The Next Generation (Chika/Miranda/JT)

[Miranda Frost]

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Walking under the thick canopy of nearby trees was always a soothing experience for the Captain of the Tenth. Humming softly to the calming ambience of nearby birds, she walked along the path with a rather pleased disposition. It begged the question. What had Celes so pleased? Simple. Repairs of Shinō Academy were progressing steadily. Normally a duty assigned to the Sixth Division, Celes decided to offer some manpower to help restore the academy to its former glory. After all, they had just recently suffered a devastating attack from Las Noches. 

Never staying in one squad for long, Miranda had to prove herself time and time again. She'd draw the short straw many a time and the result would put her in the infirmery more times than she could count. Frost had read that the easiest way to get a man killed is to put him on the front line, but time after time Miranda proved this practice to be flawed. Whether it be hollow or failed lab experiment, Miranda would live to tell the tale, though a bit more scarred than the average soul reaper.

Squad 7 was her first assignment, and her shortest. Totalling two missions, the squad decided she wasn't a particular fit for the division and gave her up to squad 10, a more defensive and reservist assignment. Squad 10 would become her home and she'd quickly gain the admiration of its Lieutenant, Arantima Kawada and inspired her fellow squadmates. The perilous missions still came and she'd find herself never fully healing from each engagement. The world seemed to be falling apart and the then third seat struggled to keep it all together. She'd obtain her shikai and after a time, bankai under the squad.

She'd be taken in by the Kawada family and invited to the Captain Commander's side by the boss man himself. Her efforts were recognized. Although her powers were still somewhat untested, eyes in higher places have seen the potential she could bring. Miranda had never actually met the Captain Commander before the invitation, yet the man spoke to her with utmost familiarity. It was strange and hard to accept. The new Lieutenant was forced to reflect often upon herself and what led up to this point, to this station in her life. She couldn't afford to botch this assignment up.

As Lieutenant of the first division, Miranda held a unique responsibility compared to other lieutenants. She ran the division in its day to day affairs. She planned and ran its training and developement. She tasked and assigned its member to various missions and whatever was needed. Miranda Frost was awarded the job of Captain without its title, with the Captain Commander having the final say on her decisions. This allows the Captain Commander to Supervise all thirteen divisions rather than let his own squad take too much bandwith. This was a greater honor than Miranda realized at first.

Each day she felt the pressure more and more to be successful during her time here. Losing the Commander's favor could put a halt to her desire for Captaincy. She put her soldiers through the wringer. If a force like the latest hell incursion arrived at their doorstep, they wouldn't find an army of dead men walking, but a group of soldiers built to resist an invasion force. That was the idea of course. The goal was a stretch and even she recognized that it was unlikely to be achieved. Just as any good story is about the journey, these efforts would leave squad 1 in a much better place than it would have been without her.

Training day lasted from sunrise to sun down. Training swords would be left behind and zanpakuto would be utilized. Zanpakuto were and extention of oneself and if they couldn't keep their blades from severing life, that means they wouldn't be able to control their decision to kill or spare. A true warrior would be able to stop edge from cutting through on contact with the target if needed. This proficiency was necesary to carry out their duties as soul reapers. If they couldnt control themselves, the injuries they inflict upon their comrades would serve as lessons learned.

They would become hardened warriors and stronger because of it. Miranda will foster the next generation of Soul Reapers, no matter what it took. Frost would ensure they would not suffer the pain she had to wade through to get to this point. Most wont even take a seated position, and that is ok, but if she could give rise to a future Lieutenant or Captain, that would fill her chest with an immense amount of pride. It took many teachers for Miranda to finally get to this point; If only they could see her now.

Miranda stood at the base of the stairs leading up to the Squad 1 administration building where the top echelon of Squad 1's seated officers worked and slept. She looked down upon the great helm she carried in her grasp. Like her body its surface was scarred and tarnished. Scorch marks line the flanks of the helmet and gashes and scratches covered its body, each one evidence of a battle lost to time. These helmets would be worn by the guards turned abominations in her home district, by her fellow captives, by her lost sisters.

Miranda often took trophies or reminders of the events that occur in her wake. A vandenreich captain's cloak and demon sensing amulet, a saphire amulet once owned by a Kuchiki, and even her current form her Zanpakuto takes. Wearing the helmet brings her focus and reminds her why she does the things she does. Against proper Zanpakuto it provides next to no protection, but what it symbolizes keeps her heart calm when she wears it. In battle it cools her emotions and keeps each action deliberate to a point of machine like efficiency.

Miranda would climb the stairs to the base floor where her office resided. The sun had just recently set, the day's shadow cast upon the slding doors to her place of work. These long training days often left her little room to rest and prepare for the day after. As the command squad, there was no shortage of paperwork to be found, majority of which were reports delivered in from other squads. Whether it be requisition for training equipment on behalf of squad 11 or patient updates from squad 4, it all eventually came to her. She'd approve the requests and deliver the necesary reports to the Captain after reviewing them.

At first this amount of paperwork was daunting for a woman who didnt even know how to read prior to joining the Gotei 13, but she aclamated as well as she normally did. It was the worst part of her job, even if she had delegated much of it to her staff of seated officers. She still was required to review reports that met the Captain Commander's requirements. She'd reach the door to her office and place her hand on the door, slowly sliding it open. Hopefully this venture would be quick. Her eyes had begun to drift even while she stood.

"Just a little longer"



Para counter: 11
Total: 11

[Chika Hirabayashi]

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Effect: Made to celebrate the continuation of the Bleach anime with the TYBW arc, this coupon can be used on any thread started on or after October 10th, 2022, and is valid until January 1st, 2023. When used, it will double the TP reward of the thread, up until the most recent completed page (adventures/quests) or post (other) if the thread is not finished by January 1st. This is a one-time item.

Seireitei had been... quite the interesting place for Chika, thus far. While she hadn't had the opportunity to really get to know a whole lot of people, given her relatively new existence within the Gotei 13, she'd already had the opportunity to learn quite a lot. Certainly a lot more than she'd ever expected to learn over the course of a few short years, that much was certain. And yet, she still felt like a child; like someone without any sense of direction, simply wandering around as she saw fit without a care as to whom she might affect. Without any semblance of a stable purpose.

That needed to change.

Since she'd graduated from the academy all those years back, Chika had been faced with quite a number of offers to join the Squads of the Gotei. But, much like was otherwise expected from the girl, she'd turned a good lot of them down. Her mindset at the time? On which of the Three Worlds is it a good idea for me to join a Squad? None here can keep up with my own capabilities~! And while the truth behind the statement wasn't one she'd considered, refraining from picking a Squad had always left a sort of sour taste in the girl's mouth. Until recently, that is.

After much deliberation, and eventually humbling herself ever so slightly in the process, Chika had signed up to join Sixth Squad. After all, it aligned quite nicely with the girl's interests; she'd known firsthand about how much of - for lack of a better term - a hellhole the further districts of the Rukongai could be. In truth, it wasn't something she felt comfortable keeping that way, if she had the opportunity to fix it. So, her course of action? Join the Sixth, and look to become the hero she'd always wanted to be!

Though, her endeavors weren't exactly focused toward any sort of goal of recognition, or fame, or anything like that. Most importantly, she didn't want those around her to have to deal with the same life she'd gone through; petty thievery just to survive, dealing with the inevitable Rukon purges, and more. It was horrible for her, and she could only imagine just how horrible it had to be for those still living back there right now. Even her old friends... most of the time, the thought weighed down on her quite heavily.

Today, though? She'd make the first step toward rectifying that eventual goal. She'd make the first step forward to securing a better future for not only the Rukongai, but even for those that had the luxury of living within the walls of the Seireitei! Naturally, one step came at a time, but regardless of that fact, Chika was the girl to make it happen. That much? She was prepared to make absolutely sure of.

---

Streeeetching her back out in an arched position as the girl began to wake herself from her slumber, Chika couldn't help but huff to herself. As she felt a joint in her back pop - much to her comfort - she began to repeat the process, though this time leaning herself forward and stretching her back in the opposite direction; standard 'downward fox' for the standard foxgirl.

With a soft humming as she finished up, Chika took a moment to sit herself up, and cross her legs. It always took her a bit to actually wake up and get out of bed; today was much the same. She'd eventually have the willpower to do so, but until that time came? She was perfectly content with simply sitting about, taking in the fresh morning air that she'd been able to catch from the barracks being left- Gods. With another huff, though this one more frustrated, the girl stood up.

Almost stomping her way over to the sliding door leading into her own little room, she gently 'slammed' the door shut. Seems that someone thought it'd be funny to leave the door open while she slept, the bastards. "One of these days," she spoke, very flamboyantly placing her fingertips on her forehead like some 1987 manga protagonist, "these squadmates of mine are going to get me killed! I'm sure of it." Holding her pose for a few short moments, before shaking her head, the girl sighed.

Looking around the room, she spotted her Shihakkusho resting rather neatly, folded up nicely and placed gently on a mat nearby. Changing into uniform naturally took precedence over anything else; last thing she wanted was to be seen in anything less than Seireitei standards! Making haste over toward the uniform, and quickly beginning to prep herself for the day, she let out another huff as she tied her weapon to her waist. With a twitch of the ears, she felt that she was practically ready for the day.

Sliding open the door to her barracks once more, this time with another triumphant pose following in suit, the girl let out a rather tame shout. "Another day, another opportunity to bring about good to this world! Bearer of the Starcursed Brand, Chika Hirabayashi ready for duty!" And, for a few short moments, she was met with a bit of silence. That was, until one of her squadmates walked out of one of the nearby rooms as well, similarly ready for the day. "Oh, good morning, Chika!" she spoke softly, a warm smile rested on her face.

Giving a smug grin back, Chika gave a salute to the girl that had walked out, closing the door behind her with her foot. "Salutations, Sachiko!" She spoke, her voice carrying through the halls, "I hope you're ready for another rigorous day of keeping these Worlds safe from the likes of the Hollows!?" Her excitement quite visible, Chika did absolutely nothing to hold herself back; such was just how she operated. Thankfully, most of her Squad had grown somewhat receptive to this fact, save for a few outliers, and this Sachiko girl was no exception.

With a chuckle, the girl nodded her head. "You bet!" She spoke albeit much softer, "c'mon, let's go get something
to eat so you don't nearly pass out on us again, yeah~?" Looking away with a soft rosy blush appearing on her cheeks, Chika sighed. "I suppose this is a good idea." "That's the spirit! I'll see what I can do about making some tamagoyaki again! Seems that everyone loved that last time around!" Almost immediately, the foxgirl's attention was invariably captured by her squadmate.

---

In due time, the squad eventually finished up with a general breakfast; as was in habit for Chika's little 'friend group' every morning. Her, Sachiko, and three others had taken the time to get rather close since their graduation from Shin'ō, and she couldn't really complain. It was... a little difficult for her to make friends at times, but in truth? She wouldn't've given up any of them for the world!

Though, as all good things do eventually come to an end, it was time for Chika to begin with her goals for the day; predominantly? She wanted to visit the First Squad. Given the reputation behind the Squad as a whole, she knew immediately that this was going to be an incredible opportunity for her. If nothing else, she wanted to learn from the best. Though, what exactly was she going to be learning? That much was simple; combat!

While she'd had the opportunity in the Academy to get some experience for herself, Chika had certainly lacked any kind of hands-on training when it came to Zanjutsu. She hadn't been put into an environment where such was really possible. Until today, that was. Today she was going to see what she could do about talking to the Captain Commander directly in order to learn a thing or to! Such was a lofty goal for the girl, sure, but the Bearer of the Starcursed Brand was going to put forth an effort in order to make sure that she was the best she could be.

As such? She quickly packed up her things after breakfast, and began to make the trek toward the First Division. Due to the size of Seireitei in general, she was well-prepared for such a journey to take a number of hours, but given she got an early start? She'd be there before noon! Such was of no worry to her, and through the entire time she was well-prepared to wear a smile across her face, truly excited about the prospects of what was to come. Eventually, she'd meet her mark, and arrive at the First.

"First order of business!" she spoke to herself, "I need to find someone to take me to the Captain Commander! Hmm..." she began to find herself almost lost in thought. Just whom could she talk to in order to get there? Thankfully, such a thought wasn't hard for the girl; she'd known exactly who she could reach out to! After all, the first Squad also had a Vice-Captain! "That's it!" she exclaimed, and despite the weird looks she likely got from an unfamiliar squad, she gladly trotted deeper into the First Division's barracks.

Following the advice of others, and eventually finding her mark on where to go thanks to a number of helpful individuals, she eventually found herself outside of Vice Captain Miranda Frost's office. Taking a deep breath in order to steel herself, she gently knocked at the door. "Vice Captain Frost?" she asked, making sure her tone remained crystal clear through the door, "The one and only Chika Hirabayashi, reporting from Sixth Squad is here! Might I come in?" She did absolutely nothing to hide the amount of excitement she felt in her voice.

Para counter: 18
Total: 29

[Miranda Frost]

Though a slight slob in her personal quarters, the Lieutenant's office was immaculate, free from any semblance of dust. One would think of such a state impossible, but with the power of her zanpakuto, Towairaito, she could perform the work for twenty men at a fraction of the time, all without moving a finger. It was one of the many reasons she adored her blade's abilities. Its everyday practical use was just as formidable as its battlefield utilization. If she could imagine it, she could have it materialize before her very eyes, so long as it was within 3ish feet in length of course.

Miranda took a step into the office and glanced at the fireplace still burning with weak flame. She'd imagined a small plate and materialized them near the various candles lining the walls. The semi-translucent blue crystal constructs would lift up the candles from their holders and carry them to the fire one by one, dipping its wick into the fire. Each wick would catch flame and be lifted from the fire to be returned to its rightful place. Their building was electrically powered, but there was something welcoming and soothing about working under candlelight.

Frost smiled and continue along towards her desk, a small crystal broom and dustpan following her every step, brushing the various pieces of chipped stone and dirt from the training field. She'd stop herself at the center of the office, allowing a proper inspection of the room. She searched all corners of the place for tampering and thievery. Miranda wasn't one to be paranoid, but there were times in which she felt her every move was being watched, observed even. The Captain Commander often left Miranda to be doing the dirty work around here, so she didn't believe the source of this feeling was from the boss man.

The Lieutenant had friends with the 2nd Division, so it was possible they could be keeping tabs on her without her knowing. Her ability to pick a shinobi out from her surroundings wasn't great, but she did notice the signs. Miranda was a beacon of Spiritual Pressure, never truly able to hide it in any capacity. Her powers do contain a decent amount of this within a specific radius around her. She need only to see the void left behind another's presence. This didn't always work, but it did help her give an idea of where a stealthy adversary could be.

In this case she was truly alone. Miranda gave a sigh of relief and continued her approach to her desk, placing her helmet next to its left edge next to the stack of already reviewed forms that have yet to be sent to the Captain Commander. She shook her head and placed her gloved hand atop the hefty stack. It was a training day, so little administrative work was accomplished. Many of the seated officers that would help her in this endeavor had already turned in for the night, a reward granted from an impressive effort.

She'd walk about the desk and plop herself lazily in her chair, its cushions nearly knocking her out cold from its immense comfort-bringing prowess. She'd lean back and glance at the ceiling, admiring the quiet atmosphere around her. The plates she had summoned would stack themselves upon the desk opposite from the great helm. She could possibly use them later, so why dematerialize them now? It took little to no effort to keep them about, especially if she wasn't actively using them. Her body arched forward, elbows digging into the oak desk as she looked out into her empty office.

She would notice that she was procrastinating, letting the minutes and hours slip by her in this relaxing, stone trance of hers. She grunted and reached for the small stack of around twenty reports and began to file through them, eyes skimming the subject lines of each and sorting them in order of precedence and priority, despite all of these being of low importance. Many of these were simple requisitions by other squad 1 members for mundane supplies such as ink and paper. A few were comments and recommendations of their training efforts that will be filed with her own records for future reference.

To top it all off there were a couple of incident reports of injuries during the day's training: A non-fatal stab wound from one soldier and a broken leg from his opponent. Miranda smiled and wrote her response on the requested field for each report. "Unseated Officer is to be given medical leave effective immediately. Such leave is to include at least week visit to their home district, if desired, once released by 4th Division personnel." Both soldiers had given their all during training, even if their ability to control themselves was found lacking. This moment's reprieve would serve them well in the long run.

The other papers would be approved without need to change its contents. All were formatted correctly and were legible enough to be accepted. The requests were within reasonable restraints, and she felt the Captain Commander would accept these small, mundane requests. She'd stamp all with her approval in record time and place the approved papers in her overflowing outbox. It annoyed her that the Captain Commander's selection of seated officers couldn't quite keep up with the paperwork's demand, but it'll have to do for now. Miranda will have to provide new expectations for the team if they are to be successful in their everyday duties.

"Vice-Captain Frost? The one and only Chika Hirabayashi, reporting from Sixth Squad is here! Might I come in?"

Miranda was about to stand to prepare herself to leave when she heard a voice requesting for entry. Miranda's eyes widened with surprise and glanced at the clock ticking way above the fireplace. Night had fallen recently, and yet someone from another squad wanted an audience with her. She'd close her eyes and drift slowly back into her chair. Frost had an open-door policy, no matter what time it was, so she'd accept this visitor for now. Judging from the excitement in that woman's voice, she couldn't imagine it'd be a waste of her time.

A crystalline hook would materialize by the door and slid it open, allowing the Lieutenant a good look of her. Her steel eyes narrowed, and a tired smile stretched over her face. Such beauty was welcome in the Gotei 13 and likely made this Chika stand out from her peers, for better or for worse. Miranda did note the beast-clan-like traits the woman held, namely the reflective eyes, perky ears jutting from her blond hair, and tail. This was an uncommon appearance, even within the districts closer to the wilderness.

"Please, have a seat.", she'd gesture to one of two chairs sitting before her desk, nearly identical to her own, just a little bit smaller. "It is quite late, Lady Hirabayashi, what is it that I can do for you? hm?", she'd ask, grasping a jug of tea next to her feet, pouring herself and her guest a cup of the stuff. "Do you like tea? I'm afraid tis all I have at the moment."

Para: 12
Total: 41

[Chika Hirabayashi]

Taking a second to temper her expectations for what was to come, Chika found herself quickly lost in a level of thought. Just what kind of a person was Frost? She hadn't the opportunity to meet her before, so she didn't really have any semblance of an idea in regard to what she should've expected. She hoped quite plainly that the woman was nice. After all, she might've needed to rely on such niceties in order to actually get an audience with the Captain Commander. Given her powers were dormant at the moment, and that accursed brand hadn't flared up, it was only natural that they didn't know who she was! Yep, that was it!

Taking note almost immediately of the door opening in front of her, Chika took another deep breath as she took in her first impression of the Vice Captain. In truth, she was... not at all what Chika had expected. Not to say that was a bad thing, though! Only that Miranda appeared different from her expectations. She'd arrived at First Squad under the impression that she was going to meet someone more suited for some kind of desk job. Miranda... well, was not that expectation. The helm to her side only further nailed in that incorrect thought process, though it did very notably pique her interest.

"Please, have a seat."

Nodding her head in response, Chika followed as she was instructed. Such was the polite thing to do! Especially when the two hadn't the opportunity to have met before; she didn't want to do something to unintentionally hurt her first impression! No, that just wouldn't do! Walking over to the Vice Captain's desk, and taking up a seat just on the other side, Chika couldn't help but maintain that same smile she'd had the entire time. She was excited! "Quite appreciated, Miss Frost!" She spoke enthusiastically.

Taking a moment to glance around the room, Chika found herself in awe for the most part. In thinking about it, this was her first real time in an administrative office like this in Seireitei. At least, after she'd joined Sixth Squad. She'd seen more than enough offices back in the Academy to last a lifetime, thank you very much. Regardless of that fact, she was awestruck by how clean Miranda kept the place! She was no doubt busy quite frequently, so to be able to manage such a task alongside her work? Easily the stuff of legends.

"It is quite late, Lady Hirabayashi, what is it that I can do for you? hm?"

Snapping out of her moment of thought, Chika's ears flicked as she refocused her attention on the Vice Captain. With a soft chuckle, she spoke. "Apologies, Vice Captain! This Brand tends to steal my focus from time to time!" Placing her tightly-wrapped right arm in front of her face, once again assuming some kind of impromptu pose (that frankly was much harder than it needed to be due to her seated position), she spoke again. "I've tempered its influence for the time though! I shall remain fit to speak with you while it remains locked up once again!" Smiling triumphantly, she lowered her arm once more.

During that time however, it seemed that Miranda had offered her a beverage. Who was she to turn down such a gracious act of hospitality? "That sounds wonderful right now!" she spoked rather excitedly, though made effort to keep her volume relatively tame at the same time. Last thing she wanted was to shout in the middle of Miranda's office. Still, she was more than glad to accept a cup from the woman. Waiting patiently for the glass, she took a small sip before gently setting it back down.

"As far as why I'm here," she spoke, "my reasoning is quite simple, in truth! You see, every day that passes brings about a flaring up of the Starcursed Brand; a mark so heavily intertwined with the fate of the world, that I cannot ignore its pulls! Even merely pondering the thought could bring about catastrophic results, likely resulting in the destruction of not only Seireitei, but of the Three Worlds altogether!" Throwing her arm to the side and pausing briefly for dramatic effect, Chika closed her eyes for a moment before resuming her thoughts.

"As such, I need to make sure my body and spirit are well-suited to act as a host for such a monumental task! That would be why I am here! I'd like to seek an audience with the Captain Commander for a personal training session! Only then will I have the chance to make sure my curse does not bring about devastation!" Crossing her arms with a huff, and a smile that rested all-too-familiarly across her lips, the girl awaited a response from the Vice Captain.

While the Captain Commander was Chika's inevitable goal, she was by no means hung up if that that simply wasn't an option at the moment. After all, like Miranda had said; it was late. What if he'd been asleep by this point? Such was a truth she simply wasn't ready to face; her training needed to begin as soon as she could! After all, the fate of the Worlds depended on it!

If she didn't have that opportunity? Well, from there she'd have to find someone to suit as her 'Captain Commander'. That was to say, she still needed someone strong in order to help her out. Perhaps Miranda would've been the perfect individual to help with that? Only time would tell if she would indulge Chika in her delusions of grandeur or not. Regardless, she was so very excited to receive a response; she was practically shaking in her chair! Taking another sip of her tea, Chika took a soft breath in order to calm herself for the moment.

Para Count: 10
Total: 51

[Miranda Frost]

Brand? Whatever could this lady be speaking about? Her steel grey gaze focused on the bandaged arm, reminding herself of her own old affliction, remnents of unpurified soul becoming a disease upon her very existance. Through conquering it, she obtained the notice of the Captain Commander and was moved one step closer to the realm of her dreams, the seat of captain. Could it be possible that this woman of mixed blood has a similar affliction? If this is the case then the fates are indeed humorous after all, teasing Miranda in this laughable manner. The lieutenant smiled.

Upon accpting her offer of soothing tea, one of the small, crystal plates stacked neatly at the side of her desk would slide out, setting beneath the cup as the guest let it rest once more, sounding forth the most satisfying *clink*. "I must be slipping. Please use the coaster, if you could~", she'd request before she explained to Miranda her purpose for visiting. Her eyes widened dramatically, playing along with the theatrics before her. "Starcursed Brand? Could this Brand be the very same inflicted upon you, Lady Hirabayashi? Oh what cataclysm awaits us all in the future!"

Miranda couldn't keep up the playful act without laughing. It had been a while since she'd seen something so aloof and entertaining, the Vice-Captain couldn't help it. She'd bring her cup to her lips to silence her soft cackling, sipping upon the semi-bitter drink before placing it back down upon her coaster. "You wish to see the Captain Commander. You wish for him to train you.. hmn", she'd repeat, validating that she heard the woman correctly. It was a unique request from the rest she delt with on a daily basis. The sheer power the man possessed in the palm of his hands brought fear to many, yet this one was excited at the idea of it.

Many in her position would outright deny this request, perhaps even remove Chika from the premisis instantly, but there was something genuine about the request, this desire. Perhaps this is what made Miranda worry. At first glance at her spiritual pressure, it felt quite weak. How could she hope to survive should the Commander slip or lose control even slightly? There would be nothing left but a scorch mark on his office's floor. Miranda shook her head and leaned back in her chair in thought.

It was against her nature to deny something so genuine. After all, was Miranda's goal and desires all that different? Her own silly ambitions have made her the Vice-Captain she was today. Miranda was forged by her dreams, so why not assist this other in her own? She reflected on the words of Ajarka Kuchiki. "When you reach the summit of your mountain, will you turn to help the others beneath you up?" The face of the mountain had been perilous, but she had endured it. Who better than she would teach this Hirabayashi how to stand properly before the Boss.

"Unfortunately", she started, exhaling deeply, her reiatsu seemingly making it appear as if she was breathing in a winter atmosphere. "As you are right now, you are unfit for this request. Can a child bear the weight of a sun?" It made her heart sink to have to explain the gap in strength between her and the Boss, but she needn't let the words sway her excitement. "But, every road does start somewhere, and this one does exist. It is fairly long, but if you're patient, I may help you get what you desire" Miranda reached for her jug of tea and refilled their cups before setting it back down.

"When I was in your position, I became enamoured with the Haori all captains posess. I was envious, hungry even. To pay back the debts I owed to the Sereitei, I would need to embody its symbol, the Captain." She smiled and placed a gloved hand upon the flat top of her great help, the claws tracing about its worn edges. "They were like knights of old in a child's fairy tail made manifest. It was a tall mountain and through so much pain I am finally close to the summit."

"Tell me, would you like me to prepare you for this venture? I cannot teach you any cool, dramatic moves, or some flash kido, but what I can teach you is how to stand on your own two feet. What do you say? If you're in such a rush, we can even start tonight. Rest can wait, hmn?", she'd brush the silver hair from her face and sipped once more on her tea. Miranda hoped the lack of a proper direct path wouldn't deter Chika, nor did she think it would. The fox-like woman did appear at her doorstep shortly after nightfall after all.

"Take your time answering, if you wish. In either case, do enjoy your tea and relax. Good plans often fail when rushed, you know", she'd wink, sipping on her tea. Miranda couldn't remember the time that she took an oppurtunity like this. Her own anxiety and fear would get in the way or she'd chase some other means of training or would be recovering in the infermery, or perhaps even a combination of all of these. Miranda ended up in a decent postion, but sometimes she was left wondering what could have been.

If she made different choices in the past, would she even hold the rank of Vice-Captain, or would she be something lesser, something less fulfilled. Its possible she'd be less scarred, perhaps having more friends or even a husband or wife to keep her company through her years. She shook her head at these thoughts, seeing them for what they were, a trap. Be stuck in the past and you'll never see the future, you'd never develope never achieve the things you once dreamed and desired. "Drink as much as you like, I've got plenty to go around."

Para: 10
Total:61
(couple days in and we are making progress!)

[Chika Hirabayashi]

As the girl continued speaking, keeping up her theatrics perfectly reasonable gestures where appropriate, she eagerly awaited a response from Frost. Still having no clue what to expect from someone such as her, nor how she would react to such a question, Chika prepared for every possible outcome she could think of! Surely she'd be able to expect one of them! The last thing she wanted was to have been caught off-guard by this woman.

"I must be slipping. Please use the coaster, if you could~"

...Okay, that much she wasn't expected to have been hit with. Regardless, she had no problem doing so! With a simple nod of her head, Chika awaited for the crystalline plate to make its way over to her, genuinely enamored with whatever had been going on. Placing her glass down, she couldn't help but wonder to herself just what had animated these little things; perhaps that was just Miranda's Zanpakutō? It had been hard to tell, but she was quite curious. That said, this wasn't the time nor the place to worry about such matters; she needed to continue her explanation!

"Starcursed Brand? Could this Brand be the very same inflicted upon you, Lady Hirabayashi? Oh what cataclysm awaits us all in the future!"

Chika's eyes similarly widened. "The very same!" She exclaimed, leaning forward in her chair, "you too know of it's existence!? I've been tasked with bearing this mark from the very moment I was born! Intertwined with fate, and serving as the envoy of those who hope to put their faith in me! It's because of this mark that I've been tasked with bringing nothing but defeat to the King of Hollows, for he is the one disrupting the balance between the Three Worlds!" Her words once again followed with a similar throwing-about of her arms, though she was careful not to knock anything over. It'd be evident that this was something she felt quite passionate about.

Regardless of what was to come from her passionate stance or not, she was quite interested that Frost had apparently heard of the Starcursed Brand before. Perhaps there were others that similarly shared her fate? She'd absolutely have to go searching for them if that was the case! If others were around that could've potentially turned the tide of the legendary battle she was going to have to face in the future, that would've been incredibly helpful! Only time would tell though if that had actually been the case. She was hesitant to rely on outside help for such a battle, but if she needed the help then who was she to argue?

"You wish to see the Captain Commander. You wish for him to train you.. hmn"

Nodding her head in affirmation alongside Frost's words, Chika simply went back to bouncing in her seat. She wasn't going to interrupt the Vice Captain's thought process if she didn't need to. She knew just how frustrating it was to have her thoughts be brushed to the side from the rather distracting words of others, so she wasn't going to do the same to Frost. After all, her request (while completely justified) had been rather momentous to ask. She didn't fault Frost for needing a bit to fully make a call on that.

"Unfortunately as you are right now, you are unfit for this request. Can a child bear the weight of a sun?"

Chika felt her heart drop. Never had she heard something so painful in her life. Her? Unfit to meet with the Captain Commander? Frost said herself that she'd known of the Starcursed Brand; the fate it would bring about! How could she halt such an important moment of progress for her? Had she too been working for the Hollows!? Chika did what she could to keep her cool. Frost seemed quite nice; there was no way she could've been. It was hard to say, but something about the woman just felt... calm. Peaceful, even. She didn't mean any harm, at least none that Chika could tell. Before saying or doing anything, she'd let her speak.

And, once again it seemed that Chika's thoughts almost corrected themselves. As Miranda continued to speak, Chika made distinct note of her words. Any thought of doubt toward Miranda had been absolutely cleared with her words; she'd certainly meant no ill will by her original comment. That was certainly a relief! Though, she did have to wonder why she was 'unfit' for her request. Was the Captain Commander injured in any capacity? She'd mentioned something about a 'child bearing the weight of a sun'; what had that meant? She couldn't quite tell, but this wasn't the place to worry about it.

As Miranda continued with her thoughts, describing her process to having reached her status, Chika's eyes practically shined while listening. It seemed that Frost had been through quite a lot thus far; seemed she also had debts to Seireitei she wanted to fulfill. Perhaps the two were kindred spirits in some regard? Only time would really show the answer to that much. After all, it was quite difficult to tell when the two had only just met. No matter, though; she'd get to the bottom of that at some point!

For now, though, it was time to continue to hear out the Vice Captain. And, it seemed that Miranda had been ready to make Chika an offer. One she frankly had no place to refuse, lest she put a rather large stop in her progress toward her goals. Soul King only knew that was absolutely unacceptable. With a wide grin stretched out across her face as Frost spoke, Chika felt her excitement practically bubbling over! She struggled to contain herself, and made no genuine effort to do so.

"Take your time answering, if you wish. In either case, do enjoy your tea and relax. Good plans often fail when rushed, you know."

She didn't want to admit it, but it seemed that Miranda was right in that regard. While she would've normally taken time to ponder such a thought, Chika knew wholeheartedly that this was absolutely the way she needed to go. She didn't really have much a choice when it came down to it. Though, that wasn't a bad thing; Miranda seemed like quite the wonderful individual thus far, and she had absolutely no qualms in taking her up on that offer. Taking another sip of tea, Chika nodded her head.

"While I'm a little upset that something has happened to the Captain Commander," she started, crossing one arm over her chest while leaning her other elbow against her wrist, "I'm honored that you see the importance of the situation, Vice Captain Frost! Truly, if we don't act soon the balance of the Three Worlds will be invariably disrupted!" Almost as though she were lost in a moment of thought, Chika paused for a short moment. In truth, she had been left with a sort of fear of the unknown. She had no idea what to expect.

"Still, though; I accept your incredibly gracious offer! If you're willing I would like to get started tonight! We haven't much time that we can afford to waste; Hollows could be lurking around every corner!" Taking another moment to sip at her tea, she paused. "That said, this tea is quite wonderful! Certainly tempting me to focus on that as opposed to training!" With a soft chuckle at her attempted compliment, Chika set the glass down once more and couldn't help but smile at the outcome thus far.

In truth, she'd been glad with the way that everything had turned out thus far. It seemed that, while she didn't have the opportunity to meet with the Captain Commander in order to improve herself, Frost was easily a more-suitable option. From what she'd heard about the Captain Commander, he tended to be a bit hot-headed at times; literally, to some extent. In a way, Miranda was like a saving grace. She'd pulled Chika from potentially having to deal with something like that. If nothing else, Chika was incredibly grateful; a gratitude that she was going to pay off at some point or another, she made sure of it!

Para count: 13
Total: 74
((Hell yeah! Very much loving the thread so far~ ^.^))

[Miranda Frost]

Miranda saw the woman's mood drop as she spoke, explaining that the Captain Commander was a bit too much for her, which is why she added the next bit. All that energy seemed to halt and would have been heartbreaking to witness should the Half-Beast-Clanswoman were left like that. Would she have given up or would she have barged into the Boss's office and burnt to a crisp. Both outcomes were not ideal to imagine, so Miranda decided she would train Chika. Such training she had in mind was brutal, but she remembered how Arantima nearly killed her on her first day at the 10th Division Barracks.

When Miranda healed from this, she found herself stronger and on the cusp of learning Shikai. Perhaps this is what Chika needed. This woman, brimming with positivity may hate her afterwards, but she'd at least be able to hold her own with a few of the lieutenants when she's done with her. Unfortunately this process wont take as fast as she thought it would. Time for proper healing and rejuvination would be required only to be broken down again and again. It took Miranda a few years of this method to achieve the strength of lieutenant, she doubted Chika would be able to do it in a month, let alone overnight.

Still, the tired Vice-Captain has seen quicker developement. If this lady has the potential, she'll certainly stand to gain much from training with her. Miranda sighed and placed her cup down, before standing. She'd hold a clawed hand up and snap her fingers, summoning a black butterfly to flutter in past Chika and land on her outstretched finger. "To Squad 4 duty EMT members: The Squad 1 Vice-Captain is requesting two EMTs at the Squad 1 training grounds. Though this is not an emergency, it could very well end up like one."

With its message recieved, the butterfly fluttered away to notify the requested personnel. Miranda would motion for Chika to join by her side as she walked slowly to the door, the hook sliding it open for her. "To the training grounds then. If there are articles of clothing or belongings on your person you do not wished to be damaged, I would implore you to leave them here. I can fetch for a set of spare uniforms if you wish to leave your current ones unscathed."

She'd pause and allow for the fellow shinigami to do as she willed in response before walking out the door, the door sliding back behind them both with all previously summoned constructs dematerializing in her absence. When Chika caught up to the Vice-Captain at the top of the steps, Miranda would chuckle, beaming down at the smaller shinigami. "I must explain that there is nothing wrong with the Captain Commander, I only meant that any meaningful training with him will kill you. Training with me even has its risks." She smiled and gripped the pale sash around her waist as she descended the stairs, each step deliberate.

"While we enjoy our stroll, why dont you tell me about yourself? What is this 'Brand' you hold such reverance for?", she'd ask cautiously, glancing down upon the bubbly shinigami. Though it wasn't too uncommon for a zanpakuto to negatively effect its wielder in order to encourage strength and growth, it was uncommon enough to ask the question. Miranda's zanpakuto once tried to release itself before it was ready, nearly collapsing Miranda's soul under its immense weight and pressure. Such an action was meant to kill her, so there was a need to worry for Chika's sake.

She'd listen to Chika and look before her, turning a right at the foot of the steps, following its newly polished stone, reflecting the cloudless night sky like a canvas. Miranda admired the stars gleaming off the marble. There was something relaxing and mystifying about it all. it was as if the Fates themselves watched on from on high. Though she didn't believe the words of Chika's story, she found the emotion and passion behind them genuine. What Frost was about to do was important, but only time would tell just how much of an impact this training session will achieve.

They would arrive at the training grounds, a large, polished marble surface fit for training the whole division at once, but now it will will serve as their dueling ground. "I only know one way to improve one's body and strength.", she'd admit as she continued to the ground's center and turning to Lady Chika. "And that is through physically breaking through one's barriers. Allow me to bestow upon you my expectations for this bout.", she'd warn sternly, shrugging her shoulders to open her shihakusho, and letting it hang at her tightly wound sash. She revealed as much as she could to Chika without being indecent, her bust tightly bound by bandages.

Her well kept physique was littered with scars along her stomach, sides, and arms, each one a memory of a battle fought. "You will give me your all and work with the limited tools you have been given. I expect you suspect that the Academy only gives you the foundation, you will have to build on this foundation. Secondly, I would reccomend you do not cut me with your blade, unless you wish for the training to end. Thirdly, I will not allow you to die, though you will not leave here unscathed. Squad 4 will be standing by to lend assistance if needed."

Miranda closed her eyes and held out her right hand, thumb facing down. Slowly her digits opened as if reaching to grasp something embedded in the stone. Her spiritual pressure drew in the surrounding reishi and compacted it, materializing a crystal katana before her eyes. She'd open her eyes and grasped the hilt and swing it down by her side, scattering the floating ice-like reishi fragments to the wind. "Are you our next savior, or perhaps another pawn of fate?", she'd ask, her stand leaving her wide open, blade pointing down and away at her flank, her other arm outstretched.



para: 10
Total: 84

[Chika Hirabayashi]

As she agreed to Frost's training offer, Chika couldn't couldn't help but feel a level of excitement! That much had been quite evident; she struggled to contain any of it! That said, there was going to be a time and place for that; relatively soon, all things considered. She'd have her opportunity to vent all of this excess energy very shortly. Assuming Frost's training was going to be anything like she'd expected, that is. Regardless of that fact though, it seemed that preparations needed to be made ahead of time.

As Miranda brought forth a Jigokuchō, fully-prepared to relay a message to Fourth Squad, Chika nodded her head in tune. "To Squad 4 duty EMT members: The Squad 1 Vice-Captain is requesting two EMTs at the Squad 1 training grounds. Though this is not an emergency, it could very well end up like one." It seemed that she'd really be in for something, what with two Squad Four healers coming by. If she'd known any better, Chika might've felt a tinge of worry at that fact, but she was brave! At least, as brave as she could trick herself into being.

In truth, she had little idea what to expect. Given Miranda's position as Vice Captain, she was surely strong, but just how strong did that mean? Was she able to keep up with the other Vice Captains? She was in Squad 1; did that mean she had the strength of a full-scale Captain!? As her mind wandered at the thought, Chika found herself growing ever-more motivated for whatever it was that Miranda had in store for her! Surely this was going to be one of, if not the most important training sessions of her life!

As the Vice Captain stood up, and made motion for Chika to follow, the foxgirl stood up promptly, and pushed in her chair. Listening carefully to Miranda's words, and nodding her head in suit, Chika couldn't help but smile. "It's quite all right," she spoke, "if these are going to be destroyed anyway then so be it! Should they end up damaged beyond repair, then I'll keep them as a memento; a memory of the effort put in on this evening, to be remembered for decades to follow!" Pumping a fist into the air, Chika flashed another smile toward Miranda. She was hyped.

As the two continued to walk out of Miranda's office, Chika following not quite behind but beside Frost, it seemed that she'd wanted to clear up a misconception; something about the Captain Commander? "It'd kill me?" She asked in response, not quite sure how to react, "well, I do appreciate you looking out for me! Regardless of the outcome of our training, they're risks I am more than willing to take if necessary! After all, the future depends on it!"

As the two continued their stroll, Chika found it rather amusing that she'd been able to seek audience so easily with the Vice Captain of First Squad. She'd fully expected that going into this? She'd have to make exchange quite a few words in order to get what she was after. But, for Miranda to so willingly take her on as a training partner? She couldn't quite believe it. Chika knew full well that she couldn't disappoint her; not now, not ever! If she was being given this opportunity, she was fully prepared to work herself to the bone in order to keep up. She had to.

Being pulled from her thoughts once more from Miranda's voice, Chika's ears once again flicked about. "While we enjoy our stroll, why don't you tell me about yourself? What is this 'Brand' you hold such reverence for?" A soft chuckle sounded from the girl. Holding her hand outstretched before her, Chika maintained a smug grin. She was absolutely beaming with joy; it hadn't been often that she was asked about the Starcursed Brand. Any and all conversations on the matter made her quite glad to have.

"I'm delighted you asked!" She started, "Wrapped underneath these specially-prepared bandages lies a mark of destiny; the Starcursed Brand, as I've shared! Such a mark only comes around once every twenty millennia, or so I've been told! When it does, the Starcursed Brand finds itself on an individual from the very moment of their birth, and intertwines them with the stars themselves! Being chosen with this Brand requires its bearer to maintain the utmost moral standards; even the slightest slip could bring about catastrophe!"

Taking a quick breath, Chika continued on with her words. "For you see, the Starcursed Brand feeds off of the negative energies of those around; that's why I keep it wrapped up! If kept unwrapped for too long, left to consume all of that evil energy from the world around, and those that wish to do no good, I could very well lose my life! Should that happen, the Three Worlds will be plunged into an everlasting darkness until the next bearer of the Brand shows up!" Nodding her head to almost 'confirm' her story's authenticity, Chika placed her hands triumphantly on her hips.

Such was why the girl had a desire to stop the 'King of Hollows'. Given she had no information on the Shinigami traitor Sonken Kouhai (or even exposure to a single Hollow, for that matter), she'd been left to let her imagination run rampant over Hueco Mundo. The creatures had been nothing but a mystery for her, aside from what she'd learned from Shin'ō. Which, in truth, wasn't exactly a lot. Regardless, she'd get that experience one day! For now though, she needed to train as best she could, in order to keep up with Miranda's expectations.

In time, the two would arrive to the First Squad's training grounds. Taking a look around, she couldn't help but smile. These seemed to be a good deal larger than Sixth Squad's! Had this been large enough to house entire squads at a time? She couldn't tell, but such a thought made her incredibly excited to think about. Just what had Miranda had in store for her? If she had smiled any wider while running all of those possibilities through her head, it likely would've caused some facial damage at this point.

"I only know one way to improve one's body and strength. And that is through physically breaking through one's barriers. Allow me to bestow upon you my expectations for this bout."

Chika nodded her head in response as Frost began to reveal the markings left across her body. As the foxgirl watched in awe, she could not believe the sight that had been put before her. It seemed that Miranda had been through a lot thus far. Any respect Chika had for the girl had gone up tremendously after being met with such a sight; it seemed that she had to have been an incredibly capable combatant. Such would only explain the scars that had been left! Just what had that meant for the training that Chika was going to endure?

As Miranda spoke about what was going to happen while the two were here, Chika steeled herself as best she could. She had a sneaking suspicion that Miranda wasn't going to go easy on her. And, in truth? She was thankful for the fact. To Chika, training meant nothing unless you were willing to give everything in order to improve. Only after that point, would it be a worthwhile endeavor. It seemed Miranda was willing to facilitate such an environment, so who was Chika to turn down such an opportunity to improve herself, and her capabilities with her "Zanpakutō"?`

As Miranda brought about a crystalline sword into existence, Chika couldn't help but watch on in awe. Such was quite the sight, after all. She did wonder though, would such a sword be cold to the touch? She was likely going to figure out at some point or another, but she didn't want to have that experience too quickly if she could help it. She wanted to see what the Shinigami in front of her was capable of before all else.

Following in suit, Chika unsheathed her blade. Drawing the rather standard-looking katana from its saya, she slowly lowered the weapon, pointing the edge toward the ground beneath their feet. As her blade fell, faint traces of nebula-like emissions released from the blade; not enough to be useful in any capacity, but certainly enough to paint a faint trail of starlight across the air in front of her before fading away. Listening to Frost's provocations, Chika couldn't help but smile.

"'Pawn of fate', you say?" she asked, throwing one foot behind her, "I am no mere pawn, Vice Captain Frost! With the powers entrusted unto me, I swear I will give this my all!" As she finished shouting, Chika pulled her arms back, and assumed an offensive stance. Edge of her weapon pointed toward the sky, she took a deep breath. Seemed that there was no time like the present. No time to waste, and no time to look back on other possibilities. She was ready.

Rushing the Vice Captain at her fastest, Chika did what she could to quickly close the distance without the use of Shunpo or anything of the like. Such was too taxing on her capabilities at the moment. As such, she'd simply focus on keeping up a sprint toward her opponent, looking to get as close as she could. If given the opportunity to, Chika would be upon her foe in a few moments.

Once that distance was closed, the girl simply aimed to throw her blade downward in a diagonal slash, turning her sword to realign the edge and striking at the Vice Captain. She had little doubt that Miranda wouldn't have a rebuttal to her actions; she knew full-well that her actions had been relatively telegraphed, but she didn't have much of an option otherwise. At the moment, she was no more apt than a standard human being. She'd need to get a feel for her opponent before rushing into any strategic assault first.

As he sword came down, looking to strike at the Vice Captain's shoulder and graze her chest if given the opportunity to follow through, Chika took a moment to prepare for any kind of counter attack. Assuming she had the opportunity to follow through, she'd return her blade to an aggressive stance, keeping the point of the sword aimed to the ground. It had been apparent that Chika was not one for defense; instead, she opted into taking the "counterattack" approach, assuming a more offensive posture in order to quickly strike back if necessary. Feeling her blood pumping, Chika gave Miranda another smile.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Chika's Stats & Skills}

Type: Fighter, Version 2

Stats & Skills:

Strength: 40 [30]
Speed: 40 [54]
Reiatsu Strength: 40 [30]
Spiritual Pressure: 60 [81]
Instinct: 40 [40]
Senses: 40 [40]
Energy Sensory: 40 [40]
Healing Expertise: 0 [0]

Light Aura: 100
Dark Aura: 0

----------

Strength of Will: 1
Weapons - Katana: 1
Acting: 1
Martial Arts - Hakuda: 1
Martial Arts - Hōhō: 1
Pain Tolerance: 1
Stealth: 1

SPOILER: Click to show

{Reiatsu Pool}
Reiatsu: 810/810

Para count: 19
Total: 103

[Miranda Frost]

Miranda waited for her opponent to make the first move and watched as she drew her blade, taking up a stance not too common among those freshly out of the academy. While many new shinigami utilized the default stance of holding up the blade before their person, point up, edge down at an angle, Lady Hirabayashi held her blade a bit lower. Perhaps it was a mere trick of the light, but streams of starlight appeared to drift from the blade as she moved it. Was it possible for someone so green to have achieved Shikai so early? Miranda nearly died when making the attempt herself when she was in Chika's shoes.

Could this be this "Brand" the fox girl spoke of? Miranda has heard and seen alternative, rare afflictions that give its hosts power. Whether it be a mutation of the soul or a Zanpakuto precursor, these 'Tools' often provided strange, unconventional powers compared to present day Zanpakuto. Being struck by one of these precursor weapons forced her into an impromptu bankai training to rectify her soul's imbalance caused by it. This Brand of hers reminded her of that stone blade, but in reverse. The blade would amplify the dark aspects of one's soul, resulting in an imbalance that could collapse it from within.

Perhaps she would see its ability in action, if she could push Chika to reveal it. Squad 4's presence here would counteract whatever harm it could do. If they could stitch Miranda up time after time, surely, they could do the same for Chika, of this Miranda harbored little doubt. Miranda's grip on her blade loosened in anticipation for Chika's opening moves. An onlooker would see this matchup and find it overwhelmingly in Miranda's favor, but for Frost the challenge was in holding back, something the Lieutenant struggled with.

The moment the fox girl began to move, her vision shifted, a memory playing back before her eyes. Thick, ominous clouds hung low, and she stood within the scorched ruins of her old village. In the distance a cracked mountain, scarred by flames overshadowed all. where Chika once stood was an old woman in a wheelchair, cradling the dark fragment of Miranda's soul, surrounded by piles of hellion corpses. The pile shifted and a man clad in shadow stood from the remnants of a massacre long past as if stirred by Miranda's presence.

Upon the man's back was a large, seemingly unwieldy great sword, which he drew to continue his rampage. He looked back to the woman for any sort of acknowledgement of what he must do, to deny the intruder's advance. The old woman, silver hair shifting, spoke, "Go forth, November Frost, may you be unharmed." The man nodded silently and looked towards Miranda behind the black veil that hung from his wide brimmed hat and sauntered forth, crushing bone and flesh underfoot into the ash covered. ground. Frost was sucked back into reality, her steel eyes falling upon the fox girl who had closed the distance during her vision of sorts, blade raised and ready to strike.

Miranda's eyes widened and her grip loosened completely, letting go of the blade. Rather than fall like any other physical object, it hung in midair and spun down then back up before her body to catch Chika's blade along its edge with just enough momentum to halt the swing. It was difficult to move the construct that slow, the effort visible on Miranda's face as her eyes narrowed, the corners of her mouth quivering. Frost knew she had come a long way, but never realized just how much stronger she was now.

How much of a match would this fox girl be to Miranda when she had just arrived to squad 7, fresh out of the academy? Miranda wasn't skilled at the time, and her lack of understanding on various fundamentals lead her to earning low marks generally across the board. If it weren't for her brutish strength (very much above average for her group) and her dedication, she would have never become a shinigami. Seeing new recruits like Chika filled her heart with slight envy, but also pride. It wasn't easy adapting and joining the service, that alone was worth commendation.

Chika's blade would slide from the crystal sword's edge, moving back to a more defensive position. Miranda took moment to judge how much strength and speed she would need to retaliate, realizing the little impact made upon her sword. Frost took her blade into her hand once more and swung at half her speed and strength as a diagonal cut down at Chika's neck. It would be faster and stronger than what the unseated could put out to match, but given her skill with the blade, the Lieutenant had faith she would be able to at least step out of the way if not block it outright.

In either case she'd decrease the blade's velocity to zero with a mere thought either just as the blade touched the girl's neck or her blade. Frost didn't want to risk breaking the girl's sword let alone decapitate, the latter of which she believed she could achieve in a single swing. Limiting herself to this extent was challenging and put a little more strain on herself than she expected. Never before has she held back to this point, as most if not all of her battles were like moving uphill

Again, the old woman from her memories spoke to her, her words echoing in her mind. "Leave us be, Reaper of Souls. This is a sanctuary for the exiled and forgotten. There is nothing here to find or purify. Please, leave quietly." Frost's heart sunk, her face becoming a bit paler than it was prior. Now wasn't the time to lose her composure and lose herself to memories of events long passed. She'd jump back from chika a few feet, her blade moving slightly as to not nick the fox girl as she put a small amount of distance between them. "S-surely you can do better?", she'd challenge, the point of her blade challenging this self-proclaimed hero.

Para: 10
Total:  113
(Note: Miranda is attempting to hold herself back and thus is using her own strength for the strikes if able. The base velocity for her constructs speed is 600, but is attempting to suppress this to 100 or below to avoid injuring Chika)

SPOILER: Click to show

{Spoiler}{Stats and sklls!}


Stats:
Strength - 100 Points
Speed - 150 Points
Spiritual Pressure - 400 - 800Points
Reiatsu Strength - 400 Points
Light Aura - 75 Points
Dark Aura - 25 Points
Instinct - 150 Points
Senses - 100 Points
Energy sensory - 100 Points
Healing Expertise - 0 Points

Total SP: 1400 Points
Trained SP: 900/900
Class SP: 500


Skills:

Strength of Will: 2
Martial Arts: Hakuda: 2
Battle Analysis: 2
Cold Tolerance: 2
Kido: 2

[Chika Hirabayashi]

As quickly as she could muster, Chika was upon Frost. While she was approaching, she made quick note of something rather... odd. It seemed that Miranda had been in a daze of some kind? She'd expected some kind of reaction from the Vice Captain as she ran up to her, but she got none. It wasn't until she was directly within Miranda's space that she'd gotten a retaliation from her. Was she all right?

As the foxgirl's arms raked toward Miranda, Chika noticed something rather interesting about Miranda's blade; instead of falling, as would be expected from really anything, it simply kept itself sustained in midair, rotating around its center in order to catch Chika's advance. Was this Miranda's Shikai? Truth be told she didn't have any particular exposure to the abilities of Shinigami and their Zanpakutō; she'd only had the knowledge she took with her from the academy. Seems this was going to be a good exposure for her?

Though, one thing quickly caught the girl off-guard. Should that assumption be true, and if Miranda had activated her Shikai, when had she spoken her release phrase? She'd known full-well they existed; they were so, so cool after all! But, for this Shinigami to have not spoken a single line to utilize her Shikai? Either she was just that strong to not need one, or there was something else going on behind the scenes. Either way, Chika was looking forward to finding out just which of those was the case in this spar.

As her Bakkotō glided off of the crystalline blade Miranda had so expertly set up to block with, Chika noted very quickly that the blade found itself in Miranda's hand once more, faster than she could reasonably keep up with. Just how had that happened so fast!? She thought to herself, lowering her blade in order to account for an opportunity to strike back toward the girl. Just what was the plan here? She needed to take a second to try to collect her thoughts; an act that it didn't seem Miranda was going to be willing to give her.

Instead, it seemed that Miranda was going in for a similar attack against her; a strike toward the foxgirl's neck, and at breakneck speeds (comparatively speaking, of course). Having the slightest moment of time to react to Miranda's incoming strike, Chika did what she could in order to position herself away from the blade. Throwing her arms between herself and Miranda's sword, Chika would've normally blocked the attack, if it weren't for the fact that her opponent was moving at speeds she couldn't reasonably hope to keep up with.

Trying to shift her center of balance in a split second to get by from such a strike, Chika quickly found herself tumbling down to the ground beneath her feet. As her ankle caught on seemingly nothing, the girl fell to her right; thankfully getting away from the blade poised at her, but now finding herself on the ground because of it. It was then that the girl's inexperience began to show.

Noting that Miranda's sword had stopped its movement, Chika smiled to herself. Seems that Vice Captain knew that she wasn't exactly going to be able to properly deal with such a strike; that was something she was grateful for. After all, being able to hold back was one of the greatest assets of training; while going all-out all of the time had its benefits, it didn't matter if your training partner was dead.

Rolling backward, and returning to a standing position as quick as she could, Chika made note of the fact that Miranda had also cleared a bit of distance between the two of them. Nodding softly to herself, and coming up with quite the plan, the foxgirl couldn't help but smile from her own thoughts. "S-surely you can do better?" Miranda continued to provoke her. Laughing aloud, Chika responded.

"Oh, that I can, Miss Vice Captain! I hope you're ready for this!" Taking one hand from her 'Zanpakutō' and pointing two fingers toward Miranda, Chika took a deep breath before speaking aloud. "Arise, god of thunder!" Her reiatsu began to focus around her fingertips, flaring up every now and again. "Awake, mother of storms!" Charging itself and flaring about, traces of lightning began to surge from the tips of her fingers. Smiling to herself, Chika sought to finish the incantation.

"Unleash the lighting on the- Ack, Gods!"

As her words were cut off, said surge of reiatsu-created lightning began to explode back onto her. Seemed that she still wasn't able to properly control her reiatsu. As lightning flared about, lashing across her arm and fizzling out just as quickly as it had appeared, Chika took a deep breath as she winced through the rather unwanted backlash from her own spell. "This damned Brand!" She grunted, once again lowering her hand to her weapon.

Realizing she didn't exactly have much of a choice but to approach the Shinigami in front of her, Chika dropped her stance to the ground, and kept a low profile. Sprinting up into Miranda's proximity once more, she decided she was going to take a bit more of a tactful approach to the fight. From Miranda's last attack, she'd known full-well that she had been outmatched. If Miranda wanted to secure that strike against her, Chika had no doubt in her mind that she'd be dead. So, she wasn't going to win a frontal assault against the girl.

That's where her plan came in. Assuming Miranda was going to let her get that close, Chika prepared to use the flat of her weapon in order to catch the back of Miranda's legs, and sought to pull her blade closer to herself in an attempt to trip the Shinigami up. She hadn't exactly thought of a follow-up of any kind to such a maneuver at the moment, but if it had worked? Surely such a strategy would've paid off. The question remained to be seen, though; had she been physically strong enough to take Miranda off her feet?

Para count: 12
Total: 125

SPOILER: Click to show

{Reiatsu Pool}
Reiatsu: 785/810
-25 from a failed Byakurai.

[Miranda Frost]

Her words of challenged would be answered with laughter and an attempt at a kido cast. Miranda was no kido specialist, but all shinigami were aware that casting a kido with its incantation boosts its strength tremendously, well, almost all shinigami would know. Those muscle heads in the 11th division probably couldn't tell the difference between a byakurai and a sokatsui. Miranda was barely even better, with those mentioned one of her only mastered kido. Still, Miranda recognized the incantation spoken, and brought her blade to defend against this strike. Even when cast from someone of Chika's stature, Miranda wasn't sure she'd be able to avoid it.

Such a spell was incredibly fast, almost impossible for Miranda to react to. If there was anything chika could hit her with it would be that spell. Miranda's eyes narrowed and her stance widened, her blade brought to a ready stance as she awaited the spell's cast, only it would never come. Miranda saw the sparks begin to build up and smelled the burning ozone, but the kido would explode before the casting phrase was complete. The lieutenant was a bit disappointed, but she didn't stoop to chastising this attempt. Miranda was in that position more than a few times in her early career.

"It was a valiant attempt. Byakurai is a quite versatile spell, one that I may even have trouble keeping up with", Miranda would comment, providing immediate feedback. "Control is not only key to casting kido, but to all shinigami arts. If any of our techniques are to be effective, they must be drilled and practiced, until that tool is to us as our limbs are." Miranda straightened out her arms, a pair of fingers aimed not quite at Chika, but just above her head. If Miranda had a hard time avoiding this spell, firing one upon this unseated officer would likely be a fatal affair. Still, she felt as if she needed to show just how this technique was performed. "Arise, God of Thunder". Sparks a lightning traveled from her core up her arm as she concentrated her reiatsu at the tip of her fingers.

"Awake, Mother of Storms." this lightning would coalesce into a ball of blue energy, buzzing and electrifying the air around them. The collected power so far was more than enough to fire the spell, but the incantation still wasn't complete. "Unleash the lightning upon the sinners!" As if opening a small hole in the invisible containing bubble around the ball of erratic electricity, the collected power burst forth. Just as Chika recovered, a bolt of lightning would streak past her head, shattering the stone tiles behind her, leaving naught but a cloud of smoke.

Chika wouldn't as much as take the time to respond, as she burst forward in determination. Miranda smiled and readied her blade. Her vision would warp once again, a searing pain within her skull ebbing forth. One of her hands upon her blade would reach up to cradle her head, her pain a bit more visible than before. Her eyes looked forward, seeing not Chika, but the masked man, standing before her and the old wheelchair bound woman. Her fingertips still smoked from the byakurai sent to her, but someone else intervened. A man clad in black robes and sporting a messy, crimson hairdo. In the blink of an eye he burst in, pulling the woman out of range. He snickered and winked his crimson eye at Miranda. "I have revealed this woman's location to you not so you may slay her, not yet. There is so much to learn from her yet!"

He'd turn and push her away somewhere safe, her tormented wailings increasing in volume the further she was away from November. "Dear Emperor, have mercy! Is not your abandonment of us punishment enough? How long must we weather this cruel fate?". The Sexta Espada, Serraph Quarrere would wheel her into a nearby, semi-shattered longhouse, likely to obscure Miranda's line of sight of her. How smart of him. Whatever his plans were, it made little sense to Miranda. What possibly could an Espada of all people want to do with an old quincy woman?

Miranda stepped forward; crystal blade gripped tightly in her grasp. November dipped his head. "You will not turn back, will you?", he'd question, pulling his greatsword from the ground and bringing it to bear, its point staring down Miranda accusingly. He'd burst forward, sword thrust with impressive strength towards her, but Miranda was already on her feet, jumping back out of reach of the strike. "I will not let any harm come to Lady Cassandra.", He'd burst forward with intense speed a kick pulling her feet out from underneath as his momentum brought the greatsword up over his head. "May your corpse fertilize the ash-grounds of this wasteland" He'd bring the blade down upon her.

She flinched for a moment and opened her eyes just in time to see Chika move in close, just inside her guard. Her adrenaline had already kicked in due to her visions and nearly, instinctively slaughtered the girl. She gritted her teeth and pushed down her instincts, ,the distraction enough for Chika's plan to work, the flat of her blade catching Miranda just behind her knees. Such a strike would take most beings down, that spot being a place of immense weakness.

Chika would likely still feel the immense density of her spiritual pressure upon contact with her legs as it vibrated her blade and arms. Perhaps it would alert her to the dangers of using her edge against Miranda, or perhaps not. Miranda lay there on the ground, sweat pouring from her pores as she looked up at the stars. These visions in the past only ever afflicted her during the most inconvenient times, but what was different about this one was that it wasn't directed by a zanpakuto or curse. This was her own mind, plaguing her. Before, her soul was scarred and fractured, but Miranda found a way to mend it.

This time it was her mind. Her last mission ended with a personal venture back to her original home, back to Russia. Instead of grasslands kissed with a layer of snow, she'd find the area burnt and covered in ash, covered in the bodies of demons. It would seem that the sereitei wasn't the only ones fighting back against hell as the two remaining occupants being that of her mother and brother, survivors of the village-wide massacre that had originally killed Miranda and her father.

Though her visit home wasn't necessarily to strike down her mother, her hand was forced by the Sexta Espada, Serraph Quarrere. There was something devious within that mind of his, some twisted curiosity that involved Miranda and her mother. When playing back her most recent vision, she realized that Serraph had visited them before. They didn't as much as acknowledge his existence unlike when Miranda approached, instantly causing November to grow aggressive. Miranda shook her head and wiped her blade clean.

"That was well played, Lady Hirabayashi", she'd commend the fox girl with a smile as she recovered, dusting her uniform off. If Chika would have advanced upon her, she would be deterred by a blade materializing against her neck, though never actually making the cut, it would teach her that even when a target appears vulnerable, death can come just as swiftly. "I do believe you win this bout. You have done better than most would in your position. This much is highly commendable.", she complimented, bowing softly at the hips to the fox girl. "Would you desire to continue?"

Para: 12
Total: 137
(sorry i missed a day, was busy over the weekend </3)

[Chika Hirabayashi]

As the girl found herself currently on the ground after her little Kidō mishap, Chika made distinct note of Miranda's own words. Truth be told, she wasn't going to disagree with the Vice Captain. There was a lot that went into Kidō, Hōhō, hell even Hakuda required a lot of self-control and a level of mastery over oneself in order to truly get the most out of. Spells were no different.

Though unfortunately Chika didn't exactly have a natural talent toward much of anything on the spiritual side. Simply put, it all seemed to almost blow up in her face. Even during her time in Shin'ō; she'd never been able to cast spells. Each of them either didn't work, or resulted in the same violent mess that she'd attempted previously. She simply couldn't do them, and that drove her up a wall.

Even when it came down to her weapons. The girl couldn't even pick up an Asauchi. Even trying to, and trying to imprint her own spiritual nature onto the moldable weapon had rather noteworthy backlash. Simply put she'd been incompatible with them almost entirely. It's why she'd resorted to illegal measures in order to feign her own Zanpakutō. Still, a part of her desired so, so much to one day be "normal".

More than anything else? She wanted to be able to do what others could. She didn't like the feeling of being left behind, and she certainly didn't like the fact that she was forced to acknowledge that she had a few shortcomings. Her excursions with Kidō were rather evident on that regard. Though, it seemed that instead of challenging her on her lack of ability, instead of berating her or anything of the like, Miranda was actively trying to teach her how to improve.

A lesson that capstoned with a bolt of lightning not unlike the one Chika sought to manifest fly right passed her head. For lack of a better term, Chika was left in awe. She felt almost inspired by Miranda's actions. By her willingness to show her how to improve. She couldn't help but want to push herself to reach heights that she couldn't. Even if those goals were likely impossible to hit? She was going to try her damnedest once more.

She'd try to keep going.

Carrying through with her initial goals, Chika once again found herself rushing toward Miranda as fast as her legs would carry her. She wasn't sure just how quickly Miranda herself was able to move, and that much remained to be seen, but she felt that she'd learn soon enough. She'd likely get a feel for just what the Shinigami was fully capable of at some point down the line. Though, how quickly would that time come? She had to wait and see.

Moving around as she could in a non-linear pattern in order to try and confuse the girl, Chika did what she could in order to mix up her motions. Try to keep as little attention on herself as she could while she advanced, and for the most part? She felt it working. It seemed that Miranda had been almost... distracted by it entirely. Though, that made her think.

Miranda had been like this not a moment before. Was she all right? Was her head not fully into their training? She couldn't quite tell, but if her gambit worked, she was certainly going to take the opportunity to ask on the fact. After all, Chika viewed Miranda as a sort of friend, now; she wasn't the type to let her friends go on with something looming over them like that.

As she lowered herself down to the ground, and attempted the sweeping strike against the Vice Captain, Chika felt a rather noteworthy reverberation run not only through her arm, but circulate through her entire body. While not enough to result in any notable bodily harm, it felt like a vibration coursing through not only her physical form, but through her soul at its core.

It felt... weird.

Though, she pulled her weapon back all the same. Within a few short moments, Frost had fallen to the ground, much to Chika's own surprise. She hadn't expected to pull her down with as little physical force as she had. Standing up in a haste once more, and pointing her weapon toward the Shinigami as she had originally looked to do, Chika watched down toward the woman with a simple smile on her face.

A smile that would only expand as Miranda congratulated her. It seems that her efforts had paid off, yeah? That she'd actually managed to accomplish something rather noteworthy, and against a Vice Captain nonetheless! She truly couldn't believe it; so much so, that she wanted to take a moment to think about the situation at hand before anything else.

Like she'd originally thought, Miranda seemed a bit distracted. She wanted to ask about that. "I graciously accept your offer, dearest Miranda!" She exclaimed, pulling her weapon back and away from her Shinigami friend, "but if you're willing to have that conversation with me, I'd like to make an inquiry; you seemed a bit caught up in something during that exchange. I fear the Starcursed Brand hasn't begun to seep its corrupting energies over toward you; hopefully all is well?"

Para Count: 12
Total: 149
((You're perfectly okay!! Real life comes up x)))

[Miranda Frost]

Like a condemned tower, November's sword came crashing down. With mild shock Miranda clutched the ash covered grounds summoning a pair of crystal blades of no specific design. She hadn't the time to pick and choose, this sword of November's threatened to cleave her body in two. Defiantly the blades clashed, but it didn't do much to stop its overwhelming force. Miranda propelled the blades up at its maximum velocity, trying to push it back as she rolled out of the way, scurrying to her feet. She'd slide her swords free and recall them to her side, letting the blade fall.

Upon contact the ground trembled, throwing up ash and dust into the air around them. Miranda shielded her face, coughing as the she became immersed in the field. The warrior didn't stop there, but rather took advantage of her obscured vision. She could sense him approach, but the sheer speed of that blade's swing took her expectations and threw them over a cliff. through the smoke, the blade lashed out toward's her chest. She'd grunt and dropped low, her left hand's claw digging into the dirt. As the blade passed over her, she'd catch the flat of its foot wide blade with her claws.

Miranda needed to find a way to combat this brute of a swordsman. The obvious method would be to find his blind spots, if they exist, and decapitate him. Such methods are dishonorable in one on one combat, and this fight wasn't necesarily wanted. If that man's name was true, then this man was her brother. Her claws would cut shallow grooves into the blade, and this told Miranda much. It meant that the man's strength was greater than the weapon he wielded and that her spiritual pressure would possibly be enough to stop the blade, if not be resistant to it.

Still, its size and speed was intimidating. She would rather it not come to it. She'd jump to her feet and lunge out at the man, her blades bursting off in either direction to hide in the ash cloud. Miranda could see the silloutte of the man step forward and with the quite audible *clink* of an unseen mechanism an edge of the once foot wide blade would swing out to meet her. Such a strike may would have connected if her flexibility and surival instincts weren't up to par. She ducked beneath and tackled into the man, with each swing leaving him wide open.

Her claws tore through his jacket with ease and burrowed into his chest. She swore she could even feel his ribs. He'd growl and headbutt her, causing her to stumble back, blood dripping from a gash opened on her forehead. The man grunted and drew back his swords to impale her before her two blade she had summoned prior soured down, piercing the cloud and embedding them in his shoulders. He cried out as they immobilized the use of his arms at least temporarily to allow miranda to recover and wipe the blood from her eyes.

She could end it right now, could have ended it at anytime, but something stopped her. It was no mystery to what this was. Right now she saw the last vestiges of her past life, her own blood relatives looking into her eyes. Her memories of them were all but muddled and distorted, but who could hold their head high with the knowledge that they had killed their own family? He breathed deep, crimson eyes piercing deep into her own through the black veil.

"How dare you persist in intruding upon our home. You abandoned your family long ago, what right do you have?", November challenged, embedding the larger portion of his sword into the ground and pulling the crystal blades from his shoulders, shattering them in his grip. "We live virtuous lives, leave us be!", he shouted, channeling some kind of energy within his body. Miranda could feel his spiritual strength absorb into the man's physical structure. His muscles doubled in size and the red glow from behind the veil increased in intensity. everything about him screamed danger.

Miranda acted on pure isntinct, not realizing what had happened until after a crystal spear materialized at November's neck, impaling him. The glow from his eyes faded and his hand grasped at the rapidly bleeding wound. "Dearest Mother, I have failed you", He'd gurgle before falling to his knees and then upon his face. Miranda shook her head and turn her back on the dying man, holding back the well of emotions beating back the adreneline. "What have I done?"

A tear fell from her eye and she wiped at it after raising herself from the bow. There was something incredibly wrong with her psyche, and each engagement changed her further. "...you seemed a bit caught up in something during that exchange. I fear the Starcursed Brand hasn't begun to seep its corrupting energies over toward you; hopefully all is well?" Miranda sighed and glanced up at the stars, still ashamed from the memory playing out before her eyes. "Worry not, it isn't your 'Brand'. My zanpakuto's ability is to condense reishi into crystal constructs and manipulate them. Within an area, I potentially have as many 'hands' as my strength allows."

She sighed and lifted her blade and let it levitate before her. "Just as I manipulate these crystals, my Zanpakuto, Towairaito, manipulates my memories to communicate with me, to teach me, to guide me. I agree, there is something building, something powerful, something dangerous. Hell's gates literally opened on our doorstep, Vandenreich scouts have been spotted in the rukongai, and the Espada have been oddly quiet. Something is happening, something big and it is effecting everyone's destinies."

Miranda looked upon Chika, admiring her determination and concern. Frost did not truly believe that this 'Brand' of chika's was the answer, but such a thing was beyond most shinigami's understanding. Miranda believed the Sereitei needed as many strong soldiers and warriors it could muster. The basic soldiery should be grown to something greater. Imagine an army of lieutenant and captain class shinigami to protect the Soul Society. It was an impossible vision, but Miranda was training her future replacements. "You could say I have my own 'Brand' to worry about."

 "When you are in my position, when you have my strength, what do you intend to do? Time changes you, your experiences will mold you. Right now you are green, bright eyed and inexperienced. In time, this will change if you are not careful." Miranda sighed and took her blade into her palm, her claws sliding down the smooth length of its blade. "I can definitely say, you are in a good position to gain strength quickly, if you desire it and are willing to do what it takes to achieve what is rightfully yours."

Para:12
Total: 161

[Celes Castellanos]

SPOILER: Click to show

{TYWB Double TP Coupon (Click Here)}
Name: TYBW Double TP Coupon

Effect: Made to celebrate the continuation of the Bleach anime with the TYBW arc, this coupon can be used on any thread started on or after October 10th, 2022, and is valid until January 1st, 2023. When used, it will double the TP reward of the thread, up until the most recent completed page (adventures/quests) or post (other) if the thread is not finished by January 1st. This is a one-time item.

Walking under the thick canopy of nearby trees was always a soothing experience for the Captain of the Tenth. Humming softly to the calming ambience of nearby birds, she walked along the path with a rather pleased disposition. It begged the question. What had Celes so pleased? Simple. Repairs of Shinō Academy were progressing steadily. Normally a duty assigned to the Sixth Division, Celes decided to offer some manpower to help restore the academy to its former glory. After all, they had just recently suffered a devastating attack from Las Noches. 

Feeling partially responsible for the damages, the Captain decided to help out as way. Hard manual labor wasn't a significant concern thanks to her supernatural strength. Now, after overseeing the reconstruction, it was time for Celes to head back to the Barracks. She was not looking forward to it as she expected a heap of paperwork to await her on her desk. Soul Society, after all, suffered attack after attack without reprieve. It was the duty of the Tenth to shore up the defenses in strategic locations. It was becoming tiresome. 

Alas, someone had to do it. The Tenth Division lacked a Vice Captain with the departure of Arantima. As she drew closer, partially dreading the impending doom of paperwork, Celes did her best to appear happy. She could be a bit of a hopeless optimist. She often tried to see the good in most situations, no matter how dreary. It helped boost the morale of her own Division who were beginning to feel the fatigue of training drills and long hours. No doubt, Celes would have to establish a rest day soon.

Approaching the Barracks, Celes had a quick look around. Some Officers of her Division were hosting training drills. Initially ecstatic to see them hard at work, Celes soon sighed halfheartedly. She could see the fatigue in their motions. They could barely keep themselves awake. There was no energy in their swings, no joy in their footwork. Before another repetition of drills could be executed, Celes quickly spoke up. "Hey. Do me a favor and take a few hours to rest." Already the Captain would encounter some resistance. "N- no, Captain Celes. We can keep going." 

The Captain sighed briefly. "You all can barely keep your eyes open. I'd rather have you all rested and ready for action in case of an emergency. Now go on. Rest. All of you." After a few moments of hesitation, Celes received the head nods she was looking for. As the group sleepily broke formation and headed into the Barracks, Celes tapped her own shoulder. "Oh dear. I think everyone is going to need a day off soon..." Alas, it would be a challenge to tackle another day. Following her Officers, Celes walked towards her Captain's Office.

As she approached, Celes would immediately be greeted by two Shinigami who stood watch outside the doors which led to her Office. "Greetings Captain Shindazu!" Celes suddenly felt a shiver shoot up her spine. Oh, how she hated the formalities of that title. The girl closed her eyes and sighed briefly. "Please don't. Just Captain Celes or even just Celes will do. I know you two are a bit new to the Division. There's no need to stand on ceremony though." The pair nodded and smiled at the blonde-haired Shinigami. "Well." Celes clasped her hands together. "Any news? Anything I should be made aware of?" 

Staring at one another, the girl of the pair began to speak. "Nothing super eventful I suppose, Captain Celes." She paused for a moment before continuing. "Just the usual. Training outside. Shift rotations." Suddenly, the other Shinigami piped up. "Wait... Erika. You completely forgot about the message!" Celes briefly tilted her head. "A message? For me? From whom?" The Shinigami continued, answering the Captain's questions promptly. "Some Unseated Officer of the Sixth. Kept going on about starbound brand?" "No. I think it was the Starcused brand?" "Well, whatever it was, she was pretty annoying. Asked if you were here to spar. Since you weren't here, we simply turned her away." 

This was quite the message. Celes was a little confused, but evidently there was someone who sought her out to train. This was becoming rather interesting. Besides, just beyond the opening between the doors, Celes could see some stacks of paperwork. She shivered at the thought. Perhaps some training would do her a bit of good in the meantime. She briefly tapped her cheek before inquiring, "I see. Did this Shinigami say where she was headed off to in the meantime?" After a moment of pondering, she'd get her response. "I believe she was headed to the First Division in the meantime." Celes' eyes lit up suddenly. "First Division. Understood!" With that, Celes turned on her heel and began to make her way to the First Division Barracks.

The First Division had quickly become a fascinating Squad for Celes. Not only was it the Division of the Captain Commander, but one of her own Officers had been transferred into it as the Lieutenant. This was a great honor and a request that she co-signed rather quickly. Miranda Frost was a quality Officer and the First Division needed the structure due to its logistical importance. Nonetheless, Celes would be rather pleased to visit the First Division. It would be a grand opportunity to hopefully see Miranda again.

Thankfully, as she drew closer, Celes could feel waves of energy emerging from the First Division Barracks. Miranda never seemed to be very good at keeping her reiryoku under control. It bled from her like an open gash. Following the surge of spiritual energy like a homing beacon, Celes was greeted rather formally by each Shinigami on the way. She cringed ever so slightly each time. So much so that she quickened her pace a little each time to close in on Miranda a tad bit more quickly. 

Arriving in the courtyard, Celes saw two figures in the distance. One of them radiated with that familiar reiryoku. It was definitely Miranda! The other? Celes had a difficult time pinpointing it. Perhaps she would be lucky, and this was the bearer of the "Starcursed Brand"? Whatever that meant. Nevertheless, as she got within earshot, Celes called out to the pair. "Hey Miranda. It's been a while!" Executing a swift Shunpo and blazing towards the pair with supernatural speed, Celes stopped just a few feet away from them. Wearing her Captain's Haori and wielding twin Zanpakutō, it would be rather easy to identify the Captain for those who had never met her before. 

Aside from the familiar face, Celes took note of Chika and stared at her curiously for a brief moment. "F- Fox ears? That's new." Celes had a few run-ins with Beast clansmen in the past, but this girl was unlike any other she had met before. Actually... Celes was not sure if she even was a Beast Clansmen in the first place. Oh well. Celes didn't judge. She'd simply smile at Chika with a bright and radiant gleam. "Hey there! I'm Celes Shindazu, Captain of the Tenth Division. Who might you be?" She'd ask inquisitively. If nothing else, Celes loved to meet new people!

[Connor Greaves]

It had been months since the Hellion invasion, and even longer since he had been dealt that miserable loss against that wretched beast, and even still their reminders were constant and seemingly unending. It was easier for Ninth Division, given that his squad did not primarily deal with any infrastructure, but he was busy getting approvals for setting up communications towers for each district. Given that they were forced to rebuild from the destruction anyway, it was a perfect time to try and improve upon what they were lacking before.

His squad was spread thin, everyone was doing something, either acting as communication lines with Hell Butterflies for groups out in the Rukongai, or were delivering more sensitive information by hand. The latter was what he was doing, since he had no one on hand to deliver paperwork for him to the Head Captain. The newly minted captain shuddered a bit. "No matter how many times I meet with that man, I doubt I shall ever get used to his presence." Connor said, thinking out loud, keeping a brisk pace down the long road to the first division.

And what a long road it had been. He could remember so many conflicts he had endured to get to where he was now. Roaches, ants, panthers... Lots of exceptionally dangerous animals for some reason, but also a few hollows here and there. Then the Demons and their invasion. People had come and gone, he had saved lives, and people have saved his life. Humanity had created abominations in the sewers of France, nearly getting him killed several times as he went in as a part of a relief team, and had a relief team show up to assist him in turn.

They had barely got out of there. The vile heart of the nest had managed to escape, along with the man behind the catastrophe. It had taken weeks to clear out what remained of that mess, and he was glad to see it behind him. The headache those people had caused him could not be put into words. "I wonder what ever happened to the others?" It was one of the hardest missions he had ever been on, and he never met the others afterwards, with the exception of Celes.

He knew Celes had become a captain like himself. She had challenged him to a fight a while after the events of that mission. That had resulted in a tie due to collateral. He believed that the person he had been partnered with had been named- he was interupted from his reminiscing by the sound of cracking electricity, followed by the sound of an explosion. That was a curious thing. It came from up ahead, near the Squad One barracks were. Connor vanished in a burst of Shunpo, leaving to investigate the noise.

He reappeared near the training grounds for the first division, seeing two women training. The one with blond hair and... fox ears? She was clearly the one who had tried, and failed, to use what he assumed was Byakurai, given that her attire was crispier than a standard Shihakusho should be. That and the swearing. That was always a good indicator of aspiring Kido users. The darned techniques were always so tricky to learn and memorize. He himself only had a few down to memory, but at least she was trying.

The other person training her was... Well, speak of the devil. He watched them train for a bit, waiting for a lull in the fight before approaching. I would not do well to distract someone with a sword, after all. It took a few minutes for them to stop, and in that time, he was able to admire their swordsmanship. The blond was an aggressive fighter, moving all over the place in an attempt to confuse her opponent, launching heavy strikes to unbalance those willing to block. If she were stronger or faster, he could see it being effective.

Still, it won her the fight, as Miranda fell to the floor after a strike to the leg. Given she was not screaming in pain, she seemed to be fine. He decided now was a good opportunity to approach. He raised his hand... and remembered that he knew next to nothing about Miranda, and even less about the person she was training. He froze in place, not knowing at all what to say. It was all the worse that he was wearing the mask of a character from a video game. Some violent game with a guy with a yellow mask who was never the main character for some reason.

And then Celes showed up, greeting Miranda with ease. Connor lowered his hand for a fraction of a second, before turning it into a wave. He decided not to say anything, approaching them with his paperwork under his shoulder. He would introduce himself to the fox eared Soul Reaper after Celes. "And I am Connor Greaves, Captain of Squad Nine. I heard an explosion and came to investigate." He told them.