The Last Quincy [R, NDE, Variable]

[Kento Waffles]

Name: [The Last Quincy]

Participants: [Amalia]

Location: [Human World]

Difficulty Level: [Varies]

Setting: [NDE]

Plotline: [This thread takes place BEFORE the events of the House of Cards Arc, a few short days before the invasion begins. As such, it takes place just hours after Kuroi's invasion series in Seireitei. Der Kaiser's return has already been heralded by a white light in the sky. Amalia has been summoned to Der Kaiser's new throne room in the Imperial Palace of White. Excluding Baal and Akiyama, Amalia is the first to be granted an audience. She will arrive in the throne room, humbled merely by looking at him.]

Estimated Enemy Strength: [Varies]

Estimated Time Until Completion: [5 pages]

Starts: [Now]

Special Conditions: [None]

Note To Self - Keyword: Bruise

[Kento Waffles]

The Emperor's new throne room could not have appeared more awe-inspiring, more powerful. So great was the spiritual presence within that the walls practically resonated with energy, buzzed with sparks of electricity. The air nearly crackled with waves of hot fire. Despite this, the entirety of the floor was cool, white marble, upon which there was a thin layer of unbreakable, translucent ice. The decorations along the walls were portraits and tapestries and murals, all of them depicting some Quincy legend. One of the most prominent was one which had already come to pass, the genocide of 200 years ago that had made Quincy so rare. Another was an event that had yet to pass, the sacking of Soul Society and the Seireitei.

In this room, Amalia would find herself towered over not only by a throne, but by stairs standing tall and leading up to that throne. That amphitheater-like staircase which rose over twenty feet into the air gave way at the top to a marvelous silver throne, embroidered with jewelry and illuminated by ambient blue light. That glow cast upon Amalia's face like a cryogenic storm, and upon that throne sat a figure clad in a gold, silk robe, an embroidered silk with thin silver lace stitching and a red line running along the collar and down both closed sides in a figure eight. On the left hand of the Emperor, a hand that despite having seemingly human form yet looked inhuman for its majestic radiance and reishi particles, was a black gem.

Der Kaiser's robe ended in a hood that came over His head. Though the light illuminated His face, Amalia would notice that she could not make out any features, only the sensation of being visually pleased to look upon what would have been a face on any mortal people. But The Emperor of the Vandenreich was not a mortal. He never would be. Rather, the Emperor was a God, and when He spoke his voice compelled Amalia to drink in every word like the sweetest nectar, her very insides lit ablaze with unquestioning love just by that most illustrious and seductive of sounds. And yet it was commanding, it was assertive. It was the authority of a Deity.

"Amalia, my child..." The Emperor leaned forward in his seat and motioned with one hand toward her. "Something in our human world is stirring... Tell me, child, have you felt it?" In the weeks leading up to this moment, Amalia might very well have felt it once in a while. Some sort of looming... "other." Some threat perhaps. A presence had come into the world at the same time as Der Kaiser himself, and before that it had felt as if it was on the horizon, waiting for His return. It was as if there was some other Holy power, weaker, yet still around, existing to challenge in heresy that which should be the absolute and unshakable God.

"Shauna... Melody..." Amalia would have heard that name before, as such a high ranking Quincy. Of those heretics who were the "free Quincy" she had been the most powerful, and their charismatic leader. Yet rumor had it that she had been killed by an assassin years ago. Still, if Der Kaiser mentioned her by name, she must be alive. "The greatest of the heretics lives... And it is upon you I confer the greatest quest of all... Of bringing her here... To me. To become one of ours..." The Emperor leaned back in His seat, awaiting Amalia's response to this mission. Yet, the way he folded his arms, it was as if he had more to say as well after she accepted. Further details forthcoming?

[✱Paiva "Amalia" Vollbrecht✱]

Amalia entered his majesty's throne room and drank in the lavish and opulent surroundings. She could feel his presence in every molecule of the room. His presence was capable of piercing all forms of matter. Such a potent aura could not be contained even in a room built for a god. She quickly knelt at the foot of the expansive staircase and lowered her head to the ground. She took in a number of deep breathes before lifting her head as he called out her name. "Amalia, my child." His voice possessed a compassion and authority that had always left Amalia feeling secure.

His return had signaled something important for Amalia. It was a resurgence of hope. The hope that a dream she had envisioned in her sleep many times over would eventually come true. This dream was at the core of her being. In truth, her dream was but a nightmare. A nightmare of destruction, extermination, and death. The nightmare, however, was to be cast upon her enemies: the shinigami. It was now, for the first time in a long time, that she had recaptured that hope, and it was because of him.

In many ways, Amalia sought approval from his majesty. She sought love and admiration. To many, his majesty was a villain. A monster that afflicted the world with pain an suffering. She saw the pain an suffering and accepted it. She viewed it as vision and resolve. He was brilliant. He was magnificent. He was the ultimate father. The man who created all Quincy. And for that, he would continue to possess her love and respect. As he spoke, she lifted her head and gazed up at him. Gesturing for her to come closer, she lifted herself from the ground and began her journey up the steps, to kneel before his majesty. 

As she approached him, his power became more palpable. There was a sparkle in her eyes and she looked at him. Her gaze was full of compassion, like one would have for a father. She smiled and knelt in front of him. She wondered if she would get to feel his embrace, even the touch of his hand against her face. It was something she would never forget and continue to dream for. When they met, he placed his hand on her cheek and greeted her fondly, accepting her as one of his angels. Some say that that day was when both an angel and monster were created within Amalia. They have continued to co-exist ever since. 

"Yes, your majesty, I did." She said softly. "It was subtle, but noticeable. I was able to attune to the resonance you speak of. It rippled through space and made the reishi vibrate, as if it was responding to something." Amalia listened to his majesty's words. Her eyes widened as he spoke, her mind's pages turned, as if to desperately search for a moment within the text that was her life. Her gaze left him for a moment as her eyes wandered, as she contemplated his words. "Shauna...Melody." That name! She recognized it immediately. She narrowed her eyes and a grimace painted her expression. The utterance of that name brought wicked thoughts to her mind and raw, dark emotions to her body. His majesty, who knew all, would recognize her reaction. 

If anyone knew Amalia, it was his majesty. He could seen into her soul in a way no other could, and yet he still accepted her. It was a genuine love for his child, she assumed. Her reaction was one in defense of his majesty, for this woman was indeed as he stated, a heretic. She listened closely to his words as he spoke of this women, hoping to find out how this came to be if she had died. Had she heard him correctly? Well, of course. This was no surprise. Yes, no surprise. She was destined for such a task. She was one of his most loyal and prestigious angels. "And it is upon you I confer the greatest quest of all..." 

His words delighted her. They brought a level of satisfaction to her, as she knew nothing of this caliber had ever happened for her fellow sternritter, with some notable exceptions. She had always felt superior to the others, especially the likes of Hadrian and Alicia, but this was simply the ultimate proof. His majesty was bestowing a most important mission, one that could potentially change the landscape of their time. "Bring in the blasphemer?" She said in a soft, honeyed tone.

She contemplated his words for a moment, lowering her head once again. She gazed at the marble floor as she searched the annals of her memory for every instance this woman was mentioned. In truth, Amalia didn't view her as a woman. She was a pest. Common trash that managed to convince a band of rubes to follow her in their blasphemous mission to interfere with his majesty's grand design. Amalia had done awful, gruesome things to people for committing much less notable crimes. Failure? Death. Disrespect? Death. Truancy? Death. She had even killed fellow members of the Vandenreich out of mere boredom and moodiness. So, one could only imagine what she wanted to afflict this traitor with. And yet, she was asked by his majesty to bring her back.

Although, in his infinite wisdom, Amalia could see it so perfectly. Bringing her back and converting her. It was genius. It was pure genius. The one thing the opposition had was hope, and this woman served as a symbol for that. So, they needed to destroy their hope. And what better way to afflict them with hopelessness than to convert their glorified leader into a member of the Vandenreich. How wonderful. She lifted her head and gazed directly into his eyes. "It would be my pleasure, your majesty!" She said with a glowing, but wicked smile. "Is your desire to convert her?"

[Kento Waffles]

As Amalia asked her second question, the mighty Emperor stood tall from His throne. When standing, Der Kaiser's spiritual perfection cast an optical illusion on the eyes. Though the physical form presented to the world was human in size, and that was clear by looking at Him, the Emperor also simultaneously, by some inexplicable magic, appeared to be over thirty feet tall when one gazed at Him. Many attributed it to Der Kaiser being such a God that His presence could distort even the fabric of reality. Others said it was because He had no real physical form observable to mere mortals, and that what they saw was but an illusion created for their sake, to make Him appear more comprehensible to their dull and limited minds.

And yet when Der Kaiser rose, his monolithic presence rang out as his voice echoed, loudly now, throughout the room, as if Heaven itself would split apart and fall at any second when he raised his voice. "GENERAL!!!" Der Kaiser bellowed. "What brings you to interrupt us...?" Standing there, as if out of nowhere, Amalia would see Wilhelm Kohler. B, The Boss, Baal. One of two that had reigned as Chancellor while awaiting Der Kaiser's return, and now one of the two top Generals in the Vandenreich. He did not seem perturbed by the rage of Der Kaiser. It was said that Kohler, among all others, was in fact the one most devoted to the cause of the Emperor.

"My most sincere apologies, your holy majesty," Kohler said, sweeping fluidly into a kneeling position with his head bowed. The Emperor returned to a seated position, appearing to wave a hand nonchalantly. "You may speak..." At this time, Kohler raised his head once more, though it appeared he did not dare stand. "I wish to let you know that my subordinate has returned from her mission, as you had asked. She will be here soon. As she is new, I brought it upon myself to deliver the news to you, as I did not wish for you to be interrupted by one who may not yet appreciate your greatness." The Emperor made the same motion, cocking His head to one side.

"You may go..." the Emperor insisted, leaving Kohler to stand, bow his head once more, and suddenly vanish, as if he had never been there at all. That was an uncanny ability of both B and A. They were both capable of this vanishing before the naked eye style entrance and exit, and this was part of why many considered them to be so dangerous. This was part of how no heresy or dissent had come during Der Kaiser's time away. It had always felt as if the most loyal apostles, B and A, had been watching at all times. Now, Der Kaiser looked back to Amalia and resumed speaking in that voice of both incomprehensible awe and overwhelming beauty.

"You see much, my child..." He told her. "Yet what we will do is far greater than that... She will be the first, a catalyst... And through her we will convert many of those who were once our enemies... There will be Arrancar... There will be Soul Reapers... And they will all become Quincy and join our reckoning..." Der Kaiser spoke of some greater plan, a plan to convert many that once had been enemies. Yet, who could those enemies be? The praise which Amalia continued to receive was unsurprising. She was one of His best. And yet before she could go on her mission, and without His giving her more details, soon another mission too was given to her.

"Baal's subordinate, Asura Kuchiki..." The Emperor noted. "She is here as a spy, and an assassin... Sent here by the Soul Society. By Sozen Kuchiki, who thought a cheap trick could hide her intentions from me..." The arrogance of the Soul Reapers! They were of the mind that they could send someone to act as an agent to deceive, or even more insulting, assassinate Der Kaiser? Surely that must have been the most arrogant of things that any of them could have thought to attempt to achieve. Yet Der Kaiser did not appear disturbed. No, quite to the contrary, it as as if in His infinite wisdom it all fit perfectly into His plan.

"Yet her treachery to us will be their undoing... Soon she will be loyal to our cause. And she will lead others to us that weaken Soul Society. She will accompany you on this mission... You mustn't yet know why, but you must work with her... For soon, we will battle the Seireitei, and they will fall to us because of what you do here. You will be our first great weapon." And that was Der Kaiser's decree. Amalia was to accomplish things here that would literally affect the outcome of a battle that would take place a while from this moment. That moment became the beginning of the end in the history books. That moment started the countdown to Soul Society being conquered by the Vandenreich.

[✱Paiva "Amalia" Vollbrecht✱]

Amalia gazed lovingly at his majesty. Just being in his presence was such a glorious gift. She watched as he stood, his entire person towering over her. His spiritual power was truly a marvel. It simply radiated and was colossal, more so than even hers. If enemies were to fear the power she emanated, they would simply fall to their knees in awe at the magnitude of power he possessed. In truth, while she loved him dearly, she craved his power. She craved more than the morsel she was given as a Sternritter. In her position, she had gained access to powerful techniques that are gifts bestowed upon her, and others, by his majesty. Despite that, she wanted more. Much more. She was hungry for power. 

She wished she could experience greater portions of his power flowing through her body. She could imagine the destruction she could wreak with such power. The goals she could accomplish, both for herself and his majesty. Surprisingly, if he were to bestow upon her greater power, she would merely serve him with even greater conviction. It is unthinkable how that would manifest, as her current level of devotion was so potent and pervasive. Baal abruptly interrupted their conversation. While she held authority in high regard, she still found herself displeased by his intrusion. He was interfering with the time she had with his majesty, much like the reaction of an impatient sibling. 

She turned her head slightly to her left shoulder and stared at Baal from her periphery. She remained quiet while his majesty spoke to Baal. She hoped, one day, she could occupy the mantle of general. A general held great power and authority. Two things she craved most in life. As soon as he entered, he was gone. Disappearing from sight in the blink of an eye. She returned her attention to his majesty as he spoke softly to her. "And through her, we will convert many..." She listened closely, but couldn't help the feeling that began building within her. It was disgust. Disgust at the thought of the Vandenreich possessing members that were not full-blood Quincy. She knew it was an aspect of their mission. That all would eventually be purified by the light of his majesty or be annihilated along with the shadows in which they dwell. 

The purist in her detested the notion of being surrounded by the unclean. Regardless of whether they were converted, she felt many were still inferior. Not even the process of conversion could erase their flaws. They were not born of Quincy blood and therefore were inherently inferior. She would never voice this, but most occupied this belief. The central belief is pure-blood Quincy will occupy the highest ranks and represent the Quincy as a people. There are exceptions among the converted who, despite their status, will hold prominent positions due to their talents and previous lives. Others, however, will merely be there. They will not receive the recognition others are guaranteed simply through blood. 

She would do as his majesty ordered as he was without flaws. He was the epitome of perfection. If only others aspired to his level of purity. "Asura Kuchiki?" She thought to herself abruptly. "Of course a Kuchiki would think she was clever enough to pull off such a deception. Only they possess that level of arrogance." She stated venomously. "Are you certain she must remain alive? It would be so poetic if, after she inadvertently aids us, I betray her in much the same way she was planning to do to us. A traitors blood is meant to be spilled..." She stopped for a moment and stared at his majesty in a moment of regret. "I mean...as long as you approve, of course. I would never do anything to disobey you your majesty." She said meekly. 

"I apologize for my bold cruelty. You know how much I enjoy causing Shinigami to suffer." She said with amusement. "So, I am to play the part during this journey? Convince the Kuchiki woman that I am unaware of her audacious treachery?" Suddenly her demeanor changed and she smiled fondly. "Great weapon? Oh, your majesty. You flatter me. You must know how grateful I am for your return!" She stated lovingly. Her emotions were genuine, but her modesty less so. "This Shauna Melody...she has perfected her body despite its overwhelmingly chaotic spiritual energy. Do you think I possess the might to subdue her? I am not one to doubt my own power, but..." She hesitated and paused as she glanced to the side. Her discomfort was noticeable. She worried of failure, which was a rarity for Amalia. "I simply want to serve you the best I can. I will annihilate anyone who interferes with your vision. I am curious, too, about how you plan to use this woman. And what purpose she serves. Despite not knowing, I will serve you without question."

[Kento Waffles]

The Emperor was a monolith not just in person but in legend. The Seireitei still spoke of how he had proven himself during the first ever invasion of the Vandenreich. How powerful he had been... And they spoke even more now of the light that had appeared in the sky upon his return. Even in the human world, rumors surfaced. Gossip. Others, who were not of the Vandenreich, were starting to believe that he might very well be a God, after all. The number of those blood Quincy that had tried to resist had dwindled of recent, as more and more came to join. And, many others of the human world were beginning to be accepted into the Vandenreich and converted into Quincy. Its power was growing, and growing quickly.

A calm, resonating voice spoke to Amalia in reassurance. "All will become clear in time... Her purpose, Shauna Melody's... Even yours." Of course, His great plan could not be fully known. That was part of the brilliance, as both Caesar and Kohler had stated before. Der Kaiser's wisdom was such that even if He explained it, it might be difficult to understand, but He was always correct. He had said He would return after the invasion of the Ice Palace by those wretched Soul Reapers. And He had, greater than ever, stronger and more God-like than before. ...Or perhaps now He was simply showing more of His true form, that Godly presence which none could truly comprehend.

"Of greater significance is the gift that I give you for the sake of this mission..." And the Emperor cast his hand downward, aimed toward Amalia. White light gathered, and while in truth it was beyond instantaneous, so fast it could very well have been mere light, to Amalia it would appear slow motion, and her body would not be able to move. No, how could she move? She was going to be in awe at the beauty of it as that very white light washed over her and she felt something unimaginable... Something beautiful. The physical pleasures: eating, drinking, wine, physical exertion, sexual climax, intimate embrace... The mental pleasures: joy, love, fulfillment, peace of mind... All of it combined and multiplied infinitely still was inferior to basking in this light.

For Amalia had been struck by the Emperor's Heilig Pfeil. There could be no greater honor. Even if she were to die in that moment it would fulfill her existence for eternity, that one moment when she and Der Kaiser shared a bond unlike any other. And it was within the seconds after it faded that she would find her desire, her hunger for more power, to serve Him better, to be even stronger still and taste more of His majesty's excellence... That was stronger than it had ever been before. And in her blood coursed something new... Fire? No, light. As if her blood itself radiated a luminous Godhood that she had never experienced the likes of before. There were no words.

"The power will not be permanent... Your body is not yet ready to handle that which I have just gifted to you. Yet you are worthy of it, and it will guide you when you face the challenges of this mission..." She would be dismissed soon after that, sent on her way and told to find Asura Kuchiki, who presumably was receiving some sort of synopsis of the mission from Kohler himself. One had to wonder if Kohler was aware of his subordinate's treacherous intentions. It was said that in becoming a General, the gift Kohler had inherited was a foresight similar to Der Kaiser's, so surely he must know. And yet he kept her around... How infuriating that he might know more of the plan than Amalia did, no?

[✱Paiva "Amalia" Vollbrecht✱]

Amalia's new outfit

"Of greater significance is the gift that I give you for the sake of this mission..." She accepted his words and allowed his voice to soothe her fears and anxieties. A miraculous and angelic light embraced her entire person. Every cell in her body could feel the absolute majesty of his power. The light possessed a warmth and comfort that was unmatched by anything she had previously felt. In that moment, wrapped tightly in his radiance, she felt complete freedom and relaxation. All her worries, anger, and grief quickly subsided. She closed her eyes and allowed the gift to penetrate every fiber of her being as the glow of his heilig pfeil radiated, incapable of being contained by the room.

There existed an unmistakable discrepancy between how the emperor was viewed by others and those who truly felt like his children. Amalia fully embraced her role as a Sternritter and Captain Supervisor. Outside of those roles, she was a daughter to his majesty. And his fatherly presence was both liberating and soothing. He rarely evoked the same fear in her as he did others. He gave her little reason to fear him. Instead, he inspired loyalty and admiration. As his incredible power, unlike anything she had every experienced, surged through her body, her commitment to him intensified. The gift he bestowed upon her cured any doubts she may have harbored at the depths of her soul. This rejuvenation resulted in a strengthening of her conviction.

"Such power!" She shouted mentally. His prowess and masterful control of spiritual energy made those who served him look like children playing with toys. She opened her eyes as the power settled in her body. She exhaled softly and raised her head, looking upon his face. "The power will not be permanent... Your body is not yet ready to handle that which I have just gifted to you. Yet you are worthy of it, and it will guide you when you face the challenges of this mission..." She smiled sweetly and lifted herself from the ground. She slowly exited the spacious throne room, approaching the massive doors. The doors opened for her as she slowly passed into a long stretch of hall. 

A most serious expression was etched into her face when it suddenly dissolved with the hint of a smile. This deviously villainous smile was became fuller just as the doors to his throne room closed behind her. A satisfyingly sinister chuckle breached her lips as she proceeded down the hall. The power she was bestowed flowed through her body, as though a separate ocean was added to her own. She was unconcerned with not knowing the true nature of this power. She was now in possession of it and it was bestowed upon her with the utmost trust. It was a rare and divine privilege, which invigorated her spirit and mind. She felt more powerful than ever. More important, she felt more important, which would surely affect the intensity of her attributes. Power, especially that which is directly provided by his majesty, is highly praised among the Vandenreich. 

This would serve as further evidence for her sense of superiority among the others. As she traversed the grand corridors, she began to hear conversing in the distance. Her smile melted into a less reveal expression. Her snow white fur cape bellowed behind her as her heels clicked on the floors of the hall. Fortunately, for the sake of timing, her personal quarters were nearby. She opened her door and strutted into her room, throwing her cape along the gold-embroidered chaise lounge to her right. "Something of this nature requires specific attire." She uttered contemplatively to herself. "Hm..." She sifted through her large, expansive walk-in. She allowed the clothes on her body to slip off as she slid her fingers across the various clothing and shoes. There were so many options, but she had to choose quickly. She quickly decided, grabbing the articles of clothing before adding some more color to her lips. 

She burst from her room, with an entirely new outfit on. She was now ready to face the silly shinigami assassin and begin her mission. Normally, she would eavesdrop on conversations, or have others do it for her, but in those moment she didn't care to indulge that impulse. She rounded the corner and spotted Sternritter B briefing the traitorous Asura Kuchiki. Every cell in her body urged her to slit her throw and smile and she bled out. However, she would need to reign in her murderous impulses for the sake of her mission. 

She was certain this assassin, like those in the profession, had an extensive dossier on those within the Vandenreich, or least those of importance. She wondered what information she had gathered on her. What she knew. And more important, what she didn't know. If she knew anything, she would know how Amalia typically treated those around her. Only a select few warranted her respect and kindness. Most others were undeserving of the privilege. She wondered how the traitorous shinigami would play it around her. She was curious indeed. She stopped and smiled at Baal sweetly, as she respected him, before glancing at Asura. 

As she looked her up and down, she admitted to herself that Asura was not as homely as she previously thought. She conceded and accepted that Asura was an attractive woman. She had a noble upbringing, coming from the Kuchiki family, but that would mean she was also foolishly arrogant and controlling. They all were. They might be noble, but they possessed some of the least noble and least desirable traits. Amalia looked for her imperfections. She wondered if hers were not external and mostly internal. It was an intriguing question, which made her want to open Asura up like a shell. If someone was capable of getting under your skin and penetrating your darkest fears and guilt, it was Amalia. In fact, she enjoyed screwing with others. It delighted her. 

She had to wonder, though, how much of Asura was true or acting. In many ways, she could be acting the part and be nothing more than a slob off duty. How undesirable, though. She wanted even her enemies to have a modicum of sophistication, but that wasn't always a possibility. "Lord Baal." She said with a honeyed voice. "I was sent here by his majesty to greet Asura and proceed with forward with our joint mission. He felt it wise that she accompany me, as do you, I suspect." She smiled at him once more and wondered how the traitor would react to her presence and the mission at hand. Surely she thought her role was to disrupt, but his majesty saw through her ruse. She was but a pawn now, unbeknownst to her. "Though, if Sozen sent her, she was never more than a pawn to begin with." Amalia thought to herself. 

[Kento Waffles]

Kohler's study was a well lit room, kept very neat. It was large, bearing a hearth with a portrait of his parents above it, a sofa nearby, and even a dinner table with some chairs near that. By all effects, it looked half like a living or dining room and half like a study, with the side Kohler occupied at that moment possessing a simple brown desk with two chairs on one side, one leather one for him to sit in at the other. The desk had numerous paper artifacts and readings, suggesting that Kohler had recently been studying some new subject. The letters were impossible to decipher, indicating a language Amalia could not comprehend. There was also some incomprehensible math. Behind him stood a tall bookshelf with at least five hundred to read.

The man himself was humble in appearance. He wore a white military blazer and pants, as was customary in the Vandenreich, along with black boots. His various medals indicating accomplishment and rank, however, were not worn. These were adorned from a deep red cloth hanging on the side of his bookshelf. It seemed in private, he did not wear the medals that spoke of his power. The man had a gold tan, as if he had recently been on vacation, and kindly brown eyes with creases to indicate that he smiled a lot, and smiled warmly. He wore rectangular shaped glasses, and had neatly kept brown hair with just a couple of strands falling to his forehead.

"Ah, Amalia," he beckoned as she opened the door. "Come, you are always welcome here." Seated across from him in a wooden chair was to be Amalia's companion on this adventure. And indeed, she resembled those Kuchiki that Amalia had met before. High cheekbones made for a proud, beautiful face like Souza, even completed by black hair and fair skin. By all accounts, she looked almost like a female Souza, but with noteworthy differences, one of which was a garb similar to what Kohler wore, indicating she was Vandenreich, and dressed humbly. There was also her mouth, with lips that were full yet thinned due to wearing only modest lipstick and no other makeup. She clearly did not smile often.

Most importantly, her eyes. Souza's scarlet eyes were always proud, yet welcoming, chivalrous even. He was cordial, and his soul was warm. Asura's eyes were black, and cold. They were piercing, practically empty of any sort of goodness or sentiment beyond contempt or discipline, as if some fire had burnt the heart right out of her. She was nothing short of icy to gaze at. And when she stood, extending her hand for Amalia to shake, her voice was much the same. "It will be a pleasure working with one of his Majesty's finest," Asura said, her voice level and resonating with humming electricity, yet all too devoid of energy or feeling. This was someone that could never hesitate to kill. She would kill her own cousin if she needed to, without even blinking or thinking, even while being only a spy. Could even Amalia do something like that?

OOC: On you next to determine the setting. Wherever you want this mission to start, build that circumstance. I will construct a world around what you choose, you need only describe the place in the next post, and some opening dialogue.

[✱Paiva "Amalia" Vollbrecht✱]

Black Forest Picture
Black Forest Photo

Having traversed the black chasms between realms, Amalia and the traitorous Asura appeared in the human world. Emerging from the shadows, Amalia casually walked into a dimly lit forest. The sun was shining brightly, but the forest floor was well-shaded by the ocean of trees surrounding them. Amalia scoffed and shook her head. I thought these coordinates looked familiar.She thought while gazing at the colored path. This place was somewhere she had been long ago. It resided in a land close to her heart. Cochem wasn't far from the Black Forest. It appeared this place had lost none of its beauty. The majestic trees stretched into the sky as the luscious grass and vibrant flowers lined the forest floor. It brought back some pleasant memories.

She smiled softly as she gazed at the forest, only for her smile to dissolve as quickly as it showed itself. Resuming her mission, she scoffed one more. "Haven't people learned  from their mistakes by now?" She stated loudly. "When you want to remain hidden you don't seen refuge in a secluded forest. You're much too easy to locate among nature. No, you want to live somewhere larger where the busy lives of people contribute to your obscurity." Her insults aside, Amalia couldn't help but wonder if the woman had already left this place. After all, remaining in one place too long could be risky if it was as poorly decided as this one. Perhaps Shauna was on the run from something. Something else entirely. It didn't matter. She would follow the clues until she arrived to the correct location.

She had experience hunting heretics and traitors. In fact, she had been trusted with a number of missions shortly after joining the Vandenreich. His majesty was most kind. It seemed she was in pursuit of another, more valuable heretic. She reflected on her previous missions in the past. A faint smile crossed her lips as she gazed forward. The distant light and the trees lining the path simulated a runway, as if his Majesty was guiding her. Without glancing back at the Kuchiki woman, she simply gave a directive. "We will head north. It seems a small village is just ahead and our target was last spotted there. If we hurry, hopefully we will not fall too far behind." 

Amalia began walking forward, her heels slicing into the ground as she walked. She leaned down and clutched a flower with her fingers. She lifted it and smelled it as she strolled confidently along the path. "Tell me...what function were you given on this mission? Surely Lord Baal did not spare any specifics. His preparation and precision have always been a defining attribute." Amalia glanced back and smiled sweetly at Asura before turning her back to her. She grinned and placed the violet flower in her hair. It appeared Amalia was concocting her own plans for Asura. She hoped all would work out nicely and, after this is all over, she would gain the privilege of torturing and killing Asura herself. One less Kuchiki is always a good thing. She would then string her mutilated corpse, or what was left of it, around various places near the Seireitei. The joys of sharing. She thought to herself as she walked forward.

[Kento Waffles]

Asura's stinging cold voice was nothing like her cousin's. "It was deemed that a lone Stern Ritter is not powerful enough for this mission," Asura explained in response to Amalia's question. "I am here to ensure that you are not killed by the enemy. His Majesty finds you difficult to replace." Every single word was spoken as if she had contempt for the very ground upon which she walked. The girl's facial expression had not changed even once while Amalia smiled or spoke or put a flower into her hair. It was as if Asura acknowledged nothing and accepted nothing as worthy of her energy or time, let alone her gaze.

The girl was indeed high nobility, cold to the bone, but with a beauty that others would have killed to possess, or done worse things to become entangled with. She had made no comment when Amalia took charge and dictated where they would be headed and why. It seemed that her pride was extremely secure, and she felt no need to battle for a leadership role in this situation, perfectly contented to allow Amalia to dictate and scheme. One almost had to wonder what Sozen Kuchki had promised her for taking on a mission with such a high probability of failure. To think one could hide intentions from both Kohler and Der Kaiser was quite foolish, and Sozen must have known that when assigning the mission.

The two would arrive at the village in time to see something cataclysmic. Whether or not Shauna Melody had been here was no longer the question. Instead, the question was, what precisely had visited this village? Something hunting her, perhaps? One who had claimed to be a savior could not possibly have done all of this. The village, though completely intact, was dead silent. The people, though alive, were all sprawled on the ground, conscious, eyes open, mouths gaping. A phenomenon in the human world called "planking" had been very popular on social media some years ago, and it was reminiscent of this, everyone in that position with those empty facial expressions.

No one moved when Amalia and Asura arrived. Not one person even reacted, yet it was clear that all of them were alive and otherwise unharmed. Asura would be the first to take action, kneeling down next to one of the men, a middle aged man, and spoke. "You," she commanded with her voice wielding all the cold authority that a well trained noble would naturally possess. "What happened here?" The man did nothing. Asura waited a few more moments, and then picked up the man by his throat, holding him up. She held her other hand to his heart and a white light ignited instantly. "Tell me now or die in this broken, pathetic place," Asura told him.

The man glanced down at her, the first movement he had taken of his own volition. Slowly, his lips trembling, he spoke out a single, stuttering sentence, only managing to make it comprehensible after what must have been the greatest effort of his life. "There's... no point.." And then his face resumed its blank demeanor. No other words left his lips. Asura, holding him up, allowed the light to fade from her hand and lowered it. In disgust, she dropped the man and walked back toward Amalia. "After we have searched this place, I am considering burning it if only to rid the world of these sorts of insects." Perhaps she had more rage and fire in her heart than she had first let on.

[✱Paiva "Amalia" Vollbrecht✱]

Amalia's eyes examined her surroundings. She inhaled deeply, as if to experience something deep within the reishi. Reishi was a remarkable substance and even in the human world could be found, though in smaller quantities than in the Soul Society or Hueco Mundo. And yet, in places closest to nature, larger pools of reishi seemed to be present. A Quincy was the undoubted master of reishi, as they could enslave spirit particles unlike any other race. Their talent with reishi was something that defined them. That seemed ever relevant in this moment as Amalia seemed to connect with the reishi.

She inhaled deeply a second time and close her eyes for but a moment. Like glimpses into the past. She saw flickers of what was, but they were fragmented and difficult to discern. "What happened here?" She heard uttered by Asura. Amalia contained her disgust for the women's apparent ignorance. "Tell me now or die in this broken, pathetic place." Amalia still had her eyes close, but if they were open she would have rolled her eyes. Amalia continued to concentrate as Asura attempted to interrogate the man. Amalia opened her eyes and glared at her surroundings. Narrowing her gaze, indicating suspicion, she walked forward. 

"You can do whatever you desire to these people. They won't be of any assistance." Amalia said definitively. "They're petrified by whatever was here hunting for that woman. They'll no sooner speak than recover." Amalia's indifference was a surprising result of this encounter. She didn't care whether the villagers died or lived. She was more concerned about what she sensed from the area. She couldn't quite decipher what it was or how it came to be. Something or someone was also in search of this woman. She was on the run, and Amalia's concern was that she was running from something that wasn't her. This woman was known to be in possession of great power. She was inexperienced and so improperly utilized it.

Despite knowing that, Amalia was keenly aware that whatever she was escaping was not the Sternritter. She clicked her tongue as she contemplated what has transpired. "Whatever was here left a considerable impression. It left the villagers alive, which indicates it was either in pursuit, and couldn't be bothered by them, or didn't need to harm them in order to get what it wanted. Either way, I'm not liking the feeling it left lurking in this village." Amalia's voice wavered for moment as she went silent. She understood that in order to complete this mission she would need to pretend she was unaware of this woman's treachery. And yet, having been made aware of it made her hesitant to share information. A part of her didn't trust what she'd do with it, possibly endangering her and the mission. The other part of her wanted to see if she'd become collateral damage, ending her life without Amalia needing to lift a finger.

She was in a confusing situation. She was given specific instructions by his majesty, and would not waver, but felt uncomfortable sharing her insights into the mission. His majesty wouldn't have allowed her on the mission if he felt she would disrupt it so, he was much too wise for such a thing. She would share limited information with her. This Kuchiki was a trained spy, surely she could figure some details out herself. "I've changed my mind. Kill them." She said suddenly. "If this village is any indication that others are searching for this woman, I want to throw them off the scent. By killing the villagers and making this scene look different, perhaps others will be properly mislead." It appears Amalia's indifference quickly waned and her malicious side was back in control. And yet, her cruelty was calculated and specific. She figured she might as well capitalize on Asura's strengths while she's here. Amalia glanced at Asura with a grin, "You should allow your malice to surface more often. It accents your beauty so much better than apparent apathy."

[Kento Waffles]

Amalia was talented with reishi, even among Quincy, and despite lacking a bow would be hailed by some as prodigious. That was part of what had fostered in her pride, after all, and it would foster in great shock at what she suddenly saw next as she tapped into it. It was more than just a brief glimpse into what had happened. It was a horrific vision, a nightmare of the likes the Emperor Himself must sometimes see in His omnipotent predictions of the future. First, there was a vision of a thin girl, high cheekbones, mousy features and ratty blonde hair, standing amid fire, covered in blood. It was uncertain if it was her blood or someone else's blood.

Then there was more. That vision dissipated and there was blackness. And in that blackness there was an armored figure that stood at least ten feet tall and was made of silver and gold metal. The head component resembled some twisted, evil form of a knight of old, but instead of a visor it had glowing gold eyes. And when Amalia saw it, it spoke to her. "I am the FUTURE. And YOU are the past!"[/b][/font] When it spoke, it would fill Amalia with a feeling as powerful, incredible, and overwhelming as the Emperor himself. Yet where the Emperor was warm and loving, this voice was cold and hateful. It was a complete opposite. Instead of pleasure, one hearing the voice could only feel pain.

That vision came after her words to Asura, and would abruptly end in the middle of Asura speaking a reply. "-power that I have never seen before. They have lost all will, not just to live, but to be. Whatever is hunting her is more powerful than we thought." But it seemed that Asura's talent with reading the past or future was not as good as Amalia's, because she was unshaken, having not seen the devil that Amalia had borne witness to. It made sense, in reality. If there was God, there must be a Devil. There had been thoughts that Shauna Melody was that Devil, the temptress who pulled Quincy away from their rightful birthplace of the Vandenreich.

...But maybe she was on the run from the Devil. Maybe that was why Amalia had been sent. Why Asura had been sent. Perhaps they, together, had some capacity to face this evil. For now it did not matter. Asura was a blur, faster than most Quincy Amalia would have encountered, and in seconds the entire village was aflame and every single villager in the vicinity had their throats slit, blood forming a pool on the ground and soaking into the plants. Asura looked to Amalia curiously with that apathetic expression. She had notably not responded to any of Amalia's other words, only the business-like ones. Perhaps she too was suspicious of her partner.

"Can you track whatever was here?" Asura asked.

[✱Paiva "Amalia" Vollbrecht✱]

Amalia gripped her the sides of her temple with both hands, as if to instinctively brace herself for the coming visions. They were so vivid. They were not fragmented like those in the past. She could feel so much of what was left in the reishi. Only something with great power and influence could leave its mark so heavily. Not even Amalia possessed an aura or reiatsu so dark and powerful to leave this much of an impression. Her body quivered as she attempted to metabolize what she just experienced. Opening her eyes and staring nervously at Asura, she gripped her neck and massaged it. 

The power she experienced. It was dark, but something about it felt suffocating. It gripped you suddenly and immediately upon sensing it. Amalia was unsure of how to respond. "Can you track whatever was here?" Amalia delivered a side-glance to Asura, acknowledging her question. She stared forward, past the village, as she contemplated her companions question. A part of her was unwilling to track this entity. It was something you distanced yourself from, not pursued. And yet, her duty was to follow the clues and the whereabouts of Shauna Melody. It figures this heretic would share company with such a disgusting thing.

What about what she was was true? She needed to concentrate so not to misinterpret what she felt and saw. Feeling is just as important as the visions. Whatever it was, Amalia was certain it wasn't Melody. It was after her, likely for reasons similar to her own. His majesty, with all his power, wanted Melody. The reasons were unknown, but Amalia knew the woman would be used as a weapon of some kind. In this moment, she wished she could actively convene with his majesty. To seek his guidance and wisdom. It would assuage the anxieties that surfaced followed the visions. She caressed her cheek and exhaled. "I..." She paused an took another breath, as if to brace herself.

"I'm not sure what to make of what was here. Every fiber of my being is telling me to avoid whatever visited this place, but we have a mission to accomplish. I...I can follow this feeling. It is so distinctive. Its aura clings to the air, as if it were intentionally leaving a path for us to follow. I think whatever visited this place knows of us and is aware we are after the same target." Amalia stopped herself. This was blasphemous. No other being was capable of the same omnipotence as his majesty. He was a god. A unique being capable of sight in all direction, transcending time itself. And yet, this beast knew she would be watching. It knows things she doesn't yet know. "I think it left its presence on this village on purpose. It is taunting us." She said grimly. Suddenly her expression changed and she dismissed the emotions it evoked in her. 

"Let's continue north." She stated confidently. "Whatever it was chasing, whether it was Shauna Melody or not, is heading northwest." Amalia wondered if they were nearing Cochem, the city town she was born in. It was destroyed during the war between the Shinigami and Quincy many centuries ago. It would make sense for a Quincy to take refuge there due to its Quincy lore, but it was all but desolate. No one lived there, only in the neighboring towns. The remnants of the once populated city were practically buried beneath nature and rubble. Only time would tell if her instinct was right. "Let's go." Amalia began walking forward. She glanced over at Asura. "You're not at all like Souza..." She said abruptly. 

[Kento Waffles]

Asura followed behind as they walked, though not too far behind. They were almost lined up, with Asura just half a step or three quarters of a step back. When Amalia glanced over with her observation, she was able to catch a rare and unmistakable truth to who Asura was, for while knowledge of treachery made Asura just a hair easier to read, in that moment her cold eyes betrayed that there were no lies, and that with no doubts or even qualms about it, she believed everything that she was about to say. First Amalia would see a small, rather smug smirk in the upper corner of Asura's lips, there only for a moment and then gone in the next. "Hmph," she exhaled as Amalia made that observation. "Souza is weak."

Amalia was provided an interesting insight then into the young man that she had flirted with. He too was proud, and certainly the aura he gave indicated that he would be willing to do most things to achieve his goals, without limits. Surely he could not be weak. Yet here was Asura, another of Sozen Kuchiki's favored pupils, claiming that Souza was, and implying that she herself was not, and rather that she was strong. Whatever difference she believed they had went farther than mere personality. Still, she said no more after that and walked in silence, unless Amalia asked further questions. While Souza liked to speak, it seemed that Asura did not.

They would walk for a rather long while, in silence if Amalia chose, until at last they were nearing their destination, and the place of Amalia's birth. The closer they got, the colder it became. Each mile noticeably took several degrees off of the temperature. Though it should be a season where things were warming, soon the two of them were walking beneath a sky with dark gray clouds that indicated snow would soon begin to fall. Neither of them had dressed for the weather, either. How could it be so cold? That was surely quite unusual. The spiritual energy that radiated from Amalia's birthplace was stronger than it had been in years, yet it was far more sinister. The opposite of His Majesty, just as before.

Asura spoke as they were arriving. "What reason did His Majesty provide for sending the two of us, rather than Akiyama and Baal?" That was a fair point. If Der Kaiser had foreseen that this would be such a dangerous mission, then why not send the two best of the Vandenreich? Even the average Espada or Captain could not even hope to match just one of them, let alone two at once. If that was the case, then this mission would surely have been some guaranteed success. By sending Amalia and Asura, it became only plausible, not guaranteed. It could simply be some other purpose that had not been explained, but it was one that was worth wondering.

They would first see snow upon arriving at Cochem, where icy snowflakes were falling from the sky. It was a slow snow, but the ground already was starting to be covered by it. The place was desolate, silent. And yet... It seemed as if they were far from being alone. Like something was watching them from somewhere. It would be upon crossing the threshold into the entrance of this place that the feeling of true cold would soak in and begin to numb any bare skin that was exposed to the air. From breathing, Amalia would see frost on the air. Her and Asura both had very visible breath here, opaque like fog. This place had become home to something in Amalia's absence.

[✱Paiva "Amalia" Vollbrecht✱]

"Souza is weak." Amalia smiled before letting out a faint chuckle. "He's weak in ways other than spiritual strength." Amalia was clearly amusing by what Asura had to say and it made her wonder whether this was all for show. Did she truly believe Souza was weak or was she playing the part of defected assassin? Asura had a stony appearance. Not much emotion escaped that rigid face of hers. She didn't want anyone to know how she felt about Souza, so she maintained her composure. "I take it you strongly dislike Souza? He's arrogant and smug, but surely you must not loathe him. What if you were tasked with killing him?" She mused. "Actually, that's rather silly. You couldn't kill him." She said firmly. 

Amalia was beginning to send the cold air as they neared Cochem. Odd. Very odd. It shouldn't be cold this time of year. She narrowed her eyes as strong emotion came over her body. Cochem was desolate, but her home. It was her origins. She would not allow something else to invade it and claim it as its own. She wondered if she was assessing the situation incorrectly. No. She wasn't. She had spent her early life here and knew it very well. This was no mere coincidence. She felt something else in the air. There was nothing natural about this feeling. Had she felt it before? Something was familiar about it, but she couldn't put her finger on it.

Her concentration was interrupted suddenly by Asura. "What reason did His Majesty provide for sending the two of us, rather than Akiyama and Baal?" Amalia glanced from her periphery at Asura. If any other person had asked that question, she would have scolded them or delivered a verbal lashing. Coming from Asura made it feel disingenuous. What was the little bitch scheming? What was she trying to acquire by asking that question? Amalia, of course, didn't trust her and was behaving cautiously around her. She couldn't respond normally for fear of revealing information that Asura could then use. Then again, the question did seem harmless. What could she possibly use from her response?

"Feeling insecure?" She mocked. "I can't speak for you, but I was chosen because of my obvious skill and power. All of his Majesty's sternritter possess unique talents alongside great power. In the past, I have made quite the name for myself by hunting down traitorous Quincy. Sometimes I get to exact my own justice other times, like these, his Majesty wants to see to the person himself." Amalia went quiet as she recalled her past adventures. What joyous occasions. She had such freedom. Decimating this village,  eradicating the other. Normally, Amalia would question such a thing, but in this case she didn't much care. She was given a personal mission by his Majesty. "Not just anyone is summoned for a private meeting with his Majesty. He decided this for a reason, and much of it has to do with my talents and power. Don't worry, I'll be sure to leave something for you to do." Amalia's arrogance would likely remind Asura of Souza. They had that in common. They both had an ease about them. A calm confidence that was just obnoxious enough.

"I knew it." She uttered suddenly. They were both feeling the cold chill in the air. Amalia saw the crisp frost lying upon the trees and flowers. "This, of course, isn't natural. Whatever is here is causing this. Amalia swirled her fingers in a circle, collecting reishi. She scoffed. "It is clinging to the reishi. Whatever is causing this is no pushover. It has a considerable presence." Amalia remained calm, but she was angry. Very angry. She couldn't believe it was happening again. Someone was invading Cochem, and it wasn't even populated anymore. Despite the number of centuries that had gone by, she was protective of Cochem. This felt like an invasion, and one she could not thwart. She was no longer the powerless child she was then. "Do you sense anything out of the ordinary? You have to have some useful skills, right? Or is decapitating motionless villages about all you can muster?" Amalia's words were venomous, but would likely be ineffective against Asura. 

"I suppose there is one way to get the attention of whatever is here." Her Quincy cross began to glow as reishi swirled around her. "Around so much nature, the reishi is richer than normal." She said proudly. She pressed her palms together, her fingers extended outward. Energy began emanating from her hands before she pulled her right arm back. "Class four should do it." She aimed and released a large arrow that soared into the distance. it struck a nearby home and exploded into a fiery plume. "Come out, come out wherever you are." In this moment, Amalia and Asura's methods would diverge. Amalia detested the cloak and dagger way of doing things. She would destroy everything until he showed up. Well, sort off. It was all show. She didn't want to destroy much of Cochem as her heart, what was left of it, resided there. 

20,000
+800 Quincy cross
-80 for class 4 explosive arrow
=20,720