Return Mission to Hueco Mundo (Plot thread)

[Mystic Serenade]

Another morning at 12th division headquarters saw its resident captain wake up with thoughts of another typical day in mind. Keiji was surprised by how administrative his job was, he was under the impression his work would still be heavily mission based. Well...then again he did become captain of a research based division...but still at his current level he figured he'd still need a good amount of field experience if he was going to reach an average captain's amount of skill.

Entering his office, he started to go through his mail. Times like this reminded him he should probably appoint a lieutenant soon, but he always got caught up in something else before he could think too much on it. As he looked through the documents his thoughts turned back to the hollow invasion, he'd go down to the lab at some point to check up on the experiments being run on them.

He also figured he'd stop by Rukongai and pay Sayaka a visit, it had been a while since his last visit he guessed, but luckily he called her on a good enough basis so she wouldn't be too upset with him...hopefully. The captain's full attention turned back to the letter before him when he found one from the general with the word "Urgent" donning its surface. Once opened, Keiji found that he was to head to 1st Division to meet with the soutaicho.

He left his office immediately and it was not too long before he reached his destination. Keiji was still rather nervous coming to this place, the last time he came here was for his captain's interview not so long ago. Though he got the position, it was still a role he was rather new at along with all the responsibility that came with it.

He soon found himself before the door of the general's office and the guards that stood before it. "Otowari-taicho reporting, I was informed to come here."

"Let him in," spoke a voice from inside the office and Keiji proceeded in.

This was the second time Keiji found himself here, though he was still rather surprised that the soutaicho was so young. "So you needed me for something Kenjuro-soutaicho?"

"Yes, due to the recent events we have been keeping a closer watch on Hueco Mundo. Yesterday however, the keiratai found something we didn't quite expect." The soutaicho moved a photo in front of Keiji whose eyes opened up in shock. "We have reason to believe the previous 12th division captain is still alive though for what reason he has not returned or attempted to make contact with us is unknown. Unfortunately most of the keigun are tied up in another matter at this moment, so as his predecessor you are to form a team to go into Hueco Mundo to apprehend this man and bring him back here for questioning, understood?"

This was all a little too much for Keiji to take in, The captain...still alive? Not wanting to seem rude or anything he quickly brought himself back to where he was and simply replied back with a firm, "Understood."

"You have my leave then," said the young soutaicho as he turned his attention elsewhere.

As Keiji left the building of 1st Division, he gave Lexi a call informing her to set up another recruiting center in front of their division, he'd inform her of the details when she got there.

(OCC: just as a note for clarification, the previous 12th mentioned here is the one who disappeared in Hueco Mundo via this threadhttp://www.bleachasylum.com/showthread.php?t=2650 and not Felix Ronnse who Dizzy has as an NPC

[blackluster]

Shuga walked out on to his small balcony, overlooking a quiet street. He was almost above the Rest Gate, away to his left. It was unattended, probably because no one was being punished these days. This was about as close to the headquarters that an unseated squad member like Shuga could live. Being seated definitely had its perks.

The quiet of the street was broken by some upperclassmen from the division, chatting as they approached the gate. One of them spotted Shuga just as they were about to go through.

"Hey rookie", he shouted. "I hear the 12th might be recruiting for some suicide mission again. Why don't you check it out?"

The pair of them burst out laughing as they disappeared from sight.

Jeez, what's with those guys, you'd swear they wanted me to get killed...

Kim was no where to be seen, in fact, Shuga hadn't seen her in a while.

I hope she is staying out of trouble.

He considered the senior's advice for a moment. The missions for the 12th though extremely dangerous, had been quite interesting. Working with experinced shinigami had definitely taught Shuga alot.

Well, who knows, maybe they'll be off to living world this time....

It made a perfect excuse to skip mandatory training, so Shuga closed up his place, and headed out in the general direction of the 12th division.

[Dizzy]

Lexi was rather less than pleased at the sudden call interrupting her convalescence. The shrill ringing of her mobile cut a swath through her mind, already bereaved with a hangover-esque migraine. She leaned over from her hospital bed and picked up the phone, flipping it open as she brought it up to her ear.

"Keiji? What is it this time?"

She listened intently at first, and then with gradually waning interest that eventually sank to rock bottom. Apparently, he wanted her to set up another recruiting stand for another mission into Hueco Mundo, likely to again be full of worthless new recruits. The one thing he had apparently forgotten was that she was lying in a hospital, not yet cleared to even walk. And despite Tempesta's ability, it was far too draining for a full-fledged mission.

"Brilliant, Keiji. And if you need a cripple for anything else, just go ahead and ask. I'm all for it. By which I mean tell Hanazuki to do it. I'm sure she'd appreciate the gesture and jump at the chance to get some hands-on experience."

And with that said, she hung up and returned to being immersed in her boredom.

[Mystic Serenade]

Keiji stared at his mobile, Well this is unprecedented, usually she only gets stuck in the hospital this long after getting knocked unconscious...guess all those injuries she's been getting have been taking their toll.

"Welp, guess it was a bad thing to assume anyway," he said to himself as he walked through the entrance to 12th division headquarters. Once inside he collected the nearby table and clipboard that was left there from the last recruiting endeavor and made his way back out front. He made a mental note to actually figure out what to do about a vice captain after all this was over.

[blackluster]

Shuga came ambling up to the front of the 12th division headquarters. The scene was much the same as the last time he was there. To his surprise, he noticed the 12th division captain personally manning the recruitment desk.

Things must be kind of complicated in the 12th.... doesn't this guy have like minions or something to do this work?

Shuga took a moment, standing a short distance off observing the scene. There didn't seem to be many people jumping at the chance to sign up. Shuga let out a short sigh, and approached the desk.

"Good day Otowari-taichou. I'm here for the open recruitment. Perhaps you have something a bit easier lined up this time?"

[Mystic Serenade]

"Ah hello there Shugoshita-kun." Keiji was rather happy that someone had finally showed up. "Hmm nothing too extreme, just going to fetch the previous 12th division captain who went MIA. Another captain will be joining us I think, so the difficulty really depends on what we run into along the way and if he puts up any resistance. One of those can go really good or go really bad things you know."

[Final Boss]

Hattori Shinjiro walked with his hands in his pockets, he seemed extremely bored,

"Hmmm what ta do??"

He then noticed some sort of recruiting desk and decided to go and check it out. Shinjiro walked up to the desk and saw what looked to be a captain,

"Hey there, uhhh Otowari-taichou, I'm sorta new as ya can tell but I'm kinda interested in what sort of mission yer about to go on. It's prolly somethin' extra special if a cap'n such as yerself is goin'. Well what I'm tryin' ta say is I think this here can be a learnin' experience fer someone like me and I was wonderin' if I can tag along with yer lil' group??"

[Mystic Serenade]

"Oh, a new comer I see. You're more than welcomed to join." Keiji picks up the nearby clipboard which was previously laying there untouched for longer than he would have liked. "Name and division please?"

[Final Boss]

"The name's Hattori Shinjiro, but ya can jus' call me Shinji an' my current division? That would be the 11th." said Shinji with a smile.

"I'm glad to finally go on a mission it was hella borin' jus' sittin' around doin' nothin'."

[Envy's Boy]

Entering the gates of the 12th Division's headquaters, Yuuske Toboe was making his way towards the registration booth for this trip to Hueco Mundo. However, he was not dressed as he normally would.

He still wore the black hakama and gi of a shinigami. However, his headband was gone and his hair tie removed, allowing his brown hair to move freely. He had on an unassuming and cheerful smile and kindness in his burgandy eyes. He wore his zanpakuto on his right hip, but it looked ordinary. Finally, he wore the medical kit of an Advanced Relief Team member of the 4th Division.

Today he was Otzubo Hajime, an unseated member of the 4th Division.

Soon enough, Hajime reached the registration area, where he searched for a man wearing the white haori of a captain. After a careful scan of the area, he found him.

Juubannita Taichou, Otowari Keji Hajime thought to himself as he aproached the man.

"Um...excuse me sir." Hajime said in a kindly, yet timid and unassuming tone, "My name is Otzubo Hajime, a member of the 15th Advanced Relief Squad. I was sent to give medical aid for a mission here."

[Mystic Serenade]

"Oh a 4th division member, this should help to have one of you actually there with us this time." Keiji took a quick glance at his mobile to see what the time was. "Alright, guess we'll be off once the other captain arrives."

[Final Boss]

"This should be excitin' another cap'n will be joinin' us."

Shinji was pumped for his first mission.

"So which cap'n will be taggin' along?"

[blackluster]

The announcement that they would be leaving so soon took Shuga a bit by surprise.

"Please excuse me captain", he said as respectfully as possible. "I thought we would be given a short time to prepare. Please allow me to retrieve some items before we embark. I will meet you at a rendezvous point of your choosing. Please contact me on my mobile the instant I am required."

With that Shuga bowed deeply, and sped off back to 3rd division headquarters. He pondered the other shinigami who would be forming the rescue party.

hm, I was hoping for something simple... instead it seems we are off to retrieve a captain who was thought missing .... under some weird circumstances... What the hell is going on in Heuco Mundo?

The meeting held a while back by the soutaichou flashed briefly in Shuga's mind, threatening to remind him of the true seriousness of the situation they would be going into. Instead, his memory of the meeting mostly revolved around Kim and how she was able to eat a rice cake while simultaneously sleeping.

It seems two captains will be in attendance this time. That should make me feel safer this time than last time, though having strong allies around you tends to draw strong enemies out of the woodwork. Meh, .... whatever. I'm glad for the 4trh division presence this time. They'd do a damn sight better job at keeping medical supplies than me...

Later, Shuga arrived back at his room. He was aware he would most likely be summoned at any moment. He grabbed his battered satchel, and stuffed in the basic medical supplies he had taken to Heuco Mundo last time. Bandages, basic drugs, there wasn't a need to go overboard. The 4th division member would have a much better kit. The last item Shuga put in his bag was his visor. He looked at it fondly for a moment running his thumb over its sleek, well designed edges.

You've already seen some action huh? Once more, into the breach....

He placed the visor gently in his bag. He had some more money now. On his return he should definitely look into acquiring more items. His visor was incredibly helpful last time, so investments into some technology would not be wasted.

Shuga closed his place, and headed in the general direction of 12th division, expecting the call from Keiji at any moment.

[Mystic Serenade]

"Ah an excellent question, the captain that will be joining us will be the captain of 3rd Division. Excuse me a moment." He pulled out his mobile, nothing like killing two birds with one stone. "Hey Aurea-taichou, it's me Keiji. Listen if you haven't left yet could you go get one of your squad members? He just went back to your headquarters to grab a few things."

================================================== ==========

"Hmmm alright," Cres replied on his end. He closed his mobile and put it away after the other captain said a quick thanks and ended the call. It was not long before he reached the living quarters of the specific squad member he was supposed to bring with him.

He knocked on the door, "Ohayo, Shugoshita-kun, are you ready to leave yet?"

[blackluster]

Shuga was down the hallway when he heard someone knocking on one of the room doors. He turned to find that the door being knocked on was his, and the one doing the knocking was none other than his squad captain.

Holy crap! Did I do something or wrong? Why is the captain coming to see me?

Shuga had never met the captain in person before. He'd seen him at squad gatherings and such, but he had never really come within 20m of him. Shuga always mused that he would probably be crushed by the captain's reiatsu if he got any closer than that anyway. That thought seemed to be in Shuga's head at the time as he looked, somewhat stunned at the person looking for him.

"Err, over here captain", said a still confused Shuga."How did you know I was going somewhere?"

Oh, what a dumb question. He is probably aware of all squad member movements.... or is he? 2nd tier usually monitors my deployment. I can't imagine they would pass that info on to the captain unless there was a problem. Wait, did he just say '...leave yet' ? Is he going on the mission to?

Shuga felt a little sinking feeling inside. If it were Kim, she would probably start cursing out loud, and consequently earn herself more gate duty. Shuga had taken this mission to get away from the division's procedures and routines. Now, low and behold, the very embodiment of those things was coming along. Shuga couldn't help but feel he had just sat down in an exam that he never even knew he had to write.

[Dizzy]

"Ah," replied Cres, "I'm going on the mission as well. Soul Society decided that having a captain-level might actually be a good idea this time around."

His almond brown eyes looked over Shuga, pleased to see that his division member had prepared himself well. Brushing a lock of hair out of his eyes, he walked over to his subordinate with an amicable smile, his captain's haori blowing slightly in an air current in the hallway. As he caught up, he began speaking again, this time small talk about Shuga's progress.

"You development so far is impressive, Shugoshita-kun. I might have to look into making you a seated officer soon; you're certainly at that level. I've heard that you performed admirably in both the Hueco Mundo mission and in defending against the recent attack on Rukongai. And the pay would be a rather larger amount as well. You really ought to look into it."

The captain yawned, stretching his arms as he did, and then tensed his neck muscles and cracked them, rubbing the back of it afterwards. The hall was giving way to the exterior of the division HQ, where a battered marble path lanced through a scene of pristine green grass and blossoming sakura trees. Cres looked up at them, enjoying the sights and sounds of springtime that had begun to fill Soul Society. It was a blissful feeling, watch the branches waver in the wind, tiny pink petals dropping down and floating ever-so-gently down onto the ground.

When they had already left through the division gate and were approaching the next one over, he halted abruptly and turned to Shuga.

"I'll have to leave you for the moment, I need to go and fetch somebody from 4th Division. A favor to Otowari-taicho."

He waved a cheery goodbye, and turned into the gate, haori still fluttering in the wind.

[blackluster]

Shuga bowed as the captain left. He remained still, watching the captain suspiciously as he left the courtyard. Shuga wasn't quite sure what to make of this.

Small talk about promotions? Sounds interesting, but I'd better be careful...

Shuga's thoughts were governed by Kim's words. He and Kim would often idly chat during their meeting sessions that were supposed to be reserved for serious discussion and updates regarding missions. He remembered one time in particular, after Kim had returned from a successful mission somewhere in the human realm. Shuga had thought she would be happy about having gone to the realm of the living, even if it was for work. On that occasion though, she seemed unusually thoughtful.

"I know we don't talk about this stuff often, but you should be alert and attentive to the people around you, even in Seretei". She paused for a moment, looking blankly at the brightly glowing firefly crawlers lighting the small meeting room.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Shuga was somewhat concerned over the change of tone, though his own voice and face belied it.

"I'm just saying", Kim continued. "Be observant, even of the captains and vice-captains. There are some strange things happening around here, and even in the human realm. You had some first hand experience of Heuco Mundo as well didn't you? You also know of the strange disappearances of captains right?" She paused again as Shuga nodded in agreement. "All I'm saying is... be observant..."

There was a moment of awkward silence, brought on by the heavy mood the room had taken on.

"Yasutoko-san, are you in danger of becoming a caring person?" Shuga joked.

"Bah, who'd care for a meatshield like you?" she retorted, smacking Shuga with her sheathed zanpakuto.

Despite the lightheartedness that followed that evening, Shuga still remembered Kim's advice, even now. Especially now, since he was about to go on a rescue mission for a captain who went missing in Hueco Mundo. All was certainly not as it seemed. Shuga glanced at the falling blossoms. He didn't care much for them, since there was a high likelihood he'd be the one sweeping them up later.

"I have to focus now. Just take it step by step, and be careful..." With that, Shuga dashed off to the departure point.

[BioBomber]

'Waa-aait!' Hibiki ran like a man possessed as he overheard his taichou speaking about "being off once the other captain arrives.". He'd not yet mastered shyunpo, but he was a fast runner and news, even only overheard news that there was a mission afoot was more than enough to give him the impetus he needed to put on that extra burst of speed.

Please don't leave without me, taichou! I've been sitting around doing nothing for months, and I need more research materials for my reishi grouping tests!

A few minutes later, Hibiki came skidding around a corner in his division's building, Keiji now in view. He paused for a moment and dashed up to him, his usually tightly secured garb flapping in the breeze of his passage. Taking a few deep breaths, he calmed himself, fixed his garb and addressed his squad's leader. '...excuse me...'

'Koizumi Hibiki reporting in, taichou,' he calmly and deliberately spoke. There was still the tiniest trace of hoarseness in his speech, and he cleared his throat as he continued. 'If it is at all possible, I would like to accompany this group into-' Hibiki's eyes widened as he snatched a glimpse at the writing on the top of the clipboard. 'Hueco...Mundo?'

Hibiki had explored much of Seireitei, Rukongai and its surrounds and had even gone into the Living World on several occasions, though they had all proven extremely uneventful and he had ended up collecting the data he needed and leaving in a fairly short space of time. He had dreamed of one day venturing into the world of the Hollow to experience it and collect more new and fascinating data, but he'd never thought that he would be able to do it so soon. And perhaps now he would be able to strengthen himself behind enemy lines...

'Please sign me up, taichou.'

((Hopefully I've not misread any previous posts, I'm assuming this is okay, if not I can make alterations.))

[Mystic Serenade]

(Your post is fine Biobomber)

"Oh, you arrived more than early enough Koizumi-kun. Aurea-taichou has still yet to arrive." Speaking of which, Keiji thought, Cres had sure been taking his time. He wondered what was taking the other captain so long to arrive.

[Dizzy]

Unfortunately for the other captain, tracking down the last member of their pledged cabal of adventurers was somewhat harder than he'd expected. Having frantically and methodically run through every room in 4th Division, nearly running into several people and upturning a cart, and yet finding no sign of her, Cres now found himself asking nearly everybody within the division's boundaries, both orderly and patient, where in the world she could be, and finding no answer.

This is troublesome ... I'm sure Otowari-kun didn't give her any advance notice of the mission, and besides, she's not the type to hide from me anyhow. Plus I can usually scope out her reiatsu for nearly a kilometer. No, she definitely isn't in the division. So where IS she?

...

It couldn't be that simple, could it?

Several thousand shyunpo steps, done at top speed, propelled him forth all the way to Rukongai within minutes, albeit rather out of breath. Stopping for a moment to regain this air of calmness, the captain stepped into the medical tent where Lexi was supposed to have been relegated to, and called out his sister's name.

"Lune, are you in here? Otowari-kun wanted -"

... Damn it, I was sure of it this time. But if not here, then where?

Upon second thought, something else seemed out of place as well - Lexi was nowhere to be seen in the tent. He checked a nearby clipboard, and sure enough, this was her bed. The covers were askew, the pillow placed sideways, and her hospital gown was hanging on a nearby chair. She had not, however, been cleared to leave. Or even to walk.

He placed a palm onto his forehead. What could those two be up to this time? And what could've possessed Lexi to start cavorting around Soul Society without so much as being able to walk? Never mind the fact that Lune wouldn't even be able to piggyback her for more than about a hundred meters. Very strange business there. Cres sighed and strolled back out, wondering what to do next. They couldn't have made it very far alone, but ruling out outside assistance would be a faulty assumption. Lexi could easily have made a call from her - he peeked into the tent once again - mobile phone, which she had apparently taken with her.

Maybe it would be best to just go back to 12th and start the mission already. Keiji had probably already grabbed another healer anyways, just as a precaution. Always best to have a backup, after all. Tensing the reiatsu in his legs, he took a flying leap back towards Seireitei, blasted himself forwards with shyunpo towards the central citadel of Soul Society, the slums of Rukongai whizzing by underneath and gradually transitioning into the well-kept nearer districts, halting to greet the gatekeeper as he re-entered, taking a shortcut over Sokyouku Hill to arrive at 12th quicker, and - wait, was that who he thought it was?

Inclining his head downwards and skidding to a halt atop the cliff that was home to the giant executioner halberd, he managed to make out the image of two girls, Lexi's telltale green hair instantly obvious despite the cover from the forest foliage. Lune reiatsu pattern, which he had committed to memory long ago, was instantly identifiable as well. The rather frustrated captain dropped down from his perch and landed in front of the pair, eyes showing his annoyed status.

"A - ah, ohayo, nii-san," said Lune, surprised by his sudden arrival. "Did you want to see me?"

"Actually," said Cres matter-of-factly, "I've scoured your entire division, ran to Outer Rukongai and back, and damned near accidentally smashed into your captain along the way, so I hope you'll excuse me for being a little harried."

He brushed his hair back with his left hand and paused before continuing. "Thing is, Otowari-kun is leading another little expedition to Hueco Mundo, something about the former 12th's captain," and then, before Lexi could perk up, "and I don't mean Ronsse-kun, either. Otowari-kun has guaranteed your safety to me, and I can make you that same guarantee, even if you feel a little bit timid about going again. And I'm sure that Lexi here is willing to make it as well."

To emphasize that fact, he flashed his most winning smile. Lexi was rather unperturbed, mumbling something about "what the hell, I already told that rat bastard no, I only even freaking wanted to be able to walk, arrrgh I hate you hate you hate you".

Deciding not to worry about how she managed to regain her walking ability so soon or how she even managed to get here without anybody's help, Cres simply ushered an apprehensive Lune and a fuming Lexi over to the 12th division HQ, where the rest of the assembled party stood waiting.

Heh ... hopefully, the hardest part of the mission is already over. Though I still wonder how Lexi managed that healing stunt. Lune's great with reiatsu wounds, burns, and poisons, but not amazing with setting bones. Probably ought to investigate that one later.

[BioBomber]

'Thank you, Otowari-taichou!' Hibiki refrained from jumping into the air, but his excitement clearly showed on his face. 'I shall pack a few instruments and return presently.' He bowed quickly and dashed off toward his quarters, taking huge strides and almost falling over during several particularly energetic corner turns.

Once in the confines of his room, Hibiki busied himself with concealing several self-made devices in his clothing and polishing his two swords, until both zanpakuto and tanto shone brightly in the light of his lamp. While he polished, he wondered about Hueco Mundo and the various surprises that doubtlessly awaited him there. It was an exciting prospect, but also he realized, a potentially dangerous one. The Hollow there would be strengthened by being in their own element, and they had the advantage of knowing the ways of their own world. Much as he knew Soul Society. It sent a small shiver down his spine, but he quickly did away with his fear by glancing at his zanpakuto.

'You're proof of my will to fight, to survive,' he muttered, running a cloth lovingly along the blade again. 'If I must defend myself, I have you, aibou.'

Opening the windows to give his room some air while he was away, Hibiki dashed back to the group of waiting fellow Shinigami and added himself to their number.

[Mystic Serenade]

Keiji was rather relieved to finally see that Cres had arrived. They needed to get this mission on the move. Though he was genuinely surprised by the appearance of Lexi, especially after all the hassle she gave him after he called her earlier. Sure got herself up and about fast.

He took the opportunity to go greet them as they entered the headquarters, "Ah good to see you've brought along these precious lambs with you Aurea-taichou, one more than I expected even."

"You do remember what I told you earlier..."

"Heh heh, but of course."

================================================== ========

*Earlier that day*

Keiji was at a loss about what to do this time around. This wasn't like the last mission, there was a guarantee that their target was a strong one and well, he didn't put it past the chance that there would be some random unexpected surprises popping up here and there.

So in the end there he was standing in front of third division headquarters. Couldn't hurt to call in another favor right? It was not long before he found himself before Cres Aurea, "Ohayo Aurea-taichou."

"Hmmm Otowari-taichou?" he puts down the document he was reviewing at his desk and looks up, " What brings you here?"

Keiji sheepishly placed one his hands behind his head, "Ah well, people up top recently put me in charge with another one of those missions to Hueco Mundo. Tracking the last 12th division captain, thought you could help you know."

"The previous 12th division captain? Alright."

"Ah I see thanks," Keiji turned to leave. He then quickly paused and said rather friendly like, "Oh by the way I'm taking your sister along as well, no objections? Lovely, bye now."

"... i assume you remember the threat i gave you the last time you needed her to go to hueco mundo?" Cres said before Keiji could excuse himself.

"And like I said at the time you have my word she'll be unharmed."

"Well, just keep it in mind. I'll go fetch her on the way back from my division."

================================================== ========

"Well looks like we can head out soon then," he turned to Lexi for a moment. "You sure had a quick change of heart huh."

[Dizzy]

"Shut up, baka," grumbled the girl in question. "I was just trying get myself healed enough to walk, and suddenly I find myself dragged into another stupid mission. Seriously, hasn't anybody around here ever heard of injury leave?"

"Ah, don't mind her," said Cres. "She just wanted to come along and support all of her friends on the mission, just like the time we all cavorted off to Hueco Mundo for her, right?"

Lexi responded by muttering something intelligible and probably incredibly rude, forcing Lune to stifle a giggle. Cres rolled his eyes, but smiled and ushered them forwards anyways.

"Alright, kids," he said, "try to keep yourselves behaved. This is a serious mission after all, we're going after the former 12th Captain who went off and disappeared on us. Lune, I took the liberty of grabbing your things in advance. Lexi, if you've got anything to grab before we leave, do it now. I trust that you don't plan to escape and hide anywhere."

She gave him a glare, but darted off to headquarters all the same.

---

Well, science had failed her last time; she hadn't even gotten the hollow pup to bring back with her, let alone a chance to use her instruments. The stupidity detector though ... that was probably a keeper. Lexi rummaged through her office, digging out a few smoke bombs, reiatsu detectors and dampeners, and a few healing solutions just to be on the safe side. Only practical items for her this time. Attaching them to her utility belt, she began to run back outside, but suddenly remembered something and caught herself.

Upon her desk, among a few gigai parts and papers, was an instrument that could be particularly useful, carefully wrapped in white fabric. After some pause, she clipped that on as well before returning to the others.

"Alright, I'm ready," she muttered, taking her position besides Lune. "Let's just get this over with."

[Envy's Boy]

Hajime watched the other members of this group around him. He had the face of a kind, unassuming, healer. This of course was a facade, a face that Otzubo Hajime would put on.

Who is the strongest? Who is the most ambitious? Who is the most likely to betray the peace? these were not the thoughts of a 4th Squad dunce, but of a trained warrior of the 6th division. Yuuske Toboe would always measure the people around him in their abilites and how they used them.

The fact that 2 captains are going on this mission might prove troublesome if there is treachery. Toboe was strong, but he was not arrogant enough to think himself in captain class...not yet at least.

[Mystic Serenade]

Keiji looked on at the assembled group before him. "Hmm this appears to be good enough, we'll head out once Shugoshita-kun arrives."

[blackluster]

As soon as said, Shuga arrived at the door, his shunpo was still relatively slow, and it took a lot out of him, but at least he could do it now.

Man, if it hadn't been for Ryu-sempai's advice, it would probably have taken me way longer to get this right. I should buy him lunch or something....

That thought was mostly wishful, since Shuga wasn't exactly rolling in dough. Stuff in Seretei was expensive after all. Shuga took position slightly behind and beside his captain.

"Pardon my late arrival. I am ready at your conveniece, Captains..."

[Mystic Serenade]

“Excellent, looks like we can finally start this mission,” Keiji said with some relief. The preparation for this mission took longer than he expected considering the urgency of the matter. Besides, he couldn’t deny the fact that he was curious about the whereabouts of his former captain. He lead the group to the Kidou Corps as quickly as he could.

The place was always a little unsettling to him. He knew this was the place where they opened up the gates so one could traverse between dimensions, but outside of that he had no clue as to what went on around here. Better not to think too much of it…

Along the way he passed by Mai who had just come back from her mission in the living world. Of course he “convinced” her to come along, despite every objection she made.

When he arrived at the area designated for opening garganta, he was rather surprised to find the 2nd division captain standing there waiting for them. He assumed when the soutaichou told him the Keigun were currently busy that their captain would be as well.

“Cleaned up faster than expected, thought I’d do my job and dispose of more trash,” the man said as if he had read Keiji’s mind. He didn’t know how he felt about him calling his former captain trash though; he believed there was still a good reason behind all of this.

Now that they arrived, the members of the kidou corps began their chant, combining their voices and reiatsu as one to open up the garganta. It didn’t take long before the giant rift in space to tear open before them. However before he could step through, a hell butterfly fluttered past him and circled around his form. It obviously wanted his attention.

He let the messenger perch on his fingertip and let the message play into his mind and his face soon turned grim. It escaped him how something like this occurred under his nose. He turned to face the group, “I’m sorry everyone, but I must take my leave…something has occurred that requires my attention back at my division headquarters…once again sorry for the inconvenience.” He took a quick bow before the group before beginning to walk back in the direction he originally came from, only stopping once before Lexi, Cres, and Lune to say a quick, “I’ll explain later, good luck with the mission and tell me how it goes afterwards.”

[Dizzy]

A concerned look crosses Cres' face. Otowari-kun was supposed to be leading this mission - what could be so important that it would require his presence elsewhere? The magnitude of the situation had to be huge, especially considering that the portal was already open, and that he didn't even have the time to explain. The shinigami pressed a palm lightly to his forehead; he was just lucky that his 2nd Division counterpart had turned up to assist.

Turning to the other man, he spoke up. "Alright, I'll take the lead and scout out the area, you watch our backs. Unless you'd rather do it the other way around?"

The other captain nodded his assent at the plan, taking his place behind the gathered shinigami. Cres gave the portal a good stare before turning back to his troops to instruct them on going through it.

"Alright, I know some of you have done this before, this is for the benefits of the newcomers. We won't be in Hueco Mundo immediately after entering the portal, it's a bit like the limbo between Soul Society and the Living World."

"As such," he continued, "it can be an incredibly dangerous place. There is no ground in the area, and you will have to form a path with your own reiatsu. Those who aren't confident in their ability to do that should pair up with somebody who can."

"When we arrive, our first objective will be to form a base of operations. Afterwards, we have caliberated several high-class reiatsu scanners to search for our missing taichou's reiatsu wavelength. If he's nearby, us captains will confront him, and Lexi here - " he pointed out the green-haired girl, and at this, she grumbled some more " - will be responsible for ensuring your safety. If not, we will have to form search parties, and if possible, interrogate hollows regarding his location."

He couldn't think of anything else he was supposed to say, so with a swish of his scarf and captain's haori, he turned around and walked into the rift that had seared a hole in the sky, motioning with his hand for the others to follow.

[BioBomber]

Hibiki too, was puzzled at his captain's sudden need to depart, but he shrugged off his concerns. He had a job to do, quite apart from the fact that he was looking forward to sampling Hueco Mundo's atmosphere. The garganta loomed in front of him, looking very much like someone's crackled and diseased lips, parted and waiting to swallow the unwary. The thought of having to form a path did not bother Hibiki in the slightest, and so without care, he leapt forward into the garganta.

As he passed through the opening, he concentrated carefully, shaping a patch of reishi into a small square platform. It was just big enough for him to stand on, an extremely conservative use of his energy. Feeling around him, Hibiki threaded a path together in his mind and lifted his foot from his platform experimentally. As he did so, the platform split neatly in half and followed his foot's horizontal movement. To his great delight, the other half followed suit on his other foot's swing forward. He waited for his superiors to signal his leave to dash madly into the world beyond.

[blackluster]

Shuga let out a sigh. Reaching into his satchel, he produced his visor. It would let him see the feint colour variations in his reiatsu, and help him focus better. He needed the help. Shuga put on the visor, activated it, and pulled his hood up over his head. He wasn't in the mood to get his head sand blasted as soon as he stepped through into Heuco Mundo. The space between the worlds are certainly colder. Shuga stepped through carefully, starting to gather reiatsu at his feet. It was messy. Instead of steady, undulating stepping stones, Shuga walked on intermittent blasts of reiatsu. They looked like small flat explosions of cold air, every step he took. It wasn't pretty but it worked. He followed closely behind the captain keeping one eye on his reiatsu output, and the other on the environment. Despite the danger, Shuga found it peaceful, just like the barren lands...

[Mystic Serenade]

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