[Captains/C46/??] Week 278: Stepping into the Future

[Nargles]

The phrase captain-potential continued to ring in her mind. Her body involuntarily shivered, for this was something that had always worried her.

“I also...” the lavender-haired girl started before stopping herself. A small bead of sweat formed on her forehead, as it trailed down the side of her face. She had never done well around dynamic, type A personalities. Unfortunately, she had somehow found her way into a room filled with them.

The healer was about to return to her statement before pausing. Biting down on her lip, Lucia thought about what the weight of her words would actually carry. From a personal point, she didn’t want to see Lilith leave the Gotei. It was unnecessary instability in her mind. On the other hand, it would be the change that seemed so necessary. A non-noble, humanizing, force could start to mend the rift that had formed between the group of Soul Society. It wasn’t her place to comment, however, since in the end it would be Lilith’s decision alone.

She leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms together, her gaze began to pass over each of the individuals in turn. This wasn’t a conversation for her in the end, for she truly didn’t belong in this room. Not now. Not yet.​

[905]

 

[Tenchra]

He thought about it. Whether Lilith would make a good judge was up in the air. He respected her that much was true. He knew her ideals, her hopes and how she wanted things to be. He knew how she ran her division and that was one of the reasons he left the division. It was not for him, and to put her in a position which helps govern Soul Society with those ideals, he wondered if they would actually benefit everything.

He then considered the rest o the judges and how things have been recently. The conflicts, bickering, arguing and petty backstabbing were childish. Everything was already in a fragile balance between the judges and the military, and in his mind he felt that none of the judges here understood what it was really like out there. Putting someone amongst them who clearly knew what it was like, might actually help them, and might repair the balance. The question remained whether she would keep her identity, or be assimilated amongst the bigots.

"I will also back up the Soutaichou's recommendation. As a member of her division who has served under closely, I cannot think of a better candidate here at this table to become a judge."

[580]

 

[Shadowwind]

The bandaged researcher let out a sigh of relief, which was then quickly cut off as he realized it might have sounded too relieved. Coughing to hide the sudden change of heart, and his lack of developing a plan should the Soutaichou have accepted, Feng spoke up once the show was over, “I believe that should the Honorable Judges accept this suggestion, they will find that Maikaru-taishou will prove herself to be a just mediator.”

The tension in the biologist’s shoulders seemed to release just a fraction. It appeared the worst of the surprises would be over now. The worst the Judges could now do was reject the replacement Sayis had offered in his stead. And either way I know the faces of all six of the Judges. Letting just a hint of a control smile out, which would be taken as pleasure at Lilith's offer, Feng began the task of trying to set a price to that information and who in the world would actually want to know.

[169/1002

 

[Apeiron]

Fighting with himself to keep his composure, Haresuno’s head fell forward only slightly. Enough that his black bangs fell in the way of his eyes and where they stared at the table. Whether or not the Judges agreed with Sayis, one way or the other Haresuno was going to be losing a friend and unlikely to see them except during important meetings between the two bodies. It was a sickening feeling, one that twisted his gut into knots and left him feeling helpless. It was a wonder how he managed to keep his face clear of anything other than the tic in his jaw.

Raising his head again, the Founder-Captain remained silent. Neither offering his approval of moving Lilith to Judge, nor was he prepared to take back his support for Sayis. And since he had already cast his lot, there was little use in reaffirming his vote.

While he didn’t like the idea of Lilith becoming one of the Judges, some part of him admitted that he didn’t believe the Judges knew exactly who they might be accepting.

Lilith, with all of her training in the Gotei under Sayis, and her successful promotion to captain - effectively turning the Tenth Division from the arcane to the divine - would be a terror for the wise men. That idea was more than a little humorous, and it let Haresuno smile a little. Either way, Central Forty-Six might get more than they bargained for.

“It seems the decision is before the Esteemed Judges. Sayis Inuzuri, the Soutaichou; or Lilith Maikeru, one of his students and a prodigy in her own right.” The Adept’s eyes fell levelly on each Judge. “Or neither, as you’ve pointed out. But the decision is at hand and must be made now.”

[911]

 

[swaswj]

"Upon deliberating on Lilith Maikeru's records and accomplishments, We feel that she would also be an ideal candidate for the Central Forty-Six," Toyotama declared, stunning the other judges with the impromptu decision.

It was Osei who was the first to question it. "What deliberation have we undergone? The suggestion came up only a moment earlier."

Yuuto covered his mouth with the back of his hand to stifle a small laugh. "If Forty-Five feels that way, then truly, who are we to argue?" Nudging the man next to him, he explained, "Do not be so foolish as to assume that you and Forty-Four were chosen without considering many other candidates. We would have been remiss in our duties as judges if we did not approach the appointments from every conceivable angle. As such, we are quite intimately familiar with the strengths and weaknesses of the leadership in the Gotei Juusantai, among others."

Chastened, Osei nodded. "Fair enough. I was indeed foolish to think the decision rash." Despite the mild sarcasm and distrust in his tone, he adopted a thoughtful expression. "I know little of the Tenth's Captain, but what I do know is positive. I have no objection."

A small smile finally appeared again on Michelle's face, after her expression had soured when talking about her brother. "I would welcome her appointment. Indeed, it may do the council good to have equal representation of male and female."

Reigen did not so much as crack a smile, but it felt like an attempt at a joke when he drily added, "As well as a fair spread of age to youth." He nodded toward Lilith. "I concur with Forty-Five. Lady Maikeru... will you accept this honor and responsibility?"

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[Time Lady Katie]

Say no! urged the Vice-Captain who sat beside Captain Maikeru. She was, apparently, the only person at the table who didn’t want Lilith to be a Judge.

The orchid-eyed woman appraised her Lieutenant for a long moment; I once told you that by skill and purity heart you have much of what is needed to become a Captain. You still don’t see it, but Adelaide, you are ready now. Now, the Tenth Division will be yours to lead. She looked somber, for she knew how this hurt the redheaded girl in her company. She knew Adelaide was in pain.

Sayis had been right. She was suited to this. She probably could do more good for the Gotei, the Forty-Six, even all of Soul Society with this title than the Soutaichou could, and she certainly was more prepared to become a Judge than she would’ve been to ascend to Soutaichou. This had to be the solution. She would be in the cage, and conduct the orchestra from inside the ivory prison. She would sacrifice of herself for her duties. And, there would be things gained. Not just power, but precious time.

Time with Sienna, time with Ishin, with her friends like Haresuno, Ilsa and Adelaide... time was something she treasured and something her duties had consumed a great deal of. And she certainly wouldn’t have a lot of it, but more. More time to be with the people important to her. A body of scars didn’t scare her, but never knowing who Sienna would grow up to be? That was something she did have a fear of.

This was the only choice to make. It was time to make it.

“I would request of my fellow Judges time, to ensure an orderly transition of power in the Tenth Division between myself and Vice-Captain Pierce, the successor I formally Recommend, with all the implications therein.” That would be the last duty of the Captain of the Mystics of the Divine. She needed to make sure her subordinates were tended for, cared for. And she needed to make sure Adelaide was ready, that was so important to her. She needed to make sure they were well tended to, well cared for.

Please don’t...

“On that condition, I accept the offer.”​

The Vice-Captain’s heart sank. She had lost another friend, another Captain and mentor to the world around her. They were alive, just distant. Inaccessible. And now, Adelaide was in the spotlight too, proposed as Lilith’s hand-picked successor. She swallowed hard, terrified about what could happen to her beloved Tenth Division next, and about what would happen to one of her dearest friends now.

440 Words
2761 Total​

 

[swaswj]

"Granted," Reigen declared immediately. "For today's proceedings, we will still consider you as a member of the Gotei Juusantai. Before you may be sworn in, there are still many things to examine and discuss." His voice took on an edged, if rusty, tone. "This appointment is not engraved in stone. Do not take it for granted."

Sayis frowned, reaching over to gently clasp Lilith's shoulder in an uncharacteristic physical display of affection and support. However torn up she might be about it, he truly believed this would be better for her in the long run, and potentially better for Soul Society. Lilith's voice was not just one of reason and logic, but one of empathy and emotion... traits that the Central Forty-Six was sorely lacking in.

Though, it was more than a little unsettling how quickly the judges had accepted the change. Then again... perhaps it made more sense than he gave it credit. All other reasons aside, Sayis realized that suddenly, the Gotei had a very strong reason to ensure the safety of the Central Forty-Six.

"Then it is settled," Sayis stated, "for now. I wish to dwell on it no further. Let us instead discuss Theron Ascania's presence here, and what your plans are for him." The Soutaichou barreled on, putting his focus on the judges and pointedly not looking Theron's direction. "I am compelled to remind all in attendance that Theron served Soul Society unquestioningly for hundreds of years. Though it is true that he has become a vizard, I do not believe that undoes centuries of loyal service."

The Onmitsu Kidou's leader scowled, shadowed eyes filled with malice. "I am similarly 'compelled' to remind all that Theron Ascania contributed to the destruction of the Central Forty-Six Compound and the manslaughter of five hundred Keigun operatives. Whatever service he provided in the past has been supplanted by the violent tendencies of his corruption! It opened his mind to manipulation by a Vasto Lorde. Four of your captains very nearly died in a vain attempt to subdue him, Soutaichou. His former title of Kenpachi was not granted idly."

Sayis raised his voice, though it remained calm and composed. "Regrettably, there are very few ways to subdue a rabid assassin peacefully. Question the wisdom of setting such men, many of them neophytes, against the Kenpachi. I still bear the scar of one of your assassins, Matsurine-Soushireikan. I had not so much as given the Keigun a dirty look before they attempted to kill me. Do you expect that either myself or Theron Ascania had the luxury of surrender or peace against such mindless aggression?"

"I was choosing to ignore it, but since the Soutaichou has so graciously brought it forward why don't we discuss his actions that day?"

"Enough!" Reigen growled. Though he had not shouted, the weight of command in the aged judge's voice was uncompromising. "Such behavior is unacceptable in a meeting of this caliber!"

Undaunted by the judge's warning, Iha piped in slyly from the side, "Indeed! Besides, surely the fault lies in their piss-poor training, ah?" The diminutive researcher seemed utterly unfazed by the smoldering glower that Matsurine focused on him.

Silent up until then, Isshisouden Tedika's smooth and emotionless voice joined in. "It is my understanding that our esteemed judges have already discussed Theron Ascania's fate at length. It would be in everyone's interest to hear out their suggestion, that we may better understand its merits or faults."

"Yes, let's," Yuuto immediately replied, casting his own disdainful look upon the three leaders of their respective organizations. Sayis slumped back in his seat. The thought of the Keigun assassins made him physically ill, in truth, but their available options had been nonexistent.

"Theron Ascania, We needs must commend you for your many years of service to this council, to the Gotei Juusantai, and to Soul Society. It is with great regret, however, that We must adhere to the laws of Our society. The willful pursuit of hollowfication and subsequent exercise of the corrupt nature therein cannot be condoned within the Gotei Juusantai, nor among the vulnerable citizenry of Seireitei and Rukongai." Forty-Five's voice did indeed seem remorseful at the declaration.

Why, then, had they brought Theron into the chamber at all?

"In times past," Toyotama continued, choosing her words more carefully. Her eyes met Theron's, though they remained unreadable. "Under the guidance of Anton Zhukov, those of a corrupt nature were gathered and held in check. The Imperator was a dangerous man, but a calculating one. We valued the control he exerted over the Army of Masks. Yoshinari Matsurine, please elaborate for Us the findings of your Keiratai."

Surprised, Matsurine bowed his head. "The movements of the Army of Masks have been nonexistent for a long period of time. Investigations have turned up very few vizards, none of which seemed to have any sense of organization or leadership. The last confirmed sighting of the Imperator Anton Zhukov was in Hueco Mundo during the War of Las Noches. At the same time, we received the last confirmed sighting of former Imperator Kuragari Seisatsu. Based on evidence of absence, as well as absence of evidence, it is our conclusion that both Imperators were killed in battle. There is no unifying Army of Masks."

Bowing her head ever so slightly at Matsurine, Toyotama placed her attention on Theron again. "Theron Ascania, in light of this news, and in consideration of your past loyalty, We offer you this: the punishment for the crime of hollowfication shall be exile from Soul Society, not to return unless summoned, upon pain of death." She paused, letting that sink in to all involved. "It would please Us greatly to once again be able to form a treaty of non-aggression with those of an alike persuasion to your own."


[965/5750]

 

[Time Lady Katie]

“While I do love seeing my men in chains,” a sly smile played on the newly-appointed Judge’s face, and she welcomed a discussion that wasn’t about her future as a Judge, “I have to agree with the decision of the Forty-Six.” Politically, this was both advantageous to Lilith and the best thing she could think of for Theron. Exposed as a Vizard, even if he was released to serve the Gotei again he would be lest trusted than Ishin ever was, and was almost certainly be Ishin’s prisoner for the remainder of his life.

She looked over, solemnly, at Theron and then back to the Judges, “He is loyal to the Society of Souls, and would unify the Army of Masks into a force that would be useful in the fight against Prometheus and the other enemies at our gates. He would not, however, be a pawn of we assembled. If that is what we seek for the Army of Masks then Theron is not our choice.” Hopefully, as a Judge, she could do her part to ensure him a certain measure of latitude. The Vizards would be independent, a faction of power in the spiritual world all unto themselves.

Adelaide still sat in shocked silence as her Captain both accepted a spot in the Central Forty-Six, the seat of Kikuchi Issei no less, and nominated her as successor in a single breath. She heard the words people were saying but admitted she wasn’t entirely cognizant of what any of them meant. Something about sending Ascania to Earth, like Tsubaki had once or the original Vizards were sentenced to. She really just hand a ringing in her ears.

The Captain looked back at Theron again and surveyed her current and future colleagues. Was it the best answer? No. Was it the best Theron could hope for? By far. And leading his own private army of hybrids seemed a task well-suited to the Herald of Death anyway. It seemed as though everyone was headed for positions they did not desire but were particularly gifted in executing.

345 Words
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[Eidolon]

The shackled hybrid was not smiling. He listened, calm and intent on each speaker in turn, but seemed to have nothing to say. It was only when most eyes fell on him, suggesting that he indeed condone his fate, that pursed lips barely parted. Whatever he was going to say then, did not come out. It was changed.

Instead, he lifted his shackled hands up to be certain all saw them. "When a warrior strides forth into battle as commanded, and in so doing is somehow marked, tainted, or changed, you claim it a fault of his own. I was ordered, as a Lieutenant of the Blitzkrieg to engage and delay Antov Zhukov long enough for reinforcements to arrive." A smirk broke out between words now. "I did as ordered. I fought and embraced death without hesitation. While my physical form was somehow spared that day, the purity of my soul was offered up as sacrifice in turn."

He was staring pointedly at 45 now. "I did not flee or abandon my duty. I put every effort, all of my will into continuing to carry out my orders. I fought with an Espada capable of ending the first Kenpachi. I stood without hesitation before armies uncountably more numerous then my allies. I moved with resolve ready to slay a comrade who had betrayed our most fundamental truth. I protected the Soutaichou from allies turned enemies. And even when branded traitor for simply carrying out the duties I vowed to, I made one last choice."

The smirk vanished, and his gaze swept over each of the Gotei present, as if to say 'would you?' Curiously, that wordless question was not asked of the Judges present. "Sword in hand, I marched into the horror of the white sands, and resolved to die purifying as many souls as possible before my own demise. With luck, perhaps even the soul of a being as ancient as out venerated creator. A warrior who is dishonored not through his own actions, but through the choices and perceptions of his people willingly seeks a death with honor, facing down that very people's greatest threat."

Right shoulder, then left rolled and turned, again making a display of showing the shackles that bound him. "My only failure in all of this was not dying. I am cursed to endure when I shouldn't. And because at each turn I have proven my unwavering loyalty and duty to the vows I swore a millennium ago you wish again to cast me out, call me traitor, and keep me chained."

Theron let lose a sigh. It was a touch too soft and lighthearted for the situation just described. "I accept. I will be banished from the very place I gave everything to."

 

[K3]

A pang of empathy ran through the spy, Kiro unable to suppress a wistful sigh. He looked down at the book, slowly hating the words he was copying down.

Dirty work came in many forms. Dutifully, he wrote out the most recent development. The emotional rollercoaster of the meeting would continue, it seemed, and though he had no affinity to the Kenpachi, the resigned ring in his voice was all he needed to hear.

Leaning back in his chair, Kiro tried to push past the events, to detach himself from the high tensions.

[ 93 / 613 ]

 

[Beaks]

"This. This is your solution?"

She was standing in an instant, two hands balled into fists that slammed without restraint against the surface of the table. "You send Vizards to Earth, brand them as traitors and threaten death if they attempt to return? If they try against all odds and good sense to return to the place they risked this oh-so-terrible taint to protect? To the loved ones they paid a price many believe worse than death for?!"

"So you strip his titles and deeds, exile him...and expect him to cooperate with you in the future?" The normally self-assured lilt of her voice gave way to nothing less than a full blown scream at the assembled judges.

"ARE YOU COMPLETELY INSANE?!"​

The chair she had previously sat upon clattered to the floor as the former Templar Queen rounded the outside edge of the table and made long heated strides towards the judges dais. "You strip him of everything he had here and cast him out, expecting non-aggression?! How many times has this mistake been made by this very chamber?!" She glowered at the paper screens with unabashed fury, directing even more of it to the judges that had seen fit to show their faces.

"Anton Zhukov...was a MONSTER. He served? A MONSTER. Monsters that had NOTHING to do with the fact that they wore masks. How many years ahead do you foresee this working? A hundred? Ten? One? Zero? How long will this buy us some fabricated lie of peace before the masses of masks realize that they have been given a SHIT deal and decide to do something about it? Can we afford another Las Noches? Can we afford to see Tokyo, or your own chambers burn a second time?!"

She paused, pinching two fingers to the bridge of her nose and muttering in an uneven cadence like someone who had reached the end of her wits and patience. "...how...how many how many how many more must die. How many will you let become infected and lost, how many will you leave at the mercy...the mercy of some soulless monster...how many former friends former allies and brothers and sisters and lost loves need to cross swords and kill each other?! Tell me, tell me tell me give me a number...." The words poured out like the spattering of musical notes strewn throughout a manic melody.

"...tell me...tell me the screaming and bleeding and suffering and swearing and blind faith and lost friends is for a reason. Tell me..." Her voice grew unexpectedly quiet, little more than a muttering whisper. The eyes that had sunken low as the seemingly involuntary spilling of her own guts looked up at the judges once more, choked with tears.

"...TELL ME!!" The screaming question exploded with the roar of a thunderclap, and fell silent.

[470/1,028]

 

[Time Lady Katie]

A sadness overcame the Mystic unlike any even the idea of becoming a Judge had inspired in her. She looked to Theron, who doubtless felt betrayed, and her expression conveyed the feeling her taidan transmitted to him; You know if you were to stay, you would never be free again. Those chains would be permanent. Even behind a screen I couldn’t help you. She looked back to her hands, folded in front of her. Tsubaki came back. I will do what I can to bring you home as well. You know I will. She wished she could do more. She wished he could return to the Gotei as if nothing had happened. But there were five other people who would never allow it.

While Lilith wanted to address Tsubaki, it was Adelaide who spoke up, finally having rejoined the conversation. “I actually agree with the insane screaming woman. There’s an important ‘however’ that I want to say, though.” She looked to her Captain... her former Captain, apparently... and then to Tsubaki. “The perspective of Soul Society is long. The Army of Masks could serve an integral part of the Gotei at some point, but they need unity, structure, and discipline. They need someone like Mister Ascania to make them something that these bodies, here assembled, can trust.” She looked at the unscreened Judges and swallowed before continuing.

She had to step up with the defense of the crazy Templar, “The Vizards I have encountered in the execution of my duties, Mister Ascania included, but the road to convincing you, dear Judges, is long. It is slow. I wouldn’t so much brand Theron an exile as an emissary. A delegate of ours to evaluate, organize and lead the Army of Masks until such time as we are ready to evaluate them, and pursue with them a Grand Bargain of their own.”

The Captain-turned-Judge nodded somberly, somewhat aware that the future colleagues of hers wouldn’t listen to the Vice-Captain’s words. Not today, at least. The road to such reconciliation was long and fraught with tragedy. This, this decision, was one small step on the Vizards’ trail of sadness and despair.

354 Words
3460 Total​

 

[Apeiron]

“And these same vizard that you have met, they would suddenly flock to Ascania because he represents some sort of diplomat?” Haresuno shook his head. “No, Vice-captain Pierce. They would flee from a man who represents the very system they believe persecutes them.

“It is not ideal. We all realize that, but by exiling him and asking him to lead the Army of Masks, we are going for the land with less bumps. It’s almost for the same reason that we cannot bring the vizard to us - to the Gotei. Hollowification is an abnormal twist of the soul, a perversion that should not be. The fact that it exists, however, is plain. The idea of our entire organization welcoming them with open arms is not likely, and would lead to a split in the Gotei as well as the Central Forty-Six. One that would lead to civil war.

“Remember, Vice-captain, that just because you have met a few good vizard does not mean others have. They are not all...,” he paused and cast a look at Theron. “...as pleasant as Ascania.” Shifting his stare to Tsubaki, Haresuno took his hands and removed them from the table. “As for their plan of putting him in charge of the Army of Masks, it is far better than what precautions were taken during the last arise of the Army.”

[1138]

 

[swaswj]

"This is not a decision made lightly!" Reigen replied harshly, once he had overcome the shock of Tsubaki's sudden outburst. Already Matsurine and the Kanritai Gundanchou stood to either side of the woman, prepared to defend the judges. Iha, off to the side, calmly held a rectangular device, thumb poised. "The only other alternative is a death sentence, served out right here and now! Will you, Tsubaki Mabara, be the one to deliver that release? Your words come from ignorance, an ignorance wholly at odds with your actual age!"

"I would say that's to be expected," Osei put in, eyes narrowed. "Mabara Tsubaki's previous actions have proven that she is brash and has no mind for the consequences of her actions. If this outburst continues, even the Soutaichou's diplomacy will not save you from the due process that your threatening posture demands! Be seated before your further embarrass your compatriots!"

Toyotama's voice rang out powerfully, her brief moment of fear having passed. "We do not speak from unfounded fear, Mabara Tsubaki. Nor do We speak from childish optimism or out of misplaced fondness for the subject. The judges presented before you have well more than two thousand years of personal experience, and approximately four thousand more of written accounts." The woman hung her head regretfully. "The simple truth, as We have observed it repeated throughout history, is that the corruption of the hollowfication process cannot be undone, and its encroachment cannot be prevented, only delayed."

Reigen nodded somberly. "We do not speak only of those already aggressive and dangerous. Excellent men and women, upstanding soldiers and beloved public figures, have been overcome by the monstrous tendencies within. Theron Ascania accepts not because he fears the repercussions of demanding to stay, but because he recognizes all too clearly that even his commendable control has limits."

"I would advise you seat yourself before you once again ruin a man's life with your impetuousness!" Yuuto suddenly put in with a venomous hiss. The Forty-First member fixed Tsubaki with a glare that easily matched her own. "Let me reveal to all in attendance now: we became aware of Theron Ascania's affliction while he still served as captain and Kenpachi. Against the letter of the law, against the examples presented by historical fact, against personal experience, we made the decision -- with the heavy support of the late, esteemed Forty-Six -- to observe rather than act. We made that decision because Theron Ascania's service had been impeccable and his measure of mental fortitude seemed without equal." Yuuto's eyes narrowed. "In fact, I believe we might still be in that situation, and perhaps the former Kenpachi would not be former, would never have become a plaything to a Vasto Lorde. It was only your actions, openly threatening all of Soul Society for your petty, selfish demands to be met -- all bluff and bluster we now understand! -- that set in forth motions that proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that even the honored and respected Theron Ascania cannot avoid succumbing to the primal, corrupt nature of the hollow infection!"

"Know that We have no desire for Theron Ascania to be put to death nor to be exiled, but that We must consider what is best for Soul Society... as well as Theron Ascania's honor."

[550/6300]

 

[Rob]

“Tsubaki, please sit down,” Nana quipped in a tired tone of voice, forgoing all manner of honourifics as she adressed the woman. All this bickering, all this bashing back and forth between Goteijuusantai soldiers and the members of the Court of Pure Souls. “Might I suggest placing Theron Ascania under my charge, instead?”

Her eyes didn’t remain fixated on a single person for very long, instead darting to and fro the various members of the Central Forty-Six, Tsubaki and her masked compatriot.

Before the meeting could burst out into another quarrel, Nana raised her hand to quell it.

“I realize what I am asking, and I realize it’s both selfish, improbable as well as perhaps a bit of a ridiculous request. You need not remind me, but there you have it.”


[130/1225]

 

[Eidolon]

The shackles on the scarred warrior's wrist snapped tightly, the taut chain sending a sharp crack through the room. He, himself, took a very brief moment to look down at his own bindings, as if they had surprised him. Then, in turn, he gestured towards each of the various tables before speaking.

Theron was smiling now, an odd sight. Something no one in the room save two had seen in centuries. "We are all here for one reason: we love. We love Seireitei, the people of Rukongai, and watching the people of earth blossom further with each new generation. Because we love the souls of the damned who have been condemned to suffer as hollows until we release them from such a burden. If this is not the reason you are present, then you are quite simply, unworthy. Love is passionate, and such passion will inevitably cause differences to come to a head." He was looking at Sayis for a moment now.

"Even if another captain engaged me, especially if one of them engaged me, they might win. Any battle can be said to have uncertain outcome. However, no matter what, the consequences of an unshackled beast turning on its master would be death. Death to thousands, and if in Seireitei, perhaps tens of thousands." A pause for a soft breath.

"I said what I did in response as both a reminder to all here and myself about the severity of the vows we all take in our appointed roles. What it means to be a God of Death. The gravity of our commitment should outweigh all the sin and burdens of those we redeem. How could I, if I truly love Seireitei and all of you, willingly risk your death? If you think my staying here is anything but that, you are underestimating me."

The shackled hands lowered. "Would I serve under Nana Ameterasu if this council of peers settled on such a choice? Yes. Because I am a shinigami, and I do as I am ordered to. Ah... and if you'll indulge me a moment, honored Judges."

The smile shifted into something more like a grin. "The title of Kenpachi does not pass without blood. I cut the sword of my predecessor away from the enemy to attain that title. If you wish to take it, you'll have to take it from me."

 

[Rob]

“What we need to do now,” Nana continued, her voice still sounding tired as she let Theron finish, “is not decide upon what is best for me, for you, for us, but what is best for the balance of worlds.

“What of the vizard that remains roaming the World of the Living? If we place Ascania-san, our Kenpachi in exile on Earth, there is a hundred percent chance that they will meet.

“Will that tip the scale of balance in our favour?” Her eyes narrowed slightly, her voice picking up an air of authority. “No, it will not.

“Therefor, as Matriarch of House Amaterasu, and Captain of the Blitzkrieg, I formally request for Ascania-san to be placed under my charge. Just as I have taken in Mabara-san, so will I take in the heir to House Ascania. We should be trying to unify what we lost, not divide it further.”

[150/1375]

 

[Kago]

Having remained silent for most of the debate, Kago was able to study some of underlying thoughts behind each person’s words. Yes, perhaps the judges were slightly wrapped up in their power struggle, but they truly seemed to have Soul Society’s best interests at heart – a theme shared by his fellow shinigami. The only person in the room that the nobleman seemed to have trouble reading was Theron; not due to the Vizard masking his intentions, but due to the scars that his previous actions imprinted in his mind and his soul.

Clearing his throat, the acting captain interjected his opinion. “I agree with Amaterasu-taichou’s suggestion: the Vizards should be brought into the fold of the Gotei Juusantai and unify our forces. Exile is too far of an extreme.”

Casting a glance at Theron, Kago locked eyes with him. Distrust riddled the former assassin’s gaze and, despite his best efforts, he could no longer see the Vizard in a positive light. Images of the beast that shredded his body using its scythes, rampaging around Seireitei and destroying his home, flooded his mind. Instantaneously, the fear that originated in the stone room where he discovered Kyuu’s inner hollow had returned ten times stronger.

Turning his eyes back to the judges, the acting captain continued. “However, I do not believe that Ascania Theron or any of the other Vizards should be allowed to stay in Soul Society for extended periods of time, regardless of how impeccable their service has been or how loyal they are.

“As we have seen from our vast experience with the Vizards, their inner hollow cannot always be contained. Eventually, a crack in their defenses appears and the hollow surfaces. I, in good conscience, cannot consent to having a one person – let alone a group – of these individuals roam around Soul Society. To borrow a human phrase, we would have ‘ticking time-bombs’, just waiting to explode at any moment. Limiting their time here would be in the best interests of everyone. ”

Falling into silence, Kago folded his hands over one another and placed them on the table before him. He mentally acknowledged that his words were harsh, especially when he considered that most of the Vizards had not chosen their hollowification; however, he could not afford to place the lives of every citizen in Soul Society in danger just to give his tainted comrades more freedom.



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[Nargles]

“While I’m not saying we disregard Ascania-san’s actions while under the control of Prometheus, I don’t think we should contribute it to a weakness in his strength of will. I mean, even sitting at this table, how many souls were tainted by the Vasto Lord? In fact, the very man I am sitting in for right now still is!” she exclaimed in reaction.

The noblewoman’s heart began to race. Was this how damaged souls were treated in the Gotei? Her own soul oscillated wildly as her emotions began to reach their peak. “A long time ago, when I was only a kid, I asked my uncle why the vizards were exiled. He worded it to me in a way that I think has stuck. If a man’s body is wounded in battle while fighting for what he believes in, he is called a hero. If a man’s soul is wounded in battle while fighting for the same thing, he is called a traitor. Isn’t today, of all days, the best time to do something... different?”

Lucia glanced over towards Nana, her heart pounded with anxiety as she spoke. “As Matriarch of House Frey, I also support my sister’s proposal. In fact, Yin Feng's and my affiliation with House Amaterasu may be able to diffuse this bomb that Takimoto-fukutaichou speaks of. While I’m not promising a cure in any regard, there may be ways to humanely suppress the inner-hollow.”

She paused for a moment, before turning her gaze towards Theron. “And, if the worst does happen and Ascania-san does succumb once more, do we really want him on Earth if that occurs?”
​

[1171]

 

[Kago]

The Acting Captain of the Eighth thought carefully about Lucia’s question before responding. In both situations, innocent lives would be taken; it could not be avoided. Kago, however, could not bear the thought of his wife and unborn child being in that number.

“While no location is ideal, Earth would be a less debilitating environment for the Gotei to fight such a beast. I am sure you have read the reports regarding the collateral damage from taichous engagement of hollowfied Ascania Theron,” he remarked, turning to face Lucia. “His destructive force alone could decimate thousands without hesitation. As much as it pains me to admit, whether he is within Soul Society or on Earth, if he ever loses control of his inner hollow innocent lives will be lost.”

An image of Theron’s scythe tearing through Sophia’s body flashed in the forefront of his mind before disappearing again.

Releasing a heavy sigh – the first true break in his stoic mask – Kago rubbed his eyes with a single hand. “If the Vizards were in Soul Society when they lost control, I concede that we would be able to engage them immediately; however, we would lose many shinigami in the struggle, weaken our forces, and possibly lose key individuals. By fighting on Earth, more lives may be lost, but we can at least preserve the infrastructure of Soul Society and the balance of souls.”


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