Bleach: Conflicts of Interest ( IC )

[Walrus]

Kristjan Steindorsson, the Quarto Espada, a highly powerful Arrancar and deadly opponent to any who crossed him. Then why, did such an advanced form of Hollow... desire peace? Simple. He was tired of all the death and war that claimed the lives of both his comrades and of the Shinigami or Quincy. His aspect of death was betrayal... and his pain was felt now by many others who likely felt betrayed when their friends and loved ones were killed in the fighting. He knew that pain all too well... and he did not want others to suffer it. "... and that, my brothers and sisters, is my proposal. It would allow many Hollows and Arrancar to quench their hungers, and also make everything easier for the defenders of the human world... the Shinigami and Quincy."

A few of the Espada in attendance nodded in agreement. Channeling the souls of the wicked directly to Hueco Mundo instead of through the Hell Gate would supply a fairly steady supply of the condemned to the Hollows and Arrancar, and in that, greatly reduce the number of Hollow attacks in the World of the Living. Life (or Death, really) would be easier all around for everyone. But it was a split decision, as the rest of the Espada scoffed and told Kristjan he was any number of unintelligent things. Things worked well how they were... Hollows and Arrancar attacked the living when they felt the need, the Shinigami and Quincy killed the weak, the strong either escaped or killed their attackers, and the cycle repeated.

Kristjan sighed in frustration and walked off. "I'll relent for now... but the issue WILL have to be discussed further. Sooner, rather than later." were the last words he spoke before exiting the meeting chamber and heading to his area within the fortress of Los Noches. His room was basic. A bed, a chair and desk, a couch, and a moderately sized window. His TRAINING facility, however... was massive. He didn't use it much anymore, but it comforted him to know it was there. "Perhaps..." ... and suddenly Kristjan lept out his window and opened a Garganta into the living world. He was going to bring his proposal directly to those it would hopefully interest.

-----

Squad 13 Barracks, Soul Society...

"Aww come on, LT... one more drink?" asked Yukihiro, Captain of the 13th Squad of the Gotei 13. The Lieutenant adamantly denied. "Oh well, more for me." thought the captain as he tipped back the bottle of whiskey and took a big gulp. It burned going down, but he loved it. But now was not the time for drinking, to be realistic. Rumors that the most powerful Arrancar had banded together into a group known as the "Espada" were rampant in the Soul Society, and it was currently HIS duty to investigate these rumors. He didn't want to... but he knew his unique Zanpakuto made him the best person to do so. "Well... I better get started, I guess. Sucks... I wanted to relax for a while. said the long-haired man as he stood up. "But how to get there? We know the method the Arrancar use... but we can't duplicate it. Our method would send off red flags. ... time to consult an outside party, I think."

With that, Yukihiro rushed over to get a gigai and a "just in case" soul candy dispenser. He was headed to the world of the living.

-----

In the world of the living...

Victoria was walking through the open-air market near her home. She had gotten a craving for her special-recipe ham and bean soup, but didn't have all of the ingredients. "I'll take a half pound of the three-bean blend, a bundle of the carrots, and one of those big celery stalks." Her total was only seven dollars, and she knew the man was giving her a discount. After all, she always bought her veggies from this specific vendor. "Arturo... stop. You need to make money just like anyone else. Here's the full amount." The two argued a bit back and forth, and Victoria finally got Arturo to take her money. Rare to see someone so honest and concerned for others... but that was Victoria. ... but her demeanor changed in an instant when she felt an immense Reiatsu coming from nearby. "Arturo, I'm in no real hurry. Here's an extra five. My place isn't far... just drop these off there whenever you get the chance." The man nodded and smiled, and Victoria walked out of the market.

What she had felt was a Garganta... and where there was a Garganta, there was a powerful Arrancar. "Shit... and I don't feel any other reiatsu signatures that are closer than me. A couply nearby, but I'm closest. Dammit... I didn't want to do anything today but make my soup. Figures." Luckily, the Garganta had opened in a large park... away from a majority of people and buildings. But there would still be collateral damage if this wasn't handled properly. Using her Hirenkyaku, Victoria was on the scene in a matter of seconds. What she saw surprised her. A lone Arrancar, sitting quietly beneath a tree... apparantly waiting for something or someone. ... unusual, to say the least.

He did not react to her presence, nor even acknowledge she was there. Had he not yet seen her? Victoria was unsure of what to do for a brief moment, but quickly realized that waiting for backup would be the best action she could take. Arrancar were powerful, and if he was remaining peaceful, even for a time, it gave her the advantage of being able TO wait for help. And waiting was exactly what the woman chose to do...

[Xan]

Within Soul Society, Outside the Division 4 Barracks...

He couldn't gauge exactly how long he had been there, standing silently in the inconspicuous shadow of his narrow ally way. He generally never could. Even though it was at ground level, in the dark with little room, Rekka still considered this a vantage point. Whenever he had free time, this is where he would wait patiently, perched against the left wall with his view craned towards the main tower with the elegant kanji "Yon" scribed onto the side of the pristine wall. It wasn't the admiration for infrastructure that held Rekka captive.

There was a window. A particular square opening into the inner Sanctuary of the 4th Division tower where Rekka would see the one he was sure he had been looking for this entire time. He had no assurance he would see her at the window, but it it was a view into the medical bay, and if the timing was right, he would be able to see her moving swiftly, this way and that with utensils and materials.

He couldn't fathom his own behaviour either. when he was free of requests, responsibilities and other such orders, this would be the primal directive his body and spirit would follow, to wait in the nocturne for a glimpse of the Silver Maiden. He was programmed by his former masters not to think for himself, and had always felt a loss of purpose if he was not called to do anything.

He had long since accepted that his emotions were a hollow still, that he only felt that which was primal, rudimentary in nature, but what he felt when he saw her, was something foreign. It, entertained him to see her, more than completing any other directive ever had. And even so... he wasn't completing it. Any other order he might be given in Seireitei, was nothing more than a sidebar, a sequence of stepping stone to complete this primary objective and make amends with the one to whom his life was owed.

This, his first self appointed goal, was one he wavered in completing. In his journey to a ranking member of the Gotei 13, Rekka had witnessed glimpses of her character, finding a kindred affinity between the way he raised his sword and the way she lowered her healing hands. She cared not for retribution, for acknowledgement or appreciation. She was satiated just by the opportunity to restore, to heal, just as Rekka relished his opportunity to execute; opposing sides to the same coin.

In the end, Rekka could for see how quickly and effortlessly she would setting him free of his debt, and that alone - to be let off the hook so easily - was something he could not accept.

But more,

More than a free pass,

More than having to leave his post in the Gotei

In the moment she would absolve him, she would be casting off the only link that bound them.

For some perverse reason, Rekka couldn't bring himself to lose that.

All in all, he had yet so see even a whisper; a flicker of her mane waltz passed the window, and the shadowy-black, minute form of a hell butterfly fluttered down to perched on Rekka's shoulder. His stern yet hollow eyes did not move from the portal into her world as he received the message my the silent fragile messenger. The butterfly, finishing it's own duty launched from Rekka's shoulder and off into the skies. Rekka waited for just a moment longer, watching the stillness of the window, before leaving silently without response or commotion back to the Division 11 domain.

[Raiwolfdemon72]

Layla stood there, silent as a grave, while her captain rested in her chair leaning over the desk her hands folded together. “Layla, I want you to go search for captain Yukihiro… Perhaps you can assist him in this new endeavor. I have a feeling you might be needed in the human world.” Her captain had always called the living world the human world. Her beliefs were that those in the soul society were above and beyond the livings comprehension. Layla nodded her silver hair flowing over her shoulder as her nearly matching icy blue eyes reflected the image of her superior. “Yes My lady…” She would reply formally and full of respect. She counted herself blessed to be the Lieutenant of the 4th division, an honor she didn’t believe she deserved. “Go now, you might have to meet him in the mortal realm.” She said waving Layla off.

Bowing respectfully Layla turned on her heel and strolled out of the room. She strolled through the corridor examining the walls that she already knew by heart. Her mind had wondered through her day as she contemplated what could possibly be so important that she must meet with the captain of the 13th division either here or in the mortal realm. She wouldn’t question her captain’s wishes, she knew full well that her captain has this certain ability that seems like she could almost see the future, or at least, can sense it. She had no desire to leave any comrade that might be in need of medical services. For some reason she couldn’t really wrap her mind around, she enjoyed helping others. It was something that her soul seemed to yearn for to assist and protect her fellowmen. For whatever the reason she would just shrug it off and accept it even if it was something that popped up in her times of wondering.

She exited the 4th division’s tower onto the Terrance; sunlight flooded her path as her Icy blue eyes fluttered up, adjusting to the change of lighting, just in time to watch the raven color mane of a person she had come to recognize. She crossed her arms as she tilted her head slightly trying to assess what the reason could be that a member of squad 11 was in the 4th divisions sector. She figured he was probably looking for someone, she decided it would be best to assist him in his endeavor before heading towards the 13th divisions sector. “Might I be of assistance, Rekka?” she asked strolling up to him her silver hair dancing with the soft breeze that whispered across the Terrance. Her companion sword hung delicately strapped to her side and her right hand rested on it, not as a show of violence but just a relaxed gesture.

Her eyes scanned his features wondering if perhaps there was a parcel that needed to be dropped off to the captain. But finding nothing as they looked back up forwards his face in wonder, “Hello Rekka, it has been some time.” She said a soft smile crossing her face as she looked to him showing sincere kindness. She watched him for a moment before her arms slide back to crossing under her bosom as she examined him once more.

[Xan]

Rekka paused his stroll hearing he had been called. The voice was one that was familiar, but not one he was used to hearing commands from. When he turned to see the maiden approaching, Rekka found himself on edge. He was tense; feeling as if he had been spotted in the enemy camp. His hand twitched out of instinct, ready to reach for the hilt of his Zanpakuto. He had never felt this exposed outside of an ambush. It was fortunate for both he and Layla that he keeps his sword across the length of his back, putting the hilt well out of reach of his hand in case the Lieutenant take the gesture the wrong way.

Rekka was silent before her at first. He didn't know what to say in return. He found Layla, after analysing the tone of her voice, to be quite rhetorical. Granted he may have shared an audience with her from time to time - mostly due to his own Captain's complete abhorrence of actual duty combined with Rekka's absolution to do anything he is told - but they had never been alone in any such engagement. He always had another request to fulfill, a reason to keep his distance; an excuse really.

She was quite confident in his presence. That... he could appreciate. She outranked him after all. But she was also familiar with him. That took him a little by surprise. She began engaging him in conversation while simultaneously taking a more reprimanding stance. Rekka couldn't deduce her motive, but he genuinely would have preferred Layla be on the cusp of lecturing him over insubordination, or trespassing - assuming she was as territorial and strict as his own Division 11 Lieutenant could be - as opposed to a genuine conversation. Rekka was well versed in staying silent while being given spoken to and shouted at, but he found open conversation... difficult. Right now, he couldn't even fathom the idea of talking. Not to her.

His eyebrows quickly, softly and at a lax speed. His eyes lowered to her feet. His lips parted subconsciously, his rampant heart covetously ready to betray is well-trained mind. The reitsu-filled air eased into his lungs as the first syllable began to form against his tongue. The wind nudged his shoulder as it weaved through Layla's hair, silently coaxing him to speak the emotion, the conviction that kept drawing him to her. They stood only feet away on Seireitei's neutral ground as he lifted his eyes. They were heavy with the gleam of emotion Rekka had never had reason to show before.

"Rekka-san!" called a voice from beyond their moment. Rekka knew the voice. It was one of his division peers, seemingly receiving the same call that put Rekka into motion.

"I know," called Rekka calling over his shoulder to his peer. He closed is eyes for two seconds while muted and the wind, at least around him, came to a chilling still. He opened them once more, carry his classic soft yet stoic watch. "Lieutenant Kowasaki, all Division 11 shinigami have been summoned by our division captain. I'm on our way to our barracks right right now. Thank you for your concern, but I can walk to barracks with my squadmate. I would not be right for me to talk you away from your more important duties simply to escort me to the Eleventh Headquarters. Forgive me, but our captain is very meticulous about waiting, I really should go now." spoke Rekka in perfect formality. He straightened his stance and clasped his hands together behind his back and puff his chest boldly. "Please excuse me Lieutenant Kowasaki." he requested sternly. While his repertoire was on the surface one of respect. Rekka was quite serious about asking for her permission to leave.

If she were to say no, Rekka would have stayed firmly where he was.

[Raiwolfdemon72]

Her brow quirked as she looked to him, she was not used to being called Lieutenant, even if she was one. Her division had always called her ‘Layla’ as was her request. She shook her head and nodded, “It Layla… I do not deserve the title of Lieutenant…. And there is no need for you to be formal with me” She said bowing her head slightly before tilting her head to look around him at his squad mate. “No need to ask for permission, I to have to go somewhere. Perhaps we can chat some other time…” she looked to him and smiled. She waved goodbye to him as she turned gracefully to head towards the 13th Sector. “Have a good day, Rekka. Be safe in your endeavors” She turned her head her back to him as she smiled softly and nodded. “We wouldn't want your Captain to have to wait do we?” she giggled softly as she turned back and started forward.

As she took her leave of him gracefully in the calming wind the sun to her back. She still wondered if that’s how he always likes that. Their previous encounters he hadn’t spoke, but she suppose it was because of the Captains. Raising her brows as she passed by some of the buildings of the soul society, “Perhaps he is an enigma?” she thought tilting her head. She enjoyed trying to assess others personalities it helped a lot in healing, she could anticipate how they would react to some treatments. It kept her mind sharpened as she shrugged and her mind returned to her quest at hand. “I wonder Akira… What was it the Captain had a feeling about…” she asked talking to her Zanpakuto. She believed that if she talked to Akira Hikaru, that it would deepen their bond and strengthen their capabilities.

It didn't take her long to get the 13th sector and scanned the area for where Captain Tsuda might have been at. She caught a glimpse of him leaving his tower and “Captain Tsuda!” she called out running to his side before coming to a halt by his side and bowed, “My lady, Captain of the 4th division has commanded that I accompany you to the Mortal realm” she said keeping her head down in respect as her silver hair curtained her face and her eyes remained closed. She rose back up and straightened up looking up at him smelling the alcohol on him and tried hard not to sigh; She her face now expressionless to keep from showing her worry.

[Xan]

Rekka listened to Layla's slightly bemused response before bowing humbly before her.

"As you wish... Layla." Rekka replied sincerely as he bowed. She gracefully walked away, which he allowed her to do first having heard her say that she also had somewhere to be. As he turned away to reach his fellow fourth-seatsman, Rekka queried her parting words. She called for him to be safe. He knew she was simply being nice and courteous, and that she would never recall him to make sure he he did as she instructed, but it was an instruction all the same, and Rekka would stand as a man of his word and a man of the law. That was academic. The conundrum was in her expression to speak again. Rekka wasn't quiet sure what he had just done, or said to warrant her to speak with him again. She didn't designate a time either, which meant at any point she might raise another conversation. He would have to equip himself with some suitable banter before then.

"Uh? Oh! Oi! Wasn't that Layla-chan? The division 4 hottie, Layla-chan? You never said you knew her Rekka! Have you been holding out on us bastard!" snapped Rekka's comrade rather comically, having no qualms about being openly lecherous in his drooling over Layla.

"...Layla Kowasaki; Division, 4; Rank, Lieutenant. It's standard procedure to be aware of each division's captain and supporting lieutenant, for the sake of chain of command. It is entirely at the Lieutenant's discretion if she identifies me individually." replied Rekka flatly, choosing to avoid the rather apparent subtext to his comrade's line of questioning. Rekka's answer left his comrade dumbfounded, blinking idly.

"Wha...? That's the problem with picking on you Rekka! You take all the fun out of it by not getting mad!" whined Rekka's comrade.

"Really...I see," replied Rekka, keeping his respectful tone of voice. "My apologies. I'll do better next time." he responded autonomously, without even missing a beat.

"That's exactly what I mean!!!" growled his comrade just as quickly.
__________________________________________________ ________

Rekka had taken his seat amongst his eleventh division brethren, taking off his zanpakuto and laying it beside him as everyone filed into place. in front of them was a council of three, their monster of a captain, a literally larger than life man on a thrown. To his right was the Lieutenant a man who donned a perennial mask. A man to whom few had seen his face and fewer had ever lived to tell of it. And finally the third seat who slouched at the corner of the thrown scratching himself.

"Listen Up!" roared the Captain. "The old man says there might be some dangerous hollow in Soul Society. He's been nagging me to go out and find'em... but I ain't going hunting somethin that probably ain't real. It's been ages since something that tough dared walk on our turf, but the old man is too scared to listen! The sissy is forcing me to go with Copycat-suda and some others to make sure." he started. Rekka, sussed that by 'Copycat-suda', his captain was referring to Captain Tsuda of division 13, and was referring to him by a crude conjunction of his name and main Zanpakuto ability. "I ain't going unless I know they're really out there to kill! That's why one of you is gonna go instead." He finished, enticing murmurs and confusion among the camp. This was still Division 11, no one in the division had an issue getting into a fight, but it seemed a weird reason to entice civil war within soul society.

"Is that doubt I hear?" asked the 11th Lieutenant, in a grave and chilling voice. The murmurs moved to a hushed silence in reverence and fear of him. "We are Eleven. We fight. We kill. We are warriors. Even in the face of a greater foe, we relish the opportunity to be stronger... or be lucky enough to die in battle. A witch hunt is hardly a fitting task for the Captain or the Lieutenant of our Division. We would send our 3rd Seat, but-"

"But you don't want me to leave my dream!" he interrupted, rising to his feet passionately and full of vigour. "Let me go! Let me go to the world of bikinis and thongs and sun-tan lotion!" he cried with unwarranted woe and pain in his voice.

"...BUT it's clear he just wants to go wild in the human world. Hence the replacement shall be one of you" continued the Lieutenant. The room was still silent, with no one budging. "Is this not for shame, the fear of an uncertain enemy, grips you to your seats. Is there none among you who will do the will of your captain?" His words consoled no one, but racked them with guilt over their nervousness and doubt. The all looked to their laps, having nothing to say. Rekka blinked, still looking at the Lieutenant before standing to his feet, causing a gasp from those around him. "Identify yourself." questioned the Lieutenant.

"Garuda Rekka, fourth seat." replied Rekka.

"Fourth Seat? Oi, brat, you strong enough to go out by yourself?" interjected the captain.

"If it's you're orders, then it doesn't matter." replied Rekka. "I go to fulfil them, sir. That's all that matters." The captain began to brim with a childlike glee at Rekka's response.

"Rekka, if you leave, you will be carrying the pride of the eleventh with you. The Captain Commander requested our Captain specifically. We do not need him looking upon us with disappointment because we in turn sent you. We will not tolerate failure." replied the Lieutenant, probing Rekka's character. "If you do not come back with honour, do not come back at all." he commanded, causing a gasp of surprise from members of the 11th division who were surprised that the Lieutenant would look to be so strict. Rekka knelt forward, lowering himself close enough to the ground to remove his fourth-seat arm sash and place it before the council of three.

"A short while ago I had been instructed by another Lieutenant to be safe in my endeavours. When I have kept my word to her, and to you, I shall return to accept my former rank." replied Rekka as he bowed before them. The Lieutenant looked to the captain for confirmation, how was seemingly elated by the sense of pride on display by Rekka.

"Hmm, very well. Arise shinigami. Do as you have sworn." insisted the Lieutenant, his voice lined with approval. Rekka rose and nodded humbled before kicking at his Zanpakuto to flip it into the air. He caught it with ease and linked it over his shoulder.

"Oi, brat," called the captain as Rekka reached the door, prompting Rekka to swiftly pivot and stand at attention. "The head; bring me a head of one of those hollow bastards. I want to see what the old man is so afraid of!" Rekka nodded.

"As you command, sir." he insisted, before leaving.

[Walrus]

Yukihiro smiled as he felt Layla's reiatsu approaching. She was a sweet girl, as far as he knew... and he often wondered why she became a Shinigami. But then again, Squad 4 was the medic-corps. They very rarely saw any direct combat and therefore were a good place for those not wanting to involve themselves in a battle. That was not to say they were incapable of fighting... for as Shinigami, they were still required to be competant warriors. But they were one of the most important squads, in Yukihiro's mind at least. And then the girl addressed him and gave him a vacant expression. "Well, if you're coming along, we'd best get your gigai as well, yes?" She had caught him right outside the transition building, where all things needed for trips into the human world were kept. Gigai, Soul Candy, Emergency Passes, Hollow Bounty Lists, etc... could all be picked up here.

"I'm fairly sure she's sending you along in case I get into any trouble, yes? So I have someone to patch me up?" He tipped his head back and took one final swig of his flask before tossing it into a locker. He couldn't take it with him, after all. Not considering that it was made in the Soul Society. Oh well... he'd buy some while he was in the living world. Before Layla could interject, he resumed speaking. "Yeah... that's probably why, huh? She's always pokeing her nose into the business of the other squads. Thinks we take too many risks. Oh well, I appreciate it so I'll let it slide." His smile was genuine and his appreciation true. He was glad that such a competant soul was put in charge of the medical corps.

Now that he had everything he needed, He waited on his new travel companion before he headed out.

-----

In the park...

Kristjan sensed a presence nearby... and not one of the Shinigami. It felt different... younger... more vibrant. "A Quincy?" he asked aloud. He knew the human would hear him, and he WANTED to be heard. He was not here to cause trouble. It was true that they wouldn't likely believe him... it was true they would likely attack him... and it was true that he would not simply lay down and die. But he WOULD refuse to kill anyone. He was here on peaceful terms, and didn't wish to jeapordize his chances of success. And so, he announced himself to the hidden presence. "Come out, Quincy. I can sense you quite easily. I'm not here to cause conflict. Were I here for that, we both know mayhem would already have ensued." His tone was polite and calm, further showing that he was not a danger.

Victoria was stunned that this Arrancar was so docile and nonconfrontational. From everything she had seen and heard, the Arrancar were violent beings that sought only to cause death and suffering. This one was the complete opposite... for the moment. But she was not sure how long that would last. It called her out... and she responded by standing and forming her weapon. She would not be able to win a fight with such a potentially mighty foe, as she heard that some Arrancar have a second state they can go into if pressed in battle... but should the worst happen, she could stall until help arrived. "State your business, Arrancar..."

... the two beings stood face to face... and conflict was held at bay for a time.

[Raiwolfdemon72]

She sighed as she looked to him and shook her head, “Perhaps she might have sent me to make sure you can stand…” she said as she followed him through to gather the supplies. She didn’t have a locker like he had for her was in the 4th divisions sector. She had nothing to place in it anyways as she grabbed a tube of pills and readied herself for their journey to the moral realm. She ignored what she believed to be an insult on her captain as he had redeemed himself. It wasn’t that she could do anything anyways other than request to speak freely and give him a piece of her mind had he not redeemed himself. “Captain Tsuda,” She started and looked over to him as she opened her mouth to say something but stopped and looked down and bit her lip and shook her head leaning against the wall her arms crossed under her bosom and her right knee propped up as her silver hair draped over her shoulder. “Are you the only one that’s heading out?” she asked her Icy blue eyes that almost matched her hair focused on him and a brow rose.

[Demikkusu]

Division 8 Captain's Quarters

Rayya remained in her Full Lotus meditation style. Donning nothing but a towel to cover her lower half, she was a sight to behold. Her hair fell down her back and parted at her shoulders. Her hair in the front covered anything that could possibly embarrass her. She always felt it natural to meditate in the state you were born in. Her eyes were closed in an attempt to isolate her from the world.

Flashback 4 Hours Ago

Rayya opened her eyes. She had arrived at the Zanjustu Training Facility at the Shin'o Academy. Evidently, the instructor inside wanted her to demonstrate her ability to use her fists. As she slowly walked inside the academy's gate, several male students eyed her curiously. She could feel their young perverse eyes violate her body from afar. It wasn't like she was a goddess (though people relate her to Sarasvati). She held a C-cup to her chest with a nice, firm set of abdominal muscles. Her hips didn't stand out too much, but one would probably attempt to flir-

"Hello Ma'am, are you here to enroll in the academy?" A young man said with shaggy black hair. Rayya's eyes went half-mast. Several men behind him tossed angry glares at him. He did seem like the type to flirt with any girl though. Rayya nodded hesitantly, living up to the shy, sheltered, woman-type lifestyle.

"Then allow me to show you around~" Several of his friends tailed behind us.

This could become tedious. I'm attracting much unwanted attention to myself.

The moved forward to the stairs on the ground's entrance. Rayya had told him that she wanted to go to the Zanjutsu training grounds. He looked at her curiously and lead the way. It was a three minute walk, but it wasn't something she wasn't used to. When they turned the corner to the Training Grounds, they found many students sitting on their knees. The apparent instructor noticed them coming and ended his seemingly long tirade.

"Captain Satsuki!" he exclaimed, "It is good to see you made it here." The males that were following her left their mouth agape. They were following a Captain? Their friend that was leading the way began to sweat slightly. He realized he was flirting with a Captain, and she went along with it.

"Yes. The walk was fine due to the suggestive help of this young man."

The instructor nodded to him and dismissed him, however, they just stayed at the corner they just came from.

"I'm sorry for asking you to take time out of your day. However, you melee CQC skill is outstanding."

The instructor turned to his 20-some students. They all stood and bowed to her. Rayya simply nodded her head.

Thirty Minutes Later

Evidently, they held a tournament to see who would fight her. They held it as a honor. To Rayya, she noticed a prospect that was flying through the tournament with ease. The instructor told her that he wanted to be her lieutenant since his enrollment. He seems able to turn the tide with careful positioning of his body. He refuses to make grand mistakes.

With this prospect winning the last match, he arrived before her.

"Please take care of me!" Rayya's eyes went half-mast, but accompanied with a smile.

They took their position around everyone. The rules were simple, no shikai/bankai. Hoho was allowed.

The instructor told them the rules and shouted: "Begin!"

Rayya shifted her legs to shoulder width. The young man named Naoe Shinso charged at her. Rayya sidestep to the left, avoiding his attack. He was quick to react, lifting his left foot with the momentum of his punch to perform a roundhouse to her head. She lifted her left arm, blocking the attack. Grabbing his leg, she swiftly moved under it, twisting, causing him to jump, and try to kick with his last leg. She raised her right arm, blocking it with her forearm. Using his momentum, she pulled his feet in the direction he was kicking, his head went flying towards her direction, she was already ready to attack. She reached for his face to plant his head on the ground, however, she noticed he was more focused on putting his foot on the ground. He flashstepped away from her. He reappeared above her. Trying to drive his foot downward to her head. Her body flickered. His expression of his eyes widened. Within that millisecond, she appeared all around him in the air. He raised his hands to protect his head.

"Game." Rayya said with black eyes. Her dual personality has activated. Her voice came from beside his face. She grabbed the back of his head, thrusting it to the ground. His eyes widened as his face drew closer to the ground that quickly. His foot touched the ground, flashstep. He distanced himself away from her. She was already on him. She too flashstepped, much faster than him, but obviously not her fastest. She pulled her left arm back, and extended her right arm for another punch. She barraged him with punches, pushing him backwards. She kicked him in the chest, sending him flying backward. Her body flickered, two of her appeared. One was behind him, kicking him in the head sending his face forward. That version of Rayya vanished. The other one grabbed his head above him. The Rayya that began the attack grabbed his arm, preventing him from flashing away. His face met the ground... creating a crater around his face.

"Game~" Rayya's eyes were purple. Her eyes widened. Stop doing that! Rayya reached the realization that she was being taken over by her other personalities. You could have killed him...

The students applauded. Questions were asked, several of them admire her now.

The Present

Rayya exhaled, standing up. She maneuvered herself to the door. There was a knock as she predicted.

[Walrus]

Yukihiro raised an eyebrow as the Squad 4 Lieutenant seemed to pause as she re-considered the words she was about to speak. Strange, considering everyone knew that Captain Tsuda always encouraged others to speak their minds. But before he could formulate a comment, the LT spoke up. She asked him if he was the only one heading out. He couldn't resist but to make a joke. "I was under the impression that you were tagging along. But if you want to stay here, then yes... I'm going it alone." His cheerful smile belied his worry. These Arrancar had bested several seated officers in the various squads. Seated officers were generally skilled and most had a Shikai, so they were not weak, by any means. The fact they had been beaten showed that this foe was of a higher caliber than usual. He would have to keep on his guard.

"Shall we, then?" asked the Captain to the Squad 4 Lieutenant as a Jigokucho Butterfly landed on his shoulder. "Because I'm ready to go." And with that, he ran into the Senkaimon. His destination, the Human World. Little did he know what he was getting himself into...

-----

Victoria spoke at length with the Arrancar known as Kristjan Steindorsson. His plan to all but eliminate the need for Hollows to prey on the innocent was very interesting. But the problem was that the Shinigami and Quincy would both need convincing. Honestly... she knew the Quincy would be tougher to convince, since they would benefit little in this deal. In fact, they may even suffer due to the fact that if they killed an impure soul, it would not reach Hueco Mundo, as it would simply be destroyed... thus earning the disdain of the Arrancar. The Shinigami would benefit as they would lose fewer people to the Hollows and Arrancar. Clearly, the humans benefited most, seeing as the Hollows would have little reason left to prey upon them. Finally, after much thought, she spoke up. "Well, Kristjan. I am no longer a Quincy. I can do little to actively assist your cause. But I suppose I can pull a few strings and see what both the Quincy and the Shinigami think. I still have friends among both groups."

"Thank you, Miss..." he hadn't caught her name yet, and she instantly shook the Arrancar's hand and apologized. "It's Victoria. Victoria Engel Dietrich." Kristjan forced a smile and shook the Quincy's hand. "Miss Dietrich. I hope you can convince your... friends... to see reason. I'm not the only one of my kind who desires an end to the war... so keep that in mind." And with that, Krisjan turned to walk away. His exit would be cut short, however... with the appearance of a Senkaimon gate. It seemed he would get to voice his proposal to a Shinigami after all. Hopefully this would remain civil.

((((( Someone besides me needs to get to the Human World... I'm not fond of my three characters hogging the spotlight. )))))