Extermination - Part One

[faetanlogs]

WHO: Lenalee Lee, Yu Kanda, Sousuke Aizen, Ulquiorra, Szayel Aporro Granz, Ichigo Kurosaki, Xelloss, Kevin Graham, Toushirou Hitsugaya, Tyki Mikk
WHAT: Aizen has a plan to execute...and exorcists as well. When a missing general is returned, he utters a dire warning: An Espada is going to attack! The exorcists mobilize to face this threat, but there's more to this battle than one expects...
WHEN: April 6th, 2008
WHERE: Northern Territories, Canadian Branch of the Black Order
WARNINGS: Very dark, very violent. Bad language. (This lessens towards the end when we're all suffering from sleep deprivation.)


A cold wind cuts through the Northern Territories, sharp enough to draw blood some might say. The forecast called for clear skies and calm winds, a relatively pleasant day for April. But, as sometimes happens, the weatherman is wrong, and today is one of those rare times.

It came as no surprise that the pair of exorcists dispatched to enter the dimly-received distress call did so begrudgingly, complaining at their orders. They zipped up their parkas and pulled the hoods close around their faces, fastening on their goggles, and drawing the woolen mufflers over the lower half of their faces before stomping out into the wind and snow. At least it was daylight. The cold would be far worse if the sun wasn't out. And as deceptively bright as the sun might seem, it didn't add an ounce of warmth to the earth below.

What came as a surprise was the identity of the distress signal's owner. "G-General Power! It's General Power!" the radio transmission reported, causing a stir amongst the attendants of the Canadian branch's communications room. The man had been missing for a good week now, it was a relief to hear that he was still alive, though barely at that. He was confirmed to be suffering from frostbite and several terrible wounds, seemingly delivered from a slashing weapon such as a sword. But he was alive, and they were glad to hear it. At least, until he uttered his warning.

The large town to the south, which the base depended on for its supplies and rations, was due to be attacked in approximately one hour's time. The attacker? An Espada...one of the high-ranked entities working under Sousuke Aizen. There had been rumors that the Akuma were aligning themselves with the would-be king of another paranormal world, a man who held great power and influence. With this news, it seemed the rumors were, in fact, true. There was one hour's time before that Espada would appear. The exorcists would have to move fast if they meant to defend the town and its residents against this dangerous individual.

Once his message had been delivered, General Power slumped, unconscious. He was taken to the base where his wounds and inflictions could be properly treated, while a squad of exorcists mobilized to march on the town.
There are fifteen minutes left until the Espada is rumored to appear. There are ten exorcists present, armed with their Innocence--eight of them hail from the Canadian Branch. The other two? Yu Kanda and Lenalee Lee, called in from their order to assist with the new menace. Only those two had extensive experience outside the Gates, and would best know how to deal with something the others knew nothing about.

Lighting a cigarette for warmth, Olivia Chapman glances at the two others. "I suppose we're as prepared as we'll ever be..."

Normally making it to this part of the world might be impossible for the exorcists to do in a timely manner. Their world lacks the technology of many other worlds, but thanks to the gates, the Order has been able to utilize them in ways that actually helps the exorcists too. Of course, the enemy has freedom to go through the gates as well and that's also a problem.

Now in the new country, Kanda folds his arms in front of himself and sighs, the puff of his breath seen on the wind. Luckily for him the jacket he wears keeps him warm enough. Shouldn't he be the one who's cold? He doesn't even live in this region! But it's just mind over matter. Or maybe he's so cold on a regular basis not even the weather affects him. "Seems like you overdid it." Are this many people really necessary? They'll just get in his way.

The cold Northern wind doesn't do much for someone in a skirt. But Lenalee doesn't even notice the bite of it. There's much more important things to be troubled about than comfort. At least she was loaned a heavier jacket to help insulate the upper half of her body. She's a little nervous as they wait, though she tries not to let it show. And she knows Kanda must be struggling with his own impatience.

The days when all they had to worry about were akuma seem distant now. But she does her best to give Olivia an encouraging smile. "The Order's been through worse than this." It's best to be confident when going into battle. "By the way." Her eyes go down to the cigarette and back up to the other woman's face. She seems hesitant to say it, but can't stop herself. "I've heard those things are bad for you." Not that most exorcists need to fear dying from lung cancer. Her eyes flash to Kanda when he speaks. If they needed a living, breathing example of confidence before battle, there he is. "You're just mad because they made you bring me along." Lenalee smirks in his direction. She knows that Kanda prefers to go on his missions alone.

Olivia just smiles at Lenalee. It probably goes without saying that she doesn't expect to live long enough to regret it. "It warms you up, eh?" She shrugs, taking another draw from the cigarette and turning her head to release the smoke through thin lips. She doesn't feel like arguing, and she's sure neither of them will persuade the other to her line of thinking.

A few of the exorcists shift nervously. They haven't had their Innocence all that long, and they're not really sure what they'll be up against. All they've heard is that there are ghosts out there who eat souls, and that sounds like a horrible way to die. Er...die again, as the case may be.

And all of them give Kanda a wide, wide berth. Friendly he ain't!

Kanda might be surprised that there's someone who shares his thoughts. ~This is demeaning.~ His solitary hand shoved in the pocket of loose white pants, Grimmjow Jeagerjaques glowers at the black-and-white reflection of the town through the hazy barrier that separates the world of the dead from that of the living. He lacks an arm, and he lacks a number. And this mission rubs him all the wrong ways.

"Go. You like destruction, do you not? Cut loose." And Aizen smiled at him with that emotionless, distant smile, regarding him with those cool brown eyes. It was as though he'd been told to go play with a dead mouse. There was no sport, no challenge, in ravaging this pitiful little turd of a town. DEMEANING. And for what reason?! Aizen never said. That's just the way he was, that pompous, mysterious bastard.

Cursing under his breath, Grimmjow reaches out and taps the barrier. And a maw begins to split, like a rusted zipper bursting open its jagged square teeth. The exorcists on the other side can see it, in the sky up above, and the Espada steps through.

There's an aura of wildness about him, with his carelessly styled teal hair, and those cool, feral eyes of deep, hateful blue. There's a gaping hole in his middle, and the distinct lack of an arm as well. His open coat reveals a bare chest, marred with an ugly, pink, vertical scar. The cold doesn't seem to bother him at all. "This is it?" he mutters, staring down at the assembly of exorcists. "Pitiful." He spits to the side, marking his disdain.

Slowly he withdraws his hand from his pocket, as though to examine his fingernails. Then, without so much as a word, red energy begins to coalesce in his open palm. His fingers tighten, tensing into rigid hooks. Then with a snarl he throws that gathered energy that rips into the snow, the earth, and three exorcists unlucky enough to be struck at point blank from the cero blast. Body parts topple...the places that were hit contain not even a scrap of ashes. The cero blast disintegrates and erases everything. The concussion of the blow is enough to fling several others aside, tossing them like rag dolls if they're unlucky enough not to dodge in time.

You get a glancing blow on Yu Kanda with your Scratch the Earth feint.
You miss Lenalee Lee with your Tear the Ground feint.

A glance goes in Lenalee's direction when she says he's grumpy because of her, but that's not really it. It's because of all eight other people here! When he says he likes to go on missions alone he means alone. Kanda won't even take the usual Finder with him if he can help it.

The maw, when it begins to open, is certainly hard to miss. "This is it." And there's a certain satisfaction that comes with those words, maybe because he just doesn't like waiting to do his job. The person who steps out is a surprise though. "That's not a Noah.." It must be someone from beyond the gates!

The energy is shot and Kanda leaps out of the way, getting a scratch along his arm in the process. A second too late and he'd of lost that arm. It'd be one of the thrown body parts among the others. Sure he regenerates, but he doesn't want to test it and see if he can grow back a whole limb.

The katana is pulled from its place at his side and he slides two fingers along the naked blade. "Innocence.. activate." There's a glow that erupts from the blade, that holy power rising to action. The exorcist digs his feet into the snow then lunges toward the enemy at full speed. Anyone with any sense will get out of his way before he swings his sword down toward Grimmjow's chest. Maybe he'll add more scars there.

Yu Kanda hits Sousuke Aizen with his Incoming exorcist! attack.

Lenalee hears the alarmed murmuring of the other exorcists and turns her head just in time to see the Espada step from his world into theirs. She knows she's never seen him before, and yet there's something familiar about him. Whatever it is, she doesn't like it any more now than she did the first time. Her eyes go from his missing arm to the scar to the hole in his midsection...and each one just causes her frown to deepen.

"Activate!" She keeps her eyes on the incoming blast as a green glow races up her legs. The boots that she was wearing seem to unravel and then reform with that same green energy licking her heels. She leaps straight up as the cero blast hits, narrowly avoiding it. She knows others weren't so lucky, but she can't let herself get distracted by that now. Lenalee reaches a height above the teal-haired man and flutters there for a moment before flipping over and falling towards him with increasing speed.

Lenalee Lee critically strikes Sousuke Aizen with her Look Out Below! attack.

No, it is not a Noah. But time has yet to dictate whether this being should be regarded with any less caution, or more. He staggers back as he sustains both blows, reaching too late for his sword to block Kanda's incoming katana. And Grimmjow thought he'd be able to eradicate them all with just one hand. @#$*! It would have been nice if Aizen had told him just what these exorcists were capable of doing!

Holding back a snarl, Grimmjow yanks his gleaming sword free from its sheath, snapping out a vertical blow intended to take off the Japanese man's head clean from his neck. Whether he scores or not, he's whirling around on Lenalee.

And he smiles, in a very unkind way. This is probably what Little Red Riding Hood felt like when she informed her grandmother of her very large economy-sized teeth. "I'm gonna rip off your legs, bitch," he hisses, launching himself at her. "And beat you to death with 'em." He takes another vicious swipe with his sword, aimed indeed at those long, lovely legs.

You hit Yu Kanda with your Scar the Prettyboy attack.
You get a glancing blow on Lenalee Lee with your Cripple the Prettygirl attack.

All that training must pay off in some way. If he hadn't been careful he might've again lost something, but this time his head and he's pretty sure the lotus won't give him THAT back. The slash is avoided but strikes along his shoulder instead. What an annoyance this guy is! But how can he stand up to two exorcists at once? Kanda is a good fighter and he knows it, but he also has confidence in Lenalee.

Kanda lands, only to see the enemy leaping away from him in order to go after his partner today. That doesn't make him too happy. Why are bad guys always picking on her! Geez! Kanda rushes right after him. "Don't turn your back on me, bastard." He says in a low, threatening voice as he slashes his sword out, throwing a shaft of energy at the attacker.

Yu Kanda misses Sousuke Aizen with his FWOOSH attack.

Lenalee can feel just how heavy her first strike is when she lands on the one-armed man's shoulders. That paired with Kanda's attack from below would spell the end for any akuma. But when she leaps away again, she sees that he wasn't incapacitated by it at all. "No way..." Lenalee whispers to herself with wide eyes. "Kanda!" She cries out in alarm when Grimmjow produces a sword of his own and slices at the other exorcist. All she's able to see is some blood flying before she has to deal with him herself.

He does grin like the Big Bad Wolf. But everyone knows how that story ends. So Lenalee glares back without fear at their strong opponent. It likewise doesn't please her that he attacked her partner. Those in the Black Order are her valued family, biological or not. His threats and foul mouth only anger her more. There's a pained expression when his sword slices along her thigh, but she's lucky. She knows it would've been much worse if she hadn't pulled back and prevented him from slicing deeper. She spins her body, that single turn kicking a cyclone of wind towards him before she falls towards the earth.

Lenalee Lee critically strikes Sousuke Aizen with her What Did You Just Call Me?!! (Enbu Kirikaze) attack.

Grimmjow must be very bold to turn that vulnerability towards Kanda. The exorcist races in, his target temptingly open...

And then Grimmjow turns. His eyes light up, and there's a wicked smile on his face. And at that exact moment, it becomes clear that he went after Lenalee for the sole purpose of drawing Kanda after him, making him think he has a clear shot. His image blurs, just as Lenalee's fierce kick cracks him in his bone-sheathed jaw, and suddenly he's gone.

And now he's right behind Kanda, thrusting his sword forward in an attempt to impale the man, and Lenalee, both...like an expert pool player driving the white ball towards his quarry. He'll see their faces contort with fear soon enough!

You miss Yu Kanda with your Eight Ball... attack.
You critically strike Lenalee Lee with your In the Side Pocket attack.

Kanda blinks, his ponytail swishing forward when he swings his sword only to have the energy shot miss. That's when he gets the very keen sense of someone behind him and it's not a good feeling at that. The exorcist turns, able to see the glint of the sword coming at him, but then his body is jolted to the side and he tumbles through the snow, only to look up and spot Lenalee there. That crazy girl.. did she push him out of the way?!

Kanda grits his teeth and puts one foot down, springing up into the air at a height no average person could attain. It's not the same sort of flight that Lenalee possesses, but we'll just blame it on sheer badassery because there is no logical explanation for why Kanda can do that! He just does! "Kaichu Ichigen!" When he swings his sword there's a wave that transforms into three ghostly looking insects, complete with jagged teeth and three blood red eyes, which swarm in Grimmjow's direction to attack.

Yu Kanda hits Sousuke Aizen with his Mugen: First Illusion (Underworld Insects) attack.

While the battle rages on between the Espada and the Exorcists in the middle of the frozen tundra, another individual silently appears in the shadows. On a branch of a tree about a quarter mile east of the base a dark figure eyes the events curiously. He was drawn to the carnage and the violence, like a starving wolf is drawn to a piece of meat.

Xelloss didn't intend on stopping in this world, but he simply had to see what was going on. A small smile appearing on his lips, he finds that the decision was a good one.

The thin branch easily supports his figure, despite his size, and he casually watches the base with interest. He can't see much from that distance, but he can sense what's going on. Humans are struggling there, struggling against quite a monsterous foe at that! This should prove entertaining. He'll have to stick around for now.

Xellos debates getting closer, but keeps his distance for the time being, still a bit too far to be seen, or accurately see what's going on. But the violence, the bloodlust, the clashes of strength and power, he can sense that much. It will all warrent a closer examination very soon, but for now he stands atop the tree, his cape blowing in the frigid wind.

Lenalee flutters slowly towards the ground while her eyes scan for where he might reappear. That he blurred and just disappears that way is alarming. Could be too fast for the human eye to see? Even faster than either of them? Her breath catches in her throat when she sees him reappear behind Kanda. He tricked them...

The Chinese exorcist propels herself forward just in time to push him out of the way. But her own airborne movement is halted as Grimmjow's blade impales her body. Even the thick padding of her jacket couldn't do much to slow it. She stares at him for a moment before reaching her hands up to grip the top of the blade and push herself off it. She falls at a much faster rate now, landing hard in the snow. Lenalee pushes herself to her knees though, her head momentarily bowed forward to cough up some red on that pristine white. Then she lifts her head, watching the exchange fearfully while catching her breath. Each inhale hurts, but she's not finished.

It seems Grimmjow's special talent is impaling dark-haired protagonist females through the stomach. He doesn't seem to be suffering any guilt for running a girl through, just gazing coldly from his mid-air hovering perch, the blade of his sword lazily tapping the top of his shoulder. "Weak," he slurs. And spits at her. "Saving a piece of @#$* like that? Stop feeling sorry for yourself and get up. GET UP!"

He draws back his blade to /force/ her to her feet, by decapitation if he must. The ex-Espada won't be satisfied until he's had himself a decent fight. Then Kanda strikes him with the illusory insects that /hurt/ just as though they were real. Jagged teeth tear spectral flesh, and Grimmjow whirls on them with his blade, slashing them to pieces with shocking speed. His head swings heavily in Kanda's direction, and he leers. "Are you the strongest...?" Another cero blast tears apart an exoricst below who was starting to make inscribing motions in the air with their hand. "Don't interrupt," he states, without even so much as a glance. His grin widens, flashing more of those teeth, and he rockets forward to catch the exorcist with his sword. "COME ON COME ON! I'm sick of all this crap, give me something to worry about, eh? HA!"

You successfully target Lenalee Lee with your Ptooie! action.
You critically strike Yu Kanda with your ROCKET KITTY! attack.

That guy is just adding insult to injury! Kanda begins to descend but fast toward Grimmjow as the espada goes up to meet him, only that man is once again so fast. The sword catches Kanda right in the side and cuts into him. Blood begins to darken his exorcist's coat but Kanda doesn't actually back away from the attack. It hurts like hell and he can feel a pulse on his chest that isn't the beat of his heart. No, -it- didn't like that one bit.

Rather than go for distance, Kanda reaches with his free hand to grab at Grimmjow, his wrist, his coat, whatever it may be, while trying to deliver a similar blow of his own with the katana he's holding. "I'll turn you into dust." His voice isn't a shouting threat, but a deep murmuring of the words.

Yu Kanda misses Sousuke Aizen with his back stabby attack.

Meanwhile, back at the ranc--er, base...

Xelloss's senses are dead on. The outside of the base is very, very quiet. The screams of the people inside are lost to the thick stone walls and the insulation of the earth's womb. Souls are being torn right out of their bodies, dissolved into spectral matter, and inhaled...still struggling, still crying...into a tall glass jar where two slowly spinning heads open jagged mouths wide.

Walls are painted with blood. Long marks scar the floor where desperate struggles split fingernails and opened wide their crimson pulse. Some have been gutted, their intestines spilled like fat snakes.

The lights gutter overhead, sending ghastly shadows that magnify and warp the wet mounds of human remains. And one by one, the scattered lives within blink out, while the solitary goliath of spirit energy continues to grow.

Feast on that, Xelloss.

Lenalee winces, half-expecting his spit to sizzle and burn when it makes contact with her skin. That it just has the normal effect of spit...well that isn't a whole lot better. She does start struggling to her feet, but not because Grimmjow wants her to or even threatens her with that blade again. She keeps staring at him. Lenalee's never been able to shake the feeling that he's somehow familiar. Her mind flashes back to someone else they met in white, with pink hair and glasses.

"Kanda! He's like him!" There's probably no way her words can make sense to him right now. She just wanted to do something to warn him. But by now they've both realized how dangerous he his anyway. Lenalee starts to run through the snow, picking up a little speed before leaping into the air again. She flies upward, bringing her knee up and aiming it for the underside of Grimmjow's jowl.

Lenalee Lee critically strikes Sousuke Aizen with her Tongue Biter attack.

Grimmjow is all about insulting people while beating the crap out of him. That's considered /fun/! He barks a sharp "HA!" when he catches Kanda with that vicious blow, delighting at the spatters of hot blood that melt the snow, and that look of stalwart determination on his face. Now that's what he likes to see. Give him some FIGHT! None of this 'dead mouse' business! He even allows his coat to be caught, but a shift of his body angles himself into just the right position, Kanda's sword sliding cleanly through the hollow of Grimmjow's torso.

Grimmjow leers.

He draws back his head to send it crashing into Kanda's face, then kicks him away with a foot solidly planted in his middle. "Weak...just like the rest of 'em..."

Something about Lenalee's warning equivocates to someone scraping their teeth over a metal spoon. It /irritates/. Like 'him'? The only two others that might have encountered these two are Ulquiorra and Szayel, and Grimmjow does NOT want to be compared to either one of those @#$*heads! He whirls around on the girl, only to get a boot to the chin.

She...she kicks high...

Head snapped back with an interesting 'CRACK!' he rolls his head slowly forward, burning azure gaze boring into the agile lady exorcist. "You bitch..." he growls, and tears through the sky with that same blinding burst of speed he exhibited earlier. The sword cleaves through the air with a cruel diagonal strike meant to spill her guts.

You miss Yu Kanda with your Headbutt! attack.
You miss Lenalee Lee with your I AM NOT LIKE PINKY! >:E attack.

Oh my, such destruction. How appetizing. Xelloss almost feels ashamed for a moment for allowing himself to be enthralled by his baser instincts. The carnage IS appealing to him, though, and the frantic struggles for life by the humans in the base is like the icing on the cake. Perhaps it is about time the Mysterious Priest got a closer look.

And with that he's gone, the branch he was standing on is no worse for wear. It's almost as if he were never there at all.

Now hovering over the base, looking towards town, Xellos tries to familiarize himself with the most potent fighting forces he has sensed. There's two humans in particular that stand out, and the one they fight against is most certainly not human. But, what he is exactly Xelloss isn't sure. My my, who would have thought he'd come across a curiousity way out here? But while Grimmjow catches Xelloss's interest for his rather blunt ferocity, it's the OTHER one of his kind that really catches his eye.

Whatever he/she/it is, Xelloss will have to see for himself a bit closer up...

Kanda blinks in surprise when his blade passes right through Grimmjow. Again it looks like he might get struck, but then Lenalee comes in and gives him the split second he needs to back away from his opponent, falling to the ground and landing clealy in the snow. To think, two of them can't handle this guy. They should be done by now! But Kanda was always the overconfident type. Even if he's still bleeding for now, he's not allowing himself to rest. The exorcist has gotten used to the wounds taking care of themselves.

His right hand still holds his katana and his left reaching down for the scabbard next to him. ".. Nigentou." A flash of energy flares up and covers both the katana and the scabbard, so not only is he holding one holy flame covered blade but the scabbard itself has become an energy blade as well. Both weapons are connected with a rope of energy that creates a line behind him from the hilt of one new blade to the other. Now armed with two swords, Kanda lunges after Grimmjow again, trying to deliver a cross strike.

Yu Kanda misses Sousuke Aizen with his Mugen: 2nd Illusion (Two Blades) attack.

The female exorcist glares right back at him. The pain from being impaled has turned into fuel, and Lenalee knows she needs every bit that she can get. She has to be a little smarter, a little faster, or it's over. So she forces herself to stay steady as Grimmjow rushes at her, pulling back at the last second. She's rewarded by avoiding the strike this time. "You really should try to broaden your vocabulary." Lenalee informs him. He keeps calling her that word over and over again. So it's fitting that it be met by the same response. She spin-kicks, sending a powerful wind spiraling towards him. Hit or miss, she knows he's going to be ready to return the favor though. Lenalee returns to the ground before instantly leaping up again. She flutters above them while watching Kanda's next attack.

Lenalee Lee critically strikes Sousuke Aizen with her Enbu Kirikaze, Take Two attack.
You have been knocked out!

"Bah ha ha ha ha!" Grimmjow laughs at Kanda, neatly zig-zagging the double-sworded attack. "You see your opponent's got one hand, so you think you can outmatch 'im with two swords, eh? You think that'll save you and your little b--!"

But he doesn't get to say the word he wants. Grimmjow is struck upside the head with that whirlwind kick, so what comes out is 'your little BWEH!' which isn't...really...all that tough-sounding.

The force of the kick is enough to send the ex-Espada plummeting to the ground, an explosion of snow and hard-packed earth flying into the cold wind. The shielded exorcist draws up a barrier over the remaining others, who stand flabbergasted. Even Olivia's cigarette drops from her lip. Those two are /really/ strong. Is it over, then...?

A bloodied hand drags itself over the lip of the crater, and a foul visage pulls free of the dust and debris. His face is streaked with dark lines, and the jawbone that runs along his chin is cracked.

Grimmjow looks PISSED.

But his head suddenly jerks to the side, the transmission of a radio signal crackling in his ear. "Your job is done. Return."

Job...? To...fight these losers? To suffer this insult, this /outrage/, without returning the favor ten-score?! It's only a chance glance at that empty sleeve that cools Grimmjow's temper, like dipping a hot, forged sword into a barrel of cold water. His anger isn't gone...it's harder, and stronger, nursed within his feral heart. A flash of teeth is shown towards the two exorcists before the barrier splits behind him. He backs into it, and the seams seal. Their opponent is gone.

Kanda lands and turns, having missed that swift opponent again, but it looks like Lenalee can better keep up with him thanks to the dark boots. The exorcist is rather amazed at the girl for a moment, then he smirks to himself and slides the katana slowly into the sheath of the sword, extinguishing the flames. "Maybe I'll let you meditate with me from now on." Guess he can allow her to do that much without getting annoyed. But that guy is gone for now and there are still a few survivors so that'll make Lenalee happy.. until she remembers the ones who are dead.

No one's more surprised than Lenalee when Grimmjow is downed by her attack. Though she's briefly alarmed when he rises, only to return to wherever it is he came from. Lenalee lands on the ground and runs towards Kanda with a hand pressed against her stomach. She has to stop herself from hugging him right there in front of everyone! She's just thankful that they both survived. "I'm going to hold you to that." She smirks back at the swordsman. "Or maybe I'll let you make coffee with me." There's an arched brow along with the teasing offer. Maybe that's her secret. All the caffeine! Her boots dematerialize into normal ones again as she takes a few quick steps through the snow. "Is everyone okay?" She calls back to the others. There's already a worried expression on Lenalee's face though. Because she knows they're not. A puff of frozen breath escapes her lips. She knows that's a part of the job...but it never gets any easier for her. She lowers her eyes while turning to make her way back to Kanda again. "I guess we should return to the base." There doesn't seem anything left for them to do here.

Out of the ten exorcists that arrived to fight, only six remain. Olivia's tapping out another cigarette with shaking fingers. The one who raised the shield has dropped it, and is now aiding another with an injured arm. The last is visibly unnerved and keeps shooting furtive glances at the sky. It's no wonder they asked for help outside the Canadian branch, these exorcists are all mere fledglings. It's unlikely they've had to go up against even a level one akuma.

Olivia nods to Lenalee, shaking out her match and walking back towards the jetskis. Only one person will need to double-up, everyone else can ride solo. But it's not a privelege anyone is going to see as a silver lining to the day's events. "We'll call a service. Later," she murmurs under her breath, slinging a long leg over her bike and revving the engine. Then she speeds across the frozen plains to lead the way back towards the base. Her Innocence continues to itch, even though that blue-haired creature is gone. Her eagerness to return is not really centered on a need to get out of the cold, so much as it is a need to report back in person and get more information from General Power about just what it was he saw. There's just something wrong about all this, though she can't quite put a finger on it.

Doubling up will have to be the option, since Kanda has no idea how to drive such a modern contraption. He'll ride with one of the others who've been trained in that sort of thing. It's not a technology of their world, not in this time period, but one day it may be. At least the gates have given them a new convenience, but he's more concerned with the lack of field training the exorcists of this branch have had. The sooner they can get back to the Europe branch the better.

There was one more pair of eyes beholding the spectacle of Grimmjow's sudden attack. A shinigami, member of the tenth division, narrows his eyes. What would one of Aizen's men be doing here of all places? There must be something he's after if he's sending an Espada to tear things up, rather than an ordinary Hollow, or even a Numero. Something's up. And he needs to send a report, on the double.

A solitary black butterfly alights on his finger, absorbing the information relayed. Thankfully it's not a Tease...something far more gruesome and horrifying in this darker world.

Once the report is made, the butterfly zips and sways into the air, vanishing between the barriers and dimensions, and making its way to Captain Toushirou Hitsugaya...wherever he might be.

Kevin Graham is defined as a 'touring priest' - strange that they often mean like a military man's tour of duty, though, wouldn't you think? His sneakers crunch underneath the snow as he steps in it on his way towards the location of the Order. It's taken him a bit of time to get some of the information on it, but what he has discovered has piqued his curiousity a bit. The best thing, however, is to keep out of common affairs. Let them do their work without knowing they've got someone watching. As such, the Grals Ritter does what he truly does for a living: infiltration and information gathering.

...at least, that's the plan for the day. Earlier in the day, he had been going around, asking questions, prodding people, trying to find out more on the strange complex out in the distance. Once he felt content with what he knew and has managed to put together? That's when he sets out.

--though there's a pause as the priest takes a moment to sneeze. He brings a hand up to rub at a nose, and mentally remind himself of how much he hates the snow. Both for its cold, and for the memories that it provides. However, the white helps give a bit of cover to the young man- Kevin's always wearing a white coat over his dark browns and reds. It's not a /perfect/ cover, but it helps, wouldn't you think?

Meanwhile, back at the base again...

The last pinprick of life winks out. The goliath that had been steadily growing has bloated sickeningly in power. Not all of the souls he devoured were particularly noteworthy...in this place, it's hard to separate the wheat from the chaff. But when an exorcist was taken, he could feel that familiar swell of sweet pungence knotting in his ghostly belly, knotted with new powers.

He glutted himself. And now it's time to get back.

The report is sent out within an instant to the other Espada in the area. More? Oh yes.

There are two more. But behind that film separating their worlds, they're virtually undetectable. At least, until now. Twin smiles float, bubbles of dischordant laughter swarming within the tall jar as he stretches out a long finger and opens a doorway to depart.

The base is deathly still. There are no signs of forced entry from any point. But there's an eerie pallor that hangs around it, dark and ominous.

Once they reach the Order, Kanda waits until the ride has come to a stop and then steps off the jetski. That was an interesting ride but he still prefers to get around the old fashioned way. At least they're back. Still, something doesn't seem right to him. Maybe he's just being paranoid as usual? Only one way to find out. He begins to approach the gates, feeling strangely wary.

It is time. Lifting his pale face, the raven-haired Espada looks directly in front of him at what appears a curtain of swirling blacks and intense heliotropes. He slips his right hand from the pocket of his hakama, a black-nailed finger flicking forward to tear a fine horizontal line in front of him, and with the outward motion he once again replaces his hand in its pocket as the rift before him splits open, a lazy yawning of a flat-toothed maw that reveals the snow-coated world of humans.

Through Garganta he steps, the frigid winds immediately tugging at the trailing ends of his coattails, trying in vain to displace his shaggy locks. He shows no discomfort towards the chilled temperatures, green eyes that bear an equal coldness looking down at the dark building below him. He can already sense the dim flickers of spiritual pressure that belong to those choice humans that call themselves Exorcists. Still nothing so much in comparison to what he's seen elsewhere, or even Karakura, but orders are orders. For a brief moment he looks over towards the direction of the small town, perhaps sensing the lingering presence of the Sexta Espada's previous battle. Green gaze traces the progress of those heading back towards the headquarters then. His own reiatsu isn't anything to be taken of note yet, as he keeps tightly controlled out of habit. No sense in drawing attention immediately.

Having arrived the way many would depart, walking from a portal, or something of the sort.. Frank.. or Pinky if you would be so .. interested in saying so, arrived infront of the base. It was necessary to be there, by lord Aizen's command.. and even though he was a human..

He certainly was one of the few that Szayel would accept. Yes. He actually finds lord Aizen's planning to be acceptable, considering the normal human actions. Hands at his sides, one on the holster of his blade, the Octava Espada pulls himself through.

Well, another night.. another night indeed. Quite a place.. and a sight! Well.. if that is what he wanted. "Hmm.. white to the very end of my vision .. such a change of scenery..." In reality it's far from it.. but desert to frozen wasteland is something. Taking a few steps into it, the Octava holds back his reiatsu as well, staying to the side.. he was certain that one.. Lenalee, could see him. So there was no point in making it obvious.

He was .. needed here, however. But what for, he'll know very soon.

He would be happy to say hello to those two again, as well! They certainly missed him.

As the gluttonous Espada takes his leave, Xelloss chuckles, having been observing things from outside. As best as he can, anyway. The Mysterious Priest remains suspended in the air, outside and above the base.

"My my, such a mess he has left behind." He ponders to himself. "It would have been nicer if he had taken his time, such wasteful behavior..." Those lives were snuffed out far too quickly, as violent as their deaths were. Oh well, it is a shame, but it can't be helped now.

Sitting down on a non-existant seat, Xelloss's clothes flutter in the wind as he slowly rotates to look back at the town. Perhaps things would be more interesting back there? At this point he's doing little more than being nosy, but it's in his nature to stop and observe. His intuition tells him to stay for awhile longer, even though at the moment the entire base looks like a tacky crypt. Ulquiorra and Szayel's arrival goes unnoticed to the Mazoku for the moment. They do a good job of masking their presence!

Lenalee lets the ride back distract her mind from more troublesome things. The cold air across her face felt good at first, but by the time they reach the base her cheeks look a little red and are starting to sting. She gets off the jet ski slowly, looking back at it as she makes her way towards the base. They go so fast and they're made especially for snow! She's impressed, but she doesn't dare tell Komui about it when they go back home. It might inspire the inventor in him, and that's not always a good thing.

Home. Lenalee smiles that she's able to think about it that way now, especially when it wasn't always the case. She looks ahead to Kanda, but she's been slowed down now and is unable to match his quick pace. Is he in that much of a hurry to get back too? Lenalee tries to catch up with him so she can ask. But the nearer she gets, the more she can read his posture. And that makes her nervous too.

One by one, the jetskis come to a stop. Olivia's practically chomping on her cigarette with agitation. Thoughts are whirling through her mind like so many tumblers in a lock, but what it all means? It remains unseen for now. But that unsettling anxiety is intensifying, and a blue-eyed glance over at Yu Kanda reaffirms her prickling suspicions. "Hold on!" she warns as he approaches the gate. "There's something about this I don't like..."

At first Kanda glances back to Lenalee to see how she's doing. She did get skewered after all and his side is cut up, but he'll heal given enough time. She's going to need to see a doctor. Regardless, he does stop when Olivia tells him to but she gets an instant frown from the exorcist. They have to stand out here in the cold?! "So are we just going to stand out here all night?" He asks, sounding irritated. Whatever it is, even if something is wrong in there, shouldn't they just go ahead and deal with it? Kanda crosses his arms over his chest and tries to retain the patience he has left.

Kevin comes up near the wall- surprisingly, not too far away from the others arriving at the gate, but doing what he can to remain out of sight. The priest leans up against the wall, pulling his bowgun from his belt, taking a moment to look over his gear. He slides out the bolt that is currently in the mechanism and slips it away into a pocket underneath his coat. He does, however, withdraw another bolt to slide it into place. Eventually, he slides his finger along a latch on it and three prongs snap out from 'inside' the strange bolt. He quickly turns back around to face the wall and set a hand against it.

Closing his eyes, the knight tries to concentrate, his fingers closing around the trigger of the Artifact weapon. He's mentally taking off the safeties and trying to imagine how to make the bolt latch just over the edge of the guarding area- and how to cross over unseen. He's expecting high security once inside.

While he may go unnoticed to the Mazoku, Ulquiorra is quick to take notice of Xelloss, having registered him as one of the unusual presences about the immediate area. As Garganta seals into seamless skies behind him, the half-helmeted Espada takes a few steps forward, sparing the purple-haired observer one more glance before he turns his attention to the small group returning to the headquarters. With the next step he seemingly vanishes, the following movement almost untrackable due to his use of Sonido. Hundreds of feet above are cut down to a quarter, and when next he's standing still, he's already on ground level with hardly a snowflake stirred from its place, behind and within several yards of the small group of exorcists.

Leisurely, he slips his left hand from his pocket, and he doesn't bother to announce his presence to them, and in an almost casual gesture he flicks his fingers forth as if dispelling invisible particles from them. The resulting is hardly invisible although the Bala blast itself is so quick that its impact might seem instantaneous as though the explosion was simply triggered by the movement alone. Hope Olivia's on guard- Bala blasts can easily punch holes into lesser Shinigami, so mere humans likely won't fare any better.

As if unconcerned with what follows, Ulquiorra resumes movement with his left hand, lifting it up over his head. No blasts follow it, strangely enough, or at least, not yet... But then perhaps it's not so much of an attack from him as it may be a signal. For what though...

With both Kanda and Lenalee there, the choices are of .. well, there's quite alot of choices to be had. Honestly, of what he wants to do to the two. He's had such fun bothering the male.. but honestly, they both react if he goes for the female.

His mental prowess on such a decision is hampered only by the choice of 'what would be a good idea'. In this point, it is perhaps the best that he .. does indeed do such a thing. With Kanda glancing and all, Szayel notes the interest of how she is doing. Unprepared for what's within? How unfortunate.

Stepping about, around the three, Szayel heads around, behind Lenalee, staying out of her sight, and being careful. And she's lagging behind.. oh. Now lolligaggers have to learn their place! Stepping behind Lenalee, she might feel him, before she sees.. or realizes that he's there, the hard way. The bala blast would certainly lighten his spirit, and dampen theirs.. as well as raise their's up, but as this happens..

Szayel attempts to simply grab one arm of Lenalee.. and then the other, to overpower her and hold her 'hostage' for the moment, aiming to let another, darker, cooler touch, for the day.. even if his hands are mostly covered.

"My I thought you were smarter than this... hmmhmm.... don't you know animals that fall too far behind their pack get picked off by predators?" He's too happy to point this out.

There's no time for regrets, or curses. Olivia's eyes barely widen in recognition of the blast as it streams from Ulquiorra's hand, and neatly splatters her across the snow. The cigarette drops, a thin trail of gray smoke torn away in the wind. One of the exorcists screams, clapping a hand over her mouth as a steel barrier suddenly flies up out of sheer instinct.

A signal for what, indeed. Those clear skies overhead seem to be gathering a thin black cloud. But upon closer observance, it's not a cloud at all. It's a crack. And it's rapidly spreading into a fissure.

Long, white claws the size of limousines puncture through the crevice and begin to /push/ the sky apart, tearing through entirely with a land of black and white dimly seen behind a large, black-cloaked figure. The design is simple, almost comically so, were it not for the overwhelming creepiness that the masked face seems to impress. There are hollows where the eyes should be, a faint red glow flickering from within. The nose is long and pointed, the wide maw of square-shaped teeth sealed shut. It turns its head, gazing dumbly down, as one curly-toed white boot is pulled free from the tear. This thing is perhaps dozens of feet taller than a skyscraper, and when it sets its food on the ground, it reverberates with a tremor. The teeth part, and an exhalation of white mist escapes its horrible mouth.

You switch armor modes to Menos Grande.

"Ooooh!" Xelloss exclaims audiably. The sudden explosions catching him off guard, but not entirely by surprise. "Now I see, I knew there was something more going on here!" He's quite pleased, both with the situation, and his own intuition.

It doesn't take Xelloss long, though, to trace the source back to Ulquiorra. The Espada couldn't hide from his eyes forever. "My my, when did that one get there?" Impressive, to hide himself from Xelloss. Maybe he's getting rusty? Szayel's actions also grab his attention, and he starts to realize what's going on. Especially since he can tell Ulquiorra and Szayel are the same sort of creatures as the others he sensed earlier. They're non-humans, and they're making humans suffer. Well then, he knows who to root for!

Less than a moment passes and suddenly Xelloss is standing next to Ulquiorra. Between the two he seemed the easiest to speak with, what with the other occupied with those humans. Xelloss seems entirely unphased by the destruction, and totally relaxed despite Ulquiorra's rather obvious power. "My my, I've been enjoying the show all evening. I must say I'm impressed." He turns to regard the Espada. There's nothing threatening about Xelloss's behavior, though he's not leaving the impression that he's a weakling either.

"Would you like some help?"

With both Olivia and Kanda on high alert, Lenalee knows her own senses weren't wrong. Her frown deepens as she stares at the base, but she knows they can't linger for long. Whatever's going on in there, they have to face it. And with that thought she takes a determined step forward.

Or at least she would have. Lenalee's eyes widen when she feels first one arm and then the next grabbed and held. She realizes almost instantly who it is that has her since she'd been reminded of him during the previous fight. But she refuses to give him the satisfaction of a shiver, whether it's from the snow or his touch. What bothers her most of all is the seed of truth in his words. She'd been careless. And this wasn't a situation where she'd be the only one to pay.

"Olivia-san!" Lenalee screams out, more concerned with the exorcist splattered across the snow than her own predicament. Her eyes then lift to the tall monstrous figure entering this world. She actually sags a bit in Szayel's grasp from the shock of it. She looks towards Kanda, wondering if he thinks they're in as much trouble as she does.

Had Ulquiorra wanted it to be, it could've easily been him. Kanda looks to the side where Olivia lands and there's only a slight twinge of his eyes as a response. He turns then to see that Lenalee's been captured by that annoying guy from the sushi bar. Oh great, him again, and on top of that there are even more people or things or whatever they are to deal with. Who do they think he is, General Cross?! Guess he'll do his best like always, not that he'll show a moment of weakness or uncertainty with more and more powerful guys showing up all the time.

Kanda reaches to his side to lift his scabbard, then draws the katana from it. "Nigentou." No time is wasted in pulling the double blades covered in the energy of the Innocence within. "Take your hands off her." He says, holding each blade to the side with the ribbon of blue fire that connects the blades behind him.

After the dramatic explosions and the perfect clear winter sky ripping open to deposit more monstrosities into the world, the silence of the newest arrival is a complete contrast. The black butterfly flutters through, over white snow and blue sky. Considering the circumstances, it might have wholly passed the attention of those here, if it didn't glide by the Exorcists. It wavers and picks up some altitude before flying up towards the building and out of sight.

Kevin opens his eyes, his blue gaze focused straight to the stone wall. He can sense a number of things, and that shot is the first thing- but the scream is just enough to answer his suspicions. Quickly, the young priest hooks his bowgun back to his belt, placing the mental safeties on the ornate weapon. Without any hesitation afterwards, he takes off, racing through the snow, following along the wall until he can come near the area of this conflict. The knight skids to a stop. He quickly unclips the weapon and raises it into the air towards Szayel. "'kay, jus' hold it right there!"

He remains completely still at this point, though. He's familiar, enough, with the Espada to know that being here is /bad news/ really. It's not hard to know just who he's working with for the time being. Especially after the things he's heard from Mercade. Though he quickly shoots his eyes in the direction of the sky beginning to rip apart. He grits his teeth, and mumbles a prayer to the Goddess under his breath. He didn't quite realize what he had gotten himself into. But that's normal for him to not think before jumping into the fray.

He's definitely going to be scolded by Carnelia again, come morning.

His job done, Ulquiorra lowers his hand to return back to his pocket. He doesn't even turn to glance at Xelloss once the Mazoku finally decides to reveal himself, although inwardly he wonders just what sort of being this one is now that he's within such close proximity that he can be better observed. Interesting...

"...about time you show yourself. Assistance will not be necessary, but if you feel so inclined..." He pauses, glancing towards the other figure running across the snow. Hm. Another interesting one. Yes, perhaps this will work. Ulquiorra indicates Kevin with a nod. "...you may handle that one," he informs Xelloss. What better way to see the two in action?

He pauses again, green gaze flicking towards the brief glimpse of black, eyes narrowing. Hm. Soon....

With Lenalee just hanging there for a moment, slumping, Szayel smiles.. quite wide actually, before turning to Xelloss. Now, he hasn't seen him before.. but with his reason for being here for the moment, or at least, his intention, known.. the Octava Espada sees no reason to mind.

"Oh.. well we would certainly accept some.. I believe the job has been already done.. but really. Do stay.. it'll get more interesting, I'm certain." Hmm? Take his hands OFF her? Well, he can't argue. "Certainly, ..." He got his name from before, didn't he? He's not using it though.

"I really shouldn't be using my hands, after all."

And then .. ah! A voice. Kevin raises it towards him. And he is just .. silent. "Hmm? Hesitant?" The Menos Grande.. ah what a sight! How fortunate Aizen sent another, in case.. it seems there just might be a reason!

"Then not with my hands...... Sip." Whatever he said at the end well...and letting go of her, attempts to have Lenalee, in her already wounded state, slide across the blade he slips out not moments before.

"Ah... really.. you should watch what you say.." He comments, smiling towards Kanda. "Someone might just get hurt."

The Menos Grande cares not for the movement of the little specks far below! Its thoughts are empty, save for hunger, and one singular command, which it intends to carry out. There are no threats to its being, nothing to distract it from its goals.

A dark, crimson light begins to gather within its mouth, and it tilts its head down in the vague direction of the base. That can't be good.

So. He was here. And the only reason he was here was because there'd been a sighting of a certain Exorcist that was of particular interest to him-- not because there were little details such as oh, maybe alliances, back up, that sort of thing. The Noah frankly didn't care who it was directly killed the troublesome members of the Black Order, if they were Hollows or his own Akuma, but there were certain lines to be drawn when it came to interests that involved the individual who held his leash. Tyki Mikk was here in all of his crisp clean black and white lines, his suit fitted and dapper down to the hat neatly perched on his head.

He was flanked by a young woman with brunette hair, wearing clothing more befitting a teenager of the eighteen hundreds, the other a boy no more than six years old with a serious expression on his face. Clearly a white haired shinigami had to look out to compete with this one! He was probably taller than him without the spiky hair of the Captain.

Lightly tapping a gloved finger to his lips, that bored expression had flitted away, his interest slimming with the appearance of the Menos for the girl. "It might have been worth it to make this treck all the way out here afterall. Yes?" Not really caring what the Akuma thought, just voicing his aloud. He'd wait to see how it'd play out, but make no mistake, Lenalee was his. Disposing of Kanda could be a trifle irritating, but then, that's where the others would come in...

Content to wait for the time being, he studied the butterfly settled on his shoulder, and smiled. More than one of them were about, hidden, reporting as easily as the Akuma could at his side what they saw. So tempting to just go get her, but then...now that he had her location, the possible Heart would have a harder chance to fall of the so called radar.

Lenalee's shock is short-lived. There's no time to panic or freak out, even if she is being held hostage by a pink-haired freak! Her lips move, but the words that escape are too soft to be heard by anyone by Lenalee. Her boots change again, becoming the weapon that she's by now familiar with. She crouches just enough to shoot straight upward and slip out of his grasp before he can cut her. Szayel's actions were about to draw Kanda into a fight with him. And they both know from their previous encounter with him that he's dangerous. And the most dangerous thing of all about him is the unknown.

She could probably rise to the height of the Menos, or close to it, but Lenalee's keeping the pink-haired Espada in her sights. And after she thinks she's risen high enough...she starts to fall towards him, like her boots were made of lead now instead of feather light.

The end result will be one thing for certain -- a good sized crater in the ground. The dust is still settling as she stands and gives her coldest look to Szayel. "I warned you the last time." He wants to kill Kanda, she's sure of it. Of course he probably wants to kill her too, but that's mere details! And this might actually be his chance....

Lenalee Lee misses Szayel Aporro Granz with her You'll Be Needing Aspirin attack.

Cold! Scary! Xelloss has encountered Ulquiorra's type before. They're so fun. For now, the Mazoku indulges Ulquiorra's attitude, and merely nods slightly. "That should be no problem. In fact, it should be entertaining..." Xelloss responds. He knows Ulquiorra is a calculating one, and probably wants to see what he's capable of. That's fine. Xelloss just has to be careful not to reveal his entire hand too soon.

His gaze turns skyward for just a moment, as the Menos Grande move forward. Once again he doesn't know quite what is coming, but he has a guess. He'll have to act quickly...

And with that, Xelloss suddenly appears directly in front of Kevin, coming between him and Szayel. Xelloss waggles a finger disapprovingly. "Now now, it's not polite to interupt someone's good time."

Kanda is about ready to fight again. He's still in pretty good shape despite the fight with Grimmjow and the wound in his side is already starting to heal slowly. Just when he's wondering how he can move in without having Lenalee in the way, she breaks free on her own and goes in for the counter attack. That gives Kanda enough time to notice the sounds overhead and when he looks up his almond eyes get bigger. "....." Is that thing going to fire at them?! At the Order. The exorcist turns his head to look at the building. There's no chance for those people to escape. And so they're numbered as a casualty of war, simple as that.

The katana is resheathed and set at his waist and he does what he can do, which is to go after Lenalee. When she sees what's about to happen she's not likely going to want to leave but he's going to make her. Once the girl is on the ground she's suddenly.. not, because Kanda just picks her up and leaps out of the crater, making a dash away from what's going to become Ground Zero. Any of those regular guys, not the undead ones, who want to stay clear of debris might want to do the same, but he doesn't feel like stopping long enough to warn them as he makes a hasty exit with the other exorcist. Save the living who -can- be saved is all that matters.