revivalproject | [open] death made visible

WHO: Kuchiki Rukia, open to all!
WHERE: around Tembra
WHAT: help the newb
WHEN: January
WARNINGS: none at this time

One would have expected Rukia to have learned a lesson or two about approaching glowing orbs. Especially absent the understanding of how she came to this place to begin with — a place more sparsely populated than the endless dunes of Hueco Mundo, in spite of its endless flora, inviting in its vibrancy. Some of her closest companions might have been the type to grab at it immediately, preferring to keep any danger in their possession and grasp rather than leave it to their enemies for the taking, but Rukia isn't normally so foolish. Too many lessons learned the hard way.

Still, as her mind and pulse alike race — Where is she? Where are the others? Why can't she feel the spiritual pressure of any of her comrades? Is Ichigo safe? — Rukia blinks, suddenly finding her fingers wrapped around the smooth, cool surface of the orb.

Everything changes.

Rukia staggers away from the orb with a stuttered breath, eyes roving in every direction as her hands return to the place they belong, tight around hilt and scabbard. She's been given an explanation, knowledge settled neatly in every corner of her memory, synapses firing in new directions. But Rukia has long since learned that reality has a way of being distorted.

With a distant drip of water ringing in her ears, Rukia pulls her lower lip between her teeth, worrying at the skin as she turns to head in the direction of the nearest spiritual energy she can sense.

[ Have a handy link for Rukia's current physical appearance. Feel free to hit me up on Rukia's Permissions Page with any questions or if you want to propose something specific for her interaction with your character! ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

He chuckles softly, then looks over to the empty shelves. "I suppose that is because for once I... I am happy?" He turns his attention back towards her and his expression turns bleak. "The Earth I come from is not in a good place. And most people aren't even aware of it. But... I know what's going on, unfortunately. But as long as I am here, I can... Live a comparably normal life. And with time not moving forward while I am gone, neither of my friends will be harmed in my absence either." No one hunting him, no one trying to kidnap or murder him. It's nice.

Turning his attention back to Rukia, Jon nods down towards his right hand as he turns the imp around to show her the large burn scar covering most of it, then raises the same hand up to indicate the scar across his neck and from there one up along his pockmark-littered face. "Also... I have been in worse captivity than this."

It isn't uncommon for shinigami to carry scars. Some wear them as badges of honor, some can't be assed to get them healed, others still don't make it to the medics on time. Rukia's own body belies her experience. Subconsciously, she raises a hand to her chest, slightly above her heart. No physical scar remains, but perhaps the expression on her face mirrors Jon's own, lips pressed thin.

"I see," she murmurs, gaze carefully tracing over the scars and marks. The way they're shaped doesn't much resemble the look of injuries sustained in outright battle. "I did not mean to cast judgment on your reasons for being content here. Whether it be war or plague that engulfs your world, I'm sure it's exhausting. To have a reprieve, however given, can be a blessing."

She pauses, hesitating over her next words. "Perhaps being here will also help you find a way to enlist assistance for your home."

"I would like that." Jon simply agrees, even offering a little smile again. He hasn't missed the motion of Rukia's hand. It's obvious that she has a story of her own. A story he would like to hear, obviously, but there is no way he will risk trapping someone in one of his perpetual nightmares again.

Instead, he offers, "I can tell you more about it at another time if you like. Once you have settled in and gotten to know more of those residing in this place. Focusing on that first seems only reasonable."

"A-ah, yes," Rukia stammers, blush suddenly high on her cheeks as she stares resolutely into her mug. It wasn't her intention to pry, though she can't deny the curiosity. She's always enjoyed exploring new places, and while she can't always do so with as much enthusiasm as she did in her youth, getting to know people has always been a joy to her as well. Still, in retrospect, perhaps she shouldn't have stared. Perhaps she shouldn't have inquired after Jon's home.

To ask, even with only a gaze, is to tread upon another person's heart. Hard to do so without leaving tracks.

"I have thought about seeking every individual out, though it feels — almost forced?" Rukia muses, tentatively raising her gaze again. "I am more grateful than I can express for your hospitality and time. But I don't expect everyone to be so open. Perhaps..." Pausing, Rukia runs her thumb along the lip of her mug. "Perhaps there is some type of task I can be helpful with? Is there anyone coordinating the efforts on the planet?"

Jon blinks twice at the question, then shakes his head. "Ah, no. No, I don't believe there is. Most people stick to where their strengths lie. And while there are the different data points to pick to assist..." He trails off and glances down guiltily. "...it can be difficult to find a match. Medical, agriculture, communications, engineering, piloting and security. Those are the data points. At the moment I believe we don't have many tending to the greenhouse, but the decision is up to you."

He looks back up with a bit of an apologetic expression. "I tried security for a while and it went badly. Medical I found is not something I am suited for either. So far I haven't hurt anyone by attempting communications."

Medical, agriculture, communications, engineering, piloting, and security. It's quite the laundry list, all with varying degrees of familiarity for Rukia. Piloting is a complete unknown, with most shinigami having no need for vehicles when they're perfectly capable of remaining levitated in the air, and agriculture isn't typically left to them either, with any soul being capable of growing food regardless of their spiritual energy. But the others are all viable options, loosely aligning to the various divisions within their military forces.

"Security isn't for everyone," Rukia smiles, thinking no less of Jon for his admission. "Nor medical, being both complex and emotionally draining. Do you know if anyone else has chosen either of those two? I might have some natural strengths, but." Rukia glances down at the hilt of her sword. "It seems like it'd be best for at least one or two individuals to be familiar with each set of skills."

"Well, I know Lauri is in security and Billy may have medical since he has taken to run the hospital. I try to help him with it, but all I do is make sure the place has some painkillers and salves. He mostly uses his magic to heal people." Which makes whatever knowledge Jon has in regards of first aid rather pointless. "But I believe both medical and security could use some extra hands. Medical maybe more than security. The greatest danger around here appear to be the storms. And against those any weaponry is pointless. They rather mess with our perceptions or draw out the things we fear most." Which may or may not play into Jon's strengths at least.

He gives a small nod towards her weapon. "So you are versed both in combat and treating wounds, I take it.Then maybe I should also mention that you can switch those data points freely whenever you like. And they aren't strictly necessary to help with tasks, but they add a little extra knowledge."

[open] death made visible

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