Common Ground or Common Grumblings? [Social]

[Shizuka Sanamizu ✮]

Pathetic. That word was used frequently by the King of Las Noches. How long had he lived to see so many people utterly fail in front of him, begging for another chance to prove their worth? Entirely too many. It was outrageous that he ever had to deal with his underlings as much as he did. The Espada were meant to be strong and undeniably unstoppable, but he found that they just caused childish bickering amongst themselves and expected him to parent them. Kouhai rolled his sky blue eyes and ran the fingers of his left hand through his hair. His Left Hand... his grievance.

As if he didn't have enough to deal with under his own roof, one of his Espada had the audacity to come and practically throw away all self respect for nothing more than a hand out. When Kouhai instead offered advice for how to move forward, he was met with attitude. Perhaps his Left Hand did not realize he picked up on the subtleties, but he did. It wasn't difficult to see when someone was upset when not given what they asked for to an exact standard, but Kouhai did not have the patience for this. He was above it all.

The meeting room was large. It was easily one of the largest rooms in all of Las Noches. It needed to be for when Kouhai brought together his Espada. Though meetings were few and far between at this point, he knew all he had to do was snap his fingers and they would come running. The pride they felt simply knowing they were permitted to serve under the King made Kouhai smirk and snicker. They were feeble-minded. None had the capacity to conquer Las Noches the way Kouhai did and still does. It mattered not that this was his opinion on the topic, especially when he would be sure to make it a fact.

Earlier in the week, rumors began spreading as Kouhai's informants shared some details regarding the invasion Rizer was planning. It seemed to take many turns, though since Kouhai was so far removed, he did not know specifics. All he'd heard about was what Rizer had already done. He did not know what Rizer was planning. That was a problem. If he couldn't control his Espada even from a distance, then what use were they to him? It would be easier to dispose of them. That was his thinking. But he knew he had to be reasonable. Rizer was relatively new. It had been a while since Kouhai had a proper Left Hand. He needed to think of an alternative.

So of course, like the brilliant man he knew himself to be, he began plotting. The first thought that came to mind was to use someone as a spy of sorts, someone who could give him every single piece of information he could possibly want to help him determine whether or not he cared enough to get involved. Sitting up from the head of the table, Kouhai brushed off the upper portion of the pants of the suit he was wearing and adjusted the blazer. His chest was bare. He dressed more formally outside of Las Noches if the moment ever called for such a thing, but here was all about exposing power. Kouhai had enough power to expose under his suit. He chose to give Las Noches a glimpse in the form of his overtly athletic and built musculature.

"Guujin, my friend," Kouhai called from inside the meeting room, motioning for his servants to open the large brown Victorian doors, "how long has it been since we last met? Surely you must be exhausted. Have a seat."

Bitter cold kindness. He meant absolutely none of what he said genuinely. Guujin was likely the only other person alive who could see through Kouhai's fake exterior, but he likely also appreciated the pleasantries despite the truths. Guujin had made mention some time ago of wanting to speak openly. How comfortable he truly felt doing so was up to him, but Kouhai welcomed it. The two of them had a history. They could at least tolerate each other decently enough.

"I have my own qualms I wish to discuss, but please, share your thoughts first. I believe we may find some topics we both have feelings towards."

[Brutus]

Guujin was making his way towards the meeting room. It seemed Souken had decided that it was time for a one-on-one meeting. All things considered; it made sense. He attempted to think back to the last time they actively acknowledged the others existence, and he couldn't recall when that was. Sure, he'd hung around. Watched events from a bit of distance away but he was rarely, if ever, actively involved in anything regarding Souken. Well, today was going to be a drastic shift in his norm given it was the man and myth himself calling for him. Still Guujin wasn't exactly rushing over either. He knew that even if he was "trusted", more likely expected to accomplish tasks, more so than the others he was still walking into a lion's den. One misstep and he'd be killed on sight or worse considering the unique nature of Souken's powers.

He sighed to himself but quickly replaced his casual and utterly fake smile. If he knew one thing, it was to keep a mask up especially with Souken. He'd see through it but he liked to play with pleasantries so he may as well follow suit if only to amuse the other. When he finally reached the door, he heard Souken before he even had a chance to knock. He chuckled a bit. No doubt he's sensed me coming this way for a while yet. All watching bastard. Guess I'll head on in. Let's see what he wants to talk about. Guujin using both hands pushed open the double doors before walking in, and promptly shut them before looking at Souken. Once inside he gave a quick bow to the other with his right arm across his chest.

It took only a moment before he walked over towards the motioned seat. It was close to Souken but close still held a fair bit of distance that was 4 or 5 chairs worth of space. Always a show of power with this one. He even has the gaul to act carefree and be disgustingly pleasant to deal with. At least he can back it up. Else he'd be like Rizer, all bark and no bite. Once he sat down, he remained quiet until Souken spoke again, he knew better than to speak without the other having their "thoughts" aired first. In the meanwhile, he took deep breaths to keep his heart calm, forced his body to relax though he wasn't lounging about in front of Souken. He even tried to give Souken an equally pleasant smile with as much fake genuine sincerity that could be mustered.

When it was his turn to speak, he let his voice be easily heard and even. No extra effort to be overly pleasant as then it would be entirely too noticeable that he was following suit rather than playing the game. "It has been a while my lord. I can't say I remember when last you called upon me. Unless of course, the "challenge" by Camilla was your design, that would be the most recent instance." Guujin chuckled for a moment before losing the smile on his face as he considered Souken's words. It seemed the other wanted information and that was the reason for this meeting. He just wanted to be subtle about asking for it. Or perhaps polite was the better way to put it. I suppose that's his que to speak up about things he's heard or learned of.

With another deep breath he looked Souken dead in the eye and began speaking. "I've no doubt you know intimately of Rizer's idea to "assault" the Gotei 13. It seems he's collected quite a number of individuals. Our own Espada Rio as well as our spymaster Androxius, your Exquias Leader. In addition to some hired mercenaries and another member of the Exquias. He mentioned her name is Colina though I've yet to hear or see her. I imagine she must be doing her job well if I do not know of her specifically, given her place in your armed forces. He's even come to me directly to request my assistance in this endeavor. . . . I will not say that there isn't issues with this. Namely in his plans that I know of."

"Most curiously though he said you have supported him in this endeavor. I imagine that must be true as he is using quite the pivotal pieces of your army to ensure success." It went unspoken, but Souken had to know Guujin was subtly asking if he'd really given his approval or if Rizer was spouting hot air in order to get his desired results. Guujin figured it wasn't likely he was given approval, but he wasn't going to outright state his thoughts even if Souken asked. Well. . . asked generally. If he wanted his actual thoughts, he'd have to ask specifically for them. After a short pause to give Souken the chance to speak, if he didn't, he'd continue on to report other things he knew about.

"I've also heard and seen on sparse occasions that our resident Primera is very active. Though whatever he specifically is planning to do or working towards has been kept secret. I've been waiting to see what he's intending to do given there seems to be something prompting him to act. If I had to guess, perhaps he's worried about something. I do know he's interacted with Rizer however so it's not too far off to consider the Primera is preparing for if Rizer fails in his task. I will say however, Rizer has also made claims about the Primera's "recruitment" . . . to which I'm almost certain are false. The new Primera last I recalled walked in of his own accord and seems to be in line with the Vasto Lorde that was described by Androxius in several reports. So, I suspect another prompted him to join your ranks."

"Charlotte, and by extension Serenity, seem to have vanished from all words. A quick conversation with Androxious leads me to believe she's had a plan in motion to disappear for a long time now. This however brings me to a point that I regret to admit I feel Rizer is correct on." Guujin sighed. He was going to bite the bullet for this one. No doubt Souken would either begin plotting his imminent demise at his next words or would remind him, perhaps not politely, that he could be replaced like any other. However even Guujin had to admit that he felt it did need to be mentioned at least, especially if Souken wanted his Espada to be ready at a moment's notice.

"I believe the Espada have been. . . too lax. The current Primera aside. The hollows I speak with imply that they may even be. . . bored. I've no doubt they remain capable of fighting your enemies however it may also do them good to leave and be more "active" in the human world or soul society. With that in mind, perhaps giving them a vague task or open-ended goal may assist in keeping them in their prime. As well as keep issues such as the last guest to a minimum. I assume you know the intimate details of that visit?" Guujin gave yet another moment to Souken in case he had some input he wanted to share. He was talking for longer than he'd expected to be allowed so it was mildly concerning. Namely because even if he could see past the mask Souken wore, he couldn't read him. Even knowing that the same wasn't true and the other read him like an open book.

Still, he figured that for a starting point what he'd spoke was likely good enough. He'd left the details of Rizers plan in the air and available for Souken to poke. A quick informing of Charlotte's disappearance as well as some resolution about the recent Vasto that was found and how it tied to Marik. But also implying some underlying issues with Rizer. Far be it from Guujin to go on a tirade if Souken allowed him to operate as he currently was. But perhaps. . . Souken also wasn't pleased with him? It would make sense given he'd seen a uniformed hollow of Las Noches in the Menos Forest. Or what was remaining of them as their body was breaking down. He had to wonder if Souken truly wasn't as pleased with Rizer's idea as Rizer might have implied. For now, he'd simply wait for Souken to respond. Hear what was said, if anything, and respond in kind.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Reference for Guujin}

[Shizuka Sanamizu ✮]

A fleeting feeling of amusement crossed through Kouhai's eternal, black heart. Guujin, to no surprise, was excellent at playing the professional. A smile made its way on to the man's face, both shocking and delighting him. How long had it been since someone acted so casually with the King? Granted, Guujin's form of casual was certainly any other normal person's formal stature, but that mattered not. This was specifically why speaking to his Right Hand entertained him so thoroughly. Kouhai knew Las Noches would be in strong hands should anything ever happen to him. Good thing nothing ever will, seeing as Kouhai would shred his opponent first.

As the red-haired man sitting at the large table spoke, Kouhai's smile faded quickly and was replaced with a mild grimace. Even just hearing the name 'Rizer' caused him to mentally recoil. Truthfully, there was nothing personal Kouhai had against him. This was the most typical reaction the King had towards a subordinate who acted in his name unjustly. The words Guujin shared were like hot lava to Kouhai's ears and every lie spoken made him feel the intense burning even more. The building of an army was not the problem here. The problem was that Rizer was claiming he had Kouhai's support.

Finding a pausing point for the Right Hand, Kouhai spoke up, "What a fool. I never gave him support. I gave him advice on how to conquer, or at a minimum I shared the steps he needed to get started. That delinquent has been claiming I praised him for his ideas and backed them entirely, has he?"

Kouhai took a deep breath and closed his eyes as he slowly let the air escape his lungs. He was not upset so much as he was attempting to hold back the lethal force he kept so close, forcing himself to remain in place and not give in to the generously strong temptation to remind Rizer who was in control. Occasionally, these feelings broke free. Kouhai had to practice his own forms of due diligence in order to keep his abilities in line, but not because he was incapable of harnessing them. It was because he desperately wanted to find any reason to attack, to maim, to kill. He became King for a reason and his gratuitous thirst for blood was part of it.

As he calmed once more and Guujin resumed his report, some details were actually surprisingly positive. If this invasion succeeded, Kouhai would have two full domains under his rule. His main concern was making sure Rizer did not block this from happening. If he assumed he would rule over the Soul Society simply because he conjured up the idea, he would be boiled into a soup for Kouhai's pet Hollows. They were so hungry these days and a Shinigami soul would definitely satiate them. He made a mental note to keep a tab on that idea. It seemed like the perfect type of revenge should the time ever arrive.

But something else bothered Kouhai now. Guujin spoke of the Espada being lazy, a sentiment Rizer shared. Perhaps Kouhai waved this thought off too quickly, which was a detail he made sure he would never admit to anyone. The man squeezed the bridge of his nose between his right thumb and index finger. He expected the Espada to be more self-sufficient than this, but he supposed even dogs needed masters. Reluctantly, he took Guujin's claim to heart. If it was a purpose they wanted, then it would be a purpose he'd give to them.

"It may be true that I have not been present to strike the fear of myself into these Espada. I do not want my willingness to allow them to make their own decisions be taken as an unwillingness to control them. Or weakness."

Kouhai composed himself once again and stood as tall as possible. His muscles stretched and moved beneath his clothes, allowing him to feel every motion they made against the fabric. His eyes were empty as he contemplated what Guujin had told him and how it made him feel about Rizer's plans of attack. They aided in Kouhai's goals - undeniably so - but to what extent? Rizer refused to share any additional information with him and he's had to resort to asking for help, an act so beneath the King that it was laughable. Had Kouhai not been immortal, the stress may have caused him to grow gray hair. Well, if he truly cared that much.

But he didn't. "Guujin, if they wish for a purpose, I will give them one. I demand that you report back to me all dealings with Rizer. It appears he has some sort of ability to trick people into believing I will tolerate deception on their behalf. If he wants to invade, then I'll allow it. But he will not turn his back on me without punishment. I had said that I would be the first to walk through the streets of the Seireitei as the victor. Should he fail to deliver, I will deal with him personally."

[Brutus]

Guujin had to admit, he was actually surprised at some of Souken's words and actions. Enough so that his mask cracked a bit. He allowed his eyebrows to twitch and rise a bit. Namely when he agreed about the Espada's lack of activity as well as Rizer's use of his name. It seems things can change here. . . for better or worse. I'll have to keep an eye on things from here on out. Perhaps even check in on the Primera to see what he has been planning. There's a lot of promise in Las Noches's future. With a deep breath of his own Guujin replaced his mask and remained calm. Listening to Souken's words until he was done. Especially the direct order given to himself, which did irk him some. Namely because it meant that now he was going to need to be invested in Rizer's schemes. And that meant he had indirectly been told he needed to ensure their success, or his head could very well be on the chopping block also.

A small voice in the back of his head promised several broken bones to Rizer. Guujin, with some willpower stifled the voice so he could remain calm before Souken. Especially when he was going to be speaking. "Praising is not the word I would use. Especially considering how many holes he has in his plan. Your approval and authority however, that seems to be more in line with what he speaks of. Even in our own discussion of his plans that was said almost word for word. As for direct dealings with Rizer here is what our conversation revolved around."

"In broad strokes it involved a discussion about each individual and their vague objectives for the assault. It also involved additional objectives that Rizer has deemed worthwhile, namely in an attempt to spread out the Soul Society's captains and other noteworthy forces. He also specifically came to me due to a lack in a safe, possibly more covert method of entering the Seireitei. As for specifics of the entire grouping he has gained the assistance of Colina, Androxious, Rio, Elias, and Asmosokon. I have involved myself currently as a means of transportation and he is attempting to involve the Primera and an undisclosed amount of additional assistance. His overall objective is to steal information from Central 46. He has not specified what information, only that he believes it to be hidden within their library."

"The secondary objectives are as follows: Gain a captains zanpakuto, destroy their academy, destroy the Kasumi'Oji manor, in addition to destroying a significant amount of the Seireitei in the process. He admits openly that all his secondary objectives are unlikely to get accomplished though he didn't mention which if any. It seems to me, that he has also done barely, if any, investigation into his secondary objectives or his main objective. I believe this to be the case due to his vague and general descriptions of each and in addition to admitting he has minimal if any knowledge on the current captains, vice captains, and third seats who could pose a threat. As well as admitting he has no map of Central 46's layout and expects one of his hired help to figure that out for him."

"For all intents and purposes, he has goals that were generated spur of the moment. Likely due to him finding out that the Seireitei has endured an invasion from Hell and succeeded. So, he believes them to be weaker than ever before. I have yet to speak to any of his cohorts aside from a brief talk with Androxious where we discussed our issues with his lack of knowledge on the Seireitei at large including their defenses. We will be gathering information about their captains and vice captains. Finally, here are the specific goals Rizer has for each member of the assault force. Rio is intended to be a distraction with no back up and is intended to rampage within the Seireitei. Elias is intended to map out and assist him in navigating through Central 46 with some degree of stealth. Colina and Androxious are intended to thwart off any and all stealth threats. Likely from Squad 2 or the Onmitsukido though this was not specifically mentioned. Asmoskon is a hired bodyguard. Finally, he has asked for my assistance in transportation to and from Seireitei, as well as being another distraction for the shinigami's forces. The Primera is likely another distraction if I had to guess at his intentions."

Guujin as he went quiet stood up to look at Souken eye to eye. His report had been given while seated as he expected Souken wanted information more than anything else regarding Rizer, especially since he was now under order to trail and feed information back to him. But now that his report was concluded he had to wonder how Souken would react. There were tells of frustration though if he had to guess perhaps there was more than frustration within Souken's mind regarding Rizer. The immediate shift in demeanor upon hearing his name mentioned was definitely stark enough to warrant notice. Let alone how his eyes seemed to narrow just slightly from his initial mention of Rizer's activities. He'd need to give Rizer his utmost attention if Souken's reactions and words were anything go off of. He may even need Brutus to do more than simply transport the group.

Focusing on another train of thought however, Guujin had to wonder what would Souken order the Espada to do? What purpose would he give them? He was . . . unnaturally considerate of his thoughts regarding them. And even admitted that perhaps there was more for them to do. Guujin did not dare to ask what purpose would be given but he did wonder if he'd be the vessel to inform the Espada of their goals. . . or more accurately taskings from Souken himself. Regardless of what Souken decided upon and how he decided to inform his minions Guujin would keep his eyes and ears open. This would be more than a subtle change in the manner that Las Noches operated from that moment onwards. And it would be interesting to watch if nothing else. Just as it would be interesting to see Kouhai walk into the Seireitei and enforce his will upon it. There were many things Guujin hadn't realized were a part of Rizer's plan. Souken walking into the Seireitei and finalizing Las Noches's victory over the Gotei 13 was one of them. Rizer had undoubtedly bargained with a devil and worse yet, had bargained so much more than Guujin had thought possible. He had to wonder what repercussions were in the future for all involved.

[Shizuka Sanamizu ✮]

As Guujin spoke, Kouhai's facial expressions reflected that of an irked school teacher. He shouldn't be surprised nearly at all by what his Right Hand was saying, yet here he was, still surprised nevertheless. This particular instance caused his feelings primarily due to the fact that Rizer's plan felt so ill-planned, so trivial, and made the King question his decision in allowing Rizer to be among his ranks. The efforts were tactless. While there were some portions of his plans that made sense to an extent, those were few and far between. Kouhai was going to likely enjoy watching this failure of an invasion, and if it turns out he succeeds, then that'll be a welcome and pleasant surprise.

Kouhai placed his right hand on his hip and brushed his other hand through his black hair, allowing the strands to fall back into place. He had to compose himself. He had a reputation to uphold and he felt himself showing entirely too much to Guujin. Not that the latter would necessarily care, but Kouhai cared. He was known for being aloof and serious. He wanted to stay that way. If he faltered, he feared there would be no way to ever gain the notoriety back. For now, he reminded himself that he was still in control and still capable of killing whoever he needed to in order to ensure his status remained the same.

"I see. It seems to me that he hasn't given this much thought at all, like you said. That sounds typical. I did not take him for an ant who could be stepped on so easily, but this news is pertinent, especially since he refuses to pass along any updates on progress."

After only a second or two, Kouhai was back to normal. Though Guujin stood in place, the King stepped around the large table in the meeting room, admiring not only himself in the reflection, but also the craftsmanship. His hands were folded behind his back as he walked, but his right arm released itself and found a resting place on the back of one of the chairs. Turning to Guujin, Kouhai remained stoic in expression and considered his options. He believed he had the best path laid out for now after asking this man to all but stalk Rizer. There was nothing else he cared to do at this point.

"I don't appreciate ants like him getting in my way. I do not want him using my name in vain. Should he even remotely step out of line, kill him. Better yet, inform me immediately and I will. I must hold to my own promise."

There was only one step left now, and that was to watch this invasion unfold. He'd have Guujin to report back any findings and he'd remain here until he felt his presence was needed. What a laugh... If his presence was ever needed, then that meant Rizer was nothing other than an embarrassment to all of Las Noches and deserved to be outcasted, if not worse. This was more of a headache than he ever wanted to deal with. He should be happy that the damned Seireitei is going to be taken down, but something nagged at the back of his mind saying that was likely not going to be the end result. That was part of why Kouhai allowed Guujin to have the opinions that he did about the Espada. Perhaps it was time to give them something more direct to work on.

[Brutus]

Souken seemed to need a bit more time to completely come back to himself. Rizer's antics were frustrating him, weighing on him in some capacity and it made Guujin wonder why exactly. Dare he wonder if Souken had any concerns about his arrancar forces? A well-crafted tool was hard to come by. And in the hands of an inexperienced user, they may break or worse yet, be lost. That was at least Guujin's more objective thought process. Souken was typically so emotionless that he would never consider him to be personally frustrated at Rizer for a slight imagined or real against him. Thus, the idea never went further than his possible concern about the loss of a few tools. In the meantime, however Guujin listened, taking note of Souken's movements and body language.

He did find one thing strange. He had talked with Souken and never followed up. Not even with a messenger to give updates. So Souken had minimal information. . . in addition to having not gotten further from another. . . How did Rizer accomplish this, let alone why would Souken allow it? Isn't he all seeing, all knowing within Las Noches? Perhaps then he really doesn't know about Brutus. Let alone the escapades of his "tools". How curious Souken. . . how very curious. Souken speaking again drew Guujin from his thoughts and back to reality, though nothing about his body gave that away. He had been watching Souken move all the while. However, he swore and it could have been wrong, but he swore he could have felt a sort of presence or energy exuding off of Souken. Pleasantries gone and disapproval bare. His next order was permanently ingrained in his mind because of the weight behind the words.

Guujin stiffened some but nodded at Souken regardless. Uncertain if he should say anything further. Thus, he waited and let Souken look at him and then likely find himself again. Well, the fake exterior he had anyway. This conversation was nearly done, orders were given, and he'd given the information the other wanted. He hadn't been willing to ask previously due to wanting to allow Souken to tell him or otherwise give another order however, given the circumstance he may as well ask what if anything he wanted him to do with the Espada. If he had any orders to relay. Kill two birds with one stone if at all possible. So, he turned towards Souken and spoke. "Understood my lord. Before I continue my investigations on Rizer, is there any orders or commandments you would like me to pass onto your Espada?"

[Shizuka Sanamizu ✮]

It was interesting to see how relaxed Guujin seemed to get around his King. Kouhai raised an eyebrow at the noticeable change in stature as orders were made. This sudden adjustment in posture meant, to Kouhai, that Guujin was comfortable. Kouhai vowed to fix that. He admitted to himself that it was his own fault, especially seeing as he allowed any amount of emotion to show due to this whole situation with Rizer. He needed to reflect on such behavior and make sure it stopped entirely in the future. He would never let anyone see how he felt. He was powerful, could end their lives in a matter of seconds, and needed to remind all Espada of such a thing.

"Yes, actually. Increase guard around Las Noches. Tell them to watch out for one another, and I don't mean in a protective way. Expect betrayal." Kouhai stepped aside for a second, allowing a smirk to creep up on his face. He felt it was about time he taught his Espada a lesson. He just needed to use one as an example. "And tell them I'll offer a reward for the first successful capture of Rizer so long as they offer him to me. Perhaps that will save me the effort."

After a moment, Kouhai stepped away and processed his own request. He knew Rizer would refuse to share details, or assumed as much, but it wasn't as if he couldn't get information from others. Kouhai had his ways and he was going to abuse the power he held after all these years. Although, if he made this request and the Espada followed through, then he'd have to cancel Rizer's entire plan for the invasion and he would not be able to crush the Seireitei as quickly as he had hoped. So, after some consideration, he added to his original statement.

"But they can only do so once he opens the pathway to the Seireitei. I still intend to have my will be met one way or another."

[Kitai Yoru]

Kouhai: 23 paragraphs, 20% bonus towards a thread with Guujin, or one of Ryo's characters
Guujin: 20 paragraphs, 20% bonus towards a thread with Kouhai, or one of Sana's characters