Collin gave a hearty laugh when he was accused of being a damn dirty beggar and then shook his head. “I am no beggar. Dirty yes and most certainly damned but I don’t beg. I have my pride.” But he was content to let her back off for a few moments and instead focus on the matter in hand. He was far from pleased at the way Kisuke replied to his concerns about having the soul societies problems, in particular vizards, just thrown down onto earth. He knew arguing with the man about their self control would be pointless. He could sense it was one of those instances where neither man was going to budge. Privately though Collin knew that one day, maybe tomorrow, maybe next week maybe a thousand years from now they were going to snap. They would let their guard down and that would be that. But rather than debate this he asked. “You said that man may well have been stronger than you and there are more than one of him. Yet you also say you have a way of dealing with them. Now presumably, because they are tougher than you killing them is out of the question. So what exactly is your and this Monika woman’s plan? Also do they know the plan, either in whole or in part and if so what parts?” He took a step or two back at this point and rubbed the front of his head as if massaging it. “I’m just trying to plan for the day they go crazy and they get round whatever your idea is.” He glanced up at Kisuke as he went on to say how important they were for dealing with Aizen. Collin was not going to pretend he knew the finer points of this conflict. After all he was a stranger who had just walked into town. But on his travels he had picked up odd scraps of information, usually when he manipulated people into telling him their secrets. He had scraped together enough to know generally what was going on but not so much the how. He had little to no information on just how Aizen was to be dealt with. The idea that the vizards might be necessary unnerved him a little, he did not want to rely on something he refused to trust. So he continued his questioning. “What role do they play exactly? Presumably it is more complicated than just show up and kill things. I am guessing there are objectives, dates, plans. Or is the plan one based on just trying to get inside the command cycle, a difficult task I....” His voice began to trail off as realisation dawned on him. “I am putting far too much faith in plans aren’t I? There isn’t one is there? At least not a plan worthy of the name.” He sighed and rubbed his head again as he mumbled. “God I need an aspirin.” Before saying in a more normal tone. “We don’t have to rely on them do we?” He had a vaguely hopeful tone of voice but it was an empty hope and he knew it. It was a case of it being a thousand to one chance but he might as well ask.

A little while latter, when the rain came pouring down, Collin was more than willing to continue the conversation but it seemed Kisuke was not. On the face of it it seemed that the man was just avoiding the weather but Collin doubted that very much. After all the man had just managed to avoid answering another question. So Collin just stood there silently and watched as the man walked away. Once the door had closed behind him he just sighed quietly before turning around and heading back over towards Gorina. His eyes travelled briefly to her ears, previously obscured, but once again he said nothing. Besides it was hardly a surprise, once you accepted the tail you accepted more or less anything along those lines. He gave another small sigh as she claimed the lightning bolt would have had no effect on her, but he smiled as well. “Stubborn little thing aren’t you.” He then muttered, loud enough for her to hear. “I don’t know, show an interest in someone’s safety...” Of course, he meant her to hear it. When she stated though that he could have the tent and that she did not need it he gave a little laugh and shook his head. “Oh no no, two can play at that game and it’s a game I play well.” He said as he followed her over to the porch. His balance on the mud was just as good as hers and he did not get bogged down but something about the way he moved seemed inelegant, ah well that was humans for you. Once under the cover he flopped down on the floor, stuck his legs out into the air and knocked them together several times, sending the worst of the mud flying before he adopted a more normal position. “My mother always used to say I was all too eager to cut my nose off despite my face, if you are familiar with the phrase.” He wiggled around for a moment or two as if getting comfy before continuing. “Any way, the fact is the tent is yours. Now I’m not going to force you to use it, though you’d be a fool not to. But I’m not going to use it either. Besides I’m the one wearing the water proofs, you aren’t so there.” He gave a small “Humph.” And seemed to be only just short of going yah boo sucks, but it was all done with a slightly cheeky smile. It was clear though, that on this issue he was going to be as stubborn as her.

In response to her un asked question however he jerked a thumb over his shoulder and said. “What that Kisuke fellow?” He then seemed to take a moment to think. “It’s a bit early to tell but I would say that he is clever, no doubt about that. But not as clever as he thinks he is. I would also say he has a massive ego which he justifies in his own mind by acting in a way he at least thinks is friendly. Either that or he knows it isn’t but he also knows no one can actually prove he is being spiteful. Either way it is too early to tell. I could go on but I won’t. I don’t want to speak ill of the man.” She could probably guess why he wanted to keep his mouth shut, he needed him for the time being and did not want to risk being cast out by being rude. He did however, go on to say. “I am troubled though. I get the feeling I’m only here as something of a curiosity. Admittedly that was always step one of the plan, a way in. After all it worked on you. But I meant to rapidly shift my appeal to other grounds like being useful or liked. After all being a curiosity is a risky ground on which to stand. It promotes exploitation. In theory he could get me to do demonstrations, answer questions and in the worst case scenario force me under the knife whilst all the while teaching me nothing. Then when his curiosity is satisfied he could simply toss me away. Despite his smiles and supposedly friendly demeanour I have the horrible feeling he could well be that type of man, I must guard against this. I could of course simply take over his head and force him to teach me things. But that is very much the last resort, doing that would bring allot of angry people down on me and sooner or later one would get to me. ”

He twisted and shifted yet again, before muttering incomprehensibly and forcing himself back up onto his feet where upon he started pacing up and down, his heavy boots making very definite thuds on the floorboards. “Of course those vizard fellows bother me as well. Even thinking about them is giving me a bloody migraine.” He took his gat off and started rubbing his head all over now in an attempt to lessen the pain in his head. Rain dripped through the roof of the porch and occasionally smacked onto his filthy blonde hair. “They put me in mind of an unexploded bomb, just waiting for a prod and then suddenly bang!” He clapped his hands together to emphasise the bang. “Everyone is dead.” His eyes lit up and he held a finger in the air in inspiration. “Oh no, no. They are more like brutalised attack dogs. Perfectly willing and able to tear the enemy to shreds but liable at any moment to turn on their masters.” Wedging his hat back on crudely he walked out into the driving rain and proceeded to pace around some more until he stopped dead, turned and looked straight at Gorina. “Am I doing them a terrible injustice, the vizards I mean? After all I trust you and you said you went on something of a killing spree as well as having some quantity of hollow genetic material. But then again you said something about you being treated somehow and I’m guessing they haven’t. Or at least if they have then it was not adequately successful or else they would never have been expelled. What’s your take on this whole affair?”


After a while he proceeded to pace around with increasing agitation, the rain seemingly having no effect on him. In fact it was having an effect, a good one too, it was helping keep him calm had it not been raining something serious might have happened by now. “Curse those few moments sleep!” He proclaimed to the sky. Before adding rather more calmly. “I can’t go to sleep, I’m not tired but I’m idle! I can’t stand to be idle!” Then getting rather more agitated again. “I need to do something bloody constructive!” He rapidly calmed himself down by forcing himself to stand still, hanging his head and humming lowly for a few moments before snapping up, bright and alert and giving a refreshing sigh. “I’m sorry Gorina, but I’m one of those men that can’t stand to do nothing. If only I had something to distract me, either that or I was working I would be happy. Good god that Kisuke said it would be days before he could see to me! Argh my brain is going to rot!” Then adding as a comic little side note in a jarring shift in tone. “Brain rot can be a very serious thing you know.” Then shifting back to his previous tone. “Still I need something to do! Gorina! You have to have something up your sleeve.” Out of sheer frustration he stalked over to the tree she had been in only a few moments ago and leapt up, catching the lowest branch. He hung there for a few moments whilst he jerked his weight up and down until eventually his support gave way and he fell to the ground, landing neatly. He then proceeded to rip off all of the branches and leaves until he was left only with the main branch which was more or less straight save for the odd kink and about eighty centimetres long. Then reaching into one of his pockets Collin pulled out an obviously high quality knife and started carving notches into various points along the branch. One at slightly past the half way point and a big one about ten centimetres from the bottom. He then put his knife away and gripped the branch like a sword. It now became clear that the larger mark was supposed to symbolise a guard though the second was somewhat more of a mystery. Perhaps even more mysteriously he then set about attacking the air with this branch as if fighting an invisible foe, but what was note worth was the fact he seemed to know what he was doing. At first he fenced, easily recognisable due to the fact that it only allowed thrusting attacks, it’s somewhat strange stance, especially with his left arm curled up in the air like a scorpions tail, and the emphasis on nifty foot work. After a while though he switch to a radically different style, his grip changed to two handed and he used an ox guard at first, a rare type indeed. He then proceeded to use a complex system of slashes and hews with hardly any thrusting work against this imaginary opponent as well as guard against attacks Collin could only see in his own head. This fight gradually evolved the use of various tackles and unarmed attacks in the midst’s of the sword play until he started hybridising the two. This went on for several minutes but it was clear he was becoming more and more agitated.

Eventually he threw down the stick in frustration, though it did not break, and he exclaimed. “I already know that! That’s not helping! I’ve been doing that since I was bloody ten! Ah ha!” He seemed suddenly inspired. Dashing over to the tree he seemed to half run, half clamber up it, cease another branch and rip it off. He tossed it over to Gorina, he was very tempted to yell fetch but he managed to stop himself instead he simply said. “Catch!” Assuming Gorina caught it he motioned her out into the rain and mud, another thunder bolt crashing down quite some distance away, whilst he fished his own up from the ground. “I know this is not what you are used to but do it anyway. I’m going bloody crazy here.” He tossed his own fake blade from hand to hand for a few moments. “Shame its only wood, we won’t be able to get a good wallop in or they will smash so were going to have to show some restraint, you especially. I would let you use your zanpakuto if only I had my own sword with me. It’s not a zanpakuto you understand, at least I don’t think so but it can stand up to one. Though I never tested it against any kind of released form. Unfortunately I left my sword behind, the weight you see. Useful in battle but dead weight on a hike. Hopefully the others will bring it with them when they eventually turn up. If they turn up. So bloody sticks will have to do for now.” Once again he adopted the ox guard position and invited her to come at him. “Go on then, or am I going to have to jump through a window and then bandage myself up to relive the boredom because my brain is starting to itch.”

Even though Gorina managed to stop herself from growling Collin could tell she was agitated. After all he could pick up on the tiniest gesture that people were often unaware they even made. What he could not understand was why she was angry. He had shown concern for her safety and she had acted aggressively towards it. So after a moments consideration he just shrugged his shoulders and said. “Fine sit under a giant lightning rod, just don’t come crying to me when there is no difference between you and a giant piece of overdone bacon.” He did not know she could likely take the shock, even if she could it was an utterly unnecessary risk to take even if it was small. But deciding to put this little incident behind him he pressed on. He was not so quick to move on from Kisuke simply laughing off his request for further information and when the man asked if it was all right Collin flatly replied. “Not really no.” This was doubtless not the response the man was hoping for or perhaps even expecting. Collin went on to elaborate. “Perhaps it was working in intelligence for all that time but I have a reflexive disgust at the concept of me shelling information, or anything, out for free. Not only that but vague illusions as to content or deadlines of information about to be paid to me are highly unsatisfactory, they generally mean nothing useful is coming at all. I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt for now but watch out for this nasty habit of yours in the future.” The whole thing was said in an oddly upbeat tone, almost casually, which made the whole thing seem slightly sinister, possibly even more so if he had delivered the speech in a threatening manner. Even more cleverly because he had been so casually it was impossible to justifiable criticise him for being rude, aggressive or threatening but you got the vague sense of such sentiments behind his words, behind the tone.

A little while later on he tried to gauge Kisuke’s laugh, a laugh could tell many things but this one, this one was a little difficult to fathom. As such Collin instantly assumed the worst and believed it to be the laugh of a plotter, a man with a mischievous scheme that would but Collin and his companions at great risk. This was of course unfounded and he knew it but it was best to work on the assumption that the worst will always happen. He shrugged off Kisuke’s apology saying. “Well thank you, I suppose. But I was not offended. It just made me much more cautious with you in our dealings much more alert o potential....imbalances.” He took time of choosing his last word he let it hang in the air for just long enough for all the implications to be driven home before going to Gorina’s side. Those implications of course being things like unfairness, injustice, uneven deals and unequal exchanges but once again he had said all this without using a single word anyone could actually object to.

He decided not to poke fun at her recoiling from the boiling water, it would likely do no good to their relations and possibly even effect his life expectancy, drastically. Instead he just ignored it and settled down for a nice sit when he suddenly found food being thrust towards him. For a moment he thought the food was sub standard, unacceptable and he instantly worried that he had offended or upset Gorina. However when he was ordered to eat he gingerly took the bag and said. “I assure you, I can run on nothing but adrenalin and willpower for several days before my performance is so effected I would call it severely impaired. Then again in a fight even the tiniest difference can alter the outcome.” The adding significantly more quietly, even under his breath. “Plus I have no desire to make you angry.” Despite being said quietly it was not meant as a jibe or insult, he just did not want to draw attention to the fact he had said it. So he began tucking into the food, slowly at first, but with increasing speed and obvious enjoyment. He had not had food like this for a long time, too long, and even though it was hardly fine dining he was relishing every moment of it, especially the odd lump of sausage. He managed to murmur the word. “Thanks.” Through mouthfuls of food and kept on tucking in. He glanced about him as people started jumping around and when the woman started nestling into a tree he muttered to himself. “Like some bloody monkey.” This was partly a genuine observation but he was also making a wild, minor, stab just to see how she would react. Collin was working out more and more about Kisuke but little about her and this might reveal something, then again it may reveal nothing at all.

However, his attention was sharply jerked back when Gorina started answering questions Kisuke should have long ago. He gave an affirming “murmrgh” through his food, accompanied by enthusiastic nodding to convey the meaning of the noise. It was not everything he wanted to know but he was not going to criticise her, she had done nothing wrong, indeed now she was doing things she had never been asked to do. He had just about managed to get a clear throat when Gorina criticised Kisuke so bluntly. Collin gave a tiny laugh through a small but warm smile and said. “What a refreshingly direct approach, it certainly seems to be getting the job done. Alas I am locked behind a veneer of civility which seems to be slowing me down.” He gave a small sigh and started tucking back into the remains of his meal, almost done now. He did however cast his eyes sideways towards Gorina when she was accused of being a drag, obviously irritated and Collin let a smile creep out of the corner of his mouth as if to jokingly reassure her that she was in no way a drag. His eyes swivelled forward again as an explanation was given as to the vizards. He listened with a deep frown on his face, though whether it was a frown of annoyance or concentration was hard to tell. Swallowing the last of his food he dug a small hole in the ground with his hands and then buried the bag the food came in before brushing his hands off across his lap and standing up. He decided to say nothing about being fond of Gorina one way or the other, her annoyed growl had been more than enough to warn him off the topic. Instead he merely observed. “Tell me, is earth some form of designated penal colony where all your most hardened criminals live?” It might have seemed like a joke, indeed there was a slight chuckle behind it but it was a laugh that seemed to be saying. ‘This can’t possibly be true can it?’ Not only that but his eyes seemed just a little too intense for comfort. He took a step forward which was once again a little too large for ease and left a pause just a tad too short for anyone to reply. “It’s just an alarming pattern seems to be developing or am I just going crazy, do you see it, can you see it?” His head cocked to the side and he went on. “Yes that’s it I must be losing it. It was just that for a moment it seemed to me that the living world, my world, was a giant toilet which the soul society sees fit to empty its massive diarrhoea ridden bowls into every once in a while and the faeces really does seem to be building up. Let’s take a tally shall we?” He took a step back and started counting off his fingers. “Right we have deserters and traitors, god knows how many of them are riding in the remote corners of this world. We have the criminally insane. After all being fused with a hollow has to muck your head up as evidence by their killing sprees. Oh of course we have mass murders as well. They are perfectly safe to let loose on an innocent poorly defended world that does not even really know they are there. That’s a really smart plan. Does the soul society not have a criminal justice system capable of dealing with these situations? Am I fundamentally misunderstanding something here?” He was getting more and more agitated as his speech went on. “So what can I expect to find around the next corner? A shinigami rapist that was cast down here rather than being dealt with properly? Some bloody war criminal that got thrust upon this innocent world? We have enough of our own problems without the cast offs of an extra planar society as well. Hardened criminals who likely have the ability to slaughter half this world if they see fit. He took a few steps back and held his head before cursing to himself. “Jesus fucking Christ.” His tone then seemed to lighten, it was still angry and agitated but significantly less so. Walking forward towards Kisuke he added. “I don’t blame your of course, rather the society from which you came.” He reached forward and put a hand on Kisuke’s shoulder. “Just please, please. Tell me you or someone else of sound mind has these people bloody neutered. Not literally of course though that may not be a bad idea if the issue is occasionally a genetic one. Just tell me they have had a lobotomy or are up to their eyeballs on drugs to keep them bloody calm and bloody stable or there is some other means of control, some sort of guarantee that they won’t act out again and it is not up to their own self control because that has clearly been demonstrated to be untrustworthy.”

He took a few steps back now, giving Kisuke some space before sighing and saying. “If not it is one more job to put on my ever increasing to do list, either that or somehow persuade them to get off this world which may be more practical.” There was a pause as he reflected on the situation. “Still...” His tone was becoming increasingly optimistic now, almost visibly bright. “In the course of dealing with them I will have opportunity to study them and their doubtless wrecked minds, a topic of great interest. And possible practicality. This news will interest the other Doctors grim.” He clicked his fingers as if in sudden remembrance, he had now adopted an slightly jovial, look at me what an idiot I am, tone and it would be easy to forget his indignation of a few moments ago but don’t. He meant every word of it. “I never told you about we doctors grim. I mentioned that I was the leader of a rag tag band of spiritually sensitive’s that I have collected.” He was playing his achievements down, the group was far from rag tag, they simply were not powerful. They were like an ant really. Small and relatively unimportant but far tougher and stronger than something of that size had any right to be. Heaven alone knows what might happen if they were able to tap into their various powers and abilities just as Chad and Orihime had done. Collin pressed on. “Any way myself and two other doctors have been named the doctors grim by the men, more specifically we each have our own individual nickname.”

He started counting off on his hands again. “First there is Doctor Gloucester. Or Doctor the Lord Earl Thomas Gloucester. Or Prince Thomas Duke of Gloucester as he will become when his father dies of old age, pretty soon. He is about as noble as you can get without being in direct line for throne. You would never know it to speak to him though, he hardly acts like an oik but he mixes well with the common man. He was and is a brilliant experimental neuro and brain surgeon as well as pioneering a wealth of experimental drugs. Drugs I once prescribed in my mental health days. Thomas is a genius and unfortunately, one of my unhappy company. He has worked with me on numerous mental grafting experiments since spiritual awareness. He has also made headway on fundamental genetic restructuring as well as a weapon which can alter or eradicate all hollow brain chemistry. Our combined understandings of how the mind works makes a formidable base of knowledge.” Collin chuckled to himself. “You should see some of the twisted concoctions he has made for himself. One of the men made the connection between mental and physical grafting, one mind to another, one body to another. That combined with other projects, there generally painful nature and the fact every hollow subject of his has died, either as a result of the tests or because he considered letting successful experiments live for too long would be dangerous earned Thomas the nickname Dr Mengele. It is a joke in very bad taste I will agree, but it is a joke that stuck to him like a tick on a mule.” Collin sighed and shook his head before going on.

“The second is a tad more predictable I am afraid.” He gave a little grin as if to warn them that a very predictable and tired punch line was coming up. “Doctor Robertson, double doctorate actually, one in medicine one in robotics. He has done fascinating work with prosthetic limbs and substitute organs for the severely wounded, the technology is still very young but encouraging. He has also been doing work on micro robotics lately. Of course patching people up with limbs from other places and occasionally other people earned him the rather tired nickname of Doctor Frankenstein. Though he hardly helped himself when he patched one man up with various bits from six different people.” Collin gave a hearty little laugh and clapped his hands together in mirth. “He embraced his reputation though, whenever a dead body is brought to him he just rubs his hands together and says, here comes the harvest.” Collin laughed again at the image of the man he had painted in his own head before saying with a sigh. “That just leaves me. One of our number who has far too much time on his hands and spends it watching old films decided to nickname me Doctor Caligari. In the films the man always had this entranced sleeper walker by their side so given the fact that I can control people’s minds there was an obvious link. Plus a surprise twist but I don’t want to reveal that in case you ever see the film. Still, my name never stuck as much as the others. Never the less between us we make.” He then left a dramatic pause, as if there was a drum roll in his head, which there was. “The doctors grim.” Collin suddenly looked confused and bewildered and asked allowed. “How the hell did we end up talking about that.” He glanced around a bit as if the answer was on a nearby wall before suddenly regaining his focus.

The frivolity was suddenly gone, as quickly as it had come, replaced instantly with seriousness and gravitas. He listened in attentive silence as Kisuke began to give more information on his background but Collin just shook his head. “No, not as promised. You said you would tell me about areas of responsibility. I want to know your old function. Were you a line unit? Special forces? Armoured regiment? Though I don’t think you have those, nor do you have artillery so we can rule that out. Light infantry? Observer corps? Logistics? Medical corps? Research and Development? Engineer? Military police? The list goes on and on. Not only that but I want notable achievements. What did you do in that role which was worthy of note? Something that stood out.”

He cast his eye back to Gorina for a few moments, just to check up on her before pivoting his gaze skywards and adjusting the brim of his hat. “Right on schedule....” Rain slowly started falling down, little more than a mist at first but it swiftly it grew in severity, faster and faster, harder and harder until it almost hurt but Collin was just smiling. “3,2,1” A brilliant fork of lightning tore down from the clouds above, ominous in its silence. A few seconds a tremendous thunder clap seemed on the verge of tearing the sky apart. But Collin just laughed. “Ha, this one is going to be a big beauty. If only I was climbing an awkward and muddy hill the picture would be complete. Alas we can’t have everything.” Whilst most people would be sheltering Collin seemed completely at home here, if he were invited inside he would go though with a slight sense of regret but he wanted a chat, either with them or Gorina. The wind suddenly began to whip up and near by shutters which were poorly secured flailed and snapped in the wind. Speaking clearly but not yet shouting over the wind Collin said. “This beauty came on quick didn’t she? Now then, did you have something to say to me?” Another bolt of lightning cleft the sky in two over head but the thunder clap was instantaneous, not a good sign, and low and behold the bolt did hit the tree. It almost exploded and pieces of flaming, superheated branch flew left right and centre including one rather large chunk heading straight for Collin. However, with reactions that can only be described as jack knife he took an abrupt step back, allowing the flaming log to sail harmlessly past him. Quite calmly he looked at the tree then at Gorina before saying with a smile. “Told you!” Then adding. “Don’t worry the tent will keep you safe, the rubber ground sheet is an excellent insulator.”

Collin was a little wary of Kisuke’s laugh when it came to him carrying his home with him but not in an I sense danger way, rather in a I sense a joke way. He was half expecting the man to make some snail based joke but Collin had a response lined up for that one, thankfully he did not have to use it. But then it was Collin’s turn to chuckle at the exchange between Yoruichi and Kisuke but aside from that he did nothing. He only chuckled louder when Kisuke praised his sense of direction before retorting. “Sense of direction! I was so out of it I could barely tell which way was up. Nah, it was concentration, a compass and the best map money could buy that saved my arse that day.” But when it came to the shark comment his only reply was a sharp, derisive “Ha!” Before adding. “There are no sharks in the English channel you dope. You are more likely to get hit by the shipping than nibbled on by one of our toothy palls.” But despite this he was aware of Kisuke’s suspicion and curiosity. He could tell by those tiny little micro gestures and give aways in a person’s face and eyes. It forced Collin onto his guard, he was not yet sure where this man’s loyalties lay or if he had any loyalties at all, Collin would have to be cautious but be jovial in the way he went about it. However, his attention could not rest on him for too long, he had to go and see to Gorina. He had worked out by now that she was not the most popular person in the world and her natural gruffness did little to alleviate the situation, it only deepened it. But Collin was determined to get on her good side. Initially it was of only diplomatic importance, then of tactical significance. He had no actual feelings towards her one way or the other, it was all just strategy and whilst that still played a part he had taken something of a shine to the woman. True she was rough around the edges and he was still cautious of possible violent blackouts or other aggressive tendancies but he had come to the conclusion that at her core she was perfectly fine, good even. Perhaps this notion was misguided, perhaps not but he was going to act on it. As such when her eyes went wide open in surprise he gave a slight chuckle and commented. “Don’t look so surprised, hell you look like a deer in the headlights. You aren’t so bad you know. A little rough around the edges perhaps but that’s all.” He smiled wryly at this and watched her just as she was watching him, but whilst she was trying to figure things out he was clearly taking pleasure in the fact she was trying so hard to work him out.

Once the topic shifted to weather he gave another tiny chuckle and commented. “Smelt, one hell of a hooter but I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised. I taste it, it is so thick in the air it’s like I am chewing on stainless steel, without the pain.” He then gave a tiny little chuckle once again. As he walked away once again after she refused to get out from under the tree he called back to her. “Fine, sit under a giant lightning conductor then. But I reserve the right to say I told you so.” A few moments later, when the rock sailed past his head on an intercept course with Kisuke Collin secretly smiled. But he was not smiling at the violence, rather he was smiling at the predictability of it all. It was as if he were about to tsk, shake his head and say something along the lines of there she goes again. But he was perversely enjoying himself. A little while latter, after Kisuke had given his heavily edited version of his past Collin gave a tiny little snort. He knew from the outset the man was clever, if somewhat eccentric. But now it was becoming clear that he had some sort of agenda, plan or other cunning machination. After all the man had said almost nothing of use, even the idea that he had been accused of a crime meant little. They were hardly in hiding, if Gorina knew where they were presumably so did many others and they were hardly descending upon this place with furious justice. Looking over at Yoruichi for a moment he observed. “Humm, how very curious. Of course I know nothing of the magnitude of the crime of which our friend Kisuke here has been accused. But I can make a guess at yours. If you helped a wanted felon to escape that’s aiding and abetting and most likely conspiracy to commit a crime, but it gets far more serious than that. Allthough I have yet to see you in action I can tell simply by the way you carry yourself you are well trained and extraordinarily confident. Meaning you were most likely a shinigami probably a senior one. This adds desertion, treachery and treason to your list of charges. Those are pretty fucking serious.” Collin was not a man to swear often, certainly not past the word bloody which he used quite often so if ever he deployed curse words it was a strong hint at the seriousness of the situation or the strength of his feelings. “So my question is why aren’t you dead? If someone under my command were to do what I believe you did I would commit vast resources to bringing them to justice. If you allow one traitor to go free it gives other waverers confidence, it breeds dissent and defiance of orders as well as being a massive security breach and generally spiting in the face of authority. Upon capture they would then be hung drawn and quartered. A particularly nasty execution but one which fits the crime. You are hung but not so it snaps your neck, you just dangle there chocking until your skin starts to turn blue, your tongue turns black and swells to such an extent it sometimes bursts. Bowls void resulting in pissing and shiting yourself. Muscle tension in the neck reaches such levels that the flesh begins to tear. Occasionally eyes pop due to the pressure the lungs fill slowly with blood and muscles twitch and spasm out of control. Then on the point of death your brought down, any and all sexual organs removed in the most painful way possible and burnt in front of your eyes before you at last die when your body is cut into four or five pieces and mounted on pikes as an example to all. I wish to make it perfectly clear I bare no grudge against you.” He added in an almost apologetic tone. “After all you have not betrayed or injured me but the shinigami seem to know where you are and I am sure there collective might could deal with you so why aren’t you dead? What is so special about you or this situation?” He was genuinely curious, for crimes of this magnitude to go unpunished seemed very very strange to him. Furthermore, though he did not say it, he was on the lookout for evasive or unsatisfactory answers. If he received any it would only deepen his suspicions and Collin’s suspicion was something you could do without.

However, he would continue with the conversation as circumstances warranted, he was not angry or vexed merely very, very curious and a little concerned. He was about to continue chatting when he felt movement nearby and turned casually to see Shinji with Gorina, he made nothing of it but he did have a slight twitch in his eye when he made that blunt observation about Gorina’s so called rack. It was not that he was offended out of a sense of protectiveness or fealty but more by the fact that it was so horrendously rude under any circumstances. Such comments were not made in civilized society, certainly not right in the face of the one you are talking about. As such he smiled a little when Gorina delivered a sharp kick to his face, it was the right response. Collin then stood and watched in silence as the man enquired about a so called Mop Top, not knowing who they were talking about. He only responded when addressed directly by Shinji and even then it was just a slight nod of the head before the man vanished seemingly into thin air. Turning to Kisuke when he explained that the man was just another old colleague Collin paused for thought for a moment and did not dismiss the event so readily, rather he silently observed that the seemingly harmless man seemed to be at the centre of a ring of ex shinigami and as such was a person of even greater note and influence than he had first thought. Not only that but the man was attempting to hide it, suspicious indeed. However, Collin would not act on this, he needed Kisuke but Kisuke did not need him.

As the topic shifted to when he died Collin chuckled and observed. “Never enter the world of business, at least not with anyone of sound mind. You grasp the essentials of getting the most for the least but you don’t know how to disguise it. So far you have told me very little about yourselves, bordering on nothing. Trying to rip me off?” Collin chuckled again, it was said in good humour but he meant every word. “Come on man, I have your name and the fact you are a disgraced shinigami, justly or not. I don’t have rank, unit, department, area of responsibility and any notable relevant achievements. If you had given me just one or two of these things I might not have noticed but by trying to keep the balance of information so totally in your favour it becomes ludicrously obvious and as such instead of just accepting the tit bits you may have given me I am now demanding the lot.” He gave a semi amused snort and added in a jovial way. “You really shot yourself in the foot there.” Then he smiled wryly. “But I will indulge you, on the assumption you come clean.” Leaning back he started. “ I died on April the twelfth, late afternoon. I had just left a particularly encouraging meeting and myself and a close friend were going to have a celebratory coffee and cake. I had had a few glasses of wine and was not in a fit state to drive so my colleague drove. We were passing some road works where traffic was confined to a single lane. As such there were some temporary traffic lights regulating the flow of cars. Perhaps there was a malfunction or perhaps the other car was driven by an idiot but for one reason or another we were given the signal to go whilst traffic was oncoming, from around the corner which we could not see. A head on collision ensued my friend was killed instantly, massive head injuries I believe. I was impaled through the stomach and legs by several pieces of metal and glass. There I remained until the fire crew attempted to extract me. In order to do so several pieces of metal had to be extracted. The release in pressure was to great, I suffered massive blood loss and they were unable to stem the flow in time. I died on the side of the road. My friend, now in spirit for was standing by the side of the car in considerably confusion and shock. I must confess I was somewhat perplexed as well. I had always rejected the concept of a soul as ill founded wishful thinking by people who could not accept that their pointless and unfulfilled lives would not end upon their death. People who wished and hoped that it would all be all right in some other life.” Collin chuckled and tilted his head back. “Oh how wrong I was.” He sighed slightly and added. “What followed was a series of desperate battles and scraps against hollow and shinigami alike. We were labouring under the belief that both wished to do us harm of some form or other. Not only that but we stuck very close to our bodies at all times, it was this that has unfortunately led to a great deal of confusion as to how we are walking and talking again. And yes I said we. My friend, like me was resurrected. Not only that but we have gathered several other spiritual sensitive humans to our banner and have worked together, though many have fallen. I am but one, there leader true, but only one of them. You may even get a chance to meet some of them in time.” He smiled before turning his attention back to Gorina.

He was slightly amused to see her so confused by boiling water but did not point this out for fear it would get him mauled. Instead he just walked over and squatted down next to her and glanced at his watch. “Should be ready by now.” Gently he pulled the silver bag out of the boiling watter, tore to top off all the way and then handed it to Gorina along with the spork. “Just eat out of the bag, it’s sausage and beans. Hardly fine food I’ll grant you but it keeps you full. I’ll have to cook properly for you one of these days, a big full slap up meal. But I would need a kitchen for that.” He began to think of all the lovely foods and fine meals he had not eaten for an age, his stomach loudly rumbled at the thought but he just patted it into silence and said to his own belly. “Now now, calm down, you’ve gone longer without food.” None the less he was starving but decide not to complain, or even think about it. It would just make things worse. Instead he looked over at Gorina and said. “Nice?”

((Don't worry, I'll guide you allong, drop hints in the posts etc. I'll get writing that very soon. Look out for it in the descriptive section. By the way the order I will reply in will be one to this thread, one to the other and so on provided that fits.))

alright i'll decided i'll do it you'll just have to teach me some things along the way ^^

it's alright like i said life takes a chunk of your time and it's alright i was just hoping thats all ^^;;

and to tell you the truth i don't know what your talking about or what Discworld is XD i guess i can google it lol it is my best friend >.>;;....

and it's alright if you dont know we both dont know lol it's just about bleach mostly now my girl the only one knowing alchemy and trying to find a way to survive in the wacky little world that just isn't her own..u.u...

i shall google this Discworld and tell you if i want to rp it im willing to do anything really so i probably will you can teach me the stuff along the way if that's alright with you if not then..well...i guess we can just do this one ^^

Unfortunately it might be a day or two more before I can reply to this. Furthermore I regret to say I won’t have enough time to get involved in your crossover. This thread is taking up a fair chunk of my time and work is mounting. However, I might have time to do one more thread. But, I do really want to do a discworld based one. I always wanted to RP discworld but never ever got the chance to do it. Besides I don’t know enough about your cross over for me to be effective. However, before I float my idea in the RP requests section I’d like to extend a personal invitation to you to do the discworld idea, if you are interested that is. For your information it would be set in Ankh Morpork and if you are unfamiliar with many of the characters I can RP all the set people. My own guy would be an OC but as I said, I can play cannon characters. You could be cannon or OC, aside from Vetinari he is off limits for plot reasons. As a guide the night watch, assassins, the press, and Uberwald will be heavily involved. As will lawyers and traders.

Collin watched with cautious anticipation as Gorina made up her mind whether to reveal her indiscretion or not, in fact he could practically see the cogs turning in her head. He was gratified when she started talking but was immediately cautious when she described the incident as a minor mishap. People had described fatal accidents and mine cave ins as a minor mishap before now and he got the distinct feeling that for Gorina losing control did not consist of throwing her drink at someone. However, she was smart enough to realise that if she did not tell him he would get someone else to and they would likely tell a much less favourable tale. He continued to listen in contemplative silence as she told her entire story, the important facts were that she was prone to uncontrollable blackouts with what seemed extreme violence and that she had some degree of hollow genetic material. This was not a pretty picture at all and he was momentarily tempted to kill her then and there, but he opted against it. Partly because he was not entirely sure he could, partly because she claimed that everything was fine, partly because he trusted her a little and partly because she was of great tactical importance. She was his in and could not yet be disposed of. So instead he just said. “I see.” Then after a moment’s thought. “You made the right decision in telling me what you know. Silence would only have bred suspicion and mistrust as well as wild exaggerations of what you may have done in my head. That in turn would have led to a rather sticky end in all probability.” He said all this in a very matter of fact tone and pressed on towards the shop. Though he seemed blunt Gorina had just scored some major plus points though Collin would now be ever cautious of violent blackouts.

A few moments later when the duo had reached the shop the mood almost instantly lightened, for Collin at least, and just like Yoruichi he found Gorina’s reaction hilarious and his cheeky smile became that much larger. He did however, make a mental note not to do too much of that again, especially since the pair hardly knew each other. He was further amused by Yoruichi’s reaction to his appearance, he enjoyed provoking this strange or extreme reactions in people, especially shock and surprise. But he did not say anything about it, he just smiled and ploughed on. He was similarly delighted at the woman’s reaction to his little snake charming trick and when she came to ask how he merely tapped the side of his nose and replied. “Ahh, trade secret I am afraid.” All the while smiling with increasing degrees of enthusiasm, he even let out a tiny laugh. When she asked about defects he replied in a slightly confused manner. “I am not sure what you mean by that, if you mean am I still poor at conventional fighting then the answer is yes. After all as we just demonstrated I can trick your mind but if I were to take my fists and climbing gear to you I doubt I would even cause minimal damage.” He rushed this sentence a little to turn and face Kisuke who was now emerging from the building prompting Collin to smile, as he made a guess at who it was, and say. “Ah, the man himself. I am glad you are pleased.” He looked over at Gorina as she seemed to growl at Kisuke’s greeting, prompting Collin to mutter in a way only Kisuke and Yoruichi could hear. “Yeah, I’m still trying to work that one out.”

He continued to listen as Kisuke agreed to train him, after a short delay. Collin nodded briefly and replied. “Well why thank you. As for having a place to stay.” He reached behind him and tapped the bulging and epically proportioned pack that seemed almost to be a part of his body. “I always have a place to stay. I have a sleeping bag, a tent, a camping stove and ration packs. Normally I would hunt or forage for food to save on ration consumption but pickings can be lean in the city. Besides today calls for celebration. Humm, I think I might even have a couple sausage and bean boil bags. I have not had one of those for months.” He licked his lips eagerly, it was hardly elegant or refined food, it was not even that tasty but compared to what he had been recently eating it was a blessing. Indeed thinking on this he suddenly gave out a little chuckle and grinning said. “You know there was this point when I was trekking across the Mongolian Steppes to get here and there is almost no life there. No trees, very few rivers, hardly any rain fall and high temperatures. All that there is are mile upon mile of dry grass land. You will go for weeks and not see a sole or an animal but I was lucky. I came across some horse herders in the night and they had erected a primitive fence. I stole three horses, I rode one and tied the other two to me and they followed but I also stole some of the fence. When I was safely away I killed one of the horses and ate it. Did you know that if you eat every bit of animal, bone marrow, brain the lot and you eat it instantly and you eat it raw then you get all the nutrients you need to survive. I ate as much of the horse as I could, loaded the rest of the carcass onto the fence tied it to a horse and dragged it along. I ate the rest the next day wagering it would not go bad. That kept me fed for a few days. Meanwhile the other two horses just ate grass. Then when I was hungry again I ate the second horse and eventually I had to eat the horse I was riding to. That horse must have been sick because I got a nasty bug I can tell you. I was vomiting for days, threw up so much I became dangerously dehydrated and my water supplies were running low.” By now all his words were interrupted by self deprecating laughter, indeed he had to try and start his next sentence several times. “I...I...I, HA I would have died were it not for that river, god bless my navigational skills even when I am delirious.” He took a few moments to calm himself down and catch his breath before wiping an eye and saying with a sigh. “Oh I have got a million of those, ah the lengths I went to to bloody well get here.” He then snapped his fingers in remembrance. “Oh there was this one time, you’ll love this, this one time. I had to swim across the English channel at the very start of my journey. We won’t get into why there was unpleasantness. Anyway, I had to swim with my fucking pack, all my clothes the lot. No one has ever done that before. About half way across I got tired from the extra weight, not good. I almost drowned. I rolled onto my back and floated like a starfish for a while, to get my breath back but that water is so so cold. I got swimming again eventually and got to the French coast but I had hypothermia. Some items in my first aid kit helped me but I spent a week hiding in a French migrant camp near the tunnel just huddled close to a fire and wrapped in blankets before I could get walking again.” He was laughing again but no so hard this time, none the less it was clear he could laugh at these events after the fact, but at the time he was very, very unhappy. “As I said, I got a million of them, tales for around the campfire I think.....speaking of which.” He glanced over his shoulder at Gorina, held up a finger and said. “Just wait one second.”

On that not he ambled over to the woman, who was at this point propped up against the tree and seemingly deep in thought. Hands rammed in pockets he looked down at the woman and seemed to look both concerned and awkward at the same time. “Hey Gorina, if what Kisuke says is true and you really do have nowhere to spend the night you can always have my tent, even my sleeping bag if you like.” He kicked the dirt slightly and went on to say. “Heck, you can even have one of my boil in the bag ration packs. I can go a night without it. Besides.” He then seemed to lick his lips and smack his tongue against the roof of his mouth. “A storms coming, I can taste it in the air. That metallic taste, can you feel it? It is a talent that runs in the family. I would say it will be here in about half an hour. Speaking of which you should get out from under that tree.” He pointed up at the branches before smiling and jerking over his shoulder. “Tell you what. I’ll pitch my tent on that patch of earth over there, lay out the sleeping bag and get the stove going. You can stay there is you want, if you don’t I’ll just use it and if you do I’ll just sit outside, I enjoy bad weather. I warn you though I might hum or talk to myself to pass the time.” He smiled warmly and humorously but did not laugh and he then ambled over to the patch of earth, unslung his pack and started removing various rods, hooks, ropes and sheets.

From this patch he was close enough to communicate with Yoruichi and Kisuke but only by yelling, so instead he beckoned them over so as that they could have a chinwag as he worked. In between the clank and rustle of him pitching the tent, hammering the hooks in by stamping on them rather than with a hammer to save on items he had to carry, he said. “Well, you say you want me to tell you more about myself so I will. But quid pro quo my friends, quid pro quo. I tell you something you tell me something about you.” He seemed to fall into thought for a few moments before starting up with. “All right, here is something to get the ball rolling, though after this you will have to tell me what area you want to know about. I will give you a little background information that is relevant to what we are doing now. Though I may not know much about spiritual affairs I am not totally green behind the ears. I am a military man, or at least I used to be. But as long as I am officially insane and a wanted felon I can’t go back. Don’t worry though, my insanity is largely contributed to me seeing hollows, they think it is delusional and as various knock on effects from this some crimes were committed. If I can ever prove to them that this is all real then I’m sure I will be forgiven but until such I time I am a man on the run. If you want I can tell you all about how that unpleasantness happened later. What is relevant for the moment is my military background.”

He diverted his attention for a moment to a challenging knot before finally rigging up the tent and then tossing the sleeping bag inside before turning his attention to the stove. “I studied for a psychiatry degree, technically I am a doctor and I do have medical training in more conventional ailments though I am rusty and it is far from my strong suit. Any module I could study that was non psychiatry related I always did in war studies. Not only that but my degree was paid for by her majesty, that is another way of saying the army. After graduation I went through basic training and then I was sent off to Sandhurst. That is the royal army college for anyone who wishes to be a commissioned officer, lieutenants and up. I passed with flying colours and was given my commission as a lieutenant. It is strictly against the rules for anyone to go in at a higher rank than that. I initially worked in the Royal Army Medical Core as part of the mental health team. But I also did some work on promotion boards. It was my job to test a candidates mental suitability. So as that those who would crack under pressure, had any kind of mental condition or were otherwise unsuitable did not get though the net and be allowed to be officers. However, mental health was not my calling. I applied for a transfer over to military intelligence and demonstrated my mental trickery, I was swiftly accepted and assigned to interrogation duty. However, if there was ever a special case that did not fit neatly inside one of the preasigned categories I was one of the people called on to deal with the problem. I was in MI for a few months before I got called up for my promotion to captain for sterling services rendered. A bloody fast promotion I will tell you. Unfortunately I was waiting on the final confirmation when.” He then drew a finger across his throat and mad a sickly “crugh” noise. “I died and though a complicated series of bitter and twisted events I end up here. If you want to know more ask away but now it’s your turn.”

He poured some water from his canteen into a saucepan and laid it over the stove where it started to boil. He popped a silver ration bag into the boiling water and began to time it as well as draw out a spork and laid it on the ground ready for Gorina, if she chose to eat. Realising that Gorina would not like Kisuke near her Collin stood up and walked a little way away from the tent so Gorina could enjoy it peacefully before turning to the duo and saying. “So tell me about your relevant background. I find my curiosity strangely aroused by the pair of you.” Remembering that rain was coming he put his hat back on, casting most of his features into shadow before leaning against a wall ready to hear all.

((I am glad to hear you are so happy, I like long posts to. Hail to long posts!))

Collin was largely unaware of Gorina’s feelings towards Yamamoto, he could tell she disliked the man thoroughly. Tiny little gestures on her face gave that much away. He could have probed further and gauged the tiny movements in her eyes, lips, hands and indeed her body in general to make a more accurate and complete picture but he opted against it. Due to a combination of tactics, diplomacy and personal inclination Collin had reached the decision not to use any of his mental trickery on Gorina in order to pry into her brain. Instead he would let her divulge the information in her own time, with a bit of prompting perhaps. But one other thing he clearly saw and was very gratified to see was the fact she was now listening keenly to him. Previously she had seemed a little disinterested or even burdened by his presence but now he had wormed his way up to a person of note. It was true that this was most likely due to the interesting and possibly unique nature of his talents but he would settle for that for now, it gave him time to foster other connections with her and those around her, vital to his long term success. It did not concern him that her eagerness seemed to be fringed with a dark, sinister enjoyment, it was all the same to him, results was all he cared about. He chuckled slightly though when he was told not to let on that he believed Kisuke was intriguing because the man would then never shut up. “Why would I want to shut him up?” Was his reply. “Generally people like talking about themselves,” he continued. “I am more than willing to let the man rabbit on for hours if he so pleases. All I need to do is provide an attentive and curious ear. In most cases just listening to people is a good way to gain an initial increase in favour, and from there you can build.” Then after a moment’s thought repeated. “In most cases.” He was thinking about Gorina’s curtness and clipped manner of conversation and turning to her he smiled slight and gave a tiny amused humph before looking ahead again and asking. “By the way, what would I have to beat him with again? Or maybe it was who, it sounded like a who but you don’t beat people with other people.” He sounded slightly perplexed, of course he would have no idea just what Benihime was. He was aware of the basic concept of a zanpakuto but he could not be expected to be aware of the specifics as they applied to individuals.

He ignored Hanatarou’s confusion and desire for tea as Collin left, he had said all he wished to say to the boy for now, but he would make sure to check on the lad latter. He turned his attention back to Gorina as she seemed to revel in the cold night air. He was not sure whether she was an outdoors person or just a night person yet, neither would have surprised him. Whether barely effected him though, especially mere mild changes such as a chill nights breeze. It took some serious whether such as blizzards, Sahara level heat, gale force winds or the precipitation levels that cause rivers to burst their banks in order to get his attention. Even then he just perversely enjoyed them, he seemed to revel in bad weather, he was odd like that. He might have asked her about the subject but a glance at the woman revealed that she was deep in thought, as such he decided to leave her before the time being. He was gauging her reactions very carefully to both the news about attacking shinigami and about the basic principles on which his trickery worked. He was not sure what to think of her reaction to the latter, her obvious interest could either have been academic or more sinister in nature, she could try to use it against him. True he had said nothing which told her how to beat him short of outright insanity but he made a note to be cautious. He wanted to trust her but he would be foolish to do so completely after only knowing her for a brief while. He was about to start his in-depth analysis of her little grunt when the phone vibrated.

Stop pin on command he assumed a position a little behind Gorina but did not try to provoke her by looking over her shoulder at the phone, though he could hear the conversation clearly and from Yachiru’s perspective he would only just be visible behind Gorina. Collin’s eyes widened a bit when the opening word to the conversation was doggy. It was true he did not yet know Gorina well but he had arrived at the conclusion that you did not tease or draw obvious attention to her canine tendencies if you wanted to be in her good books. He had also guessed that Gorina was a force to be reckoned with, as such he at first thought Yachiru would be rendered limb from limb upon their next encounter. However, it swiftly became apparent that this was not going to be the case. When the phone was shifted to give the girl a good look at Collin he simple waved back in a slightly hesitant way which was linked to his current state of confusion. He was still trying to fathom exactly what was going on, but business swiftly became serious even if it was presented by a shill and excitable child. Apparently Gorina had left without permission, this could be construed as deserting your post, a very serious offence. But something arguably even more important, to Collin at least, was then mentioned. It was said as a throw away comment but reference to losing control grabbed Collin’s attention but he showed no outward signs of this, at least not yet. He just stood there and did nothing for now. Instead he waited until the conversation was over and rather than ask about that bizarre girl on the other side of the screen he instead said. “Lose control?” The tone made it clear that it was a question and it was one of those come clean moments. Of course Gorina could stay silent, she had to weigh up the benefits of silence versus speech in her own head but the repercussions of her decision could be serious either way.

No matter what her answer though he would keep on following her to their destination and once again stood slightly behind Gorina and to the side when it came time for them to stop. He cracked a silent, but amused smile when Yoruichi suggested that he was Gorina’s date and when she rejected the notion thoroughly he turned to her and said in a mock wounded voice. “Aw, you hurt me deeply you really do.” He even put one hand to his hart and put on a sarcastic hurt face. He stayed like this for a second or two before relaxing and going back to standing more normally with a smile and a slight chuckle. However, he was genuinely pleased at Gorina’s words. Not in the fact that she was not romantically interested in him but rather because she had referred to him as an ally. It was a very definite step in the right direction and an encouraging sign of progress. Unsurprised at how unwilling Gorina was to explain the circumstances to Yoruichi Collin simply stepped forward when ordered. With his left hand behind his back he reached up with his right and removed his hat, exposing for the first time his blonde hair. There was nothing particularly remarkable about it, a normal cut swept right back but what did stand out was how filthy it was. It fitted in with his dishevelled, tired, dirty, worn and scruffy look perfectly. What was remarkable was the fact that if he scrubbed up, looked after himself and had a very, very long shower he would actually be a handsome lad, in a thirties kind of way. But as has already been stated personal grooming went out of the window during his many month long journey. Indeed he looked as though he could have been a street bum begging for change were it not for the air of confidence he seemed to be wearing at the moment as well as his undeniably high grade hiking equipment. He had taken the hat off out of politeness but almost instantly regretted it, still he had done it now and did not compound the situation by hastily putting it back on. Instead he just held both hands behind his back and said with a smile. “Don’t mind the mess, I scrub up pretty well actually besides I’ve been worse, much worse.” He looked up and to the left slightly as if recalling something but rapidly shook himself out of his reminiscing and turned back to business.

He gave a brief nod of his head saying. “You are correct Maam, I was indeed brought here to see Kisuke Uruhara, it is a shame he is resting but I shall not disturb him. But since you have so kindly volunteered yourself I will give you the run down so to speak. Due to a series of complex and unfortunate events which I shall not burden you with now, unless of course you so wish, I found myself coming to several key conclusions. Chief amongst them are to be A, more involved in general spiritual events and happenings, and B to receive training in more conventional forms of fighting. Both of these considerations required me being here, after all my research did point to this area being the core of spiritual activity on this planet. It took several months for me to get here since financial restraints prevented me from using air travel. As for why I am here in front of you well that is point B as I mentioned earlier.” He then seemed to pause for thought for just a moment and cock his head to one side before continuing in less formal tones than mere moments ago. “Although, since you and your friend were so hastily recommended to me that probably means you are figures of respect and standing, officially or otherwise. Thus aiding with point A as well. Goody.” He delivered that last word with an air of almost enjoyment and eyebrows raised momentarily in eagerness but all the time it was self aware with a slightly light hearted twist. “Oh, but forgive me, I am getting ahead of myself. I should explain the fact that I know almost nothing about conventional spiritual combat, or indeed spiritual combat as a whole. I have survived by avoiding toe to toe fighting wherever possible, either by flight, hiding or mental trickery, more on that later. When I have been forced into a toe to toe engagement it tends to be through the novel application of climbing equipment.” Then after a tiny chuckled added in a wistful manner. “ Crampons are my personal favourite, with a pair of those you can seriously damage a man.” Then reverting to his previous tone. “Still, I imagine that in this town the shit is going to hit the fan rather more often and I need to be ready for that.”

He then seemed to start to walk away, but not back in the direction of Gorina, instead he was heading off to the side towards some trash cans. As he did so he continued speaking, now in a slightly raised voice to compensate for the distance. “So, I hope you are getting the picture, please tell me if there is something you wish to know more about.....ah ha, this should do.” He then drew out a stick, a few feet long but not to large. He tossed it over to Yoruichi calling. “Catch!” As he did so. Assuming the woman did indeed do as instructed Collin would then walk back towards her with a slightly surprised look on his face whilst simultaneously stuffing his hat into one of his outside pockets. “You are a very brave woman Yoruichi, braver than I. Aren’t you afraid of snakes?” If Yourichi were to look again she would see, as well as utterly believe, that she was now grasping a long dark olive snake by the neck. Its lower body was thrashing wildly trying to get free and it was desperately trying to bite her hand, but so long as she held tight that would not happen but only by a tiny margin. “I would hold on very tight if I were you, don’t let go. That is a black mamba, its venom will kill you, now hold still.” Collin advanced slowly on Yoruichi, but whilst he did so he looked over at Gorina who was presumably paying attention to this latest turn of events. As he did so he winked at the wolfen girl who would be able to see it was nothing more than a stick in Yoruichi’s hand. Once Collin had gotten to Yoruichi he ceased the snake gently and it phased back into a stick. He gently prized it away from the woman smiling and saying with a tiny chuckle. “Forgive me but an impromptu demonstration can be more effective than words. This is to do with the mental trickery I mentioned earlier. As Gorina can testify I can take control of men’s actions, make them divulge state secret, implant long term sleeper commands, kill people they have known their whole lives or even kill themselves. I can edit myself out of perception so as to be effectively invisible, make people believe things never happened, make them see or feel things that are not there. Give people false memory and generally assert my will onto others. This has nothing to do with spiritual affairs at all it works on a completely different system.”

Hands now in pockets he walked up towards a nearby wall and in an effort to vent some of his excess exuberance he simply jumped at it, tucked his legs up, twisted and kicked off the wall sending him hurtling backwards with just enough time to right himself and land on his feet without ever taking his hands out of his pockets. He was grinning like a Cheshire cat by now as he went on. “The reason why I showed you this was twofold. Firstly it generally helps you understand me, my capabilities, where I am coming from blah blah blah. Secondly I don’t expect to be helped for free, I’d like it but I don’t expect it. In the absence of any sizable amounts of cash with which to pay you remuneration would have to take the form of my services. That demonstration was designed to show you just how valuable such services could prove and hopefully encourage you to take me on.” He then waved a hand, almost casually. “Of course I don’t expect you to reach a decision instantly and certainly not without consulting your colleague so no need to answer now, feel free to take your time.”