Letter Bee

H3110!! ^u^

@V31L3D 0DD17Y, welcome!

Bleach - Resonant Souls

Mikazuki Nakajima

The fear, the cold, the darkness of the park at night. The sheer horror of what they were about to face; pitiful souls consumed by corruption and impurity, gathered together by a Hollow 'Warlord' who had the power to command others of its kind, ready to rampage through his home and wreak unspeakable havoc.

As he squirmed like an earthworm under the overwhelming spiritual pressure, Mikazuki knew what they were going to endure was an order of magnitude higher than anything their group of wannabe True Companions had faced before, but the fear kept him frozen in shock, as though his feet were encased in ice.

But the boy knew what he wanted, and that was to draw his Zanpaktou and stand, to protect people from the horrors of death and what was beyond it. Mikazuki Nakajima, kendo student, was not going to let fear styme him; he had made a promise to Mr. Leonid, while he knew that his grandfather would scorn him from Soul Society or Hell - Probably Hell - if the teen betrayed his ideals by being a coward. So Mika struggled, forcing himself to take a standard kendo stance and stand his ground as he waited for the foe to make his appearance.

But deep inside, he was concered by the thought of two missing members of the team: Mitsuaki and Sara... where are they? Did they get ambushed?

He had faith that neither of them would willingly abandon their mission and just leave; Mitsuaki's grief and Sara's lonliness would not allow them to flee the scene without a fight. So they must be fighting; Mikazuki had faith aplenty that his friends had their own battles elsewhere and would win - He could not imagine them losing this round.

@Sho Minazuki @BladeSS4 @McNephelim @WSilversun

Noble Arms: The ASEAN War - Thread Three, the Darkest Hour

The Character Sheet has been transferred from a defunct Side RP

Appearance:
An old Korean man who is 5'7 inches tall and 80kg in weight, Admiral Yi Yeol keeps a finely-groomed white beard and mustache that accentuate his brown eyes, which can switch from friendly to stern in mere seconds. Lean, yet muscular, Admiral Yi Yeol bears the mark of many years practicing traditional Korean Martial Arts in his body language and his hand calluses, and his uniform is clean as per regulations; he is not ashamed of his increasing wrinkles.

Name: Admiral Yi Yeol

Age: 62

Nationality: South Korean

Jet or Mech: Neither; he has a Sejong the Great-class destroyer.

Preferred Armament: Guided Missiles, but he also uses the other IRL arms and ammunition of the Sejong the Great-class destroyer.

Custom Modifications:
- Custom Computer Core capable of calculating and processing Occult Programming Language.
- OPL-based 'cheat codes' that reduce the effects of environmental hazards by 90%, allowing the ship to endure typhoons, tsunamis, blizzards, and extreme temperatures without being destroyed.
- OPL-based 'cheat codes' that make the ship's hull as tough as carbon-fiber armor without affecting its weight and maneuverability.

Misc Abilities: Taekwondo, Korean Swordsmanship, Archery, and Equestrianism. He is, of course, a competent and well-read Admiral who knows the capabilities of his fleet and that of the JSDF enough to be appointed the overall commander of the combined Japanese-South Korean flotilla.

Personality: An honorable man, known for his wisdom. A loving grandfather and father. An open-minded family patriarch who is capable of extending courtesy and politeness even to his enemies. Well-read, generous, and above all, willing to fight for his country within the bounds of reason and morality, a stance that has earned him the dislike of war hawks and doves alike, who see him as not taking a side. His response to that is that he has a side - The best interests of his country and its people, which are helped by hewing closely to Humanity as a concept.

*Likes: Beef Bulgogi, Books, Martial Arts, Learning.

*Dislikes: Bitter things, his own country's politicians and corporate goons, the suggestion of treachery.

Fears: The fall of his country and the international order he has helped prop up for decades.

Bio: Yi Yeol is a descendant of Yi Sun-Shin, one of the greatest naval commanders in history. For years, he endeavors to live up to that name, even pursuing a military career under the sometimes stifling pressure of his family. He had an arranged marriage; he had a wife and several children and he loved them dearly. His children were raised better than he was, with them being allowed to choose their own paths, for good or for ill. Some of them died before him; he took care of their children, his own flesh and blood. It was a mundane, boring life, one that grew his skills while keeping him away from Arms Mastery.

Then, the ASEAN War started with the People's Republic of China invading everywhere at once, emboldened by the US President's inexplicable withdrawal from world affairs. He was called up to lead the South Korean Navy; his predecessor had been assassinated by a North Korean Arms Master. Accepting the help of the Paragons of Science, he began coordinating with the Japanese Self-Defense Forces in preparation for when Russia and North Korea sent their fleets in support of China, anticipating that they would have to go through the Tsushima Strait. This was what happened sooner than he expected, and this November of 2022, he is ready to confront this unprecedented foe, and sink their ships to the bottom of the ocean!

*Current Goal: Defeat the Russian and North Korean fleet.

Military or Civilian Rank: Admiral.

*Optional

Noble Arms: The ASEAN War - Thread Three, the Darkest Hour

Intermission Four - Darkest Hour

La Trinidad de Manila Academy - 12/1/2022, 5:20, UTC+8

Far Eastern University In Real Life; the location and structures are used for La Trinidad de Manila in this timeline for convenience

Director Bathala answered Cristina and Henri first, saying as firm as the grave, "Yes, but with the caveat that you need to switch between the new powerset and the old one if the new powerset is a form of Anti-Magic. Now, Cristina, draw your Noble Arm and steady your hands as it trembles."

If Cristina did so, the Director would tap it with his Kalis, the Noble Arm sending a jolt into the girl's mystic weapon, giving it a new, foreign power.

The Director then added, "So, two members of the Task Force for Superbia's Dungeon, two others undecided, and the rest are taking up La Naval de Manila II. Fair choices made."

He then looked at Myron and said, "You are to lead the mission to rescue First Lieutenant Alonso from the Avatar of Superbia itself; you are the only one besides Callie who can reliably get the sub-team to Gansu now that Angelino Jaime's NA is gone and Qingshe is... out of commission. And Callie's best at destroying fleets. Now, there's still a week or so until this breather is over, so I'd advise you all to train, sample the amenities of Trinidad Academy, or some mixture of both: The green recruits and veterans need to learn how each other fights. Thankfully, La Trinidad de Manila is more than some rich people's playground - You'll find extra-tough arenas, obstacle courses, and a few... simulators, courtesy of the United States of America's past administrations."

Myron nodded, then told the rest, "We're getting star treatment here; La Trinidad de Manila has free school lunches within reason - It used to have a program where high-performing students or the rich got Michelin-class food, but the Director abolished that due to how easy it was to cheat. Do you guys want to know how I know that? Well, it was the Director who took me in when I surrendered to the UN after I got my Noble Arm, just before the Disablers were systematically dismantled - I was one of them; just a kid but that's not an excuse. He gave me a new life and allowed me to atone for my past crimes - The burden of guilt I carry."

The former Disabler then gave Tonka his full gaze, knowing that she and he shared similarities in past tactics and backstories. He then said to her and Oscar, "We three will need to go over what we know about that gold mine in Gansu, China, and what info we can collect on short notice; maybe after a meal or so."

Turning towards the Director, Myron asked the Sapient Noble Arm, "I presume we're dismissed?"

Director Bathala nodded behind his hardwood desk, telling them, "One last thing. The La Naval de Manila II mission needs a leader, and sadly, the most able ones in Task Force Obsidian are the ones who disappear out of the blue. If the Philippine Government of National Salvation cannot spare one of their own, I'll appoint The Crown Prince nominal leader and hope for the best - Remember that. Now, you're all dismissed; enjoy La Trinidad de Manila."

@Gerlando@Nimbus@QJT@Amidatelion@Digmata@Chiro@Creative Chaos@4wheathRmany@Danyel@Sanity43217@DammitVictor@ctrlsaltdel@Archazen@Goblininamech@Vidar the Quiet

Shattered Steel - An Ace Combat/Project Wingman/etc inspired aircraft-based RP

Mykhailo Martinez

Easy prey, Mykhailo thought silently as he locked on one of the light attack craft and shot one of his sidewinders from his right wingtip, the AA missile spiraling towards that mook even as he fired his rotary cannon at another one of the light planes - Jastrebs - in front of him before sweeping towards the leftmost foe, firing his rotary cannon again to try and perforate its more fragile frame. He knew enough that the goal was not just to destroy the planes, but prevent them from getting to the cargo ships. If that meant appearing to toy with them, so be it; he was the cat and they were the mouse.

He kept an eye out for any special tricks from these pirate pilots; jury-rigged modifications for their planes or stolen or copied bits of technology that allowed them to punch above their own weight. Mykhailo wasn't blind; he knew that the foe was backed by the NCAA, at the very least. Gritting his teeth, he made sure to keep this squadron divided, under pressure as the planes were constantly shot at - Time to test how good these foes are; he was not going to underestimate anyone today.

Dedicate yourself to the goal, Mykhailo, the young man thought, You know this is more than racking up wins or even kills. This is about accomplishing objectives. And the objectives are to put the pirates in the grave so they don't rob and kill people.

He spared a moment of empathy for the pirates; how many of them genuinely wanted to hurt people in the beginning, how many others just wanted to feed themselves and their families, and finally, how many started out as the latter, but are now the former?

The blue sky held no answers.

@Damo021@Kensai@Smike@Rhona W@Shadow Daedalus

Shattered Steel - An Ace Combat/Project Wingman/etc inspired aircraft-based RP

Mykhailo Martinez

Mykhailo flew in formation behind Scott; despite the thrill of flying, the young man could not help but be easily bored at the sight of clouds and blue sky as he flew above an ocean whose expanse had grown stale to his eyes. Nevertheless, he executed his actions with a grace and professionalism that would be expected of an older man, not someone as excitable as he was.

Adrenaline flowed through him; even as early into his flight as he was, Mykhailo knew he had to be ready for a fight - He knew what people thought of him; he was prepared to shrug that off as long as it didn't lead to physical harm or obstruction. That, and he was the one in the wrong; he was mature enough to recognize that. Heh; the very thought of him being mature... It amused him.

He was Mykhailo Martinez, and he should banish all thoughts of proving himself today. The goal was to help people by protecting the cargo ships, and like hell, he'd allow innocents to die on his watch when he had been assigned to protect them.

So he flew on, ready to cover Scott at the first sign of trouble, trusting in his Rotary Cannon/Internal Gun and a suite of missiles, rockets, and a pair of guided bombs to last him through any initial engagement, assuming that the foe would try and ambush them; he knew instinctively that the enemy would not be deterred by their presence whether they should be or not.

The Cargo Ships below were just pale dots, so it was hard to believe that there were real people on them. What excuse did the foe have?

@Damo021@AvaP@Kensai@Smike@Rhona W@Shadow Daedalus

Noble Arms: The ASEAN War - Thread Three, the Darkest Hour

@Vidar the Quiet, Approval Two given. I like what I read.

The Elder Scrolls: Before the Great War

@swordandpens, I'd insist on one more paragraph because I want to read more of what you've written, but if you really want, I'll give Approval One.

I do want to see more of your writing, though. For personal reasons.

Noble Arms: The ASEAN War - Thread Three, the Darkest Hour

Intermission Four - Darkest Hour

La Trinidad de Manila Academy - 12/1/2022, 5:20, UTC+8

Far Eastern University In Real Life; the location and structures are used for La Trinidad de Manila in this timeline for convenience

Director Bathala smiled, his glasses glinting as he conjured up his Noble Arm, a Kalis Sword (Ignore the Sheath) that gleamed with warmth, a warmth that drove out the unnatural sense of fear and caused any drawn Noble Arms to stop shaking (Griff's). His next words were, "I used to be a Roman Gladius, one that devoured Noble Arms and their powers. This Kalis, my Noble Arm, allows me to transfer those powers to and from other Noble Arms without diminishing their potential. However, should I eat it, which by the way, is the same as eating one's own skin flakes - possible but gross - Its replacement will have a different power, thus denying me the ability to play with the parameters of various Noble Arms."

He then added, "The Downward Descent can give people two Noble Arms with different powersets by torturing a soul to the point of catatonia and infusing it in another person's body. My method is safer because it moves around the powersets and not the Noble Arms. So Cristina, how would you like, say... Huo Ren's power?"

Huo Ren had been one of the group's most obsessed enemies, driven by a perverse desire to capture Nico Makri, one of the past members of Task Force Obsidian. Nico had managed to kill Huo Ren in the latest mission after one such attempt at capture, but after that, he had stayed quiet, with some people speculating he had left TFO permanently. More importantly, Huo Ren had the power to create and control jets of superheated hydrogen, and can even create miniature suns. For the Director to have this power meant that -

"Huo Ren died and his Noble Arm went to another degenerate, and I ate it before that person could harm anyone," Director Bathala succinctly put before continuing, "Either way, do you want this, or some other ability?"

((Paragraph below contributed by Nimbus.))

"In any case," Callie interjected, her voice carrying from the back, "going after this rogue Arm would take our focus away from the war here, and the strategic position is too unstable right now to compromise operational capacity like that. We'd need to strike a major blow before we could even consider tying ourselves up elsewhere... Which, I'm guessing, is the other reason we're gathered here."

((Nimbus' contribution ends here.))

The Director changed the subject in response to Callie, saying, "This is true. Just a little over four hours ago, we received word that Russia's Pacific Fleet has joined up with several North Korean vessels in an attempt to plow through Tsushima Strait in an act of war - Admiral Yi Yeol of South Korea is trying to stop them with a joint South Korean and Japanese Navy; words that were unlikely to be said as early as two years ago. At the same time, China's 'People's Liberation Army Navy' is gearing up for another offensive just as the US Pacific Fleet has begun to sail towards the West Philippine Sea/South China Sea, picking up vessels from the UK, Australia, and New Zealand on the way."

He then continued, "And finally, there is the matter of First Lieutenant Noel Alonso, Task Force Obsidian's captured leader. Right now, he is being held in the late Huo Ren's PoW camp in Gansu; a gold mine where the heat and humidity are cranked up as much as possible to 'justify' the PoWs being given only the minimum of clothing; bear in mind that the PoWs are mostly men with a few women - You know what I am hinting at. That PoW camp is now run by an Avatar of Superbia, aka Pride, who in turn is the leader of the Downward Descent. This Avatar has been fed with more power than the usual ones, and his minions, too; rescuing your leader will require not just raw force, but an iron stomach to stand the disgusting sights you will see there.

"I have already predicted that Yi Yeol will win a spectacular victory and that the Japanese Navy will sail south once the Russian Pacific Fleet is at the bottom of the ocean," the Director began his conclusion, "So you are to train for when the crucial battle of the ASEAN War - La Naval de Manila - arrives, as well as the rescue mission for Noel, which will be held at the same time. Or you can ask me for new abilities, although unlike with Cristina, I will ask for something in return..."

@Gerlando@Nimbus@QJT@Amidatelion@Digmata@Chiro@Creative Chaos@4wheathRmany@Danyel@Sanity43217@DammitVictor@ctrlsaltdel@Archazen@Goblininamech

Bleach - Resonant Souls

Mikazuki Nakajima

Mikazuki nodded and returned to his home on his bike, realizing that he had flubbed up minorly. As he entered the wide two-story building that made up the family dojo, the boy left his shoes at the door, knowing his day was not over yet and he had to help his father out; ever since his grandfather had died, his demeanor around his family members had chilled, although he still gave them the courtesy he owed them as family. Either way, he changed to his kendo outfit to help his father's students train with wooden swords - He was careful, even in this mood, not to inflict serious hurt on them.

The clash of blunted blades helped him let off some steam, although his father looked at him with frosty concern - Takumi Nakajima was not one to express emotions well, and only years of familiarity allowed Mikazuki to know that he still cared about him despite his dispute about grandfather's legacy.

As late afternoon set in, Takumi Nakajima called his son for an early dinner; Mikazuki realized that he knew something was up when the boy smelled a filling meal of gyudon and rice and a dish of chicken kararagi with soy sauce. Food was going to be necessary for energy, and energy was necessary for fighting Hollows. So Mikazuki ate with his father, facing him across the table as the latter said to him, "You have to decide; do you want to be a doctor, or do you want to inherit the dojo? Ever since Father - Your grandfather - died, I've seen you throw yourself into studying sickness, war, famine, and injury to the point where you almost worked yourself to death."

Mikazuki's eyes glinted with... something as he answered, "You will never convince me Grandfather was not a war criminal. I have to atone for it."

Takumi Nakajima glared back at his son, then responded, "And that is not your call. Those are not your crimes. Or mine, either. More to the point, our society denies that he has committed crimes at all. As it is, your life is not repayment for it. Now eat; I know you have a side job and you need to eat to do it well."

Mikazuki nodded, taking up his chopsticks and starting to eat his early dinner as the shadows lengthened; he realized he needed the energy as his father said. His father hinted that he accepted him. His father loved him despite their differences. His father was not afraid to tell him that he was being a hypocrite.

So he ate everything; wasting food was immoral. Once he ate, he gave a bow of respect before heading up to the upper rooms; saying he was going to 'sleep early'. Takumi wasn't fooled but trusted his son more than any normal father should, or could get away with.

Mikazuki gobbled his soul candy and went to the park, where he hoped to see his friends as they prepared to defend the town. The Hollows; the opposite of the Shinigami. The enemy was organizing itself to eat the souls of people and deny them a passable afterlife.

And also the foe who had brought him together with his new friends. Whatever happened, he had True Companions...

@Sho Minazuki @BladeSS4 @Morgannis @McNephelim @LadyAnnaLee @WSilversun