浮竹 十四郎 | Ukitake Jyuushirou

[Ukitake makes a rare voice post. He's brave enough for video, but the fact remains that he is covered in blood, both his and someone else's, so he spares the network that much. Still, when the feed begins, his breathing is audible and it's clear that even that much is painful for him. But he soldiers on and speaks, his voice quieter than usual and lacking that joyful tone that he usually exudes so well.]

This won't be easy to hear, and it's just as hard to say, but it must be done.

[Of course, he's interrupted by his own coughing, a familiar sound to those who know him and recognizable as his illness acting up again. The sound is harsh and it's evident that this is a bad attack.]

...It must be done. Riku has been killed. I am...taking him to the clinic, so he will be there until he comes back.

[Another coughing fit overtakes him again.]

Heh...I think I will also be there for some time at this rate. Retsu-san, I apologize for this.

And, please, everyone. Look after yourselves.

[He pauses, as if considering saying something else, but it's never said. Ukitake turns off the feed.]

[The PCD turns on to show a figure wrapped up in a blanket, long white hair spilling over his shoulders.  Ukitake is on the roof, though it isn't apparent as to why, but that's not important.  All he's doing is staring out over the city, the chill in the air tinging his pale cheeks pink.  And when he speaks, whether it's to himself or an unseen person is unknown, his voice is soft, quiet.]

Just a captain without his soldiers.

[He goes silent again for a few moments, but then chuckles to himself, a hand reaching out to the sword resting beside him, his fingers lightly trailing over the scabbard.]

That's silly of me to say.  Kuchiki-san is here and others could show up any day, though I wouldn't wish this curse upon them.

[He sighs and places his palm flat against the scabbard now.]

I need a goal, Sougyo no Kotowari.  I can only sit back and watch for so much longer.

[He looks back out across the expanse before the PCD shuts off.]

[Have Ukitake.

Have Ukitake who is very unhappy.  Don't let his pretty pretty wings give you the wrong impression.]

I will not condemn the killings and general chaos that has been happening this week as that will do no good now.  Instead, I suggest, though it should be common sense by now, that everyone stay inside if you feel you cannot protect yourself.  And even if you can, do not let your confidence take control.  There is a time for risks, and there is a time for caution.  There is nothing wrong with asking for a walking buddy if you must go out.

I will even offer myself to act as such if anyone wishes.

Take care and keep your eyes open.

( [Private//Unhackable to Jr./Albedo] )


[ooc:  No, Ukitake is not female again.  Those wings on the fairy are just really pretty.]

[The feed turns on to show Ukitake gathering up some sake cups, setting one in front of him and the other in front of where the guest would sit.  Of course, the guest he has in mind isn't here any longer.  He pours sake into the cups, not quite full, but it's the thought that counts, right?

Setting down the sake bottle, he folds his hands in his lap and bows his head.  All is silent for a few moments.]

I know you wanted to keep your stash secret, but you were never good at hiding some things from me.

[He lifts his cup up.]

I'll take good care of it, Kyouraku.

[And drinks it in one go, immediately setting it down.  He sits silently again, looking at the untouched cup, and finally drains it, as well, sighing lightly as he sets it down.

Then the feed cuts out.]