[ video ] ► four

[maelstroms]

[ Something is amiss, that much, at least, is readily apparent from Ukitake's haggard appearance - solemn eyes, disheveled clothes, and windswept hair all greet the Forge when the video feed is set to record and broadcast. And though Ukitake looks as if he's just torn through the entirety of Anatole (very much because he has), his voice is even,

Comments

video;

[fivepetals]

Ukitake-taichou! You left so quickly--

[ A mere moment after the broadcast cuts off, Hinamori responds. Leaning against a wall in the café which they both work at, and holding an empty serving tray, she looks worried to say the least. ]

A favor...?

video;

[maelstroms]

A favor, indeed.

[ He smiles then, stifling his own anxieties for the sake of abating hers, and bows his head in apology. ]

I will be returning to the café shortly, and it would put my mind at ease if you allowed me to escort you home for the evening.

[ Her shift is coming to an end, he knows, and he certainly cannot have her walking the streets by herself. This, however, is only one part of his request. ]

video;

[fivepetals]

That isn't... it sounds more like you'd be doing me a favor.

[ Even with the smile and the bow, she's still worried for both Ukitake and Kaien, for a Shinigami to just up and disappear...

Furrowing her eyebrows, she looks at him in almost confusion. ]

Is that all you wanted? If there's anything else, please don't hesitate to ask. I will do anything in my power to assist you.

video;

[maelstroms]

I know you would, Hinamori-chan. And for that, you have my utmost gratitude.

[ Really, she does. And ensuring her safety likely means more to him than she'll ever come to realize. ]

There is, in fact, something else I have in mind... But, perhaps, it would be best to reveal in person.

Would you not mind waiting until I arrive?

[Video\Private]

[maelstroms]

[ Rukia's presence, even over the Forge, is an immediate relief - Ukitake's eyes soften, as he greets her with a nod of his head, though there is still very much an air of tension about him. ]

Though it may prove to be folly... I wish to inform you of my intention to conduct a personal search within the Mist, beginning with the Ruins, then expanding outward, if need be.

[ Oh, yes, Ukitake knows he's grasping at straws, but even so... ]

Kaien needs to be found. As do the others.

[Video\Private]

[maelstroms]

[ Truth to be told, he hadn't planned on company. Or rather, the notion hadn't occurred to him. ]

Presently, I am uncertain. The Mist is dangerous, yes, however... If too many venture out to search, I fear the fortifications of the city itself will soon be in question.

Are you aware of the motions of the Policing Division? If you can be spared, I would appreciate your assistance, if not -

I know how much locating Kaien and those that have gone missing means to you.

[video]

[trickster_treat]

I had noticed it's gotten quiet lately. I swear it wasn't me.

[video]

[maelstroms]

Of course it wasn't.

You favor cacophonies and 'harmless chaos' - I sincerely doubt you'd play any part in bringing about actual quiet.

[ He sounds tired, perhaps. But, ah, he does try. ]

[video]

[trickster_treat]

Oh, I'm anything but harmless with the right... motivation.

You're right about hating the quiet. Talk about boring.

Wanna know a secret? I've got a man on the inside. My clone should be organizing an escape attempt anytime now.

[video]

[maelstroms]

[ He could remark upon Trickster's particular definition of motivation, or counter that quiet should not always be associated with boredom, but instead - ]

A clone? [ Excuse him, he's a bit baffled. Taken aback, even. ]

And an escape attempt.

[ Which would suggest kidnapping is afoot, not murder. But it's much too soon to be relieved. ]

You possess information pertaining to the disappearances.

[ voice ]

[swordofmiltia]

Kaien has...?

Things have certainly become troublesome.

[ voice ]

[maelstroms]

Troublesome.

[ Falling silent, he muses upon Jin's choice word, and drums his fingers against the screen of the Forge. ]

Aa, I suppose one could refer to the recent string of disappearances as such. And perhaps a great deal more than that.

You are acquainted with Kaien?

[ voice ]

[swordofmiltia]

We've spoken. He's an interesting young man, rather open and friendly.

[ A lengthy pause. There is a track to keep. He's rather concerned at the moment, even if his word choice doesn't seem most appropriate. ]

... yes. Even more than that. And yet we are no closer to finding them or the culprits. I'm beginning to wonder what could be so powerful and so swift as to take so many and leave no trace.

video

[inpiecesofcloud]

Yen-Yen's gone away?

video

[maelstroms]

[ There's a beat of silence before Ukitake tilts his head, an apologetic smile touching his lips. ]

Ah... I'm sorry for the confusion, Kusajishi-fukutaichou. Kaien is only missing, not gone away.

[ Or so he hopes. ]

And we'll find him, I'm sure of it!

video

[inpiecesofcloud]

Yen-Yen's missing.

[Her face remains blank for a moment more as she thinks. She is aware of the disappearances and all the troubles that have been in the air lately, perhaps even more than some of her adult counterparts due to the ease with which she can sneak into or out of an area. She's heard a lot of disturbing talk lately.

But she grins! No one needs to know that she's worried right now. Yen-Yen can be retrieved and then she can retroactively not be worried.]

Great! Let me help, Ukki! I can help find him! I'm really good at finding things!

video

[maelstroms]

[ He doesn't like it, the way Yachiru, a child, has to force herself to pretend. He doesn't much like the way he has to pretend (it is a well meaning farce, but still a farce all the same), either. But, if they're both in it together...

Perhaps it isn't quite so bad? ]

Aa, I do not doubt it.

You're more than welcome to assist with the search, but you must promise me something first: under no circumstances, are you to venture out on your own. Finding is something best done in pairs, I think.