The Arm - Act Zero: Beginnings In Darkness [NDE, Easy]

[Gaius Magnus]

Name: [The Arm - Act Zero: Beginnings In Darkness]

Participants: [4 max, Mod Souls ONLY]

Location: [Athens, Greece]

Difficulty Level: [Easy]

Setting: [NDE]

Plotline: [In Ahtens, capital of Greece, something odd is happening. A gathering of Mod Souls unprecedented. Over a hundred of them has gathered, and it seems that they were all invited, for what seems to be a party. It seems like ordinary party, however, something is off, and our participants better find out what soon...]

Estimated Enemy Strength: [Class 6-2, with single exception.]

Estimated Time Until Completion: [Minimum of two pages]

Starts: [After spots are reserved, so do that first]

Special Conditions: [First off, this is a special kind of thread. This is social adventure. This means there will be little to no combat, but participants will need to use their social skills, their wits and whatever else that can help them. Initiating combat out of the blue without good reasons will not be tolerated, and will bring down on them a lot of troubles. Second, participating in here qualifies you potentially for subsequent threads in the series, so there will be further rewards down the road, and special rewards should you go through entire series.]

[Takara Takeda]

Reserving a spot

[Jikken Kaze]

Yeah, lets do this

[Gaius Magnus]

My Dearest,
I invite you! Join us tonight, as we gather in Athens, to celebrate!
A great convention of our Kin that was long postponed!
So come! Be marry and enjoy yourself!
Formal dress code!
Signed,
GM

P.S. Ah, yeah, to get here, just break the seal included when ready!

It was a simple note. Written in nice, firm handwriting, on a clean white paper. It came in a plain white envelope. Along with it, a mere red disc, size of a coin, made out of what appeared to be clay. It was, save for odd contents of the note, entirely ordinary. However, there was not one, but over a hundred of these all over the world. Nobody knew who sent them, and it was a rather mysterious occurrence. However, it didn't make a large fuss all over the world, like similar events tend to make. It was because each and every one of these was delivered to a Mod Soul. Mod Souls were only ones to receive these. And they generally were reclusive race, and didn't really mingle too much with other spiritual races on average. So, word did not spread. What was however off was the manner in which these were delivered. No courier nor a mailman delivered these. They would just appear out of the blue in environment of a Mod Soul invited. Regardless of where they were, or what they were doing. Even if they were in highly secured area, this envelope somehow reached them. There was no avoiding them. Whomever was supposed to be invited got an invitation. Without exceptions.

One such Mod Soul was Takara Takeda. A proud, stern woman employed in Uzaki Enterprises. One of most prominent Mod Souls as of lately, she was definitively the one to keep an eye on. And in her office, on her desk, she would find above-mentioned envelope with invitation and seal inside. Odd thing would be that nobody ever entered her office, and no security breach was reported. There was nothing on video footage, nothing on sensors, virtually nothing. It meant one terrifying thing. There was something, somebody, somebody able to simply slip into Uzaki Enterprises HQ and deliver that envelope to her office, and then simply slip out like it was nothing. And that whomever or whatever what was, knew exactly where her office is, and timed his delivery when she was not int it.It was terrifying possibility, but a real question was: What is Takara going to do when she learns of the envelope's contents?

Several miles away, in the woods surrounding Karakura Town, there was another Mod Soul. Jikken Kaze, newly recruited by Xcution, living a life of recluse in hinterlands around Karakura. For him, it was slightly different, but also similar. He would return to his cave in which he resided, and find on the floor above-mentioned envelope. To a young Mod Soul it would be a shock, probably, as it meant that somebody found him and knew where he resided. Or perhaps not. However, fact was that he got his invitation. While he didn't know it, that was pretty significant, as that meant he was on the radar of someone very powerful and that he was seen as potentially quite important. However, he could not know that. But what he did know was just what he would do with his invitation?

Within Xcution military, there was a panic. An intrusion has apparently been made, by unknown perpetrators, into one of Xcution barracks. Intruders did not trigger any alarms, nor did they left any traces. Only thing left was an envelope with a name on it. Name of Hebika Nara. Hebika Nara, who was one most promising members of Xcution, would later surely face severe checks and investigations to see what happened and why, but for now, she would most likely be given new mission. To find out who or what is behind that mysterious note. And how on earth did it get into her barracks, on her bed. Those were things she would need to find out.

And across the world, in Athens, two men were speaking. They had their conversation in dark room that obscured their faces, but it could be seen how they looked save for that. One was quite tall and brawny, quite the giant, and was standing in the center of the room, and a certain tension could be seen in his stature. Other one was seated, and was quite relaxed. His features were somewhat obscured by a black suit he wore, but one could say he was athletic, at least. Sitting behind a wooden desk, his fingers quite lively tapping on the table, he was the one speaking. "So, did we settle everything?" Tall man responded with: "Yes, it is done." "And invitations?" Tall man sighed. "All taken care of boss. Though, did we really had to use him? He costed us over half of our funds, and somehow that feels like we threw the money into the wind." Seated man shook his head. "No, it is a money well spent. It is his area of expertise, and it would take me many days and quite a number of corpses left behind to pull it off. He really was the best solution. On another note, K, did DJ arrive?" Tall man nodded. "Good, good. It should be getting on soon." Tall man nodded, and then left the room. Seated man spoke again, this time more softly, to himself: "So it begins tonight..."

And outside, sun was setting over Athens...

[Gaius Magnus]

OOC: Bump!

[Takara Takeda]

Takara was moving throughout the halls of Uzaki's main corperate building in the way that she normally did with her body posture perfectly straight and her heels clicking against the floor. Lately there hadn't been much going on in Karakura Town even by the standards that she had come to accept which made looking for the other Mod Souls all the more easy. She had been able to find a few so far many of which were now under her supervision as they began to live without the fear of being hunted down like dogs. It would only be a matter of time now until Takara could start to rebuild the race as one of power that could rely on itself for support.

As she made her way into the area that she normally looked up information Takara noticed a envelope sitting near her computer one that was addressed to her. This was a first and not something that Takara was going to take lightly as only a few individuals knew her name, where to find her or even that she was still alive. So it had to be either someone that could figure all of this out somehow or it was from one of the few people that knew about her. The second option though was actually the one that made less sense due to the fact that all of them including Kazura could simply reach her through e-mail or calling her. So Takara while listening to what was around her and inside of the envelope knowing that it was possible for a bomb to be hidden picking it up.

As she opened the envelope Takara read the letter and was surprised to find that it was at least according from the letter sent from a handful of Mod Souls. How they found her she couldn't say nor did she have time to think as the envelope sprung outwards and enveloped her body. In the following moment Takara was gone from the UE building and instead in Athens. It was a good thing that Takara always dressed formal for her black dress hugged her curves and her heels kept her off the ground. There would be no doubt that within a few moments others would be arriving and thus the party would begin.

[Gaius Magnus]

OOC: I will be serving you on individual basis, so no strict posting order for now. However, please try not to fall too far behind.

And Takara broke the seal. In a quick, dizzy vortex of colors, she vanished from her office, and appeared in Athens. She would quite possibly be shaking from the experience, as this teleportation had the sensation of being submerged into ice cold water. But, it was as it was, and she could perhaps only be grateful that it was over. Or perhaps she should be on the lookout for any side effects of that unusual travel method? Whatever she would decide on, was less important than the fact that she was now in Athens. Being several time zones away from Japan, it was in fact night here in Athens. It was rather amazing, how she was there in an instant. But, there she was, in front of rather large building, several stories tall. Most windows were dark, but those that were lit up shined with various colors, from purple to green, from blue to red, from yellow to white. With her keen senses, Takara could hear and feel the beat of music inside. Yes, the party was already on. And she would have to join the party. What would await her inside that building, however, was a question she would have to find her answers in only one way - entering.

However, she was a dozen of meters away from the building, where the seal brought her, and while the building in front of her was obviously populated, others in the vicinity were quite obviously dead, abandoned. Streets were also empty in that part of Athens, however, there were small crowds scattered around on the street in front of that building. Most of them paid little attention to Takara and the fact that she appeared out of nowhere. Some people gave her a look, but most did not. However, Takara, if she tried to identify them with Energy Sensory, would be quite surprised. Every individual she could see, and every individual within the building, were Mod Souls. She could not sense anything other than Mod Souls for quite the distance. It was highly unusual, such a big gathering for a race that was hunted by, basically, everyone. But, it was on, and it was something unique to experience.

However, she wouldn't have too much time to ponder on those discoveries, even if she made them. Quickly, a young man, with vivid green hair and dressed in white suit spotted her, and started walking towards her. He walked slowly, as if trying really hard not to fall over. And even from a few meters distance, the stench of alcohol could not be ignored, coming from him. He yelled at Takara: "Now you are one helluva piece lady! Want me to give you a ride to paradise?!" He yelled that in front of everyone, and from those who heard him, a few of them blushed. However, quickly, tall young man in a similar suit broke off from one of groups, and grabbed the loud one. He pulled him away, half dragging, half carrying him. As he took the drunk one inside the building, he yelled at Takara: "I'm sorry Miss, but he is drunk as a horse." Whatever Takara's reaction would be, she now had a choice. Either head to the big door, and enter the building where the party was, or try to mingle with people outside. What would she do?

[Hebika Nara]

Hebika was by no means all that into the barracks that littered the Xcution......area. She didn't even know what to call the damn place. Of course Headquarters was something of an iffy thing to call it anyway. It was what she considered headquarters. The REAL headquarters, as opposed to that ridiculous ....OTHER place. It was why she had requested to be transferred to the material face of Xcution as opposed to being put in the true Headquarters. She just liked to be in the real world. The other one just made her feel trapped. If something fucked up, there was simply no escape.

So when that letter found it's way inside of the building, Hebika couldn't help but smile. The gentlest of tingles ran up her spine as she flexed her senses. She had, among all else, an absolute manifestation of reflexes. She saw everything. Saw how it worked. Saw how things came to be. She could even accurately tell what was about to happen. The letter was not placed. Not snuck in. Not hidden. It simply appeared. Which probably meant that if she had been in the real headquarters she would have suddenly had a lot of questions to answer to the ACTUAL heads of Xcution. She could hear the rabble going up as spiritual sensors picked up the disturbance.
She ignored all of that.

She was a REAL Xcution member. Not one of the humans that ran the Material World HQ. And sure, at some point to placate them, she'd have to be talked to by whatever CEO was sitting in that cute little desk at the top floor. Instead of someone she ACTUALLY would respect, like Zack. And so, she found herself smiling almost pleasantly as she took the letter and began to read. She had to admit that it was interesting. She didn't know a whole lot of people outside of Xcution who knew what she was. Hel even some people in Xcution didn't know what the fuck she was. But she decided not to worry about that. No.... she was much more...intrigued by the prospect of the seal. She eyed it... and considered.
She could just bring it to life. And ask it what it could do.

It would take some doing. And probably would take a while... a while she really didn't feel like using. So... she simply broke the seal. And just like that she was gone. She was underdressed probably. Her usual black sleeveless hoodie. It was definitely nice, but well, underdressed likely. But then again it wasn't like she cared about any of that. After all, she was just curious. Curious as to who had found her. Who had taken this note to her. And why they were gathering Mod souls. She had never met another of her kind, to her knowledge. So it would be very interesting to see who she met.

[Gaius Magnus]

Hebika also broke her seal. She would also have to suffer a moment of dizzy vortex, and sensation of being dipped into cold water was something that she would have to sense as well. However, she did not appear in the middle of the street opposite to the building like Takara. No, for the seals were a bit random. They targeted a general area, not one spot. So, while Hebika appeared in Athens a mere minute or two after Takara, she did not appear in the same spot. Instead, she appeared in a small, dark alley, with her back turned to the building where the party was, which she could hear going down. She stood, and faced the alley. That is how the seal brought her down. And behind her, across the street, was the main even building. Hebika was however on the opposite side of the building, away from the main entrance, unlike Takara. But that was all secondary. What was more important was the fact that Hebika was in fact, not alone. Lacking capability to sense energy, she would not register that there were two individuals in the alley through it, nor could she identify them as Mod Souls, but regardless, she could see them present.

Simply, down in the alley, two young men were present. One had dirty blue hair and blue suit, and was quite tall and athletic, while other one was rather bulky, muscular guy, his hair and beard were red, and he wore grey suit. They held some objects in their hands, but Hebika wouldn't be able to see them, let alone recognize them. However, men noticed her apparently, as they quickly displaced those objects into their pockets and approached her. "She must be a late arrival.", tall one said to muscular one. Muscular one nodded, and then addressed Hebika with thick German accent: "You messed up lady. Invitation said formal dress. Not a dress of ghetto rapper." Then he snickered, apparently being quite pleased with his own humor. Tall one shook his head. "You are a pig, Hilfred. I am sorry Miss. Lets start again. I am Tog and this is Hilfred. Now, we saw you arrive, so we know you are here for the party. Now, you should head in soon probably, but... Maybe you want to have some additional fun before you do? We have something to blow your mind away, literally. Wanna see?"

Then, without pause, he pulled out object he placed in his pocket. It was a syringe, filled with glowing blue liquid, and with abnormally thick and large needle. Tog quickly spoke on: "This one is specially for us. You need to stab this into your chest. In dead center in fact. Needle is just a few fractions of an inch from touching your pill. And when you stab it, you inject this. It is the best thing ever, directly hitting your pill. With this, you will see stuff, trust me..." He smiled at Hebika. Hilfred was frowning, but Tog went on. "You know, we are here to sell this stuff, but for such a charming lady, I think I will spare a dose. Think of it as a welcome present for arriving at the party." He stretched out his arm, offering her a syringe to take. Hebika now had a choice. She could take a drug those two were offering her, or she could leave and head for the party building. What would she do now?

[Hebika Nara]

It was quite pretty she had to admit. It had been ages since she had been in a human dwelling that had been so lovingly crafted. So wonderfully sculpted. Even with the modernization above it, she could still FEEL the antiquety of the land itself. One that reminded her of the shrines in Japan. It truly was a magnificent thing. Of course when it came to her attention that she was not alone: That is to say almost instantly, she had to pause, taking in more of the city before she decided to aknowledge that she was being spoken to. A real hassle.

Shifting her attention in the direction of the two brawny men she couldn't help but smile softly and tilt her head, as a sudden WAVE of warmth was expelled from her body. That almost sickeningly pleasant feeling she had about her bleeding outward as that very light aura was exuded. In much the same way that some were so evil that you could feel their badness crawling on your skin, it was quite a mirrored situation around Hebika (Light Aura 100). Even if she WAS so very perplexed by the pair. She could understand all of that 'manners' shit around humans, but really, around their own kind? She shrugged it off and simply chuckled.

"That's a little rude don't you think?" She glanced down at her article of clothing, gently running her fingers along the edge of the hood. "Calling her Rapper like that. She's far more composed than most humans." She stated simply, eyeing the pair for only an instant. Of course the two would probably almost instantly notice that the eyes on her hood blinked once, and those painted pupils would turn to look at them as she made it so very very alive. Before their very eyes it breathed around her skin and as it exhaled it withered, that black cloth crawling like millions of ants along her skin, keeping her completely covered up to her neck as those little mites of cloth began to find new positions and settled in, bit by bit reforming until she was wearing the cleanest cut suit they had likely ever seen on a woman.

Every single milimeter of fabric fitting her to utmost perfection. What appeared to be a whole three piece suit of a coat, tie, pants, and a shirt underneath was simply one piece. One very living piece. As Habika gently brushed off her new outfit, quite pleased that it looked every bit as good as the dress that she had once asked the hood to take the shape of, she then shifted her attention to the others, her head canting to the side for just a moment as she began to stroke her chin. Her eyes only briefly glazed over the sight of the syringe as she casually began to step in the direction of the main building, pausing only for a moment before that soft, heartwarming smile would cross her features, a smile that almost seemed to reach into both of their chests in the most motherly of ways.

"Sorry but I try not to fiddle with my pill." Not even bothering to mention that she didn't keep her pill in her chest to begin with. "I never did feel so inclined as to mimic human vices THAT much. I would never have the courage. Speaking of... I've never been to this part of the world of the living. Would you two fine gentleman like to accompany me to the event?" She asked before that smile wilted by the very slightest, and true concern showed on her face as she looked toward the main building.

"I won't lie. I don't know why so many of...well...us are being brought together. But well... it makes me worry is all." That smile gently curled, and for a moment she looked almost vulnerable as she looked to the two men. "I'd feel a little better going as a group. If you two don't mind." She noted with a little glint of hope in her voice. Of course her offer was entirely sincere. She didn't like this event. Not one bit, and even if the two WERE a couple of Junkies, she did not hold them to the same scrutiny as humans. their kind had been through....much. She understood entirely why they would resort to such depraved means of escape such as some strange drug. Even with that, she would still rather have them with her when she arrived.

It was so very very hard to find other mod souls. Somehow the idea of being... cohesive... unalone...
It felt nice. If she could come out of this with allies, even.... friends? That was likely worth far more than the drug the two men were carrying.

[Jikken Kaze]

The duck were sitting on their pond, acting as if there wasn't a care in the world. But he knew the truth. They were plotting something dastardly. The bears didn't believe him, and the squirrels thought he was crazy, but he knew that behind those feathers, was pure evil. The way they stared at him with those tiny, beady, unblinking black eyes was all he needed to know that they wanted to bring about the end of the forest... AND THEN THE WORLD! A man was currently spying on the pond of waterfowl, thinking this to himself.

"....I need more friends." He quietly left the area, leaving the ducks to their own devices. "'Oh, lets go see what the ducks are planning today!' What a stupid idea." The pond was quiet for a moment, before... "Coast is clear!" One of them called out to the others. Suddenly, a large cylindrical.... thing, rose from the water. The ducks quickly leapt at it, getting back to work on their diabolical plans. The man however heard none of this, and continued on his way, only slightly ignorant of the true plans of the ducks.

The man was dressed in very little, wearing only dirty worn out brown shorts. They were several sizes too big, so they had a rope tied around his waist to hold them to him. And for a shirt, he had none. He was only wearing a worn out white hoodie, with extremely baggy sleeves, and was also a few sizes too large for him. Personally, he didn't much care for clothes, but if they kept people from screaming at him, then whatever. He had dozens of scars over his body, circling around in an impossible manner for them to have been from battle.

This man was known as Jikken: Kaze, a mod soul. He lived away from people, drinking in the quiet of nature. People were just too bothersome to deal with often. Sure, he worked with Xcution, but that was against his will more than anything. He hated that stupid quincy pirate with a passion, and as soon as he reclaimed his old power, he would show him exactly how much he appreciated having his elbows and knees shot in with arrows. The mod soul shook his head. Whatever, there wasn't much he could do about it right now aside from train.

He returned to his cave that he woke up in. He wasn't sure how he had gotten to the human world, but anywhere away from the Shinigami was good. There was a cot about forty feet in. Next to it was a stalagmite, and it was thicker than normal. He walked up to it, and grabbed the edge of it. He pulled, and a section of it opened, revealing a mini fridge filled with beer. He took one, popped it open, and was about to leave, when something on the cot caught his eye. It was a letter of some sort. He picked it up. He activated his mod soul ability.

The letter was completely destroyed, and the bits of paper few from his hand violently, as if blown away by a huge gust of wind. The ability is Kaze's wind armor, destroying everything and anything that touches it. "Stupid letters." He says, not realizing this implications of that being there, or even the fact that he sliced apart the seal inside. Also his beer, which was currently a fine mist of liquid from his other hand. "AHH! MY DRINK!" He yells in surprise, irritating the bears further down in the cave.

[Gaius Magnus]

{OOC: Sorry for a long wait, but between lectures starting, getting a job and other things, I couldn't get on to write lately.]

Hebika's little clothing trick received mixed responses. Tog was smiling, being pretty amazed by her handiwork, while Hilfred simply appeared to pay no further attention to her. As she refused the offered dose, Tog put it back into his pocket. His smile widened further. "Well, when in Rome do as Romans do, or however it goes. But make no mistake, this one is not a human vice. I heard that this one was invented back when Mod Souls were all living in Soul Society or whatever. I wasn't around then so I cannot say, but this is one of best things for one of us to relax. Regardless, it is your choice, so no harm done. I can sell this dose later as well." Hilfred remained silent, but he started looking around, as if he heard something neither Tog nor Hebika heard. However, Tog was quite talkative. "Well, truth to be told, I have no idea who set this up. We just both discovered our invitations in our pockets one day. We didn't know what to expect so we brought some stuff to sell. But this... this is big. Whoever set this up probably reach out for almost every one of us there. We went inside a while ago, and it is packed, entirely. Hilfred says even staff are Mod Souls, and..."

A loud "Shhhhhh!" from Hilfred silenced Tog. Hilfred seemed nervous. He spoke quickly and quietly, obviously nervous about something. "Something is here... something we do not want to cross paths with. Lady, you are right. We should head in, all of us." Tog nodded, without asking any questions, and while his face was serious for a moment, he quickly regained his wide smile, and offered his hand to Hebika with a slight bow. "My lady, if you would?" Regardless whether she took it or not, Hilfred and Tog, and Hebika, if she so chose, headed to the building where the party was. However, they did not go around the building to get to the main entrance, instead, Hilfred led them to a small metal door straight ahead of them. He knocked three times, and door swung open. They walked inside only to find themselves in a small corridor, eerily silent. But Hilfred led them further, to another door, which he opened, and then they stepped in to a room.

Room itself was enormous. It would bee silent even, if not for the sound of dozens of feet stepping, jumping, dancing. For a room was bright lightshow, and there were dozens of people dancing around to some silent rhythms. Tog cheerily looked at Hebika and exclaimed: "This here is silent disco room. Look at them. Isn't this somehow beautiful? C'mon, lets dance!" With that, Tog literally dragged Hebika to the bar in the corner of the room. There was bunch of headphones laying on the bar, and the bartender, noticing them, offered them their choices. "Blue is 80s disco, red is 90's west coast rap, purple is r'n'r and metal, and black is classical. Take your pick. Also, if you want a drink, just order. Everything is on the house." With that, Tog quickly grabbed blue headphones, and then he gave Hebika time to choose. She could take any she wanted, and go dance with him, or take some and dance alone, or even skip dancing, but however, Tog seemed pleasant, and his smile was quite inviting... Hebika had some choices to made.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Elsewhere, Kaze materialized on a balcony. He landed on a table, and while it would be soft and painless, being teleported still gave him that feeling of being dipped in cold water. Table was far less lucky, as it was not merely destroyed but entirely disintegrated along with drinks on it. It was an odd scene. There he was, lethal living weapon, Jikken Kaze, standing there, in the middle of chairs. Chairs occupied with people. Very, very well dressed and elegant people. While he was in rags. Which only added to oddity of the fact that he just landed on somebody's table. However, before he could move or say anything, he would feel a strong hit to the back of his head. He wouldn't know it was coming, and he wouldn't have any time to react. Simply, he would take the blow, and then fall down, unconscious, not knowing what has just hit him. He was hit, and then he just hit the floor like a dropped bottle, his consciousness not there.

Behind where he stood, was a tall man. He was brawny, and he was tall. He was quite the giant. His unruly grey hair was cut short, and he wore elegant black suit. Quickly, he crouched, and checked Kaze's pulse, before lifting him up and tossing him over his shoulder. He looked at people seated in the chairs where the table was once. "I am sorry for this, please don't let this affect your evening. I will have the new table and new drinks sent to you immediately." Then he walked away. Kaze, knocked out entirely, would not hear or see anything, but the man met with a waiter, and issued some instructions to waiter. Then he carried him through a network of corridors to a small room with no windows. Man turned the lights up, and then he tied Kaze's hands with a rope, and then he tied the rope to a wall after running it through a metal ring on a ceiling, in this way, he basically hung Kaze up, except his feet were still touching the ground. Then he left.

When Kaze would wake up, later, he would not know how long he was out. He would not know how did he got to this room. And he would be having one hell of a headache. While his vision would be blurry, he would after a bit be able to make out where he was. In that room he was hung up in. He could, even with his senses, hear footsteps outside, and a voice. "Yes, I got him. He is not injured, merely put asleep." A pause followed. "Yes, that would be best. He is in 104, so that's where you will find him." Easily, Kaze could grasp the situation, or perhaps not. Somebody was coming to see him, or worse, and as footsteps distanced and faded out of hearing range, he would have to decide what would he do. Would he escape, or would he stay? If he chose to escape, Kaze would quickly learn that he was loosely tied, and that he could free himself with some effort. Also, if he called on his powers, he would find that they wouldn't respond. He couldn't activate his Technique, nor any other technique for that matter. As if he was cut away from his powers.

And in the distance, slowly, footsteps could be heard, and with each step they grew a bit louder. If there was to be an escape, it would have to be now...

[Hebika Nara]

Hebika gazed only briefly at the syringe as it was moved out of sight. And for just a moment , her mind wandered. Of course a 'moment' for her was so very long compared to everyone else. She just had... so much time to consider. So much time to process. Her ability to process information far outpacing most that it felt like an eternity of watching that syringe move out of sight. And wondering if Kuri had ever used such things. The thought was....strange. It was unusual. She hadn't thought of the little girl that had owned her in ages. Back when she had just been a toy snake. Belonging to a girl that was growing up far too fast for her liking. She wondered, briefly, if it had been something like this that had taken the girl from her.

But of course, those thoughts passed so quickly through her mind, FAR faster than her body even could react to any neural commands. So there wasn't even time for her face to shift in response to the ideas. And by the time it would have, she was already calm, and making sure that her face didn't do anything it wasn't already doing. Those eyes drifted back up and she considered both of the men's reactions. Tog certainly seemed taken with her. Odd as it were. Perhaps he had a thing for blondes, and briefly she wondered if she should have turned her hair black for the event. She didn't think about it too much. The other man seemed... disinterested. Which was not what she had expected. Tog, after all, was the one holding the drug. One would think he would be the one fastest to lose interest. Maybe Tog was just a proxy, a.... more friendly face through which to sell.

She made a not of it and moved on. As Hilfred made it clear that, unlike either of them, he sensed something...unpleasant. Which was in and of itself... fascinating. She hadn't bothered yet, but she had the ability to amplify her sensory abilities far beyond what most were capable of. Even WITHOUT that boost, her sensory ability was incredible. If there was any sort of odd presence, she was usually the first to know about it. He was outpacing her ability to sense, which meant that whatever he was sensing, was something that resonated resonated either specifically to him, or selectively. True, there was also the possibility that he was just....tweaking. But well... it did her no favors to assume as much.
The offer to take her hand was another little surprise. How very....old fashioned. She smiled and gently slid that smooth, slender-fingered hand of hers into his and allowed him to lead her. She fell silent. Thinking.... She didn't have to of course. She could have hunkered down and thought it all over in the span it took one of them to finish their sentence. But as she looked around, she couldn't help but continue to hit little mental roadblocks. "Before we go in...." She murmured softly, stopping just as they were about to enter the doorway, halting the little group as she looked up at the estate. "My name is Hebika Nara. If anything should happen. If you sense anything.... strange with your clothing. Especially if you are in any sort of trouble, and you recognize my reiatsu. Don't resist it." She noted, smiling, and then walking in, presumably with Tog going along with her.

She probably could have explained a little better. Or at all. But right now she was going to leave it as it were. Her ability was very... exotic. And it made it so that if anything happened, she was a very effective shield. But of course, if either of them felt her power starting to take effect on one of their personal effects then it would limit her ability if they resisted it. She wanted to make sure that if she needed to save one of them, she'd be able to.

Once inside, she was.... not too surprised. It was about what she had expected. Luxury to a certain degree. But it was a....modern luxury. There was sophstication, but they didn't waft that sophistication like it was their own farts. She saw her people having.... fun. Not putting on airs. No matter how fancy the things they wore, she saw people dancing like it was a party, not slow-stepping with power and politics in their hearts. And ....for once... she felt... pride. She had always wondered if she was the way she was because she was a mod soul, or maybe if she was just... strange. She worried that her little habit of going to fancy balls and dress parties and just having fun was odd. If perhaps that her... enjoyment of theatrics, her enjoyment of at first looking like a bum to the two gentlemen, only to have her own little amusement with her clothing trick, if her... fixation on self enjoyment was singular.

But no. Her entire race was one of individuals who had... escaped. Who had liekly lived several years in pill form. Wondering. Waiting. Worrying about death at anymoment. It made sense that after that... they would just want to have fun. And for once she didn't even intend for the smile that had crossed her features. And that warm aura of hers grew all the brighter. And with Tog's offer of a dance, as she was tugged over to the bar and he so very excitedly prepared to dance with her.... she paused. and for just an instant she faltered.
What if it was a trap? What if the tune going through those headphones was some sort of hypnosis. What if there were little needles in the headphones that pricked the ears and administered a calming drug to the wearer? What if they were rigged to explode? She knew this was ridiculous. With JUST how many Mod souls there were, she knew that if something were amiss, ONE of them would have noticed. and that was... odd. She felt SAFE. Because she knew that no matter how wild, how.... addicted to drugs, how horny and hard up, no matter how lazy they were. Each and every single member of this party... was a BORN weapon. They ALL were dangerous. Powerful in their own way. If ANYTHING was fishy. If ANYTHING had some fell purpose here. They were operating under the knowledge that if something went down, they would have to FIGHT every single mod soul here. And any attempt on subduing them, was likely going to have at least a few of them that could resist it.

She paused, and gently put a hand on Tog's shoulder, smiling a little. There was probably some event planned later. At Some point the host would show up, and there would be some answers. But but for now, she was just passing time until something happened. "In a bit... I actually had some questions for you. You haven't exactly told me much about yourself. And well.... I can't see this sort of gathering happening all the time in the future. After this is all done, we might not even see eachother again. So if you don't mind. I wanted to hear a little about you. If that's alright."

[Gaius Magnus]

Tog smiled even wider. His deep, dark eyes were friendly, compassionate. Somehow, he it seemed as if he could understand Hebika, in a way that would not be expected from someone whom she just met. He looked into her eyes, and it was as if he could read her mind, so deeply his gaze went. But it was not hostile, nor cold, his gaze. No, it was warm, and friendly. To Hebika's request, he nodded. He was smiling, and then he ordered drinks. "A double bourbon for me, and for my friend whatever she desires." When bartender handed him drinks, Tog took them and motioned for Hebika to follow him. Hilfred nodded to him, and Tog nodded back, but Hilfred did not accompany them, instead he stayed at the bar. However Tog led Hebika to a bar table at the edge of the room, one which was empty, and then, after raising his glass to Hebika and taking a sip, he spoke. "You know, I can really see it in you, Miss Nara. You are afraid. I have laughed in death's face, and truth to be told, I was far more relaxed than you are right now." Then, with gracious, but at same time relaxed movements, Tog pulled out a cigar and a lighter, and then proceeded to light it up.

As he took in his first smoke, he looked at Hebika again. He smiled. "I know what worries you. A gigantic stash of walking weapons came to one spot to party. Normally, it would only take a spark to light up the place." He made a pause. "But..." Tog waved his hand at the crowd which was dancing. "You see, two things are ensuring this goes peacefully. First thing is, all of us Mod Souls are hunted, more or less. We rarely gather, and gathering for such normal occasion. And second thing is, the fact that whoever runs this ship, runs it tight. Think of it. This place, and how we are all invited, and how we are all here. And biggest thing, how no powers nor anything spiritual works in this building. Try it. You'll see you cannot tap into your Technique while in here." Suddenly, Tog stopped, and laughed. It was a cheerful laugh, honest one. Not something that was common sight if you are rejected and hunted living weapon.

Tog came closer to Hebika, and it was by no means aggressive or hostile, his movements were gracious, filled with good intents and manners. He stood next to her, and with his free arm, he reached out and hugged her around the waist. It was a friendly hug, but at same time, it hinted at more, in a subtle way. Tog was cheerful though, not serious, and he continued. "I am sorry, Miss Nara. I digressed too far from our topic. Truth to be told, it's a shame we cannot use our Techniques. I could convey you my story better that way, but I will have to make do with words. Well, there isn't much to tell. I was supposedly made in Soul Society, but I don't remember that. I remember waking up for the first time, in god knows where in Russia, surrounded by hundreds of Mod Souls. It was not a gathering as much as a migration. I was told many things that I honestly didn't understand, they talked about the war and stuff. But two things were made crystal clear. That we are all hunted. And that we must hide. So, being freshly placed in a Gigai, and given some basics like clothes and some provisions, I was told that we had to disperse. So we walked out of that god-damn place." Tog took another sip of his drink.

"We walked for quite a long way until we hit civilization. On that march I met Hilfred, and we decided to pair up, for protection. When we reached civilization, we were basically doing the odd jobs to make ends meet while continuously moving from place to place. We got to Paris a decade or two ago, and within its underground, we found spiritual community that we blended in. Since then, it's just job after job, simply making ends meet. Times are tough even when you aren't hunted by Shinigami. Regardless, that is pretty much my story. If I would have to add anything, it would be that I like bourbon and moonlight, and that I absolutely hate cheese." Ending that with a smile, Tog took another sip, finishing his glass. Putting it on the table, he looked at Hebika again. "Now Miss Nara, I told you my story. How about you tell me yours?"

[Hebika Nara]

Brows lifted when she noticed Hilfred staying behind. But at the very least she planned on staying alert. She would be on alert. And as they moved, ordering drinks. With him getting his alcohol, she simply ordered a lemonade for the time being. A casual gesture that she didn't really plan on inhibiting herself around him. She was a cautious woman indeed. So when he spoke of seeing more about her than met the eye, she couldn't help but smile to herself. And she felt her crawl along her skin. That suit she wore shifted when he slipped his arm around her waist, and for just a moment he felt the suit, not Hebika, bracing against his hold, before it relaxed and allowed him to pull her into that little hug.

"Afraid..." She murmured softly to herself, those words slithering past her lips like cold snakes. Lazy, slow, and sluggish. She remembered the sight of Douma, that masked man with his weapon held high. She remembered his slash, his attempt to test her, to prod her. The man had thought nothing of her. He had been just trying to test her mettle, to see if she was worth his time. And when his sword had hit, the recoil was so great that his arm had been sliced all the way up almost to the shoulder. It was his own incredible spiritual pressure that had saved him from not simply suffering lacerations from head to toe.

She remembered the Quincy. That Sternritter, or rather a bay ritter if anything. She remembered the sensation of that wild reiatsu, that incredible power of vollstandig as they had tried desperately to survive. The sudden burst of energy, followed by crippling despair when she reached into their soul and brought their weakness to life inside of their very chest. And she remembered the night of the meteor shower, where that very same quincy had brought her together with an arrancar and some rodent.

"Funny. I guess I'm far more calm when I'm fighting than anything else." she murmured softly, and looked up at him as he continued to speak. She however.....did snare on something. Given Gigai? That struck something in her mind. He said that there were a lot of them... and they were all given gigai. Not dolls, not something more... low key. They were given normal gigai. and this surprised her... She felt it... that urge to ask him just WHO had given him them... but that was currently irrelevant... She didn't want to start interrogating him about aspects of his life. No, that would take too long even if she wanted to. She focused on what he was telling her as a big picture. Evidently he had come to live a life somewhat.....similar to her own. At least in that they wound up doing odd jobs. Admittedly she worked for a company, but that really didn't make her job all that different.

But she was a little surprised. He didn't have any specific questions. He wanted... her story. And she had to think about that. She didn't feel comfortable mentioning Shizuka. It wasn't that she didn't trust him. It's just that well, she had no idea what other mod souls felt about being intimate with humans. It was entirely possible that among the mod soul community that it was frowned upon.
"Well I suppose I'm at an advantage of sorts. I had the chance to use my powers before we came in." She chuckled softly, and very gently, lifted the lapel of her suit. And those eyes that had been on her hood, were seen. Or at least one of them. The eye shifted, swiveling as the very pattern on the shirt shifted to look the man in the eye, her entire suit squirming over Hebika's body before it went back to relaxing. "I suppose bringing my clothing to life is a rather mundane version of my power...." and she couldn't help but smile a little in remembrance. Recalling the time she had brought a tank to life. "A silly power at that. Creating life. And I still can't even get them to last...." she sighed softly, staring down at her sleeve, knowing that it would eventuall fade. She had been getting better. She could make them last longer and longer.... but it was just so...hard. Hard getting them to live. And she had to put more and more of her heart into them... She was a little afraid to keep working at it.


"In any case... my story is a little...rougher... I suppose. I was originally given a body." She paused, reaching into the suit toward her wallet, retrieving a photograph and pausing... staring. And she showed it. It was Kuri, the little girl, back when they HAD still been a little girl, cuddling her. Back in her toy snake form. "I belonged to a human. A man put me in the toy and gave me to his daughter. I was her toy for a while. And.....it was odd.. I didn't really do much of anything back then. I was so new... all I had known was solitude. And I got to watch this little baby human grow up..." She smiled fondly, eyeing the picture. Kumi had been five at the time... That had been her favorite year... The year Kumi had finally learned to start walking. And boy had she started zooming everywhere after that... But then the smile faded...

"But she wasn't young forever... no. She grew up... Discovered boys... Alcohol... Social Standing... and then one day she discovered what an old, ratty toy I was. And she threw me away. After that I just... went with my instincts... and started hunting down shinigami." She noted calmly, closing her eyes as she remembered the shinigami she'd killed in meeting Shizuka. "I must have been doing a good job. After garnering a little money, after looking around. I managed to get lucky. Some spiritually aware fellow hooked me up with this body." She smiled, lightly swatting her hips and hunching her shoulders a little, accentuating her form for just a moment before relaxing again. " After that well. I suppose I became... re-involved with humans. I guess I couldn't really mope around forever...." Oh but how she loved to now and then.. Shizuka always found such colorful ways to try and help her out of funks... oh how many times she'd faked a bit of a mood for them~
"And... well... Then one day I found an invitation in my office. I was fresh from a workout. So I was still in my sweats. Honestly, I thought this was all a joke. Some prank. Thankfully I ran into a couple of drug dealers. Impressed one of them with my fancy ability, and what do you know, one of them got really into it. Really into ME! You should have seen the way he slipped his arm around me." she was smirking now, clearly being coy as she looked slyly at the man.
"You can always tell things about a male by the way he hugs. You see most guys slide around the shoulders. It's like a shelter, keeping a girl safe. And pulling their face in nice and close. Some guys pull in around the waist, really stuff the junk up on your crotch you know what I mean? But this guy went for the middle. Almost like he wanted the butterflies in our stomachs to swap phone numbers." She chuckled softly, still smirking as she so daringly talked to the man as if he were not the man who had just executed that very hug.
"And well, that's just about everything so far." Not a lie. 'Just about' was very subjective. she had left Shizuka out entirely. But well, for one, it did her no disservice for this man to continue thinking she was single. And possibly into men. Which she was, but well, mess around with a girl for a few years and men tended to think that's all you had eyes for. And of course more importantly, she didn't want anything happening to her. No.... that was the absolute of what she did not want happening.