[Shinigami/Open] Week 193: For Great Pictures

[Redfin]

What this is

So apparently, Picca needs to raise money for the observatory. Here it is. Open to all PC/NPCs. Please buy something. And there might be a surprise at the end too if I can get the people to agree to it.

Picca had spent the past week putting up flyers all over the Protection Courts, advertising a yard sale of sorts. Of course, it was slightly fancier than that. The reason was because of a sudden order from Captain Sayis, who wanted her to raise some of the money for the construction of the tower. He will rue the day he decided to do that. The shinigami shook her fist in the air at nothing in particular.

The signs were painted in special ink that would attract people to read it. A making based on the idea of the Shinigami Woman's Association posters. Of course, Picca's were meant to for as many people as possible so they were visible to everyone. The words gently changed colors so they would be attention catching but not seizure inducing.

The sign read,
"This weekend, poster, photo and postcard sale! We have everything from fantastic Earth locales to the haunting world of Hueco Mundo! Large backgrounds are available for photo opportunities. Amaze your friends and family at all the places you could have traveled to. Decorate your living area. Size customization also available."

At the very bottom, in very small words, another message was written. "Special stock to those who know the secret code."

It was finally the day of the sale. Picca had commandeered a section of road right by the entrance of the First Division, one of the advantages of being an officer. Another advantage was getting all those who worked under her to help out with setting everything up. A row of tents was lined up along the street and tall displays were set up with some samples. Pictures from all over the three different worlds were represented such as the great Fuji Mountain or the grand Grand Canyon. It was a nice day, perfect for a small street shop.

Hopefully, this'll work out, Picca thought.

[314]

 

[Apeiron]

"Ayumu, no!” Haresuno stumbled trying to catch the boy as he giggled and ran around with all the energetic scream of fun. The Adept had taken half of a day off from work, gathering Iida and Ayumu together so they could have some fun. Unfortunately, the boy was a bit too energetic for the day, and all but left behind a smoking image of himself as he ran around Seireitei.

Honestly, where did he get all that energy?

Ayumu’s random jaunt placed the trio within eye sight of Picca’s little street showcase, and as Haresuno fell flat on his face, his cyan eyes caught the sight of tan tents fluttering in the breeze. What the?

"Umph!” Dirt on the street plumed up around the tall shinigami’s harsh landing. Almost tauntingly, Ayumu started running circles around his father, giggling furiously as Iida walked up.

She, too, caught sight of Picca’s set up. Glancing at Hare, then at the tents, she suggested, "Can we check it out?”

"I don’t see why not,” he replied. His hands snapping out lightning fast and snatching Ayumu’s feet. In one quick motion Haresuno pulled Ayumu’s feet out from under the boy, rolled, and was on his feet holding his son upside-down by the ankles. "Okay. Now you have to behave.”

"Ahhhh....” the boy groaned. "Can we buy anything?”

"If your mind yourself, maybe.” That was as good as a yes for Ayumu, who let out a "yippie!” as Haresuno let him back down to his feet.

[250]

 

[Wayne]

Unsociable Kyu needs moar socializing. And moar points.

He was merely passing by, not having any particular reason or intention of doing so. There was some commotion by the First Division, and while it didn’t seem like anything bad, the curse of curiosity had managed to take its reign over the Vice-Captain once again. Kyuketsu had seen countless flyers posted all around the ivory city during the past few days. At first he took little notice of them, but as their numbers simply accumulated to ungodly heights, he couldn’t help but scan one of the few that littered the streets.

“…”

He headed for one of the tents, particularly to the one where the sale’s proprietor was stationed. There were many… ‘fascinating’ items to be bought, a few even catching the lieutenant’s attention for a full minute. It was then that his eyes managed to catch sight of something rather questionable lying at the edge of one of the tables. Turning to the young blonde holding the event, Kyuketsu pointed out to the item and asked in a puzzled tone, “That can’t… what the… is that… a picture of a Hollow’s toenail?” ​

184​

 

[Nekomi Kurotsuchi]

“I don’t think it’s a good idea,” Anya said with a little concerned voice.

“Don’t be so pessimistic. You are always like that when I trying to drag you somewhere,” Takeshi riposted.

“Still there could be so many people out there. I hate crowds,” she mumbled trying to looks less suspicious that she was.

“Some socialize won’t hurt. And maybe you find something interesting painting there too,” Kaneda said.

“And what if I didn’t find?”

“Then you could just leave knowing that you been saw what’s here and go back to your business,” he looked seeing that they were close to the tents. “See we’re almost there. Please try to not act like a scared person.”

“I’ll try,” female medic replied and left him heading toward the near painting.

I hope so or it will be another time when you fail to overcome your fears, Takeshi thought and walked to some painting. On it was picture of city from the real world.

[162/162]

 

[Redfin]

"Welcome, welcome," Picca greeted her potential customers, which included Haresuno and some members of the Shinigami Women's Association. "Please look around some." She was walking around the show area with her artificial leg and answering and questions or concerns. One of her helpers would be taking care of the register for the time being.

"Ah this one," she responded to a person she believed to be the vice captain of the eleventh. It took her a few moments to remember where she had taken that picture. "Aye, it is. I believe that particular hollow got a hold of my camera and was in the process of stepping on it. Not really pleasing when ye are seeing it in motion." Picca crossed her arms and shook her head. "I guess taking a picture wasn't a good defense strategy."

[451]

 

[mitsuhito]

After Mitsuhito finished a mission in the northern part of the Rukongai, he walked back to his division leisurely. When he saw a crowd forming in front of the First Division he was just too curious to pass by it.

As he moved to the crowd, he saw a big sign and was unable to go past it, as if it had put him under a spell. While he read it, he remembered the weekend sale again. Damn was that today?

After he was finished reading the sign, he went on to look at some photographs while searching for the photographer.

[101/101]

 

[Nekomata]

A mismatched trio of women approached from the First Division gates, chattering and occasionally laughing amongst themselves. They were quite the sight. One was tall and thin, with skin almost as dark as her shihakushou. She wore her hair in a multitude of tiny braids, each with a trio of colorful beads at the end. The second would have looked ordinary enough- short, straight black hair, dark eyes, light complexion- if it wasn’t for her height. Or lack thereof; she didn’t even hit five feet tall.

The third shinigami was a familiar sight around the First Division. She towered over both of her friends, with the build of an ancient warrior goddess. White-blonde hair hung down her back in a thick braid, almost as pale as her skin. Her uniform had been spiced up with a string of large blue and yellow beads with matching dangly earrings. And for those unfamiliar with the arcanists’ resident Valkyrie, the jinbaori and armband adorned with the number one would probably clue them in. Maruyama Ilsa, vice-captain of the First Division.

“Ooh, look!” Dark-skinned Serafine pointed at a series of beach photos. “Isn’t the one with the sunset beautiful?”

“Yeah, if you go for landscapes.” Mariko shot a sly look up at Ilsa. “I think Isa-chan would rather have one of Inuzuri-soutaichou.”

Ilsa reached down to punch her friend in the arm. Carefully, but there was still enough force to make her point. “Mari-chan! No, I wouldn’t.”

Serafine grinned at her, white teeth bright in her dark face. “She’s right, Mari-chan. Somebody might see a wall-sized photo and wonder just how much our vice-captain likes our Soutaichou. A pocket-sized, now…”

“Would you two cut it out?” Ilsa glared at both of them and headed for the Earth landscape section.

“Oh, come on, we’re just teasing you!” Even with her long legs, Serafine had to hustle to keep up.

Mariko just smiled and sauntered over to the shinigami running the show. Her best friend deserved a promotion gift.

333/333​

 

[Beaks]

Tsubaki walked quietly towards the gates of the First Division, thoughtfully turning the note that had been slipped in with her usual correspondences with one hand.

Greetings Captain Tsubaki

Good day, this is Picca, fourth seat of the First. I am holding a sale of some posters and pictures on the weekend. I would really appreciate it if you would be willing to show up and help out. I'll give you further instructions if you decide to come. If you could, please dress nicely.

Truth be told, the last words left her with a feeling of unease that was doing all it could not to be shaken. "Don't I dress nice normally?" Frowning at the paper's silence, Tsubaki stuffed the note into an unseen pocket and let out a small scoff of annoyance. "I dress nice...don't even know this person..."

In front of her a steadily growing number of Shinigami were perusing the various tables that had been set up, talking with each other and if nothing else seeming to enjoy the moment. Great...there's no one here that would give me a straight answer abou...

The thought was dismissed the second she laid eyes on the back of her Vice-Captain.

Bingo.

Closing the gap between where she approached and where he stood with alarming speed, the Templar Queen put a tense hand on the man's shoulder. Turning the Heartless Angel to face her, a single question left her lips.

"Kyuketsu, do I look nice?"

[186/186]
(Finny's letter not counted)

 

[K3]

Almost as if he had been there the entire time, an indiscriminate form blurred past all others as it beelined for the one object of its interest, reeking of oil and napalm.

Halting on a dime, Rensha wasted no time in pouring over the unmistakeable contents of the small frame, detailing in no small detail the effects of a rather flashy and probably quite destructive Hadou. "Aha! I knew there was a picture of Sanjukageki somewhere!"

One might've seen stars enter his eyes as he stared at the picture with a disturbing amount of adoration. This was it, the one picture that would complete his collection! So many other glorious explosions documented, but sadly he was only capable of taking snapshots of his own Hadou thus far. The long haul to convince others to allow him to photograph any Hadou of theirs was a worthy challenge indeed, but the collective data…and the personal value…would far outweigh the struggle.

Now if only he could find that weird Soutaichou. He probably knew some damn good stuff. Not tearing his eyes away from the photo in front of him, he immediately attempted to wave over whoever might've been running the little yard sale…funny, shinigami don't own yards…

"How much for this one?"

[209/209]

 

[Chiisu]

"C'mon c'mon!" Bastien urged as he ran down the street heading to the heart of Seireitei. "There it is, hurry up!"

Being dragged along behind the peacekeeper was a very disgruntled pink-haired shinigami. It was all she could do to keep from face-planting as her friend dragged her through the city. And all too suddenly he skidded to a stop, leaving her no choice but to crash into him. "Hell's fire!" she exclaimed as she untangled herself from the over-excited boy. "What's the rush, I'm sure there's plenty of pictures."

"I know," he replied, standing on tip-toe to see what the venue had to offer, "but I want the full selection!"

"Full selection of what?" the spook asked, not sure she wanted to know.

"I want some pictures of parks for ideas!"

And there it was. The parks again. "You're still on about that? I want no part of that cursed lot!"

"Don't be silly, it's not cursed. And the next time I have a day off, I'll prove it. Now come help me look for pictures!"

Amelia hesitated, considering her options for a moment. "Alright, fine. On one condition," she quickly added before her companion could speak. "In return, you have to help me find a picture of those boats they use in that one water city on Earth. Venice? Yeah, Venice. I want a boat from Venice. With a strong, muscly man piloting it."

The half-blind peacekeeper stared blankly at the girl for a moment, wondering if she was serious. She was. "Um... okay. Deal. Now let's go!" He once again had a grip on her sleeve and was already dragging her through the crowd.

[277]
​

 

[Wayne]

"My, that’s quite... gruesome.”

At first Kyuketsu looked around, slyly making sure no one he knew was close by. He didn’t have some sort of penchant for the macabre or anything dark like that that would cause any misunderstandings. If anything, he abhorred whatever showcased the disgusting figure of a masked fallen. This particular image on the other hand, became somewhat of an exception. He couldn’t place his finger on it, but something drew the boy towards the picture. The angle, the story behind it, the lighting... the... subject? Whatever it was, the Vice-Captain simply had to have it.

He reached into the depths of his shihakushou and pulled free a small piece of paper before handing it over to the young blonde.

"On that paper is a blank check with my name signed on it. You write whatever you want on there so long as you tell me where to find that... that thing. The little child inside of me wants to kill it,” he said in a surprisingly straightforward voice whilst smiling slightly.

Noticing the other voice that filtered through his hearing, the boy turned to see the Templar Queen, of all people. Reflecting momentarily on her sudden and abrupt question, he stammered. "Oh hello, Captain. I... uhh... well... you seem to have caught me in a bind there. I neither want to offend you, nor lie to you so I suppose umm...”

"Maybe a look more fitting to a younger person would suit you better rather than some old uhh... err... uhh... A minor alteration is what I’m getting at, really.” He glanced back to the salesperson from the First. "Miss Lilli was it? W-what do you think?” ​

465​

 

[Redfin]

It was starting to get hard to keep up with all of the customers and requests. "Er, right, that hollow." Picca scratched her head. "The picture was taken in some low populated area of Japan, uh Shinoa? Shintane? Something like that prefecture. I really doubt the hollow is still there though." She shuddered after taking another glance at the picture but still accepted the check with a steady hand.

Turning to another customer, she quickly responded, "Twenty, everything of that size is twenty." Picca quickly slipped the blank check away before the vice captain of the Eleventh could ask for it back. "You can pay at the register over there." Over there being a nice, shaded tent with the said register.

Finally, there was the arrival of Tsubaki. One of Picca's invited guests had arrived and clapped her hand once firmly. Now hopefully the other two would show as well. "Good day Captain Tsubaki," the one eyed shinigami greeted with her least accented voice. "I'm very glad you decided to come. I'm Picca, the organizer of this event. Pleased to meet you in person." She bowed as it was in Japanese custom.

"I think she looks lovely." It was definitely more than Picca deserved for such a weird request. "Please, have a seat. Have a drink as well." She motioned to one of the staff tents where there was a cooler for beverages that were staff only. "I'll let you know when your help is needed."

[697]

 

[Code of the Noble]

The nobleman stepped foot on to the scene. Why am I here? he posed to himself with a confused expression. It was unknown to him how he made appearances in such places he knew he had no business being at in the first place. An uneasy expression crept onto his face as he glanced down at a piece of paper and read:

Greetings Captain Senesati

Good day, this is Picca, fourth seat of the First. I am holding a sale of some posters and pictures on the weekend. I would really appreciate it if you would be willing to show up and help out. I'll give you further instructions if you decide to come. If you could, please dress nicely.

Senesati then folded the note and placed it in the inside of his uwagi. His sapphire orbs then set sight on Tsubaki... in a dress? The spell-sword captain was not known for random out-bursts with laughter, however, this was one time that he wanted to. Not because the woman looked silly. No. Because he had never seen many shinigami, let alone captains in anything other than their military attire.

He spun around and chuckled amongst himself at the sight.

[141/141] not including Finny's note.

Note

He is in his noble attire. Refer to profile

 

[Apeiron]

Picca’s hold on Haresuno’s attention didn’t last very long. The moment she turned away all hell broke loose on Haresuno’s end.

As the flurry of activity kicked off, Haresuno was finding it a tad difficult to keep up with everything. More and more shinigami were beginning to flock to the showcase, moving from one tent to the next, grabbing at whatever caught their interest. Some of the people Haresuno could identify easily, others not so much.

But in all the hustle and bustle he really couldn’t keep track. Especially when he had to keep tabs on Ayumu. The boy was ducking in and out of tents too fast to keep up with, and Iida was browsing paintings on her own.

To make matters worse, his son was learning how to avoid capture by jumping into the crowd. You try keeping up with a twelve year old running around a busy street like he’s run it every day of his life.

This game of cat and mouse continued until Haresuno was forced to cut through a throng of people which included his former pupil Ilsa and her friends. "Ack!” he declared as his foot caught on the smallest woman’s heel, succeeding in tripping him and throwing him head over heels into another booth.

Needless to say, many pictures fell on top of the the tall shinigami. "Oh yeah... He’s going to be lucky if I buy anything.” While he said it in the most dead-pan tone, his words were in jest. With the exception of falling he was enjoying himself. "Oh, why hello Maruyama, how are you?”

[516]

 

[mitsuhito]

While on his way from tent to tent he suddenly saw an interesting picture. A good friend of his, Sekka, was depicted on it, as she sat on some training grounds totally exhausted.

It was not the first time he saw such a good shot, not only was the photographer able to be at the right moments in the right time, she was also talented enough to get some razor-sharp pictures in these situations. But not only that, she also managed to let the viewer of a photo get a grip of the feelings in those scenes. Because of that, he already had bought some great pictures of many different things, all from that talented photographer.

When he turned around to ask for the price of a DIN A4 sized print of that picture, he finally saw Picca in the crowd. If I remember right she was the one, who did all these great pictures. Additionally, I got some sort of code and am just to curious what I would get for that.

Walking up to her, he made sure to catch her in a moment where no one except for her could her him.

"Hi, you must be Picca, we only had some contact over the denreishinki, but I already bought some of your pictures. While we are at that, what does this photo cost?” he asked, pointing out to the photo he just saw and with a whispered voice, he added, "Before I forget, 'When girls fly in the sky so high, I make a shot of apple pie.'”

The only thoughts he had after saying that secret code was, whoever thought that out, had a weird taste of humor.

[284/385]

weekend note

ok, iam off till sunday or monday, so sorry for not responding until then beforehand^^.

 

[Nekomi Kurotsuchi]

A nice caught panorama, he thought looking at the picture.

On it was street at the dusk crowded with a few people. It was probably some warmer time of the year as all of them wear very little. Especially those two women’s that attracted his attention. Contemplating for a moment that picture Takeshi decided to find something that captures perfectly beauty of female body. This wasn’t bad either but still something was missing.

Walking to next tent, he finds a series of pictures that have one common theme: beach. Walking between each of them arcanist was wondering about women’s pictured there. Almost all of them look familiar. Maybe around last or one of last he realized than there was shinigami.

My, my. I didn’t think that our female shinigami could wear something else that formal dress they wear every day, young man turn around and walked back to one of the painting he pass by few moments ago.

That looks quite good but then. What will my fellow companion said when I pick up this? ponders Kaneda.

***
​

Not act like a scared person? How I suppose to do this? she was thinking looking at some painting. On it was captured some battle situation. Looking at it brought out some memories.

Fight...why it’s all I can remember as far as I know. Always fighting with something or someone, Anya tried to brush away unpleasant memories. But the longer she was looking at the picture than harder it was.

"No,” a single word left her lips when she turns her sight away from it. This time young medic looked at the painting showing a city illuminated by the full moon.

Despite it been quite empty in compare to the last one that brought some serenity to her thoughts. Especially that moon almost mesmerized Kumiho. "Maybe I could find something worth buying here...”

Setting her mind of finding some breath taking picture, she successfully overcome for some time panic fear for had been at the crowded place. Slowly walking between gathered in tents pictures Anya was looking for the something that shows night basked into moonlight.

[515]

 

[Redfin]

"Captain Senesati, I'm so glad you could make it," Picca said quite excitedly. Two of the most prominent captains had actually decided to go to her event. Not this could go really well or really badly for her. Hopefully, the third one would show up soon as well and she could really get started. "Please have a seat or a drink. I'll be requiring your help later." She motioned towards the same tent as before.

The one eyed host went back to her customers and see if everything was going well. A whispered phrase caught her attention. "Ah, Mitsuhito right?" Even though his previous order had been through the phone, she used to have a lot of free time to look up customers. "That picture will be ten rings. But follow me."

Deftly moving through the crowds, Picca led the man into another tent. This one was mostly filled with crates meant for holding the pictures. From underneath one of them, she took out a leather bound scrap book. "Let me know if there's anything you want. I can make custom sizes too if you want to." The pictures inside here were not of scenery, they were of shinigami, shinigami doing various activities, all of them unwary of being photographed. There were quite a few silly, embarrassing or risqué pictures.

Leaving the man to peruse at his leisure, she went back out and stepped into the center of the little picture market. Taking a hold of a megaphone, Picca announced, "I hope everyone is finding something they like. Please stick around for a bit, I have a special event planned in just a short while."

[972]

 

[Beaks]

Dress reference

"Mmm. Old." The girl's words fell on deaf ears as one leonine iris stared unflinchingly at the Heartless Angel. "Well, I suppose the old woman should go sit down and have a drink then." Shooting Kyuketsu one last irate look of muted hurt Tsubaki started towards the cooler and tent the girl had tried to steer her towards in the wake of Reijuu's nearly suicidal choice of words.

However, on her trip over the sight of another Captain with his back to her caught the Templar Queen's attention. To be more accurate, the sight of him turning away followed by the muffled laughing and shaking shoulders of a man clearly enjoying himself at her expense caught her eye.

As the click of seldom worn heels echoed across the scattered throngs of Shinigami, Tsubaki placed a gentle hand on the Spell Sword's right shoulder, easing the shaking almost instantly.

"Captain Anenokoji..." A knowing smile crept over her lips as they eased closer to the man's right ear, which lay hidden beneath the shimmering ebony locks that were nearly longer than her own. "...I have killed for far less." Releasing her grip, the Templar Queen started off once again towards the staff tent, ill-contented to wait for another one of her comrades to make light of the gesture.

[217/403]

 

[Code of the Noble]

"Glad to hear it," the nobleman replied, calmly grasping a beverage from a nearby wooden stand. He took a sip of the cool beverage before he turned to face the Templar Queen. "I would expect no less from you, Tsubaki-taichou."

Senesati placed the cup on the same stand, from which he had retrieved it, in a calm fashion no less, while at the same time not displaying any emotion toward the female captain's hidden threat.

"Were you told to wear that gown just as I was to wear my noble attire or is this a rare coincidence?"

[97/238]

 

[Nekomata]

Mariko yelped as something- someone- hit the back of her heel, crashing into a picture display. “Hey, watch where you’re… oh shit.” The guy was wearing a black cloak with the kanji for ‘bad luck’ embroidered on the back. She had just tripped Haresuno Uchiharu. Seriously powerful guy with, according to Ilsa, practically no sense of humor. “I’m sorry! I didn’t see you there!”

“Hi, Uchiharu-san.” Ilsa bent down to offer a hand up. “Pretty good, thanks, though I think I’m beginning to understand the kind of workload you had at the Tenth.”

Serafine just shook her head, beaded braids clicking together, and began to retrieve the fallen pictures.“Come on, Mari-chan, give me a hand over here.”

The smaller woman nodded quickly and moved to help her friend with the cleanup. Fortunately, it looked like most of these pictures had been matted; sturdy enough to survive a fall. Only a few were bent beyond salvaging.

156/489​