mission 1B: fallen blossoms (plot thread)

[Dizzy]

mission 1B: fallen blossoms

The bodies had been found in unused alleys and alcoves, dragged behind boxes and covered in heavy blankets to keep them out of sight. One had even been unceremoniously dumped into the garbage disposal, where it lay headless, sprawled over the bloodstained debris. After the first one had been discovered, investigation had quickly wound up finding three more in varying locations in Soul Society – all headless, the marks on the neck indicating that a zanpakuto had beheaded them. Their hakusui and saketsu – the two factors that are the source of and regulate spirit energy – had been destroyed; in fact, they had been ripped right out of them. Most likely, that had been to keep them from putting up a fight or raising their reiatsu enough to use as an SOS cry.

The corpses, pale and grey from lack of blood flow, rigor mortis having set them permanently into positions of surprise and futile self-defense, stained all over with dried, coagulated blood, had been enough to make the first shinigami to find them faint on the scene. Eventually, he’d come to for long enough to inform the proper authorities before falling back into unconsciousness. Divisional tags on the corpses’ clothing identified them as being from the 4th and 6th divisions, and two from the 12th division. Although the bodies had been mutilated enough to make identification impossible, a quick sweep of the attendance records on the next day is likely to turn up the identities of the victims.

---

Hell butterflies are dispatched. Their fragile, midnight black bodies seem to float for a second in the air, before they blast off at top speed to deliver their messages. The sender’s lips arrange themselves into a grin – the stage is set, and in just over fifteen minutes, the game shall begin.

---

Breathe in, breathe out. Breathe in, breathe out.

Such is the golden mantra that just might be the only thing that could possibly get Minamoto Rika through the day. Not that she’d forget to breathe and asphyxiate to death if she didn’t have it, but the process of clearing her mind, pushing all thoughts just outside of her consciousness, and focusing all her will upon her breathing pattern – in, out, in, out – is the only thing at the moment that can give her the peace of mind that she desperately needs to survive this terrible, terrible day. And what a day.

Bodies – five of them, viciously defiled, heads ripped off and who even knows what the psychopath could have done with them. Or could be doing to them right now. She shudders at the very thought. One of them had even been from her own 4th Division. The thought of finding out exactly who died is tearing at the recesses of her mind, filling it with awful thoughts, and she stumbles over a floor tile, just barely keeping herself from tripping over and dropping all of the papers she’s carrying. Breathe in, breathe out. In, and out.

Upon reaching her taichou’s office, she suddenly finds herself trembling with fear, a fear entirely unrelated to the killings. This is the woman who, rumor has it, has killed people for trying to wake her up, without even awakening until after the deed has been done. The adage of ‘don’t shoot the messenger’ has never been more lost than it is in this office. And yet, here she is. A lowly 14th Seat, tasked with the suicidal mission of regaling a summons to this maniac. She just hopes that her taichou isn’t napping.

Creaking the door ever-so-slightly open with her foot, in anticipation of having her arm cut off if she decided to use that instead, she sees that her taichou is very much awake. Thank god for small mercies. Breathing a sigh of relief, she looks down to her stack of papers and begins to read off the topmost leaf.

“Ahh … Takada-taichou, you and some of the other commanding officers of the divisions that have recently experienced a number of murders – that is, ours and the 6th, and 12th Divisions, have been summoned to discuss them. Umm, let’s see here … the place is at the 12th Squad meeting hall … and … umm, it’s in about fifteen minutes.”

… Oh no. Oh NO, this is terrible.

“The hell butterfly just brought it here, I swear! Please don’t kill me!”

Rika dashes to the opposite wall, cowering with her arms held over her head. If she doesn’t get killed for the short notice, this act of cowardice will probably get her the death sentence for sure.

Breatheinbreatheoutbreatheinbreatheout, hyperventilate hyperventilate hyperventilate.

---

In the 12th division meeting hall, Shirozuki Mahana sets up chairs around the table. Such a humiliating job for a man of science! He never even wanted to come to this meeting, but … better here, where it’s safe, then running off to Hueco Mundo like a man with a death wish, right? Of course, no question about that.

He looks around; nobody’s here yet but him. He isn’t surprised – if he’d only just gotten the message, he didn’t expect anybody else to have shown up ahead of him. Of course, stupid Sabara-san had to have been with him, and she just had to have started ordering him around like she was the queen of freaking Soul Society. Just because she’s slightly better in a fight didn’t mean she can top him in research … okay, maybe she can. And he supposes she’s more like a lot better than him at fighting. But still! One seat’s difference shouldn’t mean she can order him to do all the work and just disappear like that!

He’d get her one day … just like he’d get all of them, for everything they’ve ever done … just let them wait, thinking they’re safe. One day, his plans would come to fruition, and then … they’d see. Oh, they’d see.

But for now, he’ll play along. Arrange the tables and set up the chairs if he must. Hopefully the people who are due to arrive can show up soon and help a bit.

---

The Least You Need To Know:

Officials from the 4th, 6th, and 12th Squads have been summoned to the 12th Division meeting hall to discuss the recent string of murders in their divisions. In this case, ‘officials’ qualify as any high-ranking seated officer who thinks sitting in on the meeting would be a fun time.

[rayne_himura]

Her footsteps were light and fast as she leapt from rooftop to rooftop, pausing only to check if she had her zanpakutou. As newly appointed Vice Captain of the 12th Division along with Dana, she started her rounds around the division when she got the message from a hell butterfly. Rayne's back muscles spasmed in response to her annoyance and fear. Annoyed for why she has to share a position with someone else and fear because of the message she had received, Who could've done it? The only thing she could do at that moment was laid out before her: go to the 12th Division and receive her orders.

She set off again, her shunpo bringing her closer to the 12th Division with each hurried step. As she passed through the area between 4th division and the 6th Division, she watched as flurries of butterflies rippled in her wake. The cold air seemed to swirl up into the sky at odd moments to obscure her vision, but she remained focused on her destination. By the time she set foot on the steps leading into the 12th Division, Shinigami were silent and moving purposefully toward the center of Seireitei, leaving Rayne to head in the opposite direction. She bounded up the steps to the building and pushed the door open, glad for the warm air that started to escape the building. Once inside, she was surprised by the lack of activity.

The sound of her feet padding through the corridors to the assigned meeting hall began to grate on Rayne's nerves, and she began to pace while waiting on more people to arrive. Surely the others would be there soon, wouldn't they?

[Thantos-Espada]

Kyro had watched Rika walking about the Squad HQ, unlike her though he had heard no news of this terreble incodent. His relaxed body simply smiled and waved as he passed other lower seated members of the Squad. He was headed in the direction of the taichou's office. Turning the corner he noticed a sheet, of paper. Kyro simply lifted it from the floor paying no attention to what was written on it. as he rose from his knee he noticed the taichou's office door was open.

"Has she gone out?"

he knew that there was a new Officer in charge of the 4th Devision, that was premoted nearly the same day as himself, Trying desperatly to think of her name. but after a few dosen try's he gave up. As he walked into the taichou's office to See a young looking girl sat at the desk, and the 14th seat Rika cowering against the wall.

Kyro sighed. knocking gently on the door.

thinking to himself.

*Is this new captain really that bad to make the 14th seat afraid?*


Kyro wasn't yet known amongst his Squad members, but knew each of them instantly by face. even if names slipped his mind from time to time.

[Hiraeth]

Ren looked up from the mass of paperwork she'd been trying to force her way through.

"Why, they think I did it?"

She was in a filthy mood. Her brain felt like it was trying to melt out of her head, via her eye sockets and her ears. She shouldn't have had that last bottle. She stood, leaning heavily on her desk as the movement made her head throb even more painfully. That bastard Shinji, this was all his fault, she should never have let him drag her out drinking.

She fixed her hawk-like gaze on the girl cowering against the wall. Ren rolled her eyes and then wished she hadn't. Using sheer will she stood up from her desk and strode over to the girl who seemed to see this as her cue to burst into fresh hysterics.

Ren scowled and, using the front of her hakama, pulled the girl to her feet. "Minamoto, 14th Seat, correct?" Knowing that she was right Ren didn't bother to wait for the answer "Since the meeting is in fifteen minutes, you have five to find me a hangover cure, or I'll really give you something to cry about."

The 14th seat was picked up and deposited outside the door, which Ren then slammed hard enough to make the roof shake. Dislodged by the motion, one sandal landed by Ren's foot. She glanced down and slipped her foot into it, so that's where it had gotten to. Now if she could only track down that damn white haori...

She suddenly realised that someone else was in the room with her. She sized him up, trying to work out what he was doing in her office. Then she saw the vice-captain's badge on his arm. Ah.

"Fukutaichou we have a meeting at the twelfth division. Apparently someone other than me has decided to kill a division member."

She grinned at her own joke, but the movement in her facial muscles caused spasms of pain to ripple through her skull. She groaned quietly as she turned back to her desk to pick up her zanpaktou, Oboroduki, which she slipped into her sash. As she did so a flash of white appeared in the corner of her eye. It took her a second to realise that it was in fact her haori, which for once she had managed to keep on, apparently miracles did happen.

She looked back at the unfinished paperwork on her desk, then she smiled cunningly and picked it up. Then she turned to Kyro and dumped it in his arms.

"Here, when we get back you can finish this."

[GIN_ofTheFunk]

Dana silently entered the 12th squad meeting hall.
- Collecting some evidence. As fast we start the investigation, the faster we're gonna find this psycho.
Dana never liked wasting her time, especially if the case was that serious , so she explained the main idea to Rayne. She has collected blood samples from all the victims in order to compare their DNA with the data on the main server. There were reserves of all data about each shinigami who worked at SS, so that was the easiest way to find the identity of the dead bodies. Quite recently, a lot of shinigamis were missing, so Dana couldn't say exactly who were among the victims. Except for that, Dana has found bloody fingerprints on one body's neck, as the psych-killer tried to strangle his victim who was fighting for his life to the end. The analysys of the fingerprints could give a clue who the murderer was.
- One more thing- Dana said- As for the profile of the murderer, I think he...or she... is a shinigami on very high level spirit power. This is a shinigami that wants revenge and have lost something important. Maybe he...or she... was kicked out his post or even from Sereitei. The other version is, maybe he is a dark creature like hollow or even arrancar, but how can such a thing enter Soul Society without trace and pass over the quards without to be seen? So, yes, I think it's a shinigami.
Dana pocket her notepad and waited for the meeting to start.

[Thantos-Espada]

kyro's head tilded, like that of a confused dog.

"When we get back? you mean im going to a devisional meeting at the 12ths HQ, With all this? Taichou..."

Kyro was winging, if theres one thing he hated, it was paperwork. In the accademy it was ok due to his never lacking Experties in getting the cute clever girls next to him to do the work for him.

but Now he had to behave. he simply followed the captain out of the room placing the paper on his own desk near the front of the 4th Dev HQ building. With every thing running through his head he had totaly forgoten about what the Taichou had said, but then it hit him like a freight train.

"Taichou? members of our Squad have been murdered?"

Kyro's face wen't from his cherpy Expression that he was wear to a deep thoughtfull frown. He thought about the possibilitys... but then forced them from his head. Knowing that he and the Taichou where going to sort this problem out.

[Hiraeth]

Ren strode from the building, using one hand to massage her temple. Where was that girl with her hangover cure. Ah. She spotted the 14th seat standing nearby holding a cup of a green liquid that looked something like pond slime. Ren swiped it off her and sculled it as quickly as possible. It was bad, but she'd had worse, now she just had to hope that it was actually a hangover cure and not some kind of strange experimental medicine that the division was testing.

"Yes fukutaichou, a member of our squad has been murdered. This is thoroughly upsetting, I take it very personally when my subordinates wind up in pieces."

She shot him an evil grin.

"You should be careful, as a captain I'm probably safe, but the killer might start going after Vice Captains next..."

[Thantos-Espada]

Kyro's face looks shocked for a second before the corners of his mouth begin to Rise.

"Let him come, I'll be ready to take those evil thoguhts out of his head by hand!"
Kyro had been to bust yelling into the air that he didn't notice the Taichou had already began moving towards the 12th devision HQ.

"Hey Taichou wait up!"

He scurried after her.

"Um, Taichou ma'am... what are we going to do about it? i mean, we don't know what attacked the other shinigami yet, It could be a hollow, or it could be a rogue shinigami... either way its bad, Right?"
Kyro Scratched his head, thinking of the Member who had died, He had only just been promoted, and hardly knew all the members of his squad, and for that reason he wasn't as mortified as most others about the death of a squad member.




(OOC - Gonna use orange to define when kyro is speaking, and a lighter orange for when he is thinking to himself. this way i can make it clear whats happening, i think it might be a quite good idea if you guys pciked colours aswell, just so its clearer when people are talking.)

[Hiraeth]

Ren gave him a look.

"What are we going to do? We're fourth squad, we will go and examine the bodies, we will do post mortems, we will take measurements, in fact we will do anything medically possible that can assist with the investigation."

She looked back at the path before her.

"Then I will find whoever did this to one of my ducklings and I will make his treatment of them seem like a kindness compared to what I do to him."

She turned back and grinned at Kyro "If you're lucky maybe I'll let you watch. I'm sure there's many things I could teach you about the human anatomy. And if it's a hollow, well I've dealt with plenty of them in the past. So don't worry your pretty little head about it fukutaichou, I'll protect you."

She stopped in front of a large building "Well we're here. Let's go in and see if Sixth have arrived yet. Shinji told me they have a new captain as well, some guy back from exile. Apparently he killed another shinigami and they sent him away. Seems a bit of a coincidence that he's just come back and now a new batch of shinigami have been killed, doesn't it?"

(OOC: I have decided that henceforth Ren shall refer to her squad members as her ducklings. That is all)

[Thantos-Espada]

Kyro Pushes the Door open for the Taichou to enter, This was the first time kyro had been to the 12th's HQ, And boy was it different to their own HQ for teh 4th.

he ponderd over the Taichou's words, *Ducklings? he thought to himself, i hope she isnt a fan of duck meat then...* he thoguht to himself.


Upon entering the 12th HQ he noticed it was nothing mutch but a big hall, for the 12th kyro was expecting more, testubes and weird contraptions for catching hollow...

Kyro followed his Taichou to their seats,

the leitenants of the 12th squad where already sear, kyro rememberd them from his promotion ceremony because they where promoted the same day.

Rayne and Dana,


another man was still bustling about setting up the last preps for the meeting


(OOC- "ducklings?" thats odd for a syco killer^^ taichou-chan)

[rayne_himura]

There was something about being completely absorbed in a task - no, a work of art - that made time lose all relevance. The world continued turning around Rayne Himura while she laboured, but for her it might not have existed at all until she finished setting up the chairs and tables and stepped back to admire what she had done. Surprisingly that no one had interrupted her at all, not even Shirozuki Mahana. But this is better, than standing around doing nothing.

Finally, she tuned in and noticed the door of the Headquarters being opened. She was still irritated about her efforts to become the sole Vice Captain of the 12th, but maybe something more interesting was going to happen. She wouldn't mind seeing the frantic floundering of crisis stricken shinigami. It didn't occur to her that she was just as likely to get involved. I'll find whoever killed those shinigami. Taichou and everyone wouldnt have to know.

Brushing off her hands, Rayne took a look at the newcomers. Its was 4th Division's new Captain and Vice Captain, their names still unknown to her. She gave them a tight smile and left the hall. A mischevious gleam lit up on Rayne's eye as she trotted around the perimeter, making her way back to the Headquarter's main entrance. It seemed rather empty for a state of emergency. Where were the panicked crowds? Shrugging, she thought maybe they were all jammed up against a locked fire exit somewhere and she smiled.

At last the echo of voices reached her ears and she turned down a corridor, making a beeline for the source. If anything juicy was going on, it was best to overhear it quickly, and as the pigtailed shinigami arrived outside the door she saw Dana, her rival.

Oh crap, she's supposed to be in the hall right now. What is she doing? Investigating on her own? Her face contorted impishly as she peered around the doorframe, "Hey Dana, what are you doing in here? C'mon, people are arriving," and turned her back without waiting for her answer.

(OOC: for Dana, you'll based your next post here. If you have questions, leave me a msg.)

[GIN_ofTheFunk]

<So, you've came, sister. I'd be surprised if you didn't>Sarcasticly Dana said , knowing Rayne cannot hear her. She knew Rayne is making her own investigation and she thought this was very funny. Dana never had anything against her co-vice captain ( even if her co-vice captain had a lot against Dana) so she thought it would be right if they both investigate this murders as a team, but she knew Rayne is too proud to cooperate with her rival. <Well, children, I guess it cannot be helped> Dana didn't blame her co-lieutenant for her decision- the kid wanted to be 12th division only vice, but intead she had to share her place with Dana, besides this kids will always be kids- egocentric, innocent and candid.
But kid or not, Rayne was a rated shinigami and she'd do anything to do the investigation and find the murderer. That's why Dana wouldn't let the things downstream. She had to put the pieces together- the fingerprints, the bloodsamples, and the psychological profile of the one who've done the crime.
Dana just waited this meeting to be finished, so she could go to her lab and analyse the probes.

[Gol D. Roger]

The faint fluttering of black, patterned wings roused Itō from his morning meditation.

He sat atop the roof of the 6th Division headquarters, facing west, the sun beating down on his back. Wordlessly, he reached out with his right hand, allowing the butterfly to deliver its message.

Itō opened his eyes slowly. As the message was broadcast in his mind, his brow furrowed; he frowned, and allowed the butterfly to drift away, pushing himself up from the rooftop...

And bursting into a short shunpō. He landed in the 6th Division courtyard. Itō glanced about, still getting used to the place, before heading off towards the officer's quarters.

He needed to find his Fukutaichō, Murasaki Shinjiro. Murasaki probably would have come to him, had the message reached him first. Since he hadn't, Itō figured he might as well hasten things along by simply informing the Fukutaichō himself. The news was very troubling, due to the fact that his Division had sustained casualties, as well as the gruesome nature of the crimes. Urgent attention was required.

Itō entered the building, traversing the halls down towards Murasaki's room. Sunlight shimmered through the windows, forming boxes of light upon the wood paneled floor.

As he moved through the corridor, the handful of officers who happened to be present stopped and jumped to attention, each greeting him with a respectful, "Good morning, Taichō!" They were still measuring him, his capabilities, his attitude, and personality. Was he a man to be feared? Respected? Despised, or loved?

Itō responded to their greetings with a simple smile, nod, and softly spoken, "Good morning." His mind was still elsewhere, poring over the facets of the mystery at hand.

The ruthless efficiency of the killings indicated a trained, impassive killer. Additionally, the use of decapitation, and the destruction of the bodies' spiritual regulatory points belied an intimate knowledge of spiritual anatomical structure. If the disturbing information that the victims were killed by a zanpakutō proved true, Itō could not help but suspect a shinigami of the 11th or 12th Division.

He hated to entertain the thought, but if the perpetrator was a current member of the Gotei 13, the 11th and 12th were host to any number of cold, detached, even callous men and women. Whether they considered themselves warriors or scientists, any number of them possessed the disposition to commit such heinous acts. And then, there was the 2nd Division, with its serious ties to the Special Operations Squads...

No, Itō thought to himself. It just wouldn't do to start pointing fingers at his fellow shinigami. Division lines still ran hard, but he would not allow himself to get caught up in them. When he found Murasaki, he could ask him what he thought of it all.

Besides... He also needed Murasaki to help him with directions. He'd only just returned to the Seireitei after so many years, and now, so suddenly, he was Taichō. It wouldn't do for him to be getting lost.

Itō rounded a corner, and stopped outside the Fukutaichō's door. He raised one hand and knocked.

[Final Boss]

"Ehhh, who's there?" Shinji awoke to the loud knocks on his door, his head was still throbbing from last night. It was his captain, Ito Haruki.

"Oh Ito-taichou" He got up from his bed, wiped his eyes and opened the door.

After Shinji looked at his captain, rather confused as to why he was here, he said, "So what's goin' on?" Haruki was slightly suprised

"I assume you received the message?"

Shinji, who was still confused by all this, looked back into his room and noticed a crushed hell butterfly. He was probably asleep when the message arrived, he looked back at his captain and nervously smiled.

"I'll explain it all to you as we head toward the 12th division, which leads to my question. Where is the 12th division?"

He looked at Shinji almost embarrassed that a taichou, like himself, would not even know his way around the Sereitei.

"Umm I think I have a general idea where it is, jus' let me get my stuff."

He grabbed his vice-captain's badge and zanpaktou and left his room with Haruki. They walked down a hallway and entered the 6th division courtyard.

"I think it'll be quicker if we jus' go by the rooftops, so we can find it easier."

Haruki gave a nod of approval and they proceeded to use shunpo following Shinji's lead toward his 'general idea' of where the 12th division HQ was located.

[Gol D. Roger]

"So, it seems we have a problem," Itō said, between steps of shunpō.

When Murasaki raised an eyebrow at him, he continued.

"Members of the 6th Division have been killed. Murdered. Shinigami of the 4th and 12th Division also number among the victims. We've been summoned to discuss the situation."

Itō gave a sidelong glance to his Fukutaichō. "We also need to identify the bodies. Can you think of anyone who's been conspicuously absent in the past few days?"

[Final Boss]

"Well no one comes to mind, I think our best bet would be ta have tha 4th division identify tha bodies then we can see if tha victims are link'd somehow."

Shinji continued to use shunpo and saw the 12th division HQ

"Ahh there it is! I hope we aren't late or anythin'."

He stopped at the doors of the 12th division meeting hall and gestured Ito to go in before him. He put his hands in his pockets and slightly slouched,

"Lets jus' hope that this meeting will give us a better understandin' on the situation."

He followed Ito into the meeting hall.

[Unicorn]

Himura Sayuri, 5th Seat of 4th Division

She had been tending to her herb garden all morning, and had missed out on most of the rumours. Until one of her medics shyunpo'd across her precious strawberry patch to inform her about the murders and the urgent meeting.

"They asked all higher-seated officers from the affected departments to attend. The Taichou and the Fukutaichou have already left for this meeting! Please, would you attend and find out what really happened?" The medic panted.

Sayuri eyed the medic's expression carefully, then put down her gardening shears and pulled off her gloves.

"Of course." She replied gently. "I will find out all I can. Would you please take over tending the garden for me?"

Sayuri tidied her uniform, checked for any muddy spots, then ran to the designated meeting hall. Once there, she bowed a greeting to everyone already present, then made her way to stand behind her fukutaichou.

[rayne_himura]

A snort of laughter issued loudly from Rayne's mouth, stifled a second later by clapping her hand over it as she realized she was going to be in the presence of what seemed to have become a whole swarm of captains and vice captains. While she might have rivaled any of them in strength, in her mind she had yet to come to terms with that fact and was still inclined towards a bit of self preservation.

The sight of the man attempting to woo his Captain of the 4th Division was nearly too much for her to bear, however. Behind the pressure of her hand, the girl's choking face took on a mirthful shade of pink as she struggled for composure. Considering that shinigami like that had no place in this meeting at all, but Rayne didn't really care.

Looking more confident than she felt, the pigtailed shinigami left her place by the door and strode openly into the meeting room, the long sleeves of her elegant and paint-stained blue and red kimono fluttering behind her. She was hoping at least that her presence her would cause some consternation for the newly appointed Captains and Vice Captains, who she hadn't seen or spoken too since she became a VC. A little smirk pulled up the corner of her lips as she thought about it.

They were a pretty interesting group, these Captains and VCs. Grouchy and slithering and sarcastic and all. The 4th Division Captain who'd just arrived was quite beautiful as well, she noticed with a tinge of jealousy. For Rayne herself, such an unknown person, she wasn't likely to be noticed at all, unless it was to be told she didn't belong here.

[Hiraeth]

Ren sized up the other divisions. The girl, who she assumed was the twelfth squad's Vice Captain had just reappeared from somewhere in the division. Ren wasn't sure what to make of her, she seemed young, but then again Ren wasn't exactly one of the old guard herself, sometimes youth was a good thing.

She noticed that her fifth seat had just arrived. She raised an eyebrow, so the girl wanted to make herself useful, that was good, but if the third and fourth seats turned up she'd have to knock some heads, they needed to leave someone at the division to keep an eye on things. She turned to the newcomer and barked out an order.

"Himura, when the meeting's finished send a hell butterfly to the third seat. Tell him that from now on squad members are not to go anywhere on their own, they should have at least one other person with them at all times. Then tell him that there's been a murder. We don't want to cause a panic, but I won't lose anyone else to this bastard."

She turned back, reassured that the rest of her ducklings would be safe. Then she noticed the two other people that had entered at the same time as Himura. One of them she recognised immediately, her eyes narrowed as they alighted upon Murosaki Shinjiro, usually called Shinji, her long time drinking buddy and the person upon who she'd dumped the blame for her hangover. She hoped his head hurt as much as hers did, although that green stuff seemed to have helped, she'd have to thank the 14th seat for that.

The man in front of Shinji seemed slightly unsure of himself, as though he didn't really know where he was going. This was the new 6th Squad Captain then. She could tell by the way he was walking that he was strong, but there was something about him that was almost apologetic, did he feel bad about being strong? Curious indeed.

She nodded a greeting at Shinji, who gave her a pained look, obviously hung over as well. Then she sat back and looked around.

"Well we're all here aren't we? So who called this damn meeting?"

[Unicorn]

"Himura, when the meeting's finished send a hell butterfly to the third seat. Tell him that from now on squad members are not to go anywhere on their own, they should have at least one other person with them at all times. Then tell him that there's been a murder. We don't want to cause a panic, but I won't lose anyone else to this bastard."

"Yes Taichou." Sayuri bowed, then started scribbling the information down in a little notepad she always kept in her sleeve, in case she forgot.

*thinks* So she swears even in a captain's meeting. Uncouth barbarian, how did she ever end up in 4th?

Sayuri made a mental note to inform the rest of the 4th Div seated officers after the meeting, instead of just 3rd seat. This would hel distribute the information faster, and if the captain didn't like it, she could deal.

[Mystic Serenade]

Once outside the Kidoushuu, Keiji began to shyunpo back to the division headquarters. It was rather unfortunate that this took the place of his mission to Hueco Mundo, he really would have liked to find out the truth about his former captain. This even however was rather disturbing. The only people he could think of with such capabilities would have to be either in his or the 4th division, and he’d to think any of his subordinates was capable of such an act. The thoughts that came began to eat away at his conscious and fill him with suspicion, but he drove them away. It was best not to come to any early conclusions and go around pointing fingers.

It wasn’t long before he arrived back at his division and he made his way to the meeting hall. He opened the door to find from the looks of it that the 4th and 6th division captains and vice captains had also been called here. He also saw that two young female shinigami bore the vice captain badge of the 12th division. Since when did I have a fukutaichou…and not one but two? My memory must be failing me…

“Ah…so it looks like I’m the last to arrive or something,” he said sheepishly, placing his hand behind his head. He knew the situation was severe and serious, but he couldn’t help but lose his composure a bit in front of these other captains. There weren’t any captain meetings since he was appointed, so this was the first time he met any of them besides Cres and the Soutaichou himself.

[rayne_himura]

A strange feeling sank in the pit of Rayne's stomach as she thought of the possible suspects on the murders. Her rumination on that subject was cut off by the entrance of two shinigami. One's wearing a haori and the other man has a VC badge on his left arm. Right now for Rayne, everyone's a suspect. That this shinigami can be former criminals, to her all of the Captains and Vice Captains were equally unknown, except for her own.

From what she gathered so far, this meeting was called because shinigami from the 4th, 6th and 12th Division had been murdered. If that were really the case though, why were all of the strongest fighters here in this room, talking and doing nothing? Did they prefer to let their underlings out there, so as not to risk themselves at all?

Dumb idiots. I wouldn't mind doing it. How can anyone be that lazy?

"What a nice party huh? All's missing is tea and biscuits and little hats. Is there some point for this or what?" Rayne spoke her mind rudely, yawning and crumpling onto one of the rows of floor mats. She wasn't interested in making friends with any of these people, nor impressing them by any means.

Rayne hadn't realized it yet, but there was just one person she'd take orders from and do her best to follow through.

(OOC: edited my post. I thought Ren was talking to me :XD)

[Hiraeth]

Ren noticed the Captain's haori worn by the most recent arrival and frowned, annoyed at being proved incorrect.

"Right, now that the high ranking members of Fourth, Sixth and Twelfth Division have, finally, arrived, perhaps we could get started."

She re-stated her question "Who called this meeting?"

[Final Boss]

As Shinji walked into the room he noticed Ren and smiled back, she was obviously still hung over and his head hurt a little more just looking at her. He stood near his captain and slouched against a wall. As the 12th division captain entered he thought to himself,

"Finally gettin' started huh? Just sittin' here is gettin' old, fast."

[Dizzy]

(OOC: You guys are crazy, 23 posts in between mine? Keep up the good work, everyone!)

Mahana perked up as soon as the others started showing up, and very subtly, gradually eased himself out of the manual labor and leaving it to his newly-appointed Himura-fukutaicho (ugh, he couldn't believe that some upstart from another division got the job, when there were so many more research-competent choice like himself!) before leaving entirely and strolling over to the outside corridor to check if anybody else was showing up.

So far, the two vice-captains - he cringed at that word - had showed up, along with the contingencies from 4th and 6th. As he watched, the 6th Division’s 3rd Seat, Koichi Daisuke, who he remembered from the Rukongai hollow attacks, arrived and took a place beside his divisional comrades. Convinced that this would be the last of them, he turned around, noticing that Sabara had somehow arrived without his noticing. Trust her to show up after all of the work had been done. At least morally upright citizens like Himura-fukutaicho could be counted on. Maybe she could be useful, he mused to himself. Less work for him, anyways.

Suddenly, he noticed that Otowari-taicho had shyunpo’d into the corridor and was now making his way over. Wasn’t he supposed to be in Hueco Mundo by now? Did he want to grab one of the fukutaichos, or even Sabara or himself? Mahana cringed and quickly darted back to his chair, making himself seem smaller to avoid being noticed and possibly get dragged into the hollow world. But then …

Was he staying for the meeting? Of course, as captain, he’d want to be informed about the deaths of two of his division members. But he also had a responsibility to lead the mission into Hueco Mundo … and there were four of his subordinates in attendance anyways. He’d get the information one way or another. What could possibly have required him to show up here?

And then, Himura-fukutaicho, the taicho of the 4th, and the fukutaicho of the 6th all spoke the news on his mind, one right after the other, albeit far more bluntly than he’d have worded it. Oh, what he’d have given to have been able to talk down to others like that … but it’d happen one day. They’d all be put in their places. Suddenly, Koichi piped up with that ignorant mouth of his.

“I assumed Otowari-taichou called it,” he said, “wouldn’t that explain why it’s in 12th division?”

It would make sense, but for the fact that the captain had been on a trip to Hueco Mundo until very recently, and the invitations had arrived fifteen minutes beforehand. He opened his mouth to point this out, but Sabara beat him to the punch, her words ringing sharply in his ears. He fumed at being beaten by her again.

“Then,” asked Koichi again, obviously confused, “who could’ve called it? The higher brass from all three divisions are all here, and the soutaicho would’ve called us to his own meeting hall in 1st division.”

Mahana had to agree with him, however, despite his disdain for all of humanity. How incredibly strange …

[Hiraeth]

Ren rolled her eyes, which hurt less than last time.

"So what, the murderer called it, how cliche. I guess they're probably someone in this room then."

She widened her eyes in mock horror.

"Could it be, the insane fourth squad captain, who ruthlessly slaughtered her predecessor in order to steal his position? Could it be the mysterious sixth squad captain, exiled from Seireitei for killing a shinigami? Or perhaps it's the twelfth squad captain, who was supposed to be going to Hueco Mundo, yet has had a sudden change of heart."

Her eyes turned hard and she glanced around the room, memorising every face.

"Or is it perhaps one of the various other shinigami who've attended the meeting."

She turned to look at the other captains.

"Since we haven't been properly introduced, I'm Takada Ren of fourth squad. As the medical squad it is our role here to look at the bodies, with your permission I'd like someone to show me where they've been stored. If you want to ensure that we don't tamper with the evidence you should both send someone from your own squads to keep an eye on us."

[rayne_himura]

Rayne's face contorted grotesquely, defiantly displaying a vivid pink tongue to the obnoxious horn-headed captain, "Is pointing fingers will ever solve the problem Takada Taichou?," she said with a huff and regretting what she just said at the same time. "Let's get this meeting done. People are dying out there."

Just then, the opening of the door reached her ears. It was a man in a haori and from his clothes she deduced he was Captain of the 12th Division, He must be Otowari Keiji. While a grouchy man leaning still remain unkown to her. And the way Takada Taichou talking sounded as if she thought she were better than everyone else. Hardly. Is this really how it's like to be a Taichou?

She continued counting, spotting that everyone already arrived. Except for Dana. And even my own Captain is late. Was that it? Any captain should have been able to make their way to the Headquarters in this much time. She hadn't realized the upper ranks were so sparse. Already, she envisioned herself draped in the luxurious folds of a long white haori. Nah, that's just too much. No way would I wanna be one of them, and chuckled to herself her hand still grasping the hilt of her Claymore.

Should I go to him and introduce myself?

[Mystic Serenade]

(OCC: Just to say, I will take control of some of the NPCs if the need arises and Dizzy is absent)

Keiji let out a sigh. He imagined how out of place he looked, coming in the way he did. Amongst these captains of higher standing he even felt sort of out of place due to the rather unconventional way he gained his captainship. In fact, he was somewhat still struggling with his newfound role. He couldn’t help but wonder sometimes if his division really saw him as the capable leader he tried to be. Still despite the doubts that filled his mind, he had to take himself serious if others where to right? He’d act the role if he had too.

He fixed up his composure the best he could, “Indeed, now is not the time to cast random suspicions if we are to work through this Takada-taichou. I can understand your cautiousness, but please, do not be so overtly so. As for why I am here and not at Hueco Mundo, it is because I was notified of the matter just before my departure and was under the impression that it took priority over the current mission I was given.”

He turned his attention to his subordinate, “Sabara, you do know where the bodies are being stored do you not?”

“Been examining them every chance I got since they got here,” she said matter-of-factly.

“Good, take Takada-taichou and I to them.” He looked to those from 6th division, “You’re welcome to send someone along as well if you wish.”

[Hiraeth]

Ren's eyes had narrowed at the 12th Fukutaichou. No one in fourth would have dared talk back to her that way. Obviously rumours about her hadn't gotten as far as the upper echelons of the other divisions. Give it time.

She nodded at the twelfth captain's response.

"Otowari-san I don't doubt that you had a legitimate reason for returning, your assistance in this matter will be greatly appreciated. If I seem rude it's because the only rule in my division is that only I get to scare my ducklings, and with that rule broken, someone has to pay. Since you asked so nicely I'll try and be more polite and stop accusing people. That said, if your fukutaichou talks back to me again, I might have to put her over my knee like the child she is."

She smiled sardonically "But let's not get into a game of 'my bankai is bigger than your bankai'. Take me to the bodies, I trust that you've had witnesses on hand while your staff have examined them?"

[rayne_himura]

"Hah!" Rayne barked an unfeminine laugh. She didn't mind this woman, she didnt scare her at all. Her purpose for being here was resolving in her mind somewhat, prompted by the questioning. She looked at Otowari and said, "Taichou, can I leave now? Cause this is supposed to be a meeting for Captains and their lieutenants. I'm a Vice Captain but I've only been in the Gotei for... A week? I've never been on a mission. I shouldn't have any rank at all, it's stupid. I want orders from you, I want to go and find the murderer and fight whoever it is, I cant just stand here all day."

She doubted if he's going to give her permission though. She didnt know him too well and to be fairly certain he barely acknowledged her presence until now, which frustrates her all the more. Despite being able to predict, she had no idea what kind of thoughts went on behind it.

[Mystic Serenade]

"Ah ha ha, let's hope it doesn't come to that and yes let's not get into one of those games," he said with a nervous laugh. Too bad I don't even have bankai yet, he thought. "I was gone when the bodies first came into our possession so I cannot say for certain who has been near them."

His conversation was soon interrupted by his vice captain. Her outburst caught him rather off guard, he didn't expect he'd have to deal with this sort of thing. Then again, he never imagined his Vice Captain, well one of them anyway, would be one of the new top graduates from the academy. He could identify somewhat with being given a position that was above one's experience.

"Let's not get too hasty now, Himura-chan, was it? The time will come for action but we need to gain a better understanding of the situation we're in right now first," he said with a smile. "I admire your enthusiasm but it's best we don't rush blindly into this with so many unknowns."

[GIN_ofTheFunk]

"Taichou, can I leave now? Cause this is supposed to be a meeting for Captains and their lieutenants. I'm a Vice Captain but I've only been in the Gotei for... A week? I've never been on a mission. I shouldn't have any rank at all, it's stupid. I want orders from you, I want to go and find the murderer and fight whoever it is, I cant just stand here all day."
At first Dana didn't say anything. She was worried , but she didn't show her feelings at all. Rayne was to impulsive and she couldn't wait for action.
Rayne was staying with her back turned on Minalouche.
'Rayne!' suddenly Dana said, loud and clear ' I know what you're up to, but I won't let you do some action on your own! Not because some stupid rivalry, but because I'm worried about you and you can get killed. The murderer who did that is a high level shinigami.We cannot take action before we find out what he is capable of. Imagine the killer has a captain spirit powers or a bankai. You alone? What can you do? Look, I don't want to sit here all day either, but I also won't let you go on a 'witch-hunt' and risk you life in the name of your pride.'
'Taicho?' this time Dana turned to her captain ' Any ideas and hypotesis we should know about the crime?'

[Mystic Serenade]

"Ah Dana, you surprised me," said Keiji jumping back a bit. "I can't really say for sure since I've just arrived here, but from the reports it must be someone with very intimate knowledge of the anatomy and make-up of spiritual beings. The most obvious guesses would be someone from either 4th or 12th division, but like I said, let us not jump to any conclusions before we make our examination."

[GIN_ofTheFunk]

"Ah Dana, you surprised me," said Keiji jumping back a bit. "I can't really say for sure since I've just arrived here, but from the reports it must be someone with very intimate knowledge of the anatomy and make-up of spiritual beings. The most obvious guesses would be someone from either 4th or 12th division, but like I said, let us not jump to any conclusions before we make our examination."

'As you wish, taicho' Dana said' If you give us permission, I suggest me and Rayne go to the lab after the meeting, and start making a report and analysing everything we have as a clue. I'll keep you in picture if we find something.'

[rayne_himura]

The scowl on Rayne's face didn't diminish as her Captain's words reached her ears. How can he be so calm. she thought which drew her into an even more childish reaction. She suspected he was right about the waiting, though. She figured that the answer he gave wouldn't really answer anything at all, but an order had to count for something at least. Somewhat more curious now, she ceased her scowling and smiled a sort of genuine although gaurded smile. Some people mistook her as a person who was constantly vicious and unapproachable, but that isolation and loneliness wasn't completely enforced.

"Oh and Dana, i'm not really the type to get stuck in a laboratory. Thats your field, right? I'm going to stay here with Taichou," then leaned over her and whispered, "I wanna go out there and have my first kill," She giggled for a moment. With that settled, she folded her arms again and spared a look around the room, although it seemed there was nothing much new going on.

[Hiraeth]

Ren threw her hands in the air.

"For the love of god. Snow White and Rose Red, you two can score points with your captain and play games of one-upman-ship later. There are people lying in a morgue somewhere who need my assistance."

She snapped her fingers at her subordinates. "Ducklings! Let's go and find the corpses."

She grabbed the arm of the girl who'd mentioned she was taking care of the bodies and spun her towards the door.

"Lead on please. Otowari-san, will you join us?"

[Thantos-Espada]

*I swear she said meeting, not a kick boxxing match* though kyro, Now following his captain and the member of th 12th that was leading them.

he had noticed that the 5th(it was 5th right?) had joined them, obviously the other 2 higher seated members where in desposed.


Kyro hadn't met this person before but smiled scerenely when she looked his way trying to force her to make the first greeting.

"Um, Taichou-san? i heard a leutenant say that the bodys where decapitated by a Zanpaktou... this means our hunch on it being a Rogue or undercover shinigami right?"

Kyro hadn't stepped in earlier when his captain was arguing with the other Squads, not because he was afraid of them, but more so because he was afraid of her. He had spent ages making healing spells, some well but most failed in smoke. now was his time to prove himself as a medical officer. Mainy people thoguht that if you where in the 4th squad you where weak, not a fighter - but some one who stands back and watches.

Kyro hated every one that thoguht this, both of his parents where in the 4th squad, both died the same day when he was 15.

they died protecting 200 shinigami from the menos that burst into the human world. his parents wern't weak, the 7th and 10th seats, but they where strong, strong enough to kill a menos on their own.

and still they healed, healed every one around them.

kyro's face contorted as he tried not to remember, looking down at the floor.

he ran a sleave across his face before staring at the Taichous back. she was liek them, like his parents she has joined the 4th squad because of her skills, not because she's weak. Taichou-san was strong, a warrior of the seretei. and not a thing would scare her.

Kyros face eluminated slightly as his parents, aswell as himself seemed to reflect in his Taichous face.

(Thud)

Kyro was now face down on the floor, he had spent to long day dreaming, resulting in falling over a step that lead out of the 12th devision meeting hall.

"Ow..."

[Mystic Serenade]

Keiji let out another sigh and rubbed his temples. How did he get himself into this situation. He was starting to possibly believe that having a vice captain might actually give him more work than he had previously.

"You may do that if you wish Dana, however Takada-taichou wishes to make a preliminary examination before we head back to the meeting." He turned his attention to his other vice captain, "And Himura-chan, I don't mind you coming along for the investigation when the time comes if that's what you choose to do, but I must ask you not to speak so lightly about taking another life."

He noticed that during this time Takada had decided it was time to actually examine the bodies. He merely said yes to her invitation and followed behind.

[Hiraeth]

"Yes that would indicate a shinigami, or perhaps someone who'd killed a shinigami and taken their zanpaktou. This examination should make things more clear."

Ren heard a thud behind her and turned to find her fukutaichou sprawled on the ground. She snorted.

"You idiot."

And grabbing his shoulder pulled him to his feet. "It's useless in battle if you get distracted and fall over. Your enemies will stick a blade in your heart if you give them that kind of opening, so don't let me catch you doing it again."

She noticed that Otowari had decided to follow her, he looked harrassed. She shot him an understanding look.

"I have to say, when I heard you'd gotten two Vice Captains I was a little jealous. Now I'm thinking it might be better to have only one kid to look after. Those two princesses are going to give you a lot of grey hairs."

They'd reached their destination, and as they passed through a pair of double doors Ren looked around approvingly.

"I'm impressed. This facility is much better than I was expecting."

She waved a hand over one of the benches

"It's very hygienic, the temperature is just cold enough to keep them from decomposing further, your instruments are of a very high standard."

She seemed to take an almost childlike joy in the lab, wandering round and looking at everything. However, when she came to four covered figures lying on examination tables she paused. Her face turned sad as she touched one of the sheets where it should have been held up by a head.

"Let's get started then."

[Thantos-Espada]

Kyro wasn't the slightest bit Disgusted by the Scene.

it was more like his house then a blood bath. The first rumour he had when he was joining the 13 squads was.

"Don't join the 12th, they'll cut open your head and take you brain." And now it was obvious they where pulling his leg.

He walked to one of the Corpses aswell lifting the sheet at the side.

"nasty, this guy must have been a grade A syco to do this kinda stuff... their hakusui and saketsu have been viggerously removed. almost like pulling off the legs of a bug, without spirit energy these shinigami couldn't have even fought back. The headlessness of Each victim would surgest this person is of a noble or well learnt background where Honorable death is the best way out. Obviously preforming the Ancient Earth Execution style. This would point to a cerial killer incodent, it seems that all these shinigami where killed within atleast 5 minuets of each other, so eahter the group where taken by more than one person witch is unlikely. or that the 1 man or woman that killed all of these shinigami had caputured them previously. meaning they must have been kidnapped then killed. To learn identitys we should get some one to check the Squads regester to see if anyone has been missing from duty for more than 24 hours. Atleast that should iddentify the victims.

also Taichou i would surgest that we order members of the 6th to carry out investigations of the members of the 13 guard squads that have high ranking or ceremonial backgrounds.

The fact that the bodys where emobilized of spirit energy before they died would also indicate this is a well educated person with knowledge of the spirit flow and areas of spirit managment within the body, so proberly a member of eather the 4th or 12th squad.

Another thing we should check would be to check the neck wounds... if the cuts where doen clean by a zanpaktou then it should have left atleast a little spirit presence. If we can located that an analyze it we can confirm a culprate. if we can't find any spirit presence, then i would surgest Soul ribbon matching.

these shinigami where either killed for a reason or killed as sport, either way a clue should reveal itself..."


By this time kyro suddenly noticed he had been babbling for far to long, and instantly turn dropping the sheet back over the body...


"My appolergise Taichou, i got carried away."

he walked round the bodys standing at her side...

[GIN_ofTheFunk]

"Oh and Dana, i'm not really the type to get stuck in a laboratory. Thats your field, right? I'm going to stay here with Taichou," then leaned over her and whispered, "I wanna go out there and have my first kill," She giggled for a moment. With that settled, she folded her arms again and spared a look around the room, although it seemed there was nothing much new going on.

'Ok then' Dana said.'I'll leave you two here, if anything comes out, please inform me. I'll leave Morighan with you in case something happens'
Morighan was a little black spider with a red cross on her back. Her purpose in life was to follow whoever Dana says, and signalize her when a danger comes out. Now Dana could go calmly to her lab and do her work and whatever bad happened, she'd know.
'And please don't kill her' Dana said to Rayne ' She's my favourite.'
Morighan hide herself in a shadow at the corner, and Dana left the hall.

[Hiraeth]

Ren ignored her fukutaichou. He wasn't telling her anything she didn't already know. She picked up a pair of gloves from a nearby dispenser and put them on, then she lifted the sheet to see the body.

She was unsurprised to find that it was the victim from her squad. It was a man, he seemed young, not much older than Ren herself. He'd been in good physical condition, obviously he'd kept himself fit. She began inspecting his body for any injuries other than the neck wound and removal of the hakusui and saketsu. There were none.

"This was quick, he was taken by surprise, didn't even have time to fight back. My guess would be that the murderer attacked from behind, and that the wounds were inflicted so quickly that there was no time for him to even cry out between them. One minute he was standing there, the next he was dead."

She noticed something on his chest and when she leant forward to look at it, her eyes filled with sadness.

"I know him. This is Ota Daichi, an unseated shinigami. He got that scar on a mission with me to the living world. A hollow attacked him."

She punched the table, making instruments shake.

"He got married last year. He has a wife. When I find who did this I'll make them pay for what they've done to her, as well as him."

She turned to the fifth seat "When we get this mess cleared up, make sure that Ota Kiyoko comes to see me. I want to be the one to tell her about this."

She reigned in her anger and pulled the glove off her right hand.

"Everything my fukutaichou has said is correct. Perhaps I can save us some time and identify the person who has done this from the reiatsu on the wound."

She held her hand out over the neck wound and closed her eyes. To everyone else it appeared as though nothing was happening. Ren on the other hand was getting bombarded by information. Her ability to sense reiatsu was far stronger than that of most shinigami, probably influenced by her bankai ability, and she was now using this to draw foreign spirit particles from the wound. Her face turned dark and as she opened her eyes she clenched her hand into a fist to stop it from shaking.

"Just how many people have been in here, poking around in this body?"

It wasn't really a question.

"You people with your damn experiments. You've had so many people in here taking samples that any residual spirit particles have completely been wiped away by your own! You might as well have doused the body in oil and lit a match!"

Her voice shaking in fury, she pulled off the other glove and threw them down onto the table.

"It is useless for me to look at them further. My fukutaichou has enough medical knowledge to do a general examination, I will leave the rest of this to him. Also someone should compile a list of people who've had access to the body. It's highly likely the killer has come back to look at his or her handiwork and clean up any mistakes."

She turned and strode out of the room.

[Unicorn]

Sayuri bowed at her fukutaichou's glance, then stood by quietly as the Captains quarreled like fishmongers. "Not much new information there." She thought, scribbling in her little notebook.

She jumped as she was summoned with a snap of fingers and the word 'ducklings'. Sayuri rolled her eyes and repressed a shudder. She missed the previous captain very much; this new taichou was a cow.

Sayuri scurried out of the meeting hall, released several butterflies with the messages, then ran to catch up with the main group who were already in the examining hall.

She listened as her taichou and fukutaichou did a general autopsy examination, and was forced to concede that her captain was good at analysis.

“Too many people handled the bodies, hmm? Maybe not many people handled their possessions…” She thought to herself, then went up to her VC and bowed.

“Kyro-fukutaichou, since the bodies are unable to tell us who the murderers are, may I please get permission to analyse the possessions of the deceased for any reiatsu residue?” Sayuri asked. "Maybe we can trace the killers from there instead."

[Thantos-Espada]

Kyro grinned,

"Sure anything you think should be done do, if we're to catch this criminal then we need open minds, and open minds never ask permition to test a theory"

Kyro gave her a slight nod as a thank for the bow.



Kyro just watched the floor...

"Its gonna be a long day..."

He moves across the room away from the Corps, knowing they could tell him nothing more then they had already found out. He sat at the small computer desk Embedded into the wall.

"I'll commence the survey myself,"

the 12th Squad taichou was still with him, but kyro needed to work, without supervision. Kyro was a dab hand at hacking able to access fiel within the network of the central 42 (it is 42 fight?). Withing 5 minuets he was checking through each shinigami that had been put onto the database.

Checking their backgrounds and mental stabillitys.

a couple seemed like they could be suspects, but they where from squad 11 and dint seem like the type that would know how to remove the hakusui and saketsu.

This was truly a remarkable way of killing the target.

As kyro studied... He suddnely had an idea.

"Lets see how possible, this thing really is."

"Sayuri once you've finished meet me at the squad 12 warehouse number 3. we're gonna check somthing,"

Kyro also then left hte Morg, heading to the 12th's warehouse of scientific instroments.


2 guards, stood outside the large doors. kyro walked up to them, telling them why he needed to enter...


"I'm looking for a mod soul. doesnt matter what kind. but i need it to be able to constuct its own hakusui and saketsu within a body."

the guards just stared at him open mouthed,


"Sorry Liutenant, but we dunno nothin about mod souls, they where all recalled as far as we can tell but you can have a look"


"Liutenanat? is this about the death of those shinigami, found without their heads?"


Kyro nodded and with a shudder the guards quickly opend the huge sliding doors to the 12th devision excess warehouse.

Kyro stepped inside it was dark. totaly black.

"Shine in the sun Geno-glossia"

he had drawn his sword but in the blackness it was hard to tell, as he released it, the huge flash eminated by the swords release gave kyro an idea of the size of the room, it was huge, nearly the side of 2 foot ball pitches.

as the release finished the 2 tips of his now doube headed glaive shone bright like light bulbs, allowing him lgiht to see...

and Kyro began his search for a soul to practice the abillity of revmoing the hakusui and saketsu on. to see how skillfull you'd need to be to preform it.

[Unicorn]

"Thank you, fukutaichou." Sayuri replied, then looked around the emptying morgue. Both her superior officers were gone but she had permission. That was the most important thing.

This was 12th Div morgue, and the 12th Div captain called the meeting. So he should be the correct person to authorise her to take their belongings.

"Otowari-taichou, excuse my interruption." Sayuri went up to him and executed a low bow.

"I am Himura Sayuri of the 4th Div, and I seek your permission to take the deceased people's belongings in order to conduct reiatsu residue tests. May I please also have the list of staff who did the autopsy on them? The information will help my Taichou when eliminating suspects."

[Thantos-Espada]

Kyro fianlly pulled a large human shaped peice of wood from the piles of stuff, it was a dusty manakin glossed over with white paint, then Kyor noticed the seal hanging round its neck, it was the same type of manakin used to pull bankai from their swords, now all he had to do was find a soul to put into it, and boom. a practice dumby.

kyro flipped the manakin onto his back tying it in place with his sash.

he the rummaged some more, pushing broken equipment and boxxes aside.

"What the hell?" he asked himself pulling a box from the dusty pile. the box had a huge symbol inscribe into its side.

"Solid substatutuion souls, enflatable gigais, already equipd with sound creation seals?"

Kyro's eye twitched... "This is like some sick sex toy made for bored guards while they sit on duty, It's ONLY A FEMALE MODEL"

kyro decided to use the Enflatable soul replacment gigai instead of the bankai release seal, so dumbing the one and picking up th other while holding your sword in the other hand was quick tricky...

resulting, once again in kyro falling on his face after tripping over the thing he jsut put down.

the box flew into the Air before smashing back down in a poof of dusts, and when the dust Settled...

A young shinigami stood their, holding the box out for kyro to take, unfortunatly he was still on the floor

"what? Dropping the box set one off? Gimmi a break! no where on the box did it say self enflating..."

the attractive girl smiled before helping kyro to his feet.

and handing him the box.

"I'm cerial number 132, please to meet you" She grinned...


kyro shook his head holding his glowing glaive above her so he could see her properly...


"Jesus, they make u guys realistic dont they... so do i call you by your cerial number? or do you guys have little lables with your names on?"

...

(silence)

"whats the matter?" asked kyro stepping slightly closer, making sure not to fall on his but..

Suddenly she spun on her heels heading towards the open Doors, Kyro Swore Dropping the box and chasing after her...


As the box hit the floor, another shadowy figure this time not enlightend by his staff, began to follow the 2 of them.


132 leapt through the open doors, Kyro only just narrowly on her heels. as they passed the guards Kyro yelled at them

"Get the Taichou of the 4th squad to report to me, i might need a hand, these things are fast and-"

he was now to far away and they couldnt hear him.

132 was now jumping from roof to roof headed towards the west gate of the Seretei. kyro noticed this, and suddenly flash stepped ahead off her grabbing her round the waist in mid air, and pulling her forcefully back to the floor...

"Damnit, if i knew a restraining hakudo you'd be in trouble right now!"

Instead kyro had spralled out pinning her arms and legs with his own. Hopeing the guards would hurry up with getting help.


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

As the 2 guards hurridly ran around looking for the Taichou of the 4th devision

the figure stepped into the light.

unlike the other Substatute soul this one had short scruffy hair, and her left eye was distorded, and demonic.

her shinigami robes where white on black instead of the oposite...

Snarling to herself, She leapt off after Kyro and the other soul.


(OOC - some one post before i got nuts, and bonk every one with my hypero plazma boggle cannon hammer!)

[GIN_ofTheFunk]

A large lab with latest modern installations- big computer screens, medical and chemical equipment, a wall cupboard full with files, samples and data , and even strange unknown creatures freezed with liquid nitrogen. A huge aquarium full with almost all manner of spider species lied on a table near a fake black window. The lamp that gave light to the aquarium was the only light source in the lab.Dana turned the computer on. *Software loading, data in process...please wait*
The co-vice captain went to her overfilled with test tubes, flasks and strange glass bottles desk, and unsheathed her sword 2 sm from the scabbard.
' It's ok, my dears ' she said. A cluster of jumping spiders went through the sword-openning and made their steps on the desk.
Dana brought out few medical needles and pierced each spider with a different one, draging out few drops of blood.
She spilled some drops on little pieces of glass and took them to the big electronic microscope.
' Nice job' she praised her spiders. Dana mixed all the blood samples with a limpid blue substance and pushed the 'copy' button on the microscope to record the DNA code of each sample.
The software was loaded in time, so Dana could put the data codes on a disk and wait for the program to generate them and find if they match with ones from the main SS database.
* 5 matches *
'Oh my god...'
She saw the files that pop up on the screen, the identity of the victims.The two shinigamis from her division were pretty familiar to her. Actually they were her frends-Kenichi and Hatsu who went on a mission days ago and never returned...alive.
'Son of a...' Now Dana wanted to find out who the killer was more than anything.

[Mystic Serenade]

(OCC: Please do not try to come up with any major conclusions that decide whats going on by yourself. You may be right or you may be horribly wrong and embarrass yourself.)

Keiji momentarily winced at the 4th division captain's flare of anger. He made a mental note not to ever get on her bad side, or at least willingly so. "Ara ara, looks like my division members just couldn't help themselves it seems."

He soon found himself being addressed by the 4th division's fifth seat. "Ah lets see, Sabara, who has had access to these bodies since they came here?"

"Just the group that brought the bodies here, Dana-fukutaichou, and myself," she shrugged.

"Guess thats that..." he said turning back to Sayuri. "Sorry I can't provide a more in depth list. Though just to throw it out there, try to keep in mind that these bodies may have been tampered with long before they came into our hands. As for the belongings of the deceased, they should be in that room over there if you'll follow me."

Before heading off he gave Sabara an order, "Stay here and watch the bodies, make sure no one else touches them and record the names of anyone who comes into this room."

[rayne_himura]

Just like that, he has the nerve to act like everything's fine? It's almost worse than being ignored... Practically emanating with a black aura, the pigtailed shinigami shot the 4th Divisions Vice Captain a frigid glare as she listened to him babble from outside the door but managed to pay attention through most of the informative segment of their speech.

It didn't bode very well if multiple groups were able to penetrate into the very center of Seireitei to guard. So, these people from the Fourth really knows how to do their job. But not all of them, apparently.

While the Captains and the other officers talk to themselves, she was left in an awkward position outside the door, and looked at her Captain with some relief. A tall man who had now donned his own captain's robe, an act which didn't surprise her at least. She slipped down into the floor and placed her Soul Slayer beside her. She was glad the Captain of the Fourth now provided an effective screen of the victims and she could still continue to deliver her nasty glances while the examination progressed. She was curious to hear the other captains speak in a serious fashion too.

[Unicorn]

"Thank you, sir." Sayuri said, then whipped out her little notebook to record the names of who had access to the bodies.

Listens as the captain explains that the bodies could have been tampered with before they were brought back to SS.

"Understood, sir. I shall note that in my report to Takada-taichou." Sayuri agreed gently, then waited for him to lead the way.

[Mystic Serenade]

“Alright this should be it,” announced Keiji as he opened the door of their current destination. “All the stuff on them since they were brought in should be in those individual containers over there.”

“It’s a bit strange though, I’m rather surprised all the bodies ended up here. I figured post mortem examinations were largely a 4th Division thing.”

[Thantos-Espada]

Kyro sighed

as he saw a silhoet upon the roof infront of him. hoping to god it was his back up. kyro release one arm to wave allowing 132 to lift her head.

"Get the hell off me, Shes gonna kill me!"

she yelled and forced kyor off her, and qucikly standing. Kyro just sat in shock now he had a better angle he saw the silhoet for what she was. the numbers 304 marked on her robes.

but unlike 132, This one had a sword....


Kyro was eyeing it up, Not noticing the 132 was now hiding behind him. Kyro had heard of the Experiment of the 12th devision but he never thoguht they there making people, they could breathe and talk and think. and they could have emotions.

The soul on the room, floated down to the same level as kyro, between a small group of houses near the west gate. Kyro glare before quickly rising to his feet.

"What do you wan't, and how did you get out of the hangar..."

the girl grinned her eye was creepy, the pupil smaller and more red then the other eye.

"You, like a total bafoon made the guards leave, so obviously i just walked out, But its no matter i'm not here to fight you, stupid shinigami. i just wanna eat my presious big sister..."

She licked her lips a long slimiy tongue like that of a reptile.

"Noow hand her Over!"


She launched herself, using the wall to push off at kyro, He couldn't react, if he moved 132 would get stabbed and proberly deflate and die. he couldnt draw his sword to block before she reached him either.

Instead kyro lunged forwards Trying to grab the blode with his bare hands. Blood dripped onto the floor, Kyro wasnt ready for the pain, and because of that his arms wen't limp as the girls sword sliced throguh his palms.

also stabbing into his shoulder...


"Stupid boy, i told you to Move... so MOVE!" she leapt slightly into the air landing a spining kick to the side fo kyros head, sending him hurtling into the building and cracking its wall.


She grinned, now looking at the cowering 132, who was stooded by kyro's side wobbling him trying to wake him up.


"Hey, get up! mr shinigami get up!"

kyro spat the excess saliver in his mouth onto the floor. mixxed with a little blood. He slowly rose to a kneeling possition...

"For a substatue soul, you hit pretty hard. Lets see if you can take the same treatment."

kyro slid his sword from it scabard, this was the first time hes ever fought 1 handed, luckly it was his left shoulder that was damaged, meaning that he could only just hold it, it didnt help his bloody hands where stinging like hell either...

Still he musterd up the strength to hold the sword infront of him.

the Soul simple laughed...

"You can ahrdly hold your sword... let alone swing it around."

She ran up to Kyro grabbing his hair, and pulling him close to her,

"Learn to give up shinigami, tomany people die trying to be heros"

Kyro smiled.

he swung his sword into her leg, But to his amazment, she didnt pop. all this time he was treating her like a balloon taking her easy... what a mistake. Kyor now looked into shot. as the soul leapt back clutching her blood leg.

132 was now say behind kyro

"Mr shinigami you got to not kill her!"


Kyro grunted, "I'm more worried about my self in all honesty"

He ran at he his limp arm trailing at his side. he swung his sword downwards hoping she wouldn't react, but she did. Sparks splashed tot he floor as the swords parried...

Kyro quick rememberd his training and then trie dto sweep her leg, hoping she would be concentrating on the swords, but that failed aswell almost as if she knew what he was thinking. She jumped over his sweep, causing him to go off balance the young soul then planted another foot into his chest. sending his skidding to his knees.

Kyro Grunted again...

"Damn it, how can to avoid every thing like that?"


132 yelled from behind him

"Shes a dead shinigamis soul, built into an inflatable body.!"

Kyros eye splashed open in shock...

"Sh-Shes a s shinigami? in a new body? what kinda sick experiment are you!"


The evil soul giggled... "put simple, im the hungry kind!"

And she ran at kyor again, as he stood up

[rayne_himura]

Hardly believing what she'd heard, Rayne's hand shot out to catch the spider Dana left for her and listened as Otowari Taichou continued on without a hitch in his pace of giving out orders. The girl bit her lip, holding back all the words and demands she had in store. Despite her anger, somehow she couldn't do it at a time like this. She was going to be hunting down a murderer, so she had gotten what she had wanted even if it didn't quite satisfy.

In the end she just nodded bluntly though no one can see her and turned to look at the Headquarter's main entrance.

[Gol D. Roger]

((Damn, you guys move so fast. I'll have to be more on top of things if I want to keep up.))

Itō entered the 12th Division storage facility, coming upon Otowari-Taichō, one of his Fukutaichōs... Himura, was it? Itō thought. Also present was one of the seated officers of the 4th Division, who hurriedly scribbled in her notebook.

In Itō's hand, he held a number of papers. "Ah, Otowari-san," he said. "I've been searching through my Division's deployment and attendance files, and I believe I may have located the deceased." His face hardened momentarily. "It pains me, but I do not yet know those under my command well enough to identify them otherwise."

He paused, leafing through a couple of the pages. "Yes, here... Suzuki Mai, she was supposed to return from a reconnaissance mission in the Living World yesterday, but there's been no word from her. Also, Murakami Yoshino, guard duty. Disappeared during her lunch break."

Itō sighed, lowering the papers. "All other members of my Division are accounted for. I can only assume that one of them is..." He trailed off, the rest of the words unnecessary. "This concerns me greatly, Otowari-san. It means one of my Division members is still missing.

"They could already be dead, they could be kidnapped, or they could be drunk somewhere... But I won't be satisfied until I know for sure. My Fukutaichō, if he's available, and I will be speaking with friends and relations of my missing members in an effort to ascertain which one is, in fact, the deceased. I need your clearance to allow them into the 12th Division morgue, so they can identify the body."

His mind so enveloped in the small mystery within his own Division, it almost seemed an afterthought when Itō added, "Oh, and have the preliminary examinations yielded any new information?"

[Mystic Serenade]

"That's unfortunate to hear Itō-taichou, this entire situation is rather disheartening. I'm sorry but for the moment I can't allow any outside visitors from coming to view the bodies. We're still trying to see if we can get any sort of clue off of them and also we'd rather not risk the potential of whoever was involved in the murderer from coming near the evidence."

Keiji really hated this manner of speaking. "Also unfortunately the preliminary examination has not yet yielded any information of significance except that there may have been some unwanted tampering going on."

[Gol D. Roger]

"That's unfortunate," Itō said. "And please, Otowari-san, you can just call me Itō. Or Haruki if you like."

He paused for a few moments, thinking, as his fingers tapped rhythmically against his side. "Well... Have any autopsy photographs been taken? If so, perhaps I could procure copies and take them with me.

"Identifying which of my Division members is missing is of utmost importance. There's a chance she could have been abducted by the killer, and if we know who she is, we might be able to follow her trail to the culprit."

[Mystic Serenade]

"Will do Itō-san." He pondered for a moment about any possible risks in allowing the man's request and came to the conclusion there was nothing really dangerous he could do with some pictures. "I believe we can do that much for you at least, just go ask Sabara for some. I must warn you though, they are rather gruesome."

[Gol D. Roger]

No less than thirty minutes later, Itō stood on the roof of the 12th Division, surveying the assorted structures of the Seireitei below. A small sheaf of photographs stuck out of the corner of his haori, and absently, he tucked them further inside.

He was starting to get his bearings, now. Thankfully, the locations of the different Division headquarters had not changed much since before his exile, and so long as he stayed high above the winding streets and pathways below, he was fairly certain he would be able to find his way.

Still, he supposed it couldn't hurt to distribute some sort of pager, or other means of contact to Murasaki, or another willing member of his Division, just in case he got lost.

Itō sighed, squinting into the sunlight. No time to be thinking about such things. The situation was growing more and more worrisome by the moment. He had not been surprised to see his own suspicions and mistrust of the other Divisions reflected back at him in the eyes of the other Taichōs and seated officers who had been present.

He couldn't blame them, of course. The facts surrounding his exile were no secret, and had he been in their place, he too would suspect a man who had killed a fellow shinigami, whether it was justified then or not. After all, he was a stranger to nearly all of them, beyond a handful of older shinigami who remembered him from his days as the 3rd Seat of the 5th Division. Who could trust a man that appeared from nowhere, only to take one of the highest positions Soul Society had to offer?

Yes, it would take time before the others of the Gotei 13 recognized that his capabilities as Taichō extended beyond simple physical prowess, which was often the standard against which candidates were held. All too often, leadership qualities paled in comparison to the importance of sheer strength, strength that was required to maintain the respect and esteem afforded to the station of Taichō.

However, he was happy to see a small exception to this in the form of Otowari Keiji. Itō considered himself a fairly good judge of character, and he knew that the man would be an excellent Taichō for his Division in years to come...

And that brought his thoughts around full circle. He reached into his haori and thumbed through the photographs Otowari had given him, reminding himself that he had no time to think about selfish things like how others might judge him.

With a last glance in the direction Itō was fairly certain the 6th Division buildings lay, he burst into shunpō and was off.

[Unicorn]

~ Himura Sayuri ~

She waited as the doors were opened for her, then stepped into the room and looked around for the containers. There. She headed towards the large glass bottles.

“It’s a bit strange though, I’m rather surprised all the bodies ended up here. I figured post mortem examinations were largely a 4th Division thing.”

"I agree, Otowari-taichou. However at the meeting, it seems that even 4th Division is suspect in their murders. As is 6th and 12th Divisions. I am not sure why the bodies were allowed to be kept in 12th Div but not 4th Div. However I do not have the appropriate authority to question such a decision, so please forgive my impudence."

More things to add to the report to Takada-taichou. Sayuri thought with satisfaction, then bowed at Ito-taichou. Whilst both men were distracted talking, Sayuri kept half a ear on them and started analysing the large glass bottles. She could feel some reiatsu patterns but it was muffled by the glass barrier. Sayuri thought quickly about her alternative options.

[Mystic Serenade]

Keiji watched as the older man took his word and headed off back to the autopsy room. The man seemed to really care for his division members. It was a good quality he supposed, Keiji figured he could learn a lot from this individual.

He turned his situation back to Sayuri, "So do you have everything you need for you analysis?"

[Unicorn]

"So do you have everything you need for you analysis?"

Sayuri offered Otowari-taichou her best pleading smile.

"Sir, may I please analyse these possessions in 4th Divison? The glass bottles block most of the information I can retrieve now. We got all the equipment necessary and I do not wish to impose on you further."

"However if I am also a suspect, then of course I understand and will analyse the possessions here."

Sayuri stared at the floor, the very picture of dejection.

[Final Boss]

Shinji was still at the 12th division, unsure of where his captain went, he sighed

"Geez everyone wasted no time doin' what needed to be done, less work fer me I suppose."

He noticed Ren screaming orders and slightly smiled,

"Looks like someone's tamper'd with tha bodies, Ren doesn't look too happy about it though. Heh what I'd give ta boss people around like she does."

He slowly walked around looking for Itō,

"Where could he have gone?"

As he was walking around he heard a knock on the meeting hall's doors.

"Hmmm who could that be?"

He walked over to the door and opened it,

"Whaddya want? We're havin' a meeting here."

Suddenly a dead corpse, murdered in the same way as all the other victims, dropped flat on the floor in front of him.

"Oh... this ain't good, best ta call Haruki, Ren, and uhhh Otowari-taichou?"

He left the body as it was and sent hell butterflies to the captains of the 4th, 5th, and 12th divisions.

[Mystic Serenade]

"Hmm you know, you should really look at people face to face when asking for something instead of looking at the ground like that," Keiji said with a genuine smile. He place a finger underneath Sayuri's chin and raised it up to look at her eye to eye.

"I personally don't suspect you but protocol is protocol, so its best if you perform your analysis here. I'm sure we can provide any instruments you may need."

[Gol D. Roger]

As Itō landed atop a building, coming out of a step of shunpō, he noticed a tiny, black form approaching through the air.

He stopped momentarily, allowing the hell butterfly to drift closer. There was no mistake, it was on a beeline straight towards him. Itō only hoped it was good news, and not more bad.

The butterfly alighted upon the tip of his finger, and in a moment, its missive flashed through Itō's mind. "Damn..." Unfortunately, Murasaki hadn't included whether the victim was male or female. He probably didn't think it was relevant, but to Itō it was potentially the difference between a missing, possibly safe subordinate, and a dead one.

Of course, if it wasn't the absent shinigami, Murakami, or Suzuki, whomever of the two wasn't already laid out on a morgue table, then it meant there might be a third victim. Goodness, his head was starting to hurt.

Gingerly, Itō held the underside of the butterfly's thorax between his thumb and forefinger. He closed his eyes, releasing a trickle of reiatsu into the creature and infusing it with a message to Murasaki. Now he could let his Fukutaichō know that he was on his way back to the 6th Division.

[Hiraeth]

When Ren had stalked out of the morgue, she'd just been trying to get away from everyone. She found an empty corridor and contented herself with standing there, clenching and unclenching her fists. She couldn't work out why she was angry, but as soon as she'd discovered that the corpse was Oto-san, she'd just been unable to hold back her rage. She felt guilty for being angry, it had only been about a week since she'd taken the captain's position from another, pulling the white haori from his bleeding body. She shouldn't have had a problem with the violence.

That wasn't it though, her taichou had fought back, it was useless of course, but she'd given him the opportunity. These murders, the random attacks in the dark, they were cowardly. That was why she was so angry, it was a weak and cowardly way to kill someone.

She sighed and lowered her fists. No one would understand of course, she was a killer now, she'd seen the way they all looked at her. They'd never understand why she'd done what she did, nor why she was angry now. The only person that didn't judge her was Shinji, she was lucky to have a friend like him.

Suddenly a tiny black shadow appeared, flitting its way down the corridor. Ren frowned as she reached out a finger and the Hell Butterfly alighted. When she got its message her eyes widened.

"Damn."

She spun around and almost knocked over two 12th division members who'd tracked her down. Both seemed short of breath, but recovered quickly

"Your fukutaichou! He needs assistance." One wheezed "He released something from the excess warehouse and-"

Ren shoved them aside.

"Save it. Tell him I have no use for a fukutaichou who cannot clear up his own messes."

She broke into shyunpo, praying that she'd get to the next victim before anyone else had a chance to contaminate it. She emerged into the meeting hall and saw Shinji leaning down next to what appeared to be a body on the floor. She swore to herself.

"Shinji, get away from there! I need to look at that body."

She reached the side of the corpse and pulled her friend away from it gently. Then she reached out a hand and, as before, tested the wound...

[Final Boss]

"No worries I haven't contaminated it or anythin'."

He stepped away from from the body and let Ren do her work. He thought to himself,

"The sooner this is all cleared up, tha better."

He leaned against a wall, waiting for Haruki and Keiji to arrive, trying not to distract Ren.

[Dizzy]

No, no, no! It's going all wrong! This is terrible! Crysta was NOT supposed to run amok and start picking up random girls like that, arrrgh! Too many stupid variables for me to make a plan anymore ...

A lone figure stood atop a perch overlooking the events and fumed at them, long hair drifting like silk in the wind. Everything was falling apart ... but it still remained salvageable. Three quick decisions later, the figure leaped into action, running off into a section of 12th division separate from the main headquarters and a fair distance from all of the congregated higher-ups.

There was no chance that the figure could've been noticed, considering how absorbed the others must've been in whatever they were doing, along with the fact that shinigami running into the base probably wouldn't seem very out-of-place. Still, the figure was nervous and darted in stealthily, avoiding even the most insignificant of souls along the way.

Now, safely hidden and out of sight, the figure just needed a corpse ...

---

The reiatsu scan reveals nothing, and neither would DNA or blood tests - clearly, the perpetrator knows what he or she is doing. In fact ... the body isn't even warm - the cadaver has gone cold with the absence of pumping blood, and rigor mortis has already made its presence known. This person clearly died a while ago.

Further inspection will reveal the body to be that of an older man, in his late forties or early fifties, and the shinigami uniform to have been issued from the twelfth division. As with the others, the saketsu and hakusui have been ripped out systematically, leaving behind no trace of the murderer.

---

A cold chill seems to rush into the room, turning the nicely decorated meeting hall into a haunted room, full of venom and malice. All of the gathered shinigami had seen corpses before, but the shock of another, previously unknown one - or could it be a body brought back from the morgue the other shinigami were in? - just showing up at the door like that feels like a pitcher of ice water down their backs.

Koichi Daisuke rushes over, although he manages to control himself and is careful not to let the slightest bit of his reiatsu permeate the air and possibly contaminate the cadaver. The same cannot be said for Shirozuki Mahana, who follows him, looking stricken and wide-eyed, chewing frantically on his fingernails. He makes sure to stay just behind Koichi, cowering and slouching, as if thinking to use the larger man as a shield should anything go wrong.

"T - th - this is crazy," stutters Shirozuki, looking wildly across the room in a panic. "Th - the killer could be anywhere now, h - he or she could be any one of the people who hadn't been in this room! A - and it could be any one of us who dies next!"

"That's no way to think," barks Koichi. "What we need right now is to find the others and alert them of this new death. Murasaki-fukutaicho, you've already sent hell butterflies to the captains? The others should also be informed of this, they might have separated, judging from Takada-taichou's quick arrival."

[Hiraeth]

The scan reveals nothing. Ren stands, even more concerned by this. She sighs.

"Everyone we have two possibilities here. Either our murderer is so incredibly arrogant that he or she not only organised then attended this meeting, but then had the nerve to dump another corpse here..."

Her lips pursed as she thought about it.

"Or they're not even a part of this meeting and are simply running around playing us all for fools."

She sighed.

"We cannot discount either possibility. Is there some kind of surveillance equipment in use in this building? If so someone should go and see if it can give us any information on this most recent development. Please report back to myself and the other Taichous if anything is discovered."

"And yes Shinji if you could send out Hell Butterflies to all personnel in the building that would be appreciated. I'll head back to Otowari-taichou and see if he's gotten anything from the other corpses. Get this new addition transported down to the morgue as soon as possible please."

Ren headed back to the morgue, more confused than ever.

[rayne_himura]

Ugh, what's wrong with that guy? Twisted, the 12th Division Vice Captain wondered at the sight of Shirozuki Mahana freaking out. Rayne decided to left the morgue without telling anyone, not even her Captain, and made her way back to the meeting hall, "Hey wait, has any of you left the Headquarters?" she said as she checked the body sprawled on the floor.

"Im one of the 12th's new Vice Captains, Im sure you two dont wanna take orders from me. You're Koichi Daisuke right? You should probably tell the Captains about this. They're all huddled in the morgue. Now go. I'm going out there, dont tell anyone that you've seen me," she said and nodded at the two shinigami, causing a loosed lock of hair to fall across her face annoyingly.

I have to move fast, I dont think the killer is in here. Its out there, waiting for its next victim, Various thoughts passing through her mind, ultimately Rayne had gave herself an ultimatum, that there was a forty minute time limit on this operation; not that she had ever taken that long to beat someone before, but it seemed sort of like a race - the clock is ticking, and all.

She was already subconsciously shifting her weight from one foot to the other, plotting out her steps. As for these two, presumably they'd be staying, waiting for orders and taking messages at the currently fanatic pace. I should say somethin' before I leave, yeah right.

"I'm gonna go outside and check the premises. Dont even dare to tell anyone about this," and glared at Shirozuki Mahana and Koichi Daisuke, just making her point that she's serious. Trotting towards the door, she turned back and shoot a wink at the two. A small twitter of laughter followed as she slid the heavy doors aside enough for her to slip through and make her exit, pushing them shut again behind her.

[Unicorn]

~ Himura Sayuri ~

Startled, she didn't resist the finger underneath her chin and looked up. Into deep violet eyes. Wow. What were they both talking about again?

"Protocol is protocol, Sir." Sayuri replied with a calm that surprised her slightly. "When talking to a superior officer, a 5th Seat looks down."

She allowed herself to pout a little, in disappointment. Her attempt to make the other captain agree to her request fell flat; now she had to work with the half-permission she'd been granted.

"Thank you for letting me perform the analysis on the possessions, Otowari-taichou. I would like to transport the equipment from 4th Division, please. Will you approve that? If so, I will return shortly."

[Mystic Serenade]

"Touché, except that protocol doesn't exist here at 12th Division," Keiji said still smiling. His expression then turned into one of a more troubled nature, "then again...my 5th seat is way too unruly to even consider that...can't even watch her language when talking to people..."

He shook his head and brought himself back into focusing on the current situation. "Sounds reasonable enough, permission granted."

Just then, he noticed a small dark butterfly flutter towards him. Another message? He let it play and one could see the change in his expression, see it become grim, as he took the information in. "Another one..."

He looked at Sayuri again, "It appears that another corpse showed up, I'm going to go check it out." He took a few steps to leave but then stopped as a thought came to him. "You don't plan on heading back to your division alone do you?"

[Unicorn]

~ Himura Sayuri ~

At Otowari-taichou's approval, she offered a wider smile and a bow of thanks.

A small black shape flickered into the room and onto his hand. Almost at once, his face darkened. Another one, he had said. Another... casualty? Dark violet eyes turned to her.

"It appears that another corpse showed up, I'm going to go check it out." ... "You don't plan on heading back to your division alone do you?"

"I was about to return to 4th and collect the analysis equipment, Otowari-taichou. Alone." Sayuri admitted, hiding her shock. "I never expected the killer to strike again so soon, Sir."

She watched him watch her for a few moments. "Otowari-taichou? Are you not going to check on the murdered victim?"

[Hiraeth]

Ren walked into the morgue to see her fifth seat in deep conversation with the 12th captain. She raised an eyebrow at the way the girl kept staring into his eyes. How utterly sickening.

"I'll take her. Obviously nothing new has been discovered here, and from what I saw of the most recent body nothing is going to be discovered. Since the killer is so meticulous in his work you won't have much more use for medical shinigami. We'll probably just get in your way."

She frowned.

"And I need to see Oto-san's widow before she finds out about this through someone else. Come Himura."

[Mystic Serenade]

A devious one, this murderer. "Yes I was just about to go take a look at it actually...though given the situation I'd rather not have you on your own. Mind coming with me until we can find someone to escort you back to your division?"

However before his offer could be taken up he noticed that the 4th division's captain had already taken up the role. "Have you already seen the new corpse Takada-taichou?"

[Hiraeth]

Ren nodded "Yes, it's been wiped clean of any of the killer's reiatsu. It seems I was overly hasty in accusing your squad of contaminating the other corpses before I got to them, for that I apologise."

Her frown deepened "Also it has come to my attention that my fukutaichou may have interfered with something he shouldn't have in one of your warehouses. If you could send someone to check on him later, and if neccessary send his body back to fourth, I would appreciate it."

[Unicorn]

Sayuri mentally sighed as Takada's voice resounded through the morgue. At least she was called by name this time, instead of a farmyard animal.

She bowed to Otowari, then drifted over to stand behind Takada. Waits. Contemplates that her VC might have run into the killer.

[Mystic Serenade]

"It's alright, this whole situation is a mind wreck. I'll go see what I can get done about your fukutaichou, do you happen to know what he might of touched in the warehouse?" He wondered what business could that man possibly have had in there.

[Hiraeth]

"I don't have a clue, he sent someone to get me, but if he's going to stick his nose where it doesn't belong then he can deal with the consquences, I'm not going to fix his messes. I'm his captain, not his mother."

Ren turned to leave "Let me know if any new evidence turns up."

She waved a hand at him as she left, then turned to her fifth seat "So explain to me why you're going back to headquarters?"

[Unicorn]

"So explain to me why you're going back to headquarters?"

Sayuri looked towards the ground demurely.

"Takada-taichou, the reiatsu residue on the bodies were muddled, so I thought to check the deceased people's possessions, Sir. It might provide a clearer reiatsu trail."

"I have just managed to gain Otowari-taichou's permission to examine the possessions, and bring 4th Div analysis equipment into the 12th Div morgue. Unfortunately he did not allow me to take the possessions out of the morgue."

"Otowari-taichou just received word of another murder and was offering to escort me back to 4th Div when you came, Sir."

[Hiraeth]

Ren missed most of what was said.

"Ehhh? Sir?! Am I an old man? If you have to call me something, call me madam, but I'd prefer Ren-san, or Ren-sama at least."

[Unicorn]

Sayuri kept her face impassive. No way am I referring to you as -sama, not after what you did to my real captain.

"Takada-taichou, I have always referred to any captain as 'Sir' in the past, Sir." She kept her voice soft and neutral.

[Hiraeth]

So that's the way we're going to play this then. Ren thought, and tried to restrain a grin.

"Very well, I'm glad you think me worthy of the same respect you'd give to another captain."

[Unicorn]

Sayuri eyed Takada's sandals and hoped the string would break. Preferably at the top of a flight of stairs.

"Sir, may I please retrieve the reiatsu analysis equipment and bring them to 12th Div now?' She asked. Were they really going to stand outside discussing honorifics all day when a killer was running around?

[Gol D. Roger]

Flitting across the rooftops, a flicker of movement caught Itō's eye.

He stopped, sensing a flare of reiatsu. No doubt about it, it was the 4th Division Fukutaichō's. From far away, he could just make out the motions of combat. Could this be the killer? he wondered.

Jumping back into shunpō, Itō headed off towards the disturbance.

[Hiraeth]

"Of course, do so immediately."

Having dismissed her subordinate, Ren left and headed back towards her own office. On her way she stopped at the fourth seat's desk and ordered him to fetch Oto Kiyoko for her. Then she sat down at her own desk and waited, drumming her fingers nervously. How was she supposed to tell the woman that her husband was dead?

[Final Boss]

Shinji did as he was told and sent hell butterflies to all personnel in the facility

"So he's playin' games with us? I'm not really in the mood fer this."

As the hell butterflies left to deliver their messages Shinji headed back towards 6th division HQ.

[rayne_himura]

Casting a quick glance over her shoulder at the closing door, Rayne shuffled forward and made her way to the 6th Division HQ. Despite the darkness, she rounded a corner and checked the rooftop. Hmm.. Rayne sighed. Her mind drifted, she has no idea what to do.

Thinking about it, Rayne realized how formidable medical knowledge could be in a situation like this, provided the speed and accuracy to strike were there. Not that she'd get into such a thing personally... but she might be even more wary of Takada Taichou in the future. Somehow, she didn't particularly care to fight the woman anymore.

It didnt take long and Rayne reached the 6th Division HQ, it was only a matter of snatching the right one and making a demand. When she arrived, the door was open and she stepped in. Snatching one shinigami by the collar, Rayne shook him slightly and deposited him back on his feet. "Where's the Captain's office."

[Gol D. Roger]

The poor shinigami blanched at Rayne, his breath catching in his throat.

"Uh, uh, um, that is... Uh, Itō-Taichō is on his way back, Fukutaichō, sir!" Sensing from Rayne's penetrating gaze that this wasn't enough, he stuttered on.

"But, but, um... Murasaki-Fukutaichō is here... I, uh... I can show you the way, if, um, well, if you'd like..." he said, his eyes plainly showing a perhaps vain hope that she would decline his offer.

[rayne_himura]

She pushed back the shinigami back to his seat and latched her hands over the back of his chair, "Yare yare. What's with the stuttering?" Rayne said and gave him a smile, "Can you tell your Fukutaichou that Himura-san is here, from the 12th Division."

For all that she was likely one of the most powerful individual in the entire Gotei, Rayne had no idea of such a thing and certainly didn't see herself that way. Her outward confidence was just bluster hiding a deeper insecurity. Weaklings like him, however, provided perfect targets for the bratty VC to replenish her ego. She observed his nervous acquisence with something akin to hunger in her green gaze.

"Move..now."

[Final Boss]

"Ehhh someone's here to see me?"

Shinji had just gotten back from the 12th division meeting ha