Stellar Mote Inquisitors: The Gang Gets Together

[Gaz]

Shiro #1

---

The Senkaimon opened on its large white stone platform, the kido corp members routinely monitoring the situation as they went about their daily routines. Even though this was a routine opening of the gate that took the Shinigami to the land of the living and back there was a tense atmosphere and an awkward silence that was palpable all over the Seireitei. Something had happened recently, and it was big, big enough to make the wrong kind of waves.

This awkward situation and tense atmosphere was not noticed by the young Shinigami and the few members of his squad that bounded through the otherworldly gate jovially. The tall brunet Shinigami at the front was almost bouncing as he passed through, spinning on his heels to look back at the laughing few who were trailing.

“And then I said. It’s a shocking surprise!” Shiro announced as he pantomimed slashing an imaginary sword down as he made electrical exploding noises. The large bags of samples he was carrying clanked as he moved, the glass jars rattling together as he moved in such an animated way. It was a reminder that he had better be careful and tone down his animated story telling. His point still got across as the other members of Squad twelve laughed raucously, the sound echoing in the tense atmosphere.

“Once I was finished, I stubbed my toe on one of those Japanese cars…. A Toyata I think. I’ll never forgive the Japanese.” He added with a shaken fist before turning around to notice the captain of squad eleven standing with her arms folded and a dagger like glare pointing directly at him. It was enough to stop his smile and shift his skin tone a shade or two paler.

“Tagachi, you’ve been reassigned. Give your nerds the bags and come with me. Orders direct from Central 46.” Yorutatsu spoke harshly, banishing the last flickers of the jovial air that new arrivals brought with them. While squad twelve was still without a new captain their duties had continued and it was on loan to any squad that needed their scientific expertise… however, it was no secret that Shiro was far from a scientist… he was the squad meat head.

“Yes Captain.” He spoke, shifting to off load his bags carefully, each of the Shinigami behind him took a few and immediately began to struggle under this new weight. “I’ll see you when I get back.” Shiro said before vanishing with a quick flash step and appearing just out of range of any sudden sword swings of the captain who had already begun to walk away, leading him on.

“While you were gone some serious business went down.” Yorutatsu began her briefing. “A strange disease struck all of the big families, crippling them and the major operations of the soul society… Anyone effected is wasting away. Squads four and twelve have been working around the clock to keep them stable.” She said robotically, not happy about something which put the young Shinigami on edge.

“Which is where you come in.” She said barely looking over her shoulder. “You’re the only member of your squad that shows potential and has no links to a great family. So, the surviving members of the forty-six is putting you and two promising members of my squad together to hunt down the guy who set this into motion.” The captain explained as the pair rounded a corner into her barracks and through a door that opened for her… it seemed quiet, almost as if every Shinigami was on high alert guarding the sick.

“Yes Ma’am… who is the guy we’re hunting?” Shiro asked stopping just short of the door that she had opened, a training dojo.

“Meigara Geo..”

---

Shiro: 7319e6
Captain Yorutatsu: ff9f9f

[Ken Shirogane]

It had been a while since Kenshi had interacted with the sword woman who had bested him in a sparring match with live blades. It had served him quite the lesson that he’d not been able to ignore. In the past he’d held a desire to demonstrate himself as a great swordsman by defeating opponents using only the basic lessons during his lifetime. Usually he came out on top despite whatever technique an opponent might have. But by the end of that spar it had become immediately clear to him that while his basic techniques were solid he had to expand on them, take those lessons and turn them into something more. He’d long since expanded his swordsmanship, although he’d expanded in many ways besides just that as well. Chances were her swordsmanship was still superior to his own in terms of raw ability, but he was quite confident that his own growth gave him a level of survivability that he would otherwise not have had he dedicated himself to the blade so entirely. He still loved the sword, but he’d expanded his desire into all possible facets of combat. Spiritual and physical.

He’d still like to have a match with her again someday, if she too held any such interest. But now was not the time to discuss such topics he supposed. They were waiting on their Kenpachi to direct them on a mission they were to undertake.

If he was honest, he was surprised to be called on personally. Perhaps it was only a matter of convenience, however he thought he’d likely displeased his Captain the last time they spoke. They had a clash of ideals and he’d expressed them to at least a mild extent.

However any confusion he might have felt over his own selection was nothing compared to when he would eventually see Shiro. He liked Shiro, and thought he’d be reliable for anything that required strength, but he wasn’t sure why their Kenpachi seemed to be including him, seeing as he was a member of squad 12.

[freshstrawberries]

Ishifude Shitabayashi was a shinigami of curious reputation.  There was nothing particularly outstanding about her reputation but it was a matter of just how much that reputation changed depending on if one spoke to someone within the Eleventh, or without.  To those without, the few who knew of her would likely speak highly of her. "One of the only meatheads over there that actually does their job right" might be something one could hear, because she did her paperwork and reports on time, in neat handwriting with no shortcuts or attempts to just skip over sections and she seemed like a good hard worker on top of that.  Within her reputation was far more mixed, some focusing on how diligently she did her reports and considering her a busy body or bootlick, those ones typically did not know her well, but for those who had ever properly crossed blades with her they knew there was something stranger going on.

Why did someone so bloodthirsty act so diligently and dutifully?  

To many of her peers in the 11th she was considered among some of the most battle crazed and blood hungry which just left them perplexed by how she filled out her paperwork like she was aiming for top marks in the 10th division.  Either way, her reputation outside of 11th was the more important this day and that impression of a dutiful, hard working and overall loyal shinigami along with her combat marks putting her near the top of 11th's unseated shinigami had likely all combined to make her an easy recommendation for this mission.

For her part she was glad to go.  She'd only recently returned herself from her routine patrolling of the living world when the disaster struck. The idea that she'd have to spend less time 'resting' in seireitei combined with the prospect of hunting down a traitor rather than her usual hollow patrols made for an enticing prospect.  Which...was probably disconcerting to some people, she seemed utterly unconcerned about the actual gravity of the situation, sitting on her knees phone in hand as she awaited what was to be the leader of this little three man squad.  The curious upgrade to her previous model she'd gotten from the human world, it was such a fantastic little device for quickly writing down thoughts or lines for her poetry without the need to carry paper, ink and brush around with her everywhere, truly a marvel.

For her, all that mattered was getting to fight and this situation gave the tantalizing promise of some truly interesting battles.

[Gaz]

Shiro #2

---

Was that Ken? Shiro glanced over to the man, someone he would consider a friend after their initial meeting during one of his invention tests quite a while ago. The revelation changed the pit of dread in his stomach to something closer to anticipation for the challenge. Doing this entire thing with at least one person he knew from Squad eleven was going to make this a much more pleasant experience. The smile he shot to Ken was wiped away as a foot made contact with his tall ass and pushed him in with some force.

“Get in shit for brains.” The captain barked as she followed the man up and slammed the door closed behind her. Her powerful presence filling the room as she stood tall, arms folded beneath her chest. “As a seated officer you are in charge. As a member of squad twelve you are also in charge of contacting the Soul Society for any support.” Yorutatsu spoke as she eyed the rest of the group.

“Yes Ma’am… But why me? I am not even a member of your squad.” He spoke, climbing up from the floor to stand up, one hand on his back side to gently ease some of the pain the kicking gave him. He had a point, big operations like this tended to favour small units entirely comprised of the same Squad.

“Because you three, those in charge are certain have not to have connections to the traitor, there is a lot of suspicion being thrown about and with Squad twelve being such a close watch already they are the only squad thought to be clean of any ill intentions.” She explained, sounding ticked off at that fact her squad was included in the ever growing list of suspects.

“Right… So Ken and Who is this…?” He started before offering a hand to Ishifude. “Shiro Tagachi, nice to meet you.” Shiro added to make a more formal introduction.

---

Shiro: 7319e6
Captain Yorutatsu: ff9f9f

[Ken Shirogane]

Ken could feel his brows lift when he heard his Kenpachi use such foul language on Shiro. What the heck had he done to deserve that kind of treatment? She hadn’t been half that vulgar when speaking with him even after he’d caused her some irritation. Shiro must have done something really bad to piss her off like that. Had he spoken to Shiro about squad 11 at all? He could not remember right now, it had been a while. He’d been friendly with Shiro, but maybe whatever had happened was too personal to share that easily. Even so, to hear his captain speak in such a way was kind of shocking considering how she’d spoken to him and how she spoke to most if not all the members of her squad. Of course, that might also be a key difference. Shiro was not from her squad, maybe that was part of the reason why she treated him that way? But then whether she disliked him or just didn’t respect him, wouldn’t those both be reasons not to include him in this? So then why?

What was really amusing though was that Shiro would apparently be the leader for this little sorte. Not that he’d be a bad leader Ken supposed. Shiro had charisma, hopefully that would be the key element in all this. Or power. Shiro had a great deal of power too. He’d certainly blew Kenshi away during their little sparring match. Next time though, Kenshi would be able to keep up a bit better now that he’d practiced his flash step significantly more. Next time he’d at least have a chance to dodge, if not keep himself within blades reach of Shiro next time they had a match.

He wondered if he should offer Shiro a little healing after that kick, but the guy seemed to brush off any pain well enough so unless he complained about it later, Kenshi let it pass for now. It tickled him to think that he was part of squad 11 and yet practiced Bakudo, Hado, and even Kaido. He wondered if anyone would have expected it of him up until he got into the practice. And he was even hoping to master some level of Eishōhaki soon. He enjoyed every moment of training he took to broaden his skills both physically and spiritually. After all, skills in one could reinforce his skills in the other, mastering both meant having fewer weaknesses to exploit in either area. Although it did also mean that he might be somewhat weaker in any single aspect than a purist, but by now he was more interested in having fun with what he was doing than trying to be the best. Some might say he was spreading himself thin training to do so many different things, but he’d question how he was spreading himself thin. They were spirits after all, time was nearly meaningless for them.

“Hey, welcome to the team Shiro. Kind of funny that you’ll be leading us, but I think you’ll do a good job.” Kennshi offered with a chuckle while the other man introduced himself to Ishifude. He also wondered what she might think of Shiro. He’d only truly spent time with her during that one spar, but he thought that she didn’t really seem like the kind of person to be unnecessarily cruel. She’d been concerned enough for him to ask after his wrist when she’d injured him. Perhaps it had only been in the hope that they could continue the fight, but even so she hadn’t belittled him for accepting his loss to her at the time. She had a fearsome presence in his mind, yet there was also a sort of dark elegance. He was interested in getting to know more about her during this mission. Assuming she had any desire to make herself more well known to them anyway. He wouldn’t force anything if she ended up finding his probing to be bothersome.

---

PC: 2

freshstrawberries Gaz

[freshstrawberries]

It was rather interesting seeing Ken again.  He hadn't made a particularly strong impression but he'd made enough of one for her to remember his name.  Then again she remembered the names of most people she crossed blades with, especially in the eleventh division.  She wondered if he'd taken any of her words to heart, if he'd improved or changed at all.  Ahhh, a shame she wouldn't be able to find out directly given they were going to be on a mission together.

As the door opened and the captain arrived she slipped the phone into place in her robes before rising up to her feet.  So this fellow was to lead them?  She wouldn't have guessed based on how he was introduced by Kenpachi.  How curious.  Ishifude eyed him up and down a very slight smile on her face, rather difficult to read.  She did however take his hand and shake it. Her grip was firm.

"Ishifude Shitabayashi.  I am sure it will be a pleasure to fight along side you."  Her voice was pleasant, but there was an undercurrent of something...that some might find unsettling, a certain eagerness and a distinct lack of concern about the situation.

[Gaz]

Shiro #3

---

“Yes yes, make introductions.” The captain spoke, not wanting her annoyance at the member of Squad twelve that she had to include in this mission be pushed upon the members of her own squad. She cared for each and everyone of them as if they were a family, taking personal responsibility for each of their well being both on and off of missions. It was why she cared so much for Ken and his love life with that Quincy woman.

“Ishifude, good to meet you.” Shiro spoke respectfully, offering the woman a slight bow. “And Ken, it has been a while. Did you manage to make contact with your Zanpakuto?” He asked, genuinely interested if the man had managed to get to the same level as him. His own Zanpakuto rumbling a distant chuckle as it comprehended this situation.

“Attention.” Captain Yorutatsu spoke, her words cutting through the dojo and bringing Shiro to a stop before Ken could get a moment to answer his question. “This mission is important, so you are being given Gigai, supplies and money from the land of the living. From there you will have to travel to find Meigara Geo, and either kill him to end the effect of this spell or convince him to undo it and come in your custody.” She explained before pointing to the door on the far end as it was opened by someone on the other side, the now opened portal showed blank gigai, large bags of equipment and new spirit phones.

“Understood ma’am. Where are we starting this investigation?” Shiro asked.

“The United States of America, to be more precise… New York.” She said without a moment to hesitate. The larger-than-life captain stood tall and looked at the trio and let out a sigh. “This is a tough mission; it could almost be labelled suicidal. But it will not be, because I believe in my squads best unseated fighters. And in the son of the woman I hate to my very core.” The captain spoke truthfully, gesturing for the unit to move forward.

This was a revelation to Shiro, he knew Captain Yorutatsu had some sort of beef with him, but not why… It was because of Asami? The matriarch of his orphanage? She was the nicest woman he had ever met. He never knew that his adoptive mother was previously connected to the Gotei 13… let alone a captain. Did that mean she used to be a Shinigami? A Shinigami of Squad Eleven? He couldn’t focus on that now he had to move forward like the others, to collect his gear and head out on this mission. A mission of such importance that it could rock the very foundations of the soul society if they were to fail or set them up to be big celebrities when they succeeded.

And when they did succeed he was going to talk to Captain Yorutatsu to find out more about his adoptive mother.

---

Shiro: 7319e6
Captain Yorutatsu: ff9f9f

[Ken Shirogane]

He would have liked to reply, but there was plenty of time to catch up later. They could not ignore their captain after all.

Going to America sounded exciting though! New York even. His mother had been half-American, and he'd heard stories from her while alive about what it was like there, but never had the chance to go there in his previous life, or his new life as a Shinigami.

Although his mother had come from Philadelphia. Still, it would be interesting to see New York, and he wondered how it would compare to modern-day Tokyo.

"You consider us your best unseated fighters!?" Ken could not help but ask, amazed by the high praise that the captain had so casually dolled out. Sure, she'd complimented him and even suggested he might be ready to claim an official seat soon during their private meeting, but even so he hadn't expected to be considered one of the best among the unseated. But it truly made him happy to hear that his efforts were noticed, and it certainly encouraged him to work all the harder. He practically had stars in his eyes, along with the fire of desire to reach even higher.

Of course, hearing the captain also say that she hated Shiro's mother was an incredibly weird thing to mention. At least in his opinion. Like, sure he didn't think the Kenpachi would be afraid to voice her opinion, but why had she decided to state it like that at this moment? No one had asked her what her problem with Shiro was. Perhaps she had read it on all their faces? Or at least his face and Shiro's. Because Kenshi had definitely been curious about what was going on but had intended to ask Shiro about it later. But now he didn't need to. He had new questions instead.

"Well nice, so we are going fully kitted out for this mission then. I suppose having Gigai means that it would be easier to find our target with them than without them." He wondered if that would mean he would not have easy access to his Zanpakuto, since as far as he knew his true form and weapon would be locked within the Gigai. But at least his Kido techniques should still function perfectly whether he was in the Gigai or not. Making him all the more glad for his practice and steady education in the Kido arts.

---

PC: 3
Gaz freshstrawberries

[freshstrawberries]

Family drama like the captain hating Shuro's mother was entirely ignored by Ishifude, her attention was on the supplies unveiled, particularly the gigai.  Gigai already adorned in clothes and fashion fitting of the part of the world they'd be going to.  "Oho, I've never actually used a gigai..outside of the academy making sure we know how to use one of course."

Walking up to it she leaned in, putting a hand to her chin.  So those were blue jeans?  The shirt was fairly plain, long-sleeved, black sleeves but white on the torso, and those...were sneakers.  Her face wrinkled in distaste seeing those, she'd never understood the appeal of that sort of footwear but whatever, she'd live.  It was rather strange seeing a perfect doppelganger of herself dressed in such unusual fashion though!  Hah, she'd have to find a time to write some of this down before the thoughts slipped away.

"I do not fear death."  Ishifude replied nonchalantly, "But I have not yet drunk enough to allow myself to be cut down this soon.  No matter what awaits I will find a way to succeed."  Finally addressing what everyone else was saying and talking about as she turned around a slight smile on her face.  "Is that everything then, my Kenpachi?  My body itches with the desire to begin the hunt."

[Gaz]

Shiro #4

---

“Yes Ishifude,” Yorutatsu spoke, watching the rag tag squad collect their gear. “You will need to report to the Senkaimon immediately. From there you will go to your destination and meet One of the local Shamens that work along side Shinigami forces in the area. If needs be you can contact the local Quincy clan. However, that is a last resort, we do not want them knowing of our weakened position.” The captain spoke, her hand resting on the sliding door. She was looking at the pair of her squad with a soft expression, as if to say sorry for the cloak and dagger approach of the mission, but the fight at the end would be a worthy one.

Shiro heard that and nodded as he hoisted his Gigai up under his arm after resting the bag of supplies on his other shoulder to balance himself. “Thank you for this information, Captain, we won’t let you down.” He said professionally, giving her a salute from squad twelve.

“When we return… may we talk about my mother? I feel it would enlighten us both about some things.” Shiro asked, hoping that the womans softness for her own squad will partially rub off on him due to the nature of the operation. He needed to know about the woman that had raised him since his infantile years, she was a mystery to him outside of being a loving orphan matron.

The captain looked at him with sharp eyes, the memories of her distant past flashing through her eyes causing her to grit her teeth just slightly. “Yes, I was going to. Remember I was planning on adding you to the ranks of Squad Eleven… Partially to spite the woman, but mostly because of your ability.” That admission eased her slightly as she looked to Ken.

“If you need any more resources coordinate with Shiro who will get Squad Twelve to arrange a dead drop.” Her gaze shifted to Ishifude. “Remind me when you return to have a feast, with enough drinks to knock us all under the table.” Yorutatsu said with a grin, nodding with pride in the two as the door was slid closed. “When you return there are going to be seats available for you two.”

Shiro had liked this reply, it meant that the captain genuinely believed in her squad… it was a refreshing dynamic. His old captain was rather emotionless and struggled to let her feelings be known. This one was the polar opposite, hopefully the new captain they got would be more like this.

---

Shiro: 7319e6

Captain Yorutatsu: ff9f9f

[Ken Shirogane]

Ken felt like he was being thrown for a loop here. Being told that if they needed to they could contact a local Quincy clan after he was warned about fraternizing was a Quincy himself, he felt a little lost. Left wondering if something had happened since his meeting with her last time that they had a Quincy recourse, albeit one that the Kenpachi didn't seem to want them to make use of. So did that mean it was a recourse she wasn't willing to ignore despite her dislike of the Quincy?

He supposed even though she disliked the Quincy her love for her squad came before her hatred of the Quincy, or at least he hoped that was the case. That seemed a good sign then, like although her hatred was great there were things she either cared about more or prioritized over her dislike of the Quincy.

He nodded hearing they could get whatever they needed through Shiro as long as he put in the order. Humming in thought he wondered what else they could possibly need. Actually, he supposed Shiro would know what recourses were available to them considering the squad he was part of.

He saluted the captain on their way out. "Thank you, Captain. I'll be happy to take any seat I can, but I am aiming for that Lieutenant seat." He said with a smirk before the door closed and he turned to Shiro.

"So, anything else you think we would need that's not already available to us?" He asked curiously since Shiro was squad 12 after all. If anyone should know all about the new and interesting toys they were working on it should be him. While he likely didn't help develop them, he imagined he was interested in the technology being developed, plus he was likely the one to do much of the transportation between development, storage, and testing.

---

PC: 4

freshstrawberries Gaz

[freshstrawberries]

Ishifude was so utterly delighted for this coming conflict, what kind of allies might this traitor have, what kind of fight could he or they put up?  She was so desperate to find out, to sink her teeth into something new!  She loved fighting hollows, but she itched for something new.  Truly there was nothing at all that could put a damper on her spirits!

"-there are going to be seats available for you two."

The poet did not outwardly react, or at least she did not say anything or give some grandiose reaction, flinch, stagger or express any shock.  Given she had been facing her gigai inspecting it carefully it meant the captain and her new companions weren't in a great position to see her face, that previously delighted smile had...shifted in a way.  It almost looked forced on now, as if that fire in her eyes had suddenly had a bucket of water dumped on it. 

However she gathered her gear and hefted her gigai over her shoulder to begin moving.  "Well then I suppose we should be moving then."  Her words were polite, her tone cool and even but that previous excitement had been dampened considerably, it was a bit of a jarring shift.

This had been going to be such a delightful assignment too...

[Gaz]

Shiro #5

---

Now the door had closed Shiro started to rifle through the gear that had been provided to them. It consisted of a decent range of spiritual gadgets and tools that could be used for tracking. A new Smart Phone Device that was loaded with the newest hollow Detector app, numbers to contact Squad Twelve, and captain Yorutatsu as well as the head captain and a representative of central 46. Though that last one had a label noting it was only to be used in the case of extreme emergency.

There was a small box that opened up to be a compass. Shiro knew this as a tool for tracking a specific individual after it was fed with their spiritual energy. It was currently unset. Once it was set, they could not be unset again until the previous target had touched the device. Along side that was a pair of hand cuffs that would seal away spiritual energy by restraining the spiritual pressure of the unfortunate soul wearing them.

“We got quite a good election here, Ken.” Shiro spoke as he lugged the Gigai over one should and the bag of supplies over the other one. His large Zampakuto rested against his hip, and he showed zero signs of struggling. He has been the pack mule for many experiments in the past and it had been good training.

“I’ll follow you Ishifude.” Shiro said, allowing the female warrior to lead. “I’ve never been to America before, so this is going to be new. Luckily these phones will automatically translate the languages for us.” The young officer noted, with a bright smile. The excitement for the mission settling in… the nervousness for what the captain has to say about the woman who raised him, who named him, was too.

---

Shiro: 7319e6

Captain Yorutatsu: ff9f9f

[Ken Shirogane]

Kenshi went to grab his gear, carrying his stuff in a manner simular to Shiro. While Kenshi was no pack mule he was decently strong. Shiro might be physically stronger, but Kenshi was no slouch.

He did notice the slight shift in Ishifude though. She'd seemed almost excited before, more animated, but now he got the sense she'd just gotten a bucket of cold water dropped on her.

"Something the matter?" He asked looking at the woman with interest and a little concern, wondering what had changed since he'd missed the exact moment where her expression had shifted.

"I've also never been to America, but my mother was from America, in Philadelphia. She was born there, although her mother and father were from two different places. One from America, and one not." He could not remember where the not American half had come from. "Anyway, I know how to speak English, although I'm a bit out of practice and the dialect used might be different these days..." He supposed. It was the same for the Japanese too though. He'd occasionally use old phrases that people would look at him strangely for using.

---

PC: 5
Gaz freshstrawberries

[freshstrawberries]

"I am fine."  Ishifude replied in a pleasant tone of voice, but if one was really trying to pay attention there was a sort of...practiced feel to that tone, as if prepared for instances where one needed to act more happy than they were.  Still...this mission promised to be tremendous fun, she could worry about the seat later.

She'd take the lead as suggested, using her free hand to open the door and step out.  She knew the way with one hundred percent certainty, she'd probably been on more patrols than anyone else in the 11th squad.  "Haaah I don't know much about America, there was a soul in the district of Rukongai I used to live in who was from the 'United States' a smart man but he hadn't the faintest idea how to hold a sword or a weapon of any kind really.  Even a spear seemed awkward in his hands."  Why were they talking about language?  "Don't we as shinigami just automatically speak and hear in a way that removes the need to worry about dialect?"