Arc 1 ~ Canon S-2: New Generations: Bount [Medium, DP]

[Shizuka Sanamizu ✮]

Name: Arc 1 ~ Canon S-2: New Generations: Bount, Series 2

Participants: Max of 4 allowed, no more than 2 members of the Gotei 13 permitted. Restricted to Class 5-3

Location: Karakura Town, Japan

Difficulty Level: Medium

Threat Level: DP

Plotline: Soul Society has been holding on to Bount information long enough. It’s time someone went in and did something about it, helping the Bount community figure out what their true story is. With the help of a dimensional doorknob, anyone can enter Soul Society, but will they make it back?

Estimated Enemy Strength: Class 3

Estimated Time Until Completion: 4 pages

Starts: October 26, 2024

Special Conditions: Each character can only join one Canon thread at a time. There is a strict one-week posting timer that begins once a previous participant posts. If the next participant fails to post during their turn during this time period, they get skipped. This does not mean they get dropped, but that participant’s character will suffer the consequences (such as being forced to take whatever damage has occurred due to a previous poster’s actions). Participants are free to drop if they so choose and new participants can join, but there can only ever be a maximum of four participants at any time. If someone gets skipped, the DM will post who was skipped and whose turn it is to post. If any participant is skipped 3 times within the Canon thread, they will be automatically dropped and someone new may be permitted to join.

DISCLAIMER: I fully expect your characters' Classes to increase because of other threads outside of the Canon! That is okay, but you are required to use the stats and skills your character has at the time of Canon entry. They cannot be updated. If your character was Class 6 for an Easy thread, for example, and you post your stats and skills as they were at Class 6, then that is what they will be throughout the duration of the Canon thread. If your character's Class increases to 5, that is okay. They are still required to use their Class 6 values. Likewise, if your character was Class 8 at the time of entry and increased to Class 6 outside of the Canon, they must still use their Class 8 stat and skill values. The same rule applies for any power changes/additions.

[Aura Kyuketsuki]

Of course can not pass up.

[Madelyn Fūrinji]

“There could be other useful information around. I could figure out who put this inside me.”

[Hoshi]

"MADELYNN WE'RE GOING TO SOUL SOCIETY. AND WE'RE KILLING EVERY SHINIGAMI WE MEET!"

[Catty Noir ♦]

"Amon and I will join this."

[Shizuka Sanamizu ✮]

”I can get you into Soul Society.”

He said it with such nonchalant casualness. His amber eyes simply looked at Aura as he dropped that bomb on her like it was nothing, even pointing at himself. ”Easily, as well. The same way I used to travel to Hueco Mundo from time to time.” It was true. When Luke was at his worst, struggling with his killer guilt and existence as a Bount, he opted to feed on Hollows as some twisted form of self-harm. What a terrible mistake that had been. It only exasperated his problems. Who would have thought feeding on entities of pure negativity would damage your mental health? Hell, it even permanently stained his hair white. ”I have a portable gateway,” he continued, ”that can take you directly into the heart of the Seireitei. I don’t mind giving it to you once everything is ready,” Luke said directly to her.

The Interdimensional Doorknob. Stupid name for such a powerful item. Illegal to own. Luke should have had a bounty on his head for even possessing it. He had picked it up from the Japanese black market on a whim when he decided to visit the place. He never would have guessed it would end up being so important down the line. ”But you don’t need me to tell you that none of you are ready to enter Soul Society. Even with my power, I’d be hard-pressed to fight more than two Captains. That was three years ago, too. I have no idea what the Gotei Thirteen looks like right now. The point is, you’re not ready yet. The Bount aren’t ready to do this. Not yet,” he said to her with seriousness in his voice.

”But I can help get them ready,” he added, immediately removing any chance of Aura losing hope. ”Natural geniuses like me make for terrible teachers. I had to learn everything I know on the fly. Imagination, creativity, and trying to stay alive. Not to mention all the fighting I’ve done against actual monsters. You get what I’m saying though, right? I’ll give you access to Soul Society, but we have to get the Bount ready for this first,” he concluded, looking at her intently.

---

An interesting promise made to Aura Kyuketsuki, the self-proclaimed "Mother of Bount." Throughout her years of efforts, she had created a safe-haven for Bounts and Bount allies, alike. Blood, sweat and tears were poured into this project of hers, resulting in the expansion of the Citadel and her control over the Sanguine Syndicate. After meeting back up with Luke once he'd finally woken up from his extended siesta, emotions flew, though rage was kept in check. Luke could feel this. It was palpable. Aura admitted to him that she wanted to get into Soul Society, but how was she to do that? She didn't have a method.

Until now.

Luke's Dimensional Doorknob was capable of opening a door to any of the Four Worlds. Generously, he offered it to her in order to assist her efforts under the condition that he train the Bounts who resided with her. The deal was made, and he went off to train. The time had finally come for his promise to be fulfilled, and the door has officially been opened. Soul Society was there, finally within reach, and she would be able to find what he was looking for this whole time: Answers. She was desperate for them. Desperate for anything that gave her and her Bount people a semblance at a normal life.

The setting is Karakura Town, Japan. Aura is at an abandoned warehouse. The walls, roof, and structural beams were all made of rust-stained metals that betrayed the building's age. Luckily, it had a working door. Along with some help from the Dimensional Doorknob, the door was opened to reveal the Seireitei only a few hundred feet away. The group from the World of the Living will be able to enter freely, though cautiously, as they adventure into Soul Society to find what they were looking for. Only a few seconds away from starting their journey, they should consider proceeding conservatively, because it's only a matter of time before someone finds them.

[Hoshi]

Hoshi had been up for a little while, simply staring at the box he'd received from Kitai. It was "A gift from another." and it was a doorknob. Plain jane. A simple brass doorknob. Said note mentioning it was a gift told him to place the doorknob on a wall and pretend he's opening a door. Specifically, one to Soul Society. Hoshi had rolled his eyes previously. Considered it a cruel joke by Kitai that he could be given something so precious as a means to go to Soul Society, let alone another plane of existence. Things like that just didn't exist for . . . really anyone. Yet not five minutes before had this thought been valid and well tested . . . until this fucking doorknob was used. He knew that gate he saw. It was the west gate of Seireitei. And he was certain there was nothing stopping him from simply going through and starting a rampage. How could it? Unless it was a damn good illusion. But he smelled the significantly cleaner air and heard the hustle and bustle of souls moving. It was real.


He reached over and picked up the doorknob again. Really looked such an unimposing device over. His eyes grew dark, and anger soared through them for a moment. But he knew he wasn't the only one that needed this. His newest recruit Madelynn would no doubt want to go to Soul Society and get answers. And no doubt he could kill enough people to get them. He took a deep breath and let the adrenaline rush through him at the sheer thought of getting to FINALLY enact his revenge. "Just you wait Soul Society, I've got some karma coming your way. And I'm not alone this time. I've got another one you fucked over with me. Hehehehe ITS TIME TO GET THIS BLOODBATH STARTED!" Hoshi immediately ran to his new closet, pulled out his steel silk kimono, his rebars, and picked up his cellphone. An "upgraded" one that Kitai swore would be infinitely more useful than the one Xcution gave out as standard phones.


With all that he wanted on his person collected he called up Madelynn through his Nokia and waited for a moment as it rang. Madelynn would either hear a physical phone ring if one was near her, or otherwise find that there was a ringing in her mind. One eerily similar to a phone. She could pick it up by simply choosing to think about doing so. Once the line connected Hoshi spoke quickly. "Hello Madelynn? Oh shit, this does work. Ignore that comment, this is something I got from Kitai, so I had some doubts. ANYWAY! Listen, you and I are going on a mission. Real important, real high end. I need you to do two things. First, tell me where you're at right now and don't leave from there. I'll be there soon to pick you up. Second, I need you to prepare yourself in every way possible. Grab all your gear, you're going to need it. We're going to get some info on the sick fuck that put that thing in you." Hoshi would then wait on the line to hear Madelynn's location and if she had any other comments, questions, etc. But once he got the information, he needed he'd close the call and start making his way there.


Nearby Madelynn a door would appear. Given she couldn't sense reiatsu and was at best human in her sensory capabilities Hoshi wouldn't have even registered as he appeared on a wall a few feet away. When he pulled the doorknob off the wall, the portal would close, and he'd snicker quietly as he walked up behind her. Sorry Madelynn but this is too good to be true~ Once he was up close behind her, he would grab her shoulders and yell out "BOO!" He'd then let her go and laugh if she got freaked out. He deserved whatever bodily harm he got from her for doing this, but it was so easy he just couldn't help himself. Once her reaction was said and done however Hoshi would wipe a tear away from his eye and take a second to calm down. "Ok, ok sorry. I just . . . Hah I couldn't help myself haha! Ahh anyway, onto the serious stuff. I wasn't kidding Madelynn; I've got a way to Soul Society. And once you're ready we can head on out. We're gonna tear up the fucking place until we find answers for you and me!"


There was a malevolent gleam in Hoshi's eyes. His blackened eyes radiating pure hate and bloodlust but not towards her. Still while he was clearly excited and ready to start the showdown with Soul Society, he would calm himself down some and force his body to relax. From there he'd simply wait in the room he was in for Madelynn to get ready or finish whatever she was doing. And once she notified him that she was ready he'd smile and that gleam would come back. Then he pulled out the object of their escapade to Soul Society. . . A bronze doorknob. No doubt not the object she'd be expecting and given the smile on Hoshi's face he expected her to have some kind of issue or complaint. He wanted to hear them even before he simply slammed the doorknob onto the nearest wall, flooded some reiatsu into it, and pulled it open revealing a portal in the shape of a standard front door to Soul Society.


"Told ya, we're going to find answers. Now c'mon, I'll be right behind ya. I gotta keep hold of this thing though so you first, else the portal's gonna break." He then motioned for Madelynn to go forward and true to his word they'd walk through the portal after her. Closing the "door" behind them. Only to realize something was very wrong. While they were in an alleyway, and this was exactly where they should be for the moment. They weren't alone. Another door, similar to his own was present. He grabbed Madelynn's shoulder and pointed her in the direction of the other door and held a finger to his mouth. He then walked in front of the door and held out an iron rebar in front of him. His eyes catching two women and while his eyes narrowed, he didn't begin being aggressive . . . just yet. "Who are you and are you affiliated with Soul Society? If not, we may be able to help one another. If you are . . . we're going to have problems. However, something tells me a portal in an alleyway doesn't exactly lend itself to the "straight and narrow"."

SPOILER: Click to show

{Stats and Skills (Edited for Class 3 level)}
Stats:


Strength: 75 (50)


Speed: 200


Reiatsu Strength: 350 (875)


Spiritual Pressure: 200 (500)


Instinct: 150


Senses: 150


Energy sense: 0 (0)


Healing expertise: 75 (50)


Light: 100

Dark: 0



Skills:

Improvised Weapons: 2

Anti-Stealth: 2

Illusion Resist: 2

Battle Analysis: 2

Strength of Will: 2

Street Fighting: 2

Cold Tolerance: 2

14/16 Skill Points

SPOILER: Click to show

{Items on Hoshis person}
2x Class 3 Beastick
}

Name: The Beat Stick
Description: This can be made into any weapon the user wishes upon purchase. In short, this is a very strong, very durable weapon. What you see is what you get with this one.
Class: 3
Item Type: Weapon
Item Power (IP): 900
Offense Type: Physical
Durability: 3x IP
Bonuses: N/A
Drawbacks: N/A
Form: Steel Rebar


2x Class 3 Throw Equip (On the Beatsticks)
Description: This is a modification that can be equip to any weapon from the Kitai Shop. This allows the user to call back the item this is equipped to, at a speed of 750, with a strength equal to the speed. This costs 150 reiatsu to perform.
Class: 3
Item Type: Equipment
Item Power (IP): Equal to Beatsick's IP
Offense Type: Physical
Durability: N/A
Bonuses: Adds the IP of the item to the weapon it is equipped to.
Drawbacks: Only three Equip items can be attached to any one weapon at a time. Added IP does not count towards the durability of the Weapon, or the OS/IP required to damage the item.


2x Class 3 Fire Equip (On the Beatsticks)
Description: This is a sigil, engraved into the blade of a weapon, or somewhere on it that has a large flat surface on it. This sigil comes in many forms, but they all represent fire, in some way, shape, or form. Be it a figure that resembles the user dancing with a figure of flame, a figure meditating with a circle of fire behind them, or something like the Kanji for fire that glows orange pressed into the metal. The sky is the limit for the user.

Class: 3

Item Type: Equipment

Item Power (IP): Equal to Beatstick IP

Offense Type: N/A

Durability: Equal to the weapon it is attached to.

Bonuses: This is a modification that can be equip to any weapon from the Kitai Shop. While this weapon is equipped, the user can coat their weapon in flames in whatever manner they deem visually appealing. These flames can launch up to three different fire attacks, with those being a large fireball that explodes, a cone of fire, or a curtain of flames that linger for a post. The IP of the fire is equal to the IP of the Weapon this item is attached to. Each fire attack costs 100 reiatsu.

Drawbacks: Only three Equip items can be attached to any one weapon at a time.


2x Class 3 Crushing Equip (On the Beatsticks)
Description: This is a sigil, engraved into the blade of a weapon, or somewhere on it that has a large flat surface on it. Popular symbols for this are hammers, figures crushing the ground with a hammer, or a gauntlet over their fist. The sky is the limit for the user.

Class: 3

Item Type: Equipment

Item Power (IP): Equal to item it is attached to

Offense Type: Physical

Durability: N/A

Bonuses: This is a modification that can be equip to any weapon from the Kitai Shop. When equipped to an item, it allows the weapon to do additional damage to anything with durability, dealing 30% more per class this item is.

Drawbacks: Only three Equip items can be attached to any one weapon at a time.


The super-secret sauce.
Name: Interdimensional Knob
Description: This is a peculiar item, but it is arguably the most useful. It appears to be a round brass doorknob. Furthermore, it is the only product Sky Oasis sells outside of the soul trafficking market.
Class: 4
Item Type: Utility
Item Power (IP): N/A
Offense Type: N/A
Durability: 1000
Bonuses: If the user presses it to a surface, and pulls, they will open a spiritual door on that surface. This “door” is made of reishi and swings open, revealing a portal that grants access to another world. It is perfect for untraceable travel between the Human World, Soul Society, and Hueco Mundo, granting access to the Black Markets of all those worlds. When opening the door, all the user must do is think of the specific place that they want the portal to lead to. If the user knows which dimension they want to travel to but does not know what specific place the portal should open, it will default to either the West Gate of Seireitei, the gate of the Las Noches fortress, or downtown Karakura. The interdimensional knob does not allow access to hell.
Drawbacks: None.



Steel Silk - Class 3
Description: When purchased, this item can be made into any set of clothing that the wearer wants. Said clothing becomes a highly durable armor that can block most attacks.


Class: 3

Item Type: Armor

Item Power (IP): 600

Offense Type: Physical

Durability: Double Ip

Bonuses: N/a

Drawbacks: Cannot wear more than one layer of Steel Silk.



Unbreakable Phone
Description: Behold, the Phone of yesteryear, immortalized today. The Unbreakable Phone, or TUP for short, is a six inch device modeled after the common cellphone of the nineteen nineties, with all the buttons you need to call up your friends! This device has Energy Sensory equal to its Ip, which it uses to detect the people that are most commonly around the user. This device has the ability to connect to them via a call, no matter what world they might be in! Except Hell. No calls can be made to, from, or in Hell. Intentionally. The recipient of this receives the call either from their own personal cellphone, the nearest phone they could feasibility reach in twenty seconds, or in their mind or inner world. Those individuals can reject the call, preventing another call for five minutes.

Class: 7

Item Type: Tool

Item Power (IP): 300

Offense Type: Mental

Durability: 10,000

Bonuses: It holds a total of ten reiatsu signatures.

Drawbacks: It's not a smart phone. Cannot use its IP for combat reasons.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Kimono (Steel Silk) / Gigai reference}

[Aura Kyuketsuki]

The time has arrived. For the years spent preparing. For the time yearning to grow. For what was needed to fulfill what truly belonged to them, the Bount were prepared. People were mobilizing as the Bount paced herself, reviewing the plan that Eris had put together for them. Much of what was issued before had been altered heavily. From what was to be when the gateway would be opened was to have Luke and Mister Kitai present. This plan entailed different levels of operation, proposing the necessary teams to distract, defend, support, and insertion. Different groups would play their respective roles in order to insure that the overall operation would go without delay, or concerns. But there was a concern.

A big one.

The time table of when the operation was to take place had to proceed well beyond the original date. From her scouts and syndicate cells there was another group invovled. Hollows? No. They were too occupied to even care about what was going on. The Quincy? No, the Empire had no reason to even mingle with city as they had their own Empire. Their care for Karakura was next to nothing for the city. The Shinigami? They would have the same level of interest in Karakura as the Quincies, with the only different being their activities was to safeguard the souls and not the city. This also meant that they would be more in the open than remain in hiding. Thus, it led to another possibility.

"Bount" she thought aloud in theory.

All that was occurring around the city was that of someone having a similar mindset. Bount that were once moving to attend, to meet with Aura have lessened. The numbers of the Covenant nearly ceased in terms of recruitment, being those that left on their own accord, or who were banished from it. Aside from those Bount who became too troublesome to allow further existance, the news of the banished Bount going missing did turn Aura's head. There were no sightings. No new information on where they were, or how they managed to disappear. While one or two of these individuals were of no concern, having nearly all of such Bounts go missing was alarming. Not only that, but what was going in the city with disappearances of children, and movements from the shadows were all plans that Aura herself had in mind.

Strategies that were meant to force the city into a peaceful surrender if it was ever needed. Someone acted before Aura did.

With these events coming into the light the risk of losing what information that led to their conception was seen as being too high for comfort. The Covenant and the Syndicate had to move. There was no time to wait any further. Thus, Aura conducted the largest mobilization that the Covenant had seen. Each individual cell of the Syndicate were fully activated. Those that ventured into the city gathered with those under their influence to form a stronger information grid. Local Yakuzas had their thugs and informants branch out to their respective borders to leave no blind spots in the shadows. Eris would have her teams as a reactionary force, assisting where other groups that would require aid or support. Their guerilla tactics would help put out any fires that would sprout in any direction.

Then came the defensive force. The Bount that were capable of fighting were placed in areas that line themselves behind the syndicate's cells. These groups comprised of Bount that would push alongside the Syndicate's forces while maintaining a defensive wall before leading to that of the Covenant stronghold. They were divided into small teams that led into the wood toward the mountain range. These groups were faster, and stronger in terms defensive techniques. While not as mobile as Eris' teams, this group would be able to hold their own. And lastly, the Citadel team. This group's primary responsibility was the defense of the Covenant. Sealing the doors to the club, the Bount guards will station themselves throughout the club to insure they controlled key positions that will tunnel the enemy through a narrow gap. They were to fight and die to keep their civilians safe, or escort them out through the Depths if need be.

Everyone was in place as Aura's team was prepared, stationing themselves here in the abandoned warehouse sector. Why here? It was to prevent any possible leads to the mountain stronghold, and to keep any fights that break out in an isolated area rather than in the city. If the Bount were going to enter Soul Society, then it was best to placed in a area where the Bount can redraw the defensive line, and maintain control of the situation. While the Bount were not ready for an all out war with Soul Society, with their dispersement as they were would keep the Bount in control as they fell back. But, their formation served a different purpose, and one that Aura hoped not to have to utilize.

{Spoiler}{Music}

Both Humans and Bount worked in tandem, lining themselves around the emptied structure of sheet metal and storages. The gangs in the area kept watch around the boundary that the Covenant had set up in the small section. With a few Humans rushing to gather their guns and weapons, the Bount standing behind Aura readied themselves as backup. A dozen fighting capable Bounts were all Aura could keep with her while the others had a greater task to hold up. Those that Aura could contact to support her were called upon for this moment. Time was of the essence, and their reason for being spoken aloud; what they were fighting for at this moment.

The Bount data. A wealth of knowledge that no other ever had access to, which pertained the information of the Bount's birth. Their conception. How did it happen. Their anatomy. Their Dolls. Every detailed piece of information about what the Bount were down to their inner workings, and vulernabilities. Inside of this unrivaled source resided everything that the Bount were, including the case studies and experiments done to those who were unfortunate enough to be kept as specimens. Aura caressed the length of her left forearm, remembering the injections and doses of blood taken. Day after day with many of them locked inside the White Room. Aura didn't know how long she was kept inside the labs. She didn't know how many of the Bount were there aside from her. She didn't check to see when she was escaping. She was too scared.

But now she can go back, and not as the person she was before.

"Today. Today is the first day that we take back our futures." Aura announced. She turned to face the Bount and Humans that stood behind her, gathering to see the moment that Aura had prophesized. "For far too long our fates were never our own. Divided, separated, cast out into the shadows where others deemed that was where we belong. That our existance was meant for the darkness." Aura uttered, growing her frustration that was lingering inside. Her crimson eyes shifting its glance from Bount to Bount, from person to person resting her exposed hands on their shoulders as she past them. "Given a life that many of us believed to be unfair. To be painted as monsters by some. To be cheated by others. For far too long our existance has been ridiculed by those that seek to destroy us, and continue to keep us down.

But no longer! For I say to each and every one of you, that you are deserving of more!" Aura cried out. "For today we take that first step together. Today we take back a part of ourselves. Today we shall walk in the sun. TODAY! WE TAKE BACK OUR WORLD!" The Bount hastened her steps as she darted to the front that left a large empty wall behind her. A wall that Aura kept her back to as she spoke, removing the glowing object from her person, the key to opening the doorway. There was no need to wait any longer as with but a thrust of her arm did the knob connect to the wall, framing a doorway of radiant light that caused Aura's eyes to adjust to its brightness. Turning it, the doorway opened for the Bount to follow in after the woman with half keeping to the back as planned.

It would be Aura that ventured into the light first, casting her black silhouette through the contrasting light. Feathers that ringed around her neck that attached to her black corset dress. Golden seams dividing the components that made up the sturdy torso piece, leaving the upper layer of her bosom exposed. The black flaps of her dress seemingly hovered slightly over the foor with claps of her heels making the only sound among the muffled footsteps of boots behind her. Only then did she see the skies of Soul Society once again. Yet, to be precise, the skies that remained above the Seireitei.

Aura was trembling slightly. The shaking of her left hand rattled just for a moment as it too remembered what occurred in this realm. The Bount silenced it outcry, and steadied herself for what was to come. Aura's Energy Sensory pinged her to sources close to them upon entering the familiar land. Reiatsu that was not that of the Shinigami. "Who are you and are you affiliated with Soul Society? If not, we may be able to help one another. If you are . . . we're going to have problems. However, something tells me a portal in an alleyway doesn't exactly lend itself to the "straight and narrow"."

A foolish pondery was announced.

"Do I or we appear to be linked to the ranks of the Shinigami? If you truly believe that then you are either stupid or blind." Aura snapped, turning her gaze to the prize that resided deep within the Seireitei. Her own spiritual pressure being checked, dimming it, reducing it to remain sealed inside of her. Then, she began to walk. "What business you are here for does not concern me. What I desire resides at the heart of this place. Deep within." Aura marched, preparing for what comes next.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Spoiler}{Aura}
Strength: 250
Speed: 300
Spiritual Pressure: 200(*75%) = 350
Reiatsu Strength: 100(/40%) = 60
Light Aura: 50
Dark Aura: 50
Instinct: 150
Senses: 100
Energy Sensory: 100
Healing Expertise: 0

SP Total: 1200



Strength of Will: [2]

Acrobatics: [2]

Battle Analysis: [2]

Pain Tolerance: [2]

Analysis: [2]

Multi-Tasking: [2]

Movement: [2]


SKP Total: 14/15

SPOILER: Click to show

{Spoiler}{Equipment}1x Class 3 Model SS-1 Pistol

1x 1 of - Class 5 Name: Model SS-S-1 Ammunition Pack

[Catty Noir ♦]

What had only been just whispers really became a reality. Though not surprising, Catty found herself a bit shocked, regardless. Truthfully, she didn't think things would be happening so quickly, and she certainly didn't imagine these events were going to take place so soon after her move to Karakura Town. Yet here she was, watching her elegant leader without question, ready to throw herself into the pit if Aura so much as even pointed towards it. As the woman spoke, her voice resonating with the followers who watched her prepare the way, Catty smiled and felt her adrenaline rise. A stifled laugh could be heard within the shadows of her mind as Amon, ever-awake, could feel every ounce of excitement his mother had.

Rumors spread quickly of the kidnapped children, and the fact that other Bount were responsible for it was disappointing, to say the least. Growing up, Catty felt very much like her community was like family, as if all of the other Bount were understanding of each other and not at all territorial. It was interesting. They were like birds, or maybe a pack of wolves. Bount didn't usually act this way. Granted, the children who were disappearing were just humans. Catty didn't quite care about the fact that they were being kidnapped. What she did care about, though, was that Bount were responsible for it. That was enough to enrage her.

Mére, are you sure about this? Are you not worried about getting hurt?

Non, mon petit chaton. I am not. I have you, and I have Aura. I feel quite safe.

I do promise to protect you should anything happen. But where is Luke?

On another mission, I heard. He is needed elsewhere, along with the strength he provides.

Catty had to admit being confused as to why he wasn't here helping her and Aura. She didn't even see him amongst the crowd. She knew he worked for someone else, but he still supported the Bount community. He was the reason Aura had the doorknob that she'd used to open the passage to the Soul Society, looking beyond angelic as she began walking through the door. Catty wasn't too far behind, though it was difficult for her to not be distracted. She kept thinking about this mission. They were going to need to be careful since it was only them without the support Luke could provide, and that was scary.

Still, Aura didn't seem shaken at all. She spoke with confidence that Catty had no choice but to admire. So as the two of them walked through, the air smelling just as crisp as it did in the Human World, Catty felt a similar confidence building within her body that could have consumed her entirely had she not heard a suspicious voice. Apparently, someone else was already here, traveling in a similar fashion. Could there really be more than one doorknob? The question ran through Catty's mind as she allowed Aura to have the floor, speaking her mind quite eloquently. The two others who arrived were difficult to discern, though one wore a kimono and the other had this strange... feeling about her.

"You two do not seem to be a part of this world, either. My lady and I are not here to threaten whatever it is you are doing," Catty started, stepping forward in almost a protective way. "Explain yourselves. Or allow us to continue. Either option is acceptable."

SPOILER: Click to show

{Catty's Stats}

Strength - [200] = 300 Points

Speed - 200 Points

Spiritual Pressure - [100] = 125 Points

Reiatsu Strength - [200] - 140 Points

Light Aura - 50 Points

Dark Aura - 50 Points

Instinct - [200] = 150 Points

Senses - 200 Points

Energy Sensory - 0 Points

Healing Expertise - 0 Points

Total SP: 1100 Points

SPOILER: Click to show

{Amon's Stats}

Strength - [300] = 450 Points

Speed - [200] = 250 Points

Spiritual Pressure - [300] = 150 Points

Reiatsu Strength - [100] = 50 Points

Light Aura - 50 Points

Dark Aura - 50 Points

Instinct - 100 Points

Senses - 100 Points

Energy Sensory - 0 Points

Healing Expertise - 0 Points

Total SP: 1100 Points

SPOILER: Click to show

{Catty's Skills}

[Battle Analysis] {2}

[Illusion Resist] {2}

[Strength of Will] {2}

[Analyzing] {2}

[Martial Arts: MMA] {2}

[Imitation] {2}

[Pain Tolerance] {1}

[Heat Tolerance] {1}

[Acrobatics] {1}

[Madelyn Fūrinji]

Sitting on a floor cushion in the bedroom that had been assigned to her was the new sword of Xcution. The title was still something that Madelyn wasn’t all that comfortable with, being called a sword seemed very aggressive for her. She didn’t really have a handle on fighting despite trying her best over the last few weeks to get a handle on using the powers of the parasite inside her body. She’d gotten a much better handle on taking control from the cursed thing inside her so long as she took one of the injections beforehand. The freedom of actually having control over her body now though was like starting life all over again.

Although the room wasn’t very big, there wasn’t really anything she could call her own inside it, the color wasn’t to her liking, it was bland, she couldn’t complain. She’d been living as a homeless spirit on the streets of Karakura for nearly a year. This little room may as well have been an extravagant hotel room compared to the damp alleyways that typically played host to Hollows seeking her out. She had free time away from anything and everyone. Time that allowed her to sort through her experiences and decompress the last year.

At the moment she sat thinking over what she had available to her in combat. She didn’t have much equipment like so many others in Xcution did. She’d managed to go out several days ago and get a uniform, not one like Hoshi though. He had style but it was very loud. She wanted to wear the same thing as the Shinigami since that’s what she was told she sorta was. She would apparently get called a betrayer or something since she had one of the parasites in her, but at least for now the black and white uniform was nice.

Trying to figure out ways that she could use the kido she’d been able to learn from the strange scrolls that’d been left by her while she’d been sleeping on the streets. Those scrolls were the only thing beyond her clothing that were hers. They each were rolled up at the moment inside her dresser. Shed reviews each enough that she didn’t really think she needed them anymore, but just having something that was hers helped. She also had the suspicion that whoever put this parasite inside her was also behind the scrolls.

After reviewing and studying what she did know from them Madelyn tried expressing what she’d experienced over the last year. She started out just writing poetry and then learned it was possible to move one’s reiatsu in different ways. It was possible to create something new, something that no one else could do or knew how to do. That little piece of knowledge had lit a fire in her, something that she hadn’t felt naturally since she’d been alive. She’d had her break through the night prior and thus she sat on the cushion now pondering over what she’d managed to create through her own spirit.

A depressing spell that she didn’t really believe fit her and yet at the same time it did. That's when her contemplation wasn’t just stopped but thrown out the window of a large building to its death. Hoshi’s voice was suddenly in her head speaking to her! This was one of the last things she needed right now. Hoshi was a decent guy, but he was loud. She knew immediately that any progress she might have reached was gone. Who was this person named Kitai and how did he give Hoshi something that let him talk in her head!

She listened and then sighed, but accepted that she had a mission. It was the first one as a member of Xcution now and she’d given Hoshi her word that she’d be an active part of the group. They’d saved her from homelessness and the control of the parasite so she didn’t have a choice. “I’m sitting in my bedroom. I’ll get ready, just give me a couple minutes.” Madelyn didn’t waste any time getting up from her cushion and then changing into the Shihakusho she’d gotten herself. As she pulled up the black putter most top Hoshi stepped into her room.

Thankfully he was out of view so she couldn’t see him and there wasn’t anything revealing for Hoshi to accidently walk in on. Tying the sash tight, Madelyn was ready although it only clicked in her head now that Hoshi, if she remembered right, didn't like the Shinigami. When Hoshi scared her from behind she didn’t just shout in freight, but her instincts kicked in causing the influence of her Bakkoto to immediately trigger. For the first moment that Madelyn turned and saw Hoshi her eyes were changed. Black sclera with bright pink irises which vanished after a moment when her emotions essentially reset.

“Damn it Hoshi! What if it takes over again? It could make me attack you! How would we do this mission if your head just got cut off?”

Madelyn was aggravated but sounded like a friend that was just sick of getting pranked. Everything shifted though at the mention of getting into Soul Society, actually being able to get answers about the thing inside her and who might have put it there. Of course though nothing was ever easy. “So we’re not going there to just ask nicely then. You’re going to burn as much of it to the ground as possible aren’t you?” Madelyn didn’t know Hoshi super well yet, but her handler essentially was a bit of a loud goofball with a scary ability.

Everything after that just seemed to happen super fast, Hoshi put a worn doorknob against her wall like he was playing some sort of joke. Only for the wall to materialize a door onto an alleyway. “I’m not even going to bother asking.” Making her way through the doorway Madelyn took the first injection she had inside her Shihakusho sash. She’d taken enough. . . she hoped. This would keep the Bakkoto from taking control or at least it had so far. Hoshi suddenly getting surprise though when another doorway appeared and two women walked out was enough that Madelyn had to take a deep breath and steady her mind for the carnage that was to come.

Actually crossing over into Soul Society was uneventful, Madelyn for some reason had this belief that it would be an amazing thing like waking up for the first time. In reality it was no different than leaving an office building so that the fresh air could enter your nostrils. It didn’t take long though for issues to start appearing as another doorway opened basically right after they’d walked out. This had to be a gimmick right it couldn’t be actually happening. Two pretty women walked out and right away Hoshi started to make threats. Somehow this wasn’t unexpected from Hoshi.

SPOILER: Click to show

Strength: 50
Speed: 300
Spiritual Pressure: 310
Reiatsu Strength: 290
Instinct: 100
Senses: 50
Energy Sensory: 0
Healing Expertise: 0
Light Aura: 100
Dark Aura: 0


Charisma: 1
Learning: 1
Battle Focus: 2
Pain Tolerance: 2
Damage Recovery: 2
Street Fighting: 2
Bleeding Tolerance: 1

[Shizuka Sanamizu ✮]

Incidentally, Hoshi and Madelyn would appear within the Rukongai. A large area just outside the Seireitei, different areas house random stores and shops along the way. The Dimensional Doorknob conveniently placed them there, though they would find themselves in an alley. Trash had been strewn everywhere, which was already quite unlike the typical visual one would see. They were close by to a restaurant, so it was safe to assume the trash came from there, and the smells in the air would quickly justify that assumption.

As for Aura and Catty, it wouldn't have taken them very long to approach the location where they wanted to be despite the door opening up just outside of the Seireitei. Through the use of Bount magic, it could be assumed that their arrival was hastened, and thus put them within only a few feet of Hoshi and Madelyn. As Aura and Catty would have arrived at the scene first, it was entirely likely that they would be surprised to see two members of Xcution in the same area. Their main objective, regardless, was staying out of sight from other Shinigami. It was abundantly clear that they didn't belong there, after all.

The city was large. Impossibly vast, even. Shinigami and regular souls walked around as if nothing else mattered, completely unaware of the guests they had from another realm. Interestingly enough, members of the Gotei 13 didn't seem all that bothered by a potential incoming threat, or perhaps they just weren't made aware due to a lack of proper intelligence gathering. Aura had been working in the shadows, that much was true, but none of the Squad members rose to the occasion of even stopping any of the four from entering the barracks. That being said, it gave each of them an opportunity to continue talking for the time being.



OOC: The official posting order is Hoshi, Aura, Catty, Madelyn, then the Canon Master. This is the order we will go off of in the event of skipped posting turns. Each participant has a week since the previous participant's post to make their own post before they get skipped. The Canon Master counts as a participant in this case.

Take one more round to talk to each other! Since no Shinigami joined, I'm going to do my best to set up some puzzles for you guys, too. That way it'll be somewhat engaging, and you may run into a few Shinigami NPCs along the way.

[Hoshi]

Hoshi had many emotions going through his mind as he listened and watched the two strangers before him. Frustration at the new change of the minimal plan he had. Anger at the blatant disrespect of this cunt of a woman who was acting like he was an insect AND stupid. One of which was kinda correct but the other was NOT. And it would be hard to see his teeth grinding and the gears in his head turning about what he would say or do. He almost retaliated by saying likely something that would instigate a fight between then, but he caught himself. He looked back at Madelynn, who he stepped between these two women and her. You deserve this rebar to be shoved up your ass, but I can't jeopardize this for Madelynn. Though that bitch should realize I'm being careful, ugh. Fucking stuck up pi- His attention was caught by the other woman who was frankly far easier to deal with.

He blinked for a moment shocked that the other wasn't as blatantly rude despite being an underling and had the forethought to be open with the basic information. Hoshi pointed his rebar down though he didn't let go as he glared at Aura and mentally flipped her off while walking towards Madelynn. Once he was next to her, he spoke up as he very specifically looked at Catty. "Technically she is but for time's sake we're not. We're folk that each have a bone to pick with Soul Society, her due to some fucked up experimentation likely through squad 12. And for myself, also regarding squad 12 but they tried to kill me and my kind. I'm here to repay the favor after helping her out. And maybe help my kind if there's something of note. For what it's worth, to you in particular, I'm sorry for that. I didn't expect to meet another who'd be here. And especially not one who found . . . very specific means of arriving."

Hoshi motioned to where the portal had been that the two had left from. "Regardless, I don't intend to hinder whatever it is you want to do since you've made it clear you're not shinigami. Which," Hoshi spoke a little louder in a pointed effort to throw this dig at Aura "Can be anyone you meet regardless of how they look. You'd be fuckin stupid to judge appearance alone." He glowered but took a deep breath as he tried to not lash out further. He was already being stupid, and he knew that. But fuck if anger wasn't his weak point and stuck-up individuals just reminded him of shinigami. Just focus on the other female. She's sociable and at least polite enough to not insult me at face value. She definitely has the right to now though ugh. Fuck me, how people ignore insults and frustrating people is beyond me. I'll ask Shizuka how to do that when next I have a meeting with her. . .Oh fuck I have to write a report about this . . . And she is going have SO many questions. FUCK. I'll just blame Kitai. That'll work.

With another deep breath he looked at Catty and spoke again. "Since you aren't shinigami, I'm willing to help you get in the Seireitei if that's your goal. Hell, if you want into Squad 12, we can figure something out there too. I used to be experimented on by Squad 12. I was even made there awhile back so I should be useful to have around. If not, fairs fair. I'll keep quiet on you if you keep quiet about us, and you won't see us again while you're here. Either way, balls in your court." Hoshi glanced over at Aura just to make sure she wouldn't try to pull a stunt with Madelynn. Hoshi didn't want to have Madelynn be in any danger hence why he kept close to her with his rebar still in hand. He may look stupid, but he wasn't a gun for nothing. And if nothing else, he could cause a scene in a heartbeat. He already knew what he'd do after that given, he and Madelynn were definitively more "normal" for here than these two. At least in the clothing department. Regardless, he was going to stay his rebar so long as nothing happened. He personally hoped they'd just leave. Even if they lied to him he could handle most of the shinigami likely up to a vice captain. It was after them that things'd be dicey. But that was down the line, for now he was curious to see or even know why these two were here. It wasn't like Soul Society didn't fuck over a lot of people so the bones to pick were plentiful.

[Aura Kyuketsuki]

<sub>You deserve this rebar to be shoved up your ass, but I can't jeopardize this for Madelynn. Though that bitch should realize I'm being careful, ugh. Fucking stuck up pi-

The voice was cut off seemingly by something as Aura paid little attention to whom the two other individuals were.The Bount tuned out the noise that the other two women stirred up with little interest. Aura had more important matters. Her time was spent more with her crimson gaze was skimming about the area, investigating as to where they were within the barracks. Looking wall to wall, top to bottom for symbols and other key points that she could make use of to figure where exactly they currently were. The door knob had managed to bring them to the outskirts of the Seireitei, merely outside of a pub or restaurant of some sort. A portion of Rukongai if anything from what she could recall with what discussions she had with Doctor Erika. A place that Aura had little knowledge about, and quite frankly had not seen in person. A vast city that held a gloomy atmosphere, with the dreadful sense of illness and discontent. Was this suppose to be the heaven that the Humans spoke of?

A dreary atmosphere indeed, looking at the details and sham that was detailed to be a utopia for the souls of the departed. What an incredible lie. Comparing to the Covenant's Citadel, with the time and effort that was put into a community that actually cared, the difference between the two couldn't be any greater than a pond to the ocean. The only thing that stood out was that of the great wall that divided the dirty from the clean, much to represent the low class and high class society. "This is insulting." Aura muttered beneath her breath, resting her elbow against her resting arm beneath her bosom. A promise of prosperity turned to be nothing but a scummy terrible run down society of shacks and straw houses. "This is the truth of Soul Society. Nothing but lies."

Her eyes continued to investigate the area as the trio would speak behind her. What Aura knew about the Seireitei was specific to certain locations. Squad 12 was what she was more intimate with. The surrounding areas to the location of Central 46 were as though she were looking for the back of her hand from among a group. The Bounts time in the Seireitei grew extensively, sighting areas around Squad 12 to know that it resided beside that of Squad 2, Squad 3, and Squad 4. When the Bount was escorted to higher elevations in the Research facilities she oversaw the vastness of the Seiretei, often being escorted by Doctor Erika to visit Squad 1 for specific reasons. Back then she didn't really know or understood, but with the guards clinging to her like glue there was little chance for Aura to really look for an escape route. All that Aura did was look around, remembering certain high points and buildings. If nothing had changed, then these buildings she would be able to spot, especially with their Squad Emblems mounted on the buildings.

Finding out where they were was of the most importance as the Shinigami and Human spirits that they passed would draw notice to them at one point or another. Aura had to put together something if they were questioned, something that the Doctor had told her about of the Seireitei's history. Four noble families. The past wars. Hollow research. Diplomats. She had to come up with something that would allow some amount of coverage that would allow them to pass through, let alone travel with some escorts if questioned. Aura over heard what was going on behind her, especially the sensless comment about her that was emphasized clearly enough. Aura ignored the prattle as she continued to look, to remember. If all else failed, she had to look for the Execution grounds, placing themselves next to Central 46.

Even as she searched, something about the other group caught her attention, which Aura engaged in. I used to be experimented on by Squad 12. I was even made there awhile back so I should be useful to have around. A heavy interest was there. "So, we would have similar origins." Aura stated, turning back around to face the trio. While not entirely facing the direction of Hoshi, the Bount spoke up in regards to his explanation. "I, myself, was born here in the Seireitei, within the labs of Squad 12. There may be some means for us to actually operate in tandem." she continued to before glancing over to Catty. "Although, if you were to cause trouble at Squad 12, then you would surely meet with heavy resistance in a matter of minutes as it being surrounded by Squads 2, 3, and 4. This is not to include Squad 1 with its Commander." Aura pointed out, looking back at the Seireitei. "However, if you desired to start trouble elsewhere, then it would cause the Shinigami to split their attention, with their forces divided."

Aura was already thinking of an idea, placing the pieces where they needed to be. A plan to divide the Shinigami that Eris had once put together. Perhaps some parts of it could still be put to use. "I have detailed information of routes around such Squads toward that of Squad 1. If attention can be drawn to that of the center of the Seireitei, then it would leave other areas less defended. Which would require infiltration tactics, and silence to accomplish that. And of course, a means of escaping should the situation require it." The Bount glanced towards that of Catty and the other two, seemingly coming up with a plan to push further into the heart of the Seireitei to obtain what they both desired. "For you desire to fulfill your 'a bone to pick' with the Shinigami, then the heart is the best means to send a message. Especially, when their darkest secrets are kept there, within Central 46." Aura peeked back to the large set of structures opposite of the group.</sub>

[Catty Noir ♦]

Interestingly enough, the boisterous man was actually offering to help after explaining himself. Catty raised a brow, though not out of suspicion. Rather, it was because she was curious as to why he seemed to trust the two Bount women as much as he did. Well, he was speaking directly to Catty after Aura's relatively cold welcome, so maybe trust was too strong of a word. It was true that they did just meet, so Catty wasn't going to let herself put too much faith in the man and his partner. Still, something he said managed to grab her interest. If he also had an issue with the Shinigami, and his female partner had an issue with the Shinigami, then perhaps they could find a common ground.

Aura had the same exact thought process, it seemed, which gave Catty a bit more confidence. She felt better when she could agree with Aura, as if being on the same page was more than enough to help her feel like she was making a positive difference. After coming all the way here from France, she feared she wasn't going to be able to unlock her powers, and then was even more worried about finding a way to fit in. She really assumed she was going to be here for a few months and then inevitably move back just as her parents had thought she would. Luckily, that wasn't the case. Unfortunately, the very first week that she was in Karakura Town ended with her hospitalization. She wanted to avoid that.

As Aura explained herself, Catty realized quickly that she had more information than she initially let on. The crimson-eyed Bount mistress settled on a bit of a quid pro-quo, striking up a deal with the strange man. Was the decision really in his court? Did this other girl not have much of a say? Then again, it wasn't as if Catty was speaking much despite the man's attention being more on her. She knew when to say something versus when to give Aura the floor, and after everything she'd done to be able to be a part of the Syndicate and help wherever possible, this was one of those times where she understood Aura needed to take the lead.

"My lady, I will help however I can, but the first issue we have is getting to the barracks. I do not believe we are quick on our own unless we use techniques to move. Perhaps that is the right option for now."

It was true. They weren't necessarily far away from the wall that led to where the different Squads were housed, and Aura seemed to have a map at the ready within her mind at all times. If they could use step techniques or some type of ability to get them where they needed to go faster, then they didn't have to risk getting caught. Still, one thing crossed Catty's mind that she just couldn't shake. There was clearly a group of people who absolutely did not belong in the Soul Society. None of them were dead, especially. With something like them padding around in the world upstairs, Catty was surprised that the Shinigami didn't send more of a defense.

[Madelyn Fūrinji]

Hoshi is being very aggressive, Madelyn almost feels like she should step in and try to talk down the situation. She notices how close Hoshi is to her and how ready he is to fight but doesn’t think he’s being sweat about protecting her. She feels negative believing that he can’t risk her getting taken over so she reaches into her sash and grabs a syringe. Madelyn doesn’t really get how attacking or making a scene in the center of Seireitei will do anything other than getting them caught and killed. She also doesn’t get why the secrets of mod souls or her parasite would be within something called Central 46 and not the science center where everything like that is made. Wondering what she really had to offer at this moment when everyone else knew more than her.

How was this so quickly dissolving from a one in a billion chance to sneak into the Shinigami stronghold in order to uncover the secrets that both of them sought, to arguing with two random women that just happened to appear at the same time. Madelyn had to question if this was common although based on how Hoshi was acting and what he said she had the feeling that it was anything other than common. She could see that Hoshi was quick to anger pretty much anyone, not just her. Although this case Seemed a bit less justified than when he’d been angry with her. Maybe she could try and stop him from making more enemies while in Soul Society.

Thankfully though she didn’t need to step in as the female with very dark hair and clothing turned around and began surveying the area. From what she could tell none of them had a whole picture, figuring out where they happened to be and the location of what they sought was the biggest concern. She really had to question what she’d start learning in order to help Hoshi complete assignments in the future. This was the first time he’d taken her on anything so now she had to ponder, did he ever finish assignments or did he get side tracked and forget or start fighting others and get hurt?

She could remember the rebar that he held during fights, although it was fragmented pieces of memory she knew they were tough, strong enough that she hadn’t been able to cut through them. Maybe she would have felt nice, even happy with Hoshi so close to her in this situation. . . had she believed that he was protecting her. No, in the eyes of the young soul she was the danger. These two women were unknown, yes, but Madelyn was a monster that Hoshi knew attacked at random. Her left hand was already inside the sash of her Shihakusho holding one of the syringes that she’d brought. At any moment she could experience that pull.

A dark, sorrow pushing all other thoughts and emotions out of her, one that has her head drift down. She was a new soul, one that despite surviving on her own, developing in strength through life and death battles, was ultimately one that hadn’t mentally experienced the same. A depressed young soul that struggled with what she had been turned into and what she’d done to others was all she could be labeled as. In her own eyes though she was still a monster. She’s gained some control and started on her own path, but the actions taken while she’d been controlled were still done with her body. Monsters needed to be stopped from hurting others.

The conversation pulled her back in after a few moments. The idea of distracting the Shinigami by drawing their attention to the center of their stronghold was brought up. How attacking the Twelfth Division where she’d been told the scientists were located wouldn’t do them any good if it was surrounded by other groups. The suggestion to go to the center didn’t make any more sense though. If it was in the center that meant that even more Shinigami would be around them. “If we can’t handle an extra three then how will the distractions handle potentially twelve in total?”

Madelyn whispered under her breath not having the confidence to actually voice herself loudly. She didn’t know what Central Forty Six was although it sounded like a government building. She had to hope that Hoshi knew much more than her and these women. If all the dark secrets were with Central Forty Six that was fine, but wouldn’t science information like Hoshi being a Mod Soul or the parasite inside her body be with the scientists? “Hoshi we came here for information that the science Shinigami would have, I doubt something as recent as this parasite getting out inside me is hidden away like a forgotten sheet of paper.”