowed his Spirit Fragment to stop drawing in the reishi of the area. "At any rate. That was the last of them. You can relax." The Quincy assured Raphael his militaristic demeanor evaporating into thin air, replaced by the more gentle, kind and slightly depressed one that Raphael had originally encountered.

Stamina post: 1

[Raphael Laurent]

The creature seemed to smash through his attempt at a second trap, and he cursed himself for not having more control over this ability and watched as the mantis hollow loomed over him. He couldn’t help but smirk a bit considering the situation. This one was leagues above the first one that had assailed him, and this time Taka wasn’t around to help out, nor was Shizuka. Lucien was the closest, but Raphael didn’t have the time to look over and see if the man had recovered from his coughing fit to be able to come to his aid. He swore under his breath. Still he was fairly proud of what he’d done and only regretted that he wouldn’t be able to do more.

That was when, suddenly the dagger sticking out of the hollow’s shoulder seemed to explode in brilliant light almost like a blue flame. In a single instant, the creature was thrown far to the side, it’s entire arm gone, and a fair bit more of it also destroyed, as if suffering from an explosion. It squirmed, writhed, thrashed and gnashed, then it lay still and silent for a few seconds before breaking apart into what almost looked like particles. Laying on the ground as he was, Raphael couldn’t help but look at the spot where it had vanished in a bit of awe. He’d seen a few people using their abilities but...so far nothing had compared to this. Very flashy, if nothing else.

Raph looked up when Lucien landed beside him, offering a hand. He accepted it gratefully and got back to his feet, while shaking his head. “Don’t worry ‘bout it, man. Shit like that happens and, really, it’s my fault for not being more careful. It’s the first lesson I learned from these things, back when I first started watching them fight the Shinigami: never underestimate one, no matter what you think.” He stretched out his arms, legs and then back.

While stretching out his back, though, he felt the sharp pain and knew that he was bleeding, and wasn’t sure what he’d say if he had to explain it to hospital staff. For the time being, though... Raphael took his shirt off, wrapped it around himself a bit, trying to bite back the pain, before using soul command to knot the shirt together a bit more. “I’m glad that’s the last of ‘em… Oh, man that hurt. Hopefully there are no spirit infections…” He chuckled a bit and smiled, though he was aching all over. “Proooobably just gonna buy some gauze, though, so I don’t have to screw around with the hospital.” He turned to Lucien. “Well, I won’t lie, I was glad to get to see a quincy in action, again, it’s been a little too long since I got to watch my mom and brother. This was most certainly an enlightening experience. Oooh, Imma be feeling that one tomorrow.”

[Lucien Dantes]

Lucien gave Raphael a worried look all the same. "Unfortunately, I do worry." Lucien stated as he helped Raphael up and brushed off the young man's shoulders. "I would like to see a world where people do not have to suffer. Even something as minor as this." He stated. "The lesson you have learned is a good one. You will be wise to remember it." He agreed. Though it wasn't why Lucien himself fought as viciously and aggressively as he did. Lucien also did not hold back against Hollows, but in his case, it was because his desire not to see others suffer extended to his enemies as well. If he killed them instantly, they wouldn't have to suffer much. And the only way he could guarantee such a swift kill is if he gave his all, right from the beginning.

After ascertaining that Raphael was alright, and that the danger had passed, Lucien's posture visibly relaxed and his eyes softened, returning to the kind, melancholy gaze that he had when Raphael had met him. "Seeing how it is my fault that you were injured, I would like to help you with that." Lucien suggested. "I do not have medical supplies on my person, but I imagine we can find some fairly easily. Cost will be no object, I assure you. If you could just point me towards the nearest Pharmacy, perhaps? Or we can go there together." He suggested.

Lucien let the comment about seeing a Quincy in action pass without comment. While Lucien was glad that seeing his abilities at work had been a positive experience for Raphael-- a positive interaction with the Vandenreich, he wished it had been under other circumstances. "Well. I'm rather pleased to hear you feel that way. Ah, that is-- that it has been an enlightening experience. Less so that you'll be feeling your injury tomorrow. I hope my arrow did not harm you as well." Lucien stated, quickly correcting himself as he spoke. "In any case, where can we get some medical supplies for you now? I think I can at least handle simply disinfecting your injury and bandaging it. And as it seems to be on your back, it would be difficult for you to reach." He suggested.

[Raphael Laurent]

Raphael watched the man for a moment, unable to decide whether or not the man’s desire for a more peaceful world was a good thing or a bad thing. On the one hand, desiring peace and for people’s lives to be less painful was, most certainly, good and it was a noble thing to strive for; on the other hand, such devotion was also very bad as it could drive one to do things they wouldn’t often do. Still, as the man stated that Raphael would be smart to remember the lesson, he nodded back agreeing with his assessment of the words. Lucien was a man devoted and kind, but at the same time ruthless and cunning, with the entire thought process behind his combat style being to end it as quickly as he could. He couldn’t deny, though, that it was better than those that screwed around with what they were doing.

Yet even as the man relaxed, the sadness seemed to return to his eyes and Raphael wasn’t sure whether he preferred the stoic gaze of the warrior or the melancholy stare of the man himself. He stood there and watched the man for a moment as he offered to help Raphael with the injury, even going so far as to buy the supplies. “Hey, man I get what you mean and I’m not gonna say no, ya get what I’m saying? I’ve still got a lot to learn when it comes to this whole…” He waves his hands around as if to dismiss everything that had just happened. “Spiritual mumbo jumbo stuff, and with this cut happening to my back I’m definitely not going to turn down any help that you’d offer.” He winced as he said this, but still managed to smile at the end of it.

“C’mon, no need to be so stiff and formal. It was an enlightening experience, helped me to understand more of what was going on with, well with myself and I got to see some true spiritual combat. There’s a lot that I’ve got to actually get going on my end, of course, but that’ll have to wait for a little while.” At the man’s insistence of medical supplies, Raphael nodded, pointing to their right. “There’s a drug store a few blocks down that way that should still be open. I can show you where it is.” And with only a little bit of pain, Raphael made his way over to the fire escape, slowly going down it until he reached the ladder which, with a simple flick of his fingers, dropped all the way to the ground. Climbing was far more painful than he hoped it would be, but upon reaching the bottom, he felt most of the pain go away, especially using soul command to pull on it a bit and cushion his own landing.

[Lucien Dantes]

Lucien smiled at Raphael. A slightly mournful smile but that was pretty much standard issue for Lucien, as Raphael was probably quickly realizing even based on the short time with the man. "It's good at least that you know you have much to learn. But I think you managed to learn a few new things today. Your horizons have been broadened." He replied gently. As Raphael accepted his offer, Lucien's gaze searched around. "I'm sure there's a medical clinic nearby. Are you familiar with... Hmm. Well, in the Vandenreich it is Luftboden, but I believe you would know it as "Air Ground." Lucien added. "If you are a Fullbringer, which is what you appear to be it should come quite naturally to you. Envision the reishi in the air and use your Soul Command. Force them to form platforms that can support you." As if to demonstrate, Lucien walked out of the building, standing on air. "It may take a bit of practice, but once you're familiar with it, you will be able to do this nearly subconsciously." He assured Raphael.

If Raphael chose to try his luck at this, Lucien would wait just in case he fell, ready to catch the Fullbringer. Air Ground was the sort of talent that could see use even in Lucien's perfect world after all. Instead though, Raphael seemed content to use the ladder. That was fine by Lucien, though he felt it was still something useful for Raphael to practice. As Raphael pointed out the existence of a drug store, Lucien turned his head in that direction. "Excellent. Then let us go and see you patched up." Lucien stated, beginning to walk down on his air ground as though they were stairs, dropping down towards the earth, until his feet touched pavement. From there the man began to walk towards the drug store alongside Raphael.

[Raphael Laurent]

Raphael watched the man, chuckling after climbing down. “Not gonna lie to ya, I’ve never heard of this…air ground thing, though if I can pull on even the air molecules with soul command, makes ya wonder what other kinda shit you can do with it.” He was walking slowly, hoping to god that no one else was around to see the two as they made their way towards the pharmacy. The last thing that he wanted was to have an ambulance called on him because he had a huge gash in his back. How the fuck would he even explain that if someone asked? Training accident? Too big. Construction issues? Potential lawsuits, more questions… He just decided he’d avoid the question at all costs.

He knew that Lucien was part of the Vandenreich and that they were trying to see a new world brought forth, Lucien seemed to really buy into that, but Raph just couldn’t like it. There were problems with a world of no pain. More problems than anyone could really even comprehend or understand. Such a world could cause the loss of ambition, the loss of willpower. That was a far cry from Raphael’s ideal world. Still…

“I hate those things, not going to lie. Hollows are the only thing about the world that I’ve never exactly been able to fully settle, but theoretically they have to exist, I suppose.” He stretched his arms. “I’m not gonna lie to ya, these abilities are...fascinating. It’s the first time I’ve ever tried using them in combat situations. They aren’t specifically useful for fighting, to be fair, but definitely things that I could use to keep myself alive, for a bit anyways. I remember mom telling me not to fight ‘em, if I could help it. Watching her and Brian and dad hunt hollows though was always interesting. They would slowly walk around and then there would be a sound and then there were the bows…” He trailed off a bit, and looked at Lucien, wincing in pain as he turned. “There any other kind of spiritual entities, that I need to be careful of?”

[Lucien Dantes]

"Well. You are young. You'll learn, I am sure." Lucien replied. "Though we Quincy are blessed with the greatest strength of all races, I am to understand that you Fullbringers possess an unparalleled ability to manipulate your surroundings. I imagine you could accomplish anything you set your mind to." He replied. He allowed Raphael to think on matters, and was ready when he finally spoke.


"I think hate is unbefitting." Lucien replied. "For any being, but especially for Hollows. I do not hate them. I pity them. Through no fault of their own, they have become a blight on this existence. I do not believe in the necessity of their existence. Ravenous creatures that destroy the lives of those around them. But they were once men and women like you. Perhaps some were even like me. Quincy. Corrupted, broken and twisted by this unfair, cruel world. Unable to find peace in death, and ultimately becoming the monsters you have seen. Their existence is piteous. Hollows are but one more reason for the Emperor's Will to be done. In his utopia, the very circumstances that give birth to such creatures would become nonexistent. Their existence need not be a necessity." Lucien replied.

As far as Raphael's question as to other spiritual entities, Lucien smiled a little. "A great many. One of your talents will doubtlessly encounter the Shinigami in time. They will be drawn to your talents, and seek to appropriate them. You will recognize them by their black robes, and their swords, I expect. For many years, Shinigami have been those that have kept the balance of this world. But as you can see.... They have failed in their purpose. Were I not here, that Menos would have caused terrible destruction. Many of my brothers in the Vandenreich would proclaim Shinigami as less than vermin. Hated enemies, fit only to be destroyed. I do not agree with this assessment. Though the Shinigami are indeed my enemies, I do not fault their cause; I believe many Shinigami would sooner see the same world I would. And I believe that such Shinigami are worthy of salvation. But too many of them have grown weak and corrupt. Their organization, the great fortress city, the Seireitei, groans under the weight of the corruption and decadence of centuries. Though you may find many Shinigami to be perfectly reasonable, upstanding, and pleasant individuals, they are at the beck and sway of a power that is not." Lucien explained.

"The other race you may encounter are called Arrancar. They are evolved Hollows. Hollows who have broken their masks, and achieved a level of sentience and mastery over their more feral nature. Though their appearances may vary, and some resemble their Hollow selves more than others, they are typically humanoid in form, with a Hollow hole somewhere on their body and a fragment of their mask somewhere on their face. They are usually far more powerful than an ordinary Hollow. Though I have heard tell of the occasional benevolent Arrancar, most are still as vile and cruel as their Hollow selves were. Twisted and reshaped by their long existence as Hollows into monsters even with the recovery of their minds."

Lucien pondered if there were any others, and settled on a more general statement. "There are yet others as well of course, but I do not believe you are likely to encounter them. The other races of the spiritual world are exceedingly rare, and varying in temperament. You should trust your instincts with the others. Some will be benign, benevolent even, while others will be more insidious." Lucien paused again. "Many of my colleagues would take issue with my descriptions I am sure. I do hope you come to seek out the Emperor's Light for yourself, Raphael Laurent. I am certain you would be welcomed into our ranks with open arms. His Majesty would protect you, and you need not take up arms for yourself again. You could exist in peace, under the protection of the Vandenreich. But I have come to understand human nature. It is not something that is easy to mold, nor does it change so readily. I will not force you to make that decision, I will leave you to find your own answer in your own due course." Lucien concluded. And I shall pray that you make the right decision. Lucien thought. It would be another tragedy, were you to be found as one who cannot be accepted into the Emperor's world.

By now they had entered the pharmacy, and Lucien approached the front. He quickly requested bandages and disinfectant, and procured a wallet. Japanese Yen was a little bit unfamiliar to Lucien compared to other forms of currency, but he had supplied himself appropriately and was able to readily pay. "If you like I can treat that injury. As a field officer, I learned something of first aid. Or if you prefer, I can give these to you and you may treat them yourself."

[Raphael Laurent]

Raphael went quiet as Lucien began to speak, the first thing he said was about what exactly the fullbringers had the potential to do and Raph couldn’t help but ponder what the fullest extent of that was. He wanted to know how far it could be pushed. He’d seen some things that he was capable of, and that was amazing in and of itself, but how far could that go? Still Lucien continued on, detailing that hate wasn’t worthy of any particular race, but that for hollows he pitied them, not hated them. Raphael knew that they were twisted souls and for that, he couldn’t blame them. It wasn’t their fault, after all. His words about the circumstances for their creation not being in this utopian world made Raphael nearly balk, though he didn’t say anything out loud. Raphael knew one thing above all else: there could be no love without apathy, no happiness without sadness, no life without death. To remove one would invariably remove the other without fail.

“Why would Shinigami even give a fuck about the talents of fullbrings with everything that they can do?” Raph shook his head. “Not to mention their ‘honor’ and it doesn’t make sense. And what do you mean ‘appropriate’? Pretty sure their laws say they can’t kill a human that they haven’t been ordered to.” Raph watched Lucien, feeling only a bit detached. Not from the conversation specifically, but from the way that Lucien was stating that they’d failed. That wasn’t quite an accurate assessment, they didn’t have the numbers, from what Raphael had been able to see. Now, he did agree, to an extent that many of them were either corrupt, or had just turned lazy from years of being the protectors and guardians. They didn’t seem to be all that…with it anymore. At least the officers. He did think that they weren’t vermin, like his brother had, like he described many Vandenreich as being. Worthy of salvation. Raphael couldn’t believe what he was hearing from a man as philosophically self-aware as Lucien. Such a man… What could’ve happened to him to inspire such blind loyalty?

But then he was told about arrancar, so called “evolved” hollows who had broken their masks and mastered themselves and their bestial nature. For them, Raphael theorized, it wasn’t about being reclaimed, saved anything like that. They were simply destroyed emotionally from how long so many of them had been hollows before recovering themselves, and even then themselves were as destroyed as the souls that went to Soul Society were.

But the final part of Lucien’s explanation made Raphael truly wonder how many he’d encountered. Raphael had run into at least one more race, mod souls, and he wasn’t so quick to tell Lucien about something like that, concerned on what he’d do with such information. Would they be viewed as heresies of the Shinigami, things to be destroyed? There were too many unknowns and variables. They were exceedingly rare? It didn’t surprise him. Raphael nodded, agreeing that many of Lucien’s contemporaries would disagree with him on how he was describing everything. But the next part, joining the Vandenreich, that was something that bothered Raphael. His brother had said something similar. Raphael had told him to never, ever, say anything like that in his presence again, yet here was Lucien, doing the same thing, though he didn’t know. Or, rather, believed like his brother and there was too much that they could not understand, as their god wanted to create a world that wouldn’t truly exist.

Raph watched Lucien as he purchased both bandages and disinfectant and he quickly also bought gauze as well, just in case for later on. “You can give ‘em to me and I can go ahead and bandage myself up here. It’s not that bad. Besides, I’ve used up more than enough of your time. Shinigami, quincy, arrancar, fullbringer. It’s amazing to think what could happen were we able to actually overcome these differences and change how we thought. Maybe a truly peaceful world would be possible.” He watched Lucien, for a few moments. “My brother offered the same thing as you, once. I explained to him, in not very kind words, that altering the essence of one’s soul is quite a poor decision. You’ll understand, given the nature of what you’re even offering, that I must refuse so that I can think on everything.”

[Lucien Dantes]

Lucien sighed as Raphael asked him about the Shinigami further. "The Shinigami, in their desperate bids to maintain balance, seek dominion over all spiritual entities. The Fullbringers included. If you intend to interfere in spiritual affairs they will want to keep you under control so that you do not meddle in the wrong spiritual affairs." He replied. "The more benevolent of them will likely be doing this out of a genuine concern for your well being. The more corrupted ones will be doing this as a means to exercise control of you and put you on a leash." He stated. "As far as their laws are concerned... You will find many Shinigami can take great liberties in what their "laws" allow." He replied.

As they completed the purchase though, Lucien allowed Raphael to take the ointments and bandages. "If you insist then. I suppose I too must return home to report to his Majesty's court." Lucien replied. As Raphael refused his offer, Lucien gave an understanding nod. "Truth be told, I am pleased you said that. Too many of my brethren demand obedience and conversion at the point of a sword. True understanding cannot be achieved in such a way. True loyalty cannot be earned in such a way. Of course you may take the time you require." Lucien replied. "Know as well that I do not demand your conversion into a Quincy immediately, if you should choose this path. I would only bestow that upon a follower of the Emperor at such a time as they were ready. And I have many tasks that my own kind cannot fulfill. Hmm. But there I go. Attempting to pressure you toward a specific choice. I apologize." Lucien stated, and his tone and voice did sound genuine.

"I hope you will think it over carefully in any case. And I hope to see you again on amicable terms Mr. Laurent. May the Emperor guide you." Lucien gave a half bow to Raphael, and with a small sound of flickering static, the Vandenreich was gone in a single step technique.

[Raphael Laurent]

Raphael couldn’t deny that everything Lucien was saying was incredibly true. It was something that his own mother always tried warning him about Shinigami: that they were very controlling and always had a desire to keep a hand on everything. As she’d always said, Raphael was terrible at following directions… and listening to orders and commands…and just about anything that had to do with authority. It always amazed her that he’d even managed to get through school. And, even as Lucien described what the Shinigami did in order to keep fullbringers under control, he couldn’t help but chuckle at the absurdity of such an institution even giving a shit.

He was thrilled when Lucien said to take the time that he needed. Really, he just didn’t wanna tell Lucien that if his brother hadn’t been able to convince him, then there wasn’t a chance in hell of Lucien doing so. He was such a chill guy, after all, that Raph just couldn’t bring himself to say it. But he’d taken the bandages and ointment nonetheless, more than thankful that the man had assisted, and even offered. He was happy that they’d managed to stop another hollow incursion and that he’d gotten a bit of true experience combatting a fairly strong hollow. There was still, however, a ton to learn and Raphael was more than happy to do so.

Even as he watched the man vanish with a single technique, Raphael couldn’t help but ponder as to his devotion. In a way, it was almost admirable and would’ve been truly admirable, if it wasn’t so blind. Blind devotion was something Raph couldn’t stand, it was something that he hated about their “balance” bullshit. There was no true balance, not naturally anyways. Balance was a construct made up by humans going about their lives. The universe operated on the laws of entropy and the fact that it was constantly breaking down. The quincy were facing a similar dilemma. The entropic decay of the world was something that nothing, and no one, could escape. Still…

Raphael slowly lifted two fingers and gave a light wave. “And may the force be with you.”

[Ludwig Verrlicht]

Alright so you two managed to get 128 paragraphs written up between the two of ya'll. Impressive stuff my dudes. Since neither of ya'll specified anything I'm awarding TP to each of ya'll. Feel free to count over the paragraphs just in case I messed up and if I'm wrong with the count let me know. Anywho here are ya'lls rewards.

Raph: +640 TP

Lucien: +640 TP