[bgcolor=555555]

SPOILER: Click to show

This and the actual post are a lot to read, I know, but bear with me.

The Lowdown - This event is basically going to be zombie freeze tag style in honor of Halloween. I will be using a set number of zombies; 20 to start (not counting fodder I use in the set up), with an additional 10 depending on how many people join up or how fast the original guys get knocked off. You CAN get infected, but there is a cure. This is a regular event so you CAN die if you're doing something really stupid. You CAN try to kill other players if you wish. Plot related characters will be introduced toward the tail end of the thread. I will also be using various NPCs from different Shinigami divisions and the Rukongai. The rules of the thread are listed below. There will be a separate spoiler detailing the types of enemies you're dealing with.

Rules:

★ There is no limit on the number of people who can join, but this is a present thread that does effect RP, so you cannot be in a present thread when you join. You can be in a past thread.

★ There will be no post order for this event, but you can only post once after my latest post.

★ You must post within 24 hours of my last post. If you do not, you will be skipped and automatically infected if you aren't already. In many cases, infection occurs through injury, so you will get hurt. If you get skipped three times, you must sit the remainder of the thread out until the end where cures and healing will be administered. This means you can't join another present thread.

★ Don't RP actions of my NPCs. Try to avoid NPC use on your parts altogether and focus on other RPers as far as getting things done. I will allow messages and the like to be delivered via NPCs if it's necessary.

★ If you get infected, you cannot post for two turns because you are 'frozen'. If someone gets you the cure in that time period, you can resume as normal after my next post. If you do not get the cure within two rounds, you start undergoing transformation and can now infect other characters. The cure cannot be administered after that until the end of the thread because the character must be held down and given a special dose. You CAN be reinfected after getting the cure during the course of the thread.

★ You can use your personal abilities after being infected, but you can only pass it on by biting, scratching, or blood absorption through wounds or other open areas; eyes, mouth, ears, nose.

★ If the thread is not done by late Halloween night, I will have NPCs come in and wipe out the rest of the infection and administer the cure.

★ I will note when someone has been infected, when they have been cured, and if they start to turn in a spoiler at the end of each post so you don't have to worry about keeping track of the post counts.

★ These zombies are not interested in devouring. Rather they are only seeking to infect and will ignore infected characters.

★ As with most zombies, head shots are the rule of thumb when knocking them off, but snapped necks and decapitation work too. Please keep in mind that zombies are not known in this realm. Your characters aren't going to automatically know this information, but it will be given out once people have entered so you aren't fighting in the dark.

★ When infected, your mental faculties will decline. Your complete focus will be to infect someone else.

SPOILER: Click to show

★ Biter - A fiendish creature with mottled flesh in blue, green, and gray tones. Bloody bandages cover where its eyes should be and its ears are mere holes in the side of its head. It has no nose to speak of, but it has a vicious overbite complete with protruding rows of sharp canines in varying lengths between one inch to three inches. These teeth are capable of biting through anything. The rest of its frame is almost average, garbed in rags and reaching five feet and six inches when standing straight; it does have dirty jagged nails that are easily capable of splitting fleshy surfaces though. Biters generally move at a slower shambling pace, but are capable of a stumbling run. They are physically strong. (Currently ten in number.)

★ Spitters - Rather ghoulish in appearance, these creatures have a partially stitched mouth, opened only in the center where its abnormally long tongue slithers back and forth across the dead and peeling gray flesh of its face. Though it has no teeth to bite a victim, spitters have an organ beneath their tongue which is capable of spurting out the infection in the form of a liquid over long distances. The rest of its features are equally disgusting. One eye is sewn shut while the other bulges from a pronounced socket above the rest of its gaunt facial features. A few stray hairs top its head in a lank oily cover. It is similar to the biters in size and shares the poor manicure for close range infection, but it is not as strong physically. Spitters are very fast however, capable of reaching sprints equal to the quick steps of the three factions. (Currently ten in number.)

A chill swept through the third district of the Rukongai as the autumn wind howled around the edifices. None were exempt from the cold, but most had taken up shelter inside where small fires were started on the hearth and people gathered around to share the warmth along with food, drink, and stories. Natsukoi Sumie was not one of those sharing in the fires of fellowship. No, the Fukutaichou of the Third Division stood atop one of the taller structures, the loose fabric of her uniform billowing about her body as the wind whipped it in one direction then another.

Information was the Third Division's trade by nature and odd bits of it had been flowing into the Fukutaichou's office; the Fifth Division weren't the only ones with officers in the field, and those that were ingrained in the area had come to Sumie with tales she'd scarcely have believed if anyone else had brought them to her. Wraiths not of Hollow origin had been spotted. Given the scarcity of the appearances and the locations spotted, the informants had determined that the bizarre apparitions were scouts of some sort. In general, the reports said they'd simply look around then disappear back into the Wasteland. One agent had followed the creature into Hollow territory and mentioned losing it near a reishi pit.

In most cases, Sumie would have simply let those assigned to the various areas continue to keep an eye on the situation, but a few encounters had apparently led to altercations. Rukon Citizens who had spotted the things had engaged them. Sumie didn't know if they thought that the fiends were simply Hollow or if they were the types to run anyone and anything off their land, but the ghouls attacked the Rukon Citizens who instigated the incident. For the most part, the creature disappeared as soon as it inflicted an injury on the victim, but it was the victim's behavior after that which caught Sumie's interest. after a few moments, even with receiving medical attention, the injured party would become extremely hostile, attacking anyone in sight.

Things just got weirder from there. Some of those injured by the initial victims started to exhibit the same violence. Investigations into the incidents brought forth the conclusion that only certain types of injuries were shared among those who had changed. Because the aggression seemed to transmit like a disease, Sumie herself had come out to evaluate whether or not it was an issue that needed to be reported back to the Gotei as a whole; after all, they mostly concerned themselves with districts one and two, so unless this issue was set to threaten the inner rings of the Rukongai, Sumie would let the situation run its course. Granted, as with everything, the Third Division would keep their many eyes upon it.

So there Sumie stood, a silent spectator to the night. Her eyes, a warm brown by daylight, were cold, dark, and flat as they sunk into shadows cast by her fringe and the spotted starlight. The took in each detail of the area, imprinting them upon the canvas of Sumie's mind in crisp detail. A cat lay partway in an alley formed by two houses. Its body moved with the motions produced by gnawing. Underneath the wind, Sumie could just make out the sound of tortured squeaking. Her brow creased for a second; Sumie preferred rodents to felines, but she knew the cat would become the receiving end of the food chain at some point. The circle of life and all that.

The momentary lapse in outward concentration was broken as a shrill scream pierced the air. Sumie responded in a flash, almost literally as a Shunpo step carried her from her perch to a rooftop on the right. She sprinted across the top of the house before launching herself to the next with another Shunpo. The process repeated twice more and given Sumie's speed, it was not long before the woman was watching a garish scene unfold.

A man who was missing a sizable chunk from his upper arm was attempting to latch onto an older woman. She carried a walking staff, but it was not helping her take steps. Rather, the old crone was attempting to beat her attacker with it. Proper protocol insisted that Sumie simply watch the scene unfold, but Sumie was softer of heart than many people. The man was large and the woman old. Life wasn't fair, but that didn't mean Sumie couldn't even the playing field. She dropped down off the roof with a thud and a grunt though she landed on her feet. Despite the noise, the man didn't even turn his head. Sumie unsheathed her sword without ceremony. A warning was given but not heeded so Sumie moved forward.

Her blade caught the light of the moon as it made an upward arc followed by an angled slash, taking the man's left arm off just above the area where it had been bitten. It didn't seem to phase him, but the old woman whom has scuttled to the side shouted at Sumie. "Don't let him bleed on you and go for the head!" If the man hadn't turned his aggression toward Sumie, she might have quirked a brow at the woman's orders, but she didn't have time and besides, when in Rome...

Sumie maneuvered around the brute's outstretched arm, lopping it off to match its brother, but she danced out of the way as blood spurted from the stump. Regardless of lacking limbs, he kept coming, teeth gnashing. It matched the reports that Sumie had received in the general details. Words appeared bold in her mind's inner eye as she pivoted around the man, positioning herself behind him. The files had spoken of head injuries, decapitation, and broken necks being the only way these infected had been taken down. So up her sword came before altering its position to the horizontal. Sumie wasn't the strongest, but she knew how to compensate. Sword at neck level of the man, she put all her speed and strength into a single Shunpo step and sword slash.

The man's head hit the ground with a thump and rolled about for a few seconds before coming to a stop at the old woman's feet. His body came crashing down a few seconds later and much to Sumie's surprise, her own did too. Her muscles has simply seized up. "Oh dear," the old woman chattered. "It seems he nicked your arm with a fingernail." Whatever questions Sumie wanted to ask the woman remained sealed behind her lips which refused to move of their own accord, but the woman continued. "It's your lucky day though; I just happen to have a cure here!"

From a large satchel, the woman withdrew a vial of green liquid and a needle. Sumie wanted to roll away from her. She hated needles. Or she thought she did. Or felt. Thoughts were coming slow and difficultly. What was going on? The only thing registering now was the strong scent of dried plants. Herbs to be specific, but Sumie couldn't place the term. It reminded her of... something. The woman injected her with the liquid, but it didn't register to Sumie. Not at first anyways. After a minute or so, feeling began to flood back into her body. She could move again. She could also feel where the woman had stuck her with a needle. She rubbed vigorously at the spot and shuddered. She definitely hated needles.

"What just happened," Sumie said, questioning the other woman. The old woman just gave her a mysterious smile and handed Sumie the satchel. It was far heavier than it looked. Even sitting on the ground, Sumie grunted as she supported the weight. "You're going to need these. Save the blue ones for the lost causes. You're also going to need backup. Lots and lots of backup." The woman started to walk away, swinging her cane and whistling a merry tune. Sumie tried to get up and follow, but her strength hadn't fully returned and the satchel didn't help. "You have until dawn! Remember, go for the head! And you should probably burn the bodies..." Then the woman was simply gone and Sumie was alone.

A headache started to form behind Sumie's eyes. She almost wish she didn't have any feeling in her body again. However, there was work to do and if anyone could get something done, it was Sumie. She peered into the satchel that the mysterious woman had given her. It was full of vials and needles similar to what she had used on Sumie. Most were green, but a few were blue. There was also a piece of folded parchment pinned between the vials. Sumie carefully pulled it free and unfolded it, revealing what was written there.

SPOILER: Click to show

You must have terrible luck! I feel bad for you people. If it's not a virus it's a plague of dead things! I suppose I should tell you how to survive. This world simply wouldn't be as interesting without you wandering around it. No, not just you. I mean everyone. Sheesh, what an ego.

Like I said. Go for the head. Don't let them bleed on you. Don't let them bite, scratch, or spit on you either! You should burn the bodies too. If you get infected, get the cure. If someone doesn't get the green cure in time, give them the blue! You'll have to hold them down though. The cure wont work on those already dead. Don't bother.

The horde is coming.

They'll be here by dawn.

Get moving!

"The... horde... Crap."

Sumie struggled upward, satchel secure in her arms. She gave three short whistles and after a moment of silence, three figures wearing shinigami uniforms with the third division marking on the left side of the chest materialized from the shadows. "One of you needs to go to Seireitei. Alert the Gotei. Tell them there's an invasion coming. It's not Hollow. Have them send who they can. I'll fill them in on the details when they get here. I need the other two to raise this district. Evacuate people to the Second District. If they argue, leave them. We don't have time. Be careful. Now get going."

After a bow, the three departed; one to Seireitei while the others started to bang on doors, rousing people from their cozy homes and happy times. Sumie struggled her way back to a rooftop after disposing of the body she had decapitated. The satchel was with her. She hoped someone from the medical division showed. Sumie hated needles. All she could do now was wait. Hours ticked by. Soul Society was a large place, if she was lucky, people would show soon now that traces of dawn's light were starting to light the sky up.

[bgcolor=E86100] The Tiger is a fearsome creature, known to people as large and ferocious. These beasts tear their pray apart with their massive paws and powerful jaws... but then again, not all tigers are the same. There are the small and weak ones too, and the ones who don't hunt for food, but instead, treasures, like one small girl on the prowl for goods and valuables.

Who, you may ask? Sui. Torako.

Sui Torako was moving her way through the Third District, well.. sneaking, to be correct, the girl wearing her hood up as she moves slowly. It was all quiet and dark, the only things really making a noise being citizen's sleeping in their warm and comfy beds. But why wasn't Torako sleeping? Well, easy answer. To steal. Burglars do come and steal in the night. As she moved, she thought up a nice rhyme in her head, setting the mood for her adventures, which were about to unfold..

During the night.. the cat comes to fight..
Perhaps to scratch.. and maybe bite?
But don't chase them off.. with your lanterns full of fire..
Because maybe, just maybe.. you'll get a visit from the tiger.

But as she moved, she started to hear something else. Footsteps and knocking.. Something about people having to evacuate because of stuff... PERFECT! The girl was having a lucky night! If people left their houses, she could just steal valuable goods as they go away! Thus, she kept moving, looking into certain houses to see if they were empty.. and perhaps, loaded~

Not even a single thought went to her head about why people were leaving for safety. No-no, just keep smiling, Torako. It's your lucky day~!

Another day, another dawn. Another day of work. Another day of labour, keeping these Rukon and Shinigami alive.

Yoshiya arose from his bed, and got dressed, grabbing his staff and bundling his cloak around him. Same as always. Keep your head down, avoid eye contact. Glare at anyone who bothers you.

That was the plan anyway. But he was a man. And the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry.

He took two steps out of his doorway. Something was not right. The third district was run down, but not this run down.

Watson took a quick glance around and saw no immediate danger. Nor much else. It was quieter than usual. Not that he would complain, less people was a bonus, but why? Why were there so few people about?

"Best play it safe. You may need to use that pole of yours. That cloak will just get in the way"

Heeding his thoughts, Yoshiya retreated into his house and disposed of his cloak.

"Ok. Leaving, attempt two."

And so the man locked up and left, moving in the direction of the first district, clasping his staff tightly, ears perked, far more cautious than usual.

May his fears be unfounded

Sengoku was outside of his tavern, splitting logs with a large, heavy axe. The chilly weather had demanded an increase in the heat of the flames in his tavern, so he'd been caught off guard by the amount of wood being consumed. Rowdy voices echoed from inside his tavern, but the burly man paid them no mind. Folks around here, knew how to behave inside the Notched Axe, and the consequences if they didn't.

He found his rhythm after a few moments; place, swing, sweep, place. Place, Swing, Sweep, Place. Over and over and over again, he brought the axe whistling down onto a log, splitting it more or less down the middle into a manageable chunk that could be easily tossed into the fire pits or stoves of his work place.

Sengoku paused to wipe the sweat off his brow. Even in this cold weather, a man could still work himself into a mess, and while that was fine and good for keeping him to work, it would behoove him to avoid letting the sweat linger about in this cold air. A breexe carried a foul stench to his nose, and he wrinkled it with disgust. Something had died up-wind, and had been left to rot. Damned if he knew what it was, but the smell was quite unpleasant!

Ryuu was quite excited for some of the upcoming events in the Rukongai. He had a very special plan for what he would do. He would smile as he felt the blade tear into the skin. He would grin and laugh as he slowly but surely moved the blade and cut out sections of it piece by piece. He would grip the innards and feel them squish in his hands as they came out. Ryuu save them to eat for later and savor the taste. HE WOULD CARVE HIS BIGGEST AND BEST SMILE YET INTO IT'S FACE. For soon it would be time THE GREAT JACK O LANTERN CARVING COMPETITION. This was one of Ryuu's favorite activities. It had something to do with a harvest festival that had a horror theme. Ryuu didn't know too much about it but that didn't matter because the competition would be AWESOME.

However something threatened the sanctity of this great tradition. FOR SOMETHING WAS GOING DOWN IN RUKONGAI TOWN. Although it was technically a district. BUT THAT WAS BESIDES THE POINT. For Sumie wasn't the only one who noticed something wrong. Ryuu had caught glimpses of odd creatures shambling along under the midnight sky. He had also noticed shinigami tailing them. This left Ryuu with many questions about such an odd circumstance. What were the shambling creatures? For Ryuu could tell that they weren't normal given their body language. Why were they being stalked by shinigami so far into the wastelands. WOULD THIS CAUSE THE JACK O LANTERN CARVING COMPETITION TO BE CANCELLED?

And so Ryuu had decided to do something THAT HAD NEVER BEEN DONE BEFORE. He would aid the Rukons in their plight against...whatever it was that would threaten the competition. And thus Ryuu found himself hiding in an alleyway while Rukons were evacuating the district. He had caught that there was an invasion coming. But now the question was, 'what is invading?' BUT NEVER FEAR FOR RYUU THE ACE DETECTIVE WAS HERE.

And so the arrancar would investigate the district while wearing his normal attire, save for a mask with a large smile painted on it that he had worn to a previous festival many years ago (HUZZAH FOR CALLBACKS). He had his weapons with him and he would get to the bottom of this (any maybe throw in a rhyme or two for old time's sake).

The Seireitei was governed by law; more than the Seireitei, the Gotei was governed by many laws, most of which Kiba was blissfully unaware of. However, there were some laws Kiba was very aware of, and among them were a few he himself had lain down, chief among them having been laid down to several savvy members of the Third Division: If Sumie sends a message labeled 'urgent' or with any traces of danger, Kiba was automatically to be put at the top of the mailing list, regardless of whether or not the message pertained to him.

Few were willing to disregard a law Kiba laid down, and as such, Kiba was not surprised to find himself among the first to respond to Sumie's call, marching stiffly down the many trails through the Rukon toward where he'd been informed to find her. Anticipating trouble, Kiba had considered finding a big stick to carry whilst on his journey - mother always said to walk softly and carry big sticks, or something similar anyways - but instead he simply decided to strap his rarely-used Zanpakuto to his hip, and while he was at it wear his haori, because if one was going to send a message, they may as well send it whole-hog. Or... whole letter. Whatever, Kiba was not one for metaphor.

Instead, Kiba was one for action, and his immediate action was to cry out the moment he approached what he presumed was even remotely the correct area: "SUMIE! I'M HERE TO SAVE THE DAY! AND YOU! BUT MOSTLY THE DAY!" Kiba didn't add that his stipulation for 'saving the day' was that dawn be pushed back four hours, because that was really something to be handled later.

When the message of the invasion arrived at the Second Division, Mai had been hard at work for several hours, playing catch up with several miscellaneous tasks. There were charts to be filed, shelves to organize, rooms to restock -- it was a glorious, slow day for the order-driven Tanaka. She had just been taking a break when the messenger arrived, and had been among those assigned to the immediate departure. Sometimes change was good.

She followed the mass of black toward the designated area, continuously fussing with the red band that marked her status as a shinigami of the Second Divison and the placement of her zanpakutou. She hadn't been this far out of the protection of the city for several decades, aside from that strange dream, and was steadily growing more anxious with each passing step; the last time she was out of the protection of the wall, she had nearly died from a hollow attack. Oh, why did she have to go to work today!? She went to work, got shuttled out to some massive hollow, she assumed, invasion, was now expected to what, fight?

Oh, this was going to be bad, she just knew it.

She could still see the oil pastel rendering of pallor mortis, from the faded, chalky appearance of the girl's skin, to the wistful tilt of her head. Now, it disconcerted her little, but she was lost, so lost. There had been too many dossiers, too many reports pertaining to the 2nd district. It did not matter how many threads she collapsed if she wasn't there, picking things at the seams; the party that had been dispatched to investigate Gensou's murder had ultimately failed to catch up with her killer throughout the span of the day, fact being the torrential downpour had played a heavy number on the evidence.

It had been tolerable, at the start, but the closer she'd gotten to present time, the more their tone had begun to change. All too rapidly, she discerned another common, underlying theme to those that had inquired--in varying degrees--if she was ''okay.'' None of you have the guts to ask whether I did it.

But it should come as no surprise to anyone that Kurisuna, being Captain of a division that lauded its own ability to convey and process information efficiently, had been among the first to be notified of an emergency evacuation involving Sumie. Perhaps as unsurprising was the fact that, before her messenger could so much as give her the rundown, she had snatched her sword and left, discarding that self-assured business stride for the longer gait of a woman who did not care for those she trod upon; she would rouse the division into motion, and lead reinforcements through the well-worn paths to the 3rd district.

Faces and neutral colors blurred in a feverish surge as the agitated throngs, steered and guided by Shinigami she did not recognized, vacated the scene. Across a short distance, she caught Kiba bellowing Sumie's name, and with the single-minded determination to find her Lieutenant, applied reiatsu to the soles of her feet and a shunpo 30ft heavenward; like so, she could better survey the cityscape, and be clear of the crowds beneath.

With Sengoku outside cutting wood for the fire, Mihamaru rushes back and forth, taking the logs and tossing them into the fire. While his cloak gives him a bit of protection from the cold, a healthy fire is still the better choice, and that's not even counting the customers who weren't so lucky to always have a cloak.

While carrying one log, Mihamaru catches a whiff of something in the air. A nasty scent, like something died. Or, more likely... "Hey boss, you smell that? Did you forget about the stew or something?"

[bgcolor=555555]

Though hours had rendered night obsolete, it did nothing to help the evacuation transition the district into a peaceful place. There were still residents roaming about like cattle separated from the herd. Perhaps it was Sumie's fault. Her haste to shift the people from one area to another had meant a lack of details, so now there were those left who were trying to pack up their homes to save their belongings, even if it was their lives they should be worried about.

That was not the case with all homesteads. Many would be quite empty of life but full of things for Torako to attempt to loot insignificant trinkets from. Nor was that the case with all the Rukon Citizens who remained. Some were armed to help fight against whatever would come. Others had yet to receive the message. The members of the Third Division were still working toward the last few places where people would logically be on the dark side of dawn. Among said places were Sengoku's tavern and Yoshiya's residence.

Time was short. Knocking on all doors and addressing each individual had been abandoned. Instead, the messengers stood in the center of each road, the one outside the tavern and the one Yoshiya was headed down with others, and delivered their message. A horde was coming, evacuate to the second district or prepare to fight. The Shinigami didn't stand still after delivering their messages. They pushed forward, past the Third District's boundaries to the fringe of the Fourth District to scout.

The scene laid out before the scouts from opposite ends of the border was the same, as it would be for anyone in the area trying to get a grasp on what was coming. There was nothing. No sound from ahead. No movement. Perhaps nothing wasn't accurate. The pungent aroma that had pervaded the noses of Sengoku and Mihamaru increased to the point that even those of deadened olfactory organs would be able to perceive it.

The obviously expected was soon to follow the stench. Sounds of movement. Moaning. Or was that the wind howling? The latter was working at full force to carry the aroma across the district so that it would reach the Shinigami just arriving, but the cries of the invaders merged with the blustery orchestra in harmony. Motion followed sound and soon from the rubble of the abandoned district there came creatures of unknown origins. Disgusting beings in advanced states of decay, explaining the odor. They bore no mask markings, eliminating the possibility of Hollow origins, but their odd motions and features didn't lend themselves to Rukon or Shinigami decent either.

While some shambled, others seemed to glide along the ground. The closer they came, the more pronounced the guttural sounds from their throats became. A woman who had a home close to the border had drawn closer when she heard the sounds. Upon seeing the ghouls, she let out a shriek. The timing was akin to Kiba's own cry for Sumie who remained stationed atop a roof in the center of the district, guarding the precious reserves of antidote for the bizarre condition. It gave her a decent vantage in sight and sound. As the scream fell away, she called out, "Those who are here to fight or heal need to group at this building! The rest of you need to get out of the way!" Her order was relayed across several Third Division members who had already been in the district. They would direct those seeking Sumie for directions.

Back on the frontlines, the zombies were drawn toward the woman who had screamed. They moved toward her likes ants surging upon fallen sugar. The Shinigami who had been scouting reacted in sync with one another. As one flitted to the woman's side and pulled her out of harm's way, the other unleashed his sword, decapitating one of the zombies who had broken free of the horde before it could reach its intended victim. "Pull back," he grunted, moving backward as he faced the oncoming swarm with sword raised.

SPOILER: Click to show

Time - Early daybreak; about five am.

Number of Zombies - 20; 10 Biters, 10 Spitters

Infected Characters - 0

It was too early for this crap, especially for what had occurred the day prior to this. First there was that really weird incident with Andra in the Second District Ramen house and now we had a swarm of something headed toward the Third District. What kind of bullshit was this? Would the tenth seat ever get a normal day of work in? "No" was the only thought that came to his mind. Zane waited to see how close this "Horde" would get before actually getting involved. At least that was the plan. Zane would simply wait it out as he really wasn't trying to get involved right this very second.

And so Watson heard the call. To fight or to flee. Both involved other people. In the second district there would be scared families. That would just get on his nerves.

Fight would involve co-operating with the Shinigami and probably other Rukons. There looked to be a lot of them. He needed some space to fight. Using a large pole like his meant that he needed as much room around him as he could. Things hurt more the farther they are swung.

Still, he may as well make himself useful.

Asking for directions from one of the messengers he moved into the vicinity of the building where Sumie was stationed, albeit not too close. He detested crowds, and if there was a surprise attack he wanted to be manoeuvrable. Not that he was the most agile or anything to begin with....

In his arrival, Kiba had not immediately noticed the fact that the Third District was becoming more empty than usual; now, however, he was certainly understanding the gravity of the issue. He could hear the cries from the librarians for people to flee, and now and again he saw a few people breaking from whatever chaos they came from in order to flee into the Second District, but mostly, Kiba heard the madness.

The shouting, primarily, was what threw Kiba off; he didn't see any people, but he heard plenty of shouting, and with a grunt, he dropped to his hands and knees, and then simply laid on the ground. This was an especially silly sight, moreso when Kiba's left hand rose up to cover his left ear, his right pressed against the dirt, but the simple fact was that this was one of Kiba's best known tricks: closing his eyes, Kiba simply listened, immersing himself in the sounds of the earth around him.

First came the thundering noise of the mayhem, the people running in circles and generally being a pain, interspersed with the occasional sounds of people moving in a more uniform, smart pattern: Sumie's librarians, no doubt. The big worry came further through the 'grapevine', as it were.

The noise wasn't uniform, per se, but it wasn't random. No cognizant force lead this approaching force, only what seemed to be the goal of moving forward. Grunting, Kiba stood again, wondering at the nature of the sound as he brushed dirt off his clothes and head, only to be approached by a helpful librarian, who relayed the message being shouted to the streets: meet Sumie on a roof. Easy!

With a nod of comprehension, the Taicho simply turned toward the nearest building, taking several running steps before leaping at the wall; his feet took purchase easily enough, and his next leap was powered by a Shunpo, sending the Taicho on a collision-course with the rooftop of the next building over; landing on his feet, Kiba took only a few moments to find Sumie before simply charging for her, grinning as he ran from roof to roof.

"SUMIE! WHO NEEDS HITTED?" Kiba crowed as he approached, still a few buildings away; only another Shunpo and a few more jumps had Kiba sliding to a halt beside Sumie, panting from the effort.

It was the influx of refugees from the Third District that had first alerted Hotaru to the impending invasion. Her day in the maternity ward had pretty much exhausted her, so much so to the point that she had hastily exited the ward avoiding conversation with her Taicho on the lame excuse of going to tend to the infants.

Staff in the Infirmary were such that her help was not required in the nursery, but she had gone anyway so that her words to Harupia would not be a lie. She just wasn't into dealing with what she viewed as her failings. Not then when she had ditched her Taicho and not later that night when she had slipped away to her home. Sleep. It healed many things. Perhaps it would aid her in throwing off this growing malaise as well.

And so she had left the nursery after a perfunctory round, to the cribs and the one incubator of the child who had been born via C-section, before slipping away to home and much needed sleep. Unfortunately, discordant sounds had disturbed her rest after what she was certain had not been a full night's sleep.

She was quick to rise and move out into the streets where she was confronted by the sight of the source of the disturbance; the Third District was being evacuated? Trading words with a few of those seeking shelter, she soon learned some sketchy details of the troubles and so entering her home once more, she girded herself for field work. Within moments she was equipped with her medical pack and her katana heading off for the Third District.

During this trek the faces and words of those making their exodus from danger only served to heighten her sense of alarm. She did not consider remaining behind to see to the needs of those who fled; they would find shelter and care readily enough with plenty of people left behind to aid them. Her one growing thought was that if these people needed to evacuate and make their way to the Second District to safety, then everything that possibly could be done to see that the threat did not spread here as well must be done. Just what her part in all of this would be had yet to be seen.

Upon arriving in the Third District she was assailed by a horrendous odor that came in stops and starts. Whatever could produce such was close enough to have its scent carried on the wind, but not so near as to dominate and be a constant stench. She needed to find someone in authority, find out what was going on rather than depend on the smattering of rumors she had overheard, and lend her services toward an organized effort. That was when she ran into one of those spreading the word to converge on Sumie's location.

Setting off for the building at a brisk pace, Hotaru hoped they could halt this threat that had suddenly visited itself upon the land.

[bgcolor=000000]And then, Malik was on the scene! Albeit, holding a cane and limping as he walked. His gaze swept from one side of the incoming tide to the other. (assuming he could see them that is) He was atop the building in which Sumie had mentioned while relaying order, above any others whom had received the call and did as Sumie had instructed. For now, he would simply watch, observe. Learn the tactics and ways of the enemy.

"Hm." He took a step, a twinge of pain as he put the majority of his weight on his mending leg. Remember to support the weight on the cane you old fool, the cane! Giving his head a shake, he went back to the observing. Wondering why they were here and how they came to be.

And most importantly, what they were capable of doing.

SPOILER: Click to show

And I have arrived, sorry crap post is crap, had to rush it out before I was officially on the clock XD Edit made due to an error on my part due to my haste, Ki approved o.ob

[bgcolor=E86100]

"Perfect!~~☆"

The girl found it. It? Well, isn't it obvious by now? I'll tell you what it means then... the perfect house! The blockheads forgot to close their window, and the house was empty and clear from people.

Torako climbed in, dropping to the floor with a light thud. The room she entered appeared to be the main room of the building, with the moon lighting it from the window she climbed in through. Now.. where would she go first? To the left? To the right? But wait! Wasn't she forgetting something? Why, yes she was! Her hand reached into her outfit and out came a bag, used for filling up looted goods.

Now, left or right? I'd go with good old right, since nothing wrong has ever come from being right! She moved up to what appeared to be a small table, grabbing whatever goods she could from it and pushing it down into the small bag, among those things being pretty picture frames, small statues and shiny trinkets in general.

But then it came! That unbearable stench! Like if a cat farted and burped at the same time, it'd still not compare to this stench! What could it be? The Cat Burglar took her items and headed out through the door, looking down the main street of the district. Nothing of usual in sight could be seen, but.. that's not the problem. This stench and the sounds of the wind. It could only mean one thing. Trouble.

She slowly moved down the street, searching for whatever could be causing this, as her mind thinks around for a second in the vast database inside her head.

'Could it be that people evacuating from their homes means danger..?'

Sengoku glanced at Mihamaru, wondering if he would even bother with a sarcastic response. The smell was getting worse, and before he could say anything, a shinigami came running up. The man delivered his message, between gasps for air. Sengoku listened, took it all in, and grimaced. "Sounds ugly. There are more people in the Tavern. I'll let them know what's going on." Sengoku did as he said he would, and then made his way towards the rally point. The Rukongai was his home. Shinigami, Hollows, rogue elements, or whatever this 'horde' was, he'd fight them all. He had his axe in his belt, and the larger wood-chopping axe slung over his shoulders.

He arrived at Sumie's rally point after a brik jog through the streets of the Third District. he moved through the evacuating crowds easily enough. More fighters from the Rukongai were gathering as well, and he soon found himself standing among a mixed force of Rukon Citizens and Shinigami. He looked to the woman on the roof top, pushing his way to the front of the crowd. "All right then, shinigami. Where's the fight?" He called up to her, unlimbering his axe from its place on his shoulders. He popped his neck to the left and right, and let good old fashioned adrenaline start seeping into his blood stream as he prepared himself for what was to come.

The reports on just what exactly was happening. The things that were consistent in all of the commotion were Third Division, and some kind of synonym of the word horde or attack...in general, trouble was brewing. So Haru made sure to set everything up. People were mobilized every available place of space was being prepared to carry in wounded (to the slight discomfort of some of the patients, but it needed to be done), medicament's and staff ready...everything was set up pretty well.

What made him a bit uneasy was that fact his Fukutaicho was nowhere to be found. Understandable, she had to deal with a lot last time he encountered her, she needed the rest. But still, there was no one he could really dispatch a group of medics with in the area...well, there were always the seated members, but he didn't want to risk putting them in the heat of battle just yet, besides the first...also he had heard hat a few members of the Division were already either on their way or within the area...with so much unknown, he decided to not take un-needed risk.

Ordering all the present staff to stay within the Division hall's until further notice, and leaving instructions to the seated members present how to deal with any incomers, he made his way out of the Division grounds and towards the 3nd District, figuring his expertise would prove most useful right in the heat of things. Plus, he wanted to ensure he would find the Division members already on the spot...according to his counting it should be at least 6 people, enough to provide rudimentary aid on the spot.

As he walked as fast as he legs carried him, he couldn't help but to feel a growing concern, a bit of nauseous feeling... unknown enemies, invading like this...either very stupid, or very strong...either way, he wasn't feeling comfortable with the prospect of crossing his blade with anyone...yet the possibility was there, he though to himself, his hand grabbing the hilt of his Zanpakuto for the for time in a while, clutching it nervously.

Though this thoughts plagued his mind he fought hard for them not to deter him to much as he walked forward opposite to most of the populous evacuating the zone. As he moved, the stench in the air grew, and the silence from over the horizon was replaced by a howling wind...not good signs at any rate. And then he felt a feminine shriek, which came from not that far from where he was from. He manged to see the lone figure of a Shinigami upon a rooftop, so he didn't need much directions.

Ehh, he wish he was able to preform a Shunpo right now...but that was something to worry about later. He needed to focus now. As he approached the middle building which seemed to be the center of command of sorts, escaping after another Taicho landed on top of it right next to the other Shinigami who seemed to be the one relaying the orders, he would approach the building and call out "Natsukoi-san, Shuchiku-san, what's the situation! Are there any injured I can assist?!" to the two familiar figures, wanting to make himself useful as fast as possible.Also he hoped his shouts would reach any other 2nd Division members ears so they could group up and try to help as much as they could.

Whether he had intended to or not, the sudden departure of the Fourth's Taichou brought even more attention to the message that Yuigon only heard about after the former had already entered the Rokungai. This meant that haste was indeed a necessity. Now if only he could find his swords. As soon as the Shinigami officer had found his Zanpakuto, he headed out towards the Rukon districts as well with the intent to help in any way he could. No matter how meager his assistance would truly be.

It seemed that he also forgot exactly how long of a walk it was to the outer districts, but even so it appeared as if he was not one of the last to arrive. Or at least he hoped so, since the numbers already there were still small. Though a couple Taichous and Fuku-taichous could certainly do more than he.

AND MORE STUFF WAS CURRENTLY HAPPENING. While he explored the evacuated district, he soon noticed the very large number of shinigami who were swarming the area. "Thats funny. They usually don't care about this district. At the very least I get to learn a bit more about their tactics" Ryuu thought to himself as he eavesdropped on one of the shinigami informing a Rukon about the meeting point that the shinigami had set up. Knowing that it would be a very bad idea to be near where all of the shinigami were, Ryuu decided that he would avoid that area for the time being.

And so Ryuu would move away from the location of the shinigami base in favor of being farther away from the group of homocidal swordsmen who wanted to kill him on sight. Smelling the mysterious foes before he had even caught sight of them, Ryuu was able to instantly tell that it was the stench of rotting flesh (yay for stating the obvious). Afterall, Ryuu fancied himself to be an expert on that type of subject matter. Catching a few additional moans upon the wind as he moved about the district, Ryuu soon found himself smiling. Here was something new and something that had the shinigami afraid. Things were about to get interesting.

AND SOON THINGS BECAME EVEN MORE INTERESTING. For while he stepped out into a deserted street, he would find that it wasn't as deserted as he thought it was. FOR RIGHT IN FRONT OF HIM THERE WAS A YOUNG GIRL WITH A CAT OUTFIT ON. Noticing the sack of looted things, Ryuu smiled to himself. It always did his heart good to know that young children were taking advantage of an evacuation to loot the homes of others. Giving a friendly wave to the girl Ryuu then said.

"Why hello there.
How is it that you fair?
May I ask you, what is your name?
And invite you to join me in playing this upcoming game.
You may call me Lee.
And once this attack is over, I may just take my new friend out for meat and tea."

It seemed to be as good of an introduction as any. Besides his mask gave a huge bonus to Ryuu's rhyme skills AND HE WOULD USE IT AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE. But then A SHOCKING NEW DEVELOPEMENT OCCURRED. For the zombies would come within sight of our heroes. Observing the shambling creatures as they moved, Ryuu began to draw a few conclusions about them. The first of which was that at the moment they would have numbers on their side. The second of which was that it would be a better idea to stay out of the way and let the shinigami fight them (plus it would make for a good show.

"And it appears like the mystery creatures are here.
The very beasts that have sent many in this district running away in fear.
If you wish to follow me you may come along.
For I shall do my best to allow you to reflect upon this decision and know that you were not wrong.
So let us hide out on the roof over there.
So we can watch the show from the comfort of a safe chair."

And thus Ryuu would quickly make his way towards one of the abandoned buildings before the zombies noticed him. Having noticed that the idiots who lived there had left a window open, Ryuu figured that it would be a good secure hiding place. Perhaps the thief who he had just met would join him. But if she didn't then it was no concern of Ryuu's.

Swept along by the crowd of Shinigami, Mai soon found herself irrevocably lost. Her first foray into the Rukongai had nearly ended in her demise, and for half a century, or thereabouts, she had yet to return for fear of history repeating itself. She had no mind for maps, or even the simple task of maintaining one's orientation, and soon felt herself working into a massive mess of anxiety; hopefully soon, really soon, something would happen to give her a task to focus on.

As they milled about, waiting for orders or some other such hint as to what was going on - all she had heard was talk of some violent offender wreaking havoc throughout the third district - she caught the whiff of decay; her sheltered upbringing had seen her mature with a very unmolested olfaction, and even as a child she had been sensitive to scents. She had smelled death and decay before, in both personal and professional aspects of her life, and as such wasn't as taken back by it as a casual onlooker might have assumed -- the blanched face and the wall-eyed look of panic were due to the girl's own emotions. Jerkily, she glanced around, looking for anyone familiar to attach herself to and follow around for the allusion of order; her panic level rose as she saw no one she could immediately recognize.

The thought that her father might be around raced over her mind; he hadn't healed as quickly as she had hoped, to both their dismay. She had heard, however, of the Chiyudo not working as well on a family member or a person of an aged quality. Whether that was true, she hadn't thought to have asked Harupia, she was unsure -- it was better than the alternative that had been plaguing her mind for the past several nights. Wondering if she had damaged her father was tormenting her to her very core.

Not that she'd ever let him know that was the cause of her nighttime distresses.

The crowd surged forward again, snapping Mai from her internal reverie and forcing her to return her focus to the present: an invasion of an unknown entity. Not one to be left behind, she went forward, hoping that someone ahead would belong to a familiar face. If she just held out, she would make it, she would find someone.... Ears straining through the howling of the wind, she managed to catch a familiar voice over the drone of the crowd; with rejuvenated vigor, she wove through the crowd in the direction of Harupia's voice. Relief washed off her frame in waves as she spotted other members of her division; how she managed to get separated was beyond her, but now she was with people she knew, by some definition. Now, all she needed was her taichou, and a job. She could probably do without knowing what was giving off that stench -- the only thing worse than the scent of decay was the scent of decay coming in bursts.

[ugh x.x]

Ascending on springy, lightsome steps, Kurisuna viewed the unfurling panorama from a superior vantage point. It took a moment for her to grapple with the sights, of citizens milling past the Shinigami, of structures projecting in bas-relief, but it came to her. She could put a name to this, to the pandemonium below, the appalling odor, and the canvas she beheld in stunning realism. It was not utterly unlike The Triumph of Death, with its ranks of emaciated soldiers hemming poignant, lamenting throngs to their place of slaughter; before, she had resented it for painting the gods of death in a negative light, but now, it was among her favorites.

This was not at all an unappealing tableau, either. The terror lacing the district was genuine, thick with the air. And she scanned it, straining her eyes, seeking the vestige of battle like a raptorial bird would its prey. She doubted her ability to discern Sumie from such a height, but it was essential that she locate the opposition, as well, if only to sate her mounting curiosity of just what this newfound menace entailed facing.

Kurisuna released her breath. It was overtaxed with the irrational necessity to engage the enemy in battle, but she had to find Sumie first and foremost. Starting with the point of convergence was as good as any bet, although—yes, this was definitely a skirmish between opposing forces, farther in the distance—it appeared certain Shinigami had already entered the fray; against what, she could not tell, not with every figure wreathed in black and long shadows.

She descended sylphlike, slanting her trajectory to alight upon the roof, where so many had gathered. Her eyes were bright and wild as she spotted Sumie; the putrid stench of decay had waxed in intensity the closer she'd gotten, but it was not nearly as unpleasant as having to share the woman's company with Malik and Kiba again, no matter the circumstances. ''I've mobilized the division. What are we up against?'' She tossed a sidelong scowl for her Lieutenant's childhood friend, then, remarking that the Captain heaved lightly from what she presumed exertion. ''Panting like a dog already?''

[bgcolor=555555]

There were many more speaking to and voicing questions for Sumie besides Kiba, Kurisuna, Harupia, and Sengoku. Even with all the shouts and words swirling around Sumie, her quick eyes took in all that happened around her, from Kurisuna, Kiba, and an obviously injured Malik joining her on the roof, to the dark shapes moving in the distant horizon, and the people massing around her building. Details could be examined closer later. Time was running short and there was much information to give out.

Clutching the bulging satchel to her side with her left arm, Sumie rose her right, the hand extended with her fingers pointing up and palm exposed, a sign for the chattering to stop. Shinigami, with the type of society they had created, were well aware of what a signal like such would mean, even some of the Rukons caught on; it was a fairly universal sign. Either way, though it was not entirely silent, people who had congregated in the immediate area would be able to hear Sumie as she raised her voice to fill everyone in.

"We're fighting odd creatures, neither human or Hollow, who have the ability to pass on a type of virus, or so we think. If you get bitten, scratched, or take in bodily fluids of these creatures through your nose, eyes, mouth, ears, or open wounds, you will be infected! You must avoid this at all costs! If you get infected, you will become as violent and seemingly as mindless as these things.

The only ways we have seen to kill there are by decapitation, snapped necks, or injuries that damage the brain! Don't think that just because you've cut their arms off or stabbed them through the stomach that they'll stop coming after you. They wont. If you do get infected, there is a cure. If you see someone who has been infected, avoid them, try to administer the cure if you have it, or find someone who does. Do not kill allies unless there is no choice!"

The concept of trying to save everyone was all well and good, but Sumie knew that she wouldn't be able to oversee the entire fight. She was sure there were some overly violent people among the ground. For the briefest of moments as Sumie stopped to draw another breath, her gaze shifted from the crowd below to Kurisuna. When she looked back to her audience, the tired lines around her eyes seemed to have recessed and her voice came out more weary now. "We have medical Shinigami in the vicinity if you obtain injuries aside from infection. First aid stations will be set up here. We cannot let the monsters past this spot."

Her arm which had fallen back to her side the moment she had initially started speaking now rose again, pointed to the horizon where the zombies were pushing their way into the district. "The battle is that way. If you want to take vials and needles to administer the cure, do so, then head off." Sumie dropped the bag down to a waiting member of the Third Division who started handing out sets of vials and needles. "Once you've been infected, your muscles will seize up. The cure is no good to try and use on yourselves. You will have yo work together. Hitoshi-taichou, please join us up here," Sumie added, some of her strength returning to her voice as people took the cure then took off. She gestured to boxes stacked along the building wall that the captain of the Second Division could use to get to the rooftop with.

"Captains," Sumie said in a quieter voice. "Stay for a moment." She would wait for Harupia to join them on the rooftop before continuing in a low tone so that only they would hear. "If these creatures make it past this area, it is my opinion that we will need to raze this district to prevent them from getting into the Second District. We can't afford to lose product and produce territories further in. Most of the residents have been evacuated. Loss of life will be minimal."

---

Meanwhile on the horizon, the zombies had pushed past into the Third District. The two Third Division scouts and their damsel in distress were fleeing before the horde and through the street that Torako and Ryuu were residents of. The zombies had to thin down to fit through, which slowed their progress somewhat. This was not the case at the tavern where Mihamaru had stayed behind to see what was going on so he could tell his boss. Unfortunately for Mihamaru, this resulted in him getting a big face full of some nasty gunk. He would find his body paralyzed while the infection worked it course.

SPOILER: Click to show

Time - Same as previous post.

Number of Zombies - 20; 10 Biters, 10 Spitters

Infected Characters - Mihamaru (skipped and infected for not posting; cannot post for two rounds unless cured)

[bgcolor=E86100] Strangers! Oh boy!

This strange man appeared in front of the girl, with a mask and everything. What did he call himself? Lee? Lee is a lame name, I mean, at least add something to the end, like.. Sa. Yeah, Leesa. This invitation for tea and meat seemed awesome, but this was not the time nor the place for this!

Before she could answer his question regarding the tiny tigers name, he ran and hid inside a house. Now, why would he do that..? ... oh, right, creepy stuff and things. She followed the man, with her bag held over the shoulder as she jumped in through the window after him. As she landed, she turned to him and crouched down to hide, giving him a slight nodding gesture coupled with a smile.

"Nice to meet you, Leesa! I'm Torako, and I don't bite at all~"

And that's not a lie, y'know.
Torako never lies~

Hotaru had as yet to see any of those who threatened the Third District, and as she picked up her pace to converge upon the rallying point she tried to piece together the bits of rumor and information she had received into some semblance of sense. She was not very successful, however, for the invaders did not fit the description of anything she had ever encountered or read of before.

And so she continued forward and upon arriving she heard the voice of her Taicho call out the names of Natsukoi-san and Shuchiku-san. Hotaru was approaching Hitoshi-Taicho from behind and set her eyes upon his figure as she wove her way through those gathered near the building. It occurred to her then, as she hastened toward his right side, that she should have sought him out before leaving their district for what his orders were. She was not actually performing up to par these past couple of days. Mistakes were mounting steadily and she was certain to receive censure for a breech of such elementary protocol.

Had her inability to perform the C-section on her own really effected her so much that now she was blundering about without any sense of discipline? Perhaps he would have had her bring others of the medical staff with her or preferred her to stay behind and take charge of the influx of refugees filling their compounds. Her rash behavior made all possibility of such things pointless now.

As she moved to take up position at his side she was about to greet him formally but sudden motion from Natsukoi-san stalled her voice. The Third Division Fukutaicho was calling for silence, no doubt to catch them up to speed on the threat to which they had responded. She saw the woman was not alone for the Taichos Saikokui-san, Shuchiku-san, and Tanaka-san were gathered as well.

As she listened to the tones of the woman ringing out over the crowd, describing the enemy, her heart sank. What an unnerving picture it painted, this for whom you could run through with a sword but would still keep coming. At least a good head shot would bring them down. What was more alarming though was their malady was reported as being contagious. True they had within their possession, or would as soon as it was dispensed, the means to cure infected people, but Hotaru has to wonder at the vileness of a disease that could travel so swiftly.

How had it started? And how did they have such a ready supply of medicines with which to combat this outbreak? Was this something that had visited the land before? She inhaled deeply in an attempt to focus her thoughts but she could not stop herself from coming to two conclusions. Would they have enough medicine to go around? She didn't see how that would be possible from what was visible here; just one pack full of antidotes being passed round. More than likely they would end up having to combat those who had been contaminated before it was all said and done; possibly even their own friends and family.

At the verbal jab from Kurisuna, Kiba only stuck his tongue out; there would have been a return-jab regarding the fact that not everybody could be blessed with such pronounced lungs, but he was cut off by Sumie's 'listen to my hero voice' pose, and so like the well trained dog he was, Kiba stood down. To be perfectly frank, most of what Sumie was saying, Kiba more or less couldn't react much to; the idea was to hurt the enemy without being hurt, and to hurt them in the head-like regions. Couldn't be that difficult, right?

Finally, Sumie brought the Taicho in, and at her recommendation, Kiba simply scoffed. "Won't have to bother with all that, Sumie - there're a lot of us, and we've been doing this a real long time. All we gotta do is stop them where they are. Simple stuff." And thus did Kiba smile, turn, and begin his trot; he knew a call to action when he heard it, and without stopping for the medicine - he'd never been a medic, didn't have the tact for it - Kiba began racing toward the threat, albeit without the aide of Shunpo. He wasn't especially well versed in it's use, after all, and trying to use it very much at all wouldn't do anything but get him tired, and maybe even hurt.

Now was not the time for hurt-Kiba; now was the time for Kiba-hurtings. Eventually, Kiba would drop from the rooftop to the street level, hitting the ground with an 'oomph' as he rolled to break the momentum, carrying himself forward and back to his feet, whereupon he drew his weapon.

Seeing Kiba use his Zanpakuto was a fantastic thing, depending on how one looked at the action: his lack of finesse or ability fell so far into the 'incapable' areas that it apparently rolled right backward into the 'beautiful' areas, and it was functional at that! Kiba had learned quickly that the best way to treat his Zanpakuto was as a particularly sharp and curvy piece of lumber, though it wasn't sized as such. To this end, the clutched the hilt tightly in both hands, and as he approached the shambling, stinky horde, Kiba bellowed a mighty holler before pulling back, the metal of the sword aligned with his right arm angling over his shoulder, and swung as though he were trying to use a long, thin piece of wood to smash a flying ball through the air - which wasn't too far from the reality of the situation, now that he thought about it.

Sengoku's jaw tightened as he listened to what the shinigami had to say. He'd lost track of Mihamaru, but was certain his assistant was among the crowd. He took the shinigami very seriously; he'd seen enough strange things in the Rukongai to know that when the shinigami came out in force like this, there was a serious threat. He ran his thumb along the haft of his heavy long-axe, and when the captains broke their little pow wow, he moved to join the fighting. He found himself rushing the line on Kiba's left, his axe held at shoulder level, ready for a downward swing. He was sure to check the angle on the axe so that he wouldn't catch Kiba in the arc of the swing, and when he neared the first of the undead, he brought the axe forward with a brutal swing, aiming for the rotten corpse's neck. As he swung, he screamed a battle cry to spur on his fellow Rukon Citizens: "FREE VICTORY FEAST FOR THE SURVIVORS!!!!!!!"

Go for the head? Decapitation? Watson was of reasonable strength, and had reasonable ability with his weapon, but it was a blunt. He supposed he could cause blunt force trauma to the cranium, but how strong were their skulls? He'd find out in time, he supposed.

But, more pressing matters first.

Yoshiya hung back for his ration of medical supplies. Hopefully they also had something for the smell, it was gut-wrenching.

After that, take the right flank. Go for stragglers.

He would need a partner. But Watson was not a good communicator, and disliked having to rely on others.

He slapped himself. He would need to pump himself up for it. This was his home. And these fiends were disrupting the peace.

"Have a firm grip on your staff, remember your theories, your studies, this is the time to put them to the test! Go forth man, strike them down, wipe out every trace of them! LET THE ROD YOU WIELD BE PART OF THIS VICTORY! GO FORTH AND ENGAGE THE ENEMY!"

[bgcolor=000000]Noting the signal from Sumie, and that she was first on scene his attention moved to her. As she began to speak he simply nodded every now and then, gaining an understanding of this new foe. Seemed like a rather nasty type, however they had dealt with those kinds before, they could do it again.

"We shall meet them at a crossroads, so to speak." He chimed in, trying to hide his limp the best he could (thought that wasn't going to well). "Medics will remain behind, escorting the wounded back to a safe area. In the mean time, those more skilled with the sword will keep the horde at bay, whilst those more skilled in range will support them.

"Our first objective is clear, get those whom cannot defend themselves to safety. Secondly, get rid of these intruders.

"Move on out." His voice had remained calm throughout the entirety of his, well orders for lack of a better word. Yes, they were obvious ones and yes he was certain that those Shinigami knew their jobs well enough. But, better safe than sorry.

"First Division Members, to me!" And then, he started off toward the horde, albeit not looking forward to the hop down from the rooftop.

Upon seeing that not everyone was grabbing at least one dose of the cure, Yuigon let out a sigh. Perhaps this is how he could make himself useful, go out and poke a needle into the people who get themselves injured by these beasts that seemed to be spreading some sort of infection (which seemed to him to be oddly similar to reports of the first outbreak of the infection that created present day Hollow. Had the strain mutated or something?). So as some rushed forward, Yuigon instead hung back in order to get whatever amount of the cure he would be allowed to carry, and stuffed the vial and needles into his pockets, making sure the needles ould not jab into his legs as he walked.

Speaking of walking, that is exactly what he did to venture down towards where the others were rushing. Why walk and not run? Well, these things were supposedly heading their way, why waste energy running? Besides, those who arrived first could thin the crowd, so he could administer what bit of the cure he did have to any who got injured. He thought it was smart thinking, at least.