[BSD-RP] Soul Society: Southwest Seireitei

[Shinigami]

Not too surprised by the answer he got, but not entirely happy with the result either. He obviously didn't have any strong ties with certain individuals within the Onmitsukido. It had been some time since he had been a member and was active within the nest so this response was reasonably warranted in his eyes. Former, or current standing aside. Shusuke was a member of the Gotei 13, 4th seat of the proud Division 6. He had seen much distrust and disloyalty go on in the past when large conflicts come about in the seireitei. Scattered actions and threats being thrown as casually as a hello. He was never one to give someone else a hard time, and if this were any other day he’d let this slide and shrug his shoulders and walk away without a word to be said. He felt he had a right to know and given the dysfunction and sudden disloyalty displayed by the Second squad as of late, Shusuke was particularly more on edge about the ongoings of them being here and it was paramount that he had gotten to the bottom of what was going on.
Click..
No sooner did the member of the black suited assassins finish his sentence but Shusuke lifted his arm ever so slightly without a shift in his posture slide his zanpakuto no more than 2 inches from its scabbard. His face now emotionless, looking at the ninja suited annoyance in damn near contempt. Games weren’t being played and not on his playground. He stepped closer one step and stopped all the while making eye contact with and ever so slightly releasing his foggy spiritual pressure. The air soon filled with dark-grey smoke, light enough so that you could still see Shusuke clearly enough to discern movement, but felt like a bag of bricks was being tossed upon your shoulders, weighing you down almost bringing you to your knees if you are not ready. Before being brought to do something he’d really rather not do, he stayed his hand ready on his blade for any movement from his comrades, and himself, eyes peeled on nearly every one of them trying to telegraph their next move if it be hostile. He gave them one last chance to answer his question effectively
“Listen very closely to the words that follow, and do best to answer in a manner that won’t seal your fate: What are you doing here? What is this Kido? Why did the Lieutenant attempt an arrest upon Shirogane Kuchiki? A lot of words, I’m sure. But I’m positive you can make a go at them.”
He said flatly. He had truly no intentions of a physical altercation but based on the previous actions from the squad as a whole and given the suspect behaviour at work Shusuke was forced to believe that the Division 2 members were possibly planning a plot once again but this time in Shusuke’s backyard. He wasn’t going to allow that to happen. He kept the smoke at the opacity until he received a favorable answer. If he didn’t then he planned on intensifying the output of his reiatsu and open battle with the Division 2 members. Fighting not in his itinerary this day, but soon would become a necessary means to an end.
“Please tell me what I need to know...I doesn’t need to be like this…”

 

[Shinigami]

The moment that she’d been let inside, Yasu came face to face with an older woman with gray strands of hair that clashed against black locks as it was set in a traditional oiran style up-do. Her blue kimono fit snugly against her petite frame as she sat at the edge of the table, a cup of tea sitting empty along the border. It was the two of them left within the private grounds since the two royal guards had gone to patrol the grounds. Yasu sat within the doorframe, but a beckoning hand to come closer said to do otherwise. So she drew closer to the older woman and sat with her legs tucked beneath her body, mimicking her.

“What? Does my unfilial son think I need to be monitored every second of the day?”
Yasu swallowed down a chuckle and cleared her throat instead.
“He only wishes the best for you, madam.”
A huff escaped, and she twitched when a pale hand reached up and grasped the top of her hood. Even after all this time, she couldn’t get the best of the woman that dared to take care of her on her snack raids. Off came the cover, and her pink fluff escaped out, revealing the second Lieutenant for the second time, but not on her own accord. Those dark, brown eyes peered into Yasu’s gentle purple orbs, and there was silence between them. There were things that you couldn’t get past a mother. Word had already spread through the guards of the events that happened between both Shirogane and Yasu from the day of the Kokotsu to her arrest earlier. Yasu had managed to catch the gossip upon her escape, as well as a bit more information. However, this person sitting in front of her now was the all-knowing regarding the Kuchiki household affairs.
“Madam, you already know why I am here. Don’t make this more difficult than this has to be. I respect you more than enough to approach you in this way, but I have nothing left to lose if you don’t cooperate with me.”
There was silence. Nothing but a sad look was plastered on her worn face. No mother wishes to watch their son rot in prison, but what she had witnessed that day… Looking down at the lieutenant, a gentle hand pressed against her cheek, and Yasu lowered her gaze slightly. It was a familiar gesture. Honoka had done this affectionate hold more than enough times to the young shinigami from her entrance day to now. As much of a troublemaker she may have been, she could never do anything to hurt a kind soul within the Soul Society.
“My son has not been kind to you, nor his blood. His pride has become his downfall, and I can not find the heart to bear it any longer.”
If there were any other way to say that one conceded, nothing would be able to top a noble’s tongue. Yasu would take her hand and guide her elsewhere, catching sight of several members of the Onmitsukido lying in wait. She was masked once more, but the message of her well-being and disguise traveled the instance she made herself known. They came and received the Madam with care upon Yasu’s order. She’d gotten her most significant case against Shirogane, among others. One mission was out of the way, but now she had to deal with the actual person she had meant to arrest since minute one.
Inside of the main manor, they’d be starting the cleansing ritual soon, and she had to get there quickly. Yasu paced back and forth, scratching at her head. The exit in which she had escaped from was already sealed within the Fifth Division’s barrier, and there was little chance of her weaseling her way in a second time. She sighed heavily tapped her foot against the ground. Where could she get in without alerting the others?
Slamming her palm against her forehead, Yasu had finally managed to put more than a few pieces together once more. Long before Yasu came to be, Honoka had been here among the days long before Captain Commander Shobatsu’s reign. The now Head Lieutenant had been a part of the SWA back then as well, and before the meetings were held at the Second Division barracks, they were held within the Kuchiki Manor from what she was told. Beneath her feet right now, there were abandoned tunnels. Pathways that hadn’t been touched for nearly four centuries.
Yasu placed her hand against the grass and trickling out of her sleeve was the black mass that stretched across her mouth. It struck through the barren yard and dug deep, searching for an open space beneath the manor grounds. It took a bit before she had finally broken through the many layers of soil to a barren area that showed no resistance when she spread herself around even further. The black mass stretched across the walls of the abandoned tunnels, searching for another probable entrance close by. She wanted to reduce her presence from alerting the other inhabitants as best as possible. Gravel shifted, and a stone plate lifted, swirling darkness peeking out from beneath.
Bingo.
Removing herself away from the area, she slipped in quickly and had just managed to avoid encountering an incoming party. Down the rabbit hole, she went, though it was rather tight considering how small her predecessor was when these tunnels were made. Still, she prevailed and soon found footing with a heavy thud and ungraceful landing. Groaning softly, she lay there for a bit, contemplating why she was so intent on all of this, but she was merely doing her job. This was for the better of the Soul Society. Begrudgingly, she rose to her feet and whistled and called out.
“Consume!”
That call to the wild, and what sat inside of that cell sat up, and such a vicious grin formed that it started what new parties had come to feed her, or rather, it for that matter. Her form melted and seeped through the open orifice that they had fed her the tray through. The shackles dropped from the presence that held them, clattering against the cold floor with a resounding clank. The horrified expressions that would paint this delivery boy’s face would only flash for a moment when darkness took his vision and the others that may have followed. This was no lieutenant like they’d been told, nor had the mysterious inhabitant of the Kuchiki manor come to think of. It was none other than the physical manifestation of Odei. While spirits can have no possible way to be seen by anyone other than their wielder, Yasu and her spirit’s spiritual bond is extremely strong, that Odei can act in Yasu’s stead even if the two are parted. The mental link between the two allows the fluid maneuvers to be performed and executed with little trouble in battle. With the ability to control her essence, Odei had formed herself a physical body double using Yasu’s clothes and lay in wait for the call.
Yasu was on the outside, and Odei was on the inside, watching at all times, from below, and within the manor. Observing silently as one of the guards from another level, relaying all information to Yasu regarding pot and the inhabitants surround it.
“You’re going to answer my questions with yes or no. Nod for yes, shake for no. I can guarantee that what I will do to you will be unimaginable compared to what you think your head of the house will do. It’s my living. Do you understand?”
It was quick; he nodded with enthusiasm.
“If you choose not to answer, I’ll start you off just like your beloved Head and snap all of your fingers off.” Another feeble nod, and she continued. “Let’s begin.”
“Is Shirogane hiding something?”
One nod.
“Was all the money coming from the clan intended to keep everyone quiet?”
Another.
“Do the members of the Sixth know exactly he’s hiding?”
This time a shake of the head. It was granted for outsiders to keep outside of noble affairs.
“Do the members of the clan know, such as the main family?”
She could see the hesitation in his eyes, but the pressure applied against his throat had him nodding fervently.
“What about the guards? Do you know?”
He nodded first but then shook his head. So there were only a few individuals that knew; potential witnesses existed, but she needed to find them, and quickly.
“...What are your names, you and the big guy?” She pointed to the first guard she took down.
"I'm Jin-nan Kuchiki. H-he's Mutsuo Kuchiki."
Once he gave it to her, she would’ve knocked him out with a sharp headbutt, rearing her head back and smashing right down onto the bridge of his nose. Once for luck, and a second time for good measure. In her grip, she held onto him as he went slump, and caught her zanpakuto. Almost immediately, her spirit had shown face, swirling around her, and caressing her cheeks.
“Oh, how I've missed you, Yacchan. His hands were grubby and sweaty... You’ve gotten yourself into quite a mess.”
“I’ll get out of it somehow. Nothing about this is right.”
As they conversed, Yasu was stripping the last guard of his uniform from head to toe and did the same to herself. Placing the new uniform on, she fastened the costume around her body, hiding her figure. They were practically the same build and height. Luckily, their uniforms covered their skin from top to bottom, save for the eyes. In an instant, she’d become one of them, even down to the shoes. Waving Odei to the unconscious men, her blade had melted into a black substance, coating her hands and seeping into the floor. Capable of releasing her Shikai without a verbal response, Yasu had silently commanded Odei to absorb the bodies into her realm, erasing the trace of their existence on this plane for the time being. One by one, they sank into the depths, starting from the one she’d stripped. Even the cuffs were rid of.
When it came down to the last one, Yasu halted the process and instead chose to use him as a guide to get around places and get her to where she couldn't reach alone. That Mutsuo. Just as Odei once guided her about back at the caves in the Mukuro Compound, that black ooze spread across his body seeped into his skin and coated the outer epidermis thickly in the substance. Testing it out, his body flopped around a few times before he managed to become steady. Not wanting a robotic figure, Yasu had Odei taking care of him loosely. He moved as if he had no bones under the spirit’s threads, but eventually came to be something right in the middle of acceptable human behavior. She even managed to pry his eyes open and blink them every so often. Flexing his fingers around and also taking a stride, the immediate motor skills were activated and tested.
And then they parted ways until now. Yasu sped through the dust and webs that littered the underground passageways until she finally came to an iron door, twisting her body to the right to slam her shoulder right into it. It tore off easily, but the bolts were rusted anyway. The trail between Yasu and Odei had led here, and the two came face-to-face. A crooked grin formed on Yasu's face and Odei rushed to her wielder, encasing her in a black before completely sinking into her skin and wrapping around her body like a shroud, tearing away at the disguise and replacing her usual garments back on her person.
“Yeah... that feels so much better.”
After adjusting her attire accordingly, the fiery lieutenant sped forward in gracious steps, following the path back to the main hall where Tenzen, Arashi, Shirogane, and the rest of the party sat, waiting for the pot to open. Tenzen mumbled the incantations accordingly and one by one, the seals began to fall. She glided across the white walls and floors, turning corners with such speed that drifters would envy her. From what Odei was observing, the seals on the pot had already begun to unravel from their place-holders when she was contemplating on just how to get back inside.
"You must hurry."
She was trying, but the time spent apart, she'd spread herself out a bit too thinly and her restraints had gotten the better of her for the time being. Yasu was doing well as she was currently with the pressure applied but by the time she had rounded the last corner, the fifth and final seal had begun its removal process. Her chest heaved, and she didn't exactly want to deter the new captain's attention, but she didn't want the process to go any further, so what was she to do? The fear that exuded off the multiple bodies was palpable, and she nearly went into sensory overload had it not been for Tenzen's hearty command to ease their souls. It worked, but for how much longer would they stay sated with just the idea of safety?
This artifact was unpredictable, as would be the people that surrounded it. The seal was moving so torturously slow, and Yasu swallowed. She was so close, so why was she so hesitant? Was it the effects of the looming evil pot, or did the feelings of the others around her begin to second guess if she should interrupt? She struggled to get the words out, and a cold chill ran down her spine. Yasu was panicking, trembling, her fists clenched tightly, and her teeth grinding against one another. When she finally managed to speak, her voice wa so small that it felt like she hadn't managed something as simple as breathing.
“C-...Captain Oda... Please wait...”

 

[Shinigami]

Time continues to pass as the veiled individual has been sitting and waiting as, allowing for things to play out for themselves. He knows that he can interject at any given moment. But then he decided to allow those unwanted guests to roam freely around the manor without any worries or fear of what they could come across, the incompetence of the guards much lacked in every shape and form. Regardless, just like the guards, every piece to his game as played into how everything was to pan out for the better, far better than he hoped. Even that woman who was located and now placed under protection. Oh, how they misunderstood her intentions, her words were as poison as Shirogane. If anything, she was even more ruthless and conniving than her son. The only difference she operates a bit differently, seeing she was the only living council member left. She understood what happens if the word gets out, the Kuchiki name would be thrown to the ground, losing all power from the great noble houses. Furthermore, their reputation of Shirogane's actions would cause them to be ruin for good. Would the mother be willing to do the necessary work to protect this news from reaching beyond the manor walls?
It wouldn't have bothered the grand schemer if whatever happens or if the household began to run their mouth. The plan was nigh, and soon the pot would be open, and the ultimate secrets and power would be within Shirogane's grasp. What's to come next after all this? It would be to handle all the other small issues before moving forward to phase two. There was a small itch to remove those from the grounds with just a SNAP of a finger, without them even realizing what happened to them. Time was of the essence, and whatever the other party decided to try and do would only end up in failure from this point of the ritual. Shirogane even noticed the poor soul that was trying to fortify himself to seem unbothered, unfazed from the occurring events. Where he tried to make it seem like he could handle what's to come, his beating heart betrayed that expression, the feeling where one was beginning to anticipate death. It couldn't be helped that this soul reaper.
Even the Captain himself wasn't feeling too hot; by no means, it has been referring to some sickness. Due to the "action," he displayed earlier, where he jumped the gun due to cautiousness that Shirogane was suspected of something. He knew that was placed on Shirogane's radar, but little did he know, The Head Kuchiki had already been aware of his overly analytical thinking, with his suspicious attitude since the Lt arrival from earlier, as well as Arashi. Despite his intentions to try to win them over, they were enemies for the time being until further noticed. To gather himself, to have this newfound attitude or expression to renew his thoughts and focus on the task at hand. Shirogane had no doubts this man has the instincts to kill right off the bat. Zanpakuto or not, he would try by any means. Arashi, on the other hand, didn't have that instinct, but confused, lost on grasping the things that he heard and seen. Nothing more than a child that is still growing with such significant potential. One that needs to mature properly; one day, he will see the truth.

Shirogane, since the beginning of this affair, has been solid steel with his posture, emotions, and words. Nothing that happens from the pot to the interference of Lt Yugure, to now. Nothing phased him, not even the Lt of division 11 energy burst that captured everyone within these walls' attention. Was there anything that could genuinely phase this man? Captain Oda began moving forward, finally picking up his testicles off the floor, got himself together, and do what he was told like the good dog he is. In which, Tenzen turned his back to begin where the barrier that once was around the pot, no longer existed. Despite what Shirogane thinks of the Captain, he does have excellent control over his mastery of reiatsu. Using it to focus around the pot and too not affect others. Then that is when the mumbling had ensued, that is when the eyes of the cloaked figure tuned with his spiritual signature, where it was concentrated around one particular person, he because of this concentrated control over this spell. The brown hooded individual stood up from the chair, merely removing the cloak only to have a mirror appear near his body.
Just as the individual removed this cloak, he vanished with the mirror. Another Shirogane has appeared, same look, same features as the one everyone has been speaking too. The only difference, this one has one zanpakuto with four kenseikans on the opposite side as the Shirogane, who remains still. By using Idō shifuto (移動シフト; Movement Shift) that allows him to move into the desired location, as far as the eye can see. However, some are unaware of Shirogane's sensory talent; that skill alone makes up for what he cannot see, which makes it even more useful.

Before his arrival inside of the hall, people within this room should have already witness falling violet cherry blossoms in front of them within this room, no matter the distance. The affected would first begin to feel a sort of blurriness, eyes becoming exceptionally heavy, fighting it would not help. They would become unable to focus correctly to the point they begin to drift away into what some may call a deep sleep. All it takes is a glance, seeing only even one of these beautiful petals would begin the effect it has on anyone that wishes to take a look. Arashi would be the most vulnerable, given the distance and the primary target. The only person exempt from this kido is Captain Tenzen Oda and Lt Yasu at this time. The control was for everyone else to see what Shirogane wanted them to see. This spell was the work of a bakudo technique Hakufuku (白伏, White Crawl). While simultaneously, when it first began, as the other Shirogane appears, no words need it to be spoken to what's about to be unveiled. The Royal Guards recognized the signal once the original had been revealed himself from hiding, and then the royal guards soon open the panels of the wall, and that is when a flood of hollows quickly entered the room with the pot. They all begin rushing out like the wild beast they are, all during the fifth seal opening.
No one should fear these beastly creatures, for they're presence is to help proceed with the pot. According to the notes, they are to be absorbed, with the previous seals already removed and the fifth seal that has been stripped, there was no undoing the ritual at this point, there was no way it can be undone. He didn't just appear in the room; he appears directly next to the pot with one free hand laid upon the lid ready to remove it.

 

[Shinigami]

"Lets begin then..."
Arashi is the one to break first ground. He, who is both guest and hostage in this manor, speaks with no authority, and yet it is his words that mark the beginning of a series of events that will not be soon forgotten. Does he speak to maintain peace? The tension in the air becoming palpable between the Lord of Kuchiki and Chief of the Kido Corps. As the deceitful Kuchiki twists the actions of the paranoid Oda, it is Arashi who remains the only barrier between them. A barrier thin as paper, not unlike the very seals that stand between the Seireitei and whatever evil ferments within the Aku Hachi Hakkō. How could something so lifeless, so dormant, project such an ominous atmosphere to those around it? Perhaps it isn't out of duty that Arashi speaks, but out of an impatience, a need to get whatever this is over with. Perhaps he wishes a reprieve, an escape, from his own dread.

"Steel yourselves! Focus and find a path through the fear, a goal beyond it."
Tenzen, so new to his post, so inexperienced as a leader, is the only one in this situation who wields the power to stop it. Yet, he doesn’t. Falling for the Kuchiki’s treachery, Captain Oda becomes victim to the politics and corruption that manipulates the seireitei in the Shadows. He not only delivers the powerful and vile artifact to the doorstep of the enemy, he unlocks it for them. Amidst chaos he chooses to steel himself, to focus the mind and see clearly through the haze and fog of dread. Those beneath him however remain blinded by their own fear. Directionless, they look to Tenzen for guidance, unaware that they have already reached their journeys end. Following his lead, the Kido Corps mimic Tenzen's actions, helping to reinforce his ability. The Captain undoes the first seal, as half of the Kido Corps hold their breath. Despite no apparent changes from the artifact, the Shinigami present feel no relief, their anxiety only surmounting with each seal undone.
"Are you ready?"

“C-...Captain Oda... Please wait...”
Yasu is the last to arrive, far too late. Overcoming so much, she persisted through every challenge to be in this very room. Defying all doubts, against all odds, she fights to confront the Kuchiki once more. This time, she is prepared, or so she thinks, until she comes upon the dark room, only to witness that events have already been set into motion. She calls out, confident at first, but realizes that her words fall upon deaf ears. Her pride, which has carried her this far, now shaken. Whatever balance, whichever order, she fights for, has already been disturbed. Unlike the others, she is burdened with an awareness of the consequences of chaos that are about to unfold.

Cherry blossoms start to fall. A peaceful sight, so out of place in an environment such as this. The tranquil petals dance and spiral as they descend onto the cold stone floor. Watching their flight is almost hypnotic. The petals, twirling...so gentle...so fragile...so soft. Those onlookers, those forces from both the Fifth and First Divisions, with all their respective training, all the discipline beat into them by the Kido Corps and Shinigami Elite, still cannot help but observe the cascade of pink. They begin to drift off, just one at first, falling to the floor with an echoing Thunk, followed by a dozen more, before the others, who still can't look away, all drop in unison. The great force, the great display, a show of strength through strength in numbers, has been quelled with a single malicious kido. Even Arashi, who boasts the most might of his respective division, must rely on the power of his arsenal to resist the lure of sleep. Captain Oda and Lieutenant Yugure would be the only ones capable of withstanding the onslaught of drowsiness from sheer force of will and exertion of spiritual energy. They are forced to look on as the plethora of Shinigami before them drool helplessly, deep in an intense slumber. It is now, as the final petal reaches its end, that they may notice one peculiar detail. Though the entire compound is now littered with the scattered petals, one place remains untouched. The Gourd is completely free of even a single petal touching its surface, with no petals coming within a foot of its radius.

Suddenly, the undone seals ignite at once. In unison, purple flames burn at the ends of the paper seals like candle wicks. The seals are quick to disintegrate, leaving behind no ash, they burn into complete and utter nothingness. It is by the dark light of these purple flames, that the true Shirogane reveals himself. Appearing from the shadows, the cloaked figure approaches the artifact. It is at this moment that Captain Oda may attempt to undo his mistake, hoping to re-seal the artifact before it can be turned against them. It is at this moment also, that Captain Oda would feel utterly hopeless. The fifth seal seems to welcome Shirogane’s approach. As he steps from the silver mirror of his zanpakuto, the very edge of the corner of the fifth seal begins to curl. A small and almost imperceptible stream of purple smoke starts to emanate from the paper tag, growing in density and intensity as the Kuchiki approaches.
SLAM
A hundred cell doors are flung open, as the Kuchiki Royal Guards obey their usurpers command. Recognizing his signal, they release over a hundred Hollows from their containment. Fueled by the presence of the Hollows, the artifact refuses to wait any longer. The fifth seal no longer smokes, but ignites in an intense flame, bright as phosphorus. All five paper tags are immediately incinerated. The five purple flames surrounding the gourd extinguish themselves as though blown out by some unforeseen force. All light is suddenly snuffed out from the room. Leaving the remaining shinigami in absolute darkness, immersed in an eerie silence, and stranded in the presence of an army of hollows.
Then, Shirogane places his hand upon the lid of the Aku Hachi Hakkō...

An explosion of pure destructive energy, raw and untamed, distilled to its most concentrated form. A beam of purple light launches the lid into the air, extending for hundreds of feet. It envelopes Shirogane, consuming the figure who dares stand too close. The lid crashes against the roof of the compound and shatters into a thousand wooden splinters. Yet the beam of light, now a beacon of doom, continues its rise unphased. It smashes through every level of the Kuchiki manor, until it crashes against the surface of the previously erected barrier. The precautionary steps taken by Captain Oda and his Kido Corps may have just saved the Seireitei by keeping this evil force sealed shut, but it has also sealed their own fates.
With no where for the energy to go, it begins to fill the inside of the barrier. The Kuchiki Manor is flooded with the unbridled power of the Evil Fermentation Pot. Those within experience a spiritual pressure unlike any they have ever faced. All oxygen has been completely expunged from the compound, leaving those conscious gasping for air. Their environment leaves them feeling as though an ocean of tar has been dumped upon them, slowing their movements and weighing heavily upon their bodies. All senses are completely overstimulated robbing them of their functions. Their sight blinded by the purple light, their hearing deafened by its terrifying howl.
Then, as though this series of events were only the exhaling of a great beast, the artifact now Inhales. A great vacuum of force erupts from the exposed gourd, as though a black hole were opened in the center of the room. The very foundations of the manor would shake and begin to crumble. With no solid footing or proper handhold, the remaining Shinigami would find themselves struggling to resist against such a powerful force. The army of Hollows are helpless against the intensity of such suction. Their very souls are torn from them, followed by chunks of their bodies and fragments of their crumbling masks. Upon the final hollow being sealed away, the vacuum like assault comes to a halt. The whirlpool of thick purple liquid within the gourd settles. Once more, the artifact appears dormant, lifeless. Each and every one of the Hollows has been absorbed into it, assimilated into its glowing miasma, leaving behind absolutely no trace of hollow activity. That is, except for Shirogane.
Thought to be destroyed, the Kuchiki Lord stands where he once stood prior to activating the gourd. His imposing frame now a silhouette against the darkness. Something feels...off, about him. Those more adept at sensing, will find themselves confused by Shirogane’s presence. Despite seeing the man, they would not be able to sense the spiritual power of a Shinigami. What had he done to himself? A question quickly revealed by the ghastly glow of the pot below him, which now once again illuminates Shirogane’s visage. Only this time, it isn’t the familiar and recognizable face of the Kuchiki Lord that they witness standing before them.
It’s something much worse.

 

[Shinigami]

Listen as you read

Lets, begin?
Did he really mean those words? A statement that left his lips so easily, but surely there was thought behind it. There was a breath before it. A gulp to follow, indeed the tension has not been relieved. It grows, and by now it has become a weight that no ocean could compete with. Such pressure is baffling, to be even mightier than the Head Captain himself, who's power can not be fathomed. How could Arashi stand as he is then? Such a palpable feeling could smother his will and attack his mentality. Yet, for his duty, for his post, for the lives at stake here...
He remains...
Almost motionless, but without a doubt alive. His heart-beat being the truth to this. Chest rising and falling, ever so slightly. His mind carrying words to fortify his will. To keep his feet to the floor. Yes, remain sharp and steady young Arashi, you may just live to see tomorrow.
CLAP!
Ashi's heart skips a beat as such a sound. Captain Oda is ready to begin. His eyes revealed again, looking towards the pot, awaiting the activation, figuring that the clap would mean that he is ready to begin. Not quite... Such a action became the catalyst to his reset a way to regain his mental posture and dominance over the situation. Ashi wondered if he had done the same, could he erase this feeling once again, even if it was just for another moment? Even as dire as this situation is, he would learn something from Captain Oda. A trick, no more no less. His eyes remained steady, focused upon the pot and Captain Oda.

The Unveiling

Now begins the ritual, at long last... The tension seemed to skyrocket. The suspense, the anxious faces upon those who searched for the finishing touch. One by one, it quickly became a torturous treat. Many would wish for the Captain to rip them all off, to be done with it... Maybe he had to do it the way he did... Who knoew and who really cared at this point. No one would fess up. No one would dare step closer. As each seal is removed, Ashi's feet became so much more attached the ground. His muscles tensing more and more, his heart slowly climbing in such a fashion that by the time the fifth seal became the only seal left...
His eyes widened.
Captain Oda's choice of words asked his men to steel themselves to look towards a road beyond fear and doubt. His words would indirectly travel to Arashi as well, and possibly touch the untimely arrival of Lieutenant Yugure. She had escaped her confinement. Pushing through thick and thin to only arrive at would could possibly be her demise. Did she come as an aid to stop this? To further accuse Shirogane? Not quite, in fact, it seemed that she is to struck with fear. Unable to muster the volume she needed to call towards the regression of the ritual. She is too late. She is now caught just like the rest of them. His eyes too trained, they couldn't begin to turn her direction. There would be nothing he could do in this moment to stop this.
Though nothing became something quite literal now... As his widened gaze became the victim to falling cherry blossoms. Flowers? In a place like this? No... Ashi quickly becoming the wiser, but it was too late. His knowledge of this ability, a kido to be exact, the effects have already taking hold, the moment his eyes laid upon even a single a petal. Slowly his widened gaze slims, and his face became tired and groggy. As a step forward is all he could muster, but even then he stumbles some...
"No, but who? How?"
He heaves to look beyond his vicinity, but all he could see is the walls opening, a numerous amount of Hollows entering the room. As quick as he could he, turned his attention towards the doors, towards his Zanpakuto that is no where with in his sight at the moment. He could feel that his blade is close, he needed her, but in this moment it seemed as though his life is to be taken truly by the hands of a Hollow...
Or so he believes...
A glance, but nothing more, he would see the hand of Shirogane upon the pot as his tired filled eyes looks on closer, they found the strength to widened further to see that is is truly him...
"Shi-Shirogane?"
What is he doing? What is he thinking? Why would he be standing so close to such a dangerous artifact? Oblivious to the nature that Shirogane displays even now. He had no idea that a comrade would become a traitor in this very moment...

The unleashing!

As the Hollows invade in the hundreds, the pot seemingly came alive. From mist to an explosion of both power and flames it is as if the pot has come to feast upon each and every being with in this room. Such intensity, such ferocity! Shirogane is engulfed, seemingly taken by the power the pot spits into a beam of horrific light! Though to be no more, Ashi is unable to see as whatever light this room held is gone. He still fights the spell cast upon his person. The only thing keeping him awake was the howling of such power, keeping him from falling flat on his face. However, Ashi is at his hands and knees, struggling to contain his position...
The Hollows ripped apart, absorbed, eaten, whatever one may call it, their fate is sealed, but what of Captain oda, Lieutenant Yugure. Have they become victims to such power to... Would he himself be next in line or first? No longer is their oxygen from him to breath so he struggles to catch his breath. His hearing no longer usable, the Hollowing taking care of that. His eyes closed, but the strain upon them is too great for the purple light of the pot is the cause of it. Rumbling and shaking, it feels as though the entire compound is going to fall down upon them. Arashi's own footing, long gone as the force of the pot causes him to roll and slide across the floor, heading straight for the Pot!
If at all, he slams into its side with a hard thud he would be at the base of Shirogane's feet. Thought to be dead. Thought to be incinerated by the flames of the Pot. As the artifact stands lifeless, no longer active, it leaves behind something far, far worse... A shinigami, but blessed or cursed with the powers of a Hollow. Yes, Ashi could feel this ominous and strange power... Shirogane had become something far more than just a mere Shinigami. Unbeknownst to Arashi, he had obtained his goal. Even now, Ashi remained awake, but he struggles continuously. His back against the Pot at this point, sitting upon the wooden floor...
"..."