“There's no such thing as fairness; all vulnerabilities are exploitable.”
“We heal, bury our dead, and continue on.”
“Look beyond appearances and position yourself for the advantage.”
"DID I JUST SEE YOU COUGH WITHOUT MY PERMISSION?"
Scorpion (サソリ, "Sasori"),
Mistress (愛人, "Aijin"),
Little Menace (小さな脅威, "Chīsana Kyōi"),
Rui (類, "Kind")
Character Name: Akarui Gekkō
(
明るい, "luminous") -- (
月光, "moonlight")
Alias: Rui (
類, "kind")
Actual Age:712
Physical Age: 17
Race: Soul Born
Birthday: 11/08
Gender:
Female
Height: 147 cm (4'9")
Weight: 45 kg (100 lbs)
Affiliation: Gotei 13 | Soul Society
Profession: Shinigami
Title: Head of the First Division Guard Unit, 18th Head of the Gekkō Clan
Position: Sixth Seat
Division: First Division (一番隊, Ichiban-tai; "Squad 1")
Previous Division: Fourth Division (四番隊, Yonban-tai; "Squad 4")
Partners: Captain Commander Shobatsu Murasaki, Head Lieutenant Honoka Oki
Previous Partners: Captain Camila Kuchiki, Lieutenant Hikoto Shihōin
Base of Operations: Seretei | Soul Society | First Division Barracks
Notable Features:
Akarui Gekkō is short in stature, standing at a mere 4'9", and is known as the "ant among mountains". She is usually seen with a permanent scowl on her face; rumor has it no one has ever seen the little scorpion with a smile since she stepped foot
into the Shino'o Academy. Along her jaw lies a scar, left as a reminder to her past. Not one to wear the traditional
Shihakushō (lit. "死覇装," Garment of Dead Souls”), Rui dons a modified uniform made to adhere to her speed and battle sense. On her right side, she wears a half-coat, bearing her clan's color and insignia stitched onto the front flap of her custom coat. If she had a favorite color, it'd be red, as it is a part of her makeup and polish. Unlike most of her peers, Rui's hair possesses two tones, beginning with a steel grayish-blue and fades into a pale silver sheen that clashes against her dark skin. However, the most enticing of all is her emerald orbs, never failing to strike fear into whoever they lie upon.
"It's like she's a ticking time bomb. No one knows when she's going to blow." -- Member of the First Division
Personality:
Akarui Gekkō is a prideful, short-tempered, aggressive person, but she didn't start out this way. Problematic situations have turned the former empathetic healer into what seems like a heartless monster for those not familiar with her upbringing and hardships. After being accepted into the First Division and experiencing the means of ranking and power, Akarui has gradually changed into a strict person, a stickler for the rules and submissive to those of a higher power, such as her Captain Commander and Head Lieutenant. While often portrayed negatively by passing shinigami, Akarui's fierce character and competitive drive have actually granted her an important promotion as the First Division's sixth seat.
Often determined to keep herself prim and proper in the line of duty, Akarui finds herself miserable in most cases considering her title as just an over-glorified guard. However, she is more than elated when at the chance to assert her dominance in a justified setting, Akarui offers a rare grin. She is incredibly focused on achieving authentic victories and has learned never to underestimate her opponent in her seven centuries of service. Akarui is not only very athletic and talented at combat, but also very intelligent and extremely perceptive, capable of strategic planning and quick improvising. While a rather volatile shinigami, Akarui is smart enough to discern who would and wouldn't give her a headache. She isn't particularly nice or open with people within her division or any others, often finding ways to avoid them if possible. Akarui would prefer to keep to herself, but because of her explosive attitude due to her complete abhorrence of others, shinigami often react negatively to her, although they have eventually learned to stray away from coming close to the unpredictable bomb.
Relatedly, she detests being pitied or looked down by others, and will hold contempt towards those that don't take her seriously, while recognizing the effort of those that manage to put up a challenge against her. Akarui is immensely prideful and prefers to act alone, as she hates the idea of being protected or having to rely on other people to assist her unless, in the latter's case, she is recognized as the unquestionable leading figure within a unit. Akarui is a relentless perfectionist, and will only become satisfied with indisputable victories. Having difficulty accepting her mistakes and shortcomings, she will fiercely deny them whenever they are pointed out by others, regardless of who they are. That doesn't mean, however, that Akarui doesn't listen to advice, having come to realize her faults and how to somewhat improve on them, but because of her quiet pride, Akarui never outright admits it.
In the past, Akarui had a more vulnerable side, having been led to tears due to the physical and emotional abuse from her older siblings and clan mother. During her time in Fourth, Akarui had a single moment of weakness after the events of the Shattered Dimensions. After the loss of her captain and lieutenant, Akarui had cried to the heavens, feeling helpless and weakened that she was unable to do anything regarding their loss, and the many shinigami that came after them. The arrival and take over of Shobatsu Murasaki had rekindled the flame that resided inside of Akarui, and has led to what she is today. While her coldness is reluctant to give, she keeps the softest part of her for her mother to keep.
Relatives:
Yūutsuna Gekkō -- Father (
Deceased) | Sakuya Megami -- Mother (
Living)
Born as a bastard of the Gekkō Clan, Akarui and her mother were treated less than kindly by the members of the main branch, including her seven elder siblings. She holds no emotional attachment to those residing in the clan other than her mother, Sakuya Megami. Bearing the title of Clan Head and being a part of the First Division is the best that she can do to ensure her mother's safety as Akarui performs her duties to protect the Soul Society and its people.
Reiryoku Level: Immense Spiritual Power
In possession of such a large amount of spiritual pressure within a tiny frame, it would prove to hinder others, but not Akarui. Born with an innate ability of fine control and large container capable of holding such an amount, Akarui was far ahead of her older siblings at a young age. For safety matters, Akarui bears clothing made to act as a repressor to her spiritual power should an incident happen and her release of concentrated energy harms those within the firing range if they are unable to protect themselves accordingly. Released every so often when she's in the mood to avoid people the best way she can, her near limitless supply of reiryoku has yet to be dented since stepping foot into the arms of the First Division. Lacking the proper outlet for her aggressive nature, Akarui has turned her attention to her surroundings, taking down trees, walls, and the likeness. Performing kidō without their respective incantations is of ease after the teachings of Head Lieutenant Oki and Former Captain Camila Kuchiki.
Sensing Reiryoku: Expert
"Did you think that you could escape from me?"
Akarui's expertise in sensing is diligently used in combat and things as simple as rounds overlooking the home in which she protects. By no means does she perform as dutifully as her Commander and head Lieutenant when it comes to the innate ability, but that doesn't mean that her prowess is completely useless. Teetering on the edge of mastering the concept, Akarui can pinpoint and differentiate distinct properties and makes between individuals to distinguish friend and foe. To keep damage control under wraps out of respect of the Head Lieutenant, Akarui has made prominent advancements and developments to not only help herself but her peers if necessary. There are little capable of fully hiding their spiritual pressure, but even then, it is not enough to hide from Akarui. Not close to reaching the title of a master, Akarui has shown that she does more than well in her current state, but improvement is never off of the table.
Reiryoku Control: Mastered Control
Control is a must. Possessing an immense amount of spiritual energy is dangerous, and no way to control is lethal to both the host and those around them. In Akarui's situation, the output of her reiryoku during her casual outings is proof enough that she can mind her power well. Nearly having her reiatsu actively present the moment a presence comes within twenty feet of her, she fends off potential conversationalists unless she is familiar with them, such as the Divine Messengers directly beneath Commander Murasaki, the Head Lieutenant, or in the rarest occurrences, Commander Murasaki himself. Gauging her reactions to incoming personnel, Akarui effectively shrouds her body in its bubble, warding off those that dare to approach her. The closest in which an offender has gotten was just reaching into four-and-a-half feet before they caved and were sent into shock from the pain that wracked their body.
Reiatsu: Master
Mastered control comes mastered reiatsu. Deserving of her position as the Sixth Seat of the First Division, Akarui is simply a step from standing amongst the strongest of the Gotei Thirteen.
Living within seven other children whose presence overpowered hers in importance, Rui made herself known one way or another. In skill or in power, the Scorpion struck with the intention to kill. In some cases, she might have succeeded if not called off. However, when it came to the physical construct of her innate energy, even her instructors couldn't bear to stand close for no more than a few minutes. Gaining no help, even before the lack of attention, Akarui had taken it upon herself to join Shino'o Academy long before the time that was scheduled for all the other children. Standing at the entrance exam was a fourteen-year-old Akarui, waiting for her turn.
Upon the release of her reiatsu, her admittance to the Academy was sealed, and she became a part of Class One due to her excelled aptitude in zanjutsu and speed. However, due to the secretive influence of the Gekkō, Akarui's graduation came earlier than expected by six years at the age of forty-four. Unneeded help left a sour taste in Akarui's mouth since she had yet to choose a proper division that would aid her in her areas of expertise and those that she lacked in. While the Twelfth Division piqued her interest, their version of research, development, and being confined in an enclosed space for hours on end wasn't her forte. Instead, this is where she began her plans heading into the Fourth Division where she learned far more than she could have on her own.
Chemistry, medicine, and anatomy lessons and books were only a part of what she had access to. It was here that the comprehension of her reiatsu and its capabilities skyrocketed in the open spaces where she could test her range and potency without worrying about harming herself or others as healers were always on standby. Powerful fits of rage due to frustration have caused Rui's reiatsu to be trigger more powerfully by anger rather than a calm state of mind. Though after several years of continuous practice, the Scorpion had managed to grasp a level of control unseen by those her age, and she was relatively young by the time she had reached the third seat at 108. After the Shattered Dimensions Event, Akarui had been within the Fourth Division for three centuries before she left and transferred to the First Division where she's stayed since.
The route to power and strength was tedious and spirit-breaking to the weak-minded individuals, but Akarui was far from them. She'd been through hell in training every aspect of skill that she could, and she wouldn't stop until she was satisfied. Far from it, Akarui had continued until she finally gained a foot into new territory, standing amongst monsters and beasts in her new position as Sixth Seat of the First Division. The mastery of her reiryoku control and reiatsu is revealed in her daily life, showing restraint and as much patience as the hot-headed shinigami can spare.
Reiatsu Colors: Black and
Emerald Green
Reiatsu Effect(s): Caustic
Unless completely necessary or by the command of Shobatsu, Akarui will not completely expel her full expense at the risk of completely decimating the surrounding area, people, and structures alike. Unlike the explosive nature that she exudes when provoked, her release of reiatsu can come in many forms. In a controlled setting, her physical release looks hauntingly light and airy, something similar to billowing clouds sprouting from her feet that rise to encase her body and spread across the area; however, as a form of intimidation, Rui's reiatsu can explode from her like a pillar of emerald green light, reaching for the skies in seconds. Loose rubble and broken tiles can rise from the ground at her release.
In the only severe case of Akarui's anger, the destruction left a section of the First Division training grounds obliterated into a steaming cesspool of melted stone, and Akarui was left in the middle. Out of sheer luck, there was no shinigami within the grounds at the time, for they too would have succumbed to the might of the Scorpion. Otherwise, never having to fully expel her spiritual energy at 100% against foes, Akarui has never gotten serious enough to cause lethal injuries to individuals within the surrounding area. In a controlled setting, Akarui means no harm other than to establish her dominance and the difference against those that dare to go against her. The sense of being caught in her reiatsu feels unbearable to shinigami, as if they may just succumb to this burning sensation crawling beneath their skin unless they leave her immediate range. As exposure lengthens, however, there is nothing stopping them from falling to her acidic energy.
Reiatsu Type: Elemental Type
Acidic
Zanjutsu Level: Master Swordsman
Being so much smaller than everyone else since childhood, Akarui capitalizes on her difference in size compared to others to effectively counter and outmaneuver her opponents. Honed until the palms of her hands blistered and bled from swinging the first wooden sword she had ever picked up, Rui was merciless against her elder siblings, even going so far as to fracture their bones during spars. What was mistaken for strength was something as simple as speed and skill gained from observing their instructors. While the other children were motivated by the title of shinigami or clan head, Rui was simply motivated by the fact she wanted acknowledgment by her father. Having always been looked at so coldly, a normal child would have shied away from the chance at improving their lives to simply sit quietly and live in recluse.
The teachers favored her among the children, and it brought her a step closer to her father. Swift strikes, powerful swings, speedy submissions, Rui was blessed with the chance to speak to her father after five years since she had begun her training. Happiness shortlived, Rui was suddenly stripped of half of the necessities given to other children, and that had caused a gap between them to begin and widen over time, and the additional near-death experience had sealed the fates between Akarui against the Gekkō Clan. For a clan obsessed with status, a prodigious child being tossed to the side as if they were trash had become their biggest mistake to this day. Upon stepping foot into Shino'o Academy, Rui was met with many others that had skills far more advanced than she did in her current stage and those that didn't. Unsatisfied with her current standing, she did more than anyone could have expected her to. With the heaviness of a traditional katana, Akarui had found something much more suited to her, stepping into western-styled weapons and found her current blade.
Speed, precision, and misdirection were among the top priorities when it came to zanjutsu, and to use them soundly against any opponent that stepped against her was the neverending goal. While she holds no proper stance that is either western or eastern oriented, the movement of the blade has come to be one of the most disorienting sights to onlookers. The speed produced by Rui made it seem as if the thin blade managed to move in waves to conform to the violent thrusts and slashes as if space is bending. These wild-looking slashes and feints were what put her opposers on edge along with the warrant to avoid the poison-coated metal from touching their person. Unable to gauge or predict Rui's movements proved her victorious in the end. Upon graduation, Rui had earned the title of "Scorpion" from her peers and stepped forward into a new setting. The haunting ferocity of the venomous Scorpion begins to pave her own path of power.
Having mastery in the arts of swordsmanship is something that is mostly seen within the likes of the Eleventh Division other than brutality and disorderly conduct. She is a highly adaptable combatant, that adaptability allowing the Scorpion to become ambidextrous, letting her switch her blade between hands with ease. Akarui usually swings with more enthusiasm in her right hand than her left. However, she can easily switch or balance the strength between her two hands, allowing her to surprise her opponent if they managed to catch on before the killing blow that is. Not one to toss around the use of her Shikai so often, Akarui is proficient in the use of her sealed zanpakuto so well that the need for her Shikai is only used in the direst of situations. The use of projectiles is just as familiar, hiding hundreds of needles on her person.
Known Techniques: Shitonegaeshi, Onibi, Suikawari, Deadly Darts, Senmaioroshi
Hohō Level: Shunpo Master
While she may not strike hard, Akarui strikes fast. Being as small as she is, speed is positive reinforcement. Crossing vast distances is effortless, moving without a sound or breaking a sweat. Akarui knows that she is no cannon fodder because she has mastered this ability to the point where she can appear to be in several places at once and wipe out an entire squadron in seconds.
At the beginning of her path as a shinigami, Akarui always lacked in strength, and because of that, she was targeted by her older classmates and siblings. While most would think fleeing is the coward's way out, to Rui, it had only meant that she would be able to fight another day. Close-quarters combat was something unsuited to the short girl at the risk of being caught in the beginning, but she honed her evasion skills until one day, she just couldn't be followed any longer. Forcing herself to be able to move effortlessly in the case of rendered weaponless, Rui has become adamant in perfecting another of the four main shinigami arts.
Evasion and dodging are only the beginning of Rui's weaponless advancements. Observing her opponents' movements while simultaneously avoid them allows for the crafty shinigami to devise tactical responses best suited for her against those she faces. When it comes to offensive procedures, with or without weapons, she's made it a point to finish as quickly as possible in the event that her attack patterns become recognized. Yet due to her formless posture, Rui's unpredictability in positioning herself around the opponent grants her another reinforcement that can speedily become their destruction. Using the familiarity of her surroundings allow Rui to perform at an even faster speed, using the setting to propel herself faster. Gaining the higher ground against her opponents widens the gap between their victory and her own.
As she gains the most of her strength within her lower body, propelling herself forward to crash against her opponents at high-speeds baffles them. Such a brutish way of contact, but the most efficient at closing distances, Rui has no problems dropping the proper persona she holds herself as. Soundless steps and back-breaking impact from Rui's fierce and built-up momentum will send even the largest offender flying a few feet. Ambushing her guard unit when they slack off is one of Rui's biggest uses of her speedy movements, often flying the soles of her feet into their faces without a second thought.
Light on her feet, Rui strolls soundlessly during her patrols. The times in which Rui happens to be silently observing, it almost seems as if she never existed.
Known Techniques: Utsusemi, Senka, Speed Clones
Hakuda Level: Combatant
Having such small stature, Akarui isn't best suited strength-wise. However, to make up for the lack of strength, combining the skills of hohō and her poison specialty create a deadly combination to fight against. Closing large distances is of little effort to Rui, so in terms of close-quarters combat, Rui becomes a fierce force that can drive opponents of many sizes to their knees. Administering her poison in various ways such as projectiles, through scratches or clawing, or even through smears of cosmetics can render her opponents useless from something as simple as a nick if they possess no immunity against such highly potent chemicals.
Upon graduation from Shino'o Academy, Rui found herself drawn to the Fourth Division. Quickly rising up the ranks and becoming this division's third seat, her knowledge of anatomy regarding the bodies of shinigami began when it came to restraining those against healing. Under the watchful eye of Captain Camila Kuchiki, who was unparalleled in medicine and chemistry among the entirety of the Gotei, Akarui developed a sound relationship with her captain when it came to toxins, poisons, their properties and the distribution of them. Gaining knowledge of the body's nerves and muscles were just as enticing to study as it would aid Rui in her profound endeavors to come. Striking with the knuckles or with clean needles that would still the patients from fussing or moving around recklessly. While professionalism is necessary, Rui can't help behave in an unpleasant display when her hand is pushed.
Lieutenant Hikoto Shihōin had been her last instructor since graduating from the Academy. A medical expert as well as hakuda master, Akarui had made it so the development between her and the lieutenant was just as level with their captain. Often finding herself as the lieutenant's sparring partner, Akarui was forced to evade more often than not due to her ferocity she was met with on a daily basis. Speed was drilled into her head, proper defensive techniques in the cases of being caught by a larger opponent. Possibly being grabbed by opponents opened up new worlds and ways for taking them down. Nothing was off the table, and it was here that it was cemented there was nothing such as fairness in a fight. Consistently being beaten by a wooden sword against her skin had Akarui developing durability, but also a hatred for such a merciless training regiment as it was also used to discipline her when she went too far.
Using the profound knowledge gained up until the loss of her captain and lieutenant, Akarui's restlessness is evident in her thirst for battle and improvement where she lacks the most.
Known Techniques: Tsukiyubi, Taketonbo
Kido Skill Level: Kidō Specialist
Though she may have entered the Fourth Division on her own terms, healing was not a part of Rui's regiments. While during her Academy years, Rui's knowledge of toxins, poisons and their uses were basic. Taking the chance of entering the Fourth Division opened new doors of medicine and chemical concoctions that Rui could produce for her own use. Climbing up the ranking ladder over the course of a year, Rui became closely acquainted with her captain and lieutenant. On their endeavors out of the barracks, Rui was usually left to oversee the others just so nothing would go wrong.
However, at any possible chance that her captain wasn't occupied with patients, she spent endless amounts of hours and sleepless nights to perfect combinations over combinations that she would be able to use in combat. Seeing the lack of size and strength of Rui may have been a slight factor in her captain's reluctance to teaching her, but the effort that Rui performed on a daily basis was enough for her to concede and bear anything that would help the tiny scorpion on her path of power.
Yet that didn't mean that Rui could forego teachings of kidō. More than healing, there existed binding and offensive techniques. Not as adept in this line of combat, Rui began late in the game but performed and practiced without complaint out of fear that her efforts would end in vain. Like a mantra, she chanted these incantations and at the slightest instance on her concentration breaking, the effects of casting the kidō would backfire and send the girl sprawling across the courtyard. Even against her captain's wishes on getting rest, Rui would scream in frustration on wanting to continue and the hammer came down instantly, forcing her to rest. Upon awaking in an angry daze, she would find herself healed from her injuries, then perform her duties without question before returning to her private training, with or without her guide.
Stubborn she was in wanting to learn the most difficult spells, and she would come to learn, first with the incantations successfully under Captain Kuchiki, and then without the use of them under Head Lieutenant Oki. Though they may not be as powerful without the incantation, being all about speed, Rui will only chant them as necessary to the amount of impact she wishes to bestow against opponents.
Known Spells:
Bakudō (縛道, "Way of Binding")
Sekienton, Tenteikūra, Dankū
Hadō (破道, "Way of Destruction")
Shakkahō, Byakurai
Skills and Abilities:
Anatomical Intellect: To find herself matched in this area of expertise is rare in this day and age, but those members of the Fourth Division should be well advised of the bodies of Shinigami, Quincy, Arrancar, and other extremities alike. Possessing the same infrastructure more or less, Akarui uses her extensive knowledge of anatomy to calculate just where and how hard she must hit to get the outcome she desires. With this skill, the use of her hakuda and projectile precision can be accentuated in the decimation of those that stand in her way. Though with each and every generation of individuals showing face, Akarui's studies can only lengthen as she finds her next prominent form to study against.
Poison Fanatic and Immunity: To say that Akarui obsessed with toxic material would be the nicest way. While her reason for the learning of poisons, their properties, and how to properly use them against others may be unorthodox, no one can go against her otherwise. Under Captain Kuchiki, Akarui was given the upper-hand unknowingly after her internal clan affairs subsided. Even after the disappearance and loss of her captain and lieutenant, Akarui didn't cease in her studies and persisted in finding the use of her expertise. She arms herself diligently, and in the most discreet ways to her benefits. Centuries of dealing with dangerous chemicals have given Akarui an ultimate immunity to many things considered deadly to others around her, which is secretly a reason why she won't let anyone come into close quarters with her. Release of her "cleansing" reiatsu keeps those around her safe. Unwanted casualties were hard to account for, including herself.
Infinite Adaptability: Throughout these six-hundred years that she has been on duty as a shinigami, Akarui can account for more times than she can count on her hands that there would always be something new on the rise; should that new entity become an enemy, being able to fight against it would be a must. Her exceptional intelligence has allowed her to break down the mechanisms of all opponents. Combining the skills mentioned above, this emission has accented the outstanding skills needed to devise and strategize plans that can help herself or her peers in combat. Akarui's crucial calculations have made themselves manifest as she earns her victories, escape dangerous situations, and save the lives of others.
"Finally! I get to have some fun!"
Equipment:
Denreishiki X
As the times change, Akarui has to be ready at all times. Managing to grab one of the many new Denreishiki's, she uses it to keep up with the outer squads since she hardly leaves her post unless said otherwise. She often finds herself getting jealous of watching the others roam so freely that she breaks her phone on a whim out of frustration regarding her position. It isn't until later she realizes the damage and has to return back to the Twelfth Division for another device. Since its introduction, Akarui has gone through six, and it has dented a bit of her pay dock.
Mahi Hari (麻痺針, "Paralyzing Needles")
Needles dipped in several poisons and hidden on her person. A single, coated pin has the potency to completely send an opponent's nervous system out of proportion and lose all functions of the targeted area. Being pierced by such a tiny projectile is unnoticeable unless one is really paying attention. There are probably hundreds of these tiny projectiles carried on her person. The same substances are what makes up her polish and lipstick, and due to her immunity to these agents, it affects her in no way.
Tsuki no Kenshi (月の絹糸, "Moon Silk Thread")
A family heirloom, Akarui's half-coat, is made out of this moon silk passed down from the first generation. Much like the Kuchiki with their fancy hair accessories, the coat is a sign of her nobility and position as the Clan Head. While it may have been modified to fit the style suited to Akarui, the moon silk thread is a precious, priceless artifact.
Kaori no Bakudan (香りの爆弾, "Scented Bombs")
These strawberry-scented bombs were made to give a bit of sweetness to an individual's presence. These scents can last up to a full day with just a small dosage of three drops, so using a full bottle at once will have that individual smelling like that for months. While Akarui doesn't use any for herself, she keeps a few bottles within her coat in case she finds a lucky buyer, or finds another use for them.
Inventions:
Kayumi-ko (かゆみ粉, "Itching Powder")
Probably one of the most childish yet effective creations. Though she has yet to use this powder in a battle, it's often used against her guards. The discomfort of constantly scratching is annoying, however, Akarui's doses are so intense that it will have anyone affected practically clawing their skin off to get rid of the itching sensation. The powder is odorless but white in color unless it's washed in with water.
Himizu (火水, "Firewater")
The creation of this particular poison wasn't made to kill, but rather to incapacitate for a lengthy amount of time. Similar to the effects of a fever, Himizu can be injected or ingested into a person's body and set them alight from the inside. Though the effects are not instantaneous, the time it takes isn't more than a few minutes before it becomes severe. It begins at the mouth, making it feel as if they'd foregone water for months. As it trickles down the esophagus, violent coughing ensues and the thirst for some form of liquid is downed in search of relief, however, it is far too late by this point. It spreads heat throughout the chest, and then outwards to the little bones of the fingers and toes. The victim can die from dehydration or overhydration if they manage to get to a plentiful water source. Himizu is odorless but can have either a blue or red tint.
Yopparai (酔っぱらい, "Drunken Stupor")
The effects of Yopparai begins with the enhancements of color. They become much brighter, and then as the effects grow, the area around them begins to look distorted. This uneven distribution of vision will begin to hinder the effected person and cause their words and actions to slow and become sloppy and lethargic. Usually applied by the injections from the many needles she holds on her person or by being applied by a flash of powder. This drug has often been used to place her opponents into a stationary state similar to slumber after a prolonged amount of time.
Keshō Yake (化粧焼け, "Cosmetic Burn")
With her immunity to the poisons she concocts, Akarui has made this particular poison to be worn out in the open. Under the guise of simple red cosmetics and polish, Rui's use of this substance can be applied directly or indirectly. Not seeing herself making direct contact any time soon, a smooth kiss across the palm of her gloved hand and a slap to exposed skin will administer the toxic property almost immediately. The same type also rests in her nail varnish which she can scratch and claw away at her opponents. This type of poison attacks the nervous system and sends it spiraling out of proportion. The substance is so severe, causing the body to spasm until one succumbs unconsciousness. This same substance is liquified and rests within her scabbard.
Zanpakuto Name: Acidic Beast (酸性獣, "Sansei-jū")
Zanpakuto Appearance:
Taking on more of a western appearance, Rui's make of her zanpakuto is something similar to an epee. The lightness and flexibility of the blade allow Akarui to perform as she was meant to be: swift, and made for a single killing strike. From the tip of the blade down to the pommel, the length extends to four feet in total, a few inches shy of matching Akarui's height. Her sheath, while possessing a simple black and gold design on the outside, is full of a liquid poison made to cause excruciating pain once it enters the bloodstream. While she possesses the antidote within a secret container in the pommel, she's reluctant to distribute it even among her peers.
Zanpakuto Spirit:
With skin dripping down from her once beautiful face, Sansei-jū is a walking horror show to anyone but her host. Broken wings, the skin of fair ivory, and aqua blue waves behind her. This spirit of Akarui's us just as impatient and rough around the edges, constantly looking to wreak havoc. However, with the threats of sealing her spirit away, she quiets down, only meaning to poke fun at the serious sixth seat. While informal with one another due to the long possession over six centuries worth, both have eventually come to address each other by nicknames. Sansei-jū prefers
Kansan (甘酸, "sweet acid"), and much to Akarui's chagrin, calls her host "Rui." The two have a sound bond, finding themselves in agreement more often than not. Such relationships can only be developed by those in-tuned with their spirits immediately or will have to build up to that point. While Kansan is familiar that Rui will not be of this world one day, she hopes that they can both be together once more in the next life.
Inner World:
"It looks refreshing, but this pool is far from it."
Stepping into her inner world for the first time, Akarui was more than elated to have something so bright and to contrast the chaotic destructiveness of her zanpakuto; but she was sorely mistaken. Light and airy is what this inner world looks like as it possesses a lake, glittering and shining blue, but it is far from kind. Within the waters contains hot springs, exuding deadly gases that her spirit feeds from. Always beckoned to take a dip in that pool, Akarui refuses despite knowing that she has the power to create a clean section of the lake. Out of respect for her spirit, Akarui leaves Kansan to her roam freely, and she appreciates it whole-heartedly from the aggressive woman.
Release Phrase: Melt (溶かす, "Tokasu")
Shikai:
While being so in-tune with her blade and spirit, the use for her release phrase is useless, but hearing her spirit plead for its use, Akarui can't help but oblige. At the release, It begins from the tip of the blade, dripping and melting away like ice; however, the process stops at the handle. Pressing the boiling edge of the handle into the pool, Akarui quickly yanks it out, and what comes with it is her newly formed Shikai. Long, close to six feet in length from the staff alone, is dressed in red from where the handle begins, down the new, golden ring guard at the end. From the guard, the foot-long blade sprouts, silver, curved and gleaming along the sharp edge, made for deep incisions. At the tip, it begins to curve into a pincer shape, hooked, and ready for carving through her opponents. Back at the handle, the black wrapping extends lacing around her right arm up to her elbows.
Shikai Special Abilities:
"Unfortunate for you to have crossed my path, scum. I'll provide the kindness to give you another chance in this world."
Eki-ji (液路, "Liquid Path")
The corrosive nature of her zanpakuto allows Akarui to run her blade against or through any solid substance and turn it into a pile of acidic sludge. It breaks down many things without resistance. A single cut can begin the process of decimating entire buildings as it does not stop unless sealed or told to do so. The risk of making contact with this weapon is severe. To even touch upon her zanpakuto is suicide; it will have your flesh dripping from your bones as they become a state similar to liquid matter, or burns so heavily that slabs of flesh hit the ground with a resounding and unappetizing
plop. Survival is not guaranteed if the offender is unable to defend properly against Akarui's physical manifestation of her innate power that even solidified structures have the probability of becoming a pool of muck within minutes.
Hoippu-ryoku (ホイップ力, "Whipping Force")
Within the staff section of the Shikai lies segmented sections that can break formation and form into this whip-like structure. In this form, rather than just stabbing motions, Rui can perform in a wilder sense, moving with speed and grace that it almost looks as if she's dancing with her weapon twirling in tow. Waving behind her, in this form, it almost seems as if Akarui has taken the actual form of a scorpion. With her advanced skills, directing the bladed "stinger" to pierce her opponents or cut into them is of little difficulty. Using the hooked curve of her blade, Ruin can tear through skin and bone with ease, dismembering individuals without another thought.
Bankai:
Bankai Special Ability:
Personal Relationships:
Captain Commander Shobatsu Murasaki: Like a moth to a flame, Akarui was drawn to the power showcased by the foreign entity upon his arrival. As he took the helm of the Head Captain, she abandoned the Fourth Division in search of greater things, and she found them within the First Division beneath Commander Murasaki's rule. Where the strong command, the weak will follow, Akarui wanted to be on the other side of the spectrum for selfishness and righteousness. If there were anyone other than her mother that she would lay her life down for, it would be for him. Had he ordered it, it would come to be.
Head Lieutenant Honoka Oki: While most shinigami, male or female, feel at ease in the presence of the Head Lieutenant, Akarui can't help but feel awkward at their clashing personalities. While Honoka usually holds herself highly in the face of others, Akarui often tries to do the same, but the ever-present scowl on her face says otherwise. All etiquette lessons were wholly lost after a series of events, and she asks Honoka to teach her the ways of a graceful lady, but it has been close to two hundred years since the beginning of their lessons. No progress made.
Captain Higen Kagayaki: If the sun was alive, that is how she would describe the Tenth Division captain. Loud, boisterous, and oiled up in the most serious of occasions, Akarui wouldn't dare to badmouth the former Head Lieutenant before his promotion, but he was for sure a strange man. Never even managing to hold a conversation during her lower seated years, Akarui simply looked on at the future shining captain in disdain, just as she does now. The amount of energy he possesses is unmatched, and she can only feel a bit of sympathy towards those in his division.
Kiku Shunkan: One of the laziest individuals she's ever come across. She often wonders how he had stepped into the First Division, but does not say it aloud. Obviously, the Commander had seen something in him that she didn't, so she didn't argue against his choice. Despite having two separate jobs, Rui finds herself running into him more times than anyone else.
Yami Mochizuki: With the closeness in their positions, Akarui has often found herself coming across Yami less than Kiku. However, unlike Kiku, Rui doesn’t hold back against confronting Yami over the smallest things. Going against him doesn’t feel like abusing her power. Regardless of how many times she’s challenged him in the past, she refuses to let up even just a bit. However, their terms of endearment are unexpected as she refers to Yami as
Mochi (餅, "rice cake") as he calls her Rui.
Likes: Stockings, anything red, strawberry milk
Dislikes: Annoying people, troublemakers, tall people
Hobbies: Training, chemistry, baking
Favorite Food: Tonkatsu, strawberry milkshakes
Seretei Communication Column: N/A
• Akarui sweats very often due to her impatient nature, adding to her already uncomfortable presence.
• She very much wants a close companion; however, her explosive reactions to the slightest thing prohibit her from finding one.
• Akarui likes to bake and is noted as having a sweet scent to her.
• If she has nothing to do on patrol -- which is more often than not -- Akarui brings Jacks to play with in her spare time.
Biography:
Sired from a night with a courtyard maid, Akarui Gekkō was the eighth and only illegitimate child of the Clan Lord, Yūutsuna. Separated from her mother, Akarui was placed under the care of a nanny that reported directly to the Lord's wife, Kojika. She was to learn as the other children did, from training, studies, and proper etiquette. Though not amongst one of the Four Great Noble families, Gekkō had ties to the Kuchiki and Shihōin, in prospects of wanting to set their children in an arranged marriage with the other clans. Even Akarui, despite her
tainted blood, was to be selected for marriage upon her coming of age.
Though priorities were not always on Akarui, she lacked nearly half of the necessities given to the older children and was forced to accommodate by herself to be able to stay on their level, but she had a natural talent to things, picking up on things much quicker than the other children, and advanced faster than they ever could. It was the only way that she could get noticed by her father, whom she so desperately wanted to please. All her efforts were made with success as she managed to get a special summons with her father one day, much to Kojika's chagrin.
One night, Akarui was attacked by a foreign entity, gaining the scar she bears on her jaw to this day. Had it not been for a guard nearby, her life would have ceased to exist that night. No one talked of that night out of fear of endangering their own lives. Upon investigation, it was none other than her nanny, and Akarui was angry. Angry because she knew who exactly ordered the assassination, and angry that her father did nothing to the woman that dared to take his child's life. Though after the exchange, the contact stopped, and Akarui was forced into a rut where she struggled against the other children as they began beating on her, day in and day out.
Even as she graduated from Shino'o Academy, the abuse didn't stop, but things started to change after her admittance as the Fourth Division's third seat. Yūutsuna had gotten sick and succumbed to his illness within three months. By then, the eldest child was ready to take the position as Clan Lord when he too fell ill. It continued, taking every child down the line. It caused an uproar, sparking the controversy that someone was targeting the central family, or rather the heirs, but by then, it was far too late, and all that was left was Akarui and Kojika.
"You should've killed me yourself that night."
"Rui! Sweet Rui, you wouldn't kill me! I-- I gave you what I could. It was all your father! Your father orchestrated everything that night! It wasn't me, please!"
"I'm offering you the courtesy of taking care of you myself. The others didn't get this luxury."
All that was left was Akarui, who forced the Gekkō to acknowledge her as the Clan Lord. No one would oppose her any further, and she felt... empty. She wanted more power, more
strength so that no one would rise against her. She was stuck in a loop, heeding her duties and learning all that she could from her lieutenant and captain. As Lieutenant Shihōin once was a member of the Second Division, Akarui advanced in the arts of Hohō and Zanjutsu. The Gekkō Clan Head gained mastery over the use of projectiles from throwing stars to needles and those of the likeness, capable of hitting a target with the precision of a seasoned marksman from distances unmatched. With her Captain, Akarui gained a sense of an unparalleled specialty over toxins and knowledge of the human body; where to strike and how hard to hit them was an adamant topic of discussion. Finishing off an opponent quicker than they could ever register they'd been hit was the ultimate victory.
However, those days ended within the blink of an eye. After the disappearance of Captain Kuchiki and Lieutenant Shihōin, Akarui was angry. The might of a captain and lieutenant was unraveled so quickly, Rui went mad and locked herself away. She was furious: angry that her Captain and Lieutenant had been taken away, angry that she wasn't able to do a thing. Akarui was livid that so many others perished on the pursuit to reclaim their Fourth Captain. The Gotei 13 was left in shambles, for Commander Shunkan had fallen right along with them. It was on this day that Akarui Gekkō had shed tears and cried in silence at the loss of her beloved Captain and Lieutenant.
And then, Shobatsu Murasaki took the helm of Captain Commander, and he sparked a fire in Akarui, a flame that burned brightly in pursuit of power. She took the initiative, taking leave from the Fourth Division to follow the new Captain Commander and was recruited into the First Division after much deliberation. Day in and day out, the Gekkō Clan Head poured blood, sweat, and tears to get to that fine line between what separated the wolves from the sheep. Sacrifice meant nothing on this path, and she would do as she must, carrying the title of Clan Head, but first and foremost, the Sixth Seat of the First Division.
Character Appearance:
