閃花

@ensurer

          On a day gloomy and monochrome as this one, the heavens cried. A shower of tears cascaded off into endlessness far as the eye could see. There was a fogginess about the wooded area that stroked eerie layer into an already tense-toned painting. Needless to say, it caused problems where the noble’s visibility was concerned. A downpour of sky’s water --cold to the touch-- had drenched him entirely in a matter of moments. The wetness turned all that it covered into restraints. Ebony tresses and casual attire clung to him as if forcing a desperate embrace for comfort. Though, all of this could ( and would ) be ignored. Not as if he was left much of a choice in the matter anyway-- he had encountered an enemy of sorts. This ‘enemy’, unlike any other, would likely be the most formidable yet: his own zanpakuto. 

          In a fell swoop, all of that power once recovered was stripped from him yet again, leaving him bare. Dubbing his predicament with ‘vulnerability’ would be an understatement. The zanpakuto that he spent decades fighting alongside now donned a luminescent glower at him, clad in a samurai’s armor and equipped with what should’ve been Byakuya’s blades. Unarmed against swords --especially his own-- he didn’t stand much of a chance, despite being well-versed in close combat. Senbonzakura would utter not a word, but his angry gaze voiced volumes in his stead. The zanpakuto was thoroughly displeased with its master. Perhaps this execution would serve as atonement for relying on Senbonzakura too much without the full extent of his strength in the city. If he felt that were the case, he would openly accept death. However, something felt amiss. And for that his resistance was as strong as ever, despite how futile it was.    

@kokkei​

          The streets talked. They served as a common ground for the endless numbers of ants to mingle and exchange baseless rumors. Said rumors were likely more abundant in quantity than the people around to spread them. Undoubtedly more than someone would expect of a city whose majority was comprised of empty ‘people’ with pretend lives. Everything that most of the entirely “normal” humans did was likely under direct control of the scientists. With that taken in stride, it was better that Byakuya absorbed each tidbit that couldn’t be proven alongside a grain of salt. He did that exactly, perhaps so conscientious that he became overly skeptical. It felt as if the scientists were observing one of their mice scramble around a maze frantically, only leaving unappetizing rations of cheese in each corner. That thought in itself was annoying. He wasn’t getting anywhere despite his efforts, but someone had to have the answers.  

          So when the next bit of cheese was consumed and the mouse was still left starving, his lusty gaze panned about his surroundings-- only one of which seemed to protrude among the rest. Not his overall appearance (he looked far too plain for that), but perhaps just one point in particular: a grin. A provoking sort of grin that suggested its owner was amused at his diligence. That much was acknowledged, and in the same moment, loathed.

ORDER: okossakura → @firabo​ → velduomundi → tyrannin → eyeofdestruction

          “I take the looks on your faces as evidence enough that our trek here wasn’t tiresome.”

          Like a knife, Byakuya’s words sliced through air with an amount of seriousness and projection that demanded the attention of those around him. Such a job as this undeniably made him reminiscent of his days as a captain and house head. Though this outing paled in comparison to his responsibilities back home, he wouldn’t for a second it lightly. He couldn’t afford to. After all, this could bring them one step closer reaching those scientists who seemed to enjoy playing “God”. Byakuya yearned for true freedom and (even more importantly) to deliver a just punishment, and for that he would do whatever was required of him. This was the least of his worries. Therefore, he would stand with a bold, refined stature that only another noble could dare to match and continued to do one of things he was best at.

          “If such is the case, then there’s no need to rest. We’ll be moving ahead soon. The land beyond us is barren and merciless according to the locals. It will be dangerous, but we will not falter. However...” His eyes narrowed at a passing thought during his brief words of encouragement. Analytical gray eyes gave the other four a once-over, as if making certain of something. Pivoting, Byakuya turned his back to them all before completing the thought. 

          A devil. The horns spiraled forward from either side of its head with small wings and matching tail, clad in black. The costume called for copious amounts of leather, and if it weren’t for his sister’s insisting, (and a slight, peculiar desire) Byakuya wouldn’t be caught dead wearing it. It was tight in a fashion that bordered uncomfortable and it exposed too much skin for his liking. Even if he wanted to carry Senbonzakura at his side, there was be no reasonable way to go about doing it. And so, the sword wouldn’t be found on his person tonight. Now finding himself in unfamiliar part of the city, it would’ve been better for him if he had brought his weapon, in hindsight. 

          “How foolish of me...” He mumbled-- a tone that oozed hints of amusement with himself. Perhaps he was getting too comfortable as of late; too comfortable, or too vain. The very thought was nearly as chilling as ‘air’ against his skin. His surroundings cast a pale blue light on him like a film of color over pasty skin. This area was a civilization of sorts, yet it was submerged in its entirety beneath water. Moreover, it didn’t feel as if he was underwater at all. In fact, all of his senses were as sharp as they’d ever been. Including his sixth sense, which brought all movement to an abrupt halt.