Just one issue with the post, and it's a small one: Morrigan doesn't wield a spear and shield, that's Athena's weaponry. What she wields is what I've posted below - I know my explanation may have been a bit hazy. She actually wields two of these, one on each hand. It shouldn't be too difficult to modify the post to involve these blades instead (that center guard could easily suffice for a small shield in certain instances), though I would like that changed if at all possible.

As for the next post, gotta ask, is Scayth around, or should I just go ahead with mine?

Hmmmm, I haven't heard back from him yet... I think it is Kevy's turn, but I know if he is ready to post yet, so just ahead with yours, Whiteflame. I'm sure it will be a fantastic post, as always. XD.

Alright, post should be up sometime tomorrow. I'll be delaying my Renee post (it's pretty much the last I'll be doing for her until the Knights get moving), and spending this post to expand on the fights Zord started.

Heh, sounds good to me, dude. Looking forward to it. XD

Alright, I'll get right to fixing that. Thanks for letting me know, Whiteflame.

As the song of steel echoed all about them, Morrigan relished the moment. Her bloodlust mirrored her opponent’s, a red gleam in their eyes as their blades sought flesh and instead met each other in a series of glorious crashes. She had been surprised from the outset that this man could so easily stand against her strength without wavering until she had gazed deeply into that unflinching expression of rapture. He was the same as her, a god of war, and one who sought it with a profound delight that few could understand.

There was beauty in combat, every moment a cornucopia(?) of the senses. Beauty in the crimson of the blood they would shed; beauty in the sweat that beaded their foreheads and would drench them from head to toe; beauty in the sparks that rung from their blades with each blow; and beauty in the death that would eventually spoil it all.

Her opponent was blindingly fast. Ares moved with a speed she envied, somehow keeping up with strikes from both her blades without a single step of retreat. Instead, he kept pushing the attack, and to her astonishment, pushing her backward. His sword found her right thigh, cutting deep into it with a rush of crimson, but she didn’t let the pain slow her. She forced it to bolster her, turning her blades into a torrent of flashing light, but somehow he kept up even with the renewed vigor of her pace.

Still the smile never left her face. Even if she should die here today, she would die happy.

She kept up her wild pace, and before long, she was whirring through the air, a flurry of blade strikes and kicks. Ares didn’t retreat, but he should have. She was a whirlwind of black feathers as her Infernal Wings granted her speed in flight, allowing her for once to get the better of her opponent. A roundhouse kick to the right temple set it bleeding and gave him a partially dazed look; a long but shallow slice took him along the right arm, sending a trickle of blood down his knuckles; a third lick of her blade caught him on the left side of his throat with another shallow cut. Still, he did not budge, nor did he move to staunch the bleeding. She placed all of her force into a kick at his chest, her smile broadening as she felt two ribs crack under the strain. He stumbled backward for the first time in the fight, but her eyes widened as his blade flashed outward. She barely moved her foot an inch before she felt wrought iron slice through half of her ankle. Morrigan stifled a cry of pain, only to spot the same blade mere inches from her face. She took a deep cut on her left cheek to dodge, the blade soaring past and connected to his outstretched hand by a chain.

Ares grinned still further, a murderous gleam in his eye as he retrieved his blade with a flick of his wrist. A full quarter of that monstrous weapon was covered in her blood, much of it still dripping off. He flicked it, large droplets falling to the ground before him, and started stalking forward in slow, deliberate strides. He whirred the blade above his head in a vortex of chain and sword.

And Morrigan snapped her fingers.

The ground fell out beneath his feet, and Morrigan was rewarded by a look of shock that painted his face. His instincts would have been more than enough to recover his footing before she reached him, but she wasn’t about to allow that either. She tugged, hard.

An invisible thread connected her right hand to his right shoulder. Whether he knew it or not, the wound she’d inflicted had caused him to favor his left side. He resisted the pull nonetheless, falling only to his knees. It was enough.

His blade came out in a deadly arc aiming for her head. It was a desperate move, one she easily dodged. Morrigan grabbed the chain with her left hand. Then she pulled both. His strength was massive, even more than she had believed from fighting him thusfar, but she had leverage in the air and the element of surprise. He hurtled into the air, all the more ready to grapple with her hand to hand, even as her blade bit deep into his palm and up his forearm. A spray of blood mottled his features as his right arm grabbed her throat, pinching off her cries of glee.

Glorious.


Take slid a good distance away, coming to a stop 10 meters away. He eyed his opponent hesitantly. Themis sighed.

Themis: You’re going to have to attack first.

Take gave her a quizzical look. Themis had sized him up the moment he arrived – this was not someone who could understand things on her level.

Take: Are you stating your battle plans out loud?

Themis: I’m a creature of balance, Takemikazuchi. That balance is disrupted every time either of us moves. I try to remedy that by only countering your moves, righting that balance.

Take: You expect me to believe that? Why would you choose to make your fighting style known to me?

Themis: If you think I’ve given you something of value, by all means, go ahead and pursue it.

Take: I am a man of standards myself, Themis. There is no balance in combat, nor is there meant to be.

Themis: Well, maybe not for them *gestures over at the fight between the other gods* but you would be surprised how much of true battle is balanced.

Take smiled: The only way for balance to truly reign is for neither of us to fight.

Themis arched and eyebrow: Is that a proposal?

Take placed his hands behind his head, elbows outstretched to the sides. He inclined his head backward, as though staring up at the clouds, though Themis could easily tell that his gaze never left her.

Take: I never meant it to be, though I am in no mood to fight. That clash we just had was really just for show.

Themis: Should I have been impressed?

Take smirked: I should hope not. It was more of a gesture. My brothers are truly committed to our cause, but I can’t help but be concerned with the toll. Gods should not have to die for the sake of mortals! It’s all such a headache.

He rubbed his head for effect. Or, perhaps, it wasn’t effect. Was he putting on a show, or was he merely presenting who he was? It didn’t matter.

Themis: I cannot stop until you and your allies abandon your ruinous path. Whether it’s you whom I face or one of your brothers, the result is the same. I will stop you.

Take sighed and closed his eyes: I thought as much. I have to wonder, though, just how long you can hold to those ridiculous ideals of yours.

His eyes opened before he spoke again. As they did, the sky darkened. Thunder rumbled overhead in a huge crash that Themis could practically feel in the earth beneath her. The landscape about them turned to twilight and hail began to fall in sheets from the sky, ice gleaming in the dim light.

Take: We’ll see how long “balance” stands against the storm we’ve brought.

The landscape was washed in white within a few seconds. Without Shintaku, Themis would have been completely vulnerable. With it, the world was a strange place. Blue images appeared all around her, movements of her opponent in the storm. Strangely, every one of them appeared at a good distance. Her opponent wasn’t carrying any ranged weapons, and Themis couldn’t help but wonder-

A flash of light was her only warning. Lightning flashed out of the sky, and she moved. In that order. Themis went to a knee, a scorched patch of skin on her right shoulder the only reminder of the blue cloth that had once cut across it, now melded with the smoking flesh. The blue forms twisted and turned, appearing in multiple locations, but suddenly becoming clear. A flat hand flashed out of the white to her left, and she caught it with her right, attempting to slash with the blade in her left. Unfortunately, her arm was a bundle of fried nerves, and Take easily dodged back and away. She watched him disappear, picking up the scales she had placed on the ground next to her before his attack. One orb appeared slightly larger than the other, though not as much as she’d suspected. She frowned, turning around to regard the blue forms moving in the pale storm.

Balance never came easy, but she wouldn’t allow his perversion to win. She couldn’t let that happen.

Awesome! (I'm next, right?)

Yep, you are. And nice post, whiteflame. Love how you made Themis so unchanging in her resolve toward balance.

(Alright...here goes! Long one for me.....)


[Hollow attack; Toku’s powers]



Toku: “Hey guys…guys…GUYS!” Toku sighed. It was happening again. Mishiranu had decided to take a nap after another bout with both Isamu and Renee, Bukimi had not said a word since she awoke from talking to her deity, and Renee and Isamu were sparring. Their sparring would be fine if they would stop ignoring him…

Isamu: “Come on Renee, you have to focus!”

Renee: “humph!” Renee knew what he was trying to do. He was trying to get her worked up in an attempt to make her realize she couldn’t do this without manifestation. Didn’t he realize that she was trying as hard as she could?

Anuket: Sometimes that isn’t enough.

Renee: Shut up, I’m busy!

Anuket: *Sigh* Very well then, you aren’t in a good mood right now and you’re perception abilities have been severely diminished due to exhaustion.

Renee: What does that mean?

Anuket: Ask the boy over there who keeps calling you.

Renee looked over to see Toku beckoning them over. She temporarily lost her focus and Isamu wasted no time in exploiting that weakness. He slammed the butt of his sword into her chest sending her flying a few yards back.

Renee: “Damn you Isamu! What the hell was that for?”

Isamu: “He could wait, the fight could not.”

Renee: “Don’t lecture me about that!” She said as she walked towards Toku. “What is it?”

Toku: “Just thought you oughta know that your guys spiritual pressure has attracted several hollows.”

As he said it, Renee instantly felt their reiatsu. “Damn it! So that’s what she was talking about.”

Toku: “She?”

Renee: “Nothing, forget I said it. More importantly, if you felt the hollows, why didn’t you go fight them?”

Toku: “Because I’m lazy.”

Isamu: “Enough both of you. Seriously, you were a captain? Toku WILL be fighting them because he needs the training.”

Renee: “Training?”

Isamu: “That’s right, training! There are some powerful hollows in that group, at least 5 adjuchas. He says that he has his manifestation and he will master it by fighting those hollows. It’s something Bluebell, Isaac, and I decided to do. After all, we only have 2 days left.”

Toku: “Do I have to do this? It seems a little boring…”

Renee: “Isamu’s right, you need to master your manifestation and this is a good way to do it.”

Toku: *Chuckle* “You are telling me about mastering manifestation?”



(Meanwhile; 5 minutes later)


Bluebell: “Stop!”

Makoto, Lushi, Isaac, and Kowareta all stopped as they heard Bluebell’s order.

Kowareta: “What’s the big idea? Why stop?”

Isaac: “It’s time?”

Bluebell: “That’s right! It’s time.”

Makoto: “Time for what?”

Lushi: “Yes, that’s what I want to know.

Bluebell: “It’s time to send you two out to handle a little situation. You see, I placed a kido spell around here so you would not sense anything outside this glade. Then I placed several pieces of hollow bait out there to attract hollows.”

Kowareta: “Why the hell would you do that!?”

Bluebell: “Oh don’t get so worked up, I had Isaac place another kido spell on the area the hollows were at, so they could not escape once they were inside.”

Lushi: “That still doesn’t answer his question. Why go through the trouble? Wouldn’t you train us faster than fighting hollows would?”

Isaac: “Not really, at most there is only three of us that could team up on any one person.”

Kowareta: “What about me?”

Bluebell: “He means that can actually be called a threat.”

Kowareta: “Why you little-”

Isaac: *clears throat* “Anyway, while you guys are gone, you can further master your manifestations and we can get some training done with Kowareta.”

Bluebell: “And by training, he means brutal torture.”

Isaac did not say anything otherwise.

Makoto: “I’m still not sure about why this is necessary.”

Bluebell: “You’re not? Alright! Training for dummies it is! You need to master your manifestations right?”

Lushi: “That’s right.”

Isaac: “And you have fought against hollows for a long time, right?”

Makoto: “A very long time.”

Bluebell: “So naturally, fighting something you are used to will help you to master it faster!”

Makoto: “Okay that makes a little sense…very little…”

Lushi: “Well then…guess we oughta go. Later Kowareta, try not to die on us!”

Kowareta: “Screw you!” He shouted before being knocked backwards by a punch from Bluebell.

Bluebell: “Let the torture begin!”


(Another 15 minutes later)

Lushi: *Panting heavily* This. Is. Harder. Than I. Thought it. Would be…There are too many and we had already been using our manifestation a lot today…”

Makoto slashed down several more hollows. “Well, It’s not like Bluebell was going to make it easy…she was right though, I seem to already be much better at using my manifestation.”

Lushi: “Same! Here!” She said, emphasizing each word by killing several hollows. “But we only killed maybe half of them. That damn Bluebell intentionally wore us down before telling us.”

Makoto blocked a combination cero that three of the hollows used on him. “Maybe…but that’s probably why her training is working so well.”

Lushi: “I suppose so…” She said, not noticing the two remaining Adjuchas firing a cero at her.

Makoto: “Lushi! Watch out!”

Lushi: “What?” She turned around and was hit by the cero’s and fell to the ground, her manifestation fading.

Makoto: “Damn it!”

He dived down towards Lushi and was blocked by several hollow. “Damn it, out of the way!” The hollows roared at him, but he didn’t hear it because something else roared over them. “What on earth” A extremely large black dragon soared past Makoto and into the hollows, killing them with teeth and talon. It continues like this for several minutes before the area was clear. Several hollows attempted to get closer, but the dragon roared and they fell back. Makoto took advantage of this and checked on Lushi who was stirring.

Lushi: “W-what happened?”

Makoto: “You were slow, but this guy here saved you.”

Dragon: “Meh…Isamu sent me to kill hollows.”

Lushi: “Wait…is that you Toku?”

Toku: “Duh, who else do you know that can turn into a dragon.”

Makoto: “I didn’t even know you could.”

Toku: “Really? Was sure I had mentioned it…ah well, now you know. Anyway, Time to get back to work.”

Toku turned back into a human form and began to put out an extremely large amount of Reiatsu. Makoto gave his manifestation everything he had left and Lushi reentered her own manifestation. Both watched as Toku’s spiritual pressure rose higher and higher before enveloping him in a maelstrom of power. When the maelstrom faded, both Makoto and Lushi gasped at the change. Most of Toku’s Soul Reaper uniform was torn and his entire body seemed to be covered in molten rock. It was as if someone had poured hot magma over his body, let it dry, and repeated the process several more times. There seemed to be orange lava flowing through the cracks in the rocks. Toku also had a green crossbow made of leaves strapped to his back, and a red longbow on his hip, this was the one he grabbed. Toku walked into the middle of the hollows and pointed his bow not at the hollows, but at the ground. He fired one arrow. Several thousand then erupted from the ground, killing the hollows by the hundreds. They were gone 3 minutes later.


(5 minutes later)

Bluebell: “Ah! Toku, glad to see you, Isaac needs you. He’s about half a mile in that direction.” She said, pointing south.

Toku: “What does he need exactly?”

Bluebell: “Healing, of course! Kowareta has a bit of a foot problem.”

Lushi: “What kind of foot problem.”

Bluebell: “The cut off kind…”

Makoto: “You didn’t.”

Bluebell: “Of course not!…Isaac did.”

END
-----------------------------------------­---­---­---­---­---­---­---­-
Notes: How was it? Now we have Lushi, Toku, and Makoto to add to the list of Knights that have mastered manifestation. I was not trying to make it seem as if they could not handle some hollows, but they were very tired and Bluebell used enough bait to draw out Adjuchas, imagine how many little hollows there must have been. I thought them fighting hollows would be a interesting change of pace than the ordinary training posts....

That was great, Whiteflame; I notice that you portrayed my idea for Take perfectly... He was never the sort to truly desire battle, unlike his brothers. Also, a nice post by Wantadog. XD

Clash of the Lightning Gods! Shenlong Vs. Ajisukitakahikone]

At an impracticable speed, Shenlong appeared in front of Ajisukitahikone. The God cast a devious smile at the half-dragon, then unsheathed his blade to guard against a wickedly sharp claw.

Ajisukitahikone: So I'm battling you. This may prove to be enjoyable.

Shenlong: One should choose their last words wisely, lightning God.

[Play Music]

(Ajisukitakahikone dodged a lightning-swift attack, spinning through the air and kicking out at one of Shenlong's outstretched arms. Shenlong snatched both of his arms back and disappeared again, striking fluidly at Ajisukitakahikone. A-kone dodged again and swung his blade at Shenlong, who flipped backwards and swung both arms around, attempting to claw A-kone's face off. A-kone snarled and disappeared, using his speed to get behind Shenlong, before the other man could even manage a counter. Shelong gasped, as the blade scraped past his shoulder and almost took his ear off in the process.)

Ajisukitakahikone: I chose my 'last' words perfectly fine. Though, I doubt I'll be needing to utilise to concept of 'last', since it will be you who dies here, not me.

Shenlong: Do not misunderstand me, God of Thunder... I chose what I said well, because I simply refuse to lose to a filthy 'Radical' like yourself. You seem to think that I will allow you to win against me and let my morals slip, but it won't happen here. Crouching tiger, hidden dragon. I think that statement describes this fight all too well. The thing is... I am the dragon and you are the tiger. The dragon tends to win, in a show of strength, speed and ferocity.

Ajisukitakahikone: Yeah? I think your 'statement' just describes how foolish you are. That does not apply to this fight, because I am hardly to be described as a tiger... What I think, is that your philosophical mumbo-jumbo will contribute to your defeat and subsequent death.

Shenlong: I grow tired of hearing your words, God of Thunder... Less chatter and more action, I think.

(Ajisukitakahikone missed the brunt of what Shenlong was saying and sped forewards, slashing at the God with his blade. Shenlong was already moving, dodging each attack swiftly, then countering with his own, quick, strikes. They clashed again, a shockwave of energy pulsating outwards, pushing a mountain-load of dust and debris into the others. Take and Themis looked on, as the clouds above them began to darken, as the Lightning Gods clashed. The clouds were beginning to be drawn into one massive funnel-shaped inversion. As the clouds collided and collaborated, loud rumbles of thunder issued and lightning struck every two seconds, striking spots that were even close to Themis and Take. Take rolled his eyes and turned back to Themis, deciding to continue the fight balance.)

Themis: So, Takemikazuchi, have you realised your predicament yet? You know that you will be unable to defeat balance with pure chaos.

Take: Untrue. I have no intention to bring chaos to try and topple balance with imbalance. Just because I am 'His' brother, doesn't mean that my powers are anything to do with 'chaos', as you so lightly put it. I am, too, a God that requires balance, in order to live as a God. I have to balance the differences between lightning and thunder, as well as the indiscrepancies that the two bring and cause when they conflict. Now do you see?

(Another massive jolt, and another shockwave from Ajisukitakahikone and Shenlong, shook them both and Themis took her eyes off him again, in order to study the God of Lightning, along with the Lightning God. Take let her do so, relieved to not have to strike until the other God was focused. Shenlong dodged yet another vicious strike from Ajisukitakahikone, avoiding it completely and sliced into the other's shoulder. A-kone snarled again and tensed his forearms, bringing forth a massive conglomeration and whirlwind of yellow/blue energy, that flared around him and began to cause inversions and shimmers in the skies. Shenlong narrowed his eyes and began to charge a massive circle of his own, intense power.)

Shenlong: What I wish to know, Ajisukitakahikone, is why you wish to destroy the other Gods and the pitiful humanoids... Well, do you have an answer for me?

Ajisukitakahikone: I have no intention of telling anything I don't wish you to know... However, as to your 'inquisition to why, I believe I have an answer for you. For centuries, my father ruled the skies above Japan and even above the Soul Society and he always believed to fairness and equality, but he never spoke one word of encouragement to me, nor Take. I wasn't always burning for revenge, but now I live for it. I don't expect you to understand that part, lightning god, but I expect you understand this: humans, Shinigami, Hollows and other 'humanoids' are worthless pieces of trash, that try to either worship us, claim to know our 'rule', attempt to force it and commit genocide in the name of 'justice', as well as their Gods. Humans are killing their planet, all because they are too ignorant to see the truth right in front of their eyes.

Shenlong: I see. And what does that have to do with attacking us?

Ajisukitakahikone: Are you a fool, Shenlong? You yourself swore to stand in our way and guard against our 'quest for power'... I don't know about the others you have formed into your little band, but I simply have ideals that I will complete, unless I die. Dying is not an option. I'll never lose to those who wish to stand in the way of 'true justice'.

Shenlong: Such arrogance... You WILL die... There is no question of that, for me. I vow to stop you, right here, right now.

Ajisukitakahikone: Just try it.

(Again they clashed, seeming to still be completely equal in the face of the other's power. A-kone soared through the air, seeming to literally 'jump' throug the air, without even touching the clouds around them. The clouds and weather above was steadily growing growing worse, hail now battering them and lightning striking at least every second. Shenlong narrowly avoided the blow, twisting away, with a graceful movement and then swung around, slashing at A-kone. A-kone dodged, not nearly so gracefully, but in a practical manner and cut into the top left of Shenlong's shoulder, who merely shrugged it off and kicked A-kone, sending him flying backwards.)

[Stop Music]

Shenlong: This may take some time to achieve, but I will defeat and kill you.

(In the background, Izanami lay dormant, her powers allowing her to meld with the darkness and allow her to remain unseen, until she was needed.)

-This will be fun!-

To Be Continued

@Whiteflame,

1. I agree, we should definitely include some more information about that in the next Arc.

2. I was thinking that would actually be a part of the Aizen: Revenge Arc, where Kevy could explore the boundaries of the Ouken and the Soul-King, as well as anything else that links the two to the Soul-King's dimension. I also think that you could have a good idea about tying the God's Realm Arc and Aizen: Revenge Arc together, starting with Las Noches and Hueco Mundo. I don't know how we will do that, but I am interested in discussing some ideas sometime.

3. This is easier to reply to, because I already have ideas about groups. I was thinking that, instead of simply getting rid of the the Schola, two of the members of this RP could take over and actas the Schola and re-construct them however they wish. I'm not so sure about other groups yet - I was thinking that other groups could appear further along in the RP, after the Aizen: Revenge Arc.

By the way, Whiteflame, I managed to sign my Meebo out and now I have no idea how to get back in, hence why I haven't discussed the idea for my Container with you, as well as my idea for my next post on Kouka Mono. Hopefully, I'll be able to figure out how to fix, because it is quite annoying at this point in time.

[Lighting clashes/Time Dwindles]

Shénlóng retreated back several feet through the air, sticking both his hands into the sleeves of his robes as he glared toward Ajisukitakahikone. His expression showed the sharp tips of his sharp orifice.

“What madness is this?” He said in a low tone. “Vengeance? You would endanger lives for a concept as tenuous as such? Look around you, my fellow lightning god. You may be a being of chaos, but you must be able to see the reality of it. Your power far supersedes anything the mortals can hope to attain. And yet you see justice in taking advantage of this in order to attain vengeance? My opinion of you has lowered substantially.”

“Bullshit.” Ajisukitakahikone shot back. “You think we can let mortals get away with their arrogance? All they care about is disproving our existence and seeing themselves equal to, if not better than, us. In the older day, they may have worshipped us, but only because it was convenient! Once they achieved their ‘technological advances’, not only do they forget who we are, they war with one another! What gain to you see is protecting such an inferior species?”

“What is the gain in letting an ant cross your path without stepping on it? You could easily and effortlessly do away with it, and yet you have the option to spare it. In so choosing, you’ve exercised a power all sentient creatures possess but seldom recognize: restraint.”

“A lightning god doesn’t know the concept.” Lighting sparked from Ajisukitakahikone as he clenched his sword tightly in his hands. Shénlóng sighed as he raised one foot to balance on the other.

“So be it.” He muttered. “Let us ascend further so the world’s maps won’t have to be redrawn too drastically.”

With that, the two of them shot into streaks of light that shot into the skies, colliding with one another over and over again. The speed at which they flew increased with every pass, and soon they were only visible for the moment where the clashes, Shénlóng’s clawed hand raised against Ajisukitakahikone’s sword of lighting. Their clashes echoed through the skies like booming thunder, resonating with the thunder around them in the dark clouds. The heat of their energy soon turned the sleet into pounding rain that hit the ground below with as much force. Despite their high altitude, the lighting the two gods emitted fell to the ground in forceful strikes, searing it black.

Ajisukitakahikone grabbed a falling lightning bolt as he shot past it and he hurled it at Shénlóng like a lightning bolt. Shénlóng smashed into it without hesitation, his entire body lighting up from the energy. His eyes glowed bright gold as he opened his mouth and bellowed, a massive roar echoing through the skies that dwarfed the thunder they had caused before. He slammed into Ajisukitakahikone without hesitation and they went hurling through the clouds quickly among the chaos of sparking electricity. Ajisukitakahikone gripped Shénlóng’s wrists to keep his claws from piercing his body as they rocketed backward and Ajisukitakahikone grinned as he noticed that Shénlóng’s pale skin was breaking out with what looked like a strange rash. They were really scales, hard enough to block his blade as he attempted to slash it at Shénlóng’s face. Sparks flew as the sword grazed Shénlóng’s cheek and the Chinese dragon ducked his head to avoid the brunt of the damage. A massive bolt of lightning flew from the edge of the sword, flying off into the clouds as Ajisukitakahikone completely the swing and the lightning god immediately swung his sword back to slash at Shénlóng again. Shénlóng opened his mouth and caught the blade with his teeth this time and crunched down on it, his jaw muscles flexing. The blade shattered into hundreds of lighting volts that scattered in the air and Shénlóng slashed at Ajisukitakahikone with one of his claws, attempting to slash off his arm. Ajisukitakahikone swiftly let himself descend slightly to avoid being cut completely, only receiving a gash across his forearm, and he grabbed two more lightning bolts as they passed, forming new swords in his hands. He shot up at Shénlóng again, crashing into him with immense force, and the two of them exited the storm clouds, bursting into the bright sunlight above. The clouds extended around them for as far as the eye could see, creating a dark grey abyss below them. Neither of the lightning deities paid mind to the beauty of the moment, glaring at one another in a momentary silence.

“You’re not quite as I imagined.” Ajisukitakahikone taunted with a smirk, breaking the silence. “I knew you were a dragon, but your scales react to lightning? Or is it some sort of defense mechanism your body has? I never knew a lightning god who had to defend himself against lightning.”

“You’re incredibly impertinent, Ajisukitakahikone.” Shénlóng growled, his voice deeper than it had been before, rumbling almost like thunder. “Are all Japanese storm gods so sadly infantile? When struck by lightning, I unconsciously slip into my true form. This is nothing compared to it.”

“Really? Let’s see it then. Maybe it could be a challenge.”

“Don’t be so impatient. I like to take my time disciplining a child who’s out of line.”

Shénlóng’s last word was said as he appeared beside Ajisukitakahikone as fast as lightning, one hand raised. He batted at the lightning god fiercely and Ajisukitakahikone blocked with one of his swords. He swung around and slashed at Shénlóng with both his swords, but Shénlóng caught both of his wrists before he could complete the motion. Shénlóng rocked back and suddenly backflipped, throwing Ajisukitakahikone straight down into the storm clouds. No soon had Ajisukitakahikone entered the stark grey clouds than a lightning bolt descended upon him. Ajisukitakahikone released the energy from both of his swords and they shredded the attacking bolt of lightning apart, leaving him completely unscathed.

“Come on,” Ajisukitakahikone smirked. “You’ve got to do a lot better than that.”

“Oh, I assure you,” Shénlóng floated gently to the same level as Ajisukitakahikone calmly. “The dragon will be devouring the tiger soon enough.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Renee grimaced as she felt the presence of the hallow in the distance vanish completely. Isamu grinned at her.

“Satisfied now?” He asked. Renee shrugged indifferently, glancing toward the figure that appeared directly beside them with a master level shunpo. Isaac looked toward Isamu after a single nod to Renee in acknowledgement.

“I’m here to check on progress. Most of the others have just completed their manifestation. Only Kowareta is left on our side, though I have no estimate for how much longer he may take.”

“Only Bukimi and the ex-captain is left here.” Isamu replied and Renee ground her teeth to exercise restraint.

“I’ll get it done.” She vowed. “There’s no way I’m going to give up.”

Isaac watched her frustrated expression for a long moment, thinking about his own struggles with his manifestation. Perhaps she was having similar troubles…? But he couldn’t imagine a former captain sharing his problems. But it couldn’t hurt to suspect the possibility.

“Ms…Chavalier…” Isaac hesitated as Renee glanced toward him. “Perhaps you should attempt to become your god, rather than join with it.”

Renee looked at him uncomprehendingly. “What do you mean?”

“This is just a theory, but I’ve found that there is a major consistency with communing with powers separate from ourselves, but a part of us. This theory allowed me to master my abilities thus far.”

“…Let’s hear it.” Renee sighed.

“Mathematically speaking, when you add ½ + ½ you get 2/2, right?”

“Yeah…”

“And 2/2 equal one whole.”

“Yeah…”

“But what if 2/2 didn’t equal one whole?”

“…”

Isaac frowned as he struggled to think of a better way to explain. “Look at it this way—2/2 is basically saying there are two different halves that are together, but they are still two different entities. One whole, however, implies that there is but one entity without any distinction from itself. The same without zanpakutou—normally we are two different entities that act as one, but as we utilize our bankai, we essentially become one existence altogether.”

“So you’re saying that instead of trying to connect myself with my god, I should share the same existence with one?”

“Sort of. These are gods, so I don’t think that is possible. But in terms of power and energy, you should match your soul with your god. Trying to retain your own person while agreeing to join with another is no different from pushing away.”

“He’s right, you know.” Anuket’s voice floated through Renee’s mind. “Conforming and individuality don’t mix. ‘Go with the flow’, I think the phrase is.”

“Rather than trying to retain my individuality, I’m trying to keep everything that I am from washing away in the river.” Renee growled back. Isaac blinked in surprise and she shook her head, indicating that she wasn’t speaking to him. She continued on mentally. “I’m retaining my identity.”

“You’re as stubborn as your abilities indicate—friction.” Anuket sighed. “But despite his wise words, that boy doesn’t seem to be able to control his own manifestation just yet…”

“Perhaps there is more to it than just that theory.”

“Every god is different, and so every communion will have different fundamentals. Sometimes it is impossible, sometimes it requires no work at all, like that redhead from earlier. I can’t imagine why Khonsu has taken such a fascination with her…”

“You mean Bluebell Teach? You know about her god?”

“Speech is silver: Silence is gold. I was simply speaking to myself.”

Isamu advanced toward Renee, cracking his knuckles.

“Ready to continue?” He prodded. Renee shook her head as if to clear it and nodded as she drew her sword. As the two began to train once more, Isaac stood beside Mishiranu in silence for a long moment. Bukimi sat on the ground, taking his own brief break.

“One last thing,” Isaac said without turning toward Mishiranu. “I assume you’ve noticed as well?”

Mishiranu grimaced as he noticed. “It really pressures our time. I can understand why Bluebell sent you over.”

“What do you mean?” Bukimi glanced back and forth between the two. “What’s pressuring our time?”

Isaac sighed deeply. “The air is calm and silent. Not an animal to be heard nearby. And yet, it feels as if life is ending and starting again in an infinite cycle somewhere, as if nature is clashing with itself.”

“You can tell all that from the lack of animals?” Bukimi asked incredibly.

“When you master your manifestation, you’ll find yourself more attuned to Mother Nature.” Mishiranu said grimly. “Especially when there are gods fighting.”

Bukimi paled immediately, eyes wide. “The gods? As in, the ones who want us dead? They are fighting? Who?!”

“Gods fight all the time among themselves. They might have gotten over an argument about how to deal with us, or even which of them gets to take our lives.” Isaac’s expression was dark. “Whatever the reason is, we don’t know when it will end and they’ll come after us.”

Bukimi was on his feet immediately, facing Mishiranu.

“Break time over?” Mishiranu asked, raising an eyebrow. Bukimi nodded vigorously. Isaac sighed once more as he turned away and vanished, heading back to speak with Bluebell.

Got an answer for you there. Go to the Meebo webpage. Create an account, sign in, and add your fanpop account to it. If you don't know how, it's just a Google search away!

Heh, nice one, Exorcist! Great post. Okay, thanks, Whiteflame... I shall do that.

Thanks BP. Regarding the ideas for the next arc, I definitely suggest the Royal Guards for a group involved, especially if you're going to explore the Soul King and the Oken. And maybe the quincy too, as my interest in them as grown tenfold lately. Maybe I'm the only one, but I also like the Bount enough to involve them, too. In other words, I really like Whiteflame's second and third suggestion. I agree with his first idea as well, giving the Arrancar more backstory would good. Personally, I'd like to know why Ulquiorra is now the primiero instead of Starrk. Is it just because of his second stage ressurecion or is there another reason? (I don't know if thats been mentioned, but I assume it hasn't).

I must agree, very well done on the post, and well executed on using Renee as well.

Exorcist,

I don't know about the Quincies and Bounts just yet... Maybe in a later Arc - I don't want to have any more than the Shinigami, Espada/Arrancars and Schola in the next Arc.

The reason Ulquiorra is the Primera now, is because he has proven himself worthy of being immensely powerful, able to follow orders and fight, without having any sort of conscience. Starrk never really wanted to fight, he just wanted a companion... Ulquiorra is a cold-blooded killer, who will dispose of anyone he sees as a threat.

So, while we await Fazoodle's next post, I'm going to introdue=ce a whole new breed of skit - Gods. XD.

(In the God's Realm)

Ajisukitakahikone: So, let me get this straight... I'm not a real God, just a character created by a human??!!

Bp: Yeah, pretty much.

A-kone: So, if I'm not real, then how are you stuck inside that box made from lightning energy?

Bp: *Looks down* Oh, crap!

A-kone: Oh, crap... is right.

(Exorcist appears)

Exorcist: Well, well... A Radical and his tedious creator.

Bp: Not you... Where's your lackeys?

Exorcist: I could say the same, on both accounts.

Bp: You could, but it won't amuse anyone.

Exorcist: I'm not here to create amusement for people. Anyway, you seem to be in a real bind, don't you...

(A-kone intervenes, creating a lightning cage around Exorcist as well.)

A-kone: Unfortunately, you are stuck within the same 'bind'.

Bp: You were sayin'...

Exorcist: Shut up! Jerk...

Bp: Oh, that is rich. You laugh at me for being stuck in a bind, then get yourself stuck in the exact, same one. Amusing much?

Exorcist: I was thinking of rescuing you... Now, I'm stuck and can't do it. After laughing at me, I wouldn't rescue you anyway. Jerk.

A-kone: Morons. I'll leave you here, to reflect on why I made the effort to trap you both.

(A-kone leaves the room, utilising his God-step.)

Whiteflame, after entering the room: Well, well... what have we here?

Exorcist: Shut up and get me out of here!

Whiteflame: Not a very good attitude to take with your potential rescuer...

Bp: Yo, Whiteflame, please let me out of here...?

Whiteflame: Ya'see, Exorcist? That's the kinda attitude you need, when you want someone to do something for you.

Exorcist: I HATE YOU BOTH!!!

Whiteflame and Bp, exchange nonchalant glances: Heh, shall we go then...?

(Whiteflame and BP disappear)

Exorcist: Dammit, Bp, you are a real asshole... I'll exact my revenge next time.

(Izanami enters)

Izanami: Oh, what do we have here?

Exorcist gulps: Uh-oh...

Izanami: A plaything, how grand! Lets go, plaything... (Izanami shatters A-kone's lightning cage with her Darkness Touch.

(Izanami grabs Exorcist and leaves)

-[Sorry, Exorcist, but you were my victim this time. You can respond in whatever manner you see fit, for your 'revenge'. Lol.]-

Exorcist: Release me at once, you demonic deceased goddess! Go back to Yomi and return to burning at the hands of Satori’s Hell Ravens! Or perhaps you killed them all with your ghastly appearance, huh?! Izanagi abandoned you because of how pathetically disgusting you look! Maybe you should cut off your head and bury it somewhere no one will have to see it! Or, better yet, blow it off with the power of Nuclear Fusion! Maybe once you’re gone, the poor, misguided Yatagarasu will realize that she needs to bring peace to Gensokyo, rather than attempt to take it over!

Izanami: (Thinks to herself) Maybe I should just leave him behind…He might look like a fun toy, but all these Touhou references is WAY too much. Maybe killing him would be best…)

Exorcist: And so let me help you by quickening the procedure! (draws out two Molotov cocktails from his shirt) Á toute á l’heure, mademoiselle! (throws the cocktails and escapes under the cover of the explosion with a military crawl, hiding underneath a building)

Izanami: (Is running around nearby, yelling furiously) Where are you, your albino child! You messed up MY HAIR!!! I swear, I’ll kill you so hard!

Exorcist: Damn it, that’s the second goddess that it after my arse. I think I’ve got a record, or something. (Freezes as Aphrodite struts by, stopping to look around before continuing on) She’s here too?! (Notices BP and Whiteflame walking by nearby, talking) Ah, ‘mes amis’. Time to show them why you don’t mess with an armed Christian. (Takes out a massive rocket powered gun and looked through the scope as he aims at the two, sticking a cigarette in his mouth for affect) Bon voyage, jerks.

Whiteflame: (Sees rocket flying toward them) Watch out! (Is about to duck with BP when the rocket suddenly swerved to the right suddenly, smashing into the bottom of a water tower, which immediately falls toward the building the rocket had come from. Both watch as Exorcist scrambles away as the water smashes into the building, crushing it) Did Exorcist just try to KILL us?!

Exorcist: Noooo!! I was trying to blow you up to tiny bits! If you died as a result of it, it would be your own fault.

BP: That’s a bit drastic, man. I mean, you’re still alive, aren’t you?

Exorcist: Yes, but now I’ve got another evil goddess out for my head, and this one isn’t even PRETTY! Why the hell do they all care about their hair so much?! Why does it have to be ME who messes it up all the time?!?! (breaks down crying)

Whiteflame: Whoa, hey! Don’t start crying; it isn’t sane. Come on, think of something to help calm you down. What do you like, anyways?

Exorcist: (Wipes fake tears away) Well…I like fairy tales.

BP: Wha—really?! (Whiteflame elbows him) Uh, I mean, that’s cool…

Exorcist: In fact, I’ve got a few stories right here. (Takes out a massive book titled ‘The Original Fairy Tales” and begins reading. After a few minutes, both Whiteflame and BP have their eyes wide open, mouths ajar. Soon, both are screaming in terror and running around like madmen with their arms over the heads. Exorcist grins as he closes the book) Who said fairy tales REALLY had happy endings?

Dionysus: (Is sitting beside Exorcist in a lawn chair, snickering as he hands his creator a glass of wine, and they toast to one another) Well done, my friend. Nothing like German classics to break a person’s perception of life. And those were the lighter stories, too.

Exorcist: I’ll get around to the heavy stuff when they do something stupid, like put me in the middle of Shakespearian England. Till then, this will do. (Begins laughing maniacally but stops and hides behind Dionysus’ lawn chair as Izanami glides by, sharp eyes glaring around)

Lol!!! This one was prett entertaining, now I just want to await the other skits (if they come). XD

For those of you curious: Fairy Tales may truly have that affect on you. If you've seen Peter Pan movies, Alice in Wonderland, or even Hansel and Gretal, and you can say "Those are kid's stories", than you have been brainwashed by modern society! These beautiful and morbid tales have been modified over time from their former glory to be more 'kid appropriate'. I grew up on this fake stories and loved them. Once I grew up, I went back and red the originals. How did I feel? You should go back read them as well and perhaps you may get a small understanding for the twisted labyrinth that is my mind >:D

(The more you know!!)

Actually, I discerned a little from the 'originals', and you make an excellent point, Exorcist... I find that children's stories just got lamer and lamer as they got further and further away from the 1800-1900's. I wish they did better children stories, then maybe I would have gotten more interested in that whole deal, instead of playing 'imaginary' games with my friends. Lol.

(The more you wish to find out??!! - I think that completes the phrase, does it not?)

People, people, where are the skits?? I wanna see skits, lol.

Been traveling today... I'll work on something tonight and post it up tomorrow.

Heh, okay dude, sounds good to me. I hope Fazoodle posts soon and I hope Wantadog writes a skit too - because I can imagine it would incredibly funny. Nevertheless, I can't wait to read yours, Whiteflame, as I can also imagine it being incredibly funny/hilarious. XD

Wantadog walks up to see BP and Whiteflame running around like idiots, screaming their heads off.

Wantadog: *Slaps them* "Get ahold of yourself!"

BP: What the hell was that for!

Whiteflame: You have no idea what Exorcist just made us listen to.

Wantadog: Oh, is that it? *Walks over to Exorcist and Dionysus and reads the book* Oh...this...

Exorcist: You'd be surprised how sick some of those-

Wantadog: I love this book! A classic!

Exorcist: *Mouth agape* W-what?

Wantadog: Ya! This book is great! My mom would read this to me every night! Ah those little scares always made my day *Sighs contentedly*

BP: Wait...so you actually like these?

Whiteflame: Have you even read what they did to Little Riding Hoods grandma?!

Wantadog: I love that one! It was written with so much....FEELING!

BP: Yes, feelings of terror!

Wantadog: Nonsense! Here, I made my own book, what do you guys think? *Brings out a book twice the size of 'Original Fairy Tales' and begins reading.

*2 hours later*

Whiteflame: *eyes drooping* BP...You...must...stop him....he'll...kill us all....

BP: zzzzzz

Whiteflame: He's asleep....where's Raijin when we need him.


(In Hueco Mundo)

Shishira: So then I said *Continues talking nonsensically*

Raijin: zzzzzz


(Back to Whiteflame and co.)

*5 hours later*

Wantadog: *Puts book away* I'll read the other half later, what do you guys think so far?

Whiteflame: zzzzzzz

BP: zzzzzzz

Exorcist: zzzzzzz

Dionysus: It was fantastic! Read the part about the giant murderous guinea pig again!

*Mishiranu and Toku come in*

Mishiranu: Wantadog, you bastard! You were planning on leaving us out of this skit entirely weren't you!

Wantadog: Um...um...um...no?

Mishiranu: *Glares* You have 10 seconds...make your peace.

Wantadog: Wait! At least tell me how the hell you got here? I didn't write you in!

Mishiranu: Exactly! We had to get some....outside help....

Wantadog: Outside help? You mean Fazoodle?

Toku: Nope....a really good author helped us. *Cracks knuckles*

Light Yagami: Muahahaha!

Wantadog: That's not even Bleach! I call foul!.....foul......mommy, help me.

Hehe, that was epic, Wantadog, just you wait until I finish my current post - it will massively long and one hell of a battle. Not a skit, unfortunately, but a side story of momentous proportions. XD.

Side Story: [Raijin's Resolve! Reaching The Gods?]

(Raijin sat up, having pushed himself to the limits again; he had spent days on end doing push ups and sit ups, training his body to the absolute max. It wasn't exactly surprising - ever since he had been rescued, and had killed Arrancar Ichigo, he had been a different person; he had never exactly been talkative, but now it was like he couldn't find words anymore, a strange resolution that words could never undo the terrible things he had witnessed in his short life. Raijin was almost reaching the mature age of 300, but it felt like he had been through a thousand years of hardships, since his revival and escapade to the Soul Society. However, that was now all moot; Raijin was now out for two things: to retrieve his powers from 'Him' and to destroy Sosuke Aizen as a person. It was ironic that they were hiding out in Hueco Mundo, because Raijin theorised that Aizen should have felt Ichigo's reiatsu disappear and Raijin's flare in rage.)

Raijin: Yo, Gaishima, you gonna train, or what?

Gaishima: I don't need to. I'm not planning on fighting any time soon.

Raijin: Hmmph. Slacker.

Gaishima: Hey! That's not nice, we saved your ass.

Raijin: I said thanks. Nothing to do with training though.

Gaishima: You know, those are the most words you've spoken to me since you returned from that fight you had.

Raijin: Yeah?

Gaishima: Yeah. What's up with you, anyway? You never speak to me, anymore. I thought we were at least acquaintances...

Raijin: ....

Gaishima: Come on, at least say something.

Raijin: LIke what?

Gaishima: I don't know, just reassure that you are okay, hidden away in that 'shell' of yours.

Raijin: Fine. No, I'm not okay... Can we just leave it at that?

Gaishima: Okay, okay. Tell you what, if you can just be at ease with me, then I'll train with you. How does that sound?

Raijin, sighing: Okay, fine. I'll be 'at ease' with you, if you train with me.

Gaishima: Great! Let's go. Shikai Vs. Shikai?

Raijin: No. We should both train with our sealed weapons. That will increase both our stamina. Right now, you are stronger than me... You can call on your God, but I can't. Bankai for Bankai and Shikai for Shikai, we may very well be equal, but as soon as you use your Manifestation, that is where we stop.

Gaishima: I see your point. Okay, sealed weapons for now.

(Gaishima took his stance. Raijin stood in the same position as he was before, looking stern, as always. Gaishima drew his Zanpakuto, Shishira. Raijin suddenly grinned eerily, lloking delighted to be fighting again. Gaishima shrugged his shoulders and disappeared, appearing behind Raijin and swiping eagerly at him. Raijin barely even turned, but parried the blow expertly and making his own attack. Gaishima caught the blade with his hand, stopping the strike, causing an explosion of air rushing behind him... Raijin gaped, staring at the blade in Gaishima's hands, then snarled, as Shishira cut into his shoulder, drawing a spray of blood. Raijin shunpoed and forced his blade forward, bulling Gaishima backwards and causing him to go sliding. Gaishima jumped upwards, spinning his body around and smashed his Zanpakuto into Raijin's, causing an explosion of reiatsu and sparks issuing outwards.)

Raijin, panting: You are much tougher than you look, Gaishima.

Gaishima: As are you, Raijin. I didn't expect your reactions to be so well-tuned.

Raijin: well, now you know...

-[Meanwhile, in Las Noches Palace]-

Aizen: For the last seven days, there has been a semi-familiar spirit energy detected on the deserts of Hueco Mundo. I'm sure you will recognise that reiatsu, Raiden! Anyway, my orders are for one of you to take care of him for once and for all. Who is going to volunteer?

Raiden: I will, Lord Aizen.

Aizen: No. You had your chance and you failed me. Ulquiorra, I'll leave this one up to you. As you all know, Ichigo Kurosaki had been experimented upon by me and Commander Hisagi; it was known to me that Ichigo's power was almost equal to Starrk there... If Raiden couldn't defeat the Rogue Shinigami, then we need Ulquiorra, the Primera Espada, to defeat him.

Ulquiorra: Very well, Lord Aizen... I shall take care of your request. If any of you get my way, I will kill you.

(Ulquiorra sonidoes, disappearing with a flash of energy)

Aizen: Hisagi, suppress your reiatsu and follow him. If he fails, take care of the Rogue. Ulquiorra is my strongest Espada, but I won't tolerate failure. I won't be angry. I won't destroy you. But, if you fail me, then I'll be very disappointed.

-[Hueco Mundo Desert]-

Raijin: What's that?

Gaishima: Reiatsu... Shit, an Espada. Let's go!

Raijin: There's no point. A reiatsu of that magnitude, we won't be able to escape. Shit, he's here already.

[Start Music]

(Ulquiorra appeared in the middle of the sky, then sped at Raijin, drawing his Zanpakuto in the process, and smashed it violently in Raijin's half-drawn Zanpakuto. Even in his sealed form, the Espada was intensely strong, and Raijin found himself sliding backwards from the force of the strike. Raijin parried the blade away from his face, and stopped himself by grinding his feet into the ground and coming to a complete halt, then he pushed himself forwards and struck an intense blow at the Espada.)

Raijin: Just who the hell are you?!

Espada: I could ask the same of you, Shinigami, except I know who you are. You are the Rogue Shinigami, Raijin Masamune. Aizen's orders are to destroy you, so that is exactly what I'll do.

Raijin: That doesn't answer my question. However, just knowing you are one of Aizen's lackeys is enough. I'll be the one to destroy you! I killed Ichigo Kurosaki in Resurreccion form. Do you compare to that, Espada?

Espada: You are a sentimental fool. Once upon a time, Ichigo Kurosaki and I crossed blades... He died.

(Raijin's eyes widened and the Espada took the opportunity to to direct a strong blow at him. Raijin's eyes hardened and his reiatsu flared. The burst of reiatsu aided Raijin long enough to smash the Espada backwards and slice into his shoulder. A tiny red mark appeared, a testiment to the strength of an Espada's Hierro.)

Espada: You have good reiatsu. Unfortunately, that means that you are even more of a threat to me and I'll have to become serious now. Are you ready for that?

Raijin: Damn right! Bastard, think you can frighten me off with words??!!

Espada: I have no intention of 'frightening you off with words'. I have a job to do and that is to kill you... Anything else would be foolish and presumptious of you. However, since I know you are going to die, I'll let you in on a little secret. I am Ulquiorra Cifer, Number One Espada of Aizen's Arrancar Army. Your life ends here, Shinigami.

(Ulquiorra raised his green reiatsu, which flared around him, sending shimmers through the sky and forced Raijin into the sand, creating an impression where they both stood. Raijin desperately tried to keep the blade from striking him, but was unsuccesful, as the blade slid past his face, drawing a cut and a straight line of blood began to flow down his cheek. Raijin disappeared, reppearing in the sky, then dove down at Ulquiorra and sliced at him.)

Raijin: Haretsu!

(Ulquiorra disappeared in a blast of electricity, which caused a massive cloud of dust, smoke and sand to appear. When it cleared away, Ulquiorra was standing there, his chest sliced partially open and blood openly flowing down.)

Ulquiorra, breathing hard: It appears that you are much stronger than I originally gave you credit for. However, it won't help you to stand there looking victorious at cutting me; of all of the Espada, I am the only one that can regenerate. In this form my regenerative powers are miniscule, but it is enough for me to recover from minor injuries like this.

Raijin: So, another sneaky trick? I don't believe in crap like that! I'll keep fighting, even if my injuries cause my death... I'll never give up!

Ulquiorra: Then you'll die.

Raijin: Not likely. You haven't seen anything yet... Strike from the thunderous realms above, Ajisukita!

(Raijin's reiatsu flared grey and the skies started to go a light-grey colour, clouds beginning to form above them. Gradually Raijin's Zanpakuto changed into a longer, slimmer sword, with a black/blue blade and a long tassel dangling off the end. Once the Shikai formed, the clouds above began to shoot bolts of lightning at Ulquiorra, who dodged them. He didn't get far, before Raijin appeared in front of him, his blade raised and he disappeared, appearing behind Ulquiorra with his blade pointed forwards. Ulquiorra turned to look at where Raijin had gotten to, when a large spray of blood spurted from out of his shoulder and back. His first wound still hadn't healed yet, though it had long since ceased to bleed.)

Ulquiorra: Your speed increased. How intriguing... You have interesting powers, Raijin Masamune. I think it is time to show you my Resurreccion. Follow me.

(Ulquiorra leapt in to the air and rose far above the deserts. Raijin followed him, catching up swiftly, his new-found speed aiding him. When they both came to a halt, Raijin found that the Espada was looking at him, his cold, green eyes emotionless, as they had been throughout the whole battle.)

Ulquiorra: Do you know what my Truth is, Shinigami?

Raijin: An odd question, but interesting nonetheless. No, I do not.

Ulquiorra: My Truth is emptiness. I feel no emotion whatsoever. You know it is true. I saw that reflect in your eyes just then. How does it feel... to know that the man you are fighting has no emotion at all, no mercy, no sympathy, no sadness... I will be your undoing, Shinigami. Enclose, Murcielago.

(A huge cloud of reiatsu, in the form of a wave burst forth and swallowed the Espada up; it pulsated wildly, growing larger and larger, then suddenly it dissipated into the skies and drops of reiatsu splattered all over the deserts and all around Raijin. The reiatsu was intense, like a massive wave had just broken and all of its energy had disappeared in the blast, transferred to some unknown. Raijin could feel it, it was heavy and dense and at a level that he had scarcely even felt before. While amazing, it was also terrible, of a magnitude so great, that even Raiden's 100% energy didn't even come close. Then he re-emerged, his black wings stretched out behind him and his tail twitching in the moonlight. He was horrifying, a demon of the utmost terrifying kind and seemingly aboslute in power.)

Ulquiorra: This is it. You waited for this and now it is here. I can see the fear in your eyes...

Raijin: What is this... reiatsu? What are you?

Ulquiorra: I am Ulquiorra Cifer, Primera Espada and this is my Resurreccion, Murcielago.

(Raijin shivered unconsciously, suddenly taking note of another huge reiatsu near them. He felt Gaishima's reiatsu flare and then the two other reiatsu's clashed wildly, one reiatsu cold and dense, the other huge and strong.)

Ulquiorra: Why is he here? I thought I said I didn't need assistance... Oh well, I suppose nothing can be done now. Anyway, back to you Shinigami. It is time to show you why I am the Primera.

(Ulquiorra disappeared, before Raijin could move, his head was forced down, careening wildly into the sands below. A massive upshot of sand burst upwards and Raijin stood shakily, his resistance to the massive reiatsu already fading. Raijin lifted his Zanpakuto into the sky and raised his reiatsu, until it was flaring around him like wild-fire. The clouds rumbled and lightning began to strike again, and several blasts of lightning struck his blade. The Zanpakuto glowed blue, an slight aura blooming around it, until it flashed and Raijin dragged it down and pointed it at Ulquiorra, his eyes flashing and his resolve renewed.)

Raijin: Hiraishin: Kamikaze!

(A peculiar, blue light issued forth from his gleaming Zanpakuto and a blast began to form from the tip of the blade, a yellow and blue energy that shimmered in the air around them. Raijin's reiatsu finally burst upwards and around, flaring like a massive beacon of grey light, with blue flashes and yellows sparks through it. The blast finally burst forth and disappeared suddenly. Ulquiorra's eyes widened. The blast reappeared right in front of him, but Ulquiorra raised his finger.)

Ulquiorra: Cero!

(The Cero formed in his finger and then blasted into the blast of lightning energy. The two forces exploded into a massive dome of green energy, mixed with yellow/blue energy. Ulquiorra reappeared behind Raijin and sliced into his arm, then disappeared again and this time slashed Raijin's chest open. Blood burst ouut of the massive cut and Raijin fell backwards, landing, with a bang onto the sand below him.)

-Meanwhile-

Gaishima: Just who are you? I don't know your reiatsu signature...

Mysterious man: My name is Shuuhei... Shuuhei Hisagi.

Gaishima: Hold on, your name seems familiar...

Shuuhei: I was once a Captain of the Gotei 13. I was banished, so now I work for Sosuke Aizen. I am his Army-Commander.

Gaishima: So, a former Captain, eh? That is rather unfortunate for you, isn't it...

Shuuhei: How so?

Gaishima: Because you don't know who I am or what my power is. But, the unfortunate part is what my power is...

Shuuhei: And that is?

Gaishima: Like I'm really going to tell you. What a foolish thing to ask. You'll find out my power when I release it! Begin your vehemous onslaught of winter, Shishira!

(A massive blast of reiatsu formed around Gaishima and his Zanpakuto lengthened to a point. Finally, he moved with swift speed, bringing his Zanpakuto ,with a clash, smashing into Shuuhei's. The reiatsu around him, and Shuuhei's reiatsu, clashed together and resulted in a massive explosion. Once the explosion dissipated, both fighters had scratches on their faces and some blood trickling down their chins.)

Gaishima: You are quite strong, Shinigami, however, I would recommend that you use your Shikai now, otherwise you will regret it.

Shuuhei: Normally I wouldn't an enemie's advice... However, this time is different. There is something about your power that I don't like.

Gaishima: This is only the watered down version of my Shikai... Being partners with Shishira has brung me powers that even Aizen could only dream of obtaining. Unfortunately for him, I am not about to reveal my secrets to you... If by some miracle you survive, then you'll be able to tell him them. Instead, I will eventually show you my Bankai, then, with it, will come my true power.

Shuuhei: I have no idea what are you are talking about. It doesn't matter; just because I don;t like soimething about your power, doesn't mean that I am going to give up all of a sudden. You have no idea of my true power, either.

Gaishima: It would be better for you if you did. However, you are wrong there... I have an fair idea of what your true power is. I know what item Aizen possesses... That being the Hogyoku. I gather he used it on you and gave you Hollow powers. That doesn't bode well for you, I'm afraid. My power is not something that can be comprehended by a Shinigami with Hollow powers. Even Aizen should be wary of me.

Shuuhei: Cannot be comprehended by me, you say. I'll make you eat those words. Reap, Kazeshini.

(An explosion of reiatsu and a moment later brough an interesting sight for Gaishima. The man before him was holding two lethal weapons, both with two blades, each pointing away from each other. Both weapons had long, sleek handles, that were about a meter long each. They were connected by a chain, though how long it was, Gaishima was unsure of yet. Shuuhei disappeared and appeared before him, leaping wildly, but with tacit concentration. Gaishima dodged the head-on attack, sweeping his Zanpakuto at Hisagi's head and then flung a wave of ice at the other man. Hisagi dodged it and flung the first blade at him, then disappeared. Gaishima avoided it and jumped upwards, then continued to ascend, until the other man reappeared. Hisagi swung the blade around, sending it careening into Gaishima's Zanpakuto and knocking him backwards. Gaishima forced his body downwards, then disappeared once more, trying to find his opponent, when suddenly the bother blade cut righ through his left shoulder, drawing a ribbon of blood. Gaishima turned to see Hisagi leering at him. Gaishima grinned back at him and flared his reiatsu, a cold barrage of dense reiatsu, that flared an icy-white/blue colour and burst around him; even this reiatsu appeared to have icicle shapes riddled throughout, proving the strength of his Shikai and Zanpakuto. Gaishima smirked at the look on Shuuhei's face from witnessing the reiatsu and then disappeared once more. When he reppeared, his Zanpakuto was pointed straight at Hisagi.)

Gaishima: Kongouseki Chiri.

(A massive cloud of icy dust flew right into Shuuhei's path and he tried to avoid it, but was a split second too late and he faded amongst the gleaming and glittering crystals of ice. The cloud lingered for a time, then suddenly vanished, leaving behind a bewildered Hisagi, with several cuts on his arms, face and shoulder.)

Shuuhei: What... was that?

Gaishima: An ability of my Shikai. It separates the particles of water in the atmosphere, flash-freezes them and then hardens the ice with my reiatsu. The more reiatsu I put out, the harder and sharper the crystals become.

Shuuhei: You remind me of someone... I can't quite recall who, though. Oh wait, I remember now. Toshiro Hitsugaya... he had abilities similar to yours, though they also had some major differences.

Gaishima: You mean Captain-Commander Hitsugaya, the one who banished Raijin?

Shuuhei: Yes, that is the guy.

Gaishima: It was his fault that Raijin got abducted.

Shuuhei: Abducted?

Gaishima: Oh, right, you don't need to know about that. Anyway, I've had enough playing around. Show me your Bankai. I'll do the same.

Shuuhei: Very well... I suppose it can't be helped. Bankai!

Gaishima: Sorry, Shishira, but you can come out and play soon enough... I can't waste much more time, otherwise this guy will get antsy. Bankai!

(Two contrasting colours of reiatsu burst high into the sky, one light-green/blue and the other a cold-white/blue colour. The heavens ruffled and battered, began to slowly respond. Hisagi's Zanpakuto changed rapidly, the chain lengthening by two times, the blades on each side growing longer, slimmer and curving more. Gaishima, by contrast suddenly gained ice armour on his torso. The skies suddenly darkened further from what they had done with Raijin's Shikai and snow and hail began to fall rapidly. Hisagi stared up at the dark-grey clouds, intrigued by its immense power and response.)

Gaishima: Ekijou Kaishin...

Hisagi: Ukiyo Kariageru!

(The two clash with their Bankais. Hisagi fired a blast of air at Gaishima, who merely slashed at it with his Zanpakuto, causing the air to freeze, expand and then explode before hitting him. Through the cloud of steam and smoke, Hisagi sped at Gaishima, his Zanpakuto trailing around and behind him, then he leapt upwards and flung both blades at Gaishima, who span in a circular motion freezing everything around him in a circular motion. The spinning blades of Hisgai's weapon got clogged up with ice and suddenly stopped, bringing Hisagi crashing downwards. Shuuhei stopped himself and shunpoed in front of Gaishima, letting off a large, grey Cero at him. Gaishima didn't even bother to move and let the blast hit him square in the chest. When Gaishima emerged, the only damage seen to him was that of a large crack in the ice armour and a thin line of blood on his forehead, with burn marks scattered around it. Gaishima looked solemn and pointed his Zanpakuto at Hisagi and fired a barrage of small icicles at the other man, who dodged each one expertly, then swung his blade around, which smashed into Gaishima's arm. Luckily for the pseudo-shinigami, the ice armour had begun to form around his arm too, and took the brunt of the damage, but it still caused a grunt of pain. Gaishima made as if to leap at the other man and attack him, but was stopped suddenly, as a large blast of air/wind blew him backwards. Upon contact with him, the rushing air began to freeze and it wasn't long before Gaishima escaped from the blast, which finally came crashing down to the ground. Around, the landscape had begun to freeze and snow and ice was piling up from the snow and hail. Hisagi began to notice that the temperature had dropped drastically and he could see his breath escaping from his mouth in large blasts. Hisagi looked at Gaishima.)

Shuuhei: Your Bankai is certainly impressive, young man.

Gaishima: I am not as young as you think. I have probably been alive for much longer than you. How old are you?

Shuuhei: I have been in the Soul Society for about 630 years and would be considered to be beyond a mature age... Older than me, you say?

Gaishima: I have been alive for thousands of years, you young fool. So presumptuous...

Shuuhei: Thousands of years...?

Gaishima: I may not look it, but that is correct. It is during fights like these that my true age finally begins to show... Normally, I masquerade as a youngster, when, in reality, I am anything but. In fact, I knew that I knew you from somewhere, because I have met you before... I used to know your former Captain-Commander, though we were anything but close.

Shuuhei: You knew... Genryusai Yamamoto?

Gaishima: Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto, the first ever appointed Castain, the founder of Shino Academy and the former Captain-Commander... his list of feats are extraordinary...

Shuuhei: You lie!

Gaishima: What would I have to gain by lying, young one?

Shuuhei: I don't know! Who cares... Just fight me.

Gaishima: Fine, have it your way... But, you will regret it.

Shuuhei: Kyuushuu Shuuha...

(A wave of reiatsu and air formed around Hisagi and billowed toward Gaishima at an incredible pace. Gaishima avoided it easily and leapt towards Hisagi, but was suddenly drawn backwards by an incredible force. The suction drew him in and began to rip at his skin, gouging out ice from his armour. Gaishima sighed in frustration and his reiatsu surged outwards, freezing the suction instantly and causing it to fall to the ground, shattering instantly. Hisagi snarled and fired another grey Cero at Gaishima, striking him before he could move. When he came back into view, he was bleeding profusely and he looked as though he was beginning to feel weary from use of reiatsu. Hisagi saw his chance and took it, bringing the two blades around in an arc, which smashed into Gaishima, breaking off more of the ice on his armour and sending him crashing to the ground. By now, Hisagi was panting hard, his reiatsu usage also been high. He flared his reiatsu again and fired several more blasts of wind, which found their target and caused more explosions to result around Gaishima. Finally, Gaishima reppeared, also panting slightly.)

Gaishima: Even for a youngster, you are a tough, little bastard.

Shuuhei: I could say the same about you, old man.

-Meanwhile-

(Raijin pushed himself up, the fighting beginning to take a toll on him. He could see that Gaishima and the other man were still fighting. Suddenly, Ulquiorra dived at him and made as if to grab him and hurl him bodily away. Raijin thrust his Zanpakuto forwards and managed to just scratch Ulquiorra's Hierro. Ulquiorra turned and came back again, this time generating a green lance in one hand and swung it at Raijin in full force. Raijin countered and parried the lance, fighting for his life.)

Raijin: Screw this! Bankai.

(A blast of massive grey/yellow/blue reiatsu burst upwards into the clouds, generating a calm spot for a moment, then reiatsu reflected, separating into large pillars of light, that came crashing back down to the ground, exploding around Ulquiorra. Raijin emerged with a Zanpakuto, that was similar to his Shikai, but had a long chain, with a lightning bolt attached to the end. The skies, which had further darkened from Gaishima's Bankai, began to darken even more, finally appearing almost pitch black and lightning began to strike at Ulquiorra once more, who continually dodged each strike. Raijin grinned and re-directed a bolt of lightning at Ulquiorra, who didn't quite manage to dodge in time and was struck by the lightning, which exploded around him. Swiftly, Raijin fashioned a cage from lightning energy around Ulquiorra, trapping him inside. Suddenly Ulquiorra burst out of the cage, his green reiatsu pulsating wildly.)

Ulquiorra: Cero Oscuras!

(The green and black blast struck Raijin out of nowhere, forcing him towards the ground at an incredible speed. With tenacity, Raijin used his Zanpakuto to cut through the blast, and sent it behind him.)

Ulquiorra: You managed to deflect a Cero Oscuras. Congratulations. You just surpassed all of the Espada, bar myself.

Raijin: From what I can tell, my final Bankai may have even surpassed you, too.

Ulquiorra: I'm afraid not. This is only my first form. Resurreccion: Segunda Etapa.

(A massive wave of reiatsu, green and black, washed over them both, sending Raijin crashing into the sand. Finally, Ulquiorra emerged, his form completely different. Instead of trailing white robes, Ulquiorra looked as though he had become one with a demon of terrifying proportions and his horns had become longer, larger and more curved. But, what frightened him the most, was the upgrade in speed that Ulquiorra showed. This time it felt as though Raijin could barely even breath. Suddenly, the force from Ulquiorra came crashing down on him, the green lance exploding violently on top of him, with such a force that everywhere was consumed, even Gaishima and Shuuhei had to avoid the radius of the blast. Raijin stood, blood dripping from his mouth and his body feeling half-dead - it was as though he could barely even move in the presence of the Espada.)

[Stop Music]

Raijin: Damn you, you bastard! I w-won't... LOSE!!!

Ulquiorra: You already have...

Ganesha: It’s all so confusing.

Whiteflame sighed: Alright, I’ll bite, what’s confusing?

Ganesha: You guys are all monotheists, right?

Whiteflame: Yeah, I believe so.

Ganesha: And yet you’re parading around with the gods and goddesses of many different religions?

Whiteflame: Well, technically you’re an interpretation of those gods given form by our writing and imagination. Most of you shouldn’t even exist in the same place.

Themis: About that… It seems you’ve really gone out of your way to bring about this chaotic conglomeration.

Blackpanther: Do we really have to go there, Themis?

Themis: There were certainly enough Greek gods alone to work with-

Morrigan: What are you saying? That none of the rest of us should be here?

Themis: Mt. Olympus is quite a bit more populous than-

Morrigan put a blade to her throat: I’d rather be involved, thank you. Far too much fun for me to miss out.

Whiteflame: Alright girls, let’s take it easy.

Blackpanther: Yeah, come on, remember the good times! We all had that wonderful time at Six Flags, went to that great restaurant…

Silverexorcist: None of that happened, dude.

Blackpanther: Are you kidding? That was a great trip!

Silverexorcist: I think you’re a little close to Ganesha right now.

Blackpanther turned around and glared at the elephant god who gazed back with uninterested eyes.

Ganesha: What? Those were happy memories.

Blackpanther: I told you before, I don’t want you implanting memories in my head!

Ganesha winked: You weren’t so annoyed the last time, when we-

Blackpanther: DID NOTHING! Nothing happened!

Whiteflame: Certainly sounds like something happened. What memories did you implant in him?

Ganesha: Well I-

Blackpanther: SHUT UP! Ganesha, don’t you d-

Silverexorcist wrapped an arm around his neck, choking off what he was going to say.

Silverexorcist: Oh, this sounds too good to pass up. Please, continue.

Ganesha opened his mouth to do just that, but was interrupted by the clash of steel.

Themis: I knew I never should have gotten you involved in this!

Morrigan: Too late now, bitch! I’ll cut you to pieces!

Whiteflame moved in between them, all too painfully aware of the danger he was putting himself in and started to stutter.

Whiteflame: N-now ladies. L-lets be r-reasonable. We’re all allies h-here.

Themis raised her blade menacingly: You’ll thank me when she’s dead.

Morrigan: And I’m just too damn excited to care.

*Whiteflame squeaks in terror as he dodges to the side, while Ganesha returns to his interesting story about the cruise Blackpanther thinks he took*

Awesome posts!

Indeed, thanks for saying so, Wantadog. XD. Anyway, it has been at least three, if not four days since it was Fazoodle's turn, so we'll skip him for now and he can post whenever he wants to (out of order). That would mean that Zord is up next.

Sorry, guys. I should have said something sooner, but I won't be able to post this time through. I lost the post I was going to put up due to inconvenient things my computer does to me on a seemingly regular basis.

Its fine, Zord. That is rather unfortunate... Just post your contribution whenever you write it up (you can post out of turn, if you want). XD

Before I forget, that means that it is Whiteflame's turn next. Or Kevy, if he plans to start posting soon.

I'll post for now. Kevy, if you want to post, feel free.

Anuket: I’ve spent my entire life following the current, always willingly letting it carry me to my next destination. This is the first time I’ve questioned that choice.

Renee had hit a wall over the last three days. Her new bankai was powerful, there was no doubting that, but it was nowhere near strong enough. It barely allowed her to keep up with Bukimi in her manifestation form, and she had just achieved it. After a mere two days of training, she had been told that there was nothing more that they could accomplished by training, and told her to face Anuket herself in hopes that they could break down that wall. A day had passed, and there were no signs of change.

No, all it had done was tax the former captain to her limits. She had been told that none of the others could ever hope to beat the gods that gave them their powers – it was not like fighting their zanpakuto spirits. They were not equals, nor could they ever hope to be. Even with their manifestations, a soul reaper could only wield so much of their powers. They weren’t, after all, immortal. No, discussion was the only way to get through to them, and hers was going nowhere.

Anuket: Do you wonder why none of the other pseudoshinigami are captains? Each of the captains in your Soul Society are strong enough to achieve manifestation with little training, so why would we want to wait?

The thought had crossed her mind, though Anuket asked the question rhetorically.

Anuket: You’re corrupted. Years of training improve your use of abilities, to be sure, but that’s like stating that someone who has been doing ballet their whole lives would make a good ballroom dancer. You cannot get out of your own way because it’s the only way you’ve ever known.

Renee met the goddess’s gaze evenly, or at least what she thought was her gaze. There were distinguishable eyes, but no pupils. For all she knew, the goddess wasn’t even looking at her.

Anuket: I thought you would be different, but I can see that I was even more mistaken than I ever feared. You have the ability to remove friction from the world around you, and yet you’re more constrained than anyone. The flows of life move around you, and you resist them.

Renee: Those flows couldn’t have brought me to a captain’s seat?

Anuket: Did they?

Renee opened her mouth and shut it. She hadn’t expected the challenge, and was at a loss for words in response. What had brought her to that seat?

Renee: So I must allow fate to guide me in every action?

Anuket: You mortals and your silly conceptions of “fate.” A river has multiple tributaries; life is not fated but destined.

Renee: “Destiny” and “fate” are awfully similar concepts.

Anuket shook her head: The difference is immense. “Fate” makes you a marionette, dancing to the strings of higher causes. “Destiny” is a guiding force made by our own decisions. Any dance you do for destiny is your own.

Renee: And I am not governed by destiny?

Anuket: Destiny does not rule us. It is always at our side, walking with us into the future. You have refused to be guided, though that is not all your doing.

She gestured towards Kaihou. The obelisk still sat in the center of the river, as it always had. Strange… had he always been that wide across?

Anuket: Everything you’ve been taught in your life has led you to that conclusion. It’s what you needed to succeed, to excel. And of course, it’s his fault.

Kaihou shook with annoyance: That just goes to show how little you know. Renee defeated me – she has more control over this world than I do.

Anuket: Your control over this world means nothing. You hold influence over her, however, is another matter.

Kaihou: Hmph.

Renee narrowed her eyes: What do you mean?

Anuket: He still stands as an impediment to you, and though you’ve managed to shrug off much of what’s held my power at bay, he has come to play a dominant role in your misdirection.

So his size was changing.

Renee: Are you saying I have to remove him?

Anuket sniffed: You might as well remove an arm first. Without him, you’re nothing.

Renee: Then what do you mean for me to do?

Anuket didn’t say anything, she just shifted her gaze. Renee followed it, but she didn’t have to look far. There wasn’t much left of this world that could be distinguished.

Renee: The hand?

Anuket: In the end, Kaihou’s actions are pointless. Your mind is a raging river, and his attempts to dam it up are like throwing a pebble into the Nile. Unfortunately, you don’t let the waters of your mind run free. Rather than embracing the flow, you resist.

Renee: I don’t understand. What is that hand? I thought at first that it was you trying to reach into my world, but now… are you saying it’s me?

Anuket shook her head: You know nothing Renee. When I picked you, Renee, I did so because I couldn’t stand the idea of handing over even a portion of my powers to an amateur. It seems I misjudged you.

She began to sink down into the river beneath her, becoming part of its flowing current.

Renee: Don’t go! I’ll figure this out, just give me more-

Anuket: Time? That’s a commodity we’re quickly running out of at the moment. I have waited long enough and told you more than I should ever have said. It’s up to you at this point.

And with that, she disappeared beneath the water. Renee stared at the spot for a full minute. All she could think of was what Isaac had said to her a couple of days before: two different halves that are together, but they are still two different entities . It was as confusing now as it had been when he’d said it, but those words kept running through her head. How could she be distinct from her god and yet indistinct? Her gaze rose to Kaihou.

Kaihou: She never intended to give you power in the first place. Only riddles.

Renee: Did she? I wish I could believe that now.

Kaihou: And you cannot? Armed with that knowledge, you could even return to the Captain Commander, beg for your pos-

Renee screamed: Damnit Kaihou!

She had never screamed at him before; perhaps she really had become unbalanced. The obelisk stood silently for once. When Renee spoke again, her voice was cracked, and a slow trickle of tears streamed down her face.

Renee: That life is lost to us, and perhaps that is for the best. Those who would throw us out and deem us as dangerous are no true allies of ours. We’ve been forced onto a new path, all of us. None of us as the luxury of turning back, least of all me.

But now she was bound to be left behind, trailing others who had once looked to her for guidance and strength. She didn’t mind learning from them off the battlefield, but once they entered it... A path of uselessness was not one she would travel. Still, as her tears melded with the river beneath her, she couldn’t for the life of her solve the puzzle Anuket had left her. She closed her eyes, Anuket’s last words still lingering in her mind: you know nothing, Renee . Perhaps she was right. She opened them to stare at the river of her despair…

…Her tears didn’t descend into it. Strangely, even a portion of the river itself seemed to migrate with them. She followed the flow of the water as it left the river beneath her and traveled through the air in a steady stream over to… the hand.

Two different halves that are together, but they are still two different entities …

Suddenly, everything clicked. She couldn’t help but feel like such a fool! She stood, running towards Kaihou.

Kaihou shook himself out of his stupor: What are you doing now?

Renee: What I have to do.

Kaihou tensed, shaking to his foundation: You can’t really be thinking-

Renee: This isn’t the time! I need your power, all of it!

Kaihou shook for a moment longer, then stopped. She couldn’t help but feel that he still regarded her with suspicion, but he had long since learned not to question her demands. The runes across the obelisk glowed with tremendous light as she touched him, pouring every bit of energy he had into her. With all of their strength combined, Renee created a gigantic high friction zone in the air around them, forming it into a hand of equal size to the fluid one in the distance. With it, she scooped them up, river and all, and pushed them over to the other hand in a rush. Kaihou tried to yell something to her, but at their speed, she could hardly make out the words. The water of the hand drew ever closer, becoming so large that she could no longer make anything out but a vast sea where the palm was.

As she got closer, the water she dragged resisted her. It felt like trying to shove together opposite sides of a magnetic pole – there was hatred there, as though the small river opposed unity. It finally made sense to her; the river was the last remnant of her previous course, the one that had brought her to the captaincy and made her all she was. It still directed her; it was still the drive that pushed her onward even now. And it had no branches, no options, and brooked no complaints. The hand wasn’t her and it wasn’t Anuket, but rather merely a symbol of what stretched out before them both.

With one last violent push, she slammed the river into the wall of water, watching as the two melded. She wasn’t crushed by the force, falling into a small crevice between the two hands. From a distance, she knew, the hands must have appeared as though they were clasping together. Agreement at last.

The landscape about her, which had been vaporized before, resolved back into focus. Except, it wasn’t the same. Water flowed across its reaches in rivers, streams and deltas of all shapes and sizes, and beyond them a vast and endless ocean. The canyon no longer existed, and Kaihou stood at the center of it all, speechless.

Anuket: Well then. Maybe I did choose correctly.

Anuket rose next to him. She was no longer made of liquid, instead appearing as she was. Her formed was wrapped in blue silk that extended out in a train well beyond her slight form and bare feet. She had dark olive skin and black hair that extended down to her shoulders in waves behind a face that held bright, golden eyes. She wore a collar of blue and gold about her slender neck and atop her head sat a crown of streams of compacted water. Renee knew it was held together by her very own friction forces, but the control required keeping it that way so easily was enough to inspire awe even in her.

Anuket met her gaze and smiled: You are worthy of my power now, Renee. Use it wisely.

Whoa, nice one, Whiteflame. You made everything seem hopeless to her and described her despair so well, but a nice ending to it - and a manifestation for Renee. XD.

Wantadog, you're up, dude. XD

I shall!.....try....

Me: Attention span! This is your chance to redeem yourself! You failed on the make you own zanpakuto forum, don't fail me here!

Attention span: I will not fail you sir! I will be ever vigilant! I will never subm-ooh....butterfly....

Colon: No love for me huh?

Brain: *Facepalm* I don't get paid enough for this....

Heart: Hey! At least you get paid....

Bp: That your post, Wantadog?

Wantadog: My attention span won...

Bp: Huh, what?

Wantadog: My attention spa-, hey are you listening?

Bp: Sorry, I just thought of a cool idea...

Wantadog: And You say I have a terrible attention span?

(I was bored, so I thought I'd write this, just for the hell of it.)

Whiteflame: Heh, great stuff wantadog. Internal struggles are always interesting.

Brain: Oh please, this is a contrived, boring waste of t-

Gut: Don't listen to him! Listen to me! You loved that shit!

Colon: Who mentioned me?

Gut: I wasn't talking about you.

Heart: Yeah, give the guy a chance. I thought that was pretty funny.

Brain: You pedantic organs, who-

Colon: WHO MENTIONED ME!?

Stomach: No one. No one likes you. Also, where's food?

Whiteflame: Come on guys, do we really have to do this again?

Brain: Do what again?

Whiteflame: ...What were we talking about?

Stomach: FOOD, NOW!

Colon: PAY ATTENTION TO ME!

Lol, Whiteflame, interesting skit. What about the colon? That was pretty crack-up, the poor damn organ just gets no love. Ahahahaha.

Bp: I guess I should confer with my organs now, as well.

Brain: Why? The others are just plain crazy, so you wanna be known as 'cuckoo' too?

Bp: Who cares?

Stomach: Me, I'm hungry and want food!!!

Bp: That wasn't what I asked you...

Stomach: So? I want food.

Pancreas: You are such a boorish glutton... Its really quite pathetic.

Stomach: Oh, shut up! At least I'm not a wannabe intellect like you.

Liver: Booze, perhaps?

Brain: Now look what you've done... They're all rebelling, because you are boring and don't drink, trading that for food. Go get drunk!

Bp: Sake?

Brain: Do whatever, but stop the mutiny now, before you end up more gutless and organless than you already were...

(My god....I started something.....in all seriousness, it will be done either today, tomorrow, or sometime in the next millennium.)

Colon: You know what...screw this, I'm gonna stop working alltogether!

Everyone: O_O

Yeah, you started something, but let's face it, we were all dying for an escape.

(Heh, that's cool, dude. No real rush... XD)

@Whiteflame. From...boredom, perhaps?

Bp: Maybe we should have paid attention to the colon...

Whiteflame: Why???

Wantadog: Well, he ain't workin'

Bp: What happens when your colon stops working, though?

Whiteflame, Wantadog: Who cares??!!

.....I feel like I missed something...

You did

Exorcist's brain: Lazy bum...

BP's brain: But don't you control...everything?

Exorcist's brain: Damn it...he's right

Wantadog's brain: So I can control the colon?

Colon: Nope. I work solo because nobody else can get down and dirty.

Exorcist: So...I'm not me 0_0

Whiteflame: Why am I left out?

@Exorcist, wouldn't that be what Garfield would say to the empty pan of lasagne...?

@BP You saw the thing on pillow fight, didn't you. Either that or an awesome coincidence XD