A Change of Tide [Puck, and possibly Insaney and Wolfen too]

OoC: If Insaney and Wolfen wish to join this once their characters are ready, they may jump in at any time. Also, this is an unusual post for me, since most of it is in First-person. But, I think it adds to the drama and unfolds almost like a poem. =P

BiC:
A warm summer’s night blanketed the city below, crisp licks of sea breeze blowing through the many tight roads and buildings. Few clouds obscured the view of the black velvet sky, the half moon being the only thing visible due to the light pollution. Only a rare few people dwelling in the city had the chance to see the multitude of heavenly light, even now dimmed in most parts of the world.

Soon came the tolling of bells from off in the distance. When they chimed, I knew the witching hour had come. From my lofty perch where no one could see, I descended to the glittering mass below. Like a huge diamond, it spoke to me, calling me near from the smell of all the tasty souls dwelling within, an offer I could not help but accept.

I landed square on my feet in the tiny park, exactly where I wanted. Sniffing the air furiously, the sent of two souls caught my attention. One was of an ordinary human girl, no older then twenty by the smell of things. But, it was the other that really caught my interest, a soul far older and far more powerful. In fact, he would be perfect for my plans.

Predictably, as soon as the man sensed my presence he began to run toward me blindly, hoping to quickly end the interruption to his date. I smiled at his foolishness, leaving his love unguarded like that. In a flash I appeared besides her, looking down on her fondly. I must admit, the death god had good taste. Yes, his lover proved most satisfying to devour as he ran in blind circles, hoping to catch me.

I let my wandering energy fall away to reveal my true location, by now pecking away at the corpse just to horrify him some more. A smile passed my lips as I saw him coming, blood running down my firm cheeks and onto the face of his dead girlfriend. He cursed and called me rude names. Now really, I only did what came natural to me, no need to be so vulgar little pawn, I thought as he came into true form and drew his soul slayer.

He charged, yelling a fierce battle cry into the dark of the night.

His attacks were weak, at best, and his swordsmanship was unsteady with lots of openings. Still, he looked respectable and well liked in the land of my enemies, so I decided to use him to my advantage. I faked injury and even let him sever some of my limbs; after all they would grow back. Falling to the ground in a bloody heap, he seemed confident that victory was his. If only he knew just how opposite it really was.

I could not help but laugh as he stepped forward to impale the final blow. “What’s so funny, Hollow scum?” He asked.

“Oh nothing,” I replied. “It’s just that all your effort is for naught, for you see I win this round.” I looked him deep in the eyes, my red hypnotic irises winning out to his cold Grey. As soon as my limbs regenerated I stood to full height, and stabbed him in the chest. At last, my plan would come into fruition. Now under my complete control, I knelt down to him. “Now, here’s what I want you to do…”

*/\/\/\*/\/\/\*/\/\/\*

Meanwhile, on the other side of town, a man sat on the bench of another park. He looked fondly onto the moon’s reflection on the river, thinking of better times. “Damn limit,” he cursed. “Tomorrow, I’m going to be the only third seat in all the history of Soul Society to have a stupid limiter. I’m not even a Captain, or a Vice Captain… stupid bureaucrats.”

Suddenly, his cell phone started to ring. Picking it up, the Shinigami saw that a powerful, Arrancar class Hollow stalked the other side of town. Sighing to himself, he got up and ran toward the source.

Six months, that is a long time to go without seeing someone that you previously saw everyday for the past hundreds of years. I could hardly believe that on that night it has been six months since I saw her. I had been patrolling an area on the outskirts of Tokyo, as an unusually powerful hollow's reitsu appeared, no other high ranking Shinigami was in the area so I was forced to take the mission by myself. That is when I saw her.

It had been three months since I saw here, since I sent her on that mission against that stupid Kid, three months since she disappeared. Then all of the sudden there she was, standing in all her glory shilouted by the moon light behind her, in the middle of that narrow mountain path. I rushed to her, and went to hug her, but as I clsoed my feet slowed, he face, her body, was covered in cuts, and she was bleeding badly.

"You shouldn't have come," She said softly.

"I...knew it was you," I replied softly, "You are my sister, I had to make sure you where okay, and it looks like it was a good thing I did." I reached out to touch her wounds, to heal them, but, as my hand got close she slapped it away, and turned towards the full moon away from my eyes.

"Don't..." She said harshly, "I don't need you to protect me, I...I can do this on my own,"

"What are you talking about?" I was bewildered, my own sister, the girl I had raised since infancy was rejecting me, why.

"I...I need to become stronger, I need...to become the strongest. I can't come back...until that happens. So find yourself another Vice-Captain, I wont be around,"

"Juri..."

"Don't...I know what you are going to say, so don't even bother,"

With a deep sigh I turned away from her, and spoke aloud, "Juri, I understand, but you must understand as well that I will never forgive myself if you get hurt, so don't..."

"I wont,"

"When you get back...there will be a spot waiting for you, at my side," With that I left, I could not bear it any longer. That girl, what had happened to her. She used to be so free, so much in love with everything around her. Now she was cold bitter, and angry, I guess I couldn't blame her, after what had happened, so long ago. I only wished she could get over it...

"CAPTIN!" My eyes shot open, my daydream was over, looking around I remembered where I was, the real world observation room...my domain.

"What is it?" I demanded as i rose my chair and found myself in front of the main monitor.

"A Arrancar level hollow has appeared in Area sixty seven," What was that Shinigami's name, Jim, Jack, whatever it was he was far to worried.

"That is where Kazuya is stationed right? Let him deal with it..."

---]======> <======[---

It was time, yes. Finally. I was ready to return, I had grown those past nine months, under 'their' guidance I became more powerful then I could have ever imagined. I would be the best, I had to be. It was time to show them just how powerful I could be. I would not lose again.

OoC: I'm a little rusty with these guys, so forgive me. =D

Flash Stepping from rooftop to rooftop, tree to tree, and building to building, the man flew like a bat out of hell toward the source of the disturbance. He knew that another shinigami, stationed much closer to the disturbance, could go it alone. However, it would be a suicide mission since he didn’t even hold a lower officer seat. No, this Arrancar’s spirit pressure would overwhelm him, possibly in the first few seconds, and lead to the worst possible scenario… or so he thought.

Just less then a mile away from the scene, the signal of the hollow disappeared, leaving only the shinigami signal. What the hell? Third Seat Kazuya Hayashi thought. A person like that could never take out a hollow of such strength. Something’s amiss.

With that, he arrived at the park, not a soul, or hollow, in sight. With great caution, the man walked around the park, signs of a great battle left every way he looked. Trees splintered into millions of pieces, stone statues naught but rubble, paths completely torn up. Indeed, a great struggle took place here, but where was the survivor?

A moan came from the area directly ahead, prompting the still disguised god of death to run forward towards it. There, kneeling in front of a mangled, and bloody bench, was the equally mangled and bloody shinigami. He approached quietly, out of respect for the dead, remaining half of a beautiful young woman. However, his comrade caught wind of his arrival.

“I… wasn’t… strong enough… to save her,” he weeped into space.

What could he say to comfort him in this dark time? The answer came out almost before he could stop himself. “There… there’s no easy way to say how she still could’ve lived, however, I am certain you did all in your power. If I had arrived sooner, she might still be alive.”

Turning around to see his comforter a mild look of surprise came upon his face. “Hayashi-sama from twelfth? Thank you, sir… but it’s all my fault.”

“Listen,” Kazuya continued. “If you want to blame anyone for her death, blame the hollow who killed her. Speaking of, what happened to it?”

“I don’t know,” he replied. “It must’ve fled from your approach while I was out cold. I don’t remember much of the battle except for the beginning, so it must’ve knocked me out to come in for the kill… thank you for coming though, sir.”

“Not a problem,” the third seat replied. “You might want to go back to Soul Society and get yourself checked out, you’re hurt pretty bad.”

“Thank you, sir. I will.” With that, he summoned a spirit gate, and went through to the other side to seek aid. However, Kazuya still wasn’t alone. Something felt out of place, a presence similar, but not exactly the same as someone he knew.

Deciding to take the cautious path, he slipped a soul candy past his lips, ejecting him from his Gigai. “You know what to do,” he spoke, causing it to run into the bushes. Placing a hand on his Zanpakuto, he stood at the ready in case they wanted to mess with him.

Revenge. It is something can can make even the most stable of people lose all control. It Causes wars, starts genocides, and brings about chaos and death wherever it goes. It is something that even the strongest people succumb to in time, the seemingly instinctive need for humans to get revenge, to strike it even, to take out an eye for an eye. However, and eye for an eye leaves the world blind or so they say. Unfortunately such logic is never heard by those who need it the most.

For this one girl, revenge was about to be achieved. The hand that stole her pride was about to be severed a retribution, and justly so. For her she would stop at nothing for this, though she would hide her goals underneaths masks of "need for power," and "Regaining her respect," the truth was a diamond, crystal clear. The words of her long lost friend sparkled through her brain as the target approached.

"Don't think, just move, think causes doubt, don't doubt yourself juri lee, I never have, and neither should you," Those words rang clear as a bell, over and over. It was time, to bring back her honour.

He grabbed his blade, it was to be expected he wasn't a fool Juri gave him that much, and he waited for her to speak. "it has been a long time,"

Like a bolt of lightening he suddenly changed, he stiffened, and his eyes widened. He had not expected her it seems, it was his mistake. "Juri...Juri lee...Is that really you?" he said turning sharply towards the tree branch she was perched on.

Gracefully dropping from the overhanging limb she landed on one knee, "You're as sharp as ever," Flashing quickly kazuya was just able to block the attack, a Shunpo combined with a high-speed draw was nothing to scoff at, the pressure of the attack caused the unprepared Shinigami to stumble backwards.

"Why are yo..." He started as he finally got his blade fully released from it's holding place, but was cut off sharply.

"Ye Lord! Mask of flesh and bone, all creation, flutter of wings, ye who bears the name of Man! Truth and temperance, Upon this sinless wall of dreams unleash but slightly the wrath of your claws!-Bakudo 33: Blue fire Crash down," The mighty blue flame exploded at the ground where kazuya was standing, as he quickly back-flipped out of the way trying to regain his composer from the surprise attack.

"Bakudo 61: Six Rod prison of light," That would slow her down he must have been thinking as the rods slammed into her. Now it was time for answers.

Edit: I am posting this again because for some reason it didn't acknowladge my post on the CrossRoads page -_-'

Cautiously, he approached the vice-captain, but as he did, he felt something out of place. Yes, she did take him aback from her surprise attack, but he knew her well enough to know that it was one of her more common battle tactics, as well as a more berserker approach to swordplay. No, it had nothing to do with her fighting style. He couldn’t place his finger on it, but something seemed different about that confidant smile etched on her face.

“What’s all this then?” Kazuya spoke casually. “You disappear off the face of the earth for nine months, then all of a sudden you return and try to decapitate me. What gives?”

Juri Lee snorted at this and looked upon him as though she were disappointed. “Isn’t it obvious, you idiot? I’m here to regain my honour, respect, and to show my power to Soul Society by killing you. Right here, right now.”

Lies. All lies. The shinigami didn’t need a heightened sense of smell to tell that much from a woman he had know for the past few hundred years. Nothing more then sweet, simple revenge would have her hide away for months, possibly training, then come out of nowhere to kick some serious tail. Indeed, it was his time to become disappointed.

“Juri, Juri, Juri,” he said in a sigh. “You should know by now I’m smarter then I look.”

“Oh really?” She cut in. “I hadn’t noticed.”

“Let’s just cut to the chase then. If you so badly wish to regain you “honour” and “respect”, then have at thee.” Yes, fighting her could prove dangerous, especially if she learned a new technique for her Bankai, or a new Kido. Still, there would be little recourse since the Bakudo would only last so long.

Of his own free will, he lifted the binding spell off her, and braced for the attack.

It came like a raging whirlwind, the female death god leaping forward at an unprecedented speed. In fact, he only had enough time to block his face from a nasty stab to the eye. In a flash, he appeared right behind her, smiling,

“You know, had you arrived a day later you would have got me on that first attack. Lucky for me I don’t get that seal until tomorrow, thanks, in part, to you.” He would not hold back this time, show her no quarter whatsoever. For the first time in the longest he fought not for defense, or self-defense, but mostly for revenge himself. Revenge for the limit he would soon have, despite not being of the rank where he needs one, revenge for all the times she’d peeved him off, but mostly for the former.

OoC: SOrry for the wait -_-'

IC:

A pale half moon loomed above the city, sitting in a clear sky devoid of clouds to block the view of the thousands of diamond like stars that where littered across the black night sky. The only think blocking the view of these stars where the millions of light bulbs flashing inside buildings across the way, pollution the beauty of nature with unneeded light. It seemed that way often, the natural beauty of the land being overcome by the artificial society.

“Shoot for the Heavens, Uindokami!” In a flash of light the girl’s weapon changed and mutated until it became something completely different then what it was before. Letting go her fingers an arrow shot through the air with a streak of colour behind it.

The boy managed to roll to one side dodging the arrow as it crashed into a tree sending the piece of nature tumbling over with a resounding crash. The boy did not hesitate to strike, charging forward his blade at his side he ducked another arrow lowering his body closer to the ground as he moved.

“Uindo shi-rudo” A pale barrier now separated the boy’s blade from his target, even still he pushed forward hoping to apply some pressure to the Girl with whom he fought. As he pressed closer he thought he heard her mumble something under her breath ,”..slightly the wrath of your claws! Blue fire crash down,” Suddenly the barrier disappeared but before the blade could reach he girl the fireball along with its owner already knocked it back.

“Haien,” One after another the girl seemed to be attacking, not even giving herself enough time to breath never less time for her opponent. The Strategy was simple yet effective, it was a known fact that the loser is always the one who makes the most mistakes so by pressing at her enemy hard she had hoped to force him into making foolish moves and then capitalizing on them. Thus far it seemed to be working.

The wave of purple fire blasted forth, the boy who was still on his back barely had enough time to leap out of the way, his feet touching a bit to loudly on a tree behind his attacker. Without eyes to guide the Girl turned and fired trusting her instincts to do the job of finding her opponent. The missile missed it’s target, cutting through a tree branch and firing into the night sky as the branch fell to the ground, but caused the boy to flinch, jumping loud through the air above the girl.

Once again her fingers let go sending a streak of light upwards through the air, the arrow’s tip just grazing the back of the boy. It wasn’t a direct hit but it did what it was there for, to show the boy that she was different, she was stronger, faster, and smarter. No longer would she be a stepping stone for him, no longer would she suffer the embarrassment of defeat, no longer would she be second best. To those who make their living by the sword, the only thing that matters is being the best, and this girl was no different. She was driven by her will to win, by her will to be the best. It is as simple as that.

“You can’t win kazuya,” She said coldly as he landed on one knee in front of her-Though he quickly picked himself up to both feet-, “This time I will defeat you, I refuse to lose again.”

“Don’t count me out yet, Juri Lee,” Kazuya spoke. “You’ve grown stronger, I’ll give you that. However, you speak as if you know just how strong I am, when, in fact, you have no clue.” He never liked bragging. It made people seem so stupid and shallow to him, but when facing an opponent like Juri, one would have to degrade themselves morally to survive.

“You know, I am actually surprised you haven’t made captain yet,” a rare compliments to give to his long-time rival, but he couldn’t help himself.

All this time, of course, Juri attacked relentlessly, aiming for his head to possibly break his jaw and shut him up. Still, by allowing his spiritual pressure out just a little more, he was able to dodge every strike she threw at him. The strength she acquired since their last battle surprised him. However, this didn’t surprise him as much as the fact she remained in Shikai. They both knew they had Bankai, so why didn’t she use hers and squash him while she had the chance?

Ah well, her mistake.

That one mistake, though, would’ve cost her life if Kazuya really wanted to kill her. Yet, despite all the times she’d snapped a sour comment, or kicked him while he was down, the shinigami couldn’t bring himself to hate her… that much.

“Listen,” He said as he dodged more arrows, punches, and Kido. “We both know we can do it, so why don’t we just use our Bankai?” He wouldn’t allow her to answer, just to show her during their absence he learned how to call it not only from the sealed state of his Zanpakuto, but without specifically giving the command.

He stood on the spot as the vortex of light surrounded him, changing his black robes to pure white and blood red. Not only that, but he felt the need to let loose almost all his spirit pressure, ninety percent, to be specific. A smile crossed his lips trough the torrent as he saw Juri twinge, nearly overcome by the vast and sudden release. However, as the vortex suddenly died, he showed her no quarter, delivering a powerful blast of light to her chest.

Although he did not know its name yet, the attack caused the female shinigami to fly backwards, into the wall on the other side of the park. A massive thud, and the sound of cracked stone met his ears, both target having met their mark. If that didn’t drive her into a blind fury, he had no idea what would.

“I don't need my bankai to finish you, all I need is twenty seconds,” She murmured under her breath from the other side of the part. Though she knew he couldn't here her, somehow she knew that her meaning was not lost as a shroud of darkness started to surround her. In a dim light her sword sealed itself, turning back into it's normal state as she held it in a backhand position. Her hand tensed up as a black mist flowed from it, and onto her face.

20 seconds

“It's time,” It was definitely Juri's voice, but it boomed and echoed in such a way it gave Kaz chills down his spine. He tried to turn to where he heard the voice only to find nothing there.

“Juri, what is going on...”

18 seconds

“Pain,” A quick kick to the back and kaz knew what she meant as he felt himself flying forward from the sheer force of the attack. Such power he had never felt from juri before. As his body screamed like a missile towards a tree suddenly Juri appeared in front of him, only it wasn't her, her body was like juri's but it had the mask of a hollow, glowing red eyes piercing through Kaz's very soul.

14 seconds

As Kaz got closer Juri Spun and dropped to the ground delivering a swinging kick upwards into kaz's chest sending him flying through the air. Before the male was even able to slow down Juri was already above him looking down with those murderous red eyes, “Cero”

8 seconds

Fortunately for kaz he had seen that attack many times before, and was able to use his weapon to block the majority of the impact, but even so he found himself lying in a crater pain rocketing through his body. Before he could even get up he felt the heel of his opponent smash into his back, pushing him further into the dirt.

4 seconds

“It's over Kazuya, give up,”

ooC: I posted...finally...Sorry for the Go-Mody ness...I just felt like hurting something =3

OoC: Sorry if I ended her Visard transformation too soon, Pucky. =P Or, if I got her personality a bit wrong. >_>

BiC:
A small, continuous chuckle managed to radiate out of the dirt and to the Vizard’s ears. He knew she would do anything to be the best, but this?

His chuckle built in volume and speed, slowly turning from pleasant to downright creepy and maniacal.

He must’ve looked completely foolish right now, smiling and laughing as his face pressed into the dirt. Oh, but he wasn’t amused, far from it. No, it was the laugh of a man so angry that screaming and yelling couldn’t cause nearly the terror he wish to instill in her heart.

“Hahahahaha…” His chuckle became full-blown laughter quickly as the irony hit.

She wanted what he hated; she rejected what he embraced, the two were almost like light and shadow. Still, he laughed on like a man who’d finally lost his mind.

“What’s so funny?” Juri replied in the deep voice of a Hallow. “I’ve beaten you, but you laugh. I think you’ve finally snapped. It’s about time.”

It stopped as suddenly came, his voice clearly audible through the dirt. “You always underestimate your opponents, Juri Lee. That has always been… your greatest weakness!” Suddenly, he let loose the same attack that slammed her into the wall, launching the both of them into the air.

In mid flight, he twisted his body with great speed and agility grated by his Zanpakuto and fired another shot, square on her chest to send her flying again, but not that far. As he felt her hurtle back towards him, he touched his scabbard, ripping it away from his sash, turning the once black wood into a blackened sword.

Sure enough, the Vizard, mask almost completely disintegrated, leaped at him, most likely eager to end him before her precious time ran out.

He had all the time in the world.

With a great strike, he landed a hit on the woman, the force of the attack knocking her back a few feet where she caught the first glimpse anyone had seen of the black blade. “A second Zanpakuto? What else are you hiding, you dirty liar!?”

“Nothing more,” Kazuya responded. “Time’s up.” With that, the rest of her mask disintegrated, leaving her with just her shinigami powers, for now. “I must say, I am disappointed. I never thought you’d stoop that low just to try and best me.” The man sighed, genuinely disappointed

“Shut up!” She replied in anger. “How dare you question my methods!?”

A scoff passed his lips, sealing Ranpuhime in the process. “I’m not questioning. I’m mocking; there’s a difference. You threw away your shot at being a Captain just to spite me. Not only that, but your career if word ever got out.” He turned his back on her and began to walk away, a normally foolish thing to do indeed. “Just remember this, Juri Lee… There is a difference between winning with integrity, and just winning. You’ll learn how to tell the difference soon enough. I will not fight you anymore today.”

With that, he walked towards the exit of the park, both swords slung over his shoulder.

BASTARD! He won again…not again. Damnit Damnit Damnit. How Could I lose to him, a lower ranking officer, AGAIN! I…I refuse to concede defeat. I simply refuse. Standing to her feet, blade in hand, she charged forward without foolish indignation.

“Sai,” Kazuya whispered without even turning to see the result, the thud of her hitting the ground and the sound of her anger was more then enough to answer any questions he might have about the situation. Whether it was foolishness, compassion, or pity the Third Seat decided against reporting the incident…Or maybe it was fear of what Jenray would do to him.

>>><<< Sixth Headquarters >>><<<

“What do you mean you think you found her?” Jenray nearly screamed into the phone.

“She’s here sir…at the west gate…But sir you really should come down here. She’s a bit different…”

“I’m on my way,” it didn’t take long for the Captain to get from point A to point be. When he got their however he was in for a surprise. Walking over to the guard who was obstructing his view of his precious sister he spoke, “Where is –“

“Nii-CHAN! ~~” Okay three problems with this scene. Firstly; Juri was smiling, Secondly; Juri Was happy, Thirdly; was she wearing make-up. Jenray struggled to pull juri-who was latched onto to him in a bear like hug- off of him and got a good look at her face. Yes that was make up alright.

Several other things where wrong with the picture. Her hair was tied of in a loose ponytail, a style she never wore it in. She seemed to be missing her trademark hat and instead had on some kind of pink headband thing. He hands where folded in front of her in a submissive manner, and her feet pointed inward almost awkwardly. She had her head tilted slightly to the left, and once again the make up which consisted of thin eyeliner and…sparkles…really through him off balance.

“Juri…?

“Nii-chan you remember me~~” She said hugging him again. Honestly she was acting like a less boy crazed version of Nya.

“O-of course I did…” he said slowly, as the guard looked at him with shrugged shoulders, “ Are you okay…?”

“Better then ever,” There was that smile again; Almost too big for her face.

“So then you found what you where…looking for?”

“Yup~”
>>><<< Sixth Headquarters (Again)>>><<<

“get me voice communications with Kazuya,”

“Yes Sir,” A few seconds later the high-ranking Shinigami’s face appeared on the screen.

“What can I do you for?”

“it’s about my sister…”

“Yes..” Came the slow reply, as his face sunk a little bit.

“She’s acting weird.”

“ SHE’ S BACK? He said a little too loudly.

“Well yes but –“

“I need to come back,” Kazuya butted in, “I need to return. I am requesting your permission to postpone my mission.”

“Not a problem but I need—“

“Good day Sir,” Kazuya’s face was turned to static.

“Ask you something…” Jenray finished. Turning to his operator who was holding back laughter, “Oh Shut Up.”

When you're looking down from so high up. You don't see anything but the city lights, nor hear anything but the wind. And when you're standing on the edge, you can see straight down the side of the glossy building, illuminated with lights from both inside and out. But when you look beyond those things; at the souls walking around in the city: bright lights against the black velvet--like earthly stars--you see things that aren't supposed to be there... and some that cause too much pain to be allowed to exist.

And, looking closer, you see people that were. They were alive once, and their souls are just wandering around. One or two would be running from some creature, whose screams can pierce the air up here.

And one was running, with all her might.

Her footfalls made no sounds, but her heavy panting did. Or at least, Raisha was the only one nearby to hear it... aside from the thing chasing her. With four arms and a centipede-type body, it traversed the city terrain in a completely inhumane way, for it was not at all human.

The loud crash came suddenly. Burying the things face into the concrete. The girl had stumbled over, turning around to see her golden-haired saviour standing on the Hollow's body. It was alive, but struggling to get up under the woman's increased weight.

It may have looked formidable, but this was one of the weaker ones. Cleaving its mask in two with her sealed sword as soon as it raised its head made it shatter, dissolving into nothingness.

The little soul struggled to her feet and looked up at her pleadingly. Raisha looked back, but she didn't understand what the girl had wanted. Instead, she turned away and began calmly walking off.

"Be careful." Was all she said.

Erika leaned back casually against the roof of the house, eyes transfixed on the stars that hung so oppressively from above. The girl reassured herself that they meant no harm, but they still gave her that same empty feeling that most humans feel as they ponder whether or not they are alone in this universe. A strange feeling for a girl who was not really human.

The Soul Reaper. Captain of Squad 10 of the Gotei 13, or Thirteen Court Squads, Erika Yu kept her inner eye out for any suspicious activity, more specifically, lost souls and the evil spirits that hoped to devour them. She was not a Soul Reaper in the literal sense, or an actual God of Death, but the name still stuck.

She smiled fondly as a family ate dinner across the street. Though she could see them clearly, they had no idea she even existed. She was then immediately filled with thoughts of what it would have been like to have had a family in the real world, in this world. She wiped those intrusions away, as they brought too much pain. Sitting up, she pulled out her phone and checked for any Hollow activity.

Nothing. Why the head-honchos in Soul Society had made her go on real world patrol was nothing short of a mystery, as that was not even her division. Though she didn’t mind, seeing as she wouldn’t be forced to do any of that messy paperwork. Besides, it was peaceful here.

Until she felt it. Right then she gathered her soul-slaying sword, Shiva, and ran off to the site of where she felt the spirit pressure of a Hollow and a little girl. Darting down the streets, fast as any of the cars on the road, she raced against time. But as quickly she had felt it, the spirit pressure disappeared. She pulled out her phone again. No other Shinigami were in the area, but the girl was still here.

Hollows don’t just disappear like that… she mused curiously. She walked to where the phone said the girl was. Erika placed her hand to the kid’s side. The child spirit knelt along the road as if she had sprained her knee. Erika conversed with the child and it became apparent that the girl was only scared because of the sight of the monster, as well the blonde lady…

The blonde lady…

Looking to her left, the Soul Reaper spotted a figure at the end of the road, facing away from her. Apprehensively raising her blade, Erika commanded the woman to stop. “Who are you? Are you a member of the Thirteen Court Squads?”

What on earth was going on? If Kaz knew Juri Lee, and he did to some extent, then nothing would stop her from hunting him down and slaughtering him like a pig. Yet, here he heard she returned to Soul Society, as though she gave up on trying to satisfy her massive ego. Of course, this could’ve a trap to catch him off-guard and beat him in front of the entire Gotei 13.

He had to admit the whole thing was suspicious. Walking through the spirit gate the morning after his encounter, the man had little idea of what awaited him on the other side. The trip through the tunnel-like passage was just as unremarkable as usual, except for the fact that yesterday was Cleaning Day, so it was very tidy and clean cut.

Approaching the end of the tunnel, he placed his hand on the grip of his Zanpakuto, just in case of a Juri ambush the instant he left. Meanwhile, his Gigai was in safe hands back in the real world, probably getting ready for transfer to the holding facility in Soul Society. Surprisingly, when he exited the gate, he saw nothing, nada, not a single soul save the guard bowing and welcoming him back.

Proceeding with caution, he began to poke around, looking for Juri’s hideout and inevitable ambush. Well, his assumption was correct; an ambush came, just not in the one he expected.

“Kazzy-chan~!” Came the deafening cry of someone very familiar to him. In a flash the male shinigami found himself lying on the ground, face-to-face with the assailant. “Why didn’t you tell me you were coming back today?”

“Uh… Hello Taki,” Kazuya spoke as the female shinigami got off him. Taki Akiyama, although about the same age as Kazuya, still acted like a kid on large. She always liked to keep her medium length, black hair in a ponytail, and adorn the front of her head with hair clips, and other accessories. He’d known her since the academy, and she’d proven herself a reliable friend. In fact, he was one of the few who ever saw her serious side.

“Uh… have you seen Juri Lee around anywhere?” He asked as he stood up from her tackle glomp.

“Yeah, actually. Well, it looked like Juri and she had the sixth lieutenant badge and everything, but this woman seemed… happy.”

“Happy? You mean, smiles and cheerful happy?”

“Yeah, now that you mention it…” Taki trailed off, ponder what on earth could make a woman like Juri Lee happy. This piece of recon deeply disturbed Kazuya. In all his years, he’d never seen so much as the shadow of a smile on her face… well, a happy one at least. Vindictive was another story.

“I think I need to go see Lee-sama,” he said to his long-time friend. Under normal circumstances, he liked to avoid Jenray Lee. He had no idea why, but the two of them seemed to have some friction. Maybe it was because they didn’t know each other very well? It didn’t matter right now.

Approaching the sixth division barracks some thirty minutes of walking later, Kaz expected to meet some resistance from the guards. “Oh, 3rd seat Hayashi, our captain is expecting you, please follow me.” This surprised him, to say the least. On most occasions, a visitor would get thoroughly search by the guards even if the captain expected the visitor.

It seemed the guard was in a hurry to drop him off and get him out of there, since a walk that would take maybe three minutes took only a single minute. Kaz really didn’t want to be rushed, but he had to go with the flow since he was a guest. Politely knocking before entering, he pulled aside the sliding door and entered Jenray’s office.

His office was much like his captain's; on the wall hung several pictures and paintings of Jenray and his sister Juri. Most of them depicted Juri in her usual scowl: however, a very select few had a happy, smiling Juri. Kazuya had to guess she wasn’t always a b****, but those few pictures disturbed him a little anyway. Jenray looked at him the entire time as he walked across the room, as though telling him to hurry up. He quickly obliged and took a seat in front of him.

“I assume you know why I expected you?” He asked.

“Juri showing strange behavior? My friend Taki told me about it,” he replied respectfully. Although he didn’t know or like him very much, Kazuya still had to respect him as his superior.

ooC: This post was physically painful.

BiC:

“Do you have any idea what happened to her,” Jenray asked coldly.

“What makes you think I have any idea,”

“Juri’s a Strange girl, always have been. When she sets a goal for herself she does not stop until she reaches that goal, and after getting into that scuffle with you she has been obsessed with defeating you. The only reason she would be back was if something happened between you and her”

“Actually,” Kazuya Started reluctantly, “A few nights ago she ambushed me in the park. The Fight didn’t last very long, though she seemed to be much stronger than before. I managed to get the upper hand when our attention was taken away by the presence of powerful spiritual energy. She seemed upset then so I was surprised to here about her being back,”

“Kazuya,” Jenray Said standing to his full height of Seven Feet, enough to tower well above Kazuya, “I need you to keep an eye on her, I don’t like where this is going. Something is clearly wrong about my Sister,”

“Why me?”

“I get the feeling you are tied into this all somehow. You where the last one to see her before…so I need you to do this,”

“Under…”

“KAZY!” Bursting through the paper door of Jenray’s office was Juri lee. Her Face twisted into a smile that looked uncomfortable on her small face. In a great pounce she managed to take Kazya down in a single stride landing on him with her full force, her face still twisted and smiling, “Kazy I missed you, where’d you go?” She pouted slightly before turning to her brother.

“Your not hurting him are you?”

“Eh~”

“You better not be, he’s very important,” The words sounded warped coming out her smiling face, something seemed strange almost malicious.

“He’s not hurting me,” Kazuya said with a cough, “You are though, can you please get off my chest?”

“Of sorry Kazy, “ She said jumping up with her unusual enthusiasm. “I gotta go now, don’t be hurting each other,” With a giggle she fled through the Juri shape hole she created just minutes earlier.

“Who are you? Are you a member of the Thirteen Court Squads?”

Raisha stopped in her tracks at the woman's question. Was she a part of the Thirteen Court Squads? What are the Thirteen Court Squads, anyway? Was she part of any squad right now? No.. she wasn't. Nearby, the cars past swiftly, cutting through the darkness of night and the lights of the streetlamps, sending short bursts of warm air that cut through the chilly wind towards them.

Rai turned to face the girl. Her hair and eyes were both scarlet red and compared to this soulless one herself, the girl seemed quite petite. Small--but she held a sword, and tightly, too. It was unwavering; she wasn't scared it seemed--not even the tip of the sword shook as she held it. The girl must've had some experience with it. Deductions say that she wasn't an ordinary person at all; she was out in the middle of the night, holding a sword... and there was the sense of spiritual power emanating from her.

She finally shook her head in response to Erika's question, "I am not." Immediately after, she pointed towards the young ghost nearby.

"That soul was being chased by a Hollow. I dealt with it." Rai dropped her hand, looking at the girl, waiting to hear if she had any response to say.

“I cannot un-see that,” Kazuya said as the happy musings of the twisted Juri departed from the sights.

“Well?” Replied Jenray. “Will you do it?”

“I’m a bit concerned by what she meant when she said I was important, so yes, sir, I’ll do it.”

“Good, if you find anything suspicious, tell me immediately,” Janray finished, excusing him.

“Of course, Captain Lee,” Kazuya replied.

*/\/\/\*/\/\/\*/\/\/\*

Later that afternoon, Kazuya had finally caught up to her loitering around the Second Division Barracks. Considering how reclusive 2nd could be, he was surprised she’d even made it into the compound. Stranger still was that she had done nothing but stand there in that irritating, submissive position the whole time. It irritated him to no end… just what was she planning?

Perhaps, just perhaps she was trying to gain a crowd to humiliate him in front of? That idea quickly died off, since she talked to no one, even if told she didn’t belong. Others had tried to annoy Kaz, but flashing a note Captain Lee gave him shut them up.

It wasn’t until later that night that something happened. Lieutenant Hanu, a tall, blonde and by all definitions sexy woman, passed her by and started a brief conversation. They chatted and seemed to get along well before shaking hands and walking their separate ways. It just wasn’t natural. As far as he knew, Juri never got along will with the other Lieutenants. In fact, Gina seemed just as surprised at first.

Kaz got up from his position on top of the adjacent roof and followed her silently as she stalked down the narrow streets, making her way back to 6th. However, on the way he came across a loose tile, and slipped to the floor below. “Damn it,” he whispered. But, to no avail, as Juri stood over him in the moonlight.

“What’ca doin’ here Kazzy?” She said in a smile that looked both pleasant, yet deeply disturbing.

“Um…” He had to think fast. No telling what she would do in this addled state. “I was simply worried about you, that’s all. I mean, you tried to kill me just a few days ago.”

“I’m fine, Kazzy. Really.”

Again, with that disturbing smile. “Yeah, you look like it,” he replied, doing his best to hide any sarcasm in his voice.

“Say, Kaz…” She started.

“Yeah, Juri?”

“Do you wanna chat on a roof or something and look at the moon?”

“Uh… okay, sure,” Kaz agreed, hoping he could maybe goad a clue out of her as he stood up and followed her.

oOC: Hey guyz. Sorry for the wait, well actually the way this thread is going I am moving fast. lol. I figure it's time to start the main plot. Short but gets the job done.

BiC:

“So…” Kaze said, trying to think of the correct words, “Why exactly did you bring me up here,”

“Don’t you like the moon?”

“I mean-“

“I know silly,” Juri smiled turning to Kaz; promptly sending a chill up Kaz’s spine. Juri being nice was strange enough but seeing her smile was like watching a shark bake a cake, it just doesn’t happen. Or at least it shouldn’t happen. “What’s wrong? You look worried,”

“Are you sure you’re okay…”

“Why do you keep asking Kazzy? Of course I’m okay…I’ve never felt better,” There was that smile again, like a kitten barking, it just didn’t seem to fit. “You worry to much, maybe you just need to relax. Here, “ Juri dropped a bottle into kaz’s lap.

“Huh?”

“It’s sake, “ Juri said, “have some, it’ll lighten you up,” This of course led to the very real possibility that Juri was acting so strange because she was in fact drunk off her ass. However that seemed unlikely, as she was never seen drinking before. “What?” Juri could easily see the look of confusion on his face. Sighing lightly the Shinigami took a swig of bottle…then promptly passed out.

“Maybe that was a little too strong,” She said, a devious smile on her face. This smile however looked oddly natural. Standing above him she shrugged her shoulders, ‘Idiot. You must really care about that girl to go to such lengths. Either that or brother put you up to it.” With her sandal she nudged his face slightly making sure the mixture had done it’s work properly.

“Where to now,” The women claiming to be Juri said to no one in particular, looking across the vast expanse of the Soul Society. “I guess it is time to begin. I have been waiting a long time for this,”