Kita and Yumichika exited the office as they chatted, "You're right. I have had no time to do anything. Between the odd resets," she paused for a second and looked over at Yumichika as they descended the steps in front of the doctor's office. "Or whatever you want to call them. It's been family, family, family, and even being back home Gin is still as protective as ever."
Yumichika chuckled as they walked toward the first division, "Did you seriously think that Ichimaru would change that overnight?"
"No, I didn't think it would change that quickly, but I was hoping he would ease up a little. We're back in the human realm after all." She looked on at Yumichika.
Yumichika chuckled again, "If you're still the same daring Kita you were in Las Noches," his smile widened, eyes twinkling beneath his eyelashes, "I understand why he hasn't eased up."
Kita sighed. "Things have not been that bad."
"Mhmm..." Yumichika hummed as he gently took hold of your bandaged hand and lifted it into sight, "You don't get a burn this bad by cooking dinner."
Kita looked at her bandaged hand then innocently looked back at Yumichika, "You could if you're a bad cook."
Last Edit: Jun 12, 2024 23:15:45 GMT -6 by Gin Ichimaru
The prettiest smiles hide the deepest secrets. The prettiest eyes have cried the most tears. And the kindest hearts have felt the most pain.
Post by Yumichika Ayasegawa on Jun 12, 2024 23:29:59 GMT -6
“Then I apologize for my forwardness, my lady,” Yumichika purred before lifting his hand to her forehead, “but I don’t recall that description fitting you unless you had fallen ill, and unless I am sorely mistaken, you are not. I’m afraid your reasoning won’t serve you well here.” He removed his hand. “But that doesn’t mean you have to explain yourself unless you want to.”
He held out an arm a moment later. “Let’s move to the other side of the street here. I can see cracks on the ground, and I don’t want you to trip with those injuries.”
Post by Kita Miyamoto on Jun 12, 2024 23:37:45 GMT -6
As they crossed the street to avoid the damage, Kita looked at Yumichika then back at the mess around them. "What happened here? It almost looks like an earthquake rolled through here." She attention went back to Yumichika.
"Does the Soul Society even get natural disasters?"
"Not usually, no," Yumichika murmured, "and certainly not without any warning from 12th division. They have their fingers in all sorts of surveillance matters."
Kita looked back at the destruction, her hand slowly lifting from her side as her attention adverted to her bandaged hand. "This happened yesterday?" She heard Yumichika hum in response, she looked at him quickly. "Do you remember what time this happened?"
Last Edit: Jun 12, 2024 23:45:39 GMT -6 by Kita Miyamoto
The prettiest smiles hide the deepest secrets. The prettiest eyes have cried the most tears. And the kindest hearts have felt the most pain.
Post by Yumichika Ayasegawa on Jun 13, 2024 0:27:21 GMT -6
“I don’t know a specific time. Everything happened too quickly after the first quake woke me up,” Yumichika responded, “but I’ve pieced most of it together by now, and we were lucky that the captains have not settled into peace yet. More were awake when the disaster struck than usual.”
He waved a hand at a building nearby that was being supported by planks. “As you suspected, a large quake ran through here late last night, during the final shift for the night. It wasn’t dawn yet. It rudely woke me up at of a perfectly good rest. It hit the East side the worst, causing chaos in 12th division and knocking down the towers they had just finished erecting. Most, however, didn’t hit the lower buildings. The commander pulverized the first ones to fall in midair and other captains followed suit. There were, however, fires that broke out from the following tremors as well. But again, the captains were alert. It’s too close to the end of the war for things to be completely still even at night here in the Gotei. Captain Hirabayashi and Captain Mutsu snuffed out the worst in the Gotei area and before the fires could get too bad beyond our walls, a powerful reiatsu wrapped around all of us. I am told that Captain Ukitake used his Bankai to halt the rest of the destruction, literally turning the fires into ice and stilling the tremors. Some pillars from his ice remain now. They’re fading slowly.”
Kita stopped in her tracks. “Wait, he used his Bankai, but Gin’s said that his health is too poor for that. Is he okay?”
Yumichika shrugged. “Your guess is as good as mine. I haven’t heard anyone rioting about it, but there is a lot to work to fix what the quake hit even if we were lucky. No one’s felt that kind of reiatsu from him before but his strength is supposed to be on the same level as the commander. Wait, where are you going?”
“I don’t care if he is immortal now,” Kita huffed. “That’s no reason to jeopardize his health and stay quiet about it. We’re going back to Fourth Division to find out and I’m telling Yumiko!”
Yumcihika chuckled. “Well I’m too smart to stand in a lady’s way when her mind’s made up. Just slow down before I have to catch you in my arms so you don’t trip.”
The moon hung high in the sky, casting a silvery glow over the ruins of the Seireitei. Buildings lay in ruins, and the air was thick with dust and the scent of debris. Makino glanced at Jiro, her expression serious.
"Do you think we'll ever get everything back to normal?" she asked quietly.
Jiro sighed. "I hope so. It’s hard to see everything like this, but if we all pitch in, we can make it happen."
Makino nodded, a determined look on her face. "You’re right. We just have to keep going."
As they approached the meeting point for the rescue cleaning crew, they saw others already hard at work.
The crew leader, a stern-looking shinigami named Yamato, nodded as they approached.
"Glad you two could make it," Yamato said. "We've got a lot to do tonight. Makino, you’ll be helping with the debris clearing over by the West Wall. Jiro, we need you with the team working on the structural assessments near the Central Plaza."
Makino and Jiro exchanged determined glances. "Understood," they said in unison.
As midnight approached, the teams began wrapping up their tasks for the night. Jiro and Makino regrouped, both looking tired but satisfied.
"How’d it go?" Jiro asked as they walked back towards their meeting point.
"Pretty good," Makino replied, wiping sweat from her brow. "We cleared a lot of debris and saved a few villagers. What about you?"
"We managed to save a few structures," Jiro said with a tired smile. "Feels good to make some progress."
They walked in companionable silence for a moment, the night air cool and refreshing after their hard work.
"You know," Makino said thoughtfully, "I think we can really make a difference. Little by little, we’re rebuilding."
Jiro nodded. "Yeah. It’s going to take time, but we’ll get there."
Reaching the meeting point, they saw their fellow shinigami starting to disperse. Yamato approached them, a rare smile on his face.
"Good work tonight, both of you," he said. "Get some rest. We’ve got another long day ahead tomorrow."
Jiro and Makino nodded. "Thank you, sir," they chorused.
As they walked back home, the weight of the labor settled into their muscles, but their spirits remained high. They were part of something bigger than themselves, a collective effort to restore the Seireitei. And together, they knew they could overcome any challenge.
Yumiko agreed. Kita had shown formidable courage in the face of her destiny multiple times, and this hadn't been the first time she'd had to use it. During their captivity, until their separation, her best friend had always said that Yumiko was the stronger person between the two of them, but Yumiko had always disagreed with that sentiment; although she had kept it to herself. At the time, she needed the support and the faith had helped keep her from falling for a long time. Hopefully, enough the public would listen to Kita's story and give her the chance she deserved.
Yumiko nodded. "Well, I hope it is a step in the right direction. The people who attacked me seemed to want to find a new victim at the very least. I heard her compared to me a few times while that crowd was shouting at me."
Yorusuke frowned. "I think they're calling out whoever they can get to. Ichimaru still terrifies most people. I don't think they'd dare to attack him the way they have Kita and now, you Lady Ryouma."
Yumiko laughed quietly. "Probably not." Her mirth faded again. "I hope she comes home soon."
As they continued to walk, Yorusuke spoke up again. "Have you considered doing the same?"
"Doing what, may I ask?"
"An interview to get your story out. Maybe it could-" He stopped as Yumiko halted, looking into his eyes with a serious expression that did nothing to hide another wave of regret.
"I'm sorry, Nagano-san, but you're wrong. My story won't help the same way Kita's story may help her. She was an outsider who was dragged into our lives and our war. I am not. My demons weren't the same as hers and revealing them can't save anyone now."
Post by Yorusuke Nagano on Aug 7, 2024 20:34:19 GMT -6
The two continued walking toward Coco Ichibanya, a quaint family restaurant that served the best curry in the Seireitei. "Are you sure about that? I don't know much of your story Lady Ryouma. I have only heard rumors, but I do know that you were imprisoned and sealed--unjustly--because of your zanpakuto."
He looked over at her as they walked, "Aizen, even being who and what he is," Yorusuke shook his head, "even as messed up as it is or was--saved you from that unjust act of the Gotei's. Not to throw the Gotei under the bus, but maybe that story needs to be told."
Yumiko closed her eyes for a long moment, releasing a tremulous breath. "If it does, it's not the right time for that now. I'm not ready to disclose it and I won't be a reason for more chaos, no matter how much others have tried to paint that role for me since this war has started."
Yorusuke smiled warmly, "I don't think they are blaming you for the chaos. Just betraying them. If truth be known, I am truly shocked that the Goddess is not being questioned because of Ichimaru."
Last Edit: Aug 7, 2024 23:36:19 GMT -6 by Yumiko Ryouma
Infuse your life with action. Don't wait for it to happen. Make it happen. Make your own future. Make your own hope. Make your own love. And whatever your beliefs, honor your creator, not by passively waiting for grace to come down from upon high, but by doing what you can to make grace happen... yourself, right now.
Post by Yumiko Ryouma on Aug 7, 2024 23:37:02 GMT -6
"Perhaps because of the way the story's told -- that Aizen ruined her life. He's the worst in people's eyes. If he's involved, he takes the spotlight.. one way or another." She shook her head, clearing it. "Telling my story won't do any good. What's done is done, and revealing the truth to everyone... will only cause more pain. I don't want that."
Yorusuke looked over at Yumiko with a bright smile, "but even the best of us have fallen in love with a demon."
The young noble chuckled quietly, trying to hide her growing pain. "Maybe. But did that love last when they realized he was a demon? Does walking away from him hurt as much as suffering that which led them into the demon's clutches?"
When his identity wasn't enough to pull her away from him?
"Some truths aren't meant for everyone, Nagano-san. Mine is one of those, especially when the people need the Gotei. I've accepted that."
Last Edit: Aug 8, 2024 1:04:43 GMT -6 by Yumiko Ryouma
Post by Yorusuke Nagano on Aug 8, 2024 1:34:35 GMT -6
Yorusuke turned his attention forward again, "and yes," he glanced over at her for only a second, "for all the above. Love is a complex, multifaceted emotion that can be expressed in many forms. It is the connection that binds people together, whether through friendship, romance, family ties, or even the love for a passion or hobby. Love is about mutual respect, understanding, and support. It brings joy, comfort, and sometimes challenges, but it ultimately enriches our lives and gives us deeper meaning. In its truest form, love is selfless, patient, and enduring, capable of weathering the highs and lows of life."
He paused for only a second, "it sees no color, no race, no creed. No good and no bad. Love is a force that transcends all boundaries, a language spoken by the heart that needs no translation. It is the gentle touch of a hand, the warmth of a smile, the comfort of a shared silence. Love is the courage to be vulnerable, to open up and let another person see your true self, flaws and all. It is the strength to forgive, the patience to endure, and the grace to let go when needed. Love is not just an emotion, but a choice we make every day, to give, to share, and to nurture. It is the thread that weaves the tapestry of our lives, creating a beautiful, intricate pattern that tells our unique story.
No one has the right to judge you for who you love or who you fall in love with. Love is a personal journey, a sacred bond between souls that no one else can fully understand or dictate. It is the freedom to follow your heart, to find joy and fulfillment in the arms of the one who completes you. In a world often divided by differences, love is the common ground, the universal truth that unites us all. It is a beacon of hope, a reminder that, despite our individual paths, we are all connected by this fundamental human experience. So, embrace love in all its forms, cherish it, and let it guide you. For in the end, love is the most profound and beautiful expression of our humanity."
He looked over at her once more, "and if it doesn't hurt, if it does not feel as if your heart has been removed from your chest when it ends, then it wasn't truly love. True love leaves a mark, an indelible impression on your soul. It's the kind of emotion that changes you, molds you, and becomes a part of who you are. When it's gone, the void it leaves behind is a testament to its power and depth. Love isn't always easy, and it isn't always kind, but it is always real. It can break you and heal you, challenge you and uplift you. And in the aftermath, when the pain subsides, you're left with the memories, the lessons, and the undeniable truth that you have experienced something extraordinary, something worth every moment of joy and sorrow." His head shook slightly. "Don't ever let someone that does not understand take that away from you. My father always told me, 'it's better to have lost in love than to never have loved at all'." He smiled warmly. "though it does not help that empty broken feeling. You have to remember their is another out there somewhere that can and will love you just as much if not more then the last one."
Infuse your life with action. Don't wait for it to happen. Make it happen. Make your own future. Make your own hope. Make your own love. And whatever your beliefs, honor your creator, not by passively waiting for grace to come down from upon high, but by doing what you can to make grace happen... yourself, right now.
Post by Yumiko Ryouma on Aug 8, 2024 2:29:57 GMT -6
When Nagano started to speak about love, Yumiko focused on her training and time in the dark to keep calm, listening even as her heart replayed many memories. Underneath her composure, her eyes started to throb as his earnest words echoed inside her, but she kept facing forward. Breathing in and out, his words on tolerance and courage soothed the ache as she kept her face serene. She nearly opened her mouth to offer him gratitude for his understanding, even if her heartfelt words would be hidden behind a polite mask.
But, she realized, he wasn't finished, and although, Yumiko felt tempted to run from any deeper discourse on this subject, her feet stayed still, heart leaden. Closing her eyes against the now painful glare of the sun, she listened as words on hope and freedom plucked at her weakened heart, legs becoming numb. Her hand clenched on Nagano's sleeve against her will as he touched on the journey, the bond forged, and the price... of losing it.
Silent, stinging tears ran down her cheeks, half hidden by her lowered head.
Any reply failed her as the scenery around them fell away, leaving her swamped by her searing emotions. Keen regret, aching sorrow, deep, dark grief, wove around powerful waves of cocooning warmth that she could never deny. The honor of her lineage and her knowledge of the wrongness of whole thing threatened to strangle her once more, the same which pushed her to stay silent in face of any accusations by the masses.
Because even as she walked away, he had changed her. Taught her to survive, to smile, to rebel against that which tore at her soul, and to stand up when she failed.
Sometime later, she realized that Nagano had stopped speaking.
She swallowed thickly. "Thank you.... Nag-" It seemed too cold to address him with that title with his heartfelt speech. She squared her shoulders and turned to face him, bowing her head. "Thank you, Yorusuke-san."
Post by Yorusuke Nagano on Aug 8, 2024 2:40:06 GMT -6
He patted her hand that clenched at his sleeve. "Take time to cry, to regret, to be angered, to hurt and definitely time to heal. But don't cut off your friends and family. They can help in the healing. Sometimes their advice might sting, but it does help in the healing."
He smiled brightly, "and by all means don't stay away from meeting new people or going on dates. Even if its as simple as taking a walk with someone new. It's proof to you that you deserve to be happy and loved."
Yumiko took a shuddering breath and lifted her head. "I will do my best to remember that, looking to my family and doing something new. I'll appreciate the company." She said nothing about the dates. She would not go that far. Not for a while yet.
Yorusuke smiled with a nod stopping them in their path, turning he faced Yumiko. "Well, we're here finally. You ready to have some of the best curry in the Seireitei?" He watched as she nodded with a slight smile. He took her arm linking it with his once more and escorted her into the restaurant.
Last Edit: Aug 17, 2024 3:04:43 GMT -6 by Kita Miyamoto
Infuse your life with action. Don't wait for it to happen. Make it happen. Make your own future. Make your own hope. Make your own love. And whatever your beliefs, honor your creator, not by passively waiting for grace to come down from upon high, but by doing what you can to make grace happen... yourself, right now.
Fuu Ayumu walked through the bustling streets of the Seireitei, her mind swirling with the weight of what she was about to do. It was midday, and the sun hung high in the sky, casting long shadows across the ancient buildings. Soul Reapers moved about with purpose, some heading to their divisions, others chatting in small groups. But Fuu barely noticed any of it; her thoughts were consumed by the decision she had made.
She had spent the last hour pacing in her office, replaying the situation over and over in her mind. Her guilt over involving Yorusuke Nagano had grown unbearable. She had made a mistake—a grave one—and now she needed to set things right. The only way to do that was to speak with him directly, to apologize, and to take full responsibility for the mess she had created.
As she passed by the barracks of the Fifth Division, Fuu felt a pang of anxiety tighten in her chest. What if Yorusuke refused to listen? What if he insisted on going through with his plan to speak with Byakuya Kuchiki? The thought of him getting involved in something so dangerous made her feel ill. This was her burden to bear, not his.
She had to make him understand that.
Fuu quickened her pace, her black hair swaying gently with each step. The streets seemed quieter as she neared the Sixth Division's headquarters, the imposing structure standing tall against the blue sky. She had always admired the Sixth Division—their discipline, their unwavering sense of duty—but today, it only served as a reminder of how out of her depth she felt.
Kita’s expression softened, her concern deepening as she watched Renji. “I get that… it’s hard for all of us, isn’t it?” She paused, her thoughts drifting for a moment before she continued. “I’ve been thinking a lot about everyone.” She looked to the ground as they walked the direction of the Senkaimon.
She looked at Renji, her voice quieter now. “And you, Renji... how are you holding up? I know you're always looking out for everyone, but don’t forget to take care of yourself too.”
Renji chuckled sheepishly and ruffled the back of his ponytail. “You’re starting to sound like Rukia. I’m doing my best to remember myself. Sometimes it’s hard with work and everyone I care about. But helping people makes me feel better about everything that’s happened, so in a way I’m helping both myself and everyone else.”
Kita smiled softly, shaking her head. "You and me both. I get scolded all the time for the same thing—‘take care of yourself first,’ they always say." She let out a small laugh but it didn’t quite hide the truth behind her words her cheerful tone falling slightly. "But it's hard, isn’t it? When you’re so used to looking out for everyone else, it’s easy to forget about yourself." She gave a weak smile. “I have been doing it for so long it has become second nature to me.”
She glanced at him, a bit more serious now. "But I get it. Helping others does make it easier to deal with everything... like it gives us a little bit of control back. Just promise me you’ll at least take a break once in a while. Don’t be an idiot like me.”
The prettiest smiles hide the deepest secrets. The prettiest eyes have cried the most tears. And the kindest hearts have felt the most pain.
Post by Lt. Renji Abarai on Oct 8, 2024 22:16:52 GMT -6
Renji laughed and nodded, patting Kita on the back. “I’ll remember if you do. Hell, maybe we can be each other’s accountabili-buddy.”
Kita giggled and gave him a look. “Each other’s what now?”
“Accountabili-buddy. I heard someone in Fourth Division say it one day. Something about having a friend or other person that you can be accountable to for achieving your goals, and you do the same for them,” Renji shrugged. “I make sure you’re taking care of yourself and you make sure I’m doing the same. Or something like that. Hell, I don’t know. I’m not a therapist.” He laughed, shrugging.
Kita giggled, shaking her head as she looked up at Renji, “Well it would give us excuses to visit the other’s realm. I can come visit and see Captain Ukitake and Rukia and everyone else and you can come visit Kisuke, Ichigo and the family.”
“So I can get called a moocher again?” Renji rolled his eyes. “I swear, Jinta calls me that one freaking time and then it sticks like rice to a kid’s face. I’ll never be rid of that name.”
Captain Toshiro Hitsugaya: If you're still here, I'm not quite sure what you considered to be "hostile". Yes, Seto was being an ass because he's reacting in character, as we usually do in this box. However, your questions were confusing and didn't read as you wanting to join us.
Nov 25, 2024 17:59:32 GMT -6
Captain Toshiro Hitsugaya: Instead of asking about who plays who and saying "there are no guidelines for characters" and "we're expected to read about canon divergence", you could have simply asked if the RP was closed or open to new RPers. Not all of us can read between the lines.
Nov 25, 2024 18:02:50 GMT -6
Captain Toshiro Hitsugaya: *realizes this now looks weird being the only comments in the box* .... >.<"
Nov 25, 2024 18:08:04 GMT -6
HZ: Can't really explain what I mean if my messages are purged. But I did ask, openly, about canons to find out who is active. There is a list of seated officers that doesn't include Captain Hirako Shinji, but the account exists.
Nov 25, 2024 18:24:19 GMT -6
HZ: I didn't ask directly, because I assumed it was open. And while I understand "someone in character", was there any point to mock my words other than being an ass? Is that the energy this place is trying to go for?
Nov 25, 2024 18:25:45 GMT -6
HZ: When I ask direct questions, about which canon claims are, I get told it's secret information.
Nov 25, 2024 18:26:08 GMT -6
HZ: So I admit, my words are fucked because I was limited by 256 characters.
Nov 25, 2024 18:26:31 GMT -6
HZ: I was genuinely interested. I was trying to understand how things worked, and I was trying to be polite about it.
Nov 25, 2024 18:27:28 GMT -6
Seto Tetsuya: No one was mocking your words, kid. This character is an ass...To everyone. And, to answer your question, it's fairly late in the age of this RP to add new people. Especially since we're working to close the story.
Nov 25, 2024 19:50:50 GMT -6
Captain Toshiro Hitsugaya: TBH, the forum doesn't state anywhere that we are an open RP, so there's no reason to assume that we are. And again, it's always best to ask before you assume. Us not posting who are what characters should be evidence enough that we are not an open RP.
Nov 25, 2024 19:56:47 GMT -6
Captain Toshiro Hitsugaya: Some of our lists may be outdated because frankly there are more pages and threads on this forum than any human can count. Things tend to get lost and forgotten. But you can also tell which characters are used most by reading the RP. Especially recent RPs.
Nov 25, 2024 19:57:57 GMT -6
Captain Ryo Hirabayashi: While we appreciate you reading along and wanting to participate, this is a closed RP. We're just a small group of friends having fun while having our madness on display for all to read. And, as Seto stated, we are coming to the end of the st
Nov 25, 2024 19:58:19 GMT -6
*
Captain Ryo Hirabayashi: We tend to stay in character, even while interacting with those who read. Some of our characters are more abrasive than others. But...That's just the character. Seto is an ass. Koga will give you riddle after riddle. It's all in jest.
Nov 25, 2024 20:01:49 GMT -6
*
Captain Ryo Hirabayashi: We've got some readers, such as Cora and the Hat, who created accounts but do not actually participate in our RP. Because they don't participate, they also don't know the BTS things of the RP. And, they were given the same answers when asked.
Nov 25, 2024 20:06:13 GMT -6
HZ: Understood. Once again, sorry for intruding.
Nov 25, 2024 20:49:36 GMT -6