We Are All That Remains

Reyla was not happy. While she knew from an objective standpoint that Aeserninus was right, she was an officer and they had all allowed proper decorum to slip, the way she spoke to them made Reyla's blood boil. Reyla understood that as an officer trying to apply discipline Victoria had to address everyone like this, but it made Reyla feel like she was being talked down do. As if Aeserninus thought she was better than Reyla was. However, Reyla forced those feelings down for the moment, especially since she wasn't so deluded as to believe that her own embarrassment at forgetting protocol had nothing to do with how she was perceiving Victoria's words, so without allowing any of her restrained frustration show on her face or in her voice Reyla lifted her hand in a salute as she stood at attention. "Reyla Natori, Third Division." 

Reyla took a breath before continuing, "And it was only Kyojin and I who were sparring ma'am. I was in the area after having finished applying supporting Bakudo to the surrounding buildings when I stepped in to observe and offered to provide a demonstration for the new recruits on what an actual combat situation would entail in a full contact fight with Kyojin while Yuudai and Ruby were here to separate us if someone did go to far. The others were here doing marching drills." While Reyla could reluctantly understand Victoria's tone, she didn't want anyone else to be brought under the focus of her ire when they weren't doing anything wrong, which sparring apparently was to this woman. 

Out of the corner of her eye Reyla saw Ruby trying to leave, so turning her attention back to Victoria she spoke up again, "With all due respect Ma'am I will have to take my leave. While I'm largely in charge of myself when it comes to my tasks at the moment, now that my purpose for being here has passed I should report to my superiors so that they know it's safe to send maintenance crews into some of the worse buildings in the area." With that Reyla bowed respectfully, if a bit stiffly, and turned to leave in the same direction as Ruby, slowing down as she came to the fiery woman's side just enough to give her a chance to softly speak, "You look like you could use a place to calm down and vent a bit, if you'd like meet me at the west gate in two hours, I know a place that's great for that kind of thing." With that Reyla sped up and left the training field, making her way to go report on her progress.

[EXIT]
WC:445
TWC:3244

Tristan felt the shudder of power as Victoria made her entrance, it was enough to make his stomach turn. She quickly made her way around the situation and before anyone had time to think she was putting the smack in smackdown, sending Yuudai thudding to the ground to just pick him up and slap him around a bit. Had it been at another time he would have probably laughed at the sheer slapstick of it all but with everything that had happened laughter was not on his mind at all. He had felt disgusted with himself for not having the power to have stopped this before it had reached this level of crazy but given his current state he was in no position to attempt to stop Osamu or Ruby without getting himself killed. 

His grip loosened upon his Zanpakuto; "Oh thank goodness..." He heard Kiken sigh with relief and Tristan much agreed with the statement. He sheathed his Zanpakuto and quickly snapped to attention, he felt his arm twinge with pain as the wound continued to drip blood down his arm. "Ma'am. Tristan White, I just returned from patrol when I entered the barracks and saw the event." He made sure to stay very still and to not make eye contact but to merely stare straight ahead. He was starting to realise that staying with Victoria in such a mood would not do well for his lifespan, as well as the wound giving him lovely streaks of red as he held his salute.

"This woman gives me the creeps... She is full on she-devil." Kaze spoke up but it was not in her usual overconfident tone but rather there was a hint of fear in her voice, a new experience for Tristan to see Kaze in such a way but given the circumstances, he fully understood why Victoria was terrifying. Like an icy demon, she could make everyone in the vicinity snap to attention not just because of her position and rank but also from her sheer dominance as a shinigami, a true god of death. He was hoping that he could be dismissed to get his arm looked at but also just to be able to breathe properly again, he needed to go somewhere quiet for just a moment to clear his head as too much had happened today and a strong drink was going to be just what to doctor ordered.

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WC: 404
Total WC: 1,576

The Third Seat’s style of problem solving was similar to Ruby's, Machie mused almost fascinated. Shouting and doling out blows to anyone who stepped out of line seemed to be how the Fifth handled things. It made Victoria's chastising words seem ironic, was she not doing the exact same thing the loose cannon had done? The difference, Machie decided, was that when Victoria threw her weight around people actually behaved. Mostly. She was too impressed at how quickly the Third Seat made everyone else back down to be critical.

Might makes right, I suppose.

And then Victoria turned that cold gaze on them.

Dammit.

The demand for an introduction was easy to fulfill, the challenge was also easy to deal with. Machie would just pretend she had not been dared to disrespect her superior. The best way to get out of this predicament unscathed was to metaphorically show her belly. If Machie had been prideful, it would have rankled her. However, the feline woman's pride, if she could be said to have any, was based on her cleverness, her ability to think before acting. Right now, using that skill seemed to be the best option.

“It's a pleasure to meet you, Third Seat Aesieninus,” Machie greeted calmly, albeit sounding a tad nonplussed. She bowed at the waist, sparing no decorum (she liked her bones intact, thank you very much), before continuing. “I am Machie, I have no surname. You may address me however you see fit, Ma’am.”

The thin woman very decidedly did not look towards the exit nor shiver. The direct attention was highly uncomfortable and Machie gladly would have sunk into the ground, if only she knew how. There had to be a technique for that. Her outward expression was distant, though the slight tension in her face revealed her discomfort to anyone perceptive enough. At least, Machie thought, she wasn't being singled out. Perhaps Ruby's attempted retreat would shift that piercing gaze away from her. A sliver of hope wormed its way into the general feeling of dread and malaise that had settled over the feline shinigami.

It could be said that wallflowers wilt under scrutiny.

Words: 359
Total: 2152

He listened intently as everything unfolded around him, the spellcaster being the first to speak up. She got it right for the most part, he reasoned, and she was smart to try and remain neutral.

But his eyes were trained on Ruby.

He watched as she let out her sign, then looked down to the fallen soldier at her feet. She spoke up and vindicated his words, sheathing her blade like a good dog. So she can recognize danger when she sees it. She just needs to be taught. His skin tingled when he heard her blade slide, then click into place safely at her side.

Victoria’s displeasure was more than apparent as she scooped the sod she laid ruin to up. She tore into the lot of them, ending with a pointed jab toward Osamu and Ruby. His eyes narrowed and his lip curled into a half smile. She slapped Yuudai across the face, a cold move he’d do well to jot into memory. This was an officer. This was command. This was authority. She was hardened, and literally commanded the respect of those around her. He’d do well to emulate it in his own way in the Second.

She ordered Ruby on patrol with her the following morning, then commanded the silent few to introduce themselves.

His eyes never left Ruby.

She was clearly taken back by Victoria’s reaction to everything, and perhaps embarrassed in front of everyone. He understood. But that doesn’t spare her reconciliation for her attack on him. As he stared, his expression was calm and indifferent, but beneath the surface his blood boiled and heart raced. He was waiting for an opportunity to make his move. One would present itself, of that he was sure.

Over the course of Victoria’s tirade, he watched as Ruby nearly was overwhelmed with emotion, though she managed to temper herself. She listened. Or maybe thought, who knew. Eventually, through shut eyes and a deep bow, she excused herself and spun on her heel, making her way away from the courtyard.

One of the recruits spoke up and introduced himself, then finally the spellcaster Reyla. She was another one he’d have to remember. She too found a way of excusing herself, and probably for her own good. What was going on was complete madness, as always with interactions in the Fifth. She came to Ruby, and whispered something he couldn’t quite catch.

But he watched as she rounded the corner, one after the other. He’d lost sight of her, so he kept her firmly locked in his spiritual awareness. His intensity was so great, he managed a precise location, or at least what he thought was a precise location. He clutched at the hanging flap of uniform. The move was so intricate, he truly doubted any around would even notice.

In his place stood an exact clone of himself whose gaze trained on Victoria, listening to whatever she may say next, for as long as it may stay. It didn’t matter, though, because by the time the clone vanished, all that would remain would be his tattered garment.

Out of sight, he made haste after Rubicana. Confident his ruse would last long enough to keep him safe, he made his way in and around the avenues of the Fifth and after that damned woman.

*****

555 / 2,859 / 57

EXIT

Yuudai was almost immediately slapped by Victoria as she pulled him up. He felt something in his face crack a little. Yuudai couldn't help but feel a little peeved at that.  Well, I'm sorry that I forgot how to address you as Officer after you SLAMMED INTO ME AND BROKE SOME FUCKING BONES! Of course, he didn't say this out loud, but he also deep down felt that he hadn't slighted her. He had shown her respect, at least he thought he had.

"Yes, Officer Aeserninus. I meant nothing by it, a slip of the tongue. My mistake ma'am." He remained standing as each of the new recruits introduced themselves, but by this point, Yuudai really wasn't paying attention. I really should get myself checked out. He remained at attention throughout her speech and throughout the introductions. After everything seemed to have quieted down, he decided it was time to ask. "Officer Aeserninus, ma'am. May I request I take my leave so as to check out my condition at the hospital?"

He looked at her, and gently said something, barely loud enough so that only she could hear. "May I also request I speak with you privately about some matters after you return from your patrol, ma'am?"

Yuudai didn't move from his attention position, knowing that if he did it could very well be the last thing he ever did.



Word Count: 230
Total Word Count: 2863
GP: 57

Things had fallen tremendously far if so many were leaving without the dismissal of a superior officer. First Ruby, then the third division woman who's name she'd not committed to memory and then Shimazu. She wasn't surprised by this. The second division had never been the division full of order following types. Always chock full or lone wolves and barely contained psycho types hiding behind a badge or ninja mask. Apparently Shimazu was the 'I am the law!' type. His little decoy didn't fool her for a second. She'd have to meet up with him later and set things right with him. And by set things right she meant hand him back his uniform and inform him that if he wanted to leave his uniform in her division he may as well join it. Where that went after was up to him hopefully he wouldn't be so high on his 'authority' as what was basically a security officer to get uppity with her.

Turning an eye to Yuudai she frowned at him. What was with these boys nowadays? All timid and quiet. True the loud boisterous types did get annoying but to ask her to an audience was a simple enough thing to be asked in front of everyone else. "Whatever it is you can say it here. If its something you'd rather not say in front of those present besides myself you can wait till I dismiss."

Returning her gaze to the remaining people she looked them all over once more. "I want to see your names on the patrol volunteer lists when I return from my patrol. If you have time to fuss about in this nonsense then you have plenty of time to pick up a short patrol and give someone who's been out there for a while a chance to return for a rest. I don't recall having whatever orders were given that got you all here cross my desk and I sure as shit wouldn't have cleared them either. I don't know if you've all noticed but we're really short on bodies out there. We don't have time for you all to be playing soldier in the rear. So get on the list as a squad and get out there."

She didn't ask if she was clear. She was certain she didn't. She'd leave it at that. "Dismissed." Waiting for the others to leave the area she turned to Yuudai and looked him over momentarily. She truly had busted him up when she'd made contact while trying to save him from being cleaved in half. Well, broken bones could be healed but death was permanent. 

"Out with it Yuudai. I have a very early patrol and need to get some sleep before I deploy," she said the ice leaving her voice and being replaced with exhaustion.

WC-470

As the courtyard emptied Kyojin shot a last long gaze over to Victoria. It was a pity he didn't know the Third Seat better. Knowing her mind, who she was, it could prove important. Espacially in these times.

When he turned away from them an walked towards the exit of the cortyard as one of the last his thoughts where on the past events. So could it be, that even the Fifth was that rotten inside, that Shinigami who weten't even officers, passed their own orders without consulting superiors? It was a disturbing thought. Although it had been a fight for everyone these past years, they were still the Fighting Fifth. And through all the numbness Kyojin still felt like it was his place and there was a certain pride left. So even if his pride and honor as a warrior wouldn't tell him to continue fighting for the cause, there was still a little else left.

Some kind of silver lining where the existence of people like Victoria. Again it struck Kyojin as funny: when he spoke up that they all should be out there, fighting to reclaim the ground they had lost, he got slapped. The Third Seat slapped everyone herself and then told them the same. Power...it was your power. If you had it... Ah well, that was a problem not to be solved in a day. But Kyojin would get there. He knew what had to be done, what his duties where. And now that a real superior hat confirmed that...

As he just left the courtyard a sound was heard in the general silence. The same sound that started all the fuss for Kyojin: A snort. Probably no one but him heard, but it wasn't meant for anyone. It just expressed the frustration again. Frustration over a wasted day when he could have been out there.

---

311

EXIT

Tristan could only bow his head in respect and detach himself from the situation. He had watched Ruby storm off, Yuudai gets smacked around more than any other member of the fifth in a long time and of course, there was the intruder. It wasn't a thought that stuck in his head for long but what if that member of the second really was up to no good? he tried to remove such thoughts from his head before it began to fester and decay much like the Seritei. He raised his head and held his arm once more before taking a sigh of relief as he exited through the main entrance and made his way towards the medical bay, it was not an unpleasant walk and it would have been a pleasant one if the Seritei was in bloom as it soon would be given the time of year. The cherry blossoms would be starting to flourish, the grass would begin to release fresh scents and the sun would become warmer. Overall very encouraging and cheerful thoughts and ones that he only saw now in his inner world for the Gotei had long lost such luxuries to the plague and now it was as barren as Hueco Mundo.


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210 words
Overall 1,786 words.

EXIT

Victoria’s dismissal should have made Machie feel relieved. Instead, she was annoyed and thoroughly disappointed. What was the point of showing up for training when it devolved into temper tantrums and subsequently getting criticized for showing motivation to improve? Missions were good and well, but they were no reason her skills and abilities should be neglected and allowed to rust. Why limit her potential to contribute to rebuilding? The rebuke left a bitter taste in her mouth.

Nasima had pushed her to seek out others, to stop trying to do everything on her own. When she finally sought out her fellow division mates, Machie wished she hadn’t bothered --they would have been more likable and trustworthy in her eyes had she not witnessed this trainwreck. How was she supposed to follow the lead of people who didn’t bother to think about anything but making those under them grovel? And those who were eager to punish someone for not feeling secure in leadership during such a trying time?

Machie shook her head and headed for the exit. There was only one person who held her interest now, the man who had stood up to all this madness the first time. Sure, Kyojin’s snort had been ill-timed and rude, but he’d had the backbone to resist Ruby’s temper. Although the feline woman still had her misgivings (it wasn’t a wise move to voice disapproval when surrounded by such aggressive people), she was curious as well.

Picking up speed, the dark skinned woman tried to catch up with Kyojin’s retreating form.

Words: 258
Total: 2410

EXIT

Yuudai waited for everyone to leave. Why did I ask for her audience so quietly? That's so unlike me. Perhaps you were so afraid of getting nailed by her again that your voice lost itself. Yuudai couldn't help but agree with his Zanpakutō. Victoria Aesirninus was a scary woman indeed.

After everyone had left, she turned to him and told him to spit it out, the iciness that was once in her voice now heavy with exhaustion. She really is working herself to the bone huh?

"First off, I would again like to apologize for not calling you by your title ma'am. I meant nothing by it, it was simply a lapse in judgment that I intend to make sure is corrected." This wasn't the only thing Yuudai had wanted to talk about. Rather, this was merely an afterthought brought on by a mixture of guilt and physical pain.

"Secondly, I need both advice and guidance." Yuudai gulped down whatever pride he had. I can't do it myself anymore. I'm about at the end of my rope. There's nothing wrong with asking for help.

"As you may know, Ms. Hazuki Tsukimiya had created the Public Safety Office or PSO. Soon after it was created she set out to campaign for people to join it, and I was among the lucky few who got an audience, and I was the only one who was actually accepted into the PSO." Yuudai's face remained grave, the memories flooding back.

"Soon afterward though, Ms. Tsukimiya left the Seireitei, leaving me the acting director. For the past five years, I've been working on keeping this office alive, but I've barely managed to keep it alive." He looked directly at the woman before him. "I need help. I want to keep this office going, but I don't have the strength by myself. Hell, I don't even know if it should be kept alive, but for now I just want some guidance in terms of what to do. Do I need a big recruiting drive? Do I need someone to take over in terms of directing? I need your help ma'am." Yuudai stood stock still, his words hanging in the air. Well, the worst she can do is tell me to just let it die. Even if she does that, I'll still be happy knowing that I had someone to at least help me think this through.



Word Count: 400
Total Word Count: 3263
GP: 65

She waved off his apology. She knew he would. He'd never struck her as the type to be capable of making the same mistake twice. He sought her opinion on the matter of the Public Safety Office. She knew almost nothing about the office itself. She was almost surprised he'd attempted to keep the group alive in the current climate. Though he'd come to the wrong person to ask if he wanted to know if he should keep it open or not. Her opinion was that every able bodied person should be rotating in and out of patrols so no one found themselves deployed for longer than several days. 

"Close it," she said turning to walk away from him but not taking a step. "My opinion is that such side organizations and units should be abolished till our numbers have significantly recovered. At present all able bodies shinigami, regardless of division, should be deployed to Earth on a rotation so no single group or persons end up with patrols lasting in excess of a week. Obviously, you by yourself are incapable of ensuring Ms. Tsukimiya's goals for the organization are carried out to fruition by yourself. So, close the Public Safety Organization and focus on your duties as a fifth division member."

With that she strode away. In her rush to reach the grounds to find out with White had meant by his text message she'd let her phone drop to the ground as she sped away. It'd take her a few minutes to retrace her steps and locate it but she was certain she'd recover the handy piece of tech.

(EXIT)

WC- 271
Total- 1909
GP- 38