A Knight In Training [Niji / Erek/ Frey Closed]

Erek quietly stood at the top of a building, eyes scanning over the area-- Freyleif wanted to confront the other humans, but he wasn't about to let her go charging out to "interrogate others" on her own. She was still far too unstable, and it wasn't worth the risk in the slightest-- as well, if the shinigami decided to attack her, then her being alone was the last thing he wanted to allow. Even if he couldn't assist in a battle against a stronger opponent, he could at least ensure that she didn't have to deal with any weaklings that came with the attacker-- it was the least he could do.

Allowing his eyes to trail over the area, Erek would reach out with his senses-- searching for a stronger energy signature of a non-Quincy mortal, someone that could have connections to this "KSN", briefly he had considered Raph-- but he didn't know where the man was, they'd only had that brief encounter during his early stages of development after all. Instead, he was left searching with Freyleif for anything that could be pertinent-- he was certain she wanted Shinigami to "interrogate" too-- but that was also something he was concerned for, she had managed to pull herself together, but he couldn't risk the thread that she may, in fact, take the idea of "interrogation" to far.

A slow sigh left his lips-- he understood her anger. He understood that she wanted revenge, he understood that she wanted all of this and more-- but he also understood that he had to keep her under control. If they could manage it, Erek wanted to keep hostilities between the races as minimal as possible, the man that had done it needed to be brought to justice, that was all. If he had acted independently at least-- if it had been an actively supported action by the faction-- well. His jaw tightened a bit at the thought, he'd read on the purge, and he knew that in those days the Shinigami had been far stronger than the Quincy-- the amount of "captain-class" Quincy in that age could be counted on a single hand.

So what, exactly did that mean would happen now? They weren't that much better off. If an all-out war began, they would lose it right now. Which meant they needed to get the entire race stronger, yet another reason that he couldn't afford to let Freyleif allow her emotions to rule her. He had to be her advisor, he had to be the voice of reason-- because he knew from experience, what happened when you tried to enter a war that you weren't prepared for. He didn't want to see his new "country" slaughtered due to one mistake.

Shaking his head, his gaze traveled toward Freyleif when she appeared on the roof with him, "I don't sense anything, Puffin. What about you?" The girls reiatsu sensory was superior to his own-- his own had drastically improved in leaps and bounds, but he had little desire to delve deeper than he already had into it. His training was in combat, in power, because that was the one thing they were lacking at the moment. He had promised the girl he would become the wall of the Quincy-- the fortress that could stave off the attacks of the spiritual beings.

He intended to hold to that promise in entirety. Shaking his head of such thoughts, he put his focus on Frey, waiting to see if her superior range in the ability would allow her to reach the energy of a human or anything else of interest around them, even if it was at a relatively significant distance away.

---

Tags: @scorchys, Niji Amidasu
Post Words: 616
Thread Words: 616

Freyleif scanned the area with an intent gaze around the mass of people traveling about in the town of Karakura. The Shinigami were more abundant in patrolling the shit-hole that was this town and never thought to put a protective barrier around to keep the Hollow out; just what made this place so special anyway? It couldn't be the ley lines or the monsters would be feeding off those essences without having to eat stronger spiritualist. Right now her focus was on finding a member of the KSN or a wandering spirit that she would interrogate out in finding information on the Fifth Division’s lieutenant or making the poor souls pay for what one man did.

The spirits were all blinded by their sense of justice and false Balance; even going out of their way to cull ‘infants’, it was all just rubbish and souls didn’t deserve to linger on the living anymore.

Many souls flooded her senses. She watched the ocean of energy below her as she spread out further and further around the town. Her heart pounded against her chest as she took in the sensations - one particular soul suddenly vanishing in an apartment twenty miles eastward from where they stood. Her hand gripped her chest and eyes widen as her lungs felt like they were burning and couldn’t breathe - lurching over some as she grabbed her throat and coughed a few times and placed a wall of reishi before her in the nick of time so she wouldn’t fall off the roof. This pain felt just like the ones in losing her children that it made her yelp - it was like someone had filled her chest with gasoline and lit a match. It took her awhile to calm down and regain herself before she shook the feeling off, some tears managing to escape as the painful memory sprung up. Had someone’s child been taken too? Once again she was too late to stop some force take a life of children and moved her dilated gaze elsewhere.

“There,” she said in a hoarse voice. “I sense a Shinigami over there.” she pointed towards the ruins of Karakura - a place still in long construction or abandoned after the Tova incursion. Her form vanished as she leaned forward and followed towards the signature of the Shinigami as it felt familiar; it was Niji’s. The Queen appeared on the sidewalk on the outskirts of the wreckage just a little ways from the Shinigami and slowly made her way towards the woman with fire in her eyes enough to melt a snowman. Her spiritual energy kept tightly suppressed as she approached wearing plain clothing of a T-shirt, her tiara crown, and denim jeans.

“What are you doing here?” she asked with a slight irritation air about her.

--
465

Niji looked down at her crude ring. The thing that Frey had taught her to make as an exercise in Reishi Manipulation, and how pathetic it looked. Niji let loose a despondent sigh as she saw just how far she had fallen that was once a semi-crapy looking ring a year ago. Took over a dozen tries to make the crappiest ring in all of existence. I promised to be her Knight, I promised that I would be there in anyway I could. I swore a fealty to her ... and all because I was stuck in that hospital. I didn't just fail her, she lost her babies because I wasn't in a place to warn her. Those deaths are on my hands.

She barely noticed that she was trembling when she heard her Queen. The rage in her eyes, and fury in her stance, for a moment all she could see was the moment Obsession killed all those she tried to protect. Their blood, Frey's children's blood was on her hands for her failing to save them. His words ringing in her mind, Several dozen people are now dead because you wanted to be a distraction. You bought them a five minute head start and then killed them by making me angry.

Niji's body shook in grief that she had spent a better part of year suppressing at the weight of all those she was responsible for dying, her voice warbled with grief as she answered, "My Queen, I just got out of the hospital after a year in their since my confrontation with Obsession ... so many died because I was so foolish," Niji sniffled, "I just found out about a faction of Shinigami that want war with you. I don't know names, and that your children ... your ... I'm so sorry My Queen."

Niji fell down before her Queen, before Frey, prostrating herself, "I swore my allegiance to you that day ages ago. I swore to be your Knight. To never use my powers against a Quincy. And because of my recklessness, I couldn't save them ... I couldn't save anyone.

"I came searching for you. I ... please My Queen! Forge me into a Knight that's deserving for you! That's strong enough for you! Make your blade! Your spy! Your anything! And ... and," Niji's voice stumbled to a whisper as she wept at her Queen's feet, "and if I'm not worthy, do with me what you will. My life is yours."

Niji stayed there awaiting her Queen's judgement. A part of her hoping that she'd be given the chance to be forged into something worthy of her Queen, to be useful against those who'd harm the Quincy that she'd take into her heart as something to help and protect. Another part was worried that she truly was the putrid, inherently rotten creature Obsession labeled her and her life would end at her Queen's hands. But hope was all that she had left. And the name of that hope was Frey, Queen of the Quincy.

________________________

CWC: 999

CGP: 19

Erek watched Frey carefully as she doubled over, his hand raising and gently rubbing her back-- helping her through it silently, it was all he could do. They'd already had this discussion-- it was down to Frey to adjust to the reality of the situation, to move on and realize that she couldn't let her emotions control her. He waited, and once she was coherent enough to talk, he simply nodded-- motioning her to lead before he flashed forward after her, disappearing in a hirenkyaku as they landed lightly on the ground. It was then that his gaze trailed slowly toward the woman-- a Shinigami? Erek's eyes instantly hardened, his guard raising its head-- and his eyes moving to Freyleif.

This was dangerous-- if she went on a rampage again he would have difficulty keeping her away from the life around them, even in a deserted sector of the city there were far more lives here than the forest he had fought with her in previously. Thankfully, despite the anger that she was giving off, it was clear the girl-- at the least-- was in control of herself for now. As she stormed forward, and instead of asking a normal question-- asked the Shinigami what she was doing here, Erek already had a hint that Freyleif knew the woman.

Sure enough, she quickly stepped forward and fell to her knee's-- the words making the situation quite clear-- apparently, she had sworn fealty to Freyleif previously already. Guilty of not being able to help save her Queen's children, was it? Erek knew the feeling all too well-- but he also knew there was no point in such actions. Calmly, he stepped forward-- close enough so that Freyleif could see him, and that he could intervene physically if he needed to, but beyond that, he remained where he was.

This wasn't his discussion-- for now, it was a conversation between Freyleif and the Shinigami. He could provide input when he had more details, more information. He kept his focus on both of the women, prepared to do whatever he may need to in order to intervene, but hoping that it didn't come to that. From what it sounded like, the woman had more than enough reason to explain why she hadn't been able to help. But he knew-- Freyleif also had a nasty habit of seeing things through emotion, not logic. He could only hope the girl could focus herself enough to handle this properly-- in a way, Erek was testing her-- the first major interaction since their battle.

Could she handle it? Control herself like she'd wanted too? Or would he have to step in once more?

---

Post Words: 446
Thread Words: 1,062

If anything didn’t make sense it was the words that came out of the Shinigami’s trembling mouth. The Queen’s eyes burned intenser and the wrinkles around her forehead became more pronounced as she narrowed her eyes at the prostrating woman. A faction of Shinigami wishing war on her? But the one that came was alone and didn’t need helpers as it took out her best Sternritter and two others; Rick and Lucas. Either word traveled fast or the Shinigami was looking for an excuse for her life to be spared.

“You sprout lies,” the Queen finally spoke with a harshness sharped on her tongue. “A faction of Shinigami yet you do not know their names?” she took a step back disgusted by the weeping woman by her feet. It seemed Obsession had picked out another weak person to mess with their heads and made them weak-willed - this sort of weakness made her sick inside the pit of her stomach. Even if she was cursed forever in the sickness, she still hated seeing others look like a frail cornered wolf and using lies to not face their problems.

The more the woman kept pleading the more it pinched the nerves of the young Quincy as she balled her hands into fists; she was tired of giving people second chances and believing them in a drop of a hat. “Who are you!?” she yelled out, forming her gunblade in hand in a whisk of a second and drove the cluster of mundane reishi weapon towards the Shinigami’s back even with Erek stepping before them.

--
262/465=727

When Frey yelled that a faction and she didn't know their names, and that she lied. Niji's grief temporarily turned to anger, "Not lies! Think! He's the strongest in Fifth Division, second only to a Captain that hasn't taken the seat! After the mess with Vaizards infesting high seats of command. Second Division is combing through everyone's actions with a fine tooth comb to catch any more corruption in the ranks! A Vice-Captian of the Fifth is to find targets that are a threat to Soul Society, and use all and any resources to formulate plans to neutralize the threat! 

"Do you think that a person so high up, in a time when everyone higher up is being investigated and their every action held under scrutiny could do this without anyone knowing? Would someone who's responsible for formulating all contingencies to neutralize threats to Soul Society truly act alone if there was even a hint of a chance of failure without a back up plan! Do you not know the cycle of history between Quincy becoming 'in their eyes' to powerful, and all of the sudden their numbers were purged? Weakening your group to ensure 'what's best for the cycle'? 

"You are no longer fractious clans, no longer separate groups that are spread thin and 'maintainable'. You are a growing force under a unified ruler, a group that is growing ever more united and strong. But if war were to break out, those who are threatened by your races rise in power and numbers, those who are bogged down by dogma and prejudice. They can drag Shinigami who don't care, or who have friendships with your kind. And force them into war.

"Can you tell me that I'm wrong? Can you tell me that an individual in such a high seat of power, under such times when his plans could fall under scrutiny in any second, could plan this attack with impunity? And that noone knew or agreed to it? That there aren't Shinigami who hate Quincy as much as some Quincy who hate Shinigami and are much like you rearing for a fight?"  Niji's composure dropped, "Yes, I heard my news from rumors in Soul Society, that's how I learned that your children were killed while I was helpless in a Hospital for over a year practically wasting away. But I know history, I know my Divisions and who's who, and I know people who are investigating everyone to try to stop another Vaizard Infestation. You can't take a shit somewhere inside of Soul Society without someone recording it. 

"But most of all. I know that the majority don't want a war, and I know that the rumors of there being others involved makes sense when you think of the logistics needed to ensure said plan works as planned. And how high up he is. His responsibilities to Soul Society. Him doing it completely by himself doesn't add up." 

When she asked who she was, Niji tossed the crude ring to her feet, her emotions spent "I was the one you took to dinner after a sparring match I barely won. I'm the one you taught to manipulate Reishi for my studies under the promise to not use my knowledge against Quincy's. I'm the one you made want to learn more about your kind through your raw Charisma, and force of will. Who swore allegiance to you as my Queen. Who wished to be a Knight in your service. Who lost a year of life I could've spent training, locked in isolation in a hospital bed, on a media and information blackout. That I didn't even know your kids were dead till I left the hospital and could keep my ears open for what ever rumors passed my ear. I'm the person who sees the sense that the rumor of it being more than one Vice Captain makes more sense than a lone assassin, somehow evading detection or knowledge of the Second Division or his underlings. Then committing this heinous act.  All to spur you into retaliating in a way that can spark a greater conflict. 

I AM NIJI AMIDASU."  She couldn't see if Frey or even the other Quincy noticed the Ring, nor if they heard her. But she had said her piece. At the moment, the grief, the indignation, everything was gone and she was empty. Drained. The rest would fall upon the decisions of others. 

________________________

CWC: 1736 (999+737)

CGP: 34

Freyleif's tone was harsh-- and Erek felt the shift in her reiatsu just as the girl drew her spiritual weapon, Erek's eyes hardened on the girl as his own hand twitched-- the reishi around them shifting slightly toward him. "Freyleif," he stated, voice calm as she snapped-- the message was clear, if she intended to rampage again he would step in and do something about it. This interaction had little to do with him, but what he did know was a Shinigami was actively offering her information and allegiance-- and that was a foolish thing to turn down, or strike down when what they needed more than anything was information. Erasmus had once again been mentioned-- it seemed this "Broken God" had interfered with many.

But he also knew that Freyleif should understand that crushing weight better than anyone-- she had no excuse to act this way, she was acting on emotion all over again. Even he could see the logic in the woman's words-- and that was before she went on a tangent, a rant of information that poured from her lips like water from a faucet as he slowly let out a sigh once the woman was done, tossing down a ring as he glanced at it briefly before his gaze turned slowly toward Freyleif as he finally spoke up in full.

"The point of this mission was to obtain information, Frey. Don't let your emotions cloud over your vision-- calm down and take a moment to think." It was the only input that he could offer in this interaction, he had to find a proper balance between making sure that Frey didn't snap, and not over-stepping his bounds into an interaction that, frankly, was none of his business beyond the information that she could provide them with an edge against the Shinigami. Slowly, his breath left his lips a final time before he would focus entirely on Frey-- the woman said what could have been said in a single sentence in a tirade-- but he could understand her viewpoint, if she had sworn fealty to Freyleif, and felt as guilty as it would seem, having herself threatened by the girl would be painful-- overwhelmingly so.

Having your honor and trust questioned when all you've done is but cling to that same honor desperately is an incredibly painful feeling-- he knew that all too well, he'd felt the sensation many times, from the military when he left it, to countless points in his career in Oroborous, it was a painful thing to have your trust betrayed-- but even more when your honesty and loyalty was not believed. Especially when it was from someone you cared about and respected.

---

Post Words: 450
Thread Words: 1,512

Her heart beat hard against her chest like drums and her breathing became heavy as her chest heaved in and out. She searched for any reason; one to find fault in the Shinigami’s words, and all of them rang truths. Niji continued to speak about the Shinigami growing wary of the Quincy no longer a fractured clan but one united - and of course, they would send their best guy to deal with the monarch. It all made sense now. She didn't hear much about the Vizard infestation, but it would make sense the Shinigami would rid of their own kind and making them either go to the execution or flee for their lives to live in secrecy.

She halted in place upon hearing Erek say her name, her weapon’s hand shaking before she let out a breath. “Think clear,” she told herself and let her weapon break down into particles and return to whence it came. She moved away finding a broken down bench a few ways away from them and sat down contemplating over the words. The ring slowly began to roll towards the Queen by an invisible string and she reached down to pick it up and look it over; it was still crude. Peering over the mundane creation she was beginning to regret making friends with the dead as they were never really there for her. Rolling the ring between her fingers, Freyleif let out a sigh and flicked the thing into the air and it flew in an arc before safely hovering down before Niji once more.

“No, you are not wrong,” she finally said, another sigh escaping her lips as she rested her hands on her lap. “I’ve been betrayed by Shigure and I’m not sure it was really him or the other ambassador, Murat, who gave information off.”

Her gaze moved up towards the sky and kept silent now - if either one of them wanted to speak she would let them continue. She was too deep in her own thoughts, of her children’s deaths, and all the chaos that ensued lately. She still felt like running away from her responsibilities as she lost so much faith in her own friends and kin.

---
368/727
=1095

Niji felt empty as the ring hovered before her. She grasped it slowly as her mind struggled to come up with anything, it happened so fast. The year of pent of grief. The pain of having her loyalty and honesty denied out right. But in away, this was how it always had been for her. She trusted someone, for a time belonged, then she was abandoned. Or worse, cast away as so much refuse. The irredeemable proof she always tried denying. That their was some deep, unseeable flaw deep within her. That even Frey, her Queen could see, that destined her to forever be cast away just as she thought she wouldn't. 

But at the same time, this wasn't about her. Not really. It was about her Queen being in pain, even if right now Niji's loyalty to the Quincy, to a race that grabbed a part of her soul, and she felt compelled to help, was called into question. The best thing she could do is be there for her Queen. Be there for Frey, or if Frey wished it, to be cast aside, "Honestly I knew Murat before Obsession, I saved his life once from a Hollow attack, in the forests outside of Rukongai. What little I know of him, he's an idealist, and would do whatever he thinks is best for Soul Society. And works in the Second Division, the one where all the data, records, and observations are stored. If he's innocent, he could be useful in that regard ... but then there's Shigure. He's acting Captain for the Third ... the same division who kept me in isolation for over a year. But their healers, so willing allowing children to die goes against their calling. 

"In the end. I hate to say it, but you might need to have someone look into Murat, who can handle him if he turns out he did know something. As much as I don't want to think it's true. Depending on how deep things actually go, and 'if' Murat is innocent, then he could have easily been given misinformation that he acted upon. So we end up in square one. I can call a favor or two in Second Division, but at the same time ... I'm such a small fry that if things turn ugly as I am now. I'll be dead before I could help you," Niji sighed. 

"What we need my Queen is a plan. Not a razed earth plan playing into the hands of bigots. But a strong plan, that will end things once and for all, but in a way where you all will come on top. I ... I originally came before my act of weakness, to basically put my life where my mouth is. To be something more than a simple ambassador they send over. But someone who swore an oath, an ancient oath of your people, to try to get strong enough to never fail to save anyone again. To be a Knight, I promised to be before you were officially Queen.

"Failing that ... to be whatever you needed me to be. Now that I'm no longer confined, and can finally train, and grow. But no matter what you choose. I will always consider you my Queen, and I will always strive to find a way to help your people some day. When I'm not as weak as I am now." 

With that, Niji would lay back and tilt her head to look at her Queen. As emotionally drained as she was. She could barely sit up, much less stand. It was barely seconds ago when she thought her Queen would slay her. Now, she was alive. But lost. 

_______________________


CWC:  2350  (1736+614)

CGP: 47

Erek watched Freyleif carefully, and slowly, the girl calmed down-- the weapon deteriorated as she collapsed into a heap on the bench. She was drained, and he could understand why-- they'd been after information, but instead she had found a woman that was apparently a part of her past. Erek knew how sensitive Frey was when it came to that-- she assumed everyone had abandoned her, betrayed her-- snakes. Moving forward calmly, he breifly placed a hand on the girl's shoulder, squeezing it, a silent way of saying he was proud of her for reigning herself in. With that his gaze then moved back toward the Shinigami-- she was a talker-- not exactly his cup of tea, it reminded him a bit of Rick. Many words with little said within them, but that was just how some people were-- they said everything they thought, whether it was entirely accurate or not.

A slow breath left Erek's lips before he would place his hands calmly behind his back, taking his usual posture as he stood slightly behind Freyleif.

"A plan isn't something so easily created without information. I apologize, but my knowledge of the ranking structure is limited for the Shinigami-- going by your level of power however, and your own words, I would assume you to be an unseated officer or a low-seated officer. In which case, little information you can give us beyond general knowledge any Shinigami would know by now-- isn't going to be much use." His eyes trailed toward Freyleif, the girl was still wrapped up in her own thoughts trying to calm down and think straight, so he would take over. This was going to be his jurisdiction eventually anyway once he was comfortable asking for a higher ranking.

"I also-- do not know you enough to trust you. If Freyleif does, that's one thing-- and though I can sympathize with you, my concern is earth-- all of humanity, Quincy and spiritually aware both. I need information with specific details, knowledge of numbers, who stands on what side, powers, and abilities of the higher echelon, intricate information on the government the Gotei utilizes-- the list is never ending. Creating a plan without this information would just mean that it would have to be constantly re-evaluated and re-constructed." Closing his eyes he would release a short breath before his gaze focused on the woman calmly. "If you are too weak to hold ranking and use-- then of course, the simple solution is to bring you into the Order's fold." his eyes trailed downward toward Freyleif, as that would largely be up to her-- humans without Quincy powers were one thing, a Shinigami, especially after the recent incidents, was certainly another entirely.

"However-- we have already been betrayed by one, if not two, Shinigami that were trusted." his gaze slid from Freyleif to the woman once more, "I have little doubt that between myself and Freyleif-- or even by myself-- I could have you strong enough to rise in rank and power, in order gain further information to help find some level of even ground. But the question of course-- becomes why we should do so. If Freyleif says the word, of course, I will do as I can." His eyes moved toward the Queen, before he closed his eyes slightly-- and his tone became a bit firmer. "But that does not mean I will trust you. Not until I have seen ample proof you are worth that trust."

If he had his way, the Shinigami woman would be taken in by the Order and trained by them-- and by the same token, put under careful watch and scrutiny. They could help her grow stronger, rise in rank and give her word more strength-- become a stronger and more trustworthy ambassador with the Shinigami and themselves. Give them information so that they could properly be prepared to defend themselves should the Shinigami attempt war-- because they wouldn't if they weren't certain that they could win. Increasing Earths defenses would ensure the opposite of that-- that they could hold their own, and ensure they could not just purge them as they had in the past.

Peace was the final goal-- but peace never came because everyone wanted to be friends. It came because those with ambition and power were put in a position that they would lose too much in trying to overtake another group with power-- it was that simple. If they wanted peace, the Order had to become strong, and knowledgeable enough to make the Shinigami hesitate-- and from that hesitation would come peace talks, and from talks would come understanding.

But Erek wasn't so inexperienced and foolish as to think that this woman would become the linchpin of that plan-- not for a very long time until she could prove she was worth not only the effort-- but also the trust that would be required for such a plan to be placed in motion. His eyes trailed toward Freyleif-- in the end, the final call was the Queens-- if they even took her in, if they did-- under what pretense, how far would they go? He'd let the girl decide, and offer counseling, as he had always done with her-- it was why he was by her side.

---

Post Words: 882
Thread Words: 2,394

Freyleif leaned over and placed her hands over an invisible cane with one hand on top of the other. The Shinigami liked to talk a lot; one she noted that Shigure did, too, when he deceived her. Sometimes it was best to look between the words and take a considerable amount of time to see what they actually mean; that is what she was trying to look for when listening to Niji ramble on. Her eyes closed as she remained silent even as she finished and Erek said his bit - her entire body felt tense - even her nerves were all knotted to Hel lately. A soft ‘tsk’ sounded from her lips as she contemplated deeply on how she should respond to Niji. Again the woman thought of herself ‘weak’ and wanted to be strong - of course, anyone would want that, but what she really needed was to look past that. For now, the Queen ignored her grieving inwardly from taking over and sealing the dragon from releasing its rage upon the world. She grimaced as the repressed memories try to resurface - voices crying out for revenge that the Shinigami had inflicted on the Quincy and her childrens cries made her ears rang until she forced them all out.

“I don’t need to hear that.” she finally spoke, this time with a softer tone but loud enough for them to hear. Her eyes slowly reopened and she pushed herself up with a few cracks of her bones adjusting in her back as she stood straight and faced Niji. Being strong, getting a plan, the graveling - she heard and seen it all from her own kin and the dead. Freyleif looked passed those words and stared into the Shinigami’s eyes as if trying to pierce into her soul with that firm gaze. Niji, in all honesty, looked pitiful; and even though she felt a ting of sympathy to the ones that suffered from Obsession's cruel mind fuckery she still needed to be firm on her judgment.

“I don’t want your promises - just do. Jump over your obstacles and keep going than letting it knock you down,” she said reaching out a hand towards the Shinigami if she would take it to get up. “Try again, anew.” her foot hovered over the crude ring and stepped on it - there was an audible crunch and Freyleif still held her gaze into the Shinigami’s eyes wondering if she would look past her weakness now. Slowly she slid her foot back in place and the dust of the crude ring blew in an invisible ring - the Shinigami was cleansed and could start again, to move forward and create something better of herself.

“Welcome to the Order, Niji Amidasu,” she said with a smile. There was no need to say anything else or say the most cliche line of ‘don’t fail me’ but to put all her trust in the Shinigami -again-. “Erek will be your instructor, my eyes and ears, then you will come to me to see if you’ve grown enough to be worthy of my training and a real rank within the Order.”

--
519/1095=1614

“I don’t want your promises - just do. Jump over your obstacles and keep going than letting it knock you down,”

Her Queen, reached down and as Niji reached up she felt a fire burn inside her. A bit of the vitality she had started to gain from Yui's influence in her life flared up. Her eyes and aura would reflect a resolute will, not strong as it could be. But she let her Queen's words into her heart and she resolved to as she said 'just do'. After telling Niji to start again anew, she crushed the ring, I can be stronger, it's like Yui told me. The past is the past. It happened, but it doesn't have to define me. It's not I can do better ... it's I will do better. Just remember Yui, never give up.

When she as inducted into the order, she couldn't help feel a swell of pride rise up within her. She felt herself stand up straighter, and knew that no matter how hard the training, no matter how what she needed to do. She was going to be a Knight worthy of her Queen's time. I don't mind him watching me like a hawk. The only thing that could be considered somewhat private is my dating life, but after I progress I'm sure I'd be allowed to see her while being watched like a hawk. Maybe see about getting trusted enough to use Kaido to heal my Queen from the injuries I just got to noticing, "Thank you my Queen," Niji said bowing to her before turning to bow to her instructor, "thank you Sir Erek, I'm ready to be put through my paces sir." 

________________________________________

CWC: 2,615 (2350+265)

CGP: 52

Freyleif finally spoke up, and his eyes trailed toward the girl as she controlled herself-- he could see the jaded side of her personality stepping forward-- he could also see that she was growing. Within the few seconds, she had to sit down and calm down, she had regained not only control but her intellect back as well to make a solid decision. He closed his eyes as the Shinigami woman was offered her position, was given the chance to better herself and become stronger. Ironically, or perhaps accurately-- Freyleif's words to "just do" sounded remarkably similar to his own words he had given the girl many times-- "Suck it up", just a bit more eloquent.

Slowly, his eyes opened once more to look toward Freyleif as the Queen place in him in charge of her, simply bowing his head slightly in agreement before his gaze turned to focus on the young woman that would rise once more, there was a fire in her eyes if a bit weak. But that was to be expected-- she was clearly quite broken, and if she was infused with the Broken Gods "Curse" as well-- she was even weaker than Freyleif was. He would have to keep a keen eye on her from the beginning and do what he could for her if he hoped to properly move forward.

He watched her step forward, thanking Freyleif, and then himself as he would calmly shake his head. "You likely won't be thanking me for long. My training methods are--" he halted, contemplating the best way to put it, before he would allow his gaze to lower and focus on the woman firmly. "Spartan, to put it bluntly. Don't expect to come out anything but beaten, bruised, and tired." With this, he would then release a short breath as he straightened a bit and turned to Freyleif-- if he was going to be in charge of the Shinigami woman than he needed to ensure he had her set on a solid line of path before he left for Britain, his time would be limited.

"We have a source of information now-- do you want to question her personally, or would you rather I handled it and refined it into a report given to you, Frey?" His hands clasped behind his back as he watched the girl calmly, and he had to admit, he felt a tinge of pride in his chest once more. She had taken great strides these past few weeks-- all things considered, from the standpoint of maturing, as well as learning to control herself. Certainly, if he hadn't been here it may have ended badly-- but he'd only needed to say something once before she'd reeled herself in.

If things continued, he would be able to leave her on her own without worry-- and that eased his own concerns as well. She was becoming a fine Queen.

"There is also the point of still needing to make contact with the spiritualists. Whether it is this "Jian" or otherwise-- I can start working toward that end as well if you wish since I wish Earth to be my eventual jurisdiction anyway. If you'd prefer to continue looking on your own, however, I understand." He did-- and it also concerned him, he saw the anger in her eyes whenever the man became the subject of communication. If he had a guess he was yet another individual that had betrayed her trust, and that wasn't a good place to be when it came to the communication of any sort whatsoever.

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Post Words: 595
Thread Words: 2,989

Even though she could feel that burning pride in the Shinigami, Freyleif still felt a sense of emptiness in the pit of her stomach. It would be a big step to move past her grieve but she was willing to give the woman a chance even though many have failed her. “Good,” she said calmly. “Keep your head held up high and keep going, the outsiders don’t need to know who you are so be careful and keep your head out of the clouds. If the Order Quincy have a problem, Erek or I will deal with them.” it was a given, but she knew how excited Niji could be and how some Quincy would probably question why a Shinigami was working to train with them.

She gave a small smile as Erek said he wouldn’t go easy on the Shinigami and placed her hands behind her back keeping a straight posture. She gave a moment to think on his next words and it seemed he would offer to do the work; a thing most of her Quincy seemed to be lazy or complain if they had to do paperwork, Erek did not give off that vibe. “Please send it in a report.” she smiled towards Erek and it shortly flattered when Jian was mentioned. Her face darken a moment and it took a considerable amount of energy not to leak out her anger towards that man who blew up in her face when she tried to be diplomatic

“You deal with Jian,” she kept her tone neutral and soften her facial expression. If there was one human she hated the most it was Jian and his self-justice idiocy. She turned back to Niji and spoke. “If you have anything else you’d like to say, go ahead. I need to meet with some old family members” she hoped Angeni was home by now and Melody.

---
315/1614=1929

When Erek told her how Spartan it'd be, and how tired broken and battered she'd be. Her mind went back to her youth. The cankerous, crotchety, and gruff old soul. The barely furnished hut, and the days on end of him using her as a rag doll as he beat the lessons into her. The spare meals. And the constant effort needed to make sure she could survive the wilderness on her own. Better times, simpler times, the person who until he left was as close to a father she ever had, and was the best times of her youth. Her face glew, as she replied, "Just like Sensei," She said with the same love and reverence one would use when saying a beloved family member, "that'll be just like old times. I look forward to it, but I know Kaido so I can keep going as long as I'm able too. Frey remembers me restitching an almost severed arm ... hopefully?"

Once Frey had gotten that out of the way, she was told to keep her head out of the clouds and that outsiders didn't need to know who she was. Niji nodded before her body was wreathed in a bright blue fire that hid her body. While the fire wouldn't burn it was a part of the Bakudo she could never figure out how to lessen. When the flames died down a different looking woman* stood before them, "I'll keep my head down, and noone will need to know that I'm Niji, or hopefully even a Shinigami if I mask my Reiatsu my Queen. Any name Erek gives me will be fine, and I'm just a simple, humble trainee for the Order," Even Niji's voice sounded different, and she wrapped her Reiatsu tight around her, hopefully hiding it from anyone that'd ask questions about her being a Shinigami. Or even her actual identity.

Before Frey's training, a whole body and clothing transformation at once would've been too difficult. But she learned that she could do it when facing Obsession, the little control she had learned had helped her immensely. And her years of constantly changing her appearance helped her ease into the new body. As if it was the one she was born with. Hopefully when I learn more about Reishi Manipulation, that control and understanding will help my Bakudo and Kaido go into even better Shifting abilities. I look forward to having the training pounded into me ... after all steel must meet the hammer before it can be forged into a strong blade.

She listened to her Queen and Erek's talk about getting a report from her, and then Frey asking if there was anything else she would like to say, she would hold up a hand in a wait gesture and say, "Let me get my duffel first my Queen."

She'd then Shunpo to where she was sitting earlier and get her ever faithful Duffel bag, before Shunpoing over to where they were. She'd unzip a compartment in the front flap, and pull out two smartphones and fish out her own, she'd put them to her phone and start adding pertinent things on them getting them set up while talking. Her fingers a blur as they went through their task, "I have my own lab for both Research and Development ... well lab and home since I hate wasting time. And these are Civilian model Danreishinki that I've created. If Erek needs to keep eyes and ears on me, once I get to a computer to make an app, he can do that from anywhere at any time, and will work both on the material world and Soul Society. I can also run him through the report app, too make it easier and more efficient."

She'd hand a phone to both of them. One with the contact name "Queen Frey the Awesome", the other "Sir Erek,". "I do have three questions at the moment. The first, is Shnigami have certain ... unspoken taboos on what is done to Hollows. But if say ... a Quincy were to capture, cook, and hypothetically eat a Hollow and collect it's mask, as long as a Hollow is killed. Would that be taboo? Or do you not care as long as they get destroyed? Second, if anyone finds out I'm a Shinigami, what should my cover be until you feel like unveiling me to the world? And lastly, after my training, can I make a Lab to make things to help the Quincy, or provide Kaido to those who need it?"

For Niji the first question was important. Since the last thing she'd want is Erek walking in on her while hunting her favorite prey, and eating them while listening to their equally delicious screams. As she tortured them for her food and proof of predatory superiority. The second one to ensure that no one needed to know, 'who' or even 'what' she was. And the last, because she wanted to be of use to the Quincy in every way she could, and inventing as well as healing were two of the best things she had to offer anyone. At least at the moment.

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*: She'd be in that body, but wearing a Sleeveless Black Karate Gi. 

CWC:  3484 (2615+869)

CGP: 69

Erek's head inclined once in agreement when she made it clear she preferred he just send her a report before he would allow his gaze to soften slightly when she gave him the go-ahead to communicate with Jian. His head inclined once more, and he would offer a slight smile of approval-- he knew that likely wasn't an easy thing for her to agree to. But he also knew that it was, likely, in their better interests-- having a new party approach the man would be better for both sides. Especially considering how much obvious negative emotion there was swirling between them.

"I'll take care of it then," he stated simply-- on both accounts, and he fully intended to. If there was one thing that he had always made certain he was, it was being responsible and handling his duties as effectively as possible. then, his gaze focused on the Shinigami once more as he watched her shift her physical body-- he could still feel the difference clearly but he was aware that most didn't have the same level of sensory that he had developed, and even he struggled to properly see through it all beyond "not Quincy".

Still-- it should fool the masses, and as long as she was careful who in particular she approached, she should be just fine. Then, however, came the phone-- and he internally groaned, more fucking technology god fucking damn it. Accepting the device with a look of distaste, he would glance it over, before tucking it lightly into his pocket. He'd only use it if he had too-- he greatly preferred just keeping tabs on her the normal way, but the dimensional difference would make that a bit more complicated he supposed.

Then, of course, came a series of questions-- and she couldn't be more transparent. A slow blink was the reply to her questions initially-- Erek had worked with psychopaths before, it came with his field of work. Many front line soldiers were, and of course, when Ouroboros claimed their infantry from prisons, you met interesting people. Cannibals. Serial Killers. Sociopaths. Psychopaths. He'd met and worked with them all-- and he'd been friends with them as well. Had he trusted them with much? No, but that didn't mean he didn't understand that anyone, from any situation, had their uses.

"If you're going to eat Hollow, then just keep it to private, please. Hollow reiatsu is deadly to Quincy-- if you want to experiment with yourself, then by all means. But if you start to Hollowfy and lose control, I'll rip your head off." his tone was cold, and firm as his gaze met the woman's own calmly, not even blinking despite having seen through the obvious "rhetorical question".

"Similarly, if your experiments get out of control, and Hollow reiatsu harms a Quincy, even if it's accidental-- you will be punished and be expected to take responsibility for such," with that, he would shrug. "If you can understand those terms, then for my part, I don't give a shit what you do to the Hollow. Just don't start eating Quincy or Humans." With that he would move on to the other questions, he would let his gaze trail toward Freyleif as he arched a brow.

"As far as her second question-- giving her something that gets her a 'get out of jail free card' as it were, may be of use for a situation like that." He left that up to Freyleif, as it was her call-- the last question was something he could answer with far more certainty. "--As far as a laboratory, once you're worth our trust, then I see no point in limiting the ways you could help us grow. You would need to speak to Aodh about that, since he runs that however-- so for now, it's a non-issue." With that, he would then straighten a bit and glance toward Frey, making sure she didn't have anything else that she wished to address before her leave.

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Post Words: 667
Thread Words: 3,656

Freyleif rose a brow at the sudden transformation but saw through the disguise and gave a small smile. She accepted the phone with an incline of her head in thanks, she didn’t mind the technology and observed the strange phone in her hand before tucking it away in her pant’s pocket. When the three questions came up she stayed silent and let Erek answer that before speaking, “I’ll have your head too if ‘experiments’ cause any problems, other than that, yes, go to Aodh and Faelen O’Mongan for any labs to work in.” she then thought on the second question. Erek’s suggestion was a good one in a ‘get out of jail card’ but maybe she could extend a bit further than that?

She moved her hands in front of her and cupped them. A few moments later she parted her hands and a shimmer sparked before a soul synthesis paper unfurled before them, it had the Queen’s signature and a declaration that Niji was part of the Order and she was to help Quincy with their experiments.

“Use this if you have to, alright? If they dare complain I’ll deal with their heads too,” she said firmly and dropped her arms back to her side as the paper remained floating in the air for Niji to take. “That’s all, you’ll be in good care with Erek.” she smiled towards him, if he continued to do a good job like this then surely he would gain a Sternritter title - he didn’t know it but she had to test him.

She gave an exhaled and looked out over the area, breathing in the Japanese cuisine that she could smell for miles. She couldn’t relax now and lazy around even though she was still hurting inside. With Erek dealing with Jian it would pull off some stress from her back and she could deal with other matters on her own. Freyleif gave a wave before moving off tucking her hands into her denim jean’s pockets and followed randomly through the rubbled sidewalk with a downward gaze before kicking off a pebble. Her diamond etched tiara gleaming wherever the sun touched it.

--
358/1929=2287

---exit-

When Erek mentioned negative reactions from her eating habits causing harm to Quincy or her losing control and Hollowfying resulting in her death, or if Hollow Reiatsu caused harm to Quincy. Niji would nod, and to do it in private and don't eat Quincy or Human, Niji would nod, "I've been doing it for over a century in private. And no Quincy is harmed around me so far, so I don't think there's any risk of that, but that's fair to know ... although why'd I eat a Human or Quincy? Hollow's don't count as human, their beast like a dog or a cow ... still no need to worry about me eating people. I help people."

When Frey gave her the paper with her signature, with a note saying she was part of the Order and to help with Quincy with their experiments, "Thank you very much my Queen," Niji would say before slipping the paper in her duffel. And now she knew names to go to when she had earned their trust and they knew that she was on the side of the Quincy.

At asking if that was all, Niji'd give a deep bow, "I'm good, and I look forward to my being Erek's rag doll. Take care Queen Frey."

Niji really couldn't wait for her training to begin. Soon all of her Shinigami powers, her abilities, and whatever she did from here on out would be for helping the Quincy however she could.



--exit-

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Total Word Count: 3,734 (3,484+250)


Total GP: 74