Sho Minazuki

Bleach - Resonant Souls

The Night Begins

Sagamiyama - Sakuhana Park

Saturday Night

Players

Mikazuki:@Letter Bee
Tony:@McNephelim
Bakuto: @BladeSS4
Darius: @LC
Enishi: @Megatron

---

The more emboldened actions of Bakuto and Tony were met with finally some reward as Tony successfully slew the bat-like Hollow, coming at it with a sweeping approach, while Bakuto's actions managed to do some damage to the dog hollow, but not quite land a direct blow. Such an over the top approach was not suitable for catching something more mobile. This however did open them up to attacks from the others, the humanoid hollows swinging their thick log-like arms right at the two, sending them flying a few or several feet. Given that they committed decently to their respective attacks, their chances of defending themselves from it were not great.

Mikazuki successfully caught the attention of the lizard hollow and entered direct combat with it, trading blows as he deflected it's approaches, the claws being bounced off his blade before landing a couple licks with his ripostes. It was unfortunately not enough to defeat it.

Try as the group might however, one glance back over to Ouga and they would realize their time was up.

----

Ouga vs Regalhorn

While the battle with the hollows and the new substitutes took place, a litany of thunder and destruction played out at the park entrance as Ouga and Regalhorn came to blows. After the initial blast of lightning from his zanpakuto, Ouga proceeded to charge right at the large hollow, and to his surprise as he swung his Douroki Douji, Regalhorn's fist made contact, what appeared to be a bone-like armor formed around it, allowing the soul devouring demon to safely strike against a lightning explosion. The initial clash was disengaged as Ouga took it in... He wasn't going to be able to just bowl his way through, and even with his Shikai, for a Hollow to be able to match it was exceptional.

"I guess doin' is believin', not even a Gillian and you can already measure up against a Shikai... I can see why you've been able to last",

"Hmph, a compliment? Or are you simply measuring? It matters not, prattle as you please, for you only delay your end",

"We'll see 'bout that".

A series of thundering clashes erupted throughout the fight, each strike from Douroki Douji was met with a solid resistance, fist against bat, lightning against bone. Each strike had different intensities and even types of lightning as Ouga tried to find the best way to pierce Regalhorn's defenses, yet he found himself gritting his teeth for the long haul as each time the bone armor seemed to be able to be broken by his strike, another of different composition would be made to match it. This wasn't good, Hollow were tireless, and though they also had limited reiryoku, they did not feel tiredness from lacking it. If this kept up, it would only end badly for him.

There was a brief pause in their clashes as Ouga took a step back, entering a stance before the entire bat glowed with lightning. "Raishougeki!" What sounded like the roar of an engine would ring out before being followed by a single straight flash of lightning and at the very end of that road was Regalhorn, the blast creating a large cloud of dust. The attack was quick, almost instant if not at least at a significantly high speed. It was not as heavy as his direct strikes, but it was fast, with immense range. He hoped it would be quick enough to strike before Regalhorn could form the bone armor.

His eyes widened as Regalhorn emerged from the smoke, bursting forward as he threw a punch, managing to catch Ouga off-guard as he managed to only partially raise his zanpakuto to defend himself, causing him to go hurtling back several feet before stopping himself to a sliding halt. It was a success, as his eyes told him, yet not a big enough one to change the tide of this battle. Regalhorn after that attack spotted a burn upon his chest, meaning he managed to hit him, yet even his raw body was strong.

"Tch... Not enough huh. Just what kind of diet have you had?"

"Impressive speed, with an ability boasting power, even I was surprised by that, yet it appears it was not enough", he stood up straight, before walking towards Ouga. "However, our playtime is over, you have shown me enough for me to be satisfied. Goodbye Shinigami with the interesting hair". Regalhorn's hand raised with each step, spiked bones forming as he prepared to deliver a fatal blow, and just as it appeared he might do it...

"Bindungslicht"

An array of blue light wrapped itself around Regalhorn, halting his movement completely. Even with his barbaric strength, he could not break free from it. Ouga's eyes did not deceive him, he was saved in this moment. So this was the favor Shouko was talking about.

"It is quite rude to bring an old man out so late at night, only to be met with a ruffian... Or two", the old man's eyes rested upon Ouga as he cited the second. He wore a gray coat, had a well-groomed beard and mustache and slick back hair, eyes a deep almost glowing blue. This man was Hilmar Schuttmann. He pulled back the sleeve of his coat to reveal a few glowing tattoos as he held what appeared to be a silver cross enclosed in a circle. It was most certainly a religious symbol yet unclear exactly what it was.

"Well you know the drill already, I can only provide support. The killing blow must be yours", Ouga appeared to psych himself as he stood up, his bat glowing as he was not about to waste this chance.

"I'll ignore the last comment. Get ready for the big one", he bolted, exerting his body to the fullest extent as he lunged right at Regalhorn, pouring all of his reiatsu into this strike. Regalhorn however was not sitting idly by while bound, creating bone blades around his bound areas to cut himself free... But not every binding, no, he concentrated it around his right arm. He only had time to cut himself free, not take on and defend himself from the incoming blow and so he did not try to, instead... He grabbed a nearby hollow that squealed in terror realizing what he was doing as he used it as a shield. That hollow was vaporized almost immediately by the powerful blow, and the ensuing shockwave would break all the bindings too, setting Regalhorn free, yet he knew his chances were now slim now that one of those were present.

"Hmph, I see now the tides have turned, yet this is but a delay... The power I feel from this town will become mine. Mark my words", he swiped his cape, causing his form to disappear as Ouga attempted to follow-up, only to swing into nothingness.

----
@Megatron

At the same time as the old man Hilmar had arrived, so too did another substitute Shinigami, Enishi Rei. With the element of surprise on her side she was bound to take out maybe one or two of the hollow present, and everyone else could clean the rest up. It had been awhile, but due to certain circumstances she had been forbidden from doing shinigami duties, though it was not hers or the two Shinigami recruiters' request. It was Hilmar's. Perhaps there was some excitement to her appearance today, at the very least that may be what she felt as she was able to wield this power yet again. The reasons to her restriction were not known to her, and so like a child unleashed upon a playground in months she was filled with vim and vigor.

---

Sagamiyama - Nearby Street

Saturday Night

@LadyAnnaLee

---

ding

"Dry are the tears of the crestfallen"

ding

"Long have they endured, the night speaks to them in darkness"

ding

"Yet wherefore does one seek truth and salvation... One must clutch it for themselves, or take the hand that offers it"

ding

"And so I offer my hand... Weep, Mugetsu Higanbana"

Erupting around Sara was a black and red flame, it's embers and arches resembling that of the flower petals of a lycoris lily, or the spider lily. She had never seen it before, yet the voice that rang out around was familiar, it was Shouko's. Very different to the voice she was hearing much, much earlier, and as the flames engulfed the area around her, she could see the sky and buildings flicker and fade, before she found herself in a much more recognizable street... They were not too far from the park, after recognizing a couple landmarks like a store or a specific lamp crossing or lamp post. Regardless, Shouko appeared standing behind her, her parasol zanpakuto having sprouted blades, and changed into a much larger shape, and no blade present whatsoever.

In turn, the hollow that Sara was fighting howled in pain, the feminine voice it had was distorted as it writhed, before slinking away into the shadows almost immediately. The flames of Shouko's zanpakuto attempted to give chase, yet the night favored this one especially well as the darkness became its ally.

"Hm, so it escapes yet again... Perhaps I am ill suited to slay it", she mused to herself.

"You did well hanging in there Sara, yet you became reckless near the end... The others will have gotten back up also. Please, take a moment to compose yourself and we will be off", as always she appeared somewhat cold, yet her words spoke of consideration.

---

Sagamiyama - Small Park

Saturday Night

@Morgannis

---

Mitsuaki's plan was rather ill-conceived, he would look at either side of him and notice blades beginning to every few seconds slice right through, once on the left, once on the right, and then again and again... Each one closing in on him. The attempt to go through the top would fail and a blade would manage to slice right through his shoulder. Even if he raised his blade, it would only partially block the blow. The hollow would circle around before heading inside to inspect it's prey and as it's mask was but inches from his face, it suddenly flinched, backing away and almost yelling. It's form shivered and rattled briefly, before smashing it's face against the floor of the park. It was strange what he was seeing but... To him, it appeared as if it was trying to resist something, before it would howl and leap off into the night... The experience was, strange to say the least and yet the voice that howled in that moment seemed a little familiar...

Bleach - Resonant Souls

Sagamiyama - Sakuhana Park

Saturday Night

Players

Mikazuki:@Letter Bee
Tony:@McNephelim
Bakuto: @BladeSS4
Darius: @LC

---

The fight against the Hollows was beginning to heat up, Darius' Tamahou Kido spell nailed the bat Hollow right along the side of it's mask as it tried to veer away from a direct hit, though this led it to being staggered in the air, causing it to lower it's altitude significantly. The attack almost killed it outright, the flier was much more fragile than it appeared, it could perhaps be dispatched rather quickly if someone made the dangerous leap through the other four to reach it.

Meanwhile on the ground, the Kido barrier was beginning to show significant cracks, the lizard and hound hollows snarling and taunting Tony and Bakuto while the other two humanoid hollows were at the front and constantly pummeling the barrier. There was no pressure on them for the last few moments, leading to them easily coming together and making a mild formation. They lost their chance for a simple counter-attack earlier, and now needed to deal with all four on full alert.

Amidst the fighting they could hear the roar of thunder towards the park entrance where Ouga was, supposedly fighting using his Shikai's ability. Unbeknownst to them, much needed help was on it's way, though not that they were aware.

Fenix Tear [Invite | Ask Only]

Reuel Ashcroft

@Megatron

---

"One long black",

"Thank you", Reuel stood by the booth of a small coffee stand, the type you'd find in a quaint little Italian town just down a narrow alleyway. The morning sun was rising, what a fine day it was he thought to himself as he looked to the blue sky, scant few clouds covering it. Of course, given the cataclysmic scale of some of the players, that could change very quickly... Rather, it was probably set to change pretty soon.

"Very good, how long have you been making this brew?"

"Mmm, hard to say, was my dad's and his dad's method, maybe since I was but a wee lad I was brewing it like this alongside my old man. Haven't seen you here around before though, here on business?" The cafe owner took the cup and put it in the sink, continuing to make conversation.

"Something like that... Well, it's quite good anyhow. I do hope you'll be able to continue making this... I guess we'll see after the day is over",

"I don't know what you mean by that, but thanks...?"

"Don't mention it... Maybe close up early today too, I might be your last customer for today", and with that Reuel was on his way, giving a wave to the cafe owner as his shoes tapped along down the old cobblestone paths, the paper cup with coffee in his hand. The cafe owner was left perplexed, not knowing of the events that were about to unfold.

------

The streets of Fortuna were beautiful, suffice to say. Old, historical architecture, handcrafted fencing and metal bars, old oil street lamps and specially crafted signs. Ornate designs that at a glance were merely beautiful and carefully crafted, however those who understood the symbolism would know they referred to demons. Not every structure had these stylings, a lot of the more modern buildings lacked them entirely, but it was obvious there was some dedication to these symbols as they were rather well kept and well cleaned.

As Reuel took yet another step down the street, the sky above him seemed to crack, and the buildings beside him began to shatter like glass as the ground began to show fissures. He continued to walk rather nonchalantly as the space around him began to change, finishing the coffee and tossing it into the void that was appearing around him.

"Well, I didn't know the KKK ran a circus. You want an applause for this magic trick?", his eyes rested upon the jester that appeared before him as he pulled his hands in front to clap slowly.

"You were the one that killed my brothers and sisters from the Krusade, I'm not letting you off easily, heretic!"

Reuel mimicked a flinch, clutching his chest as if he was in pain, "ooh! Guilty as charged. So what're you gonna do about it? Make me a balloon animal? I'm really having fun this morning so I'll let you make the first move" He smiled gleefully as he threw his hands up into a shrug. The expression was dark, and a glint of bloodthirst in his eyes too, his smile widened further as he opened up his chest as if inviting. Of course, he had no intent on taking a hit, whatever the jester did he was going to react.

Bleach - Resonant Souls

Sagamiyama - Sakuhana Park

Saturday Night

Players

Mikazuki:@Letter Bee
Tony:@McNephelim
Bakuto: @BladeSS4
Darius: @LC

---

Though their teamwork was a little sloppy, it would be enough for a small pack of feral Hollows. Though they were of the same 'group', the only thing they had in common was who they served under, undisciplined beasts they were. First was Tony and Bakuto's initial attacks, while Tony managed to get some good licks in especially on the lizard surprisingly, while the oversized dog was fast enough to avoid anything more than a graze. As a result, he got the attention of both of them, rather than just the puppy. Though before they could finish their charge, Darius' shield wall managed to keep them from landing anything at all.

Bakuto's attack did not land, not even close, but it did get it's attention and so the bat-like Hollow would come down with it's talons to strike out of provocation. Doing an aerial spin with both wings tucked to increase it's speed before opening back up with talons out front, Bakuto would find himself having to defend against a pretty heavy attack. Though such an attack he would never have to deal with, thanks to Mikazuki's barrier, barring the bat Hollow's advance, forcing it to bounce off and fly back up into the air as it would try to pick a different target, out of range from conventional zanpakuto techniques. It had it's eye on Mikazuki.

They were doing well to survive, however Hollows were tireless, and so they needed to create an opportunity to counterattack.

---

Sagamiyama (???)

Saturday Night

@LadyAnnaLee

---

Sara's Bakudo Hainawa attached successfully to the electric wires and lamp. Anyone who happened to be looking at this street tonight would be witness to a supernatural phenomenon, and maybe post about it online, as they watched a street lamp and electric line collide. Veilcaller's attack with the myriad of tendrils would be met with at minimum the lamp, and at most an electric shock from the dangerous amount of electricity surging from the event. Being a Hollow it would not be damaged too much by conventional electricity, but it was enough to halt it's attack, giving her the opportunity to get in a lick, albeit from a range.

She had but one opportunity for an attack here, a small one but an opportunity nonetheless. Veilcaller herself was still undamaged, and as she was not directly struck, the Hollow would immediately resume it's attack as soon as more tendrils formed from it's arms.

---

Sagamiyama (???)

Saturday Night

@Morgannis

---

Mitsuaki trying to create some distance was momentarily a wise move to avoid Aquafang's spinning attack, managing to clear away from it, the cat-like Hollow spinning along the ground before stopping at a sideways pose to see it's quarry sizing it down still. A low growl came out as it slowly circled it's prey, before Mitsuaki would bound towards some of the other playground equipment, sliding into the ceramic pipe structure. Though it was basically a pipe for kids to hang around inside of, it had a pretty solid roof one could stand on.

Initially Aquafang would rush after him, stopping at where Mitsuaki would enter, giving him a glare before disappearing from sight. If Mitsuaki turned around at this point, he would see it again at the other end. He was trapped. If he tried to exit one side, Aquafang would be quick enough to swap to the other. It would only be a matter of time before the Hollow would decide to just slice through the pipe, but until then Mitsuaki had but a short bit of precious time to think of a plan.

Bleach - Resonant Souls

The Night Begins

Sagamiyama - Sakuhana Park

Saturday Night

Players

Mikazuki:@Letter Bee
Tony:@McNephelim
Bakuto: @BladeSS4
Darius: @WSilversun

---

The sound of a horde was heard before it was seen. Hollow of all shapes and sizes came into view as the street lights illuminated them, an unseen army heading towards the park, and with intent it appeared. Why here? Why in such a horde? Their stampeding footsteps would be drowned out soon over the thundering lumbering steps of another behind them. Sporting a mask that appeared like a crown with two horns, and hair of red, billowing behind it like a cape... That had to be Regalhorn. Normally Hollow only had bone around their mask, but Regalhorn seemed to have armor-like bones growing at various spots on its body.

As the army of hollow came into view at the entrance of the park, they stopped. Regalhorn stood up straight and crossed his arms, looking upon the lowly Shinigami before him. He had to be at least a dozen feet tall.

"Gehehaha, it seems we have a welcoming crew, and a meager one!"

"Excuse our lack of preparation, but we weren't expecting you here tonight. Maybe come back in a couple more nights and you'll have a better welcome",

"Hooh, some bite on this one", the grinning mask of Regalhorn almost made it seem like he enjoyed this display of resistance. His golden eyes would look down upon the rough-house man.

"My lord, my lord, the ones behind him look tasty don't you think?" A smarmy rat-like hollow piped up, getting on all fours getting ready to pounce on the inexperienced shinigami.

"Yes yes! Easy prey! The big one of course is all yours-" This one, a hollow with an unusually wide mask would turn to see Regalhorn's fist crater through.

"No one gives my orders, do you all understand? I decide who eats who", the other Hollow keeled to him as they bowed almost in unison. As Regalhorn got back up, having had to kneel to kill his blabbermouthed subordinate, he turned to the group of Shinigami.

"Now then, I am not convinced anyone in front is worth my horns", he crossed his arms, a burst of reiatsu would emit from him as it did.

"You lot, have at them, let's see what they're really worth!, the horde of hollow cheered in glee as they without restraint dashed into the park, a large group would be upon them. More than a dozen were about to crash into them all at once. Even with their training, such a horde was but a wall of Hollow.

"Ride, Douroki Douji!" A crash of lightning would erupt right at the face of the Hollow swarm, thinning their numbers immediately as they were all caught in the electric crash. When the smoke cleared, Ouga was no longer holding a wooden sword, but instead, a spiked bat. The handle was adorned with the wrappings more typical of a katana, as well as a seemingly innocuous tsuba. Even though it was wrapped that way it seemed messy and haphazard.

The Hollow that were not caught in the blast though would run right at the other inexperienced shinigami, but they were much more manageable. What could have been a fight against four or five hollow at once per person, was now closer to one or maybe two. Now was the time to make use of their training and demonstrate their ability.

There were about five hollow that made it past Ouga, one that flew with a bat-like mask, two large humanoid types that were pretty typical, though one was hunched over and the other had larger arms than normal, one quadrupedal dog-like Hollow as big as a horse, and a lizard-like Hollow with claws and a tail.

---

Sagamiyama (???)

Saturday Night

@LadyAnnaLee

---

The Shakkaho's inordinate power output caused a unique kind of misfire, where it could barely do it's job, but instead turned into a kind of flashbang. The blast itself was not strong, after all it was a binding Kido, but it's unstable output caused it to burst into light that lit up the entire street for but a moment and in that moment Sara would manage to turn the corner and out of sight.

"Ahhh, don't run my sweet... Embrace oblivion, and join with me...", realizing she was running, Veilcaller began to slip into the darkness once again.

"After all, the dark is where we both belong... Where all belongs"

---

All would seem quiet for Sara for awhile, she had a chance to set something up, but how much of a chance? How much time? It was certainly much shorter than what she thought. The Hollow had some interesting abilities, and given their nature it was likely this Hollow was quite old. Still that didn't matter at the moment, after all, given it was able to make her run in circles in a cloned neighborhood, what did she think simply running to get a chance to lay a trap would do?

From the shadows behind Sara, she'd hear it again, it's song. However instead of Veilcaller appearing first like before, cloth-like tendrils would shoot out to attempt to strike or grab at her.

---

Sagamiyama (???)

Saturday Night

@Morgannis

---

The choice to attack first, it was hard to tell if it was foolhardy or smart, the line between both were razor thin at times and this was one of them. As Mitsuaki attempted to move behind the Hollow, it's own speed made evading his attempt rather simple. All it needed to do was move forward too, as the two glanced past each other. Now facing each other once again after arriving at swapped positions, the Hollow Aquafang would make it's move, initially charging forward at first, only to move to the side, disappearing from view as it slipped behind some of the playground equipment. In that moment of losing vision it'd climb up in a bound before pouncing from above, however it's leap was not a typical one as it began to spin in the middle of it while extending it's bladed fins, turning into a bladed drill as it came down upon Mitsuaki.

Bleach - Resonant Souls

The Night Begins

Sagamiyama - Sakuhana Park

Saturday Night

Players

Mikazuki:@Letter Bee
Tony:@McNephelim
Bakuto: @BladeSS4
Darius: @WSilversun

---

Everyone's arrival to the park was, almost timely to say the least. With Darius being the earliest, arriving even before Ouga with which there was little chatter as tension built up in the air for the coming night. Pretty soon, Bakuto, Tony, and Mikazuki arrived too. It wasn't important to them at the current, and so very few noticed that the famous sakura tree of this park almost appeared to be glowing...

"Shouko's already told me she's gonna be a little late, so it's just us for now. Sara and Mitsuaki don't seem to be here yet, so we should wait a little longer for those two. Until then I'll ask you all to be ready for anything tonight, there's no telling when-"

The world around them for a moment appeared to feel heavy, a sinking feeling in their chest, and for those whose reiatsu were too little might even find themselves kneeling. Though it was only for a moment, they felt as if it had lasted far longer than that. A sense of dread immediately followed this, as all collectively knew the source of this sudden spiritual pressure. Looking down the main path of the park that aligned with the main road, though their eyes could not yet see it, they could sense it, even as inexperienced as they were, it did not hide from them. The presence of one massive hollow, and not long after sensing that, a large group that followed in its wake.

Ouga's eyes were of surprise as he stepped forward, "so the absolute worst is happening tonight is it", with a heavy sigh he swung his wooden sword over his shoulder.

"Alright everyone, be ready. Stay behind me and follow my orders", was all he could really say. Were they ready? Who knew, but they had to be regardless of the circumstances.

---

Sagamiyama (???)

Saturday Night

@LadyAnnaLee

---

Sara's route to the park was not as long as even a few of the other substitutes, yet she found herself running in circles... Too focused on getting to the park tonight it would take her a little while to notice but... Some of the streets appeared to repeat, and began to become unrecognizable as the realization came to pass. And as she stood still in the road to catch her bearings, she could hear it, a familiar voice... It said few words, if any, the sound of beautiful, ethereal singing that tugged at your inner soul, manifesting insecurities and grievances as it teetered you to the brink of oblivion. Like a siren's call, it was a woman's voice. She knew this well, after all she heard this the night of her 'death'. Yet she had not heard it again ever since, until now... Whatever it was, she was snapped out of it by another voice for but a moment, though it was an unfamiliar one to her, and weak, but it was enough for now.

"Aaahhh... So you have become stronger since that night... Your soul seemed especially appetizing, I was wondering if ever we could meet again", it's voice seemed to echo, as if it was being spoken into the mind, rather than directly. The darkness at the end of the street began to swirl and rise, until it formed a seemingly robed figure. A Hollow. It's mask was a small, unassuming face with two large horns that had an ethereal robe flowing down from it like a veil, as well as closed eyes. Though it's most striking feature would be the singular "third" eye, which was in fact it's true eye. It possessed the physique of a woman with it's curves and dress-like appearance, but no arms, which had cloth-like tendrils in it's place.

"Very few even see my beauteous form, so consider yourself lucky my sweet one... Aaahhh... Tonight I feell... Mmm, amazing, please, become my feast for this fine night".

---

Sagamiyama (???)

Saturday Night

@Morgannis

---

Mitsuaki's trek towards the park was one would say, beset by a bunch of weaker Hollow. They were fresh, and so he found it easy to run them through with his zanpakuto, yet he could not help but feel eyes upon his back. The feeling of being prey, one could say. As he tried to make his way to the park, strong instinct pushed him away from faster routes, almost as if he could see eyes at the end of each of those roads... Whatever it was, it had already run ahead of him, and was lurking somewhere to try and ambush him. And only moments ago he felt those same eyes on his back too... Whatever it was, it was fast.

He needed an open space, lest he be struck turning a corner, and the closest one was a small park with a playground. The kind with a jungle gym and a ceramic pipe tunnel, and a seesaw. As he step foot into it he could see the moon above cast a shadow behind him. It showed itself. It was no bigger than a tiger, rather small for a Hollow, yet it did not seem to be a Hollow about size or strength, possessed of fin-like wrist blades, a thick fish's tail, glowing red mane that seemed to constantly flutter like kelp underneath the sea, and a mask that was that of a koi fish. As he stepped forward, two lightning whiskers would form from the mask, as if representing it's readiness to fight. Whether or not Mitsuaki was ready at present, he needed to prepare himself.

Bleach - Resonant Souls

@Sp00ki Yeah we have a little room still. When you're ready I'll see your character first before talking further.

@Danyel Finish it already so I can check it.

Bleach - Resonant Souls

Sagamiyama - Kintama Autoshop

Saturday Afternoon

Mikazuki:@Letter Bee

---

"You'd probably die before turning into a hollow", Ouga gave a quick and curt answer, stopping at the door before turning back around to face Mikazuki, making eye contact as he glared the light out of his gaze. "This ain't some kinda game, you wanna find out if that's all possible be my guest because I don't wanna know. Don't wanna be tricked? Screw that head on better. If you wanted to become a Hollow shoulda just said no when we jabbed you with those asauchi, but then we'd use our own zanpakuto to put you down", he wasn't having it with how Mikazuki was acting, no decorum or awareness of how serious the situation was. It was rare both Ouga and Shouko would be active during a patrol, and from the looks of things they didn't have a lot of help. This was simply the best they could muster at this time.

"Now no more questions, more time you all have to prepare the better. Put your affairs for the night away and come out as planned."

There was a bitter silence in the room as Ouga left, leaving just the group and Shouko who was about ready to leave too.

"Ah yes, one last thing... I may arrive somewhat late, there are still a few favors in this town I can request to help our chances tonight and onwards. I hope they will be forthcoming and understanding... Otherwise, take care everyone. Of course it goes without saying... Leave your living bodies at home tonight", and with that, she too left. The front door of the lobby gently closing behind her as everyone was left to get home and prepare themselves.

---

Sagamiyama - Sakuhana Park

Saturday - Evening

Bakuto:@BladeSS4 Mitsuaki:@Morgannis Tony:@McNephelim Sara:@LadyAnnaLee Tony:@McNephelim Mikazuki:@Letter Bee Darius: @WSilversun

---

Sagamiyama at night was peaceful, to say the least. Well-lit streets and few people out at night, only the odd night worker or people heading home from dinner, or even those heading out to enjoy the night downtown. The picturesque modern Japanese town was like any other at this time of night, save for one thing... A feeling of dread. It was indescribable, and for most, imperceptible, but those who possessed a keen sixth eye would feel a true sense of unease.

As the moon rose over Sakuhana Park, a park known for it's mysteriously active sakura tree that bloomed all year round, there was an ethereal eerie beauty to the scenery of the park. Not a soul in sight, almost glowing cherry blossom petals floated peacefully along the soft night breeze as the full moon created a vision of night time splendor. Yet beneath this beauty was danger... There was not a soul to be found, not even a Hollow, and yet it felt like a calm before the storm. This was the meeting place.

Coming towards the massive tree was a big square where people often gathered to view the unusual cherry blossom tree. The story goes that several years ago it was but a withering sprout, but mysteriously began to grow unusually fast, and even those who did research on it found that it's age was rapidly increasing too. It became the center of urban mysteries in Sagamiyama, and a bit of a tourist spot, albeit locally.

Bleach - Resonant Souls

Sagamiyama - Kintama Autoshop

Saturday Afternoon

Bakuto:@BladeSS4 Mitsuaki:@Morgannis Tony:@McNephelim Sara:@LadyAnnaLee Tony:@McNephelim Mikazuki:@Letter Bee Darius: @WSilversun

---

Shouko gave Tony a little glare as he asked his question. Was he doing this on purpose? Or was he actually a bit of a buffoon? Either way it wasn't an invalid question.

"Hueco Mundo, is the world of Hollows. Like how here is the human world, for humans, and Soul Society is the world of Shinigami, Hueco Mundo is the world of Hollows. It is where Hollows come from, and where Hollows retreat to. Of course, that is different to how Hollows are born, which are from lingering spirits within the human world", as everyone here should be well aware. This seemed to be the extent of what they knew about Hueco Mundo though.

She turned to listen to Darius whose concerns were also quite valid, they weren't wrong, not at all, however... "Ordinarily Shinigami may not encounter organized groups of Hollow for even hundreds of years. Our activity in relation to Hollows is mainly only in the human world, where only the weakest and freshly born Hollow are the issue. This... Is an exceptional situation." She continued on to address a few other issues too, namely their Hollow Warlord, against some fledgling Shinigami.

"For the most part even among organized groups of Hollow, they are about the survival of the strongest, and so even 'organized', they are still barbaric and beastly. Naturally, for the nights ahead me and Ouga will also be fully active, not simply supervising." She relaxed a little as Ouga began to address some of the questions.

"We don't know why Regalhorn's here but his presence means there will be a lot of Hollow coming with him, so we'll be organizing high alert patrols tonight. Even experienced Shinigami have been put away by Regalhorn though, so if you spot 'im, run. Don't even think of fightin' him. He's a Hollow with a mask that looks like a crown with two horns, and red hair behind him like a cape. It'll be hard to miss him", he took a sigh as the next question followed. The Soul War...

"That... Is a bit of a history lesson. Don't really have time to go into it, but it was a civil war between Shinigami. After which, the amount of Shinigami was too few, which is why this program for recruiting more Substitute Shinigami was made. You guys. They have far too few Shinigami to spare sending to the human world", it was a rather concise explanation, but didn't really say much about the Soul War itself. It seems there was a lot more to it, but for now what mattered most was that this event had caused a whole cavalcade of other events... It's effects still being felt.

"If there's no more questions you should all go home and prepare... Oh yeah about the candy thing, unfortunately not tonight, but Candy Shop's workin' on some new method for getting outta your bodies. Says it's... Based on some old designs she found, but not important right now. Was told it'll be ready tomorrow. I was going to just go around and give it to you all tomorrow but well cat's outta the bag and this situation calls for precise action". Ouga crossed his arms before getting up.

"I'm gonna go make sure I'm ready to get goin'", he began to move towards the autoshop to start locking up the garage. The lobby they were all in would be free to come and go for a little while though.

"As will I. I have to make sure correspondence is kept with Soul Society. If anyone is feeling a little uneasy, I recommend returning grouping up early. Otherwise... I shall see you all at Sakuhana Park in a couple hours", and with that Shouko began to make preparations to leave too.

Bleach - Resonant Souls

Sagamiyama - Kintama Autoshop

Saturday Afternoon

Bakuto:@BladeSS4 Mitsuaki:@Morgannis Tony:@McNephelim Sara:@LadyAnnaLee Tony:@McNephelim Mikazuki:@Letter Bee Darius: @WSilversun

---

From midday to the afternoon the entire group had passed the time at the autoshop whatever way they could. Ouga continued to give some pointers for those looking to train and improve, while Shouko prepared some light meals and made idle conversation, as well as care for those who needed it. Despite her cold demeanor she was the one who handled most Kido based tasks. By all accounts it was a rather sleepy day, yet the air around Shouko hung with a foreboding feeling, and those more sensitive to the feelings of others might feel it. Whatever she needed to tell everyone seemed to be rather serious. They would of course, soon find out in the afternoon when Bakuto had returned and everyone was there and accounted for.

---

"Well, now that everybody's here, Shouko you came here with a rather serious look", she always looked serious. "So what's the news that's so important we all gotta be here?" She nodded silently as she stood up at the table. The autoshop lobby had the furniture moved to fit a big table in the middle where everyone was seated. Ever since everyone here had started as a Shinigami they had occasionally had meetings with one or two other members, but never like this all at once.

"It is not only relevant to us Shinigami from Soul Society, but also for all those living in this town, and naturally this includes all Substitute Shinigami too. As all of the accounted for Shinigami in Sagamiyama, this news comes as most critical... The Hollow Warlord Regalhorn has been spotted near the city", this name meant nothing to anyone here but Ouga and Shouko, but with the seriousness of which she described this Hollow, it seemed this was a serious threat. Ouga's exchanged

"For those of us who don't know, Regalhorn is a powerful Hollow who thrived during the Soul War around twenty years ago. During this period there was no Shinigami activity in the human world, and so he freely consumed and grew in strength until the average Shinigami could not slay him... Normally, he stays within Hueco Mundo now, where even specialized Shinigami cannot chase him, as that is the world of Hollows, however he's been spotted outside of that realm, which is a cause for concern. He is called a Hollow Warlord, as he commands a large force of Hollow, and so this information comes as a warning about an imminent spike in Hollow activity as soon as perhaps even tonight", she leaned forward and looked each and every one in the eyes.

"I'd like everyone to go on patrol tonight and meet up first in Sakuhana Park, and we'll coordinate our tasks then", it didn't seem there was a choice in the matter. The threat was enough that they needed all hands it seemed.

"If there are any questions, feel free to ask them now before you all go home and prepare yourselves for the night ahead".