The Angel Of Silence [PG13, NDE, Hard]

[Douma]

The situation had escalated greatly. This shipment from the Black Parade was far more valuable than Douma had anticipated. By the time they reached the initial rendezvous point for the shipments. Four incredibly powerful and notorious men were there just to give the trucks instructions and make sure the transportation was going smoothly so far. One was the previous right-hand man of Lord Callus. Another was wanted by Xcution for deserting after previously holding the position of XSG #1. Basilisk functioned much like Douma did, but she went after Xcution and Uzaki Enterprise while he targeted underground organizations, like the Black Parade for instance.

Douma recognized all these faces. It was his job to know who his competition was or, on the other hand, what guns for hire he could select once he got his finances up. And then there was Darnell. His first big gig was the invasion of Soul Society that Douma himself had been apart of, but Darnell was tricky. He was also trouble. His power saved Douma from getting clobbered by Alexander Kuma-Hebi, but they didn’t owe each other anything. He did it so that their operation succeeded. As happy as Darnell would be to see Douma again, he would just as quickly kill the man. They were outgunned at the moment and needed to keep hidden.

But the scariest thing Douma had to consider was the fact that they were all working for one person, the same person. If the criminal agent succeeded in screwing this operation over, he would make enemies out of all four of them and the king pin pulling the strings. The situation was delicate and one mistake could spell out the end for Douma’s party. They had to wait for a window of opportunity.

And sure enough, that window came when Darnell snapped his fingers and disappeared, just as he did to kill the Uzaki Enterprise agent before the invasion of Soul Society. Just as he did to keep Douma alive. They were gone. And the trucks were vulnerable. And that’s when Douma’s signal came. He tapped his sword on the rocks beside them, making three barely audible clinks. They were far away enough so that someone would require incredible listening ability to hear the metal ring, but if that were the case, the sound of them breathing would have already given their location away. They still had the element of surprise.

Hotaru moved first. She was smart to prevent the truck from continuing along its route. The Captain wouldn’t have any trouble dealing with the gunfire from the other two trucks that were continuing down the road. However, the two man from the truck she halted spelled out trouble. Just as they got out of their seats and began aiming at Hotaru, something happened that prevented them from even pulling the trigger. Blood had used Shunpo to close much of the distance. With her incredible speed of 1000, she had almost teleported to the designated location, just to the right of the gunmen. She could outrun those bullets with ease, but there wouldn’t be any bullets. After all, two rapid punches sent shockwaves that shattered the bones of the petty grunts. They were no trouble at all.

Aevus decided to go after one of the two remaining trucks, and he was certainly confident in his ability to do so. “Keep up girl,” he told her. Behind the mask, she responded with the faintest smile. He used Shunpo to get himself to the roof of the second truck. By the time he arrived, Gold was already there. After all, her Shunpo speed was more than double that of Aevus, and with her energy sensory capabilities, she could time their departures perfectly. She was standing comfortably on the roof for a split second, waiting for him to meet her there. “Keep up, handsome.”

Gold watched Aevus run across the roof, and as he did so, she climbed down to the side of the truck, standing on a platform of airground and running to match its speed. There was a latch that connected the front of the truck to the shipment, and with her bare hands, she broke that metal latch cleanly. Aevus would be fighting by the window when she did so, leaving him to keep driving off as the shipment slowed to a rolling stop.

And then there was one more car. Himitsu used Shunpo as well to close in on it, getting just behind the vehicle. He then released a spiritual pulse, allowing him to analyze the design of the trick as the pulse passed over it. Just as he came upon the same latch Gold targeted, he released a bolt of lightning, Hado #4, from the Spiritual Pulse with his unique skill, Lineage of Reiatsu. The lightning cut right through the latch. Now that the front car was disconnected from the shipment, he used created a ball of flames from the pulse as well. It caused the front car to explode, killing the driver and passenger. His task was done.

And what was Douma doing? He was one hundred feet above the ground watching the entire event. He didn’t even get much closer to the trucks. Instead, he hovered right over the location where he gave the signal to act. Douma was secretly directing Gold and Blood, but his vantage point in the sky also let him get another perspective to evaluate Aevus, Hotaru, and Himitsu from. He was just watching and studying. After all, if this team couldn’t handle the trucks without his assistance, they would fail miserably not too far down the road.

Kagami Reiatsu Remaining: 9,900/10,000 (-100 for x2 Shunpo)

Himitsu Reiatsu Remaining: 2475/3000 (-50 for Shunpo, -50 for Spiritual Pulse, -300 for x2 Lineage of Reiatsu, -25 for Hado #4, -100 for Hado #31)

[Kento Waffles]

OOC: Let's say it's Kagami's post again. After that is Hotaru and then Aevus, and then I'll post.

Those who had been sent to deliver the shipment were all dead or incapacitated. They had been stopped in their tracks by a surprise ambush. Really, go figure. They were pretty weak. If high level guys tried to overtake them, success rate wasn't all that low. It was pretty likely, as a matter of fact. This, however, could also mean that the shipment was only of moderate importance to its rightful owner. Either that, or said rightful owner just didn't have the strength to keep up with certain higher level beings. It wasn't surprising. The one they were delivering it to may be powerful, but the ones delivering it were nobodies. It wasn't easy to keep up with Captain level adversaries.

So, with the trucks now all available, the team would be able to do as they pleased. They could look inside and see for themselves the gold mine that was available. High level drugs, weapons, etc. Illegal artifacts which were worth a fortune. Billions, all in these little trucks. And they had just captured these little trucks. Now that they had a lead, they had to figure out how to get the Black Hand's attention. After all, there was no point in capturing this if Black Hand's attention wasn't also captured. Black Hand was obviously a separate group from the one this contraband was being delivered to, and it was obvious that no one wanted to mess with the team from earlier.

So, with these trucks left behind, there had to be a way to get in contact. It would be up to Douma to decipher how he wanted to approach contacting the Black Hand.

[Kento Waffles]

OOC: You guys are no longer bound by posting order. In the interest of accelerating this, any of you may post at any time you can, as long as your post follows one of mine.

[Douma]

(( OOC: Sorry for the huge wait. Let’s get this rolling once more.))

Phase One was over without any trouble. Things were looking very good. Douma had been watching all the events transpire, and, luckily, not a single truck really put up much of a fight. All four were demobilized, and their drivers and passengers were killed. It was time to begin cleaning up and preparing for Phase Two. There were still measures that had to be taken before Douma could say goodbye to his Shinigami friends.

The masked man, with one lightning-fast step, closed the distance between himself and Himitsu, motioning for Hotaru to join them. “Aevus and my subordinates can help clean up the merchandise in the trucks. For now, I must inform you of my future plans. I will take all of the contents of the trucks under my custody. They are of great value, and the Black Parade does not take lightly to being attacked. I will leave them a means to contact me, and when they do, we will continue the operation to rescue Vice Captain Murai. Do not be suspicious of me, I have much at stake as well. We’re working to destroy one of my competitors, and it is a greater threat to you than I am. If anything, this arraignment is far more in your favor than it is to mine, but as long as we’re both benefiting, I’d like to try to keep this business partnership in tact until the mission is complete. Don’t you agree?”

However, while Douma was having his conversation with the captain and lieutenant, he was ironically turning on one of the Shinigami: Aevus. Hotaru and Himitsu would be focused on the details of the mission. Blood would be gathering all of the illegal products from the vehicles inside a storage scroll. Gold and Aevus were temporarily alone, and Gold was going to take advantage of that fact. The Vizard-to-be, after taking care of the smugglers, might have stopped to rest for a few breaths. He wouldn’t have the opportunity to do so, however. While they were out of the line-of-vision of the remaining Shinigami, Gold had used the sound of the truck’s engine to hide her rapid approach. She moved at her full speed of 1000, creating lingering afterimages and small gusts where she strode. When she reached Aevus’s back, in one fluid movement, she kicked his feet out from under him, a feet (pun intended) that was easily accomplished with her strength of 1000. At the same time, her hands reached around the man faster than he could react, forming a chokehold over his neck with one forearm while her opposite hand covered his mouth and nose, suffocating him. He wouldn’t be able to cry out or even breath, and twenty seconds of silent struggle later, he would lose consciousness. No matter how hard he fought it, Gold could react to whatever desperate defense he tried to conjure. Only after he passed out would she release him, allowing air to sustain his life once more.

A small blade and bowl formed in Gold’s hand out of nowhere. She sliced the inside of his left elbow open and used the bowl to collect his blood. At the same time, through her prolonged physical contact with Aevus, she was able to cast the technique Quiet the Memories, forcing him to forget everything since he used Shunpo to chase after the truck. Blood and Gold returned to the main party a few minutes after Douma spoke, Aevus in Gold’s arms. “I didn’t see what happened, but I think he got unlucky. Both smugglers were dead when I found him.” The woman was lying, but Himitsu and Hotaru both lacked any legitimate evidence against her claim.

“Fine,” decided Himitsu, looking the unseated officer over. By this time, Aevus should be regaining consciousness. “He seems to be alright. That cut on his arm shouldn’t be too much of a bother, but we’ll have Squad 4 check it when we return to Soul Society.” He then looked up at Douma. “Contact us the very second that you hear news. Don’t keep me waiting.” And with that, he prepared to leave and return to Soul Society, sending a butterfly to call in a Senkaimon gate. Hotaru could say what she wished to, but soon, they would be gone, Aevus now in Himitsu’s struggling arms.

And the Black Parade’s shipment was in Douma’s hands. However, his monetary gain was an insignificant piece of the big picture. It just got the ball rolling. After Blood had collected all of the goods, Douma mentally instructed her to etch a phone number on the inside of all three trucks. It was a number for his temporary cell phone. Untraceable. Untrackable. The sole purpose of that phone was to receive calls from the Black Parade, and once he got his call, he’d let Soul Society know. They were apart of the big picture too.

Kagami Reaiatsu Remaining: 9350/10,000 (-50 for two uses of Spiritual Projection, -500 for Quiet the Memories)

[Hotaru Kuchiki-Masurao]

Hotaru easily took out the truck, breathing a sigh of relief that at least one of the trucks was out of commission. She smiled at herself, easily avoiding the gunfire from the other trucks with her speed, but she didn't expect the gunfire from the truck she had just taken out. Thankfully, Douma's assistant, well one of his assistants, used her great strength to prevent the gunfire. She watched her speed and was impressed. Hotaru had always wanted to move with that kind of speed, she would have to start working harder to try to get herself faster than she already was.

When she turned around, she noticed that everyone else was also taking care of their own trucks. She looked around, glad that they were easily able to take out these trucks. She was curious what was inside, but she wanted to check out the rest of her team first. She was getting a motion from Douma, who had stopped next to Himitsu, obviously wanting to share something with them. She looked around and didn't notice Aevus anywhere. She was looking around for Aevus while walking towards them. It was at times like this, she wished she could sense energy better.

She stood and listened to what Douma had to say, since it was actually quite interesting. He was going to take everything that was in the trucks while we went back to Soul Society. Since the Black Parade doesn't like to be attacked, and what business that works in the black market would be, he would leave a calling card for them to get in touch with them. Then, once they got in touch with him, he would get in touch with us. It was a fairly sound plan, but it was interesting that he immediately said that the trucks had nothing of value, but he would take them anyway.

Then, she saw the one she thought she remembered as Gold carry Aevus in her arms, saying that he must have been blindsided. She looked him over and thought about that for a minute. Before she could respond, Himitsu responded instead, saying that he seemed okay. He took him and then said to let him know when the Black Parade got in touch with him. He then walked off. Hotaru raised her eyebrow at that. The Vice Captain obviously didn't know his place when a Captain was present. She would have to remind the man.

She walked up to Douma. "I think it's interesting that you said there is nothing of value in the trucks, but you'll take them anyway. Why would a business man like yourself worry about things that have no value? It's also interesting that Aevus-san got injured while with one of your assistants. Of course, I have no proof of anything, but just talking out loud. The Vice Captain spoke some truth, don't keep us waiting in Soul Society with the news. But, you will contact BOTH of us, not just the Vice Captain. He spoke out of turn with a superior present. He will need to learn. I will watch out for you."

With that, she bowed her head and started to walk off in the same direction as Himitsu. Once they both reached the gate, she looked towards the Vice Captain. "Himistu-fukataichou, I need to speak with you once we get to Soul Society. Immediately after we drop off Aevus-chan to the Fourth Division." She looked at him then looked straight ahead, walking through the gate. She felt like something was off, but had no proof to act on it. She would then wait patiently to hear from Douma, whoever that was.

[☾ Aevus | Umbra ☽]

“Hey sleepy head.” Tired eyes fell to young visage of a girl. A small sly smile planted neatly against her face, a look the man had been all to familiar with. The girl was up to something and before he could utter a single word she began to make her way around the shack. “We kinda have to move again, last night someone almost saw me~” Aura would glance back just shortly and Aevus would spot a newly formed bruise on her cheek. “Well saw me, they didn’t really like the fact that I was helping myself to a midnight snack and well-” She’d be cut off. "Aura what did you do now?” That small sly smile would perk up faintly. “I might have said I’d pay them back for what I um stole and well they could have, might have seen where I kind of went...”

“I thought I told you about this..” Aevus would sigh shaking his head shortly before rising to his feet. “I know, I know stealing is wrong yada yada.” She’d speak rather quickly as she began to gather what little belongings she had around the small shack. “I’m sorry ok, i’m sorry. I can feel you staring daggers into me so just know I get the picture.” Aura’s tone would change as she’d stop, her hands gently placed against the small wooden stand. “I keep messing up, I just~”

She would look back with those stealthy teal eyes of hers. “I was stealing for you if you’d like to know.” Aevus would quirk a brow. “Is that so?” The young girl would narrow her eyes at that her voice slightly showing that she was annoyed.“Well, it is your fault after all, you’ve been barely eating lately. Less even since you decided to mule me around and I can’t have that on my conscious, I’m a growing girl after all! And iv’e got by just fine with me and Kiti. I just don’t understand the problem with stealing, I know you do it...so why can’t I?”

Another sigh fell from the mans lips as he watched the young girl pick up the black tabby. “You shouldn’t have to be the one to get your hands dirty. You said so yourself that your dream was to become a Shinigami. Do you think they’d just let any old thief into their ranks? They wouldn’t trust you around them” Aura would pout. “No I guess not, it’s just someone has to look after you. It might’d as well be be me since you’re hopeless.” A grin would slowly form on the man from that very comment. “I guess we’ll just have to look after each other.“ Face reddened Aura would immediately look away. “Sh-Shut up.” With that Aevus would pat her head. “Let’s get going.”

---

Aevus awoke to a cold sweat, his sapphire eyes gleaming with a confused and dazed expression. He had no idea what had just occurred or how he had even got where he was. His instinctive reaction was to reach for his Zanpakuto and yet he rather quickly realized he was surrounded by his allies. “What happened?” He asked still in that daze as he slowly took himself away from Himitsu’s care. “I remembered the girl and I attacking the transport and just...nothing." Aevus would pause as he asked a more serious question pertaining to the mission."Did we succeed?”

[Kento Waffles]

There's nothing quite like failure. Nothing like the pain of it. Nothing like Aevus waking up and being told of his injuries and the status of the now terminated mission. Nothing like Himitsu having to report to Sozen Kuchiki what had transpired, or Hotaru having to write up in her report that they had been duped. Only Douma was the victor today, but that wasn't enough for him to congratulate himself or even consider himself lucky. The Black Hand was small time. That was precisely why he'd wanted them to become his pawns. They had a bigger benefactor, and now that benefactor was likely irritated at the failures of the Black Hand. There's nothing quite like failure.

Even as the Black Hand's leaders were slaughtered by the the Wayne Gang that had employed them. Even as Darnell found himself at the mercy of his employer, Kayneth Wayne, who only told him, "Monstrosity is the only road to success..." over and over and over again. Thousands of times as he was beaten, violated, and then spoon fed hatred and power. There were monsters in the world. And there were those who were the masterminds that created monsters, in other words the greatest of all monsters. So that left for them all a terrible final fate. Failure on many fronts. But because of it, only one would suffer. Douma himself, the root of it all, was the only one who would suffer.

After all, what would possibly be worse than being vindictively consumed by the darkness that you yourself have created? Aevus would be given time to heal. Hotaru would be given time to train. Himitsu would be given time to read. Douma would be given time to plan. It was up to Aevus to recover his strength and fight again and grow. It was up to Hotaru to become a powerful Captain that could aid in the coming wars. It was up to Himitsu to become knowledgeable while he was in Squad 6, so that one day he might actually be an asset in the wars to come. It was up to Douma simply to keep himself alive. Because what was coming for him was less than alive, and that was why it mattered so.

[Amagai Kuchiki]

Since this was an adventure thread, and failed to reach 3 pages, it cannot be awarded TP. Apologies.