Post by MrDoctorDo on Feb 4, 2015 8:32:26 GMT -5
(OoC: This Seireitei Concert is technically open to whomever enjoys large, musical concerts! Those who join should know that this is merely the stage for a Joint Training Thread. Posting here is entrance into that, and an agreement to partake in what events may happen! Should be loads of fun though! So don't hesitate to join up...especially when you think of all that lovely TP.)
Soul Reapers. What a terrible name. Shinigami...Death Gods, how so much worse. Surely there are few reasons for the world to judge merit by a name. Children are taught to save criticism until after looking inside the books, after all. So hopefully souls could come to analyze the values of the Reapers for more than their names? Such hope would be warming to find; even more so given it's rarity. Now why might such hardships be? Simple, life is hard...and death is no different.
This very simplistic view of things is quite easy to accept as truth, but what else is there? What more gives substance to the Shinigami beyond their grim names? Well, they are soldiers. Loyal defenders of the grand Soul Society. Trained warriors of the Gotei 13. They are professional killers. Experts in the field of death and sacrifice. Hmm, not much to discredit the depressing identity granted by the name. Perhaps deeper? Beneath the indoctrination and discipline? Behind the duties and the traditions that often border on the barbaric? What is found when all else is stripped away?
The answer is beautiful, truly. For it is life. Well, lives really. Individuals. Spirits with lives as colorful, and resplendent as those they ushim into the afterlife. Histories and personalities forged as much by happiness as they are sorrow. Storied pasts that often rival those of the monsters they are so frequently asked to hunt. This is what lies beneath the gloss and glamour of the Shinigami. This is the heart which provides pulse to the military that outsiders are supposed to see. Life is the true definition of those who govern death. How poetic? How semiotic. Just as pure and integral as the cycle of death and rebirth which facilitates all of existence. Yet, this romantic interior is not quickly uncovered. Though they are as genuine as any mortal, they are no more developed in their openness. True hearts and emotions require digging to uncover. Digging...and no shortage of brainwave manipulation! More on that later...
There are times when the Shinigami world is turned on it's head. Sometimes it is in regards to an attack or threat. In fact, this is most often the case. However, there are times of peace and celebration that oft go without special mention. Times of jubilation and expression. Times that are most frequently associated with morale. As one might suppose, it can be a challenging destiny to become a Shinigami. There is much about the work that can be depressing. The sad, yet necessary interactions with those recently deceased.
The dangers and losses associated with eliminating Hollows. The endless worry for the balance of existence itself. The mountains of meticulous paperwork which accompany any proper job well done! Listen...there are freaking reasons to become overwhelmed and depressed. None deny it. Fortunately, the highim echelons accept it. From the Captains to the Central 46; the superior offices and houses of the Seireitei respect the personal element. They weigh and measure the limitations of poor opinion and disheartened motivations.
They see that the bulk of the Gotei's Divisions are made of the common soul. They understand that such minds and hearts must occasionally be nurtured with jubilation. Sometimes, the children need to be rewarded so that they might maintain course. On one such occasion of "reward"; the Seireitei found itself preparing to host an event. One of musical connotation, and amusing aim. A night of revelry in which non-Officer members of all Squads might be able to gathim and let loose. To this end a massive hall was emptied. Everything taken out, so more might be brought in.
Traditional furnishings taken to storage, so that more modern facilities might be put in place. What was once a place for feasts and theatrical presentations...would for a night become a house of musical extravagance. A concert would be prepared; one that would host tonal delights to tantalize all of the varied tastes among the ranks. Lights. Speakers. Wires. The wooden interior would find itself completely reborn. The only remnant being the untouched hardwood flooring. A more perfect dancehall could not ask for a better dancefloor. The evening was going to be electric, and lives commonly discredited would now have a celebration for themselves.
Oh, there was some much work to be done. Even with the plans finalized and enacted, there was unbelievable amounts of labor ahead. To facilitate the dancehall transformation, talent was pulled from every possible Squad. Coordinators from Squad 1. Security from Squad 7. Tech crews from Squad 9. Construction and engineers from Squad 10. Everyone had something to contribute, be it specialist or volunteer. All of them came, and early. This was a project that required days to see through to the end.
In all the time that the efforts were being plied, word spread to all the members of the Seireitei. Knowing was the same as an invitation, and in time most every soul had made a decision on the matter. Eithim attend, or be a square! By the day of the event itself, the expected participants were numbering beyond belief. This was going to be quite the popular, crowded gathering. All should attend! That was the consensus on every lip. Such an interesting proposition it was; attendance to this concert. While it did possess many qualities that Mika abhorred: people, loud noises, social paradigms, popular music, and displays of courtship...Mika could make use of such numerous, diversified inhabitants.
So when the offer came down for members of the Research Division to assist with the setup, Mika accepted where many others did not. Much to the surprise of the cohorts he was normally forced to work with. Only the more clever ones having any real inclination to what he was really interested in. That something more lay beneath his swallowed impatience and falsified charity. So off the scientist went! Agreeing to help with any and all auditory needs that presented themselves. From the placement and orientation of the speakers, to balancing of their power supplies. It was quite easy for him to keep away from the othim workers involved in the event. After all, his appearance and deficiencies kept most from approaching him directly. This left the scrawny little man quite separated from the staff.
Always off in the dark; tinkering with the wiring and othim such technicalities. Were anyone to attempt to approach him in these early hours...they would find it quite easy. If not, then the evening would quickly encroach upon the entire affair. Night was coming to the Seireitei. The Reapers were beginning to gather, and the spectacular was finally cranking on. For those who plan to arrive at the scheduled start, the newly formed concert hall was a most tremendous structure. Spanning hundreds of meters in depth and in width. Approaching such a structure in the dark of night was akin to walking towards the stars themselves. Light had been arranged and patterned across the entire building. From the outside it appeared as a fallen bit of sky. Stars that laid upon a darkened void. Shimmering along the open faces of the building; there were constellations inspired by the heavens themselves. These bodies of stars didn’t simply glitter and sparkly, they moved.
South - First there was the Southern expanse. As one approached, its depictions would be the most engaging. For in the middle of the night...there was a sun in the sky. It was luminescent with a fiery hue, and set a burning hue upon the structures nearest it. As music began to play inside of the massive theater, the sun began to flicker. The intensity with which it shone seemed tied to the music. Whenever the beat was strong, so was the sun’s glow. When the music fell soft or deep in its tone, the sun’s light would shrink. At these moments of reduced brightness, it was possible to see the swirling artwork within the sun’s body. As time passed, large flares began to grow off of the sun.
Huge, curling wreaths of fire and energy. The more time that passed, the more of these flares would sprout up. It became odd, how many there were. It was as if the sun might be overtaken by all the arching rivers of energy it released. This would continue...until the moment where there were just too many flares. The sun’s original shape was now lost in their tangle, and from their intermingled lines a new image was cast. A bird, with feathers made of fire itself. A Phoenix which erupted from the heart of the fading sun. As quickly as the bird was born, it began to soar. At first, only along the side of the building...but in time, it projected itself out and over the Seireitei itself. In the streets below, vast amounts of Shinigami youths’ eyes became a glow of wonder and awe.
West - Along the Western wall, the lights used to create the illusions danced in a blanket of white. All sorts of stary patterns stretched and shifted across the dimed background. Then...as if the great flurry of a meteor shower, the lights began to rush across the scene. In their haste, they trailed beautiful lines which curved and took on new form when put together. In moments, the form of a massive claw began to take shape. The mighty paw reached outward across it’s two dimensional realm, and “tore” at the side of the building. Appearing as though it were digging and pulling into the very stone, the appendage soon lead to the lifting of it’s owner. A massive figure of strength and agility. The body of an immense tiger prowled menacingly into view. Being draw by the starshower that continued to rain. The predator soon became an imposing detail.
Opening its powerful jaws, the beast loomed with a snarl over the streets and crowds which approached the concert from the west. Back and forth; the lumbering image paced along the building’s open wall. A king surveying its threshold and domain. Eyes glaring as though it might strike at any moment. A behemoth made of light, ready to leap from the depthless expanse that it called home. As time would pass on, the tiger would begin to hold still. In its patience and pause, the stars would return. Among them, its striped body would fade as if unmade. Yet, the eyes of the animal would remain. Starring with that same regal imposition that it kept before. The glimmers of the lights only fading when it was time for the mankiller to pounce! Leaving the wall entirely, projections sent the cat flying towards the surroundings. All four paws “striking” hard onto the rooftops. Ihe streets filled with the echos of a mighty roar. A most astonishing display!
North - Upon the Northern wall, there was a much more subtle display. It was this display that Commanders' Offices and Noble districts could plainly see. For this reason; the north was decorated with the most elegant, yet subtle design. The entire work started with a darkened vision. One of water cascading carefully down the buildings side. This water was not real; yet it splashed and rolled off onto the approaching guests below. They would hear the water falling and crashing. They would feel a coolness as if refreshed by a gentle mist...yet they would not be wet. It was truly, a mesmerizing effect. One achieved with wonders of creativity and innovation from the 12th division. Nothing...nothing that Mika had worked on. Anyways! The north wasn't just a cascaded of darkened water. Dancing as if lost deep beneath crashing ocean waves, there were pools of greenish lights.
The seemed to roll and spin within their little groups. New pools would begin to "emerge" as they grew brighter. Others would "submerge" as they went dimmer. They continued in this oscillation for quite some time. Until...all the lights began to scatter. Like schools of fish frightened from sight. As the lights parted, a new image approached. It started of small, and darker than the waters themselves. As time passed it grew...and grew...and grew. Soon, something larger than any othim beast was taking shape. It passed once, and then again, skirting from one side of the building to the other. Each pass revealed only a glimpse of the behemoth. Each time showed broad scales and strange patterns. It was only when the leviathan of light was displayed "further" away from the walls surface, that it could be seen in whole. By depicted the beast as "diving deep" inside of the ocean wall, its form became clear. It was that of a magnificent turtle. Huge beyond comprehension. Swimming slowly through its watery domain. Only passing the surface infrequently, to peer out at the Seireitei beyond.
East - Finally, there was the Eastern wall. This is where the main entrance to the hall could be found. The grandiose doors which greeted visitors on this side, seemed reminiscent of Shinto temples. It was very fitting for the Soul Society. There were large, colorful banners and pristine, white ropes tied around every column and path. Massive, layered Tori that directed the path towards the doorway. Everywhere there were staffers in costume. All of them styled in the traditional styles, but with modern touches. There were even Kabuki performers guiding and inviting everyone in. Everyone hoping to arrive in style would need to use this elaborate route. Though this massive entryway was loud, colorful, and ostentatious...the monumental temple set was only half the display. Above the temple mantel, along the wall stretching out to the north and south, there was a scene of roiling clouds. They covered every inch of the building's last side. They shifted with light, colors of white and grey. In time, as the evening proceeded and more people began to arrive, the clouds moved faster. At the moment when the gates were to be opened, and all would come in, they were a hurricane.
Behind them came massive blooms of light. Blue and crackling. Accompanying the flares of light were sounds of taiko drums. Rows of drummers were prepared and arranged. They began to play faster, and faster. In tune with their thunderous repetitions were explosions of light. Lightning in an evening sky! Only as the drumming rose to the height of its pace and volume, did the clouds begin to part. From behind them emerged a long and coiling body. Massive blue scales that littered the figure of an immense serpent. It writhed in the sky to the sound of the drums. From behind the final banks of mist it showed itself, a majestic soul. A dragon, guardian of the heavens themselves. Upon it's arrival, the drums ceased. There was silence...for only a moment. Then, the beast began to inhale. Creating the sound of a cyclone. With its lungs full, it gave out a ground shaking roar. Subwoofers everywhere to thank. With its call came breath of lightning and power. Sparks that flew from the illusion and out into power lines. Cascading down from the dragon's image were rows and rows of streamed lights, and with the last of its exhale...the doors to the concert were flung open. The celebration had officially begun.
All were invited to enter through the gates which the beasts guarded. Inside they would find the music already thumping off the walls. Food and feast offered on long banquet tables. Bars for liquor. Isolated corners for tea and soundproofed solemnity. At the center of the event was a circular stage. The centerpiece for all of tonight's performers. It was here, in this central hub of wires, lights, speakers, and pyrotechnics...that one might find the crew responsible for all the effects and sounds. It would be here, that one such crew member was preparing something special for the festivities ahead.
A goofy looking soul named Mika. Eager to not be bothered by those boring engineers he had been stuck with all day long. More focused on his work than celebration. After all, this was going to be a night to remembering. Just...for reasons few expect. So when the crowds started pushing their way into the main hall; so did Mika use the chance to escape his more scheduled duties. Ditching those less imaginative staffers. Grabbing up the tools he was going to need to finish...setting the scene. To this end, he hobbled off with bundles of cables and a belt of tools slung across his shoulder and chest like a bandoleer.
Meanwhile, the party goers and average Shinigami would come pouring through the doors. they would be crowded for the first few moments. All their starring faces coming in to gawk at the beautiful lights and sounds trapped within the monolith of symphony. Being slow to disperse due to the distraction, it would be a frequent pain to bump into one another. While the hurried crowd broke apart slow, eager to explore all the corners and sights of the main hall, those in the center of the stampede would finally be free to go where the please. Unfortunately...one particular soul would have the great trouble of yet one more delay. With a sudden crash, Mika slammed into one of the unfortunate Shinigami who was caught at the center of the entering wave.
It wasn’t a painful ordeal for the individual, but Mika certainly got the heavy end of the resistance. Being laden with wires and work equipment; Mika’s posture and balance were both wobbly and hunched forward. rather, gremlinly in appearance! Eithim way, such a weak stance meant that the light collision had him falling onto his but…”Fool! Wootch wahim uura gaen…” There came a sudden wave of loud sound, as the entire party writhed with discomfort. Someone on the stage had caused feedback through a mic test. suddenly, all of the hundreds and hundreds of speakers were whining. No one would hear anything correctly for a moment or two. Yet...sight shouldn’t be impaired.
Even though this dude he crashed into might not hear him clearly; dude shouldn’t have any trouble eyeing him attacker down. Literally down, given his fallen position. A first glance showcased the white robe of a SRDI researcher. The Squad 12 techies who were supposed to be helping with orchestrating tonight’s affair. Given that he was one of the few in the crowd not dressed with personal style, it really made him stick out. Oh goodness...it made him stick out so much more than normal! Oh man, if he only knew how he normally dressed! D*mn that irony is tasty. Anyways, anyways. Back on topic. Despite his outfit; there was quite a lot about Mika to find alarming.
First was the difficulty with which he tried to get back up. Seems it was giving him quite a struggle. The reason why taking a few moments to identify, but once noticed, became outrageously obvious. This particular Shinigami was missing an arm. His right, to be specific. Without it...getting up was proving an actual feat. yet he didn’t stop writhing with effort. So much so that his face frequently found its way into the cascading ceiling lights. Now normally he would be described as less than handsome. Ears were a little big, eyes a little small, and teeth a little bucktoothed. Mousy. Tonight however, most of these facts were impossible to recognize.
Why? Well...because of his facepaint. While he might be dressed professionally; Mika’s face bore heavy layers of makeup and cover. It was a mix of black and yellow-gold. The majority of his face was blackened out. including his ears. causing all his features to disappear into the already distorting light of the laser showcase. What wasn’t black, were the three golden lines that questioned his face. First came a larger, vertical line.the only one like it. Drawn straight down the center of his face; dividing the left and right from one another. The last two lines were all horizontal. They were also much thinner than the first. One stretched across his face at eye level, fading to lighter colors as it neared his actual eyes. Making the white areas appear larger than they might have actually been. The final one stretched across his lips, and curled back around his cheeks. Each of these lines faded into black as they came to their ends.
It was so cleverly applied; that each line seemed to disappear into a void which must exist on his person...but was still invisible. A piece of art, honestly. Excessive and eccentric; though it may be. ”Be more careful where you step!” With the speakers dying back down, Mika’s shrill voice came clawing back into earshot. still trying to get back to his feet, he had at least succeeded getting onto one knee. ”Don’t you know any better?” Though he turned towards him with a small scowl, it was a product of his own embarrassment. After all, he was the one knocked down by a dude...unable to bounce back. Giving him the blame was one of the few ways to save dignity; seeing as he wasn’t watching where he was going either. Eh, but it was his first time at a concert...so there were still adapting to do.
Soul Reapers. What a terrible name. Shinigami...Death Gods, how so much worse. Surely there are few reasons for the world to judge merit by a name. Children are taught to save criticism until after looking inside the books, after all. So hopefully souls could come to analyze the values of the Reapers for more than their names? Such hope would be warming to find; even more so given it's rarity. Now why might such hardships be? Simple, life is hard...and death is no different.
This very simplistic view of things is quite easy to accept as truth, but what else is there? What more gives substance to the Shinigami beyond their grim names? Well, they are soldiers. Loyal defenders of the grand Soul Society. Trained warriors of the Gotei 13. They are professional killers. Experts in the field of death and sacrifice. Hmm, not much to discredit the depressing identity granted by the name. Perhaps deeper? Beneath the indoctrination and discipline? Behind the duties and the traditions that often border on the barbaric? What is found when all else is stripped away?
The answer is beautiful, truly. For it is life. Well, lives really. Individuals. Spirits with lives as colorful, and resplendent as those they ushim into the afterlife. Histories and personalities forged as much by happiness as they are sorrow. Storied pasts that often rival those of the monsters they are so frequently asked to hunt. This is what lies beneath the gloss and glamour of the Shinigami. This is the heart which provides pulse to the military that outsiders are supposed to see. Life is the true definition of those who govern death. How poetic? How semiotic. Just as pure and integral as the cycle of death and rebirth which facilitates all of existence. Yet, this romantic interior is not quickly uncovered. Though they are as genuine as any mortal, they are no more developed in their openness. True hearts and emotions require digging to uncover. Digging...and no shortage of brainwave manipulation! More on that later...
There are times when the Shinigami world is turned on it's head. Sometimes it is in regards to an attack or threat. In fact, this is most often the case. However, there are times of peace and celebration that oft go without special mention. Times of jubilation and expression. Times that are most frequently associated with morale. As one might suppose, it can be a challenging destiny to become a Shinigami. There is much about the work that can be depressing. The sad, yet necessary interactions with those recently deceased.
The dangers and losses associated with eliminating Hollows. The endless worry for the balance of existence itself. The mountains of meticulous paperwork which accompany any proper job well done! Listen...there are freaking reasons to become overwhelmed and depressed. None deny it. Fortunately, the highim echelons accept it. From the Captains to the Central 46; the superior offices and houses of the Seireitei respect the personal element. They weigh and measure the limitations of poor opinion and disheartened motivations.
They see that the bulk of the Gotei's Divisions are made of the common soul. They understand that such minds and hearts must occasionally be nurtured with jubilation. Sometimes, the children need to be rewarded so that they might maintain course. On one such occasion of "reward"; the Seireitei found itself preparing to host an event. One of musical connotation, and amusing aim. A night of revelry in which non-Officer members of all Squads might be able to gathim and let loose. To this end a massive hall was emptied. Everything taken out, so more might be brought in.
Traditional furnishings taken to storage, so that more modern facilities might be put in place. What was once a place for feasts and theatrical presentations...would for a night become a house of musical extravagance. A concert would be prepared; one that would host tonal delights to tantalize all of the varied tastes among the ranks. Lights. Speakers. Wires. The wooden interior would find itself completely reborn. The only remnant being the untouched hardwood flooring. A more perfect dancehall could not ask for a better dancefloor. The evening was going to be electric, and lives commonly discredited would now have a celebration for themselves.
Oh, there was some much work to be done. Even with the plans finalized and enacted, there was unbelievable amounts of labor ahead. To facilitate the dancehall transformation, talent was pulled from every possible Squad. Coordinators from Squad 1. Security from Squad 7. Tech crews from Squad 9. Construction and engineers from Squad 10. Everyone had something to contribute, be it specialist or volunteer. All of them came, and early. This was a project that required days to see through to the end.
In all the time that the efforts were being plied, word spread to all the members of the Seireitei. Knowing was the same as an invitation, and in time most every soul had made a decision on the matter. Eithim attend, or be a square! By the day of the event itself, the expected participants were numbering beyond belief. This was going to be quite the popular, crowded gathering. All should attend! That was the consensus on every lip. Such an interesting proposition it was; attendance to this concert. While it did possess many qualities that Mika abhorred: people, loud noises, social paradigms, popular music, and displays of courtship...Mika could make use of such numerous, diversified inhabitants.
So when the offer came down for members of the Research Division to assist with the setup, Mika accepted where many others did not. Much to the surprise of the cohorts he was normally forced to work with. Only the more clever ones having any real inclination to what he was really interested in. That something more lay beneath his swallowed impatience and falsified charity. So off the scientist went! Agreeing to help with any and all auditory needs that presented themselves. From the placement and orientation of the speakers, to balancing of their power supplies. It was quite easy for him to keep away from the othim workers involved in the event. After all, his appearance and deficiencies kept most from approaching him directly. This left the scrawny little man quite separated from the staff.
Always off in the dark; tinkering with the wiring and othim such technicalities. Were anyone to attempt to approach him in these early hours...they would find it quite easy. If not, then the evening would quickly encroach upon the entire affair. Night was coming to the Seireitei. The Reapers were beginning to gather, and the spectacular was finally cranking on. For those who plan to arrive at the scheduled start, the newly formed concert hall was a most tremendous structure. Spanning hundreds of meters in depth and in width. Approaching such a structure in the dark of night was akin to walking towards the stars themselves. Light had been arranged and patterned across the entire building. From the outside it appeared as a fallen bit of sky. Stars that laid upon a darkened void. Shimmering along the open faces of the building; there were constellations inspired by the heavens themselves. These bodies of stars didn’t simply glitter and sparkly, they moved.
South - First there was the Southern expanse. As one approached, its depictions would be the most engaging. For in the middle of the night...there was a sun in the sky. It was luminescent with a fiery hue, and set a burning hue upon the structures nearest it. As music began to play inside of the massive theater, the sun began to flicker. The intensity with which it shone seemed tied to the music. Whenever the beat was strong, so was the sun’s glow. When the music fell soft or deep in its tone, the sun’s light would shrink. At these moments of reduced brightness, it was possible to see the swirling artwork within the sun’s body. As time passed, large flares began to grow off of the sun.
Huge, curling wreaths of fire and energy. The more time that passed, the more of these flares would sprout up. It became odd, how many there were. It was as if the sun might be overtaken by all the arching rivers of energy it released. This would continue...until the moment where there were just too many flares. The sun’s original shape was now lost in their tangle, and from their intermingled lines a new image was cast. A bird, with feathers made of fire itself. A Phoenix which erupted from the heart of the fading sun. As quickly as the bird was born, it began to soar. At first, only along the side of the building...but in time, it projected itself out and over the Seireitei itself. In the streets below, vast amounts of Shinigami youths’ eyes became a glow of wonder and awe.
West - Along the Western wall, the lights used to create the illusions danced in a blanket of white. All sorts of stary patterns stretched and shifted across the dimed background. Then...as if the great flurry of a meteor shower, the lights began to rush across the scene. In their haste, they trailed beautiful lines which curved and took on new form when put together. In moments, the form of a massive claw began to take shape. The mighty paw reached outward across it’s two dimensional realm, and “tore” at the side of the building. Appearing as though it were digging and pulling into the very stone, the appendage soon lead to the lifting of it’s owner. A massive figure of strength and agility. The body of an immense tiger prowled menacingly into view. Being draw by the starshower that continued to rain. The predator soon became an imposing detail.
Opening its powerful jaws, the beast loomed with a snarl over the streets and crowds which approached the concert from the west. Back and forth; the lumbering image paced along the building’s open wall. A king surveying its threshold and domain. Eyes glaring as though it might strike at any moment. A behemoth made of light, ready to leap from the depthless expanse that it called home. As time would pass on, the tiger would begin to hold still. In its patience and pause, the stars would return. Among them, its striped body would fade as if unmade. Yet, the eyes of the animal would remain. Starring with that same regal imposition that it kept before. The glimmers of the lights only fading when it was time for the mankiller to pounce! Leaving the wall entirely, projections sent the cat flying towards the surroundings. All four paws “striking” hard onto the rooftops. Ihe streets filled with the echos of a mighty roar. A most astonishing display!
North - Upon the Northern wall, there was a much more subtle display. It was this display that Commanders' Offices and Noble districts could plainly see. For this reason; the north was decorated with the most elegant, yet subtle design. The entire work started with a darkened vision. One of water cascading carefully down the buildings side. This water was not real; yet it splashed and rolled off onto the approaching guests below. They would hear the water falling and crashing. They would feel a coolness as if refreshed by a gentle mist...yet they would not be wet. It was truly, a mesmerizing effect. One achieved with wonders of creativity and innovation from the 12th division. Nothing...nothing that Mika had worked on. Anyways! The north wasn't just a cascaded of darkened water. Dancing as if lost deep beneath crashing ocean waves, there were pools of greenish lights.
The seemed to roll and spin within their little groups. New pools would begin to "emerge" as they grew brighter. Others would "submerge" as they went dimmer. They continued in this oscillation for quite some time. Until...all the lights began to scatter. Like schools of fish frightened from sight. As the lights parted, a new image approached. It started of small, and darker than the waters themselves. As time passed it grew...and grew...and grew. Soon, something larger than any othim beast was taking shape. It passed once, and then again, skirting from one side of the building to the other. Each pass revealed only a glimpse of the behemoth. Each time showed broad scales and strange patterns. It was only when the leviathan of light was displayed "further" away from the walls surface, that it could be seen in whole. By depicted the beast as "diving deep" inside of the ocean wall, its form became clear. It was that of a magnificent turtle. Huge beyond comprehension. Swimming slowly through its watery domain. Only passing the surface infrequently, to peer out at the Seireitei beyond.
East - Finally, there was the Eastern wall. This is where the main entrance to the hall could be found. The grandiose doors which greeted visitors on this side, seemed reminiscent of Shinto temples. It was very fitting for the Soul Society. There were large, colorful banners and pristine, white ropes tied around every column and path. Massive, layered Tori that directed the path towards the doorway. Everywhere there were staffers in costume. All of them styled in the traditional styles, but with modern touches. There were even Kabuki performers guiding and inviting everyone in. Everyone hoping to arrive in style would need to use this elaborate route. Though this massive entryway was loud, colorful, and ostentatious...the monumental temple set was only half the display. Above the temple mantel, along the wall stretching out to the north and south, there was a scene of roiling clouds. They covered every inch of the building's last side. They shifted with light, colors of white and grey. In time, as the evening proceeded and more people began to arrive, the clouds moved faster. At the moment when the gates were to be opened, and all would come in, they were a hurricane.
Behind them came massive blooms of light. Blue and crackling. Accompanying the flares of light were sounds of taiko drums. Rows of drummers were prepared and arranged. They began to play faster, and faster. In tune with their thunderous repetitions were explosions of light. Lightning in an evening sky! Only as the drumming rose to the height of its pace and volume, did the clouds begin to part. From behind them emerged a long and coiling body. Massive blue scales that littered the figure of an immense serpent. It writhed in the sky to the sound of the drums. From behind the final banks of mist it showed itself, a majestic soul. A dragon, guardian of the heavens themselves. Upon it's arrival, the drums ceased. There was silence...for only a moment. Then, the beast began to inhale. Creating the sound of a cyclone. With its lungs full, it gave out a ground shaking roar. Subwoofers everywhere to thank. With its call came breath of lightning and power. Sparks that flew from the illusion and out into power lines. Cascading down from the dragon's image were rows and rows of streamed lights, and with the last of its exhale...the doors to the concert were flung open. The celebration had officially begun.
All were invited to enter through the gates which the beasts guarded. Inside they would find the music already thumping off the walls. Food and feast offered on long banquet tables. Bars for liquor. Isolated corners for tea and soundproofed solemnity. At the center of the event was a circular stage. The centerpiece for all of tonight's performers. It was here, in this central hub of wires, lights, speakers, and pyrotechnics...that one might find the crew responsible for all the effects and sounds. It would be here, that one such crew member was preparing something special for the festivities ahead.
A goofy looking soul named Mika. Eager to not be bothered by those boring engineers he had been stuck with all day long. More focused on his work than celebration. After all, this was going to be a night to remembering. Just...for reasons few expect. So when the crowds started pushing their way into the main hall; so did Mika use the chance to escape his more scheduled duties. Ditching those less imaginative staffers. Grabbing up the tools he was going to need to finish...setting the scene. To this end, he hobbled off with bundles of cables and a belt of tools slung across his shoulder and chest like a bandoleer.
Meanwhile, the party goers and average Shinigami would come pouring through the doors. they would be crowded for the first few moments. All their starring faces coming in to gawk at the beautiful lights and sounds trapped within the monolith of symphony. Being slow to disperse due to the distraction, it would be a frequent pain to bump into one another. While the hurried crowd broke apart slow, eager to explore all the corners and sights of the main hall, those in the center of the stampede would finally be free to go where the please. Unfortunately...one particular soul would have the great trouble of yet one more delay. With a sudden crash, Mika slammed into one of the unfortunate Shinigami who was caught at the center of the entering wave.
It wasn’t a painful ordeal for the individual, but Mika certainly got the heavy end of the resistance. Being laden with wires and work equipment; Mika’s posture and balance were both wobbly and hunched forward. rather, gremlinly in appearance! Eithim way, such a weak stance meant that the light collision had him falling onto his but…”Fool! Wootch wahim uura gaen…” There came a sudden wave of loud sound, as the entire party writhed with discomfort. Someone on the stage had caused feedback through a mic test. suddenly, all of the hundreds and hundreds of speakers were whining. No one would hear anything correctly for a moment or two. Yet...sight shouldn’t be impaired.
Even though this dude he crashed into might not hear him clearly; dude shouldn’t have any trouble eyeing him attacker down. Literally down, given his fallen position. A first glance showcased the white robe of a SRDI researcher. The Squad 12 techies who were supposed to be helping with orchestrating tonight’s affair. Given that he was one of the few in the crowd not dressed with personal style, it really made him stick out. Oh goodness...it made him stick out so much more than normal! Oh man, if he only knew how he normally dressed! D*mn that irony is tasty. Anyways, anyways. Back on topic. Despite his outfit; there was quite a lot about Mika to find alarming.
First was the difficulty with which he tried to get back up. Seems it was giving him quite a struggle. The reason why taking a few moments to identify, but once noticed, became outrageously obvious. This particular Shinigami was missing an arm. His right, to be specific. Without it...getting up was proving an actual feat. yet he didn’t stop writhing with effort. So much so that his face frequently found its way into the cascading ceiling lights. Now normally he would be described as less than handsome. Ears were a little big, eyes a little small, and teeth a little bucktoothed. Mousy. Tonight however, most of these facts were impossible to recognize.
Why? Well...because of his facepaint. While he might be dressed professionally; Mika’s face bore heavy layers of makeup and cover. It was a mix of black and yellow-gold. The majority of his face was blackened out. including his ears. causing all his features to disappear into the already distorting light of the laser showcase. What wasn’t black, were the three golden lines that questioned his face. First came a larger, vertical line.the only one like it. Drawn straight down the center of his face; dividing the left and right from one another. The last two lines were all horizontal. They were also much thinner than the first. One stretched across his face at eye level, fading to lighter colors as it neared his actual eyes. Making the white areas appear larger than they might have actually been. The final one stretched across his lips, and curled back around his cheeks. Each of these lines faded into black as they came to their ends.
It was so cleverly applied; that each line seemed to disappear into a void which must exist on his person...but was still invisible. A piece of art, honestly. Excessive and eccentric; though it may be. ”Be more careful where you step!” With the speakers dying back down, Mika’s shrill voice came clawing back into earshot. still trying to get back to his feet, he had at least succeeded getting onto one knee. ”Don’t you know any better?” Though he turned towards him with a small scowl, it was a product of his own embarrassment. After all, he was the one knocked down by a dude...unable to bounce back. Giving him the blame was one of the few ways to save dignity; seeing as he wasn’t watching where he was going either. Eh, but it was his first time at a concert...so there were still adapting to do.