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Post by Captain Juushiro Ukitake on Jun 2, 2015 22:59:03 GMT -6
Juushiro sighed. "I understand, Kisuke. I do. And it will be worse when she has to fulfill her side of the bargain with the god." Shunsui raised an eyebrow at that remark and his friend's eyes saddened. "Yumiko offered to take the poison in Vale's place. But Alister chose a more diabolical bargain. It would hurt Yumiko either way." He closed his eyes. "He saved Vale for his own amusement and let her choose between aiding in the man's justice or lose her sight forever."
Shunsui whistled lowly. "That god is a piece of work, that's for sure. And I want to know why Vale forbade her from bargaining with him in the first place."
Juushiro nodded. "I am going to attempt to persuade her to talk about it and a few other things that came to light in her voiced anguish." He looked down into his lap, deeply worried at the hurt still raw in her voice after years of peace. "Gentlemen, before we look at his testimony and see what we can learn -and hopefully prevent- from it, I have to ask one question, if you don’t mind.”
Shunsui sat back at his desk. “We would be fools to ignore you, Juushiro. What have you noticed?”
Juushiro looked to dent in Shunsui's desk and the overturned chair by the wall, his mind turning over the ripped confessions, not on the content but more on the details of his expressions and what had worked. The tears he had shed at being denied her. “It seems he really loves Yumiko. We hoped that this was the case and let their relationship continue since its emergence six years ago. But I can’t help but worry about the end of this now with that bond in account.”
He ran a hand through his hair. “What I am trying to say is this, do you think Central will see his case any differently than their case with Ichimaru? and how are they different to you?”
“Are we being too harsh to a man who could be turned into an ally now?”
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Post by Urahara Kisuke on Jun 2, 2015 23:06:11 GMT -6
Kisuke sat the chair back up on it legs and looked to Juushiro resting a hand to his shoulder. "There is a big difference here, Juushiro. From the very beginning to the confession I ripped from him."
"I am not denying that, Kisuke. I agree with you. But then again, I have to wonder. Ichimaru turned to darkness from love. It seems Tervaden is turning to light for the same thing. They went about it different ways - and both have taken more lives than we can count - but there are similarities."
Kisuke sighed, "I don't want to see Yumiko hurt from this any more then you do. She has become very close to my heart as well. However, the day I went to confront Vale about his little love affair with Yumiko he released his powers in anger after I left, and this was no 'I am pissed off damn his ass for that' kind of release. This was a 'I am going to destroy anything that stands in my way' release. I stayed back to see what he would do. I am guessing Yumiko was able to talk him down."
"But that was good she was able to do that." Juushiro replied.
Kisuke shook his head. "He is a danger with his powers," he reached to his side and pulled Chinmoku from it presenting it to Kyoraku. "and this." He looked to Juushiro again. "One day she might not be able to stop him."
"Ichimaru has been like that as well," Shunsui murmured, voice neutral.
Kisuke chuckled, "yes, yes he has. The only thing there. Ichimaru can be controlled. One thing I know for a fact. Vale's powers have been enhanced. Sumi told me this herself before the Soul King put restrictions on her for interfering. Why do you think you lost to him, Kyoraku? As long as Alister is in Vale's life he is a danger."
"And yet he didn't fight us the entire time he was here," Juushiro pointed out quietly. "Does that mean he's surrendering? As Ichimaru did to you?"
Kisuke sighed, "I am sorry. I don't know Vale like I know Ichimaru. I can read that Snake almost as well as I can read my wif-- I~ mean Yoruichi." Kisuke quickly corrected himself shaking his head again. "Just don't know, but I feel if we overlook this before we get all the information we need and find Aizen before the fifteen years--" Kisuke paused and looked at the two of them. He quickly started pacing the floor rubbing his chin.
"Fifteen years was the final deal with Aizen. Vale said ten at first." He looked back at the two that were watching him closely. "Ten years is two years from now. What happens in two years at the ten year marker?"
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Post by Commander Shunsui Kyoraku on Jun 3, 2015 0:08:42 GMT -6
Shunsui nodded. “We need to piece together what we know or suspect. You, Kisuke, need to eliminate the threat of Aizen. You've guessed who his is. Destroy him and this time, burn the body. I want no second chances via forbidden kido.” He turned to his best friend. “Juushiro, prepare Yumiko for the trial. She is not losing her sight to Vale or to suit a twisted god. Also, you too are one who studied forbidden kido. See if there are any OTHER spells that can bring him back WITHOUT a body.” The kind captain nodded. “Finally, I will interrogate Vale again and we will see if he is worth saving from the death sentence. We will deal with repercussions of that after. For now, we deal with the threats we see now. We cut off the fire before we have a blaze.”
His eyes narrowed. "We don't wait for hell to settle in at the fifteenth year marker. No waiting. Not this time."
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Post by Urahara Kisuke on Jun 3, 2015 0:19:12 GMT -6
Kisuke nodded, "the only problem we might have with Aizen's new form-- he is human as well." Kisuke adjusted his hat. "I can hold him like that, but when he turns. When Aizen comes back. There will be nothing or no one that will hold him if he too made a deal with this God, Alister. If his powers where even enhanced an eighth of what they were when Gin killed him. None of us; maybe not even Kita. Will be able to stop him."
Kisuke sat down in the chair he sat back up and adjusted his hat once more. "We could be in for a world of hurt when he returns."
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Post by Alister on Jun 3, 2015 8:57:46 GMT -6
"Fear not." The god began, appearing in the room. "Aizen's power has not been, and will not be, touched. He will be as strong upon his return, as he was when Ichimaru pulled his heart from his chest." The god looked to the three men, grinning wildly. "How easy was it for you all, to turn your anger back to a man who doesn't deserve it? Well, right now anyway. You may not know Tervaden as you know Ichimaru, Urahara. But, you know the type. A man extremely dangerous, and knows it. A man who understands that, unless under the rule of another, he is uncontrollable. Before Ryouma, Aizen was his control. Before Aizen, the Captain Commander."
The god drew closer to Urahara and looked him the eyes. "You all damned this man the moment the Seventh Espada appeared. Planned his manner of death when Sada Teruo came forth." He paced the room, circling Urahara. "Ignored the good this man has done, only to focus on his evil."
The god moved to the center of the room and looked to the three men. "I warn the three of you, now. You broke this man to gain information that will serve you no purpose. And, now that he is broken..." The god looked to Ukitake. "Not even your Ryouma can save him."
"You said the information would serve no purpose." state Urahara, adjusting the his hat. "Why? If it leads us to Aizen, then I can say it was worth it. Unless...Unless you plan on moving him."
"You are a wise one!" laughed the god. "I am a god of my word. You will witness Aizen's return, when the time comes. Until then, you will get the peace Tervaden bargained for you all to have. That is, until he grows tired of sitting in a cell."
The god faded from the room, leaving the Soul Reapers to their thoughts.
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Post by Commander Shunsui Kyoraku on Jun 3, 2015 10:18:10 GMT -6
Kisuke lowered his hat over his head. “Why do I have a feeling that a certain god got exactly what he wanted with this little bargain from our Yumiko?” He looked over to Kyoraku, whose face had turned expressionless and then over to Juushiro, who had paled. “I told you that as long as that god is around he’s dangerous. And that’s before Alister brings Aizen back on us.”
Shunsui sighed and pulled his hat down over his head. “We need to find some sliver lining to control the situation spiraling out of contorl.” He looked to Chinmoku in his hand set it in his belt. “Kisuke, find Aizen and get aeronite around Tervaden’s cell. I don’t want that god interfering again.” He paused. “This trial is going to be rough and I see no way around that. He did bargain for a time of peace…. but why? Why the deadline? There are still answers we are going to need from him….” He looked to Juushiro. “Is the man now a threat to Yumiko?”
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Post by Captain Juushiro Ukitake on Jun 3, 2015 10:36:42 GMT -6
Juushiro shook his head. “I don’t think he has gone that far, and I do not want to go back on my word to let her see him. The visit could minimize the hurt done to her while we follow through with this, too.” He looked down. “Tervaden was a great man. Perhaps some of the good can still be saved.”
Kisuke adjusted his hat again. “Sorry, Juushiro, but I still worry about that time I confronted him. I agree we need to let Yumiko see him to evaluate what he’s become with this ‘nudge’, but we would be fools to let her see him alone.” He looked up at the ceiling for a moment. “I could send Vacanze with her. His heart may be turning human, but I don’t think his instinct is that dull. Besides, if Aizen is coming around, I need more people to see and trust him.”
Juushiro looked over to him. “Why not Kita? Wouldn’t we be provoking him sending another male in with her that is not us?”
Kisuke pulled out his fan. “I don’t need Tervaden knowing that the effects of aeronite are useless on my goddess anymore. And besides,” he lowered his fan dramatically and his figure drooped, “Kita isn’t going to be happy when I get home. She could hate me.” He straightened and his eyes twinkled. “I imagine I have some fire coming my way after explaining this new situation, too. “
Juushiro chuckled. “She will forgive you, I have no doubt. You are too precious to her for her to stay angry at you with. And we did it for a good reason. We didn’t want her to worry about something more with Ichimaru still gone and it taking its toll on her emotions.” He stood and looked to Shunsui. “I will return to Karakura now, as well. We need to strengthen all of our bonds now before the storm, especially if the god is going to stop us from trapping Aizen now.”
Kisuke’s eyes narrowed. “I’m not stopping because a god tells me so when I have a better one on my side.”
Juushiro laughed slightly and clasped his friend’s shoulder.
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Post by Commander Shunsui Kyoraku on Jun 3, 2015 11:17:13 GMT -6
As his council left him, the commander stood up from his desk and walked over to the balcony, looking down at Soul Society. There was hardly a scar visible on Seireitei anymore. All but the shine and clarity of new wood buildings had been covered in the white splendor that others knew Seireitei to be - and yet it was nothing but a glamor. A facade and beacon of peace to block out the darkness. He tapped his fingers along the wood, deep in thought.
As the Commander, Shunsui had to consider the fact that they couldn’t end Aizen now. Even the possibility that this time, when he rose, that they would lose. Two to seven years of peace…. a long gap in name but not so much in actions. What could he do to save it?
A hand settled on his shoulder and he looked up in the violet gaze from Nanao, his lieutenant. Her opposite hand held a clay cup with tea.
Taking it, he offered her a slight smile and laugh.
“I think I am coming to understand why Yama-jii became a gruff old man,” he stated, before looking down again. He took a sip of the warming tea but couldn’t shake the chill settling inside him. He lowered the cup. “Keeping this together…. is not easy.”
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Post by Lt. Nanao Ise on Jun 3, 2015 11:21:06 GMT -6
Nanao frowned, waiting for him to talk to her. When her captain stayed silent, she scowled and almost left him alone. But she changed her mind at the last minute. She grabbed his ear, turning him towards her. Her eyes sparkled.
“You are not allowed to give up,” she hissed. “If you do, it will fall. Your friends will fall. You’re the only man who can protect it all.” She paused and then leaned up to kiss his cheek. “I have faith in you. You will find a way.”
Her captain blinked at her and then gave her a watery smile. “Did you spike my tea?” he inquired in a low rumble. His free hand touched his cheek before sliding over and grasping hers. “I’m feeling kind of buzzed now."
Nanao blushed crimson. “Don’t - don’t be ridiculous,” she stuttered and turned away. It was just a drop to bring his mood up. Besides, hadn't she kissed - kissed him? She should have gone with the book treatment. But then again.... her blush deepened at the sunshine even in that tentative smile.
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Post by Commander Shunsui Kyoraku on Jun 3, 2015 11:28:23 GMT -6
Shunsui chuckled and turned back to his kingdom, keeping her hand in his his. He didn't want to tease her too far, not with the warmth of her shy touch flowing through the chill still permeating his mind from the weight of duty. No, he could be content just like this for now. He watched as the glittering barrier around Seireitei wrapped around another hollow that strayed too close. His eyes narrowed, regaining their burn. He could do this. The game wasn’t over until he was dead on the ground.
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Post by Alister on Jun 7, 2015 8:25:18 GMT -6
"Final Messages":The god appeared before Captain Commander Kyoraku and Captain Ukitake, in the Commander's office. They were discussing the matter of Tervaden - his past and present deeds. They had forced a confession from him, just days ago, with the threat of losing Ryouma. But now, Tervaden was dead. And he was tasked with delivering that news.
Time surrounding the interior of the room stopped, add the god stepped between the two men. He extended his hands to both men, presenting them with the items Tervaden wished then to have. For the Captain Commander, a written confession. And, for Captain Ukitake, a ring meant to be given to his daughter.
"I do believe the matter you have been discussing is not necessary. Vale Tervaden is dead."
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Post by Commander Shunsui Kyoraku on Jun 7, 2015 12:47:48 GMT -6
The Captain Commander raised his hat to better look over at the god of flame. “And what reason do we have to trust that statement, God?” he asked in a monotone voice. “Killing off Vale would serve you no purpose," his eyes narrowed slightly, "and gods can’t wake the dead with the Soul King’s permission.” When the God remained silent, he took the piece of paper and opened it up, starting to read aloud.
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Post by Alister on Jun 7, 2015 13:41:01 GMT -6
Captain Commander Shunsui Kyoraku,
This is a confession of my deeds after the death of Sousuke Aizen. The Seventh Espada, Eisaku Koga, returned to Las Noches with the body and heart of Sousuke Aizen. From there, Aizen was put in containment by the Eight Espada, Szayelaporro Granz. I would later perform the forbidden kido, Seishou Hasen.
Days later, after our fight, I went to Karakura Town. There, I faced Yumiko, trying to find some sort of peace with what I had done . I could find none. From there, I returned to the Throne Room of Las Noches. I completed the Seishou Hasen and brought Aizen back to full strength.
I woke to the palace of Las Noches destroyed and Sousuke Aizen gone. The god, Alister told me of a bargain between himself and Aizen. I begged him not to take my memories. Not to take my memories of her. That is the last I remember of Las Noches.
I woke on the steps of Urahara's Shop minutes later.
Until six years ago, I had no memory of my time in Las Noches or anytime before. Alister returned them to me, and gave me back my memories - including the memory of killing off the Seventh Division. I fought him in Las Noches. Before leaving Las Noches, I asked that Sada Teruo be created. I gave no reason to the god. I returned home to my shop. I continued on as if I had none of my memories, until confronted by Kisuke Urahara.
I told Urahara that the god returned my memories and my power. The return of my power would only happen if I returned to Las Noches or if my family needed help.
I would later fall in love with Yumiko Ryouma. I returned to Las Noches only once during my time with her. That was to tear down the palace again. After that, I swore to never place any member of my family in harms way.
I admit to speaking with this Mister Faux. But, I could only see him as Aizen. I do not know what his new form appeared to be.
Captain, these words may hold very little meaning to you. But, these are words of truth. Please, whatever my sentence may be, remember these words. But, spare my family from them.
"Signed, Vale Tervaden." finished the god. Then turned facing the Captain Commander with a grim expression. "These are words of truth. Words he has had prepared for sometime now. Words you forced from him and assumed false. "
He turned to Captain Ukitake, who held the violet cushion cut ring in his hand. "His family, Captain. Ryouma was his family. And, you took her from him."
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Post by Commander Shunsui Kyoraku on Jun 7, 2015 14:46:32 GMT -6
As Juushiro paled and sat down once again, Shunsui’s eyes narrowed further at the god before them. “He had not been tried yet, Alister, and using Yumiko was the only way we could get what information he knew.”
Alister smirked. “Then you’re little better than Central, aren’t you, Captain, in regards to Ryouma’s feelngs?”
Shunsui’s hand clenched to keep himself from launching himself at the person before him, reminding himself that no matter how dangerous or dark his words were, that the form in front of him was still a god. A twisted god of flame who would vanish at the end of this. And though the Soul King might protect him. He didn’t want to risk it.
“I dance their tune when I must, nothing more," the commander growled. "If I truly wanted to wound Yumiko, I would have separated them in the beginning. I had the power to as soon as his memories returned. It was in my decision regarding his fate. But I did not.”
“You still sent someone to watch him," Alister argued easily. "A reminder of your doubt in the shadows. Did you ever wonder when he would break after figuring that out?”
This time Shunsui had an immediate answer. “Kisuke was constantly watching Ichimaru in similar circumstances and he had much on his mind after this war’s end. In addition, he is also now caring for Yumiko. After Vale nearly took out everything around him with Kisuke's short warning, I needed an unbiased opinion. He brought that watcher on himself."
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Post by Captain Juushiro Ukitake on Jun 7, 2015 15:28:06 GMT -6
‘What destroyed Vale is not on Shunsui’s hands,” Juushiro finally stated, interrupting. He stood again, slipping the ring into his pocket. “It was you - you and your twisted bargain to save Vale’s life.”
Alister chuckled. “I don’t know if you will believe me, but Vale blamed me too. That and himself.” He turned to the ailing captain. “But Ryouma was the one to call on me.” His smirk turned downright wicked. “Are you admitting she condemned him?”
Juushiro paled further and Shunsui’s hand fell to his blade.
The god laughed.
“Careful who you blame for this,” Juushiro stated in quiet firm voice. Alister stopped. “The gods choose who they will court or listen to. The few chosen instead of the many ignored or dismissed for the greater order of the universe.” His words held a bite to them that was unusual for his usual nature. “What you wanted with Vale in the end is your own business, but touch Yumiko again and I will see you ended. God or no god."
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