LOCK PLEASE.

[Dad]

Ichigo parried, sweeping upwards with 'Zangetsu'. "Typical Jo. Always one to end the fight quickly," he taunted. "Now that's no fun!" In a monotone voice, he cried out 'Getsuga Tenshou', unleashing a second wave of energy at his opponent. Preparing for her eventual strike, Ichigo pointed his blade at Jo as the wave of energy barraged towards her.

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Kiron watched in amusement as the first spirit had manifested into Kurosaki Ichigo. It was quite aggressive in it's fighting stature, and it seemed to be enjoying it's temporary freedom. "Give her all your strength which you have stored within your spiritual presence." At this, 'Ichigo' seemed to react violently awaiting Jo's next move.

[Signosis]

Jo moved to her right, the Getsuga Tenshou slicing her cheek, blood spurting out from the new wound. She blinked, but did not show any grimace or pain, but only coldness in her eyes.

 

"Typical Jo. Always one to end the fight quickly - now that's no fun!"

 

"Don't talk to me like you know me, scum." Jo hissed out, glaring at him. She wiped her cheek with her fingers, then licked the blood off. She couldn't make a move...he would have to. Granted that she had fought against her Captain quite a few times...but even that didn't help.

[Dad]

Ichigo stared blankly into her eyes as his own began to fade to black, and he seemed to stop moving. Instead of continuing (his blade still pointed at her face), the next spirit took it's place, and began to manifest.

 

A cold wind swept through the slim corridor as this spirit took it's shape. Without warning or patience, dark black pedals gathered around the manifesting spirit, and as it took shape, in an eerire double-voice it spoke, "Scatter, Senbonzakura." Calm and collected, it stood still as it's Zanpaktou shattered and circled Jo.

 

"Do not fear. I will end your life quickly. For the gap between our powers proves you have no standing chance to defeat me." The pedals continued to circle Jo.

[Signosis]

Jo blinked as Kuchiki-Taichou materialized over Ichigo. A shot of fear went through her, and she backed up slightly as the pink petals surrounded them.

 

"Do not fear. I will end your life quickly. For the gap between our powers proves you have no standing chance to defeat me."

 

Jo glared at him.

 

"Says you...but about the fear - it's about the only thing that makes me feel...human." Jo hissed out, slithering around him, her eyes never leaving his. She knew that she was about chin high in deep sheet, but she willed herself to continue.

 

'C'mon..if you live through this...and become an Arranacar...,' Jo thought to herself, and allowed her mind to roam to the possiblities.

[Dad]

Spirit Byakuya's eyes followed that of Ichigo's previous performance and faded to black. Materializing over him was the warrior of blood, and Kenpachi-in-progress, Shiro. He turned to her, and let his Zanpaktou release itself. "Silence them. Mokumoku Kitai." Wrapping itself around Shiro's wrist, Mokumoku spread it's teeth and curled inwards.

 

Now at this moment, Shiro separated himself from Byakuya, and Ichigo followed. Together, their eyes turned to normal and with the most frightening synchronized voices they spoke slowly.

 

Byakuya's sword began to fade into the ground below him; Shiro's grip tightened, as crystals of blood began forming amongst his body; Zangetsu began to slim as they each cried out, "

Bankai."

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Kiron looked to the sun, measuring the time at a whim. "30 seconds remaining!" he called into the pit. He was very pleased. Jo was proving to be quite worthy. But would she live?

[Signosis]

Jo watched as they seperated, slowly making their way towards her. Then...the dreaded word that she had hoped that they wouldn't say.

 

"Bankai."

 

Jo instantly kneeled, expecting to be hit full on with all three's Bankai's, her arms up protectively around her face.

 

"Dammit. I'm...sorry." Jo muttered.

[Dad]

A glimmering light as of fire spread forth from her palms. Byakuya, Ichigo, and Shiro froze in their attacks. Byakuya's eyes were blank, Ichigo was staring off into the distance, and Shiro was on his knees, losing blood rapidly.

 

They were at her control. But how?

 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Time was up, and Jo had managed to survive the first trial. "Time's up!" Kiron called. He was astonished. What had she done to bring the clones to an utter stand still? How could this be? It mattered not. She was successful and would move on to trial two immediately if she chose so.

 

"Or, if you choose not to, you must start completely again. Though I doubt you want that," he said with a dark smile. He opened the walls around Jo and dispersed of the spirit Shinigami, sending Eric off to catch the remaining strays.

[Signosis]

Jo watched as a light blue shined from her other hand, and they stopped their attacks, each having a different reaction to the light blue shine emitting from her left palm.

She stared, not knowing what to make of it as she stood, looking at her palm. There, rested a light blue shard embedded in her hand, sparkling in the sunlight.

 

"Time's up!"

 

Jo jumped, snapping out of her daze.

 

"I...survived...." Jo muttered, blinking as she looked back at the shard. What was this...?

"Or, if you choose not to, you must start completely again. Though I doubt you want that."

 

"No, I really don't...," Jo said, looking at her King. "Though...."

 

She looked at her shard again, thoughtfully, feeling the walls move around her. Jo moved out of the opening without even looking where she was going.

 

Jo was...practically baffled by this.

[Zexaeon]

Shina's brow shot up in mild surprise as she saw a new presence enter the sick bay - it was a Soul. A run-of-the-mill, common soul. What was he doing here? Like anyone else who wasn't currently present within the world of dreams she seemed to occupy, he was colored in black and white to her eyes.

 

And he was asking where he was. Shina bit her lip, though there was no pain from the feeling; Dreaming, even while not dreaming...how bizzare... But the boy needed help. If he was left alone for long, it wouldn't be long before he was set upon and devoured by the Hollow.

 

But was there anything she could do for him? Yes, There had to be! As of now, she was the only Shinigami who could enter the Seireitei undetected, even if not in body. There had to be something she could do with this power. The power to cross the Astral planes of Dream and Reality.

---

Lucas assisted Eric in his extermination of the stray spirits. It was laughable - they desperately sought to escape the prison Kiron kept them in, but once outside of that prison, they were powerless and easy to cur down.

 

The matter had been resolved within minutes. Lucas now stood in the air, next to the Decima Espada, looking to the Soukyoku hill. "Mateo is fortunate to have such a capable fraccion-in-waiting, don't you think, Montigue?" he asked. He himself was still keeping watch over her - he didn't want her to die, lest Gran Bel be upset by it.

 

If things got too...risky, for her, Lucas planned on stepping in to save her. Kiron would likely be upset with him if he did...but that was alright. He would do anything for the sake of his Fraccion. Those two were like his life. The only way he wouldn't do something for them is if they asked him to.

 

Of course, this also meant they were the Cuatra's greatest weakness, and his greatest strength. His resolve to protect them spurred him on, and also swayed him.

---

Relief flooded through Shina as she sensed Jo's reiatsu. A warm feelinjg flooded her heart, bringing a smile to her face - Jo had vanished from her senses a short while ago. But now, she was back. she was okay.

 

For whatever reason, she felt happy to be sensing the Arrancar, as well. Mateo, she believed they called him. Such a feeling of relief both gladdened and disgusted her. Why should she care for him? It was ridiculous.

 

Shaking her head, she turned her attention back to the boy. She reached for her Waist, feeling that Kagetsuki's power to connect could help...but there was no sword there.

 

"Are you looking for me?" a feminine voice greeted her.

 

Shina snapped her attention around, shocked to see a woman dressed in black kimonos, her jet-black, silky hair running in waves down her back and chest. The woman was gorgeous, but her eyes held an infinite depth and sprouted a feeling of unease within Shina.

---

"Hello, Shina. You should know me very well. After all, I've accompanied you through thick and thin - I am the mistress of the thread, lady of the Moonshadow, duchess of the Astral Plane. I am your Zanpakuto, Kagetsuki."

 

"Ah...yes. It's been a while, hasn't it?"

 

The woman pretended to look offended, spreading ablack fan before her and turning her gaze away. "You've hurt my feelings, being so quiet all the time. I don't know if I should aid you anymore. Hmmhmmhmm." she giggled, a small grin on her face. "A bit of warning for you, dear. You mustn't wrap yourself up in the lives of others. Doing so will bring about nasty consequences...but here. Do what you will with it."

 

The woman placed a small, coiled, translucent thread into Shina's hand, laughing before vanishing.

 

Her words echoed through the air. "The world of dreams must aside to the Waking World eventually, Shina. Lose yourself in your dreams, and you lose yourself forever."

---

Shina blinked at the words, not entirely sure she understood the meaning. One of the reasons she had never been too fond of Lady Kagetsuki was because she was so cryptic...Shina never voiced her dislike, always staying polite with the woman, but being that Lady Kagetsuki WAS her Zanpakuto, Shina had a feeling that she knew all about it.

 

But based on her personality...she probably enjoyed Shina's dislike of her, finding it amusing. Shina also never liked her eyes...they were sooo....unnerving. She hated looking into them.

 

But still, she had received a piece of Kagetsuki's thread. She could use that now, to tie herself to the boy. Then, she could help him, right?

 

Hesitantly, she wrapped a piece of the threading around her arm, and reached out with the other end, wrapping it around the ususpecting boy's wrist. She then closed her eyes, and let some of her Reiatsu pour into him....just enough, until she could clearly feel his soul, hand in hand with her's.

 

Now, she need only hope he would go to sleep.

[Dad]

Kiron congratulated Jo excitedly. "My my. I'm impressed," he said marveling at the shard in her hand. "The shard of Love?" he thought to himself. "Dura must surely know of this." he nodded to himself and began to brief Jo on the next task.

 

"Your next trial is the Trial of Intelligence. Scattered throughout Seireitei are two glass orbs. One orb is connected with the other. At a time, one orb is always green, and the other yellow. You are to obtain both orbs at the same time, whilst they are both green." Kiron smirked, hoping that this challenge would prove to be slightly more difficult.

 

"You may begin," he said pointing to the collapsing cannon far off in the distance.

[Signosis]

Jo stared at her King as he came up to her to congratulate her.

 

"My my. I'm impressed."

 

Jo looked at her palm again, watching it sparkle.

 

"Thank you, sir." Jo murmured, blushing slightly. Jo looked at him as he briefed her about the next task, and she stared at him, cocking her head to the side.

 

"Wait wait wait...are they timed to become green? What if you get both when they're yellow, or if one is yellow?! I'm confused."

 

She really didn't know if these was supposed to be simple, but she looked to where her King pointed - a collapsing cannon.

 

"What the...?" Jo muttered, staring at it.

[Guest]

Mateo clapped, he was happy that she passed but thoughts of doubt entered his head again.

The Espada also noticed the shard that was in Jo's hands and thought about his own broken shard and again about Dura's words.

 

//Would Kiron kill her as well...//

 

-------------------------------

 

Takashi felt another pressence nearby but soon he was overwhelmed by a massive amount of reitsu resurfacing, causing him to pass out. //Not..... Again...//

[Dad]

Kiron had noticed Takashi's presence for some time now. "It seems the boy is lost," he said following Takashi's spiritual energy in his own mind. While Jo thoroughly planned her strategy, Kiron had a mission for the Segunda Espada. "Mateo, I want you to investigate the spiritual presence of the boy in the Sick Bay. I'm sure you're aware of it."

 

Kiron continued to stare off into the distance, his back to Mateo. "I expect your report on his movements in 20 minutes. If he is alive, bring him to me. I do not want him to turn. I may have use for him."

[Guest]

"Understood King Kiron-sama." Mateo turned towards the Sick Bay and sonido'd to the enterance with great speed. The Espada saw the passed out soul, the poor boy's chain was getting devoured because of all the strong Hollow reitsu in the area but at the same time it seemed as if reitsu was quickly pouring into his body. Grabbing his chain, Mateo sonido'd back to Kiron, dropping off the soul. "He was out cold in front of the Sick Bay, it seems that because of all of the powerful Hollow reitsu his chain is quickly getting eating away but it also seems that a good amount of reitsu is pouring into his body at a decent rate."

[harhar]

Character's First and Last Name: Kaien Haruki

 

Character's Image (a description in writing is acceptable):

 

 

Character's Zanpaktou Name: (Dansu Kumori) Roughly translates to "Dancing Shadow"

 

 

 

Character's Statistics (Known Kidou, and level, etc.): Up to 50 without incantations.

[Dad]

Character's First and Last Name: Kaien Haruki

 

Character's Image (a description in writing is acceptable):

 

 

Character's Zanpaktou Name: (Dansu Kumori) Roughly translates to "Dancing Shadow"

 

 

 

Character's Statistics (Known Kidou' date=' and level, etc.): Up to 50 without incantations.

[/quote']

 

One thing. I want you to provide a bio (backstory if you will), and skill levels. Other than that, I'll accept you.

 

You may have a minor part because we're really far into the story now. T_T But I'll work something out.

[Signosis]

Jo pouted slightly as her King ignored her, but started off towards the collapsing cannon. She took her time slithering towards it, allowing herself time to think...and time to sing.

She hadn't done it in awhile, and it felt good to get something out of her.

 

"Standing on the rooftops

(Waiting till the bombs drop)

This is all we got now

(Scream until your heart stops)

Never gonna regret

(Watching every sunset)

Listen to your heartbeat

(All the love that we found)"

 

Jo repeated the line, only with twice the intensity, picking up her pace as she did. It was amazing how such a song could bring her such adrenaline -- she was positive that it probably be heard nearly all over the Sereitei. Jo had finished the song just as she neared it. She blinked up at it, her arms folded.

 

"...Now what..?" She muttered, looking at her surroundings.

 

OoC: OMFG NO WAAAAI! haris?! I'mma faint. O.O *Bows to*

[harhar]

Character's First and Last Name: Kaien Haruki

 

Character's Image (a description in writing is acceptable):

 

 

Character's Zanpaktou Name: (Dansu Kumori) Roughly translates to "Dancing Shadow"

 

 

 

Character's Statistics (Known Kidou' date=' and level, etc.): Up to 50 without incantations.

[/quote']

 

One thing. I want you to provide a bio (backstory if you will), and skill levels. Other than that, I'll accept you.

 

You may have a minor part because we're really far into the story now. T_T But I'll work something out.

 

Alrighty =]

And it's ok I dont really want a big a part since I'm still learning.

[Dad]

A vibrating ring inside the cannon grew louder as Jo approached. Elena stood atop the cannon waiting for her. "Up here!" she called. She beckoned Jo to the top of the cannon. "What you're looking for is inside. I'll show ya how to get the second one at the same time, okay?" Elena seemed ecstatic for Jo.

 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Yachiru bumped her bottom on the ground when Zaraki disappeared. "Where did Ken-chan go?" She looked around for a sign or sound of him. Yoruichi was puzzled as well. "He just. . . vanished. I hope he's all right."

 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Kiron turned to face Mateo. "Hmm. The boy is not channeling this reiatsu alone." His eyes focused on a bright link spreading forth into the the dream realm. It swirled and twisted left and right, being cut off at a blur. "At the time, Mateo,you are to leave the boy with me. In fact, I want him locked in a spiritual chamber bridge. The boy may prove to be an asset." Something wasn't right. But the dream realm would have something to do with this soul.

[Signosis]

She started at the Arranacar's voice, staring up at her with wide eyes. Jo then noticed the ringing noise.

 

"What you're looking for is inside. I'll show ya how to get the second one at the same time, okay?"

 

Jo nodded and slithered up the canon, the underside of her belly easily catching onto the stone. The Arranacar was practically jumping up and down by the time she had gotten to her, and Jo giggled slightly.

[Dad]

"What's so funny?" Elena asked laughing. "Never mind me. See that bright yellow glow? It's the first orb. There's something special about it. Go and touch it. If you do it right, you'll be warped to the next orb's location." The orb rang loudly. It was as though it was fading in and out of space and time, but it was perfectly normal.

 

Or was it?

[Signosis]

Jo stared at the Arranacar for a moment as she spoke, then nodded lightly.

 

"Hm...," Jo hummed, slithering towards it. It should turn green when she touches it..right? Her hand reached out and touched it delicately.

[Dad]

The orb flashed green and Jo was whirled through time and space, reappearing at the front gates of Kiron's great palace. In front of her was a sharply made Statue of Kiron, holding the orb in his open right hand, and his Zanpaktou in the other. Just as Jo had arrived, Elena appeared beside her. "See? The orbs are linked to each other. But there's a weird twist to it. Wait until the orb turns green and then touch it."

 

ELena winked to Jo as she went back to the other side.

[Haitaku]

Sai woke up.

 

"Ungh... What happened?"

 

He looked next to him, and realized he was back in the infirmary. It was a few days later.

 

"I've been asleep for days!? No way!"

 

He got up, and started to trace Kenpachi's rietsu.

 

"There! I must get there quickly though!"

 

He started off, going in the direction using his Flash Step.

[Signosis]

Jo stared at the statue, tilting her head side to side, admiring the work.

 

"See? The orbs are linked to each other. But there's a weird twist to it. Wait until the orb turns green and then touch it."

 

Jo jumped slightly, then nodded.

 

"Wait a...are you supposed--?" Jo got cut short, though, due to the Arranacar winking and disappearing. She sighed, then slithered up to the statue, waiting till it was green until she touched it.

 

She stared at her right arm, which had now died down from its flame. Jo blinked and tried to remember when it went out.