Don't Kill the Messenger[Open][NoDeath]

[Shinobi]

Already shunpo'd, Drake

His perception of reality's time seemed to slow to a slugs pace as his blue eyes narrowed dangerously. It was only the adrenaline kicking in en mass, the result of nearly losing a limb, that allowed his brain to conjure this false bullet time for him. One of the clones had indeed ran into his shield and he had barely succeeded in avoiding the follow up attack of the first. Saito and the human worked in conjuntion to destroy the clone charging the cero, quite easily in fact. Which left a single thought.

The clones weren't as strong as the original. A comforting thought.

"Hadou 31! Shakkaho!" he cried, flooding his reiatsu into the kido as his flashed, a large angry red ball, from his palm. Considering tha nature of the kido, he didn't aim at any clone in particular. Since the two were still close together, the splash damage itself would hurt like hell. The kido would lance through the air, either way, intent on smashing into the paralyzed clone. With the power he but into the kido, it wasn't as strong as it could be, but it should still be enough to obliterate the clone.

His attack done, Hideo turned his eyes to the original. "Are those... Garganta?" he asked no one in particular. Frowning, he grabbed his zanpaktou a bit tighter, the sound of a bird's wings fluttering in his ears.

[crap post is crap]

[Saito]

Saito turned to the human he doubted the boy would run away at this point even things were starting to spiral out of control. Hideo continued his fight against the remaining clones while the head hollow brought forth multiple Garganta. Just what were they dealing with at this point? As a shinigami the purple haired reaper did not want to leave the human to fend for himself especially with all this commotion, however if they did not dispatch that hollow soon then there would be problems. If more of his level came this patrol would quickly turn into a slaughter.

[purple]"Listen, boy..."[/purple] The shinigami's demeanor entirely changed. His voice deepened as he slowly unsheathed his wakizashi. His posture perfected itself as his energy level began to rise. If one could see his face it was now dead serious. [purple]"...You have to get out of here. I cannot protect you and fight this creature at full power. "[/purple] He could tell that wasn't an option for the boy but it was still worth a try saying it, maybe he could scare him into running. After all those who have never experienced death panicked at the thought of it happening to them.

Saito continued to watch the hollow not acting in haste. If the human remained here then he would have to find a way to utilize him in order to beat the beast. His attack had proven useful previously it would surely be proven again before this was all over.

[Tsukasa]

Tsukasa had continued to just observe what was going on. He saw that his previous attack had been somewhat useful, fazing the Hollow that had been charging a reiatsu attack, although it was the Shinigami’s red projectile that had really taken out the thing. ”Tch. Can’t even do some real damage…” Tsukasa thought to himself as he started to actually feel just how weak he really was. It was inexcusable to him, but it was the truth. There was just nothing he could really do here. But he still didn’t want to back away. He already knew that he wasn’t strong and there was no way he’d be able to become stronger if he didn’t at least try to take on a stronger opponent. Keeping that in mind, Tsukasa knew that it was better to stick with the Shinigami, since he had no chance of winning by himself. There would be no point to all this if he died. Continuing to watch over the other Hollow, Tsukasa saw that the Hollow and its clones continued to attack Hideo. Hideo had been harmed from the Hollow’s last attack, but managed to back up and unleash another attack in the form of a red spherical blast.

Tsukasa wasn’t really sure what effect it would have and he turned over to the one stationary Hollow and noticed three openings within the air. Black and menacing, they were a little hard to discern considering the time of day, but he could notice it well enough. However, Tsukasa had no idea what the ‘Garganta’ were, much less its name. It just left his imagination to figure it out for the time being. Tsukasa was in the middle of thought when his concentration was broken by the voice of the Shinigami right beside him, who had told him to leave. Tsukasa turned back to face him, his savage eye seeming to glare at him as he simply replied, ”I refuse.” He realized that the Shinigami was probably only concerned but he didn’t plan on running away. Not until he was nearing his wit’s end would he even consider retreating.

With that said, Tsukasa turned back to observe what was going on. It still wasn’t really time for him to interfere and start using his own techniques. He didn’t want to carelessly waste away his reiatsu; he couldn’t really keep using the ‘Bestial Slash’ too many times before exhausting his reiryoku.

[Bear]

[maroon]It had been rather noisy and gained his attention, why? Because it was four reiatsu signatures. Two Shinigami, one Hollow, and one Human. Most were weak but regardless they were still potential recruits, ones that could be trained and shaped into real soldiers, ones who could stand against Aizen's legions and aid him in the war. Was he from Soul Society? No. He was Kisho, the infamous Vizard. Infamous to Soul Society at least, those that knew him also knew his heart was in the right place and he meant no harm. But he had his moments. However the noise they were creating went on long enough, he had given them enough time hoping some form of outcome would be reached. Survival, death, whatever. It would show the strongest recruits, but he was done waiting. Standing up and sticking his hands into the pockets of his altered Vizard robes, ones that stood out among the rest, he ripped open a Garganta merely by looking at the empty air.

Yes, another Garganta would open near them. This time behind all four of the beings. As he stepped through, his ears caught the words of retreat.

"Although fear is natural, running only proves that you are weak."

A new voice, muffled by the opera mask he wore over his face. A relaxed stance and two hands in his pockets, the Hollow reiatsu concealed from his body, only his Shinigami side leaking out. Compressed enough that they would not be incinerated by it. And just as he had guessed, two Shinigami, a Hollow, and a Human. If the Shinigami had done their homework they would recognize the robes he wore, and have an idea of who he was. Not that it was important, no he was not here to show off nor brag about anything. He was here to make an offer. Slowly walking towards the group he merely glanced between the group.

"Lower your weapons, I have an offer for all of you. Human and Hollow included."

It would be wise to listen, Kisho was not a violent man but his presence was enough to show that he was capable of crushing them. And he knew none of them would attack head on, one was injured already and it would end only in more damage. All he had to do was wait for their ears and minds to be open.

[/justify][/maroon]

[Drake]

Thanks to Hideo's unsightly attack, Krave's paralyzed clone was conveniently destroyed; the other clone, which was in pursuit was blown off course by the blast. The clone skidded to the right until it quickly fizzled and faded out in a haze of Reiryoku. Krave's glare finally turned from it's human prey and looked toward Hideo.

Bestowing a rowdy growl, Krave took one step forward while lashing it's tail back and forth-

But,

Another Garganta completely unprovided by the Jin herself. No this one was different, Krave lowered her head slightly and turned slightly to get a peek of what was behind her. She hadn't known exactly what she was looking at, in fact she was completely lost as to what was even going on. What she did know was that her instincts were telling her to chill.

Something wasn't right;-

In fact, this particular person held a pleasantly appealing Reiatsu; one that was nothing like that of the disgusting Shinigami or the weak human. Nah, it was more familiar... "Although fear is natural, running only proves that you are weak. Lower your weapons, I have an offer for all of you. Human and Hollow included."

Fear?

Something almost completely unknown to Krave. She followed her instincts and when something told her to retreat or pull back, it wasn't fear but the reason she was one of the fittest made for survival. Jin would give this guy his time to talk albeit how hungry she was and how tasty that human looked. "Uhhhhrrrgh..." Krave lowly growled as a lick of drool fell from her florescent white mouth to the earth.

He had the floor.

[Shinobi]

A break in the action.

Surveying the results of his kido, Hideo couldn't help the relieved grin that spread across his face. He was glad he had realized that ranged fighting was the best course of action with this hollow, and soon, they may even take it down completely. A shiver ran down his spine as the Adjuchas turned it's hungry gaze on him, possibly insulted back his resistance.

And then something else completely arrived, a few words halting everything to a stop. "Although fear is natural, running only proves that you are weak." the figure spoke, directing it's words to the human and Saito below. He was tall and lean, dark hair barely obscured by a laughing white opera mask.

Hideo frowned.

"Lower your weapons, I have an offer for all of you. Human and Hollow included." the nameless figure spoke with confidence.

Hideo wasn't sure if he could trust him, but something told him to at least hear him out. Not only might this be his only chance, but this man, humming with a power unknown, was leagues stronger than himself.

And he got the feeling he was holding back.

Begrudgingly the blond man lowered his sword, noticing that even the Hollow halted at the words. "Let's hear it then, whoever you are."

[Saito]

Another plot twist in this mission gone awry.

As expected from the human Saito was given a direct and sound rejection. Even though the purple haired shinigami didn't exactly know what the human wanted to stay for he couldn't help but respect the heart the young man showed in the face of certain death. Saito never got the chance to answer back however as another force made itself known. The shinigami's eyes widened as yet another garganta ripped through the skies and a power higher than everyone else present stepped through.

...Friend?

...Enemy?

Who knew. Whatever it was however made itself known with the utmost of confidence and judging by the fact that Saito could feel his reiatsu pressing down on him he could probably back himself up. The shinigami's first reaction was to look toward Hideo it really just plain sucked that they would end up getting the short end of the stick. First a hollow out of nowhere, and now a force stronger than all three combined phased into existence; not to mention to human they would now have to take care of...Where was a Captain when you needed one?

The newest edition to the night sky spoke directly to Saito and the human at first somehow hearing the purple haired shinigami's attempt to get the human out of here so they could go all out against the beast before them. Saito ignored this however letting the man continue his speech, offering something. In his mind the shinigami already knew this man had nothing of interest to offer him, probably some scheme to get all powerful without the use of prolonged training. The promise of being able to defeat any foe or some nonsense. The fact that the man came onto the scene using a garganta put him in the -- to be defeated -- category. A category that got longer the more people Saito met.

For now however he would have no choice but to heed the man's words. He made it quite clear that he was more powerful, and would not hesitate to smash anyone in his path. Although if given the chance Saito himself would not hesitate to take an open shot. His zanpaktou was still unsheathed and ready to go at a moments notice, the phrase to release it glazing the tip of his tongue.

[purple]"Speak."[/purple]

Saito didn't take his eyes off of anything. Everyone stood silent in the presence of the man, even the hollow who seemed uncontrollable was instantly tamed. He was powerful, indeed.

[Tsukasa]

The fight had been continuing. The Hollow’s clones had been pursuing Hideo once more, although one had been destroyed by the Shinigami’s attacks. Staring at the Hollow, Tsukasa noticed that it had changed its attention from Tsukasa to Hideo. However, not too long after, his focus was again switched, this time, to something else. Beside the many holes in the sky that had been opened by Krave, a new one had appeared. From the looks of it, the Hollow wasn’t the one to open it either. Tsukasa, intrigued by what might happen, focused his eyes on it as well. A new figure had walked out of this ‘portal’. The body seemed to be of a man, although Tsukasa wasn’t too sure since he or she had a mask on, obscuring the stranger’s identity. That was when the masked figure started to speak.

”Although fear is natural, running only proves that you are weak.”

That statement was probably directed towards Saito, the Shinigami who had advised Tsukasa to escape from the battlefield. Well, the masked man’s words had no effect on the outcome anyways. Tsukasa had already decided that he wasn’t going to run. Retreating wasn’t ever really an option for him. He would either survive a fight as he grew stronger or die a weakling. However, the masked man’s words did give Tsukasa a rather high opinion of the stranger. It signified that this person wasn’t a coward either. Finding a liking with the stranger’s first impression, Tsukasa decided that he didn’t need to be too cautious.

Looking back and around towards Saito, Hideo, and the Hollow again, Tsukasa noticed that they had all been listening. From the looks of it, neither of them knew who this person was. ”Seems strong…” Tsukasa thought to himself as he looked at the man. He had easily slipped by. Tsukasa couldn’t detect spiritual pressure all too well or anything, although it wouldn’t have helped since the man had concealed his, but a gut feeling told him that this person was strong. Not to mention Kisho’s posture, relaxed. His hands were in his pockets to boot. It exuded a confidence that suggested that the man could take out all four of the group at his very whim.

The man had then continued to move closer to the four, claiming that he had an offer for all of them. There was no point in arguing and perhaps Kisho would offer something that would be beneficial for Tsukasa as well. Keeping this possibility in mind, Tsukasa stood normally, deactivating his ‘Bestial Takeover’. There was no need to waste reiatsu carelessly. Besides, that was his ‘weapon’ so he would have to do so in order to show that he was willing to compromise. Tsukasa was never one for many words, so he wasn’t going to speak until Kisho had detailed the group of his offer.

[Bear]

[maroon]Everyone had stopped their fighting and eyes had set on him, just as he had expected really. Even the Hollow who had a hungry look in its eyes stopped its attack, his mere presence was enough to halt them, and for their ears to be opened. Even the Shinigami had turned to listen, although one still had his weapon upright. That was fine, its not like it would be needed or anything, then again that depended on what happened after he had left. If they all declined the offer he was sure their fight would continue, and he would not interfere with it. Not that it was his business. Taking one last step forward before coming to a stop, he eyed the group. Not bad.

"My name is Kisho Haruo, Vizard of Karakura town. I have an offer for all of you, one I think you'll all be interested in."

Every being, whether it was a small child or an elderly citizen all had the same goal, even if they had not yet realized it. That goal was to become stronger, and as a Shinigami or Hollow that want to achieve such a goal held a much higher desire. They needed to get stronger, to fight for Soul Society or for themselves. He would use that desire, even if they had never admitted such a thing, to his advantage.

"I have established an organization called Hidenseido, a sanctuary for all races to co-exist and word together. The purpose of such a thing? To protect Karakura town and the rest of the world."

Eyes shifted between the group, a brief pause in his speech.

"I have come to offer all of you a place within Hidenseido. It is no Hueco Mundo and certainly no Soul Society although we do have some similar laws and rules, however with more freedom and potential to grow."

Yes, far more potential. There were no restrictions on techniques nor transformations such as becoming a Vizard. They were not illegal, but the main attraction here was the potential to become strong. Though not one to brag, he would say that the opportunity to stand on his level was there, with time and patience. But he would help them.

Yes, if they took his offer he would aid them in whatever way necessary. If he was to stand against Aizen and his forces, he would need warriors capable of fighting against them. Even if they were Human.

[/justify][/maroon]

[Drake]

Hmm, Krave turned back around to face her combantants. She heard the man and what he had to offer, but she wasn't ready to take him up on it. Right now, at this point she had other objectives that she felt she would better accomplish going her own route.

Maybe another time.

Two of the three Garganta's that she opened closed and she made her way back to her only remaining one. She was leaving, she had lost her appetite. She'd readily find it somewhere else with a little less resistance, not that she minded the bloodshed. Maybe China or... Brazil. Krave looked one last time at the two Shinigami and the Human. She'd remember their faces and Hideo's especially. Their fight wasn't over. Jin stepped into the portal, leaving the human world behind and waited as it closed behind.

Goodbye.

[Shinobi]

"My name is Kisho Haruo, Vizard of Karakura town. I have an offer for all of you, one I think you'll all be interested in." The man spoke with confidence, taking a single step forward as he casually introduced himself. Hideo stared. This man was a Vizard? He had heard of the power such beings possessed, and now he was positive that he was holding back. But what really interested him was this... offer.

"I have established an organization called Hidenseido, a sanctuary for all races to co-exist and work together. The purpose of such a thing? To protect Karakura town and the rest of the world." he continued, making the purpose of his visit clearer. Hideo's first thought was, of course, 'who cares about Karakura?'. He already knew where his loyalties lie. Back in Rukongai, those orphans he wanted to protect.

But his following words sealed the deal.

"I have come to offer all of you a place within Hidenseido. It is no Hueco Mundo and certainly no Soul Society although we do have some similar laws and rules, however with more freedom and potential to grow."

Hideo raised a single eyebrow, finally lowering his weapon. Like any protector, he knew that an essential part of his job was to be stronger. He knew that if he took the offer that he wouldn't be able to return to Soul Society for a long time, but when he was strong enough... he just might...

The blond slowly sheathed his zanpaktou, grinning nervously. He needed this man's help, as much as he hated to admit it. "I see." he crossed his arms and looked thoughtful. "I guess... protecting the living world is important. So..." He shifted his weight off his injured leg.

"Sure... count me in."

[Saito]

The man spoke and as the soothed the ears of the others they found a wall where Saito stood. The purple haired shinigami made no movements as he thought of exactly how he would deny the man before him. He calmed himself as the intensity of the situation dropped. His zanpaktou was slowly sheathed as his eyes casually closed. What he was about to say was going to be spoken for both himself and his teammate Hideo. There was no way he would betray soul society and he was positive Hideo felt the same way. Even thought they just met how could any pledging shinigami betray his home for such a 'to good to be true' promise.

His mouth would open to speak preparing to satisfactorily denounce the shinigami that came from a garganta however when opened the usual voice he knew did not exit. Instead Hideo spoke over him swiftly cutting him off. At first it wasn't a problem however after hearing what he had to say Saito's eyes shot open as a deadly gaze was shot towards his fellow shinigami. His hand innately found the hilt of his zanpaktou once again as he lost the only ally he'd acquired.

Saito had to quickly find his senses again as he looked back at the masked man. At this point he had no idea how to reply to Hideo's comment seriously. Was he even serious? Either way Saito could do nothing to about it, who was he to conflict with his decision? Although when it came down to it he would not hesitate to kill him if the need arose. [purple] "Well, in my case you are wasting your time. When something sounds to good to be true, it usually is." [/purple]


Saito knew the rules of soul society and if this man was an outside power that was not endorsed by it then he was an enemy until proven otherwise. The greatest minds and powers resided in the Gotei and if the power he spoke of was plausible and safe it would already be implemented. For now the man before him wasted his words.

[Tsukasa]

Tsukasa had patiently listened to Kisho’s words. There was no need to rush things; it was better to take in everything that this masked man had to say and then consider whether he would go along or drop out of the offer. It first started with Kisho’s introduction. ”A Vizard…? What is that…?” Tsukasa thought to himself. He had no idea what that was. He was barely familiar with Shinigami and even of his own powers, he didn’t know about the masked beings. Paying no attention to the small details though, Tsukasa awaited for the rest of the Vizard’s words. Although, Tsukasa already had a basic idea of how to choose his answer: if the offer would grant him power at the cost of his freedom, he would gladly go with it. If it had nothing to do with Tsukasa himself becoming stronger through whatever means, he wasn’t interested.

As Kisho Haruo continued his speech, he introduced a place called the Hidenseido. A melting pot of Humans, Shinigami, and Hollow alike. It certainly did sound interesting. A group of a variety of beings for the sole purpose of protecting Karakura Town certainly did seem like a grand goal. Although, truthfully, Tsukasa could really care less. He was pretty self centered about these things; he would only involve himself in projects that would result in his own improvement in strength. That was when the masked man had continued the rest of his speech, offering the group entry to the Hidenseido. He didn’t know the rules and regulations of Soul Society, and he didn’t know what Hueco Mundo was, but he did know that Kisho’s last words were comprised of “potential to grow”, instantly sparking his interests.

The moment those words had left the Vizard’s lips, Tsukasa’s own had turned into a grin. Potential to grow? Interesting. He would certainly accept this offer. Turning to the others, he saw that the Hollow had vanished, presumably rejecting the offer. The Shinigami up in the air had accepted the offer but his ally, Saito, had rejected. Tsukasa didn’t really mind what they had to say, he was just curious to see how they would react. It was his own turn to give his response now. Opening his mouth to speak, Tsukasa said, ”You’ll make me stronger? All I have to do is join your Hidenseido and protect Karakura Town?” He became a little excited as he continued, ”Kisho Haruo, I accept your offer.” There was nothing to lose. He had always been ‘protecting’ Karakura Town by killing Hollows of his own accord, but he lacked the strength to take out any bigger ones. If he stayed with the Vizard, perhaps he would be able to elevate himself.

[Bear]

[maroon]The Hollow had opened a Garganta and left through it, declining his offer. He made no effort to stop it, nor attempt further persuasions, Hollow weren't as easy to get convince. Well, some. Merely shrugging it off he looked over to Hideo as he began to speak to Kisho, crossed arms and a look of thought on his face. The man was at least considering it. Considering? No, he had accepted the offer. He nodded towards him but the other Shinigami did not seem so intent on joining, implying that his Hidenseido was a mere dream. An ideal that could never come into fruition. But he was wrong. Opening his mouth to speak he was soon cut off by the human, talking about strength and being able to grow in power if he joined, and then accepting. That was two, now it was time for Kisho to defend his organization. Looking back towards Saito.

"Too good to be true? I can assure you that is not the case. In fact I already have a few members within my ranks, a Fuku-taico serving directly under me, my daughter, and cousin."

He paused for a moment.

"Judging by your response you have not heard about me nor my encounter with Byakuya Kuchiki? A shame. I am no enemy to Soul Society nor am I an ally, however we have mutual goals. The death of Aizen, though our reasons are different. But I digress, as a Shinigami do you not wish to be stronger? To have freedom while protecting those that you care about? I can help with all of that."

Looking at the ground below and only a few feet away from the human, he removed his hand from the pocket and quickly swiped it. A Garganta opened in that specific location, the destination was Hidenseido.

"If you wish to follow me and grow stronger, while aiding in the death of Aizen then enter the Garganta. It will take you directly to Hidenseido. However if you wish to decline, the offer will remain on the table and you merely have to seek me out."

Using a Shunpo he appeared in front of the Garganta and stood there, looking between the Human and Shinigami who had accepted his offer.

"Come, human and Shinigami. I will take you to your new home, and family."

It would be a shame if the third did not accept but he was not there to force anyone, simply make the offer and attempt to persuade. He knew how loyal one could be to Soul Society, hell he had been there long before his platoon was slaughtered before his very eyes. Now, he had established his own home. His own loyalties. And that would never change.

[/justify][/maroon]

[Shinobi]

Without another word, Hideo stepped into the Garganta.

So it begins.

[exit]