The Induction to Squad 2

As the sun rose across the horizon signaling the beginning of a new day, Drac awoke from his sleep and wiped the cold from his eyes. Today was different from the others for today was he was joining a squad, and not just any squad. He was joining Squad 2 or better know as the Stealth Force, he couldn't believe that him out of all the students in his class was join Squad 2. He couldn't believe it it was just yesterday when a man from squad 2 appeared before him and ask to come to Squad 2 for Induction into the squad. Drac rolled out of bed and began his daily routine of brushing his teeth, fixing breakfast, and putting on his gaunlets and shinigami robes. Afterward Drac tied his zanpakuto to his hip and picked up a sackbag with his clothing and other miscellaneous items in it, before walking out of the academy dorm room for the last time he look back at into the room and began pondering over the memories in had in that room. "Heh......so many memories in such a small room. It was just yesterday that I was academy student, now I'm about to become a member of Squad 2." Drac smiled and then finally closed the door ending the chapter of his academy student life.

A few minutes passed

"I'm finally here." Drac appeared in front of the huge barrack with the logo of Squad 2 painted above its doors, Drac slowly walked up to the huge wooden doors when suddenly out of nowhere appeared two men dressed in Stealth Force gear. "State your business here." said one of the men. Drac stood upright and then spoke "My name is Gabriel Dorakyura, I'm here for the induction into the squad." The man looked at the other and shook his head, "Aw the rookie, we have been expecting you Gabriel, Welcome to Squad 2. I'll escort to the Captain, Vice Captain and seated members." The man walked up to the door, pulled out a key and open the door. "This way rookie." Drac followed the man in the barracks. As the two were walking he notice other member of the squad and where ever they were headed the security was getting tighter, more and more stealth force member appeared and if it wasn't for the fact that he could see them he would never notice that they were there, because of how low they spiritual level was. "We are here." The man opened a door leading into the Captain's quarter where the Captain, Vice Captain and seated member stood before him. "My name is Gabriel Dorakyura, I would like to join Squad 2."

He stood in the Captain's office as they discussed squad issues. It had been less then a week since Tatsuya had been appointed Vice Captain. A complete shock to him when offered, considering he had only been back for a few days from that whole incident involving the Shihoin Grand Elder and the fact that it came right after a sparring match between Captain Akarui and himself. Not completely unwarranted, but still, nonetheless a shock. Being away from the Gotei 13 for over a year made Tatsuya a little rusty, but he was adjusting quickly. He even changed his appearance and wardrobe . His hair was now cut short and tight, with some slight spiking, and he wore something close to what the omnitsukido might wear, but still unique to him; a tight black, sleeveless vest and a pair of ninja pants & leggings. If his height wasn't distinguishing enough, the uniform he dawned would surely make him differentiate himself from the other shinigami.

Vest and Pants:

Today's discussion was the same as other days. Ever since Raiden's rebellion with the omnitsukido, the Omnitsukido's numbers had dwindled down and now 2nd division was pulling double duty as guards for the Shihoin Clan. A great deal of omnitsukido had actually rallied behind Raiden even though their allegiance was supposed to remain with the clan. So making sure posts got covered and everyone had enough rest in between shifts was a big deal. There was no room for fatigue, but it would be a while before the Omnitsukido would be a full strength again. "I believe we can split..." Tatsuya got interrupted by a squad member entering with another person in tow. Tatsuya stared at the two and was about to talk when the new person introduced himself. "Ah. The new recruit." Tatsuya said in a neutral tone as he approached them. "You can go now." He said to the man's escort, who then bowed and walked back to the door. "Oh and by the way, make sure everyone knows to wait for approval before entering the Captain's Office." Tatsuya stated with a straight face and light tone to the escort, but there was a subtle message that was quite clear, though not clear to Tatsuya. "Y-y-yes Sir, Vice Captain." The man nervously acknowledged before walking out and closing the door behind him. "Huh?! Wonder what got him so nervous?" Tatsuya stated out loud with a confused look, completely unaware of the underlying tone in his previous words. "Well Dorakyura-san, in case you missed it, I am your Vice Captain, Tatsuya Okibi. Welcome to Squad 2." He turned to acknowledge Gabriel with a smile. "Captain." He turned to Captain Akarui and motioned Gabriel forward.

Kuro was hard pressed to help coordinate their efforts between the second division's regular duties now mixed with acting as the defending forces of the noble family of Shihoin. As lazy as he normally acted, there was a complete 180 in his time management as even he himself had to participate in the regular duties of their men to make up for the numbers lost and injured in the rebellion. In addition, he had been in regular meetings with the elders over the last many days working on the new organization of the duties. It was starting to look like the best decision might be to fully integrate the second division into the onmitsukido like it had done in the past. And if such a move was put through, the loyalty to the family and their honor that Kuro and Tatsuya had shown was almost guaranteed to make them the obvious choices as the new commanders of the stealth forces.

Kuro himself was glad to have Tatsuya back in Soul Society and promoted to his new seat. Having an official second in command for the squad now could help him share the load of responsibility in this trying time of recovery after Raiden's rash actions. They were in another meeting to try and organize responsibilities when the door was opened and the new recruit introduced. Kuro didn't look up from the paper they'd been reviewing as the member first walked in and was set straight by Tatsuya, but the grin at the squad member's expense was unmissable on his lips. "Why I just don't know Tatsuya, maybe he's just nervous around giants." He said nothing else on the subject and returned his attention to their work as Tatsuya introduced himself to the new guy. Hearing himself being addressed next, Kuro finally tore himself from their work and leaned back in his seat, grateful for the break as he swept a strand of hair out of his face. "So your name is Gabriel Dorakyura? I guess all I can do is mirror Vice Captain Tatsuya's greeting and say welcome to our group. Is there anything you'd like to ask us about our forces before you begin to serve with us?"

Ezrachek had looked at his clock in his room. He cursed at the sight of the time. His workout had gone over the time he allotted in his schedule and he was now late for the meeting to discuss the details about the new responsibilities being taken on by the 2nd Squad. Ezrachek had rushed to gather his things, lazily stuffing them in his pockets. He didn't bother tying Ansatsu Oji to his hip, because it would slow him down. He grabbed the sheath and took off, sprinting at full speed towards the office. He was the last of the seated members to arrive, as he entered the room. He tied Ansatsu Oji to his hip as he stood in the entrance of the room, expecting a glare from Vice Captain Tatsuya or Captain Kuro, but it seemed that they were too busy in their work to notice. Ezrachek tip-toed over to his seat in the office and immediately went to work. He was busy with paperwork for a good time, so much that he didn't notice when a few more people entered the room. He heard Tatsuya's voice call out and he looked up to see what was going on.

He noticed a nervous looking escort replying to Tatsuya's comment and Ezrachek let a grin cross his face. He then heard Kuro's comment about the escorts nervousness. Ezrachek let out a chuckle for a second, and then assuming that Tatsuya Okibi would be glaring at him, he buried his face in the paperwork again. Ezrachek had thought about all the things that had happened in the past. The biggest thing was that he wanted to join the Omnitsukido. Ezrachek knew that when it came down to it, him choosing to stay loyal to Kuro might have gotten him killed. It was a good thing that he didn't join the Omnitsukido when he wanted to. Ezrachek looked up again, studying and analyzing the new recruit. He looked a little nervous, but nothing too noticeable. Ezrachek raised a hand in a gesture of greetings, and then quickly lowered it. He was personally too busy in his work to care to talk. Everything that had come in to the meeting went directly to him to look through, and then he passed it on, as it went up through the seated memebrs until it made it's way to the Vice Captain and Captain. The fact that he was late meant that he already way behind. He looked down to see the paper that he was to read over. It seemed like the papers just kept increasing in words, never coming to an end. Ezrachek blazed through the papers as the Vice Captain and Captain spoke to the new guy, quickly passing them to the 11th seat member.

Just as he was about to catch a break in the work, a new stack of papers was introduced into the meeting. Frustrated, Ezrachek let his head fall to the table, making a loud thump as it landed on the wood. Ezrachek then let out a sigh and went quickly back to work. He would save any comments on the known possibility of the fusing of the 2nd squad and the Omnitsukido until the end of the meeting. He would possibly just save his comments until after and discuss them with Vice Captain Tatsuya and Captain Kuro personally.

Drac looked around at the room trying to get situated since to feeling since he knew that he probably won't see this room let alone be allowed in it as careless as he was for a long time. "Ah. The new recruit." Drac looked back toward the man who address him, he notice quickly of the armband that said Vice Captain So this is the Vice Captain.......His reiatsu is huge , but the other man behind tthose stacks of papers is stronger that must be the captain. Drac stood at attention and watched as the man that walked him into the room coward back in fear at his mistake of letting Drac in without approval, suddenly he bowed and walked out the door. Well Dorakyura-san, in case you missed it, I am your Vice Captain, Tatsuya Okibi. Welcome to Squad 2." Drac bowed his head in respect to the Vice Captain "Its a honor to meet you Vice Captain Tatsuya Okibi. Drac watched as he address the Captain and then motion him forward. As he walked forward toward the Captain, he notice another a strong reiatsu an looked toward the direction of the 12th seated member of Squad 2 He's strong too......hmmm he seem familiar, maybe I've meet him before. Drac refocused his attention back toward the Captain as he continued. He could feel his spiritual pressure getting heavier as he got closer. This spiritual pressure is insane........

Drac watched as the Captain raised his head up from the stack of papers and leaned back into the seat. "So your name is Gabriel Dorakyura? I guess all I can do is mirror Vice Captain Tatsuya's greeting and say welcome to our group. Is there anything you'd like to ask us about our forces before you begin to serve with us?" said the Captain as he spoke. Drac had so many question to ask but only one kept coming back up "Well, Captain.....There is one thing. I was wondering if I could join the Omnitsukido sir."

Captain Akarui finally acknowledged Gabriel and as he did, Tatsuya heard a loud thud from the side. His head quickly jerked in that direction and he glared at the 12th seat member, Ezrachek Rayone. He shook his head and was about to say something when Gabriel asked if he could join the Omnitsukido. "You wanna join the Omnitsukido?!" Tatsuya asked in a bit of surprise. "You just got accepted into the squad and now you wanna leave it. Got to say, not a very good first impression, Gabriel." Tatsuya stated with a scowl across his face and ignoring the previous formalities. "Besides, what makes you think you are cut out for the Omnitsukido?" He asked bluntly with little regard before taking a deep breath. "Tch." He caught himself before he went overboard. "Right now we're in the middle of restructuring the second squad as a temporary extension for the Omnitsukido." Tatsuya stated calmly after crossing his arms. "In case you are unaware of the situation, we had a rebellion within the Omnitsukido this past week and at the moment both the second squad and the Omnitsukido have had their forces significantly reduced." Tatsuya began to calmly explain their current predicament. "As much as I believe the Omnitsukido could use new members, the best option for everyone right now would be to have you in the second squad. We can compensate for the lack of Omnitsukido." Tatsuya declared with utmost certainty.

"Heh," Kuro chuckled as the subject turned in a direction that was rather sore for their group at the moment. But with Raiden dead and the terror of the situation over for the time being, he was able to laugh in spite of the seriousness that their work bred. "There's no need to get so excited Tatsuya." He leaned forward again, getting down to business. "It's natural that some would be drawn to our squad in hopes of being accepted into the Onmitsukido one day." He turned his attention back to Gabriel. "As the Vice Captain already explained, we're having a bit of a project with the Onmitsukido at the moment due to recent events. It's possible that you could be a part of their ranks one day, but nobody can just join right out of the academy. Your skills of speed and combat must be shown first within one of the thirteen divisions. Our squad will give you the chance to show such skills. And you may even end up working alongside the onmitsukido in our ranks. We still are working out the details of what we're going to do to manage things. But whatever we do, a new member is greatly appreciated."

Ezrachek looked at the group of three talking, and thinking in his mind. Most of them complaints about the omnitsukido and complaints about the work that he was tasked with. Ezrachek wasn't willing to share any of those thoughts however. He finished up his load of work, and passed them up to the 11th seated member. He stood up quietly as a show of respect to the Captain and Vice Captain to not interrupt their conversation. He walked back to the secretary and asked about the next load of work. She notified him that there was some sort of back up with them actually arriving. Ezrachek smiled at this and gave her a nod. He walked back to the group meeting and waited politely for the Captain to finish his comments. "They're right. Besides, The Omnitsukido are a bunch of pricks anyways. The only reason why I wanted to join them was to prove to a certain pair of them that I wasn't as useless to them, and it turns out that they sent me on a bummed mission with almost no intel. Almost got me killed. They're a good for nothing crew. Nothing that the honorable 2nd Squad can't take care of! Oorah!" Ezrachek said as he pumped his fist once in the air as the let out the cheer of pride. He turned to the Captain and Vice Captain. "If you two will excuse me please, I must retire to the restroom. Our secretary says that I have some time until the next shipment of paperwork arrives." Ezrachek said as he nodded respectively to both the leaders and left the room whistling a tune.

He did his business as quickly as possible, washing his hands and getting back to the office. He walked in and sat back down just as the next shipment arrived. He lowered his head to begin reading, listening for the conversation between the three to continue.

Drac knew that his request to join the Omnitsukido was rash, he haven't done anything to prove to them that would consider him a good candidate to join the Omnitsukido, but he knew that if he want to getting stronger to complete his goal he would want to train with the best. "You wanna join the Omnitsukido?! You just got accepted into the squad and now you wanna leave it. Got to say, not a very good first impression, Gabriel." said Vice Captain Tatsuya, Drac began to ponder on the matter He's right.....I'm not making a good impression. "Besides, what makes you think you are cut out for the Omnitsukido. Right now we're in the middle of restructuring the second squad as a temporary extension for the Omnitsukido." Drac began to wonder why they combine the two forces together.

"In case you are unaware of the situation, we had a rebellion within the Omnitsukido this past week and at the moment both the second squad and the Omnitsukido have had their forces significantly reduced. As much as I believe the Omnitsukido could use new members, the best option for everyone right now would be to have you in the second squad. We can compensate for the lack of Omnitsukido." Drac was shocked that a situation like that would happen between the two forces, he could sense a small hostility coming from the Vice Captain so he wasn't going to pondered anymore.

Suddenly Drac notice the Captain was laughing " "There's no need to get so excited Tatsuya. It's natural that some would be drawn to our squad in hopes of being accepted into the Onmitsukido one day. As the Vice Captain already explained, we're having a bit of a project with the Onmitsukido at the moment due to recent events. It's possible that you could be a part of their ranks one day, but nobody can just join right out of the academy. Your skills of speed and combat must be shown first within one of the thirteen divisions. Our squad will give you the chance to show such skills. And you may even end up working alongside the onmitsukido in our ranks. We still are working out the details of what we're going to do to manage things. But whatever we do, a new member is greatly appreciated." Drac bowed to the Captain.

"Sorry for making such a hasty request sir, I wasn't aware of the situation that had occur sir, please forgive my rudeness. I haven't done anything to prove myself." Drac raised his head up and looked up toward the 12th seat member name Erzachek Rayone who shared his personal experience with the Onmitsukido. Drac looked back toward the Captain and the Vice Captain "Thanks for allowing me to join your squad sir, is there anything I need to know or do sir."

Tatsuya was indeed getting excited, but at Captain Akarui's words he tried to calm himself. "Of course. Forgive me Captain." Tatsuya replied with a slight bow. He let Captain speak without interruption as he addressed Gabriel. Gabriel apologized and Tatsuya couldn't help but feel a slight ping of guilt for his statements. "There's no need to be sorry. We've all just been stressed out by the recent events." Tatsuya stated as an apology. Before he could continue 12th seat Rayone spoke out. Tatsuya glared at Ezrachek when he berated the Omnitsukido. "You would do well to check your attitude towards the Omnitsukido, Ezrachek. Seeing as you will be working much more closely with them." Tatsuya scolded the newly appointed 12th seat. "Do not forget that it was because of Raiden that the Omnisukido's image has been scarred. We are brothers-in-arms. You'd best remember that." He continued before scuffing off Ezrachek's announcement to relieve himself. Nothing else had to be said as Ezrachek left. "You are welcome to sit in for the remainder of the meeting. After that, I'll have someone escort you to your living quarters." Tatsuya said after Gabriel announced his thanks and inquired for any information. The meeting continued for another 20 minutes after Gabriel took a seat. "Ezrachek!" He called the 12th seat once the meeting finished. "Show Gabriel to a room and once he gets situated he'll shadow you for the remainder of the day." Tatsuya ordered frankly. "Gabriel-san, see me tomorrow for a proper post poistion. And be ready to learn fast." He said and with a quick jerk of his head, he silently advised Ezrachek they were allowed to leave.

"No need to ask for forgiveness." Kuro brushed off the awkward feelings that were beginning to spread through those present. He only wanted to continue with the meeting with no ill feelings between them. They were, after all, brothers-in-arms like Tatsuya had reminded Ezrachek. "That's enough on the subject everyone. Raiden's actions have left a scarred mental image and bad memories of the Onmitsukido in many of us. But through our efforts, we will rebuild the organization and make it better than it ever was before. That's what I would like anyway." Kuro was truly optimistic in this subject. Now that most of the trouble was over, reorganization would seem simple in comparison. With most of the personal dramas hopefully subsided, Kuro replied to Gabriel's question.

"There's nothing you need to know other than we are a squad that works for honor, teamwork and justice. Though we operate within the Gotei, our highest loyalties are to the Shihoin noble family. Always keep in mind that as a member of squad 2, you represent that family's honor as well as your own."

Kuro finished his reply and allowed the meeting to resume like it had before Gabriel's arrival. Tatsuya seemed to have things regarding his room assigning and first training taken care of. If he was needed for anything else, such as the new recruit having any more questions, he wasn't going anywhere for the time being.

Erachek bowed his head apologetically before leaving the room. Upon his return, he went back to work for 20 minutes. When he heard the Vice Captain calling out his name, he stood, snapping to attention. The order was given to show the new recruit to his quarters. "Yes sir, Vice captain!" Ezrachek replied as he walked towards the recruit, motioning for him to move towards the door. Ezrachek reached the door and turned around, facing the Captain and Vice Captain. "My apologies for my earlier comments Vice Captain, sir." He said as he bowed respectfully and then exited the room, turning back to make sure that the recruit was following. Once outside the office, Ezrachek retrieved a cigarette from his pocket. He lit it and began smoking as he walked the recruit to his quarters.

"No need to ask for forgiveness. There's nothing you need to know other than we are a squad that works for honor, teamwork and justice. Though we operate within the Gotei, our highest loyalties are to the Shihoin noble family. Always keep in mind that as a member of squad 2, you represent that family's honor as well as your own." said Captain Kuro, Drac nodded his head "Yes sir, I will keep that in mind sir. I dare not bring shame to such a noble family." Drac looked toward Vice Captain Tatsuya "You are welcome to sit in for the remainder of the meeting. After that, I'll have someone escort you to your living quarters." Drac nodded toward the Vice Captain and took a seat nearby the wall. He watch closely as the others perform their respective duties. 20 minutes passed as the meeting finally drew to a close.

"Erzachek!! Show Gabriel to a room and once he gets situated he'll shadow you for the remainder of the day." Drac looked toward Erzachek as he motioned him to follow him, Drac turned around as the Vice Captain spoke again "Gabriel-san, see me tomorrow for a proper post poistion. And be ready to learn fast." Drac smiled slightly "Yes sir, Vice Captain." Drac followed Erzachek outside the door and watched him pull out a cigarette and began to smoke. The smoke bother him slightly but he could sense that Erza was under stress. "Heh, seem stress Erzachek."

Ezrachek walked along the hallway that led from the Office as he turned towards the new recruit. A change of heart had hit Ezrachek and for some reason, he looked towards Drac and let a small grin cross his lips. Ezrachek flipped the cigarette from his hands as it flew to the dirt floor. "I could sense that ya don't like it. I don't need it. I suppose I should quit anyway." Ezrachek laughed as he took a few more steps forward. He turned his head as he continued to walk, talking over his shoulder. "Not stressed, just trying to adjust. It wasn't too long ago that I was nearly dead and that Tatsuya guy saved me..." Ezrachek paused, recalling the events. "Well it was the girl that he was with. All because of his sister, Shakaku. Either way, it's just odd seeing that he's not only back in the Seireitei, but also my- Excuse me, our vice captain." Ezrachek said with a slightly chuckle as he turned a corner to lead down a hallway that lead to the lower ranking dorms. They were almost there. Memories of his upbringing flooded around in Ezrachek's mind. Finally as they reached the door of the empty dorm, his thoughts were emptied from his head. He slid the door open.

The door gave way to the scene behind it. A basic wooden Wardrobe closet laid near the corner of the room. A twin size bed laid flush against a wall on the left side of the room, neatly dressed to the regulations of the Gotei 13. Ezrachek gave a leading hand, gesturing for him to enter. He looked towards the new recruit. "This is your dorm. Don't worry, it seems a bit plain, but once you climb the ranking ladder, you get some freedoms with customizing the room. Take my room for example. Rank has its privileges. It also has it's cons. Anyway, I gotta get back to the office and finish up with the Captain and Vice Captain. If ya need anything, feel free to come knocking on my door. 12th seat. The Captain and Vice Captain are usually swamped with paperwork and what not, especially with the issues going currently. Just let me know what ya need and I'll be glad to help." Ezrachek said as he watched for a few moments waiting for comments or questions.

"I could sense that ya don't like it. I don't need it. I suppose I should quit anyway." Drac nodded slightly as Ezrachek laughed. "Only slightly, just not use to smoke, I get over it don't worry." Drac continued forward following erzachek and he continued talking "Not stressed, just trying to adjust. It wasn't too long ago that I was nearly dead and that Tatsuya guy saved me... Well it was the girl that he was with. All because of his sister, Shakaku. Either way, it's just odd seeing that he's not only back in the Seireitei, but also my- Excuse me, our vice captain." Drac noticed that Erza was beginning to slow down and he walked, probably in deep thought, then he began picking up his pace as they got near the dorm.

Drac and Ezrachek finally reached what to seemed to be his room "This is your dorm. Don't worry, it seems a bit plain, but once you climb the ranking ladder, you get some freedoms with customizing the room. Take my room for example. Rank has its privileges. It also has it's cons. Anyway, I gotta get back to the office and finish up with the Captain and Vice Captain. If ya need anything, feel free to come knocking on my door. 12th seat. The Captain and Vice Captain are usually swamped with paperwork and what not, especially with the issues going currently. Just let me know what ya need and I'll be glad to help." Drac observed the room as Ezra talked Its much bigger than my room at the academy.....I guess this is the beginning of my new life now. Drac looked at Erza "I think that will be it, thanks for everything Erzachek."

With a smile, Ezrachek turned around and walked off, returning to the Office where he would finish up his daily tasks. It only took him a few minutes under an hour to finish. He walked slugishly back to his own dorm room, looking up at the big "12" above his door. "Well this is my stop" he said, jokingly to himself before opening the door in front of him. He slid his feet across the carpet floor before placing his zanpakuto back on its rack and passing out on the bed. He would have a busy day tomorrow, and many more following as they all tried to fix the mess that they found themselves in.