The Rukongai's Kusajishi District

*Darth gallops up on her gray stallion just as Kashear touches down in the Rukon District Raine had mentioned and he then transforms into his human appearance*

Sup, Shear-kun?

*he glares at her*

You know how much I hate that, female.

*she smiles cheekily and responds*

Why do you think I do it?

*he chooses not to respond*

*Fenrir slowes his pace as he and his pack gingerly lope towards the group*

I'm glad to see everyone's made it.

*She smiles then looks towards the gate before them*

We're going to be heading into the North Alley as this was where Hisagi and Malakai picked up the most activity on their last mission here. A warning though, this district is known as the Alley of Loitering Spirits. Many malefiscent souls dwell here along with the drifting spirits who for whatever reason refuse to leave.

*She motions to Darth*

I doubt they will take kindly to Arrancar here...

*Darth locks gazes with Raine. Her ice-blue eyes clearly understanding what she is implying but a question still lingers in Darth's gaze*

I see. Do you, by any chance, think my wolf form would throw them off on who I am? Seeing as my wolf-yokai form is inherited from my clan.

*Kashear listens intently and then turns to stare intensly at the gate as he hears a voice in his head call to him*

This way...

*he shakes his head to clear his thoughts*

Not so much your wolf form, I was going to say we should use Kyōka Suigetsu's abilities to place anyone in the district who sees it under a state of 'absolute hypnosis'. We can male it so all they see are three men and their dogs walking through the district.

*She unsheathed her Zanpakutou*

I say 3 men only to reduce confrontation... many of the delinquent soles show no respect to the women. Though we could show them a thing or 2 eh Darth?

*She chuckles and makes use of her Master's underlying zanpakutou's abilities. It began to glow and suddenly both she and Darth had taken on male forms*

Spoiler:

What do you think?

*Raine spun in a circle and whistled*

I think I look pretty sharp as wandering Arrancar Iwaki-san ne? And you don't look so bad yourself Darth ^~ You make a fine Katou-kun from the 9th ^^

*Giggles as she furrows her brow*

Hmm, we may need a better outfit than 2 bare chested men though...

*The Zanpakutou glows once more and the outfits changed*

Spoiler:

Only 1 bare chested man! XD

*Ahem, her features grow stern*

So what do you think?

You make a valid point Raine-chan.

*She then gasps as she sees her new look*

It's fantastic^^

*Kashear raises an eyebrow at the two and shakes his head*

You two are completely insane... *shrugs* Oh well.

*Looks to Kashear and smiles seductively*

Sanity is overrated, besides... it is the insane person who is truly memorable. I can bet you'll not soon forget my "antics"

*She wiggles her man hips to the gate*

Especially when I combine them with my greatness... ^~ A far superior intellect is nothing if you can't think outside of the box, same with strength and stamina where tactics are droll and predictable.

*Her wolves make their way into the district, ears forward, eyes bright and alert. Fenrir remaining by his master's side. Raine places her hand on his shoulder and pats it reassuringly*

Lord Kashear, above all else I accomplish on this mission... I will prove to you my worth as not only a woman, a draconic mage... but as a great warrioress and leader.

*Her features sharpen, her eyes glinting pridefully*

This I promise.

*Kashear's expression turns serious*

I have met many powerful and intelligent female leaders who are just as capable at being warriors, but it will take a lot to impress me. I'm glad you shall strive to meet my expectations, but of course... I would expect no less from a friend of my descendant.

*Darth shakes her head then begins to walk towards the gates and turns to look at the other two*

Well... shall we?

*Kashear nods and proceeds forward before he stops and leans against the wall. A voice calls to him in his mind*

Come to me...

*He shakes his head then stands upright once more before continuing on through the gates. Darth watches him then mutters to herself*

I wander what that was all about... hmmm...

Hai, lets head in.

*Raine casually strolled in, her earspines pressed closely to her head as the various spiritual pressures were a bit overwhelming*

I'm not quite sure where to go from here...

*Fenrir's nose went straight to the ground as he picked something up and began to trail whatever it was that piqued his curiousity. The group travelled through the dank alleys and rather unsettling streets. Many watching them pass by, some opted to even follow them a ways...*

I believe we may have gained a bit of attention.

*Darth and Kashear follow Raine farther and farther into the district*

Oui. So it seems, Raine. So it seems.

*she pays the spirits no heed as Kashear seems to be trying to gather his wits about him*

Why would she be trying to contact me? Or the better question is who is trying to contact me. That voice is so familiar.

*he thinks to himself*

*Raine presses her canine brethren along as she quickens her pace*

Where are we headed Fen... I don't believe I've ever ventured this far...

*After a few moments even the stray souls that had taken notice of them abandoned their trail and turned back.*

As much as I'm glad we've lost our 'ontourage', it worries me that once we passed that temple back there they each made themselves scarce.

*Each of the wolve's heads snapped up as a strong just blew and a breathtaking amount of reiatsu washed over the group*

What in the...

*Sun and Moon tucked their tails between their legs and even Fenrir whimpered slightly. Raine's ear spines twittered as she looked back towards the shrine*

That gust came back from the temple's direction. Somehow I believe we've stumbled into a reitsu barrier...

*Kashear's head snaps up as the dragon in him trys to roar to life but he fights down his instincts*

Ladies turned gentlemen... I sense something evil here.

*he glances down to Fenrir and places a hand on the wolf's head and watches him calm down*

That doesn't want to be disturbed...

*Raine offers a solemn nod*

I agree Kashear... but my gut is telling me that that evil is what we've been looking for.

*She pauses for a moment to gain a certain dramatic composure*

The problem being it has already been disturbed...

*Realization dawned on Kashear's face as he thought to himself*

Mother... I knew I recognized that voice from somewhere!

*Darth looks at Kashear and converses with him telepathically*

Is it her?

Oui... it sure is.

*Raine watches silently as she watches her comrades seem to be communicating something meant to remain amongst themselves. She shrugs. I wonder what's up...?*

Well I hate to say it, but my senses are telling me that the entrance we seek is within that shrine we passed.

*She makes her way back to the unholy grounds and her ear spines shudder*

I wonder...

*Kashear glances sharply to Raine and places a hand on her shoulder*

I wouldn't go over there if I were you. She is particularly vicious today.

*As she ascends the steps a frigid wave of malicious reiatsu seeps out through the shrine's door*

Fenrir, Skoll, Hati... find the others and relay the message. Tell them once they have finished their work to meet us at this location...

*The wolves bow their great heads and vanish from sight*

From the feel of this we may be in over our heads...

*Raine places her hand on the heavy mahogany door, barring the entrance to the less than holy shrine. She feels Kashear's touch as she looks back and into those crimson eyes, searching for an explanation.*

But we must if we wish to suceed in our mission...

*She pauses for a moment*

Wait, what do you mean she's particularly viscious today?

*Kashear smiles somewhat sheepishly*

Oh nothing. Nothing at all. It's just if you really want to tick her off go right ahead.

*he then gestures with a sharp nod*

But I really don't feel like being fried right now, and trust me... she's in a ton of pain.

Well then what is it you want me to do Kashear?

*Raine's expression flashes from sorrow to anger as her words become heated*

I've gathered she's a destruction craving dangerous beast and all capable of mass casualties, which may even include myself!

*Her gaze narrows*

How do you expect me to not march right in there after you tell me how much pain she's in from suffering she's endured by my "so-called" people!

*An angry tear rolls down her cheek as Raine loses her temper*

She's your mother! And whether or not she instills the fear of Kami in me I refuse to let her suffer any longer because I was too much of a coward to try and help!

*She balls her fists*

As a mother-like figure myself I know I would always trust my children to come to my aid, regardless of the situation...

*Angry cyan collide with crimson*

*Kashear snarls viciously at Raine and Darth steps in front of him and places a hand on his right shoulder*

Listen here. I love her with all my heart and soul because I have to because she is my mother... but make no mistake... I hate her with a burning passion that burns in my heart and soul. Do you have ANY idea at what she did to me!? And my family!? The very people she swore to protect!

*he snarls as his red eyes blaze with a fire all their own*

She was ultimately responsible for the death or my sons, her own grandchildren. And most of all... for the death of my beloved wife who is Darth's namesake!

*he narrows his eyes then locks gazes with Raine*

So don't tell me about pain and suffering. I watched as she ripped Darthblack apart. At how she killed my children. My only daughter was the only one that got away. And she is the reason that the Darth you know exists today. Sure mother may have listened to Darth but that was only temporary until she could become corporal and destroy us once again. I died because of my mother and I lost everything.

*Raine's reiatsu swirled angrily about her*

Don't you DARE sit here and make me out to be the bad guy!

*The marble of the temple began to chip and crack as it was swept up in the intense winds of Raine's spiritual pressure*

Now you listen to me dragon! I wasn't looking for a fight, nor a pity party featuring the detailed story of your bittersweet relationship with your mother. But don't you think you can unload your frustration and baggage on me!

*She places a hand on the large, heavy mahogany door*

I came here for the soul mission of stopping whomever it is that created those THINGS from your mother's DNA and continue to experiment on her as we stand here now. What you do with your mother once I apprehend those behind her exploitation is up to you.

*Her tone becomes dark, with an icy lash*

Leave her sealed underneath the city to keep everyone safe, including your own insecurities surrounding her. Or perhaps take all the hatred you have welled up inside and with the tools granted to you by her current tormentors and end her murderous life, filling that void in your soul. I could care less what you do with her once I complete my duties!

*She snarls*

What has happened between you and your mother is your own business and I understand your reasoning and pain, but don't you dare expect me to roll over and sympathize with you over all that's happened. I too have endured a pain many would crumble underneath it's unimaginable sorrow... but I will never stop fighting to right the one who so wronged me! Mother, father, brother, sister... it doesn't matter! I will never give up or give in...

*Just then Hisagi and Byakuya appeared... Byakuya shunpod up and threw his arms around Raine as Hisagi bowed his head*

"That's enough Raine-chan..."

*Her eyes grew wide as her reiatsu died away*

*Kashear narrows his eyes and then states in a low voice*

She will destroy you. Make no mistake about that.

*he turns Byakuya and Hisagi and bows his head but nonetheless he enters threw the doors that Raine was standing at and then turns around*

Female!

*Darth looks up at Kashear and bows before following him. She then turns to Raine*

Forgive him, Raine-chan. The world is different to him now and he doesn't understand the way it works for us of this day and age. Give him time and he will not be as harsh or as cruel as you think. He's only looking out for the greater good for those in the world of the living and the dead.

*Raine stared coldly as she watched him enter the temple*

She can't possibly destroy something someone else already left in ruin...

*Byakuya squeezed Raine slightly*

"What's past is past little one, you have to let it go."

*Hisagi lay a hand on her right shoulder*

"Even if it's just for now."

*Raine vanished from Byakuya's grasp and reappeared by the door. She catches what Darth had said and scowls*

I understand your intentions Darth-chan, but even though you are offering an explanation of his behavior I will not take it as an excuse...

*She raises her voice just enough to ensure she was heard...*

Even a being of his stature and infinite knowledge must ACKNOWLEDGE those facts for themselves and adapt rather than remain stuck in their comfortable though outdated ways...

*Kashear ignores Raine and continues to proceed through the temple as he is walking he shakes his head and growls under his breath*

Women.

*Darth follows Kashear at a more sedate pace but turns to Raine*

I'm sure he'll come around by the time we find Her...

*she nods to Byakuya and Hisagi before sprinting after Kashear*

*Raine snarls as she lands a shunko'd jab to one of the temple's pillars*

"Raine-chan!"

*The pillar crumbled as Hisagi rushed over and grabbed Raine's forearm. The violent reiatsu crackled and hissed, tearing up Hisagi's arm*

"Hisagi-kun! What are you doing?!?"

*Hisagi cried out in pain as he grimaced and reached inside his kosode and pulled out a glowing pendant on a sterling chain

He pressed the piece of amethyst imbued with many mysterious properties to Raine's chest*

"Is that?"

*Hisagi nodded as Raine's reiatsu ceased and she slumped into Hisagi's arms. Cradling her form Hisagi sighed and picked her up.*

"She gave it to me as personal protection when I served as her Vice..."

*Hisagi handed Raine's unconscious form to Byakuya as he ripped several strips of cloth from his robes and began to bandage his seared flesh. Meanwhile Byakuya gazed at Raine and brushed her bangs from her face. He chuckled*

"I've got to get me one of those rocks."

*Hisagi quirked an eyebrow then shakes his head*

"Bya-kun, you are so twisted... So where is it that Yoruichi-chan is meeting us?"

*Both men began walking down the long corridor after the others*

"She had gone on ahead with a few x-special force officers. She believes there is more at work here than we know..."

*Hisagi nodded as they soon caught up to the group*