Themis gazed out over the landscape ahead with a rueful frown on her face. This was not a place of balance, a site of order and law. The human world was not without its faults, to be sure, but it produced orderly societies, and had managed to move away from their initially tribalism to a city-state model, centralizing power and creating order where only chaos reigned. The Soul Society was a better model, though not without its own faults.

Hueco Mundo was practically pure chaos.

It seemed serene enough. Nearly endless miles of sand dunes in all directions with a sky of endless night above, it seemed as though the gods had blessed this place with a continuity that few others could enjoy. That continuity didn’t extend to its inhabitants, who spent their days running or fighting, killing each other among the sands. The sand drank their screams as greedily as it did their blood.

These Hollow never learned. Gillians and Adjuchas were unthinking beasts focused on little more than wreaking havoc and increasing their powers. Even most arrancar, despite being thinking individuals, they never quite evolved out of their primordial instincts. Most were just as bloodthirsty, and more than willing to abandon any sense of reason to pursue their own ends.

In truth, Themis had been impressed with Aizen’s efforts. He had managed to unify the most powerful arrancar beneath him, forming one of the few central powers in Hueco Mundo’s long existence. Sure, it was a rule by force, but many of the best leaders abused their power. His efforts to destroy the Soul King were perturbing, though the Shinigami had proven effective in preventing that themselves.

But even Aizen could never truly bring order to this place.

Themis sighed. She couldn’t brood on this place, not now. She had long-since dismissed this place as a lost cause, and one in which she should not involve herself. She had always sought to distance herself from the mortal realms. That’s why she was here.

Her destination lay far ahead. Most of those who came to Hueco Mundo sought out Las Noches, but Themis had other designs. The world moved beneath her feet in a blur of beige and tan. There were signs of movement, the occasional fight breaking out, but otherwise the sands were bare.

By the time she landed, she had not seen a single Hollow for miles. The outer reaches of Hueco Mundo, well beyond the influence of the Espada and Aizen, had practically been abandoned.

She stared down at a particular dune, one not unlike any of the others she’d seen. She knelt down, picking up some sand in one hand and letting it run down between her fingers. When the last grain was gone, her other hand struck downward, raising a shower of sand that could be seen for miles and flattening the dune. Another punch sent her through the ground.

Themis slowed her descent as she descended into the Forest of Menos. This portion of the forest was nothing like the towering trees of the forest where Aizen found the gigantic Hollow who called him master, but rather a diminutive form, filled with much smaller trees. These still would have shamed a redwood, though none of them poked up above the sands.

Did Aizen even suspect what these trees meant? In the human world, new buildings were often built atop ruins, smothering the often magnificent remains of civilizations past. This was no different. There had been LIFE in Hueco Mundo, real life. What was left now…

It wouldn’t do to ponder that. These Hollow were nothing more than ants in truth, and crushing them would provide her no satisfaction. One could hardly worry about ants at a time like this.

No, what had brought her here was something far more dangerous, enough so that she was willing to risk herself to come. The goddess she had come to find was threatening enough by herself. Finding her was difficult enough, convincing her would be nearly impossible.

As if in answer to her concerns, blue shadows formed all around her. She didn’t hesitate, cutting laterally through the two images that were most likely her target, and was rewarded with a clash of steel on steel.

Morrigan was clad in a cloak of feathers that covered her from head to toe; only her arms and the lower half of her face were exposed. An enraptured smile adorned her face as she brought her other blade around, hoping to catch Themis off-guard. She was inevitably disappointed as Themis raised her other arm to block the strike. Despite being ready to take it, Themis grunted with the strain – Morrigan was the stronger of the two of them by far. Still, the other woman danced backward, letting her arms fall to her sides.

Morrigan: Hmmm, such a sad thing that they’d sent a woman. It’s been too long since I’ve had the feel of a man.

Themis: Out here, I’d be surprised if you’d seen a warm-blooded being at all.

Morrigan pouted: Sad to say, but you’re right. These sands are full of big strapping creatures that just aren’t built to please a woman. And that Aizen’s cold as ice.

Themis: Forgive me if I’m not sympathetic.

Morrigan gave her a coy smile: Forgiveness must be earned. A woman’s just as good as a man, perhaps better, if she’s capable. Tell me, how willing are you?

Themis gave her a sharp look: I don’t have time for your games.

Morrigan tisked: Oh, but this is a game of ecstasy! How long has it been since you’ve felt that kind of rapture… Themis?

So she knew her name…

Themis: If you know my name, then you know why I’m here.

Morrigan yawned: Of course I know, but I’m bored of that already. I’m much more interested in what you can do i-

Themis: I’ve had as much as I can take of this folly. I’m not here to pleasure you, I’m here to recruit you.

Morrigan’s smile turned into a frown, and her eyes seemed almost sad. Was she so addicted to this mindset?

Morrigan: Recruit me? How do you know the Radical Gods haven’t gotten to me first?

Because you would be gone already, Themis wanted to say. Morrigan was a creature of war, a goddess who wanted nothing more than to watch the world burn. She would relish the opportunity to see gods at war, and the Radicals would give her that in droves. Themis meant to deny them.

Themis: Because I think you’re more reasonable than that.

Morrigan laughed. It was a throaty, heartfelt laugh, with a hysterical edge to it.

Morrigan: REASONABLE!? Do you know who you’re talking to, Themis? Since you came here, I’ve spent more time trying to kill and seduce you! Does that sound like a reasonable individual to you?

It was a simple line that spoke the truth, but it hit the mark harder than she expected. This was hopeless. Themis turned to walk away, only to have Morrigan appear at her shoulder. The other woman placed a hand there, putting on a simpering face.

Morrigan: And whoever said I’d let you leave?

Themis: I can see it all over your face. Much as you have certain aspirations for me, you know very well that I cannot be the lover you desire, nor do you think you can beat me in combat.

Morrigan smiled deviously: I didn’t mean it like that. I meant, whoever said I’d let you leave without me?

That was surprising.

Themis: Why would you choose to join me?

Morrigan: Maybe I just want the chance to see you naked.

Themis: I already told yo-

Morrigan: I heard you well enough. *putting on a meek expression* Maybe I’m just lonely and looking for companionship.

Themis eyed her warily. Could this be a trap? The goddess seemed to hear her thoughts.

Morrigan: We have been agreed since before you arrived. It’s time.

A chill ran down Themis’s spine. That last line had none of her previous mirth to it. If anything, it seemed empty of passion. Themis had done her research, dredging up all of the information she could find on Morrigan before her arrival, but this was concerning. Who was “we”? Still, this wasn’t the time to be picky, and not the woman to be picky with.

Themis: Good. We’ll head back, then.

Morrigan’s smile returned: Hopefully you’ve gathered some strapping men.

Themis smiled for the first time: I have, but they may be more than even you can handle.

----------------------------The strategem's aspirations-----------------------

The modern day world wasn’t quite as advanced as they liked to think.

Athena observed this as she strode through the crowded streets within the human world, looking like the average business women with her dark hair straightened and wearing a pair of glasses, a business suit, and heels. She noticed that just every single thing she passed by was in some way connected to the ancient world—especially the Greeks. It wasn’t hard to spot the similarities. All western civilizations had a bit of Greece in them. She found some amusement, especially, in the Statue of Liberty in New York’s coast which bore a strange resemblance to herself.

But all this was registered in her mind with grim acknowledgment. The majority of her thoughts were focused toward her day, piecing together all the information she had gathered prior to the moment, formulating the perfect plan.

Yes, plans. Planning always meant that the planner had a greater purpose at the end of it all, but had to act in steps to get things accomplished. In order to make sure everything went well, a planner must gather countless information, regardless of its credibility, and consider every possibility. Even after the validity of the information is confirmed and the plan completed, the planner could never stop thinking. If they did, they would not be able to react properly when a mishap they had not foreseen does show up, and that will be their ruining. One must always be constantly questioning and thinking, or else no progress would be made.
Of course, mortals, for the most part, acted as expected. The one thing about them that could be counted one is their self-interest and indecision. But there were always those few exceptions that could never be comprehended—those who acted entirely different from the norm, creating anomalies in plans and even prophecies. These rare few people fascinated her. Throughout history, these people (dubbed anomalies) proved to be an excellent source of surprise each and every time, no matter how many had come and gone. They were a double-edged sword. They messed with her own perfect vision of the future and were a major risk factor, but at the same time, they could be used as catastrophic weapons against enemies as well.

Athena frowned to herself as she stepped into a pool bar deep in an alley, hidden away from many of the normal citizens of the city. Many people gave her strange looks as she walked inside, but she ignored them. She had no interest in them at the moment. She considered searching with her eyes, but she doubted that her quarry would turn up quite so easily. She needed to go on ahead with her plan.

“Hand me a pool stick.” She ordered one of the bartenders in a terse tone, not wishing to waste any time. And so she began, challenging each and every man within the bar and easily defeating them in a game of pool effortlessly. Mortals had no chance of winning against a goddess of strategy in a straightforward game. She began to feel slightly discouraged as she began to run out of gamblers who wished to beat her. Had her guess be wrong?

Just then, a slovenly man with scraggly beard and blurry eyes walked up, grabbing the pool stick from the most recent loser as he approached. Athena winced slightly. The man smelled of strong alcohol and various other odors, some indicating the use of drugs not entirely legal in the States. The man grinned at her as he set the bottle of beer in his hand on the side of the pool table.

“Let’s see what all the ruckus about you is about, sweetheart.” He gave a toothy grin as he set up the pool balls in the triangle and knocked the white ball straight into the center, scattering them. Athena didn’t reply. She simply positioned herself to know two of the solids straight into the hole.

Their game went on for about five minutes in silence, and the game was already over. Strangely enough, it wasn’t a clear game. There were a few of both solids and stripes left on the pool table, nearly a tie between the two. Athena’s suspicious had been confirmed.

“I must say, Dionysus,” She said casually as she watched him get ready to knock in a stripe. “Your choice of location is quite questionable. Although, I admit, it’s not entirely out of the realm of possibility.”

“The people here are quite accommodating, dear sister.” Dionysus replied coyly as he missed the hole, the red strip bouncing around the table, knocking a few balls around. Athena missed her next hit as well, intentionally aiming to draw out the game. “What is surprising is that you came here to find me. What on earth does a young god like me have that Father’s favorite child want?”

Athena ignored his goading entirely. “I presume you’ve heard about the recent movement of some ‘radical’ gods?”

“Ah yes.” Dionysus suddenly took on a bored and dry tone. “I believe that bullheaded Ares is with them. For being your violent counterpart, he seems intent to be the very reciprocal of you, doesn’t he?”

“If you already know, then that makes matters easy. I want you to join the resistance against these radicals.”

“I refuse.”

Athena raised an eyebrow as Dionysus straightened from taking his shot to look her in the eye. “Why?”

“Those radicals simply intend to recover their power from those strange shinigami, aren’t they? If that’s the case, then I see no reason to oppose them. Killing off such blasphemous existences would benefit us all, I’m sure.”

“Don’t be so self-centered. You know that violence is hardly the answer. The actions of the radicals put lives in danger, and it is always questionable what will be done with the power they recover. I cannot imagine you believe that they are simply acting in righteousness? Or do you sympathize with them?”

“Hah.” Dionysus gave a dry laugh. “I have no love for mortals, I admit, but I assure you that I could honestly care less about whether or not their powers had been stolen from them.”

“If you have no motive, then what keeps you from agreeing to join me?”

Dionysus sighed. “Athena, do you truly believe that it would be the wisest decision to act in opposition to the radicals?”

“I do.” Athena assured firmly. Dionysus sighed once more as he picked up his beer bottle and emptied half of it in two swigs.

“Then I’ll go with you.” He conceded as he wiped his sleeve on his mouth, leaving a large stain behind. “I haven’t had much fun since the second Great War, so I guess it couldn’t hurt to instigate a show myself every once in a while.”

“You have my thanks, Dionysus.”

“Sure I do. I assume we have no more need for this boring game…” Dionysus waved his hand and the billiard balls morphed into clusters of grapes. “Why not sit and feast in celebration of our union after so long?”

“I’m afraid I will have to pass on your offer.” Athena didn’t even bat an eyelash at the grapes. Dionysus grinned.

“Come now, I just agreed to work with you. I’m not so much a bastard as to attempt to poison you.”

“I have the upmost faith in you, Dionysus. I meant that we have elsewhere to be. It is almost sunset.” She said this as she glanced at the window, seeing the sky reddening.
-----------------------------------------­---­---­---­---­---­---­---­---­---­---­---
A large man was standing on a plateau overseeing rolling hills below, lined with grass as the setting sun disappeared where the land and sky appeared to meet. The man’s eyes sparkled melancholically, though they were radiating orbs, as if they were tiny sun’s themselves. He turned slowly as he heard footsteps approach behind him though the grass.

“Hello, Viracocha.” Athena greeted as she and Dionysus strode toward him. Both were wearing Greek robes and sandals; Athena’s sash a deep gold while Dionysus, ironically, had one of deep purple. Athena’s eyes were startling grey, as they normally were. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.”

“Greeks…” Viracocha muttered, inflectionless. “How did you know I would be here?”

“A couple days of observation and it was an easy task.” Athena replied without a hint of bravado. “Your presence is heavier than I had even anticipated.”

“Hm. What did you come seeking?”

“Your hand in camaraderie. I know for certain that you wish to keep this world’s sacred balance in check, no matter what the cost. There is a movement of radicals in the world, and as such, there is a movement of those against them. ‘Unradical’, you might say.”

“I expected no less. However, what do you intend to do to the radical gods after you’ve confronted them? Castrate them and toss them into the sea? Set a heavy burden on their shoulders for them to carry for all eternity? Chain them to a mountain for vultures to pick away at their intestines without relenting?”

“Are you reffering to our treatment of the titans after the Titanomachy War?”

“You treat your enemies without respect, shaming the losers without any mercy. I have very little interest in joining a cause filled with those who show no respect and carry their pride on their sleeves.”

“That’s rather hypocritical. Isn’t that stubbornness your own pride being held in priority? Is your compassion so strong that you would let the world go to hell because of this?”

“Watch your tongue, goddess!” Viracocha’s eyes flared angrily as he took a step toward them. Energy began swirling around him with his rising emotions, causing powerful winds around their vicinity. Athena didn’t flinch as she watched the Incan god be consumed with fury.

“I have seen more than you ever have! I’ve lived longer than your all mighty father and created much of what you know! What you ask of me is to strike down those whom I consider my kin! WHAT RIGHT DO YOU HAVE TO CONTRADICT COMPASSION?!”

He raised one of his rods high in the air and it hummed with his energy as he prepared to strike down with a tempest of force. A thick vine shot from the ground and wrapped around his wrist and waist, restricting his movements quickly.

“Now hold on a second, Mr. Pre-Incan god.” Dionysus raised one finger and pointed at Viracocha. “Sorry to break it to you, but if you let them do as they like, the end result will be all out war, and you’ll end up having no choice but to choose a side. I suggest you choose now; that way, we can decide whether we need to destroy you now or if you’re out ally.”

Viracocha’s eyes flared at Dionysus. “You force me to choose?”

“Terrible, ain’t it?”

Viracocha glared at the two for a long minute before lowering his arm. He hacked at the vines with his rods, tearing them to pieces easily. “Very well. I will acknowledge the risk you took today in order to convince me. I will join your cause, if only for the purpose of finding a solution to all of this that does not require the brutal punishment of one side.”

“Are you truly so compassionate to gods you are not entirely on good terms with?”
Athena asked with a hint of confusion.

“Would you begrudge your kin simply because you do not know them?” Viracocha responded in a low tone. Dionysus shook his head in exasperation as the two stared at each other, unable to see eye to eye, even as they tried vainly to level with one another.

Excitement pulsed through the muscular God. Ares tapped the tip of his massive sword against the ground again, and again, and again. His glee was plainly displayed on his face, though it was expressed through a sinister smile that reeked of murderous intent. He was unsettling, even to some of his own comrades, solely for his sheer morbidity.

Anubis had a less obvious disposition toward the plan. He was clearly satisfied with it, as he admired the thought of harming the Gods who would oppose the Radicals, but the expression on his canine face remained a somber one. Ares turned his head the way of the god of death.

Ares: Are you not excited, Anubis? To be given purchase to strike out at the lesser Gods?

Anubis looked to Ares for the span of a second, then his head turned again and he gazed off into nothing.

Anubis: We share a cause, but our dispositions are not the same. I shall fight because I have been asked to. I am not bloodthirsty as you are, my friend.

Ares: Is that so? Well, brother in arms, I can promise that you will eventually succumb to the temptations of the battlefield.

A third figure appeared in the center of the room, between the two other Gods. The air sparked with an electricity as the being took several steps forward.

Ajisukitahikone: I'm glad to see you two are prepared. If all ends are taken care of, I'd like to begin as soon as possible.

Ares: The weak ones will see their demise at our hands, then.

Anubis: I've nothing left to tend to.

Ajisukitahikone: Then, we shall begin our hunting.

-End-

Excellent, Zord, nice dialogue... I'll post when Whiteflame, or Exorcist responds, I want to see what happens. Lol.

Where was it?

Ganesha sat in the center of the large octagonal room, pondering to himself. This was common enough for him in any instance, though right now, he should be focused on other things. Themis and Athena were pursuing leads for new members right now, and even with all of the gods they were trying to acquire, they would likely be at a disadvantage if it came to an out-and-out confrontation with the Radical Gods. Strange to think that most of the gods of the world would rather take a backseat and watch than assist in protecting the realms that so honored them.

Was it meant to be found, or would it remain constantly elusive?

He could not go with them, of course. He had to stay here, act as the waypoint. Their headquarters was modest to say the least, large enough to accommodate about a dozen people comfortably, but austere. So far, Ganesha was the only one to know its exact location, and he wasn’t about to let anyone else in on it. The last thing they wanted was to be discovered in their most vulnerable location.

Could it be grasped, or was it only a passing thought?

That didn’t mean he was alone very often. The others may not know this location, but they often traveled through it, with his ability. Some even stayed over long periods of time, sat and chatted with him (when he chose to pay attention), decorated their rooms, or merely came to sit and unwind. Their task may be one of the utmost importance, but there was no point in constantly staying on alert. Not with Athena’s ability. The thought of that raised his eyes to the lone owl situated in the rafters above him. Eyes unblinking, it had sat there watching him the whole time. He never knew privacy – not that he really needed it.

Would it be possible to approach it, or would it shy away ever time he got near?

Right now, that owl was the only companion he had. That wouldn’t last for long. Four of the walls around him had doors inscribed on their surfaces, and shortly, one or more of them would be returning. Athena had gone through one of those hours before, searching out two gods. Themis had gone through another shortly thereafter, aiming to find a third. Shénlóng had disappeared into the third yesterday, though he had not stated whom he was going to find. And then there was the fourth door…

Should he even be trying to approach it, or should he let it come to him?

The owl above him had split more times than he could ever hope to recall. Owls went out into the world at large, acting as their sole source of scouting. It was effective, albeit somewhat inconvenient. Owls went missing occasionally, their information lost as a result, though it was always difficult to say the reason for it. For all they knew, those owls were killed by a passing Hollow or a hunter in the human world. Those were far more likely explanations than that they were being spotted by the rogue gods. Nonetheless, every hour, Ganesha would change the location to which they were being sent. It was a way to spend his time, if nothing else.

How could he even know whether it exists?

His thoughts on “the truth” were the only company he had most of the time. And if he kept them up, he was quite certain he’d drive himself insane. That was, at least, if his subconscious didn’t accomplish that first. He could no longer even trust his own memories in many cases, though thankfully much of his actual memories were written on scrolls he had stored in his room. New memories were of a different sort. No wonder others kept their distance.

Was his search for “the truth” the result of false memories?

That almost made him laugh. Almost.

He looked up just in time to see two gods striding through the door on his right. Themis led the other into the room, and it took a moment for Ganesha to recognize Morrigan behind her. There was a wary look about her, and she gazed uneasily about the dimly lit room. Strange, he was made to believe that this woman was nothing if not confident.

Themis: We have returned.

Ganesha: So you have. And she might be the lovely Mor-

A blade was at his throat. He had known it was coming. His lower two hands were poised behind him, ready to insert memories into her should she try anything foolish. Not that she hadn’t already. Perhaps he was a fool.

Ganesha: This hardly seems like a reasonable method for you to earn our trust.

Morrigan: It’s not my trust that needs earning.

Ganesha: And we appear that dangerous?

Morrigan paused: I don’t trust anything with more than four limbs.

She was observant. This one would not be easily duped, even with newly implanted memories. He couldn’t depend on that.

Themis: That’s enough, Morrigan.

Morrigan scowled at her: First you take me out of the forest without my permission, and now you deny me my quarry. Do you want to go, bitch, or are you going to let me take a slice?

Themis stared evenly at her. It was always odd to meet that stare, always a bit unnerving to think about what that concealed gaze must be hiding, and yet Morrigan didn’t flinch.

Themis: This is not the time and neither of us are your opponent.

Morrigan spat, but removed her weapon from his throat, stalking about the hall. Ganesha stopped tensing, raising one of his upper hands to his throat and feeling for cuts. It was shallow, but his blood made him grimace.

Ganesha: I see you’ve found us a new ally, though I’m not quite as certain of this one.

Themis: She’ll serve, one way or another.

Morrigan: I serve no one!

Themis ignored her: I have grim tidings.

Morrigan: Most of which you won’t stop gibbering on about!

Themis spoke over her: I have seen battle in our future, and this time, we cannot turn aside.

Ganesha: Are you so nervous that they might find this place?

Themis: The Radicals cannot be allowed to run free as they have. They have already joined too many to their cause and we too few. It is time to act, and-

Shénlóng: End this farce, this we know. It’s about time we did something about this, I cannot say I’ve approved of our delays.

Ganesha hadn’t even noticed the elderly man stepping through another of the doors. He allowed both to shut, making clear the bald little man whose form could not have been more deceptive as to the power that raged beneath it. He couldn’t help but notice that Shénlóng had returned alone.

Ganesha: No luck with Pele, I see.

Shénlóng frowned: No. Kū, Kāne, Lono, and Kanaloa are as intractable as ever, so unwilling to side with either set of gods that it is confounding. The Hawaiian gods have always been isolationist to a fault, refusing to involve themselves in the world beyond their own desires. One may yet have potential, but that woman has always been… refractory.

Ganesha: You think you can turn her to our cause?

Shénlóng stroked his mustache: Given time. She is an impetuous one, that. She’s certainly obstreperous with her own family, and I’m sure we can only expect the same even if we turn her… I see you’ve taken the time to bring a kindred spirit for her to relate to Themis.

Themis gave him a cool gaze: We’ll need every ally we can find.

Shénlóng: No doubting that. You were saying before I so rudely interrupted?

Themis: It’s good you returned, we’ll have need of your powers. Are you prepared?

Shénlóng smiled: I feel like I’ve been preparing my whole life. Just make certain not to dawdle.

He punctuated that last word by rapping his long knuckles on the forehead of Morrigan, who had just come up behind him. She snarled and lunged out with one of her blades, but it hadn’t even neared its target before his pointed nails were at her throat. Sweat glistened at her forehead as he raised his other hand, lifting the index finger and moving it back and forth.

Shénlóng: I will have none of that.

Morrigan grimaced, but holstered her blade and slunk away.

Themis: She’ll be coming too, so please don’t antagonize her.

Shénlóng: From what I hear, we will be fighting together shortly. I would like it if we were on the same side.

Ganesha spoke before they could continue their line of thought: Then to where am I sending you?

Shénlóng raised an eyebrow: You don’t think you’re coming with us?

Themis: He’s not. Athena may return anytime now, and she’ll be bringing others with her.

Shénlóng: If you say so. Where are we headed?

Themis looked at Ganesha and nodded. To that place then… He immediately rose and moved over to the wall where Shénlóng’s door had been. He shifted out of the way, wary as usual of Ganesha’s errant hands. He immediately began to scratch symbols in the air, using all four hands to move as fast as possible.

Themis raised an arm, and the owl above them came down tilting it head as she looked into its eyes.

Themis: Return to her. Let her know what we’ve discussed and where to find us. If all goes well, we will return before she should search for us. If not… best not to think on that.

Would they find it before he could? “The truth”… perhaps this war was where he’d find it.

--------------------------Bending Nature's Blades----------------------

If Ma’at could choose just one super power, it would be to save everyone.

As a deified primordial goddess worshipped as an absolute existence, it was both ironic and concerning that she would wish for something like that.

But she couldn’t help herself, even knowing that. When she saw two sides butt heads, she just wanted to see them form an armistice and get along. But time and time again, that rarely worked out. Usually the fastest way toward peace was for one side to dominate the other and quell rebellion, making sure no one opposes them. That meant one side had to win, and one side had to lose. There was always a sacrifice. The balance of the world was that for every action is a reaction. For bit of fortune one comes by, someone else suffers for it. That was the Way. If this balance were disrupted, all Ma’at would crumble. She would crumble.

And yet here she was, hating the very rule of law she stands for. Of course, she would never oppose it. If the lord of law did not follow her own rules, who would? Certainly not the masses that are kept in check only by those very rules. But even if she had to follow Law and remain on the Way, she didn’t have to enjoy it. Perhaps if the people the Way was made for changed, then so would the law that balances it out? Interesting idea, one she’s played with many times over the millenniums. But she quickly came to the realization that ‘change’ does not constitute ‘progress’. In fact, the change of the masses nowadays has created a blasphemous people that have created rules and regulations that mirror her own. She didn’t mind, of course, that she received no credit. So long as all was well and there was no anarchy, then she would be content.

So then why, when peace finally begins settling on the masses, do the gods who are meant to be better than mortals begin causing strife?

Ma’at finished tracing a line in the dirt with her bare toe and stood back to admire her work. She’d made a perfect hieroglyph in the grassy treeless plain on a scale much larger than even the crop circles people had been obsessing with some years ago. Of course, the purpose of this figure was entirely different from those crop circles. The grass was low and dead, an assortment of autumn colors that did not match the scene in the slightest. Ma’at held her hand out and chanted under her breath in an ancient language that preceded herself and the air was suddenly heavier with her words, as if all the life around her was chanting with her. The dying grass suddenly began to regain color, the drooping blades of grass standing up straight as they thickened and grew to Ma’at’s ankles. She smiled as she ceased her magic and took a deep breath of air, enjoying the familiar scent of vivacity and life. She whirled around as she heard someone clapping his or her hands together and she grinned as she saw who it was.

“Dear lord, you scared me, Viracocha.” Ma’at giggled as she greeted her Incan counterpart. Viracocha bowed his head to her respectfully.

“You works never cease to inspire me.” He said softly. “It has been a long time.”

“Too long.” Ma’at sighed. “It’s a shame that our jubilee is on the pretense of war.”

“You did not hesitate to accept my request. I assume you’re resolved to this?”

Ma’at didn’t respond. She had no choice but to reply yes. She knew she could not stand aside and let the two sides fight. She wanted it to end quickly, and the only way she knew how was to help one side win. She couldn’t choose a side other than the side with order in its best interest. She felt ashamed that a model deity like herself would feel indecision, but she worried, nonetheless, that the balance of the world was changing without her knowing, and she was on the wrong end. And by that, she worried that she was on an end at all. As the bearer of truth and light, she should be squarely in the middle, where the scales never moved.

Could it be she who was changing?

“I will do what I can.” Ma’at said at last. “Although I’m not sure how much that is.”

“You’re modest.” A silky voice drawled from behind her. She was taken aback to see several weeds growing in her newly revitalized steppes. No…not weeds. Grape vines?

“I’m sure that you will hold great sway in this war.” The bearded man standing among the grapes stuck a handful of grapes into his mouth and the juice drooled down from the corners of his mouth slovenly. “Mmhmm…would you happen to have a napkin?”

“And who might you be?” Ma’at asked in wonder as she grabbed one from thin air, like a magic trick, and advanced on the man to wipe off the grape’s juice herself.

“Just a friendly fellow.” He replied simply as he offered Ma’at some grapes in thanks. She shook her head politely, stepping back quickly as he burped. “And an ally. It’s the first time I’ve really participated in an organized assembly like this, as I’m a bit of a nomad myself, but I’m sure we’ll all get along great.”

Ma’at raised an eyebrow at him but didn’t say anything. She turned her attention to Athena walked toward them, recognizing the famous goddess immediately.

“You’re late, dear sister.” Dionysus grinned mischievously, energy suddenly spiking through him. Ma’at was confused as to why he was so excited.

“Now that I have gathered everyone, we’re ready to be on our way.” Athena said without preamble. “I wished to also recruit Loki while in the vicinity, but I knew it was a lost cause before even trying.”

Athena raised her hand and an owl suddenly descended, perching silently on Athena’s form arm, staring at the three gods it had never met. Athena was silent for a long moment.

“Word from Themis.” She said at last. “I hope you are all prepared. I should be introducing you to the ‘radical’ gods we oppose shortly.”

Ma’at and Viracocha turned just then, looking at a certain spot in thin air, feeling something in the air. The others looked as well once the air began to shimmer with a curtain of words, forming a door that towered above Viracocha, the largest of the four present. Only Athena didn’t regard it warily, striding past the others unblinkingly.

“Come on then.” She prompted them when they didn’t follow. “If we dawdle too long, it may all be over before we arrive.”

With that, she turned and vanished into the door from the sight. Dionysus followed immediately after, and Viracocha shrugged at Ma’at before following as well. Ma’at took one last glance at the revitalized landscape, noticing that the vines did not seem so bad among them. Perhaps the plants would be able to coexist if left as they are.

Maybe coexistence without strife was the true antithesis of balance, or even reality itself?

@White awesome! I'm liking Morrigan more and more XD.

@exorcist Also awesome! Liked the Loki reference lol.

Hey, Wantadog, my man... You want to write a post, which outlines what the Knights are doing at this time and all that? It doesn't have to be today, or anything. You could talk to Whiteflame and Exorcist and sort something out. XD

Yup! Sounds cool! I was kinda feeling weird because I hadn't posted in awhile XD.

Awesome, thanks dude! Haha, don't worry about it... Once start getting into the rhythm of posting and more into the storyline, it will become like second nature to you. Lol.

(Hey, have you watched Durarara! yet?)

Izaya: Has been getting hit by random things that Shizuo has thrown for two seasons. XD

Nope, but every time I see that pic, it gets higher up on my priorities XD.
I'm watching good old fashioned Yu-Gi-Oh right now!

Hey BP, Did you hear that on the 26th we get Toonami back?

@Exorcist, XDDDDDDD, Yes, so true. Lol. Shizuo is pretty epic and Izaya is pretty crack-up/unfortunate.

@Wantadog, Yeah, indeed. Oh, really? That's cool. We don't even get Toonami in New Zealand. I wish I did, though.

Really? Shocking....Well anyway I shall now start working on my post....thingy

Okay, cool... Sounds good to me. XD. I'll be posting later, too. I have to write a history about Shishira. Thanks, Wantadog.

[The God of Winter: Icy Past]

['Where do you go, when there is no-one to love you? No-one to hold you and tell you that everything is going to be okay? What do you do when your life is so up and down, that you look forward to the rain? How long can a person be ignored and looked down upon, before they give up and stop trying?']

(In the background, a young man stands in the puring rain, his lavender hair, sopping wet and matted to his forehead. The boy is crying, tears mingling with the raindrops and dripping down his face and off his chin)

-No-one loves me... I'm all alone-

['What do you say, when someone feels so down on themselves, that they can't even find their heart anymore?']

'Gaishima... Gaishima! Why do you cry so? Don't you know, that I am the one who will always be here for you. I will always try to stop you crying.'

-Who-who are you? Why are you talking to me?-

'I can make you feel better, Gaishima. I can make all the pain you feel go away... Do you want the pain to go away?'

-Yes! What is this? Who are you?-

'I am Shishira! I am your Zanpakutou's spirit. I can protect you form those who seek to hurt you. I can make the pain go away, Gaishima. Call to me, let me know that you hear me too'

-I hear you. Please, make it stop!!!-

'I will, Gaishima. I will make the pain go away...'

['How long does it take for a person to heal? How long can be bear such pain, before it all becomes too much? Sometimes, the rain sets a background, a depressing background of solitude, lonliness and pain. Does it all just go away?']

-1000 years prior to the War of the Gods-

'Dammit, why can't I learn how to do it, Shishira?! I've been practicing for days on end, why does it have to be so damn hard?'

(Shishira appears inside their Inner World, a place filled with snow, ice and mountains... Mountains so high, that the tops can't be seen. There is no vegetation, only a sparse landscape, torn by some great famine, a famine that ripped all of the life from the landscape and turned it to a barren mountain range)

'Gaishima... My love. You can do it, just keep trying. I promise!'

'I can't...' Gaishima cried, and began to pound his fists on the nearest ice structure, which smashed into shards and crumbling ice.

'You can... I believe in you!'

I just want everyone to know that Frost has decided to leave the RP and I was thinking that we could maybe have a Vice-Commander to assist Kevy, when he gets back... I was thinking that Wantadog would be good for that position, as Whiteflame and Exorcist have enough work with the Unradical Gods and having characters as Knights too.

(Anyway, that being said, I really enjoyed working with Frost, who was the second person to want to join this RP and he put a lot of effort to create his characters and write his posts. I'll miss his presence, here on the forum. It was a pleasure, my friend. XD)

That's sad to hear, though I'm sure that frost has made his decision for good reason. You will be sorely missed, it was certainly a pleasure to write with you.

[Shishira Glows! Her Big Decision]

Gaishima froze instantly, hearing the other man come up behind him. He turned swiftly and caught the other's blade, noting that 'he' was actually a Hollow, or maybe even an Arrancar, judging from his torn white robes. The man had orange hair, with a half-mask attached his face, yes, this man was certainly an Arrancar.

'Who are you?!'

The Arrancar roared and lunged straight for Gaishima, who stepped aside instantly, avoiding the head-on attack. The Arrancar instantly pirouetted and used Sonido, appearing right in front of Gaishima. Gaishima sighed and blocked the reckless attack easily, then kicked the Arrancar in the stomach brutally, forcing him backwards and careening into a ditch. The Arrancar jumped up again and disappeared, coming at Gaishima from the air. Gaishima snarled this time.

'Begin your vehemous onslaught of winter, Shishira!' His reiatsu glowed a white/blue colour and flared around him, causing objects around him to become covered in frost. Finally the silhouette of Shishira appeared.

'I'll take him out, my love.'

Shishira stood mightily and blew at the Arrancar, covering him in a cold frost, which covered his whole body. The Arrancar looked around, then roared, as his red/black reiatsu began to pulsate, automatically melting the frosted ice on his body.

'Pitiful! Pierce the heavens, Tensa Zangetsu!' A huge reiatsu appeared in the form of a massive red wave, with a black outline. This pulsated, and fluctuated for a time, then disappeared, revealing a much different looking Arrancar. He had long, orange hair and his face was completely covered by a Hollow mask, that was completely different to last one; the mask had two bent horns and long teeth. His robes had become black and ruffled at the ends, while his Zanpakuto was no longer the huge cleaver blade, but a long, black nodachi, with a peace symbol as the guard. His reiatsu was incredibly intense.

The Arrancar disappeared. Shishira disappeared too and they met in battle, clashing wildly. Gaishima snarled at the Hollow and also joined the fray, clashing swords with the monster, while Shishira breathed more old air at him. This had no effect.

'Kongouseki chiri!' Gaishima roared and a huge cloud of ice dust, in the form of diamonds, or as hard as, appeared. Gaishima released it at the Arrancar desperately...

'Getsuga Tensho!' The Arrancar swung his Zanpakuto and a huge wave of energy struck at the dust in a wave, which barrelled thorugh the dust, dispelling it and then crashed into Gaishima and Shishira.

Gaishima rose, his arm bleeding and several more cuts all over his body; the wave of energy had glanced at him, cutting his arm open and lurching him into the ground. He still couldn't see Shishira.

'Bankai!' Gaishima glowed and the reiatsu congregated around him, bursting into the air, like a huge firework of icy supremity. Finally Gaishima emerged with a much longer blade, with a ten-sided snowflake as the guard.

'Ekijou Kaishin...'

Gaishima disappeared, summoning the power of Shishira, which appeared around him as armor made of ice and a chain extended from the end of his Zanpakuto, wulring around his arm, encased with ice, as well as the blade of the Zanpakuto. It had appeared to become shorter when he used this power. Already the surroundings had become so heavily laden with ice, that it looked like an ice age. Gaishima struck the Arrancar a glancing blow, letting the ice begin to freeze over his body. The Arrancar screamed loudly, but it was to no avail, and he crashed into the ground from the extra weight of the ice and could not move.

Gaishima sealed his Zanpakuto, summoned his Shikai again, letting Shishira roam free, as she loved to do. He clutched at her icy wings, and clung to her back, as she utilised her God-step and they, again, headed back in the direction of the God's Realm.

-To Be Continued-

[The Knights of the Gotei 13!]


Fifteen minutes later, Renee and the others exited the precipice world. They were in a small stretch of road around ten miles from Karakura town. Isamu and Mishiranu were the first to exit the senkaimon, followed by the others, and ending with Toku and Renee. Toku had used his Akuma Bumo ability to transform into a wolf with several shades of dark blue fur. The moment everyone had exited, the senkaimon closed and Isamu drew his sword, once again pointing it at Mishiranu.

Isamu: “Alright, now it’s time for you to prove your not wasting our time!” He said.

Mishiranu: “Is that so?” She said raising her eyebrows. “Fine, what is it you want to know?”

Isamu: “Eve-”

Renee: “What he is trying to say is that we would like to know exactly what you know about these powers and what’s going on.” She said, stopping Isamu mid-sentence.

Mishiranu looked at her for a second before replying. “All right fine, but first we should get introductions out of the way. I already know three of your names,” She said pointing at Isamu, Renee, and Toku. “But as for the rest, names please?”

A few moments passed before a woman stepped forward.
Bukimi: “My name is Bukimi Nikushima!” she said abruptly. Bukimi had long dark hair and was easily the most beautiful member of the group.

After that another one stepped forward, this time a man.
Makoto: “My name is Makoto Kiyoshi, It’s a pleasure to meet you all.” Makoto was also very good looking and also had long dark hair.

The next to step forward was another woman, This one also with dark hair but it was short.
Lushi: “My name is Lushi Yuangao, nice to meet you.”

Next up was a man who was extremely pale.
Kowareta: “The name is Kowareta Tamashi! Don’t forget it because I’m only saying it once!”

Mishiranu: “Alright now that that’s out of the way, we can move on. You all have a power called Manifestation.” She said with an air that showed she was expecting a response closer to awe.

Renee: “Manifestation?” She repeated.

Mishiranu sighed. “Yes, Manifestation. Manifestation does exactly what it sounds like. It allows you to manifest the powers of a certain god. Which god, depends on the user. My powers, for example, are the manifestation of the goddess Shiva, the destroyer of evil. You guys each have the powers of a different god, and they want their powers back which is why they attacked Soul Society.

Lushi: “I have a question. What would happen if one of these gods were to die?”

Mishiranu: “I have no idea. Defeating a god, let alone killing one would be nearly impossible.”

Isamu: “Okay so where are these gods? We can’t exactly fight something that we can’t find.” He asked, seeming to have finally decided to trust Mishiranu.

Mishiranu: “We don’t need to find them, they will find us. They’ll have to if they want their powers back.

Isamu: “All right, then our main objective should be to master our manifestations before they get here.” He said, clapping his hands.

Mishiranu: “I’ve mastered mine so that will seriously speed things up.”

Renee: “First things first, we need to find someplace to train and someplace to stay. Also…wait…where did Toku go?” It was true, Toku was nowhere to be found.

Isamu: “Don’t worry about him, he can defend himself. As for where to stay…”

???: “I think we can help with that.”

Everyone turned to see two people approaching them. One was a man with short silver hair and blue eyes. He was wearing a soul reapers uniform. The other was a woman. She had long red hair that reached her hips and green eyes that said she knew more than she let on. She was, unlike her companion, in a gigai. She was wearing and ordinary blouse and jeans. The man seemed to be wary of the woman as well as the soul reapers. The two strangers walked towards them into the center of the group.

Isamu: “Who are you?”

The man spoke up. “I’m Isaac Minene. She is Bluebell Teach.” He said pointing to each as he said their names. The rest of the group then introduced themselves.

Lushi: “You said you could help. What do you mean?”

Bluebell: “Exactly what I said. You guys need a place to stay while you train your manifestations. We can help with that.

Mishiranu: “I take it you are pseudo-shinigami as well?”

Bluebell: “That’s right.”

Makoto: “And why are you here?”

Bluebell: “I had a feeling something was going to happen and I’m not one to sit by and watch as something interesting is going on.”

Isaac: “I’m here because I want to learn more about these powers I have.”

Isamu: “Okay then how good are you at using your manifestations?”

Isaac: “I can use it, but not for long.”

Bluebell: “You don’t have to worry, I can use it just fine.”

Mishiranu: “So we have two masters and two who are already okay at using their powers. That makes it easier.” She drew her sword and began to slash it randomly for a few minutes. After she was done, she sheathed her sword and looked at them. “All right, it took me 5 years to master my manifestation, it’ll take you guys a week!”

Renee: “A week! Doesn’t that seem a little short?”

Mishiranu: “Doesn’t matter, that’s all the time we have. And now that we have these two,” she said pointing at Isaac and Bluebell. “It’ll go much faster. The first step is to talk to your zanpakuto and find out which god’s power you have.”

Bluebell: “I suggest we split into two teams to make it more difficult for them to find us.”

Isamu: “Agreed, Bluebell and Isaac will lead one team, and Mishiranu and I will lead the other.”

Renee: “Alright, but what about Toku?”

Mishiranu: “Nah, he’s the least of my worries. I’m pretty sure he has powers of his own.

Bluebell frowned. “Either way, you, you, and you are coming with me!” She said pointing at Lushi, Mikoto, and Kowareta.

Isamu: Alright, then Renee and Bukimi will go with me and Mishiranu.

(Meanwhile)

Toku looked around wearily. Halfway through Mishiranu's explanation he suddenly found himself here inside his inner world.

"Hey dumbass! Over here!"

Toku sighed. "What do you want now Nekokaburi?" Toku turned expecting to see the usual masked form of his zanpakuto only to find someone entirely different. "Okay, who the hell are you and what have you done with Nekokaburi?" Toku said drawing his sword.

Nekokaburi: "Hmph! Use your head you fool! I am Nekokaburi! The form you are seeing is only my bankai form.

Toku: "I thought I had to be in bankai for you to take that form?"

Nekokaburi: "Simple. Shinigami are stupid."

Toku: "Don't go calling the kettle black now."

Nekokaburi: "I'm not, I'm calling you stupid. Now shut up and listen. You said you wanted bankai right? Fine!"

Toku frowned. There must be some catch if Nekokaburi is willingly helping him. "What's do you get out of me achieving bankai?"

Nekokaburi: "I am the 'alter ego' per-say of the god of mischief, Loki. And so we both have a...similar outlook towards one of the gods that you and your little group will be facing."

Toku: "Which god?"

Nekokaburi: "Odin, anything that causes him trouble is worth helping you!"

Toku: "So you're saying we have a similar goal."

Nekokaburi: "That's right! Now Loki himself if going to 'jumpstart' your manifestation. All you have to do is stay alive and don't use your bankai until I tell you to. You got that?"

Toku: "Fine, now I'm leaving. It'll seem weird to the others if I'm just staring into space."

Nekokaburi: "Ha! Not likely! We took you here in both body and mind so that we could get this started. It'll seem as if you've disappeared."


END
-----------------------------------------­---­---­---­---­---­---­---­---­-
All right that's it....took awhile to figure out exactly who was in the group and all....If there's anything I need to change, Just say so.......

Oh, yes! That is truly an epic post Wantadog... I like it! XD

(Good job, dude)

So, do you want to be Vice-Commander of the Knights? That way, when Kevy gets back, he has someone to assist him.

Sounds cool! Sure!

Okay, cool, sounds good to me. You can be in charge until Kevy gets back then. XD

Great post, wantadog. Loved it :D

Okay, here's what is happening... I will post again on Monday (Sunday for those of you who live in the States), since I am away this weekend. I'm leaving in about an hour. XD. I hope you guys will watch over the forum while I'm away, as it is likely that I won't have the net, though I may be able to find an internet cafe, though I honestly doubt I will. Lol. Anyway, have a great weekend and stuff guys.

You too BP! Have fun XD

Heh, hate to be "that guy," but my other character is missing here (Cadence). Don't worry about including her, I'll work it into my next post, just want to make sure you don't forget about her.

Oops...sorry bout that...had a bit of trouble finding the characters names XD

Toshiro hadn’t gone back to his barracks to rest. He had gone several days without sleep in the lead-up to this one, and yet he couldn’t resign himself to his bed. In a way, every step forward was a penance, and every glance into the eyes of a passing soul reaper was an excuse. At least, that’s how it felt.

He didn’t question his decision, not for a second. Despite all he had done, to strip the Seireitei of some of its best and brightest, he knew the decision had not been made in error. He could not in good conscience put them all at risk again, not for something like this that need not involve them. The Soul Society had suffered enough, and he was certain, would suffer much more. The gods had admitted that they see shinigami as only so many ants skittering about – they wouldn’t attack unless there was a reason. Toshiro couldn’t give them that reason.

That didn’t mean the decision wouldn’t haunt him. That didn’t mean that the faces of those he banished didn’t float in his memory, that their names weren’t engraved on his very soul. They had done no wrong to the Seireitei, and yet their punishment was severe. They were innocent criminals. He had given them all the help he could, but he was throwing them to the sharks, and now they were forced to swim for their lives. How co-

A young woman bumped into him and went tumbling down to the ground in an unbecoming heap. She rose unsteadily, unbalanced on high-heeled boots. Her hair was a disheveled mess, and that coupled with her drowsy complexion betrayed the fact that she’d just risen from sleep. Whoever she was, she didn’t seem embarrassed about crashing into him, much less apologetic. No salute was forthcoming.

Toshiro was in no mood for dealing with her: Watch where you’re going!

???: You can’t talk to me like that! I’m Vice Captain of the 9th Squad now, Cadence Takeda!

Toshiro was bewildered. THIS was Cadence Takeda? Wasn’t she supposed to have left with the rest? He didn’t believe her.

Toshiro: You don’t look like a Vice Captain.

She glanced down at her arm, noticing the lack of an armband there to support her assertion. She gasped.

Cadence: I just had that! I know I have it somewhere…

The young woman plunged an arm down her orange tank top. Even though Toshiro had been with Matsumoto and her wanton ways, he couldn’t help but turn beet red.

Cadence: It has to be here, I know it does!

It took every ounce of his composure not to avert his eyes when she dipped a hand down her skin-tight pants, so much so that he couldn’t help but show pure shock as she withdrew the armband.

Toshiro: How…how did you…?

Cadence: There it is! Now, which arm was I supposed to w-

Toshiro regained his poise: That’s enough! What are you doing here?

Cadence: You’re supposed to call me ma’am! I told you, I’m a vice captain now!

She emphasized her point by thrusting the armband in his face. She had managed to get it on, but since she couldn’t pick an arm, it looked more like handcuffs than a symbol of her rank. Toshiro’s eye twitched as he gestured to his cloak.

Cadence: Oh! You’re a captain! Which squad do you head?

The fact that she still didn’t show the slightest bit of deference should have meant more, but he was simply dumbfounded.

Toshiro: It’s printed right on the cloak, damnit!

Cadence stared at the symbol of his squad, a single horizontal bar that, in kanji, represented the number 1. She took a moment, staring at it more intently all the while, before once again meeting Toshiro’s gaze.

Cadence put on an innocent smile: I can’t read Kanji.

Toshiro gaped. Was she for real? He’d heard stories of her from the academy, but this…

Cadence: Are you Captain Demandred? I’ve heard he’s really uptight!

Toshiro tried to pull himself together, speaking in an even tone: No, I’m not Demand-

Cadence: Then maybe you’re Captain Renee!

Toshiro grimaced losing his temper: DO I LOOK LIKE A WOMAN TO YOU!?

Cadence looked taken aback: Renee could be a boy’s name! You’re such a chauvinist!

Toshiro gritted his teeth. This was becoming impossible.

Cadence: Anyway, I don’t have time to chat with you like this, I’ve got a meeting in a few minutes and I’m supposed to meet her afterward.

Toshiro: THAT MEETING ENDED HOURS AGO!

Cadence looked doubtful: Are you sure? The summons said later than that. I’ve got it written down somewhere…

She made to reach down her blouse again, but Toshiro motioned to stop her.

Toshiro: NO! No, don’t… don’t do that. You were right! The meeting is happening soon! I’m going to send you to where it’s going on right now.

Cadence smiled: You know that!? Wow, you’re a big help mister Captain!

Toshiro turned and opened a Senkaimon to the human world, hoping that the location would be close to the one Renee had opened up before.

Cadence: Oooh, I’ve never been inside one of these before! Is this a…gar…Gargaga?

Toshiro had lost all patience: Yes, it’s a… Gargaga! Now go, you don’t want to be late!

Cadence: Thanks a bunch, I’ll make sure to repay you for this someday! I’m sure I’ll see y-

Toshiro reached forward as she was stepping into the gate, grabbing hold of her Vice Captain badge and ripping it out of her grasp and shoving her forward into the white light of the Senkaimon. She gave him a surprised look that he returned with a piteous glance as she stumbled through the gate.

He stood there for a moment, holding the badge in his hands. It looked like he was just making things worse for them now… That only depressed him further.

Lol! Awesome! Poor Toshiro XD

------------------------------------------­---­-He­sit­ant Steps Forward-----------------------------------­---­

The five pseudo-shinigami raced easily along the road in silence for a few minutes, Bluebell leading the way. The others were slightly confused as to why she still hadn’t exited her gigai. As she was now, she might attract attention from humans nearby. But it didn’t seem the bother her in the least. Isaac slowed his pace slightly to match Lǜshī’s, running side by side with her.

“Are you the one who had asked about if a god died?” Isaac asked seriously. Lǜshī was surprised. Had he somehow heard her?

“Um, yeah.” She replied with a sheepish smile. “It was kind of just out of curiosity. I mean, I know how impossible it is…”

“Their clearly overbearing power aside, it is an interesting question.” Isaac frowned for a moment. “Have you ever thought of killing the wind? Or killing the sea? Or a mountain range?”

“N-No, of course not!”

“Well, the gods are quite like akin to that. They are forces of nature with a conscience, essentially. They are immortal deities, after all, so even if we managed to overpower one, killing it is questionable.”

Lǜshī sighed. “I figured as much.” She muttered.

“However…” Isaac continued. “If the aspect a god represents were destroyed, what would happen then?”

Lǜshī blinked at him. “What do you mean?”

“Ever since I found out that I am…whatever I am, I came to the human world to learn more. I read up on Greek mythology for a long time, as that has the most detailed information of all stories, and ran across something interesting regarding the life span of gods.”

“And that is?”

“There was a deity named Pan. He was a satyr that reigned over the wild and nature, such as forests and such. Wherever he was, nature rejoiced. Plants sang, animals played. But then one day…he vanished.”

“Vanished?”

“Vanished, ceased to exist, disappeared. Whatever the case, he was no longer a deity. My theory is that he did, indeed, die. Not because of brute force, like a blade to the throat, but by something much more sinister. As god of nature, he existed wherever the wild flourished…

“And so when cities were created and forests vanished, and vanished as well?”

Isaac nodded grimly. “If the same were done to the aspects of other gods, they too would die, I think.”

“It sounds like a pretty roundabout way to kill a god.” Lǜshī muttered, unconsciously touching a hand to her pinned up hair.

“Would you do it?” Isaac asked quietly. “Would destroying the god’s aspect be worth it in order to bring a powerful deity to its knees?”

Lǜshī went silent at this. The 正義 on her back suddenly felt very heavy, almost like a burden, weighing more than any physical object.

“You say you came to the human world to research mythology.” Lǜshī changed the subject. “Were you banished as well?”

Isaac sighed. “No. I deserted the Gotei 13 intentionally.”

“Because I knew that if my powers were discovered, Central 46 would have me arrested and imprisoned while experimented on. In all honesty, I feel you guys were lucky. If there weren’t so many of you, and there wasn’t any pressure from the radical gods, I have no doubt you would have been apprehended and incarcerated as well.”

Lǜshī had never heard of a shinigami leaving the Gotei 13 purely on his own judgment without any proof of his presumption provoking him. He was either extremely reckless or extraordinarily shrewd.

“And her?” Lǜshī nodded toward Bluebell’s back. “Is she like you?”

This seemed to be a sore subject for Isaac, as his expression darkened.

“No clue.” He replied at last after a moment of brooding. “Despite her attitude, she isn’t very interested in talking about herself. In fact, so far she’s evaded every question about her origin I’ve asked, despite having gotten every detail of my defection through and through.”

Before Lǜshī could inquire any more, they had sudden stopped. They had left the road, going across the grass until the pavement was out of sight, leaving them surrounded by nothing but nature.

“Did we really have to come this far?” Makoto asked in exasperation, glancing around. Bluebell ignored him, looking toward Isaac with her hand out.

“What’s that for?” He asked warily.

“Your head band has the power to knock souls out of bodies, right? Give it to me. I’m no use as I am now in this piece of flesh.”

Isaac sighed as he took it from his head and tossed it to Bluebell. Bluebell caught it in one hand and pressed it to her own chest, her gigai falling back to the ground behind her. The pseudo-shinigami blinked in surprise. Instead of the standard uniform, Bluebell was in what looked like an old English double button coat with a pair of faded green pants tucked in heavy looking boots and a sash wrapped loosely around her waist several times. A short little sheath was tucked into her the belt that was occupied by a knife with a silvery/grey hilt and a round cross guard.

“What on earth—” Kowareta began in surprise. He ducked back just as Bluebell lashed out at him with her knife, drawing it quickly as she lunged.

“What are you doing?” Kowareta demanded as he drew his sword, ready to block in case Bluebell struck again. Bluebell’s stance remained lax as she played with the knife’s hilt in her hand, picking up the pendant hanging around her neck and opening it like a pocket watch, glancing at the time.

“You’ve got seven days to figure out how to use your manifestation power and master it. Do you really think you can waste your time asking pointless questions?”

“Why you…” Kowareta gritted his teeth. “Are you picking a fight with me?”

“Of course I am.” Bluebell grinned dauntingly as she shut her pocket watch and let it hang over her chest once more. “Don’t tell me you’ve got a problem fighting a girl?”

“Watch it, missy.”

“She’s taunting you on purpose.” Isaac sighed, not fond of Bluebell’s way of going about things. “She intends to see what kind of god hides within you by provoking your personality by getting on your nerves. After all, most deities have combat in their blood.”

“The explanation can wait until later.” Bluebell waved Isaac off. “Go take care of the other two. I feel like picking on dark eyes here.”

“Hmph, I’ll just wipe off the smug look on your face then!” Kowareta lunged forward, swinging his sword furiously. Isaac shook his head as the two began fighting. They weren’t listening.

“Oh well.” He muttered as he drew his long nodachi sword slowly, facing Makoto. “I suppose that she was right when she insisted how little time we have. I need to work on my manifestation as well.”

Makoto frowned at the awkward shape of Isaac’s hilt and blade as he drew his own sword, the hilt wrapped in blue and white cloth.

“Just what kind of sword is that? It looks strange.” Makoto asked curiously. Isaac shrugged.

“It’s more convenient for me.” He replied simply as he crouched and charged forward. Makota swung his sword up to intercept Isaac’s quick barrage.

Lǜshī sighed as she sound on the grass to watch and wait patiently. Despite their serendipitous appearance, Isaac and Bluebell appeared sincere with their intent to help, at least. But even with their help, would it be possible to achieve control of manifestation in such a short time?

(To be continue…)

can someone kill kenshi for me? xD

@Silver: Awesome posts!

Going to take some time, frost, though don't worry, he'll die.

Man BP is gonna have one heck of a surprise when he gets back on XD

If this was training to achieve some great power, then it wasn’t ending well. Bukimi stood off to the side as Isamu and Renee clashed, though it was hardly what one would call an even fight. Despite Isamu’s having bankai, he could hardly hope to keep up with Renee’s.

Isamu: Senkou Mizukai!

Two huge slashes of water raced towards her, growing stronger as they went through the rain. At first, Renee had avoided staying in the rain to reduce the power of the strikes, but she had since chosen to bring the battle to him. Staying at range would do little to enhance either of their training.

Renee swept her mace in front of her, taking along with it the water slices. No matter their power, they were incapable of striking her, instead moving around her in a wide arc. She took the opportunity to close the distance, reducing the friction around her to get in close. He was prepared.

Isamu: Ranningu Doragon Koimizutorappu.

Four water dragons spewed forth from his blade, and Renee disappeared. None of their slashes landed, but all of hers did, dismantling the four dragons into fountains of water that splashed to the ground around her. Isamu looked shocked as she moved in to clash with his blade. He met it expertly, though he couldn’t even see the leg that came around the other side, slamming him head first to the ground as he skidded away on the wet surface. He stood quickly enough, though, and met her gaze evenly. Strangely, he wasn’t breathing hard at all.

Renee: This is manifestation training? I’m a capt-

Isamu interrupted: You WERE a captain, and it seems that your level was well deserved indeed. There’s no way I can beat you like this, even though you’re only using shikai.

Renee raised an eyebrow: Are you deaf? Did you not hear me release my bankai?

Isamu smiled: You’re capable of so much more, Renee. Gong Gong tells me you have quite a dangerous potential. This hardly feels like it.

Renee was still skeptical: You’re being ridiculous. Bankai’s don’t change, and even if this is my shikai, I am quite certain that that’s YOUR bankai.

Isamu sighed: You just don’t understand, do you Renee? We’re no longer the shinigami we once were. In truth, we never were. We’re something else now, something that is apparently beyond your understanding.

Renee knew all too well that they weren’t normal anymore, but this was absurd. What was he talking about?

Isamu: I did manage to get a hold of those reports from your incursion into Hueco Mundo. The truth is, you didn’t even manage to access your manifestation at all.

Renee scoffed: You can’t be serious. That energy…

Isamu: Was nothing more than your true bankai. It seems we’ll have a ways to go in order to unlock its true form. Tell me, why can’t you?

Renee: I’m not even sure how I accessed it in the first place.

Isamu: Are you afraid of it?

Renee: I’m not afraid of anything.

Isamu: You should be.

His words were punctuated by the formation of black armor the formation of black armor around his body. A mask covered his face, making him look more devil than man. The swords, which had been covered in a thin film of water, now had a black fluid running across their length. A black rain fell around him in sheets. The energy he exuded now was so intense that she could hardly feel it.

Isamu: Come.

She wasn’t about to abide that.

Renee: Hado #63: Raikōhō

Yellow lightning shot out of her hands at the waiting Isamu, slamming home in a fountain of golden light that covered the area. Bukimi shielded her eyes against the glare, but Renee kept her gaze on her opponent, tsking as he came into view again. He hadn’t moved, even to block it.

Isamu: Is that all you’ve got? I thought a captain-class shinigami was better than this.

Renee: Ye lord! Mask of blood and flesh, all creation, flutter of wings, ye who bears the name of Man! On the wall of blue flame, inscribe a twin lotus. In the abyss of conflagration, wait at the far heavens. Hado #73: Sōren Sōkatsui!

Two huge waves of blue light gathered into her hands while Isamu merely watched. When they shot out, she used her powers to coil the two blasts tightly around each other, increasing their power by several levels. This time, Isamu merely batted the thing aside, keeping his gaze on her as the energy exploded in a tremendous blue ball in the distance.

Renee closed the distance, allowing the black rain to fall onto her. Her speed should still have been enough to get within his defenses. He moved to defend himself, but she disappeared and reappeared behind him, bringing around her mace to slam into his shoulder. He raised a hand, and blocked the mace with a lazy grab.

Isamu: Keep it up, don’t back down.

Renee narrowed her eyes, placing her other hand directly on his face.

Renee: Hyōga Seiran!

Ice shot out all around her hand in multiple waves, surrounding him and even encompassing all the rain. She backed out, watching the area warily.

Four black dragons crashed through the ice, breaking it utterly. Renee sought to destroy the first one, only to have it parry her slash and send her careening backward in a tremendous show of strength. The other three followed her.

Renee was getting desperate: Sekienton!

Red smoke blossomed around her, and as the dragons crashed into it they found nothing beneath. Renee appeared above Isamu.

Renee: Bakudo #61: Rikujōkōrō.

Six bars of light crashed into him, and with her abilities, she could increase their hold tremendously. Now was her chance. She moved in to strike him, bringing her mace down on his head.

Isamu destroyed the Bakudo in an instant, punching Renee hard in the stomach. She collapsed to the ground, dropping her mace. She was shocked by the force of the blow, but all the more so when Isamu let his reiatsu be fully felt. The pain of the strike would have made it hard enough to rise, but the crushing force of that energy made it impossible.

Isamu: Do you understand now, Renee? All you’ve learned from Soul Society is nothing compared with these powers. Even the Captain Commander himself would be incapable of standing before the gods. But we can, you can. You’ll never get there if you cannot accept how little you know, and you’ll never master those powers if you fear them so completely.

Renee had been humiliated in combat before. Her teachers in the Academy had made her fully aware of the gulf between a high seated soul reaper and a student, but none of those experiences were ever like this. What he was saying… would she have to leave behind everything she was to become a pseudoshinigami? Hearing from Toshiro that she was no longer a part of Soul Society was one thing, but to be told that she was no longer a shinigami, to hear that everything she knew about herself was a lie…

???: The flow of every river is full of twists and turns. Does that stop the river from flowing forward?

A voice. Not a voice from her blade, not the one she’d heard from her spirit hundreds of times. No, this was different. Who was that speaking? Who are you? she asked mentally.

No answer.

Isamu: You’ll come to accept it. I just hope you’ll manage it sooner rather than later.

The black armor melted off of him, the water on his sword and around him turning clear. He turned to Bukimi.

Isamu: We don’t have time to take it slow. And you’re next.

I quite enjoyed that, nice post white xD
Well i'd better get to writing, I have not got to do it all day.

[Whisper Of The Gods]

Isamu pointed his blade at Bukimi after announcing it would be her turn next to spar. She turned to face Isamu and she drew her Zanpakuto. Isamu just stood there as to indicate that she can make the first move.

Bukimi: Wreak Havoc, Konton no hakobi-te!

Isamu: I see, so you are starting with Shikai. Just a forwarning Bukimi, do not expect me to go easy on you.

Bukimi running towards Isamu: Whatever...

Bukimi struk at Isamu first, but Isamu anticipated the strike and guarded with his blade. He countered her attack with a straight forward slash, Bukimi jumped backwards to dodge the attack, and she escaped it by a hair. Isamu began running with a impressive speed towards Bukimi, and as he swung his sword at her she done a backwards flip and kicked him in the face. He stumbled backwards a little and was a little surprised.

Isamu: Were did you learn that!?

Bukimi: I watched the Punishment Force in action before, I thought it would be usefull to know in case I ever found myself unarmed.

Renee was giggleing in the background and pointing at Isamu. Isamu begins to twitch and looks at her.

Isamu yells: That's not funny Renee, quit that giggleing!

Bukimi crosses her arms: Hey, we're suppose to be fighting, quit dillydallying already.

Isamu calms down and faces her again: I don't dillydally. Now here we go again Bukimi, Run over the raging waters, GongGong!

After his Zanpakuto is released, he charges towards Bukimi again. He and her clash swords again and again, after a little while of clashing Isamu changes up his pattern. He catches Bukimi's sword and tosses it and her with it onto the ground.

Isamu: There is more to this than just mindlessly swinging your released sword Bukimi.

Bukimi: (But aren't you fighting the same way as I am). ...Whatever.

Isamu: I'm going to fight you now with the same power I used against Renee. Remember, I said I would not go easy on you.

Renee: You must prepear yourself Bukimi, hurry!

Bukimi: (...Will they ever shut up..? Geeze it seems all they know how to do is annoy me to death). ....Whatever

Isamu: (There's that whatever again...) Alright, prepear yourself!

The Black Armor and the Oni Mask yet again returned, the water on his sword has become black, and black rain has begun to pour. He begins to walk in her direction.

Isamu yells: Senkou Mizukai!

Bukimi eyes widened as the black wave rushed towards her. She Flash-Stepped out of harms way. But as soon as she turns he is right in front of her and about to strike down, she tried to parry but when his sword clashed with hers, she is pushed backwards by the impressive spiritual pressure emiting off of Isamu. She mustered up her strength again and regained her stance. Bukimi pointed her Zanpakuto towards the sky.

Bukimi: Sunaarashi!

Sand begins to appear out of thin air, and more and more sand keeps appearing by the second. The sandstorm now is lunging itself towards Isamu.

Isamu: You plan to attack me with sand?

The sand surrounds Isamu and closes in on him, and the enviorment is now covered in wet sand. Isamu realeases a little spiritual pressure from his body to bounce the sand off of him.

Isamu: What was the point of throwing some sand at me?

Bukimi: You'll see.

Bukimi begins to charge again towards Isamu, but this time she seems a little bit faster. Isamu leaps forward and strikes at her, and then all of the sudden she turned into a bunch of sand. She sinks into the ground.

Isamu: (I see... she has the abillity to turn into sand at will. She needed the area to be full of sand so that she could use this technique to surprise me, that's smart). ...But not smart enough!

Renee: (Bukimi seems to be putting up a decent fight. She seems pretty good for a Ex-3rd seat).

Bukimi lunges upward as sand and Isamu strikes at her, though the blade passes right through her. After he slashed her, she reformed and slashed at him from below. Isamu guarded the attack with his forearm.

Bukimi: (Figures...I can't seem to get past that armor of his...I guess I'll have to use my Bankai...).

Isamu: (It seems she has finaly realised that her current state of power is not enough).

Bukimi: Ban-kai!

A stream of spiritual energy is released as Bukimi's white blade turns black. as soon as her Zanpakuto's transformation is complete, Isamu begins to take a stance.

Isamu: Senkou-

Bukimi: (This again..? I'd better move, or I'll be oblitherated).

Isamu: Mizukai!!!

Bukimi turns into sand again and Isamu loses sight of her because she quickly became hard to locate. He is looking around for her with the energy of the Senkou Mizukai still on his blade.

Renee: Having trouble Isamu?

Isamu: I am not having trouble, I just need to smoke out the insect.

Bukimi angred: (I know he did not just call me an insect).

Bukimi leaped up like before to strike Isamu, but this time from behind. She used a Technique known as the Dākusandosutoraiku, this technique allows her to reform as a shadowy entity for a moment.

Renee: Oooooh, that's cool Bukimi, howcome you've never shown me that one before?

Bukimi: (Renee...you idiot..).

Her position was given away by Renee and Isamu instantly launched his Senkou Mizukai at her. She was hit dead on with it's full impact. She was stuck on the Senkou Mizukai for about 5 seconds, but those 5 seconds took her a good distance away from the battlefield.

Isamu: Renee, why did you give her position away? Egh, It'd be a waste if that actually finished her.

Renee: I think I can still see her from here...

Bukimi is laying down on sand, out of breath. She lays there in complete shock about how powerful the Manifestation abillity is. She finds herself struggeling to get up, and she fell back over and closed her eyes...

???: Don't you dare give up.... I don't like being dissapointed....

Bukimi looks around the place, looking for where the voice came from. There is no one in sight, she managed to get up after a minute.

Bukimi: Was that you Konton?

Konton no hakobi-te: .....

Bukimi: ..... Whatever...

Isamu and Renee appeared before Bukimi to see if she was okay. She has a major gash in her stomache, but she will survive.

Renee: Bukimi are you okay?

Bukimi screaming in Renee's face: I would have been alright if you didn't give my position away!

Renee waving both hands in front of her face: Hey hey hey, I'm sorry okay!?

Isamu: At least you're okay, but your training is done for today.

They begin to help Bukimi walk over to the shelter, when Bukimi shuns their help.

Bukimi: I can get there myself....I don't need help.

Renee: Whatever you say Bukimi....

Bukimi went to shelter to get out of the rain and she lied down and took a nap.

Renee: So how do you think the other group is doing?

Isamu: Bluebell is with them, I'm sure they're doing fine. But aside from that, I have a question for you.

Renee: What is it Isamu?

Isamu: Back there when we were fighting, you heard a voice didn't you?

Renee: As a matter of fact.., I did.

Isamu: That means you're making progress Renee. That's good for now. But just remember, you have only a single week to obtain your manifestations, I'd just hope everyone can obtain it within that time.

[To Be Continued]

Egh, not so sure I did so well this time..but as what Bukimi says, ....Whatever.

Lol! I like it! Really good!

Good stuff. Just one thing (this isn't so much a critique as a "for future reference" issue), Renee does her best to maintain relatively low levels of emotion. It's fine in this case, because there could be a perfectly good reason that she was exposing Bukimi's position (she is a captain after all, could see a few reasons she might), but she's a heavily logic-focused individual, so she'd have a reason for practically everything she'd do. The laughing's fine and all, just likely not a common occurrence for someone like her.

[Training! Signs of Manifestation!]



While Makoto and Isaac sparred, Kowareta struggled against Bluebell who seemed to be trying to get him as angry as possible. She nimbly hopped away from his blade every time he attacked and retaliated just as quickly.

Kowareta: “Damn you! Stop playing and fight for real!”

Bluebell: “Says the one who hasn’t landed a single hit? Maybe I’m not the only one not taking this seriously, hmm?”

Kowareta growled at her. “Fine! But you asked for it!” With that, Kowareta thrust his blade out in front of him. “Bankai!” There was a large explosion of reiatsu and when it cleared, Kowareta looked the same, but there was now a large black thing standing behind him. “Akuma no Tamashi”

{Play music}
Bluebell: “Ooh! So that’s you’re Bankai! How quaint…now allow me to show you a little something of my own.” She grinned as she allowed her reiatsu to flare wildly. So wildly that the others had to stand back. They watched as a silver robe appeared on her. Next came a gold headdress and several gold and silver pieces of jewelry. Finally ending with a large scepter with what appeared to be a sun disk on top.

Kowareta snorted. “Am I supposed to be impressed? If that’s all you got then this’ll be over quickly!” With that, Kowareta charged, the demon behind him roaring all the while. Kowareta slashed at Bluebell, who so far hadn’t moved an inch. In an instant, Kowareta was basted back as Bluebell smashed her palm into his chest.

Bluebell: “You were right about one thing, it’ll be over quickly!” She said.

Kowareta immediately got back up and used his Soul Call ability to summon about 100 souls to the battle field. Each soul appeared with a skeletal body with an eerie green glow.

Bluebell randomly smashed one only to have it reform. “So that’s it huh? I see…I guess I’ll have to knock them all out at once then get rid of you before you can have them reform?

Kowareta chuckled: “Not really! I had something else in mind. Soul Beam!” With that the souls all turned into energy and flew straight into the black demons mouth. The demon then fired the souls at Bluebell in a large beam. Bluebell dodged the beam only to find Kowareta in her face when she did.

Bluebell: (Damn! He wanted me to dodge that attack!)

Bluebell quickly flash-stepped a few feet back and began to use her scepter to draw hieroglyphs in mid-air. These hieroglyphs began to glow and a copy of Kowareta appeared and drew it’s blade.

Kowareta: “What the hell?”

The copy flash-stepped in front of Kowareta and began to attack. Kowareta blocked the attacks with difficulty only to realize that he had lost sight of Bluebell. Kowareta swore under his breath and knocked the copy back a few feet. He looked up to see her directly above him with her scepter pointed straight at him.

Bluebell: “Glance!”

A large blast of energy flew out and directly at Kowareta who didn’t have time to react. The blast hit Kowareta directly. When the smoke cleared Kowareta was still standing, but barely. Kowareta grinned.

Kowareta: “Soul Beam!”

Bluebell’s eyes widened as she looked to her left to see Kowareta’s demon about to fire another blast, except this blast was somehow about 10X stronger.

Bluebell: “Dammit! Glance!”

Bluebell swung her scepter to face the demon and fired a blast at the same time. The attacks collided and Bluebell’s attack overpowered Kowareta’s with difficulty. Kowareta fainted as Bluebell landed with that familiar smug look on her face.

Bluebell: “Well he may not be as incapable as I had thought…”

Isaac and Makoto smiled at that and Lushi gave a little sigh of relief.

Lushi: “Maybe a week will be enough time?”

[Meanwhile]


Isamu: “Where have you been?”

Isamu was talking to Toku who had wandered into their camp a little while back and was currently treating Bukimi’s wounds.

Toku: “I had some business to take care of.”

Renee: Well that’s a vague answer…”

Mishiranu: “Well, now that everyone is back at 100%, we can get back to training. Now you all heard a voice while training right?” Both Bukimi and Renee nodded. “All right then, now Bukimi will fight me and Renee will fight Isamu.”

With that She and Isamu released their manifestations while Bukimi and Renee both released their Bankai’s.

{Continue music}
Bukimi used her Sunaarashi ability to surround the place in sand again. Mishiranu calmly waited for her to finish before beginning her assault. She charged straight in and slashed at Bukimi with her trident. Bukimi turned to sand before the attack could land and waited for an opportunity.

Mishiranu: “Hmm…now what would be the best way to go about getting to her?”

Bukimi resurfaced about 10 feet from Mishiranu and grinned. “Sandotsuisuta!”
Bukimi began to spin around in circles. As she span, more and more sand appeared and the sand began to take the form of a tornado with Bukimi in the center. Mishiranu grunted as she felt a strong tugging. The twister was strong and it was only getting stronger as Bukimi span and Mishiranu was dragged closer. Mishiranu grinned and pointed her trident at the twister. She immediately span the trident in the opposite direction of the twister and fired her Basusotaji. A large blast of blue energy blasted out of each of the tridents edges and hit the twister directly. Because the blasts were spinning in the opposite direction as the twister, they canceled each other out and Bukimi was left defenseless. Before she could retaliate, Mishiranu swung her trident like a bat and hit Bukimi right in the gut. Bukimi was sent flying, crashing into several trees before finally landing hard in the grass.

Bukimi lied there for awhile before she heard the same voice that she heard before.

???: “Come on now! Get your lazy ass up and fight already! I know you aren’t this weak!”

Bukimi: (Who are you?)

???: “For now…let’s just say I’m not someone who likes to lose. Now get up and attack! Unless you like lying on the ground with the crap beaten out of you?”

Bukimi growled. “…whatever…”

With that she struggled to her feet and stared at Mishiranu who was busy getting sand off of her uniform. She looked over at Bukimi and smiled.

Mishiranu: “So what’s it gonna be? Ya give up yet?”

Bukimi raised her sword that had long since reverted back to it’s sealed state and pointed it at Mishiranu. “Not a chance! Now get ready, because now I’m mad!!” She charged at Mishiranu. Mishiranu’s smile faded as she felt Bukimi’s reiatsu climbing with every second. Mishiranu let her manifestation fade until she was in her Bankai, she would need her sword if she was gonna do this.

Bukimi flash-stepped behind Mishiranu and slashed at her only to have it blocked by Mishiranu who then retaliated with both a slash of her own and a Sokatsui. Bukimi barely dodged both before being kicked away by Mishiranu. Bukimi leapt up and fired a Sokatsui of her own. Mishiranu once again swung her weapon like a bat and sent it straight back at Bukimi.

Bukimi: (Damn it! She’s not in her manifestation anymore, but she’s just as strong!)

Bukimi charged at Mishiranu. Her best bet would be to hit her quickly with all her strength. Bukimi swung her sword at Mishiranu from the side only to have her disappear the instant it struck. Mishiranu appeared behind Bukimi with her sword pressed against her neck.

Mishiranu: “Good work! You almost achieved a full manifestation. Releasing the power of a manifestation through emotion is a big step towards mastering it. I think it’s time for a break, though.”

END!
-----------------------------------------­---­---­---­---­---­---­---­---­---­---­---­---­---­---­---­---­---­---­---­
How was that? There was no description for Kowareta's abilities so I kinda winged it XD
This song kinda sounds like it fits...

This post was very good in my opinion, nice one wantadog. xD
I hope in the future I can write this good.

Thanks! and idk what you're talking about? Your posts are awesome!

[An Artist's Mistake Cannot Be Erased]

“I guess there are surprises everywhere you look.” Bluebell chuckled as she poked Kowareta’s cheek with the butt of her scepter. He barely stirred in response. “I accidently took him seriously at the end and overdid it.”

“You went straight from sealed state to manifestation…” Isaac muttered disapprovingly. “You were clearly being reckless.”

“Instead of watching me, why don’t you continue with your own part, hmm?” Bluebell waved him off impatiently. Isaac simply sighed as he turned to face Makoto, who poised himself for battle quickly.

[Play Music]

“Split open the head of Pallas, Labrys.” Isaac said with a wry tone. His awkward looking nodachi morphed into a bronze double headed axe with a hideous face etched into the flat side. Makoto winced at the sight of it, his entire body becoming numb. What on earth was that thing, he wondered? It was like seeing an ominous portrait in a dark mansion hallway where the eyes followed you, only this was many times worse in appearance, as if its eyes tickled your soul, in an unpleasant way.

Isaac regarded Makoto’s reaction briefly before gripping his axe’s handle with two hands. His headband shimmered briefly, the owl printed on the front changing position (from a perched position with its wings tucked in to a midflight position with its wings out and claws bared) and he pulled his axe apart in two with a fluid movement. He wielded two small axes, one in each hand, both clearly different from the other. The axe in his left hand had a snake shaped handle with an open mouth and the Greek spelling for ‘snake’ across both sides of the blades. The axe in Isaac’s right hand had a blade resembling a spider with its forelegs and hind legs out, forming two crescent shapes curving toward each other on both ends. The Greek spelling for ‘spider’ was on both sides of the blades.

“Spread your wings, Sukai no hogo-sha!” Makota said quickly as Isaac shifted his position into a crouch and charged forward without shunpo. The advance was quick; Makota barely managed to block Isaac’s forceful slash from the right, protecting his neck from instant decapitation. Makota was slightly stunned by the merciless aim. Isaac wasn’t one to waste time.

Makoto ducked underneath the swing and swung quickly at Isaac, intending to hit his neck in return. Her attempts were thwarted easily by Isaac’s expert axe handling, deflecting each strike without losing any ground, eyes focused ahead. Makoto was thrown back roughly as Isaac suddenly caught one of the strikes between his axe blade and hilt and jerked it to the side, throwing Makoto off balance.

Makoto grimaced as he hopped back up to his feet. He got the message alright, he though grimly as he hopped quickly away as Isaac advanced on him again. Isaac had intentionally displayed that Makoto’s speed wouldn’t be enough in shikai, and Hogo-sha no tsubasa wouldn’t be of use against his melee style attacks.

“Bankai.” Makoto said as Isaac ceased advancing, waiting for him to make a move. “Sukai no mushi hogo-sha!”

Solid falcon wings sprouted from Makoto’s back as his short ankh sword changed from silver to gold in color, similar to the color of Isaac’s axes.

“Saikō Shunpo.” Makoto murmured as he hopped back in the air, vanishing from sight. He reappeared behind Isaac, slashing out with his ankh. Isaac swung around and deflected the strike, his other axe making a wide arc above to strike down on Makoto. Makoto quickly defended with his wings and was surprised as he crashed into the floor under the weight of the attack. Isaac’s strikes early hadn’t been this strong! Had he been holding back this much?!

Makoto vanished from under Isaac’s attack, reappeared several feet back. He held his zanpakutou out in midair and crouched, the top of his head toward Isaac.

“Sonikku rasen!” Makoto said as he began spinning quickly in his horizontal position, his zanpakutou emitting sky blue reiatsu that surrounded Makoto and began spinning with him, forming a horizontal twister. He launched forward with a sudden burst, flying straight at Isaac, who wasn’t able to react in time to dodge. Isaac swung both his axe’s forward, trying to stop the forward momentum by digging his heels into the ground. He went skidding back from the force before being launched into the air, unable to hold his ground. Makoto swerved as quickly as he could to pursue, shooting straight toward the suspended Isaac, who was upside with his feet toward the sky and head toward the ground below. As he was spinning, Makoto noticed Isaac’s face scrunched up in concentration, probably preparing for some sort of attack. Isaac hadn’t used any special attacks aside from brute force, which Makoto found strange. Makoto urged himself to move faster as six foot turbulences surrounded his body. He didn’t plan on giving Isaac the chance to recover and attack.

The freedom of a blue sky…it’s regretful that one must always leave this bliss to return to the unchanging ground…

Huh? Makoto blinked in surprise as a voice echoed in the back of his head. It had been giddy and joyful, while melancholic and sad at the same time. Who had been speaking to him?

Makoto was so busy trying to figure out where the voice had come from that he didn’t notice the large metal wall that appeared in his path. Not that he could have evaded anyways at the speed he was going.

The collision was terrible. Makoto’s entire body went rigid in agony as his head smashed right into the flat object, stopping all his momentum abruptly, and the winds unable to even scratch its surface. He felt his consciousness slip as he descended to the ground, falling like a rag doll, completely forgetting about his wings. He may not have had the energy to recover anyways.

……

“Makoto, wake up!” Lǜshī urged as she shook Makoto’s limp body. She had managed to catch him before he collided with the ground, and even heal his head wound and wash the blood off. But Makoto had remained unconscious. Bluebell still hadn’t recovered from her hysterics, fits of laughter bubbling up over and over again as she tried to calm down. Isaac was still trying to apologize, though Makoto couldn’t hear him.

“I meant for it to be something softer, to block his momentum…” He muttered to himself scathingly over and over again. “I didn’t want to have him run headlong into a steel wall!”

That wall was still lying in the ground a few yards from them. It was so heavy that it sunk into the ground with its descent to the earth, remaining upright. When Kowareta had asked why Isaac didn’t get rid of it, Isaac responded; “I can only turn imagination to reality, like an artist. I create. I cannot simply will for what I create to cease to exist. I can hardly control what my intentions manifest as…”

Lǜshī was relieved to see Makoto begin to come to, eyes opening slowly.

“Are you alright?” She asked as Makoto sat up. He grinned.

“I think I heard it.” He said. “My god.”

[Futile Mission! An Ice God Relinquishes]

They appeared rather abruptly, the skies turning a slight grey colour; several fluffy clouds creep past, drifting idly in the wind. The God's Realm is feeling intense, a sense of glee resounding amongst the louder bunch. Shishira beckons to him, frosting slightly, her reiatsu pulsating slowly and surely. Her idea was to break Raijin out, whatever prison he was in. Gaishima steels himself, the weary mission weighing upon him. Her reiatsu freezes distinctly, burning brightly.

-Shishira! I need to get stronger...-

['Gaishima, believe in me... I will focus your fighting power!']

(Suddenly a silence echoes among the two, Zanpakuto and wielder focusing momentarily. Begin your vemous onslaught of winter, Shishira!') Gaishima leapt at the foe, falling behind miserably; the typical 'frosted flakes of diamond ice' only barely scratched the other's tough skin. The woman laughed hysterically, cackling and wailing among the obvious din of the hail, which had recently begun to fall. His Zanpakuto gleamed with reiatsu, an obvious aura forming wildly and pulsating, freezing the air and seizing the other's courage, flares the bulk of the white-silhouetted spirit energy. White-blue and black struggle awhile, creating general shift in the atmosphere. Gaishima released in a flurry of spirit threads. His whitish-blue reiatsu shot upwards, bursting into the immediate layer of Earth layer. )

'Bankai!'

(Gaishima and Shishira fused perfectly, their reiatsus combining nicely and the surroundings freezing with shiny, flake-shaped crystals congregating upon the limbs of the victim. An outline of icy-blue, cold aura, which sweeps in gusts; the Zanpakuto ploughs through the air, whistling and resounding, a crusty layer of pack-ice now present. The Goddess laughed, swiping at Shishira and cutting out a clawful of ice and ichor. Shishira screamed and glowed, shining in the starlight, her outer layer extending and surging into the Goddess. Izanami, without a doubt, seized back, her darkness aura dissipating. Shishira erupted, the icy-cold resonance flaring and glowing like a beacon, a blizzard south of the charted course and pushing towards the barrier. Izanami explodes, her body erupting with heat and Darkness energy, and the form abruptly phases into the bat-winged gargoyle character. Another ring of energy appears around the Goddess and Shishira recoils, her aura switching between black and white. Gaishima staggers, his reiatsu depleting quickly and his stamina, against the Gods, wavering and slowly. Darkness energy fashions itself out a rift in the dimension, her ever-lengthy claws already rushing forward and ripping through the outer layer of his skin. Gaishima stumbled, his body numb and painful, all of his thoughts on giving up; but still, Gaishima resisted the temptation and leapt forwards, lashing at Izanami's darkened claws.)

'You evidently don't realise, nor comprehend, the consequences of fighting ME, God of Winter! Why do you seek to destroy and slander our name, you filthy Unradical. There is no reason why you cannot sympathize with us; it is because you somehow feel as though you are better than us and like to further belittle us by appearing honourable...' Izanami smashed a portion of Shishira's ice, the general edge crumbling.

'I guess you don't feel the way we do, about this war. But, we had intention of letting it get like this! I am not even a Shinigami... I am a rogue, one serves the Soul Society willingly, at times. You don't understand, because you have a different way of thinking to us.'

Izanami sneered. 'You won't convince me, Shinigami! I have no intention of falling for your moronic tricks; I was fashioned, by the Great Creators, to excel in combat and battle tactics. I am a God of the Realm, I have the authority AND power to send you packing. You don't really think you stand chance, do you?'

Shishira faded into Gaishima. 'It is you who doesn't understand, your way of life is a blasphemy, to the Great Creators and who Fashion themselves onto the Great Realms. I have consistently dedicated my life to trying to save these plains... I arose wanting nothing, but to try and achieve ultimate peace; that cannot happen now, every God has a different opinion, or outlook on the way that things should proceed, from this point on. I'll show you our true power, the Armour of Frost and Hardness, that which bears the strain of God Vs. God... That which repels almost anything, the Reflective Shield.' Shishira flared and gained a hardened shell, one that seemed to be strong enough to resist the very bowels, of Earth, twisting and turning.'

Izanami responded by slashing through the initial layer of the ice and reiatsu, then ripping pieces of it out and scattering it, as dust, among the already-congregated snow and ice on the ground and other surroundings. Shishira grew more back and pounded on Izanami, rendering her immobile and momentarily stunned. Shishira's counter-part, the all-metal Zanpakuto, flashed and curled, as a chain, down Gaishima's arm, who seemed somewhat unfazed and allowed the iced-up chain to clutch at his wrists, barely evening noticing the sub-average temperatures. The two clashed blades, their reiatsu each rising rapidly and crashing into the others'. The Armour formed solidly, freezing, then expanding to his form; then the wings flapped and flailed, sweeping Gaishima back slightly. Gaishima steadied himself, then tried to parry the next blow, which grazed and drew some of his blood and upsetting his balance slightly.

-Meanwhile, Raijin Depressed!-

-I can't stand this anymore! This cage is average and annoying, the ideals 'He' has are certainly troubling indeed. I really don't want to get mixed up in this. I wonder, if I had chosen another option, would it have had the same effect, as the original option.'

'I think my Bankai will have to do, plus I will borrow Ajisukita's power show these Gods just how powerful I am... I think this extra power should show them what I can do!'

-Lets go-

-Gaishima Splutters, His Resolve Fading-[Gaishima and Shishira Vs Izanami]

(The two relaxed for a moment, their energy subsiding slightly; the grey-black clouds still projecting an atmosphere and the wind casually picking up. Shishira looks slightly worse off than she is, though the Manifestation Form is extremely powerful. Izanami is just surviving against my attacks, her attentiveness paying off and giving her a slight advantage. Gaishima and Shishira, joined by their ice structures, resist most of the ice that scattered and dispersed; Izanami laughs haughtily.

'I told you, you do not comprehend! Cease this foolishness... Our difference in power and superiority is blatantly apparent. I wonder at the foolishness of Shinigami at times. Are you guys constantly asleep?'

(Izanami pierces his stomach, gaining a splutter and coughing fit from Gaishima and Shishira. Both cough blood, ribbons dotting on the ground. Gaishima falls to his knees, his energy completely spent. He pants slowly, much more out-of-breath than usual. Izanami watches him cunningly, observing for subtle changes in his behaviour. Gaishima looks up, straining to stay sitting up. Shishira lifts him up and fastens him to her back, chaining with an external chain. Shishira glances back. 'I won't give up... I just can't!'

Izanami snorts. 'No matter how you resolve it, you will always lose to me, you scum. My ideals are much illicit than yours. You seek to act with a cavalier attitude, one that made people ashamed of talking to you. One might even think your quest to 'save Raijin', is out of the question. A-kone, our principle plan-maker, has been thinking of a particular use for the weak Shinigami fool. There is absolutely no need to spare his life.'

'You are a cruel bitch! I'll kill you, if I get the chance, just you wait and see!!!' Gaishima, and Shishira, screamed righteously, furious at the antagonising character. The two made another swift attack and were completely blocked by the God's automatic parry. Shishira and grabbed Gaishima, together they disappeared, phasing in to the clouds. Izanami made as if to follow them, but decided against it, her ideals against de-motivating her from even bothering to chase after the two runaway Unradicals. Suddenly, Odin appeared. 'What was she doing here again?'

Izanami faced Odin. 'What are you doing here, Old-timer... Shouldn't you be back home in bed?' Izanami kept her bat-wings active.

'Old-timer? You need to have the proper respect for your Elder Gods... I will put you in your place, if you don't choose to do that.'

(Anubis and Ares graced with their presences. Their ultimate power evident in front of the eyes, of the physical attributes that marked them different from any other being, created either in the God's Realm, Hueco Mundo, the World of the Living and the Soul Society. The ones who could outstretch any God, or other being, in terms of brute strength and Zanjutsu-like ability.)

'We should check the prisoner!' A-kone spoke importantly, betraying his emotion about, the most paramount feelings available to him. A-kone had been quite annoyed about how little progress they'd already made.

'Yeah...' Odin replied nonchalantly, and not very emotionally, his voice and face displaying little, or no, emotions and such.

Take appeared. ' What are we going to do about those who plan to oppose us? Can we destroy them, and leave their bodies behind, bleaching in the early winter sun.'

The others swayed absent-mindedly, hardly noticing the distinction between the Lightning God and the Thunder God. Their thoughts were on more important events, the other powers that existed in the world; the world, that place where dreams become reality.

['Shishira! Now what? We have tried twice, and still can't rescue Raijin. I think I am out of plans.']

-Curse this goddamn Goddess! I can't seem to shake her, she is simply too powerful. Maybe, I should release my full power temporarily-

-To Be Continued-

???: Why do you persist in fighting against the current?

Renee was breathing heavily, leaning on her mace for support as she crouched on the ground. Scars dotted the landscape from the black blades of water her opponent launched. Her own body had been cut in multiple places, despite her speed, and she had been enclosed in orbs of black water twice already. The only reason she was still able to function was because she had raised the friction around her at the last moment, giving her a few brief seconds of air before her lungs filled with that tainted water. She was getting tired and running low on reishi to boot. And she hadn’t learned a damn thing! Still, she tried to keep her composure, not letting Isamu see her cracking at the seams.

Isamu: This is becoming pointless, Renee. You’re obviously outmatched, and there’s no sign of assistance from the god who bestowed his or her powers on you. Maybe we should just call it a day an-

Renee: No! We cannot delay this, Isamu, no matter how much either of us might want to do so.

She staggered to her feet, raising her mace in an unsteady arm. She wished that she felt as determined as the words she spoke, but it wasn’t enough to merely want to continue. Before long, she wouldn’t even be able to move.

Isamu: Your deity isn’t going to reveal him or herself if you bring yourself to the point of exhaustion. We’d do better starting anew tomorrow.

Renee: I know enough about training to understand my limitations, Isamu. I won’t stop here.

Isamu sighed. Renee knew she wasn’t doing a very good job of hiding her weariness; Isamu was fully aware of how tired she was. All she knew was that it wasn’t enough. This was just like those days when she was working to achieve her bankai, and she would be damned if she couldn’t keep up with the other pseudoshinigami.

???: You cannot force the river to flow faster.

Renee ignored the voice. How could her deity understand the trials that came with obtaining power? One could not simply sit by and accept it – she had to fight for it, with every inch of her being.

Renee: Bakudo #39: Enkōsen!

A shield of yellow light formed in front of her mace, and with the proper application of friction to its surface, he bent it into a cone shape in front of her and charged.

Black slashes of water met her charge. The cone-shaped form allowed her to block these despite their level, turning them into glancing blows rather than taking the full force head on. Isamu was obviously surprised, but easily managed to dodge around her mace strike. He took advantage of the opportunity, slashing downward with his blade, and Renee saw her chance. She slammed her right leg into his fist, forcing the blade backward. She created high friction space in front of her mace, swinging and pushing him off of his feet on to her right. The sudden lack of control pushed him to release another four black dragons from her blade, but Renee took advantage of the fact that they weren’t pointed directly at her, using a flash step to get out in front of Isamu and on the other side of their release. He seemed prepared for her strike.

Renee: Hado #90: Kurohitsugi.

She formed a black box around them both by reducing the friction in the space around them. It looked purpler than black, and the spread of energy lances on the outside would make it harder to hit Isamu. He seemed confused in general by the fact that she’d placed herself inside along with him. He wouldn’t be confused for long.

Renee: Hado #92: Kanpeki Danku

An extremely compact box formed around her of Danku, and all Isamu could do was widen his eyes. It was too late to do anything else.

All of the spears contracted inward. Isamu dodged the majority, but many of those he dodged reflected off of her Bakudo. Spears were suddenly everywhere, slamming into him from head to toe. It shattered in a spray of blood and violet energy.

Renee was exhausted. She didn’t have the strength to rise, let alone fight anymore.

Isamu: That really was impressive. It’s a small wonder they made you a captain.

She looked on incredulously as he stepped out of the haze of energy that followed. There were over a dozen pierced sites in his armor, blood leaking from a number of wounds, but none of them were deep. A direct hit, with everything she had, and this was all she could achieve?

Isamu: Maybe now you’ll be willing to take a break. I know I want to.

The black armor stripped off of him, and beneath it Isamu looked haggard. That state couldn’t just be a result of the few bruises and piercing wounds she’d inflicted. Apparently, even someone who had mastered their god powers would apparently be worn down by using them for so long. He hobbled away while Renee merely collapsed on the ground, trying to find sleep in her deep exhaustion…

…Only to find herself in a different world. It wasn’t a strange one, she’d been here many times. The landscape was a tremendous field of grass and flowers, stretching as far as the eye could see. Rolling hills stretched out in all directions, leaving a picturesque scene punctuated by a few major details. Five massive towers of earth, curved to a point that they appeared to stand under sheer willpower alone, were spread out across it, each of different length and covered in the same flora as the rest of the landscape. It was eerie to take them all in together, since they looked suspiciously like a massive hand trying to reach through the earth.

And then there was the canyon.

While it was only about 20 meters wide, it stretched the whole length of the place, whereas the hand was only in evidence at the center. A wide river dominated the bottom, and red rock ribbed the inside where it had cut downward. And in the exact middle of it all stood a gleaming, golden object that towered high enough to be seen over the walls of the canyon.

Renee ran towards it. She had no idea why she had been brought here, but simply being here revitalized her to some extent. And Kaihou wouldn’t want to wait long. Her spirit was impatient with her on a regular basis.

When she arrived, she was already breathing heavily. Kaihou was a gigantic monolith, inscribed with a tremendous number of strange symbols from top to bottom. He was planted directly in the middle of the river, partially obstructing its flow. Despite having no expression to read, she could tell he was disappointed with her.

Kaihou: Disgraceful.

The voice came from everywhere and nowhere, and it was the only reason she referred to him as male. It was resonant and deep, a grating voice.

Kaihou: To lose to a squad member so much lower rank than you is unforgivable! I gave you power, enough to become a captain, and now you don’t even have THAT to show for all our work. How can you even think to call yourself a shinigami?

Renee: I have been told that I am no longer a shinigami.

Kaihou sniffed: And you believe such tripe? You are what you have always been, whatever they might say.

Renee: Yes, I knew that to be true, once. The gods that arrived in Soul Society have forced me to reexamine that viewpoint, as have these new manifest-

Kaihou: Reexamine?! As though you could seek to understand yourself any better now than you have a million times before. You have your limitations against these strange creatures, but you can fight against them as capably as ever. You just refuse to fight against them as hard as you could.

Renee: And what of the ability I used that day against the Espada Pantos?

Kaihou visibly shivered. That was new.

Kaihou: Nothing but an aberration.

Renee: And what Isamu said about my bankai not being my actual bankai?

Kaihou: Don’t be absurd! Of course it’s yo-

Renee: Don’t lie to me! Neither you nor I can deny the truth of the world around us. You know me better than anyone, tell me what I am!

???: He cannot.

The words came as a whisper from a husky, female voice. The sound emanated from somewhere nearby, but Renee couldn’t determine its source. No one was around.

Kaihou’s shivering became violent: I will not have you spoil what it has taken decades for us to create!

Renee: Who are you talking to? What the hell is going on?

???: It is not for me to spoil. It is what has always been. You have stood in the way for far too long, Kaihou.

Kaihou: I have given her everything! You cannot underst-

???: Oh, but I do. The world is full of people trying to fight their destinies.

It was only then that Renee understood where the voice was coming from. It wasn’t from any single person or object in the area. It was from the river that flowed around her feet.

Renee: What… what are you?

In an instant, the world around her shattered. The landscape, seemed to come apart at the seams, mingling with the molecules of air in a chaotic torrent. The only things that remained were Kaihou, the river around and beneath her feet, and the hand.

He suspicions had been correct, only the dimensions had been wrong. What she had been seeing were only the tips of the fingers. The hand was gigantic, so large that even the Seireitei could have easily fit in its palm. The hand was made entirely of water.

???: I have tried entering your world for many decades, Renee, but you and your spirit blocked me out. You refused to allow me in.

The river around her feet began to rise in front of her, coalescing into the form of a woman. She appeared to be in her fifties. She was all water, and wore a robe that stretched out into the water beneath her, as though she cloaked herself in the river as a whole. Her appearance was entirely solid – Renee could make out every fold in her clothing, every line marking her venerable face.

???: I am Anuket, and it is past time you shed that resistance.

[A Temporary Solution]

Shishira stood once more, her power flaring completely and rising, like the tides of the ocean, against the Gods that were cluttered in the hall. It swept over them, taking each and every one of them by surprise, particularly Izanami, who obviously hadn't expected her former opponent to have so much strength left. The Gods were sent through the wall of the structure, smashing a huge hole and leaving the lot of them trapped in ice. They struggled, but Shishira's ice was simply too powerful currently; in this state, her ice may as well have been as hard as diamonds, which slowly, but surely melted.

-I don't have much time!-

Shishira grabbed Gaishima, flung him over her back and crashed through the wall, feeling Raijin's reiatsu rise gradually. The wall crumbled and a stunned Raijin glanced at her, wondering where she had come from.

'You! Take me with you!' Raijin screamed at her, his voice hoarse and his strength half-sapped.

Shishira nodded. 'Get on my back, and make sure you hold Gaishima up, otherwise he'll fall and probably break his neck...'

Raijin sighed. 'Yeah, okay... Why did you come back for me?'

'Because... That's what friends do.'

Shishira lunged back through the broken wall, noted that the Gods were still trapped between the ice and the wall, then flared her reiatsu and was about to use God-step, when Raijin suddenly used his Bankai.

'Bankai!'

His Bankai appeared, and his grey reiatsu flared, feeling sluggish, compared to the power he had once been able to wield. 'Hageshii Raikouarashi...'

Raijin stood on Shishira's back, and began to charge a beam of energy. Slowly it began to spark, turning into a round ball, larger than the Cero of an Arrancar. Raijin waited for a little longer, then he fired it straight at the Gods, destroying everything around them.

'What are you doing??!!!' Shishira snarled at him, then used her God-step, leaving the God's Realm behind and phasing in between dimensions.

They stopped, once they reached the entrance. 'Why did you do that, back there? I had them frozen, so that they wouldn't chase after us...'

Raijin glanced at her nonchalantly. 'They were about to break out, anyway. I could feel their power pulsating.'

'Hmmphh...'

They entered, the phase between two dimensions, abruptly passing through and landing in Hueco Mundo. 'Aizen won't bother us this far away from Las Noches and the Gods probably won't find us here, especially given that I can mask my reiatsu, when I have to.'

'Don't let your guard down, Raijin.'

I'm bored and can't seem to move myself away from the computer (or namely Fanpop, for that matter), so I'm going to write a bit of a skit, which I haven't done in a while.

Bp: First, I have to say goodbye to Frost, who has decided to leave the forum. That's cool with me, and I'll miss his writing, but not his hatred for Easter.

Frost: I don't hate Easter. I was just messin' with ya. Anyway, see ya.

(Frost exits, Exorcist and Bluebell enter)

Bp: Ah, Exorcist, there you are... Well, I've been having some thoughts about the RP and was thinking that maybe we could- blah, blah, blah, blah, blah...

Exorcist, looking confused: Er, what?

Bluebell: Wow, does this guy ever stop talking?

Exorcist: I don't know. He hasn't noticed that we aren't listening yet.

(Whiteflame enters, looking jolly)

Whiteflame: Hey, guys, good news... I just introduced Cadence to the forum and I was hoping that you guys could, you know, help her out if she needs it. Her memory isn't the best; actually, her memory is worse than a goldfish's.

Bp: Huh? I didn't hear you come in.

(Whiteflame shoots him a questioning look)

Whiteflame: Its no wonder, you were busy yap-yap-yapping, while no-one was obviously listening.

Exorcist: Well, I tried to, but I got lost listening to his blather.

Bluebell: He may have 'yapping' problems, but that's no way to speak to your fellow writer. Apologise, for being rude.

Exorcist: Nah, I wasn't being rude, jus' sayin'

(Bluebell draws her Zanpakuto, then starts walking closer to Exorcist.)

Exorcist: Hey, no fair.

Bluebell: Your way of speaking annoys me. Now I feel like cutting you up.

(Exorcist starts running, leaving the room yelling loudly, just as Wantadog enters)

Wantadog: Huh, what's her problem?

Whiteflame: No idea. Must be something he said. (Points at Bp, then motions after Exorcist)

Bp: Hey, don't point the finger at me. I was just trying to explain some complex details to them and they chose not to listen, not my problem.

Wantadog: Am I missing something here?

(Suddenly, a large reiatsu enters the room and Raijin strides in, looking entirely pissed off)

Raijin: That's not your problem anymore, now I am. How long were you planning to let me rot in that cell for, huh?

Bp, looking nervous: Hey, I did send Shishira to rescue you. Its not my fault she failed the first time.

Raijin: Maybe you should have made her stronger then. I blame your sub-standard writing for this, you bastard! Either way, I'm gonna leave nookie marks on your head and bruises everywhere else.

Bp: Oh, crap. See ya!!!

(Bp sprints off, summons his newly found Zanpakuto and shunpos away, with Raijin hot on his trail)

Wantadog: Is it always like this here?

Whiteflame: Yeah, pretty much. Exorcist is new to it, but seems to have the same problem Bp does, an unusual relationship with his characters. Oh well, at least no-one is after me.

(Acelin appears, looking furious that he had been avoided since the last time they met)

Ethereal Acelin: Finally! I found you! Now you're gonna pay!

(Whiteflame screams and runs swiftly away from the room, exiting quickly)

Wantadog, to himself: I'm bored now.