No Sins as Long as There Is Permission [Adventure, NDE]

[Himitsu Kasumi'Oji]

Name: [No Sins as Long as There Is Permission] - The Adventure Name

Participants: [Up to 4. PM me to request a slot. Participants will be selected on a “first come, first serve” basis] - Who can participate?

Location: [Paris] - Where does this take place?

Difficulty Level: [Hard] - Easy, Medium, Hard, Extreme. How difficult is this adventure?

Setting: [NDE] Is this DE or NDE? Death Enabled or Non Death Enabled?

Plotline:

Thieves. Mercenaries. Independent souls. Those with a desire to make money. To acquire power. To achieve a dream. A couple dozen individuals who fit in one or more of these categories received an anonymous note placed somewhere in their home or beside them as they slept. Each note was customized for the recipient. Somehow, someone collected enough information on them to determine how to craft the most appealing message. All of the notes ended with the same instructions:

If you accept this contract, arrive at the bridge Le Pont du Carrousel near the Louvre at 2:45 am on May 1st.

I look forward to doing business with you.

Estimated Enemy Strength: [5-3 with a class 1 boss] Estimate the strength of the NPC's people will fight in this adventure. Class 7-1, what is their strength on average?

Estimated Time Until Completion: [4 pages] - How many pages do you think this adventure will run for until it is over?

Starts: [ Right now, baby.] - When does the adventure begin?

Special Conditions: [None] - Any special conditions, limitations, or other things.

Note: This is the first adventure of the Kasumi’Oji Event.

[Himitsu Kasumi'Oji]

Kitai Yoru:

Life is getting boring. Care to make it more interesting and earn some money on the side?

If you accept this contract, arrive at the bridge Le Pont du Carrousel near the Louvre at 2:45 am on May 1st.

I look forward to doing business with you.

[Himitsu Kasumi'Oji]

Gama:

Your reputation as a mercenary has drawn my attention. I request your services for a job. The details will be provided once we meet. You can expect to be payed in more than just ryo.

If you accept this contract, arrive at the bridge Le Pont du Carrousel near the Louvre at 2:45 am on May 1st.

I look forward to doing business with you.

[Himitsu Kasumi'Oji]

Shikitsuhiko Isayama:

As the new Cuarta Espada, you must now be aware of Las Noches's limitations. Kouhai can break hollow masks, but he cannot create new hollow to serve him. He cannot manufacture an army. Kuroi Nato may have the ability to generate artificial souls, but this ability is his own — not Kouhai’s.

I can provide you with a means of creating your own soldiers. I can share with you the secret to harnessing Life Force. All I ask in return is your temporary service.

If you accept this contract, arrive at the bridge Le Pont du Carrousel near the Louvre at 2:45 am on May 1st.

I look forward to doing business with you.

[Himitsu Kasumi'Oji]

((OOC: All participants have been selected, as you can see from their anonymous invitations posted above. You may now post your intros. ))


Kitai Yoru  Lagos Oscuras  Gaius Magnus  Shikitsuhiko Isayama  Kiera Bright

[Shikitsuhiko Isayama]

The wind gently cooed as it passed across the bridge and rustled the leaves in nearby trees. Ripples passed along the water as the moon attempted to glow from behind the wispy clouds scattered across the sky. The peacefulness of the scene was suddenly disrupted as the distortion began to form in the sky above the bridge. A thick, black line slowly stretched across a portion of the sky. Black veins, of varied length, began scattering from the source line vertically. A dull tone began emanating before a screeching vibration loudly accompanied the tearing of the sky. Reality itself was being peeled away and one could peer into a dark, static void. 

A shadow descended upon the empty streets as the rupture displayed prominently in the sky. Two figures stood within the iconic garganta, at the far edge. Shikitsuhiko, towering over his fraccion, stood with his hands firmly at his side. He slowly stepped out onto thinly created reishi platforms as he closely attended to the sounds, smells, tactile sensations, and subsequent vibrations from his surroundings. He had no interest in killing innocent people. He wasn't the least bit interested in the barbaric practice of slaughter, unless instructed to do so by his superior. It was senseless and unproductive.

As he slowly walked across the sky, he could distinguish the objects that existed in the environment below him. His vibration sense allowed him to acquire a distinct pattern of movement for all nearby and relatively distant objects. The waters steady flow was apparent, as was the footsteps of someone crossing the bridge. The separation of the water and the person notified him of the bridge. They were where they need to be. He worked his way down to the bridge, noticing the empty surroundings. The individual who managed to deliver the letter had chosen a perfect time. There was little distraction around. 

He stepped across the bridge, Lagos tailing behind. He was aware that others were nearby and could sense the rustling of energy around him. Sneaking up on Shikitsuhiko was a challenging endeavor, and made especially hard with such vacant surroundings. He was not able to enjoy the the visual appeal of his surroundings, but somehow managed to acquire an appreciation for where he was. He placed his hand on the bridge as he walked across it, enjoying the course and rough touch of the stone. He could feel detail in the stone as he passed his fingers across it, which intrigued him. He experienced the artistry of this world through touch, smell, and sound. He learned to experience the world so differently without his sight.

The world, and its wonders, were not lost on him. He could feel and experience things so intensely despite his visual deficit. In fact, he was more attuned to the subtle differences between sensory experiences that others might overlook. It was the subtle that he enjoyed. Vibrant was a word generally associated with the visual experience of something, but there was vibrancy in everything. Even something like sand possessed a delicate vibrancy that he enjoyed. The loss of his sight had slowly educated him to enjoy the uniqueness of something. This is why he has grown fond of specific textures and tactile experiences. As he neared the location he wondered how accurately his direction was. 

To an observer, however, it wouldn't be at all obvious that he was blind. His blindness did not impair his movements of gait. In fact, the intricately crafted visor he wore over his eyes would shield the more specific evidence of his sightlessness. "Lagos..." He suddenly uttered softly. "Describe to me what you see? Are we where we need to be?" He requested. This was a typical interaction between Shikitsuhiko and his trusted Fraccion Lagos. There were moments when he relied on her sight, which indicted how implicitly he trusted her. "I sense others, but do you see them?"

This was an uncommon journey for Shikitsuhiko. His missions, while direct from Kouhai or Kuroi, were seldom in the world of the living. He rarely acknowledged the many authorities that existed outside of Las Noches. While they were important for other factions, they had no sway over him. This instance, however, piqued his interest. Somehow it ahd become known that he desired to create artificial souls and was now beckoned by an unknown source to aid him or her in a specific task. Normally, he would dismiss such petty requests, but if this would bring him one step closer to his goal, he will reluctantly participate. Despite his participation, he is unwilling to concern himself with the egos and interests of others. He is here for one thing alone: the progress of Las Noches. His goal, while relatively unique to him, is not self-focused. His vision will piece together the shattered pieces of Hueco Mundo. And everything he does is for the benefit of Lord Kouhai. Time will tell whether this mission proves lucrative or not. If not, someone will have made a most terrible enemy in Shikitsuhiko.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Those minor details}
Strength - [150] Points -> [50]

Speed - [300] Points

Spiritual Pressure - [175] Points -> [437]

Reiatsu Strength - [400] Points -> [1000]

Light Aura - [20] Points

Dark Aura - [80] Points

Instinct - [150] Points

Senses - [300] Points

Energy sensory - [25] Points -> [62]

Healing Expertise - [400] Points ->[133]

Total SP: [1900] Points

[Battle: Weapon - Wakizashi] [3]

[Battle: MMA] [3]

[Battle: Battle Analysis] [3]

[Battle*: Pressure Point Strike] [3]

[Body**: Vibration Sense] [3]

[Lagos Oscuras]

Ah yes, the familiar portal that was known as the Garganta had opened into the world of the living for a special task with her master and Espada. They had come to a land called France, and Lagos before coming had done some research on the area they would be going to. The bright lights shining of the city had been rather beautiful. It was a wonderful night to be out with the man she admired so. She didn't say anything initially as she wanted her master to get the full experience of the area first through his senses undisturbed. Lagos simply followed the man quietly as they walked through the sky down to earth. They were on a personal mission for Shikihitsuko’s agenda and to help benefit Los Noches in general. In this time of night, there would be no one to interrupt the two on the rewire journey to reach the meeting place of the note. Did Lagos wish there was some action though? Only if Shikihitsuko would enjoy some at the moment. In the meantime though, she took in the surroundings.

They had found themselves near a source of flowing water. A bridge was what they had found and one made entirely of cobblestone. Her master rested his hand against it to feel the texture and to enjoy it. Lagos took note of the murky black waters down below them, the bright lights in the distance and the architecture style. She had made note to improve her adjective count in order to provide her master with the most descriptive background of the area. They walked for a while with Shikihitsuko putting his hand on one edge of the bridge, caressing it. At this moment, Lagos stepped forward and grabbed his other hand with her own. This was such a calm and romantic night. Lagos could see why France was known as the land of romance. Soon after, she heard a call from the man, asking what she saw from her eyes. She felt more than obliged to answer the man seeing this was a little habit she had of doing with Shikihitsuko on their travels.

She had long been aware of the blindness the man held and always felt somewhat guilty for leaving him to the cruel fate that had lead to his loss of sight. That was one of the main reasons why she felt responsible for telling him of the environment now. “Hai, Shikihitsuko Sama. We are currently on a large expansive bridge that extends a few hundred feet. It is angular and curved and is made from what appears to be cobblestone. It seems there are bits of black and green embedded into the stone and under the night sky shines brightly. Around us seems to be what humans refer to as a park with several trees I believe called oak that sway through the wind with the breeze that comforts us. Ahead is a city of sorts which is lit up brighter than the stars. There are buildings larger than the pillars of Los Noches and they are pointed upward with many squares of glass adorning it downward. The sky lacks any stars and people walk through the streets without a care in the world. I do not see any of the figures mentioned. I believe we are at the right location but I believe we have arrived the earliest out of them all. Ahead lies the Lourve I believe which seems to be a golden palace although now it is a museum I had heard. It looks grandeur in its brightly lit body and I'm a little lost for words myself. It's incredibly expansive and there's so much to say. I suppose I'll go more in depth as we explore more of the location.”

Lagos released the man's hand before crossing her arms over her chest. “If it makes any difference Shikihitsuko-Sama, I have been training for quite some time since our last meeting together. I finally understood the message you had been trying to teach me. I've gotten stronger and I look to use my new found skills to help you in any way you see fit.” Lagos had then remained quiet as she looked left and right on either side of the bridge. She wondered if this meeting was a hoax, but then again the note said otherwise. Somebody had sent her Espada a note that interested him but yet she found it incredibly odd. She was the one to read that note to the man and she wondered if making artificial life was possible. How they would do such a thing was questionable and how the one who called upon them for aid could do this was even more questionable. She was extremely curious on who it was who their summoner was. Tapping her foot, she tried to be patient.

[Himitsu Kasumi'Oji]

Kiera Bright:

You have gotten far with your own resources, but soon, you will hit a wall. Alone, you can only do so much. Your science is limited. It takes more than energy and matter to create life. Allow me to share my knowledge and assets with you in exchange for your services.

If you accept this contract, arrive at the bridge Le Pont du Carrousel near the Louvre at 2:45 am on May 1st.

I look forward to doing business with you.

[Kiera Bright]

Keria had little need for sleep. She was too engrossed in her research. Her search for stabilization was on hold for a moment, so that Keira could focus on a little side project. She looked over at the sixth "normal" human that she had experimented on so far in these trials. Well to be more accurate, she was the sixth success. Before the first success there were many messy failures. Once the first success was achieved, it was relatively easy for her to replicate the serum and find suitable test subjects. The woman standing before her stared blankly at the wall waiting for orders from Keira. Keira ordered her to wait in the storage room with the rest escorting her to be sure none of the earlier ones go rogue.

Her caution was necessary sometimes, but not in this case. The others just stood around like they were manikins. She closed the heavy door with a loud metallic thud. The soft patter of her pale feet was the only sound that could be heard in the whole asylum. She yawned stretching her arms above her head. Her pale skin glowed white like that of the moon. Her bright pink eyes glowed as well and with the intensity of her determination and lust for knowledge. She wore a simple white dress under her lab coat. Her feet were bare despite the risk that anything breaking the skin under her feet would cause her untimely the only thing she truly feared.

She returned to the section of her lab she was in earlier to shut everything down and put things away where she can find them later. When she returned there was a strange letter on her examination table. There should have been no way for anyone to leave this without her knowing. This lab was on the second floor of the asylum and, it wasn't like that many people knew that she was even in the asylum to begin with. Anger filled the young failure's breast. She grabbed it crumpling it without a care. "Hrrrrr, how the hell do people keep finding me! How am I supposed to get any work done with all these intrusions every other day!?" She shouted at no one.

As soon as she got fired up, she calmed herself down again. She looked at the crumpled up envelope opening it up with a screwdriver she had laying around. Her pink eyes scanned the paper quickly reading what this mysterious person wanted to communicate to her. Kiera Bright:
You have gotten far with your own resources, but soon, you will hit a wall. Alone, you can only do so much. Your science is limited. It takes more than energy and matter to create life. Allow me to share my knowledge and assets with you in exchange for your services.
If you accept this contract, arrive at the bridge Le Pont du Carrousel near the Louvre at 2:45 am on May 1st.
I look forward to doing business with you.

Anger threatened to over take her yet again. Who the hell had been spying on her research!? If she ever got her hands on whoever was spying on her, she could bend him or her like a pretzel so that they would suffocate with their head up their own ass. Secondly, who had the knowledge to say that she wouldn't achieve her goal on her own? The more she thought about it, the calmer she became, and the more she knew that they were right. Her resources were very limited as they are now. She could only do so much. If this person had means of furthering her own research, then she would need to jump on the opportunity.

She decided to take up the offer, but only after some rest first. After only a few hours of sleep, she never really required much, she was already on her way to France. Getting off Japan was the hard part of the journey. It was not like she could easily find a confined form of transportation willing enough to take her unstable form. Once she reached the European continent, she was able to ride her reiatsu hand all the way to the rest of her destination. She would take the scenic routs as often as possible to avoid unnecessary attention, but would not hesitate to go through populated areas when needed. She had arrived at the specified destination on time. There were already two people present before she got there. She kept her senses sharp, and alert. She was not going to be caught off guard when things became hostile. 

SPOILER: Click to show

{Spoiler - }
Reiatsu Arm Strength and Speed: 600

Strength - 100 - 25% = 75 Points

Speed - 100 - 25% = 75 Points

Spiritual Pressure - 270 Points

Reiatsu Strength - 750 Points

Light Aura - 20 Points

Dark Aura - 80 Points

Instinct - 225 + 50% = 338 Points

Senses - 50 + 50% = 75 Points

Energy sensory - 100 + 50% = 150 Points

Healing Expertise - 0 Points


Battle Analysis 2

Mental Incantation 2

Learning 2

Illusion Resistance 2

Analysis 2

Science 2

Strength of Will 2

Crafting 1

[Himitsu Kasumi'Oji]

Lagos, Shiki, and Kiera were not the only individuals present on the bridge. There were about a dozen present with more showing up every couple of minutes. It seemed that a handful of individuals had received anonymous invitations, and none appeared to know who they were from or what they were for. Those who knew each other conversed quietly as they waited, but strangers would remain strangers. This was not the friendliest group of people. Many were assassins, mercenaries, and the like. You wouldn’t expect them to buddy up after a few minutes of small talk. The bridge was silent except for a handful of whispers and the sound of running water below. Lagos and Shiki were the few who were talking.

“Psssssst.”

A soft voice sounded behind Lagos. Neither she nor even Shiki, who had superb sensory capabilities, would hear someone approaching them from behind. Yet, somehow, someone had caught them by surprise. “Hey there, Arrancar people. Why you whispering? Do you know what’s going on? Did you send me that note? Oh, are one of you Sonken Kouhai? Oh my God, that’d be so trippy. I hear he – er, you’re a scary dude. Well, not scary scary but like respectable scary. And very beautiful – or handsome. Depending on whichever of you is Kouhai.” The man spoke very quickly, not giving Shiki or Lagos much of a chance to respond. He didn’t even take time to breath between his sentences. The Arrancar might actually be concerned that he pass out from a lack of oxygen before he finally shut his mouth.

“If one of you is Kouhai, I’m really really honored to be here with you. It’s like a dream come true. I feel like I’m meeting a hybrid of Morgan Freeman, Harrison Ford, Scarlet Johansson, and uh… well, other famous and hot celebrities. You get my drift.” His hand extended outward, first to Lagos who was closer and then to Shiki. “I’m Tom Bullets, by the way. So, you never answered my question. Did you guys write me that note?”

---

Kiera was on the opposite end of the bridge, so while she could see Tom approach the Arrancar, she likely wouldn’t be too invested in their conversation. After all, she was getting far more attention. Nearly half the people present on the bridge had their eyes glued to her with angry gazes. Kiera was easily the least popular soul on the bridge, and she’d pick up on that fact very quickly. Still, one person had the gall to approach her. He wore a thick combat jacket, military pants, combat boots, and a full helmet with a glassy yellow oval over where his face lies. Other than his intimidating clothes, he had a sniper strapped to his back. Yet his body language wasn’t aggressive what-so-ever. He was quite casual as he approached Kiera.

Once he came near her, she’d notice how tall he was – at least 6’6”. He crouched down so that she could hear his soft voice without any others picking up on his words. “I didn’t think they invited a failure like here tonight. This complicates things a little bit.” The man’s phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out, read the text notification that showed up on his screen, and returned the phone to his pocket without letting Kiera see anything. “It seems you’re not the only one who's complicating things. I guess I have a job to do. I'll need you to answer a question, and answer quickly. Once you do, I'll fill you in on what's going on." The man moved closer to Kiera so that his face was just inches from hers. She'd be staring at her own yellow-tainted reflection through his mask.

The man's voice was so quiet that the words were barely audible, but Kiera undeniable heard him correctly. Yet despite his soft tone, he spoke with a tingling excitement in his voice. “Tell me, little Failure, what do you fear most?”

Tom Bullets 

The Stranger Who Approached Kiera 

[Gaius Magnus]

Damn... I really hate crowds like these. It was the first thought that Gaius had while on that accursed bridge. The note he got, promising more work, led him here, to Louvre, Paris, France. But this bridge was obviously where everyone was supposed to be, and not just Gaius. He observed others, and he could see there was quite the mixture here. Failures, Humans, Quincy, Bounts, even Arrancar were present. Those were easy to spot, they stuck way too much in this crowd. Gaius on the other hand, did not stick out at all. For this occasion he picked out formal wear - suit and appropriate shirt, but without a tie, and good leather gloves and shoes. And to make sure he wouldn't be recognized, he wore a balaclava, and to top it off, coloured eye contacts. Best part? It was all matching black. Best part number two? His entire outfit was perfectly fitted so not even an inch of his skin was revealed, save for his eyelids if he blinked. Literally, only opening on his outfit were openings on his balaclava made for his eyes. With all that, Gaius reckoned, his real identity would remain secret. It was usually important to preserve it, to hide it from both his employers and whomever else he has to deal with, but in this case, he was really glad he went the extra mile. After all, this crowd could make it really troublesome for him, so it would be best if nobody knew he was there. If somebody knew who he really was, all the comfort of the fact that Seireitei marked him off as terminated would be null and void, and Gaius would be on 24/7 manhunt. Hiding from prying eyes of Shinigami was difficult enough as it is, with their standing orders of terminating all Mod Souls on sight.

Terminating. These damn Shingami. They even make it sound like we are bank accounts or something, rather than living beings, persons. But it was good for now at least, as Gaius was not caught by Shinigami after all this time. Even with his mercenary activity, he left no witnesses behind, so there was nobody to tell the tale about mercenary named Gama. Shinigami couldn't sniff him out as it was, let alone find out who he really was. Aside from Arm and select few, the rest of the world knew only Gama - highly efficient mercenary that was expensive but effective.It was the part Gaius had to play, the price he had to pay so that one day the goals of Arm would be realized. And that is what brought him to this bridge in France. Promise of payment including, but not limited to only Ryo was indeed compelling. It was something that could bring him perhaps the resources and other assets needed to check out those two locations, even perhaps to begin construction after making an educated choice of location. For now, however, he would have to deal with being here on this bridge with everyone, as it was obviously the beginning of whatever job he was going to be hired for. Maybe their employer would made them all dish it out and then hire the last man standing, the stronger one? Or maybe they would all be hired? In any way, it seemed fishy to Gaius, but what else could he do but stay? He was here for this, so he would definitely not leave.

But he did keep on scanning the perimeter, and listening to other people's chit-chat that they already indulged in. It was kinda foolish of them to do so, but by all means, Gaius wouldn't stop them. Why would he stop the golden opportunity for everyone present to blabber out some information that may even prove useful at some point. And while this situation was beginning to seem more and more like a setup, it was not yet evident if it was one, and if it was, who was behind it. No way he could be sure, but maybe this was simply the bait to get them all here on the bridge and kill off at once. Shinigami could set it up. Or even some of the higher-up mercenaries in the Human World, to eliminate competition. Gaius could rule the second one off, at least. Most of big shots in the Human World were in some way tied to either Satsujun or Lord Callus, and even Gaius was. He worked for Satsujun in the past, and worked sometimes for Douma, who, word was out, worked with Lord Callus. So, if any of those two set it up, Gaius wouldn't have received that note. He could rule it out - but with only 70% certainty though. You can never be truly sure in this line of work. But, the question of who set this entire thing up, and with what goal, still floated in the air.

Gaius was careful in observation, so that nothing may surprise him. he wouldn't let that happen, no way. But the main problem was, what if Seireitei was behind this? Not necessarily the Gotei 13, but Seireitei. Gaius would have to wait and see. And he reminded himself to remain on the edge and extremely cautious. He couldn't get busted by Shinigami at such crucial moment for Arm. So, he laid out his initial plan. It was a simple one based on his current knowledge. If shit hit the fan right now, he could use Moddo Ne. With it, it would be a child's play to render this bridge into nothing and get down in the water, along with knocking everyone else into it. In that commotion, simply diving to the riverbed and swimming along it was easy. With Moddo Ne, Gaius could provide himself with enough oxygen to dive all the way to the ocean. And if he would be unable to do so, then there was simple other option. Fight. Use Soul Slayer and fight. If he used it things were bound to be ugly, but that was going to be outcome anyway if fighting broke out. But Gaius hoped it wouldn't, at least not right away. He wanted to see what this really was about, and who was behind this. It's all for our future...

SPOILER: Click to show

{Stats and Skills}
Strength - [100] Points
Speed - [400] Points
Spiritual Pressure - [200](400) Points
Reiatsu Strength - [400](800) Points
Light Aura - [100] Points
Dark Aura - [0] Points
Instinct - [200](100) Points
Senses - [200](100) Points
Energy sensory - [0] Points
Healing Expertise - [0] Points

Total SP: [1500] Points

[Weapons: Swords] {3}
[Street Fighting] {3}
[Battle Analysis] {3}
[Analyzing] {3}
[Strength of Will] {3}

[Kiera Bright]

Keira knew that she was not welcomed at all. She could read the faces of those that stared at her. She didn't think that this bridge would be just a hive of scum and villainy. She gave a glare to those that gave her one first. Most didn't dare approach her, but they were smart enough to know better. She smiled thankful for that. She rode on her arm relaxing into the long fingers. She took out a jolly rancher from her coat pocket and popped it into her mouth. She wondered when the person that contacted them would arrive. She sighed heavily. She hated to wait. Movement caught her attention which caused the pink haired scientist to look up at the man.

He was tall wearing heavy military armor. His sniper rifle might make things harder for her, but she was not that worried about him. “I didn’t think they invited a failure like here tonight. This complicates things a little bit.” Look out, we have a badass over here. She was not intimidated by the man. She crushed much larger vermin than him with barely a thought. He would pull out a phone and read a text. “It seems you’re not the only one who's complicating things. I guess I have a job to do. I'll need you to answer a question, and answer quickly. Once you do, I'll fill you in on what's going on." He would move close to her and whisper. “Tell me, little Failure, what do you fear most?”

Keira rolled her pink eyes. She wanted to use her arms to crush his head inside his helmet, but thought better against it. She wouldn't want to have to take on everyone that was looking for a reason to take her out. She looked right at him with a little smirk on her face. "I think I fear my limited patience for small penis-ed little twats who think they are intimidating." She said loud enough for everyone around her to hear. She had no patience for people like him. She leaned back waiting for the man to respond to her. If he became aggressive she would crush him. If not she will let him go like nothing had ever happened. She moved her candy from one cheek to another.

[Kitai Yoru]

Kitai looked at the note with a mix of disdain in intrigue. He sat on his bland white sofa, in his apartment, looking over the note, as if it were some particularly annoying puzzle. It had come to him a while ago, he didn't care to count the days that had past, and the deadline was inching ever closer. It wasn't an invitation to him, more it felt like a challenge to his person, and he had to decide to act on it or not. On the one hand, Japan was indeed starting to bore him. Uzaki enterprises with all its rules was killing the fun on this place.

He wasn't done with the company, wouldn't be till he thought of an interesting way to say goodbye. On the other hand, this challenge felt almost like a smug order. Like it knew what would set him off. This 'contract', as if he'd follow through with anything, wanted something of him. Wanted him to do something for them. Oh how he loathed requests. Always expected him to do something a certain way, never any fun. Like those other people. Kitai smiled ferally at the memory. Maybe that's how he'd tell Kazura he was leaving. It seemed suitable enough. Maybe with more cheese.

What was he thinking about again? Oh, right, this stupid letter, contract thing. Glaring at it again, his smile fell off his face. A weight appeared on his shoulder, and a cheek was pressed into his own. "An whad'ya got dere? A luv latter er sontin?" A loud, kinda feminine voice said, looking at the note with interest. He felt an elbow rest on his shoulder on the opposite side. "I would question on your ability to read, but we all know you lack that particular talent. A beautiful sounding man said to the uncouth harlot on the other end of this tacky couch."

Kitai growled as the two bickered, clearly unamused at their antics. "It's a challenge." He said, interrupting them before they could continue. "Our unnamed contacter decided to send us a challenge in return for money-MONEY!?" The woman screeched in his ear, and grabbed the collar of Kitai's shirt. "Were goin." She said to him, no, told him, looking the man dead in the eye, leaving no room for argument. Kitai's vision blurred, being thrown aside in more ways than one. By the time focus returned to him, he was in the middle row of a passenger plane headed for France.

Over the course of several minutes, Kitai had managed to 'convince' the driver to take a rest and let an 'experienced' driver, like Kitai, take the wheel. After several hours of chatting with some very enthusiastic people on the other end on the radio, Kitai got bored with driving and got off the plane, but not before making sure all the passengers got a few (dozen) pictures of him. They were pretty sad to see him go, screaming at him to say a bit longer, but he had to go. Because he was bored. He opened door, making sure to close it behind him, and leapt away using his air-ground, and inhuman strength. Kitai was fairly sure they were alright after that.

Kitai and his siblings arrived in France awhile later. They decided to 'rent' a hotel, but between his sister's cheep disposition, and Jack's own need for the best, they had a hard time choosing. They eventually ended up with a bunch of angry people in cars chasing them. They had flashing lights on them to let everyone know how special they were. Jack eventually took one for himself. They were quite sore about how he accidently crashed it, but they forgave him, and even gave him some shiny bracelets and a cheap bland motel room. You could tell it was cheap, since the walls were only half done, with iron bars separating the rooms. It was a fun first day in France.

"Ugh, why the f#%k am I in a jail cell...?" Kitai asked himself, blanking out after roof jumping for an easy hotel he could break into. ''Jack took ova, got drunk as h#ll, an stole a cop car after startin a ba fight. Tink e burnt that f#%ker down.' She told him helpfully, for once. A vicious grin worked its way onto his face. "Hehehehe, so a good first day in France. HeYAHAHAHAHAHA!" He laughed cruelly, working his way to an upright position. Kiti Yoru was no small man. Standing at around seven one, he was a giant amongst men. His skin was ashen white, and his eyes were blood red. His white hair was huge, going down to the small of his back, and covering his nose and eyes.

Currently, he was wearing a white dress shirt, with the top three buttons undone, along with black jeans. He wore black boots, and had somehow managed to keep his black hat and silver cross, completing his very monotone look. With his hands cuffed behind his back, the cops must have thought he was defenceless and at the mercy of the law. His wicked grin told anyone looking how cute he thought that was. It took him five minutes to, quite literally, break out of the holding cells, and reunite himself with the streets of this odd place. Oh how he loved being wanted.

After having their fun, Kitai and pals managed to find the bridge that he came to france to find in the first place. He managed to barely make it on time, leaning against the railing in an attempt to look cool, if only too inflate Jack's never ending ego.

SPOILER: Click to show

[Strength - [400] Points (x4.5 = 1800)
Speed - [300] Points (-60% = 120)
Spiritual Pressure - [400] Points (-60%=160)
Reiatsu Strength - [100] Points (-60%=40)
Instinct - [100] Points (+25%=125)
Senses [100] Points (-50%=50)
Energy sensory - [0] Points
Healing Expertise - [0] Points

Light Aura - [0] Points
Dark Aura - [100] Points

Total SP: [1400] Points]

[strength of will] {3}
[Weapons-firearms] {2}
[stealth] {3}
[acting] {3}
[Weapons-swords] {3}
[Crafting/Forging] {2}

[pain Tolerance] {2}

Items: X-ray specs v3, plasma blade, 20 exploding notes, energy umbrella

[Shikitsuhiko Isayama]

Shikitsuhiko constructed a mental picture of the scene while Lagos diligently described it. She was a loyal and dependable fraccion. Someone he trusted without much doubt. It was a satisfying feeling to have a reliable, loyal ally, unlike many of the Arrancar he had encountered. It seemed this place was relatively unrivaled in its beauty and allure. Quite the location for such a meet-up. "The lesson I hoped for you to learn was not simply to acquire further power. It was to hone your better instincts and rely less on shameless displays of might and more on cunning and skill. We shall see if you truly metabolized my words." He continued mentalizing for but a moment before his concentration was shaken by the sudden prattling of a mysterious man. How did he manage to sneak-up on him. He could no more contemplate that than visualize the location as the man, who identified himself as Tom, incessantly asked questions. 

Due to blindness, Shikitsuhiko rarely turned to face the person he was speaking to. It was possible that some perceived it as an intentional slight or rudeness. He seldom worried about the feelings of others. He felt it unimportant and trivial. He crossed his arms, his head facing forward. "Whisper?" He questioned tersely. "I see no reason to conceal my voice. There is no one worth hiding from." His speech was concise and without much affect, the exception being the tinge of irritation in his tone. Shikitsuhiko was a rather serious man, choosing not to concern himself with behavior he deemed juvenile and irrelevant. The mysterious man's lack of control felt much like the impulsiveness he observed in younger Arrancar. He absolutely detested it.

"I know nothing of the people you speak of, but Lord Kouhai would never find himself here. He is far too important to concern himself with such affairs. You speak of Lord Kouhai as someone you admire and are eager to meet, yet you appear to know absolutely nothing about him. Such a pity. You cannot idolize someone or something and be so blithely unaware." Shikitsuhiko used his vibration sense to see all those around him. He scoffed. A failure and a mod soul. He thought. Who would be so foolish as to seek the help of such a volatile being. They should be exterminated as they pose a threat that transcends factions. He continued to himself. Shikitsuhiko all but ignored this Tom fellow, but his observations of the area did have him questioning who called them here.

"It should be fairly obvious I had nothing to do with summoning you. I wouldn't be standing by idly if I was in control of this situation. It appears someone else felt it necessary to conceal their identity. I imagine they'll reveal themselves in due time." He did find himself wondering why the secrecy was important. It felt unnecessary. Secrecy like this was a deceptive practice, intended to cause confusion and allow for easier manipulation. Shikitsuhiko would not tolerate being manipulated or deceived. It is logical that one of the participants invited here today is actually behind the invitations. It would be a convenient cover. Disguising oneself as a willing participant with as little knowledge about the sender as the others. It'd allow the person responsible to observe and manipulate without much suspicion. He contemplated mentally. He wondered whether his crude hypothesis held weight. Was it, in fact, the man prattling on beside him? Was it someone who had not yet arrived yet? It was unclear, as he did not know who all was invited.

[Himitsu Kasumi'Oji]

Tom quietly listened as Shiki talked… and talked… and talked. Tom wasn’t know for his patience, but when he was in the presence of THE Kouhai (maybe), he was going to let the man talk. Unfortunately, Shiki disappointed him. Not only had he not sent the note, but he wasn’t Kouhai either. What a bummer. A normal guy might’ve taken a hint and left. After all, Shiki’s tone was obviously cold and, well, straight-up mean. But Tom wasn’t a normal guy. He just kind of stared at Shiki for a few seconds, his gaze unfocussed, before turning his attention to the young female Arrancar.

“So… does that mean you’re Kouhai? I guess that note’s from you then. Phew, I was worried I wouldn’t find you, lady. Thanks so much, I can’t wait for you to tell me where they are.” Tom had a pretty thick skull, or so it seemed. But as dense as he was, the only people that had to deal with him were Shiki and Lagos. In the meantime, other conversations were playing out.

Kiera’s aggressive wit drew a few chuckles from some of the nearby mercenaries gathered on the bridge. Others simply smiled silently, but kept quiet. The masked man, however, didn’t seem to react at all. It was impossible to discern his facial expression behind that mask. He didn’t speak for a few seconds, keep his face pointed at the Failure. Eventually, he opened his mouth. “Your loss, girl. Stay safe. Don’t get us all killed,” he told her, his fingers running over the gold ring on his right middle finger…

As Kiera and the stranger spoke, Kitai and Gaius had arrived, among the last to join the group. As soon as Gaius stepped on to the bridge, however, his phone would vibrate with a text from a number marked ‘Unknown.’ If Gaius looked around, he’d realize that he wasn’t the only one who had gotten a message. Kitai would receive the same text, as would Tom, and anyone else on that bridge who had a phone. If Kiera carried and regularly used a phone, she’d get the text as well. In fact, there were only a handful of people who weren’t checking their phones. Shiki, Lagos, and the masked stranger were among them. Everyone one else would be reading the message:

“4 Shinigami present, more incoming. Their strength is unknown, take caution. Be ready to intercept and eliminate the threats. Your contract begins now.”

It was up to Kiera whether or not to check her phone, but regardless, she’d find that the stranger’s ring suddenly transformed into a pistol that he carried in his right hand. There was no reiatsu charge that came with the transformation. It was virtually undetectable for all of those present. “Stay alive, don’t make a mess of things.” The man the spun around, pointed the gun, and pulled the trigger repeatedly in one fluid motion at a variety of his targets.

BAM, BAM, BAM, BAM!

The uncomfortably quiet atmosphere on the bridge was gone the moment the man opened fire. Despite the seemingly erratic attack, he had noticeably specific targets spread out across the bridge. Three were men, one of which was just 25 feet from him. The other two were across the width of the bridge from Shiki and Lagos and right next to Gaius. The last target was a woman who stood just 10 feet from Kitai. They all had one thing in common: in some form or another, they were each armed with a bladed weapon on their bodies.

The individual across from Shiki and Lagos drew his sword with remarkable speed, using it to parry the bullets like a jedi blocking laser fire. He then performed a backflip off the bridge, landing on a platform of air before sprinting away at full speed. Two other mercenaries from the bridge began to bolt after him, although it was quite obvious that they were lagging behind. Shiki and Lagos would have to decide if they were to join the chase or direct their attention and effort elsewhere. Tom simply looked to Lagos with expectant eyes. “What’s the plan, Kouhai?”

The man beside Gaius instantly used a step technique to escape the bridge, coming out of the step about 100 feet away from the bridge. Right above him, a senkaimon gate opened and 30 soul reapers came pouring out. Some held their swords and charged into battle while others stayed from behind and fired ranged projectiles and kido spells at the individuals on the bridge, putting all the mercenaries on the defensive.

But there were still 2 more Shinigami present on the bridge. The woman beside Kitai… well, she no longer looked like a woman. Her powerful reiatsu – comparable to Kiera’s even – flexed as she cast a spell, creating a 20 foot tall humanoid aura around her that would block the bullet. With a speed and force of 800, it swung its arms on both sides, intending to hit Kitai and an unlucky mod soul off the edge of the bridge. The mod soul would be struck, but it was up to Kitai to defend himself from the woman. If she wasn’t interrupted, the golden giant would leap from the bridge over 100 feet into the air, landing near where the Senkai Gate opened.

And then the final man, the one beside Kiera and the stranger. He used a step technique to dodge the short-ranged bullet, repositioning himself at the end of the bridge. Now, however, his reiatsu was flaring, and he was dressed in a block cloth ninja suit. It was clear that his released had activated. He began to blur in place, like he was vibrating. As he did so, the vibrations shook the bridge. It only took a split second before the disrupting force destroyed the entire bridge, sending broken pieces of rubble and couple dozen individuals into the water where, interestingly enough, he fell in with them. It was up to everyone to defend themselves against the onslaught of Shinigami, but one thing was for certain. Those four Shinigami on the bridge were the alphas and the commanders. They were the ones to watch out for.

OOC: Treat the incoming Shinigami form the senkai gate like class 5 mooks. You may deal with them with all the cinematic freedom in the universe, but the other four shingiami are a little special.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Relevant Information}Shinigami 1 (Running Away)
Class 2 Rank 2 Brave

Strength: 400 (800)
Speed: 400 (600)
SpPr: 300 (150)
RS: 50 (25)
Inst: 150
Senses: 100
ES: 0

Shinigami 2 (Right Under the Senkai Gate)
Class 2 Rank 2 Cunning

Strength: 100 (70)
Speed: 300
SpPr: 400 (560)
RS: 100 (70)
Inst: 300 (525)
Senses: 100
ES: 100

Reiatsu Remaining: 5550/5600

Shinigami 3 (Golden Giant Woman)
Class 2 Rank 2 Technique Master

Strength: 50
Speed: 300
SpPr: 300 (900)
RS: 400 (1200)
Inst: 200
Senses: 150
ES: 0

Reiatsu Remaining: 8100/9000

Shinigami 4 (Broke the Bridge)
Class 2 Rank 2 Fighter V2

Strength: 100 (75)
Speed: 300 (450)
SpPr: 200 (150)
RS: 400 (600)
Inst: 150
Senses: 100
ES: 150

Reiatsu Remaining: 1800/2000
Shikai: 1/10