Life may be a storm. Torment and strife may just be around the next corner, but despite this, life must go on. The citizens of the Rukongai are a varied bunch. They are not united by any stretch of the imagination, but despite this, for the most part they get along. They work together, they befriend and socialise together. People of wildly different philosophies can get together and just enjoy a meal and one another's company.

Indeed, secretly some Hollow have befriended Rukons, and even a few Shinigami. Beings who should be mortal enemies can see past the stereotypes and get along. In secret though. It is still dangerous to assume that every Hollow is a friend. Indeed, most Hollow still see the inhabitants of the Rukongai and Seireitei as lunch. But this tale isn't about such Hollow. No, this tale is about the friendly kind.

At the start of the year a young dragon fell upon the roof of an elderly Ex-Shinigami, retired due to health problems. If he hadn't been so ill, he would have vanquished her on the spot. But after her not killing him immediately, he began to trust the dragon. She led him to her cave for training during which the Rukon saw what few non-Hollow, if any, had born witness to before, her evolution from Adjuchas to Arrancar.

Following this the pair, the dragon now assuming the guise of a young girl, returned to the house where they had first met, the girl pretending to be the gent's adopted daughter. Yet tragedy was soon to strike, for a horde of her fellow Hollow launched a massive attack upon the walls of Seireitei, drawing her into battle with her own people. Fortunately, fate spared her from making an actual attack upon her people.

Nine months have passed since the pair met. Unbeknownst to Yoshiya, violent tendencies were swelling up in his daughter. Perhaps there was to be another storm approaching...

But for the moment the house was at peace. Yoshiya was reclining in a chair at the table. Outside the world was dark, the night having fallen. It was a calm, quiet night. If he were to have gone to the roof, he could have seen the stars, glistening in splendiferous array, but he was downstairs, watching the dance of embers in the fireplace. In the sink lay the remnants of dinner, various dishes left soaking in water.

It was a slice of normality, and it wasn't so bad, he thought. If life was always like this, then he would be content.

Kurai was on the floor, drawing on a scrap of paper. It'd been a few days since she returned her home from the wastelands. It was hard, hiding her new hate, from her "father." It even made her stomach twist in disgust whenever she called him that. He would never be her true father. But, until she got what she wanted from him, she had to pretend, to be the sweet, innocent little girl she was before her true instinct woken deep within her small, twisted little heart.

For now, though, she'd take some time and draw. And so she did, faintly humming under her breath. The little fawn was nestled up against the arrancar's side, snoozing after her meal of leafy greens, berries, and bark. Reaching a hand back, Kurai ran a finger along the forehead of the deer, a small, genuine smile appearing on her lips.

"Father."

He looked at his daughter as she addressed him. "Yes hun?"

He chuckled to himself as he saw her cuddling with her pudu, memories reaching his mind. "Ah Kurai. I remember the day I asked who Cheema was, and all you said was that Cheema was Cheema." His own hand fell to Yggdrasil, a palm resting on her back, feeling her warmth.

"We've been through a lot, old girl. Thank-you for being with me all these years." He didn't know where he would be without that cat. Perhaps she was the only person in the world who could put up with him. His mood swings, his flakiness, his delusions of grandeur, his flakiness. This was a soul who he could truly resonate with.

Yet again his eyes fell upon his daughter. Maybe for once he could do some good. If this child could pave the way for union between the three races of this land, if she could show that they could live in peace, that there was another way... A hollow who did not eat people. The strands of fate were interwoven with this one.

Her eyes finally reached Yoshiya, something behind them stirring. Now was the time to ask. Tonight was the night she would get the information she needed, for revenge. She gently sat up, picking up the deer and placing it into her lap. She gazed back down to the dear as her thoughts started to fall into place, how to make it seem like she wasn't going to use this information to use against the very creatures that fought against her kind.

"Can you tell me about the shinigami? I want to know more about them. I only know that they hunt my kind, and would like to know why they would do so." She kept her eyes down at Cheema, hiding the malicious intent that gleamed in their depths from the man.

Yoshiya turned in his chair to properly face his beloved daughter, an old hand resting on the corner of the table.

"Why are they supposed to hunt Hollow, more like..."

"Well, the short answer to that question is that in the year 500, they signed an agreement with the Rukon Citizens to defend them from Hollows in exchange for goods. Of course that raises the question as to why they would ask that. The truth is," he lent forwards at this point, a sombre tone becoming prominent in his voice. "most Hollow eat Rukons and Shinigami. You are an exception to this. A marvellous, wonderful exception." He let out a small sigh.

"If we can convince other Hollow that they need not eat humans, and the Rukongai and maybe even Seireitei that Hollow are no longer a threat, then maybe we can end this cycle of violence that has lasted far too long..."

The bearded one became suddenly aware that he was rambling on, and more to himself than his daughter.

"Anyway, is there anything else you'd like to know?"

Kurai inwardly rolled her eyes. Getting hollows not to eat people? Impossible. Even she didn't know how many of her kind roamed this world she called home. They ranged greatly in size, from small birds to giant reptiles, and all of them hid very well. Hollows were more liable to stab each other in the back and consume each other than band together. Even that event during the spring, when the mass of hollows attacked Seireitei and the Rukongai, they turned on each other in the end and fled, killing not only Shinigami and Rukons, but their own kin as well.

Kurai's lips turned down slightly at the corners. Her kind were truly pathetic. But then again, she did witness one night another Rukon assaulting a fellow. Maybe all three factions weren't very different. Hollows just showed their true colors right off the bat.

"I want to know the important people of the Shinigami, that way I'll know who to avoid. And just about everything about the Shinigami."

Yoshiya wasn't sure whether to be ecstatic or be in trepidation. Finally, he had a sort of student. On the other hand...the Shinigami...that was a massive topic. Where would he even start? And would he be a sufficient teacher? Nevertheless, he needed some of his charts for this. Having a visual reference would make this task much easier.

"I'll do my best. Follow me."

With that an aged Rukon pushed his chair back, the wooden legs scraping against the floor, before arising and trudging up the stairs to his desk.

A grunt escaped the lips of Kurai as she pushed herself up and jumped the rest of the way so she stood her full three feet and five inches. The little deer that was next to her stirred slightly, an eye lazily opening before closing once again, a snort of air leaving its snout, causing Kurai to giggle softly.

Treading on light feet, the humanoid hollow followed silently up to the bedroom with Yoshiya, eyes flashing in excitement with the knowledge she was about to take apart and use it to her own advantage. Once she got the information, Kurai would have to go straight back to her little group with her stolen findings. With this, she could start to plan out an attack on those that oppressed her kith and kin.

Upstairs Yoshiya unrolled a scroll of paper, containing a crude map of Seiretei scrawled upon its aged parchment.

"Before I begin, please bare in mind that I left nearly a millennium ago, so be aware that some of this information may be out of date."

He cleared his throat as he stretched his staff over the shoulder of his daughter, a gloved hand holding a portion of his soul, now relegated to the role of glorified pointing stick, much longer than what is practical, but his mastery of the weapon allowed him to cope with the large amount of material protruding behind him as he gestured.

"The Shinigami are broken up into five divisions. Each division has up to twenty officers, known as seated members, though there are many seats which are unfulfilled. The first seat of each division is known as a Taichou, and is responsible for the whole division. Each Taichou has a haori to identify them as such."

His voice turned cold and serious, the words enough to chill the bone.

"If you meet a Taichou, be very careful. A tenth seat or higher can challenge their Taichou for their seat in one on one combat. So, you should expect each Taichou to be extremely capable in a fight."

The tone mellowed...slightly, as Yoshiya continued on, his words going from warning back to education.

"The second seat is known as the Fukutaichou, and can be identified by a badge around their arm. Again, be especially careful around them."

With that, the rod moved to the centre of the chart, obscuring the faded letters identifying the spot as the First Division.

"The First Division is primarily charged with communications. The head of this division is in charge of the Shinigami as a whole, and is such known as the Soutaichou. The current Soutaichou is Malik Tanaka, who instigated the construction of Seireitei. He is an extremely important man. There are rumours that his age is starting to affect his physical condition, but he is generally still regarded as a fierce fighter. Though I have my suspicions that he may be somewhat sympathetic to our cause, as he views Hollow as creatures to be pitied. He is probably the most important man in the world. Remember that, should you meet him."

The rod moved closer to his daughter, pointing at the south of the chart.

"The Second is in charge of healing. They aren't known for their combat prowess, but still be careful. We don't want someone inspecting your 'wounds' too thoroughly. Their Taichou is Harupia Hitoshi. He is generally considered a kind soul, but he is still a Shinigami."

His illness had wiped all memory of their most recent altercation. If it had not, his views on the man would have been somewhat more hostile. A sharp tap on the table signified his setting of his staff upon the part most distant from his daughter. His old home. The Third Division.

"The Third Division is basically a library, holding all known records of the world in it. It is also responsible for investigations, so avoid talking to them. They're trained at gleaning information from people."

His mind settled on an incident a number of years back with a particular member of the Third who had no regard for due process. That was a nightmare, for all involved.

"Their Taichou is Kurisuna Kaisokui. She has been a close friend of the Soutaichou since before Seiretei was built. She also has a reputation as a fierce swordswoman."

Once again his hand moved, this time south and west across the map, to the Fourth Division.

"The Fourth Division are responsible for the internal security of Seireitei, and also manage its gaol. As such, they're trained for trouble, so be careful of all of them. Their leader is Kiba Shuchiku, the sort of guy who would barge in and ask questions later. Although there are rumours that he has stood down, and more that say he is dead, but no word as to if he has been replaced."

For the last time, his rod moved, this time to the right side of his diagram.

"Finally, we have the Fifth Division. These are the Shinigami you are most likely to see, as they are in charge of keeping Hollow out of the Rukongai. I shouldn't need to warn you about them. Their leader, Taisho Techimaru, recently took over after their previous Taichou stood down, though he served as Fukutaichou for a number of years prior. He's known for two things. His muscles, and his vanity."

Watson leaned back, his talk done.

"Did I answer your question? Is there anything you would like me to elaborate on or clarify? Is there anything else you would like to know?"

Kurai was completely focused for the lecture she received, but halfway through, her child-like mind began to wander. She started to grow bored from the information her adopted father gave her, wasn't what she wanted. Then again, she didn't ask the question correctly. She plopped down on the wooden floor, pretending to think over the information with a hardened gaze before muttering to Yoshiya.

"The night I met you, I had a run in with two Shinigami... The one that chased me was big. Like, impossibly big, and had really long hair. I couldn't tell what color it was because I couldn't differentiate colors when I was an adjucha. He was the one that scarred my tail. The other Shinigami was also a man." Kurai grew silent for a few seconds, they seeming longer than they actually were.

She then rose her gaze to meet the old Rukon's. "I just found out a couple weeks ago that they murdered my friend. My source says that it was a she, meaning that another showed up while I had fled from the scene... I'm thinking it is this Kurisuna woman. Tell me more about them."

"I'm sorry for your loss."

It was all he could say. He had seen much death in his time, but he couldn't remember a time when he had been to close to someone who had lost, mostly because Yoshiya was a recluse, and this was one of the reasons why. Kurai had been fortunate to arrive when he was ill, and had grown close when instinct was skewed. She had become imprinted on his life when his life was open. 

"Probably when Ebenezer Sr died in '37...."

Though it was odd. Yoshiya had been home for several hours. Why hadn't young Kurohime mentioned the death of her friend earlier? But that wasn't important. He was at somewhat of a loss on how to act now though. He would do his best.

Crouching down, Yoshiya would scoop his daughter into his arms, warmly embracing the young Hollow for several moments, his warm aged arms enveloping her petite frame. Five seconds later, he would release her, and address her question.

"Kurai, first of all, just because it was a woman doesn't mean it was Kurisuna." Those were some pretty shoddy grounds to base a theory on. Approximately half the Gotei were female after all. "If you want, I could try and obtain the records of everyone who passed through the gates that night."

The man stepped back a bit, his head bowed. Kurisuna was part of his past. He'd worked under her for around six hundred and fifty years, through both Gotei. She was his boss, his former Fukutaichou and Taichou. She was part of something he had been trying to run away from for oh so very long.

"Kurisuna Saikokui....there are a million rumours surrounding that woman. She is probably the most enigmatic person around. Who knows how many of these tales are true? Some may be perpetrated by her."

He thought to some of the tales surrounding himself. It was convenient to have an aura of unease surrounding you. It kept people away.

"Before the establishment of trade relations between the Rukon and the Shinigami, there was only one division, if you could call it that. Malik was the Taichou and Kurisuna was the Sou-I mean Fukutaichou." It was a small, insignificant slip of the tongue. His mind was elsewhere, thinking about the mystery of that woman. "She was his right hand woman. I always knew her as somewhat of a busybody. I suppose that's how she became head of the information branch. I don't know. The general consensus was that she held a paternalistic approach to management. The thirty years I worked under her in the Third Division were probably when my illness was at its worst, so I can't claim I am unbiased. She was fantastic in her job though. I dunno, I didn't care for her much. Maybe it was her constant queries on how I was doing. Maybe it was some resentment that she didn't show any interest during the Great Split. I would have expected more of the Fukutaichou."

He was rambling, and aware of it. Kurisuna was not exactly the easiest person to pin down, both figuratively and literally.

"I do know she's a fine swordhand, keen gardener, although I doubt that would be of any interest to you..."

"You're putting it off, Yoshiya."

"Kurisuna had a pair of illegitimate twins, Kaede and Kochi. And well...this is where things become unclear."

Yoshiya coughed to clear out his throat, just delaying this, the true meat of the subject, for as long as he could.

"It's generally accepted that her children were murdered by Hollow sometime in the early seventeenth century. After this, she became heavily reliant on her Fukutaichou, Sumie Natsukoi. It's said she broke down, becoming consumed by this event. Some say she wandered into the wastelands that night and slew a thousand Hollow, then returned to work the next day, oblivious to the blood of the dead staining her uniform. Others say that she refuses to even acknowledge the existence of her two children. It's believed that there is some tension between her and Kiba of the Fourth because he is dating Sumie. It's really hard to say.

However, both Sumie and Kiba are rumoured to be dead. I've heard word that the Third's Fukutaichou position has been filled, but..." Yoshiya shrugged, "it's hard to find out anything. Communication has never been great, and it's only deteriorated."

A sigh passed the man's lips.

"Kurai Kurohime, if Kurisuna did kill your friend, you must not seek revenge. Not because you shouldn't, but because it is futile. Her skills are legendary, and she would strike you down on the spot."

A brief pause entered the room, though it seemed like an eternity. Outside, some bird cawed in the blackness of the ended day, for some unknown reason.

"Anyway, how did you hear about this? Would you tell me more about your source and your friend?"

She'd never actually told him about those events, and it had been a source of curiosity for that man. Perhaps now he'd hear what happened that night...

SPOILER: Click to show

{RP Mod Interjection}
Alright, this is something that was missed when it happened and is somewhat stupendous, so we're going to kinda cover it now. First and foremost, outright meta-gaming that does not stem from this current thread:

Here is the confession from Satoru re: Ryuu's death and the witnessing thereof. Obviously, if a thread happens and a character is not created in time to participate, forget if they were created and simply chose not to, they cannot claim to have witnessed the event. Therefore, the claim that Satoru witnessed Ryuu's execution is invalid - it cannot have happened because Hollow presence was a driving factor in that thread, and would have been noted, so to have a character in the thread before the character ever existed is, put simply, ludicrous.

Based on this, Kurai would have zero knowledge of what occurred in the thread that she was not present to witness personally, including the presence of Kurisuna.

As well, based on the timeline of this thread (a few weeks after the previously linked), Kiba would not at this time be labeled missing (not that he ever was) or presumed dead, as at this time, he would not be dead.

Because of the tardiness in terms of catching the abuse, punitive action is not really an option; instead, the matter simply should be settled with the acknowledgement that 'information that cannot exist does not exist'. Therefore, for the purpose of this thread, the last two posts as well as the purported witnessing of the event via Satoru must be considered redacted.

Naturally, should this be deemed unfair or otherwise wish to be disputed, simply say so and I will handle the matter of translating the issue to the dispute thread.

Thread locked on request, points to be allocated thus:

Yoshiya: 5 RP
Kurai: 4 RP