Nakatomi Izanami

[Darake Kitoushi]

Name: Nakatomi (中臣): A name of nobility, honorably a decedent of one of Seireitei's four noble clans. Izanami (イザナミ): Japanese myth name meaning "female who invites."

Age: Looking at Iza she would appear to be nineteen years old, yet she is much older her actual age is 110 years old.

Gender: Female

Birthday: April 19th, an Easter baby. The best babies are born in April.

Height: 5'2''

Weight: 115 lbs

Eye color: Deep Grey eyes with flecks of bluish purples.

Hair color: Dark Black hair with a reddish tone in the sunlight.

Division: Shocking all of Seireitei she joined the 12th Division, following in the footsteps of her mother the former Captain of the 12th, instead of the Noble Nakatomi Division (2nd Division).

Rank:Captain

Constitution
-Strength: 15 [While her strength is average, she tends to rely on her increased reiatsu bestowed by her noble birth.]
-Endurance: 15 [She has an above average resistance to pain but she will still complain about the small stuff.]
Dexterity
-Agility: 25 [Iza spends most of her time training in speed and trying to obtain Shunpo. Her poison eater, Kitoushi, is always more than willing to help her with "training"... or so that is what she tells herself. Maybe he just enjoys hitting her with boxing gloves.]
-Accuracy: 25 [Quick mind and quick hands.]
Zanjustu
-Attack: 10 [Her whips lacks in attack power, as it's main function is not attack but rather speed.]
-Defense: 10 [Defense is her weakest point, as she tends to rely on assassination type attacks.]
Kidou
-Hadou: 10
-Bakudou: 10
Perception
-Intelligence: 30 [She tends to learn things quite quickly.]
-Concentration 20 [Above average when it comes to combining Kidou.]
Presence
-Charisma: 10 [She can be charismatic but her air of nobility can put off some of her grass roots colleagues]
-Leadership: 20

Starting at the top, Iza has a heart shaped face because of that she has always felt she had a large forehead. She inwardly joked that her brain was so big that is her forehead was just adequate enough to house such brilliance, but she knows neurology well enough to know brain size had nothing to do with intelligence. Due to her slight forehead complex, she tends to style her hair with long side bangs.Due to her slight forehead complex, she keeps her hair at a long length, allowing for height and body. Almond shaped eyes, long auburn eyelashes, and a thin expressive eyebrow define her flirtatious eyes. Iza's nose is nothing too big or too small, she crinkles her nose when she laughs, but other than that it was a standard feature. With a significantly fuller bottom lip, then the top; this gives Iza a constant pout. She has high cheekbones and a solid structure to her face. On top her head sits her mix of black and auburn stranded hair. Having a fondness for 1960's pin-ups, this will be explained later on, she styles her black locks to mimic those curls of the past.

Iza is not a large woman; she is quite small reaching about 5’2, yet she is surprisingly graceful. She has a curvy frame with ample chest and luscious hips. Iza is graced with excellent posture; this is out of habit due to her need to look “equal” to Zaiella and living a life of nobility. Moving downwards to her very delicate looking but sturdy hands, that are always clean and manicured. Due to consistent training, Iza has a well toned body and enjoys the stress relief of running; at times she can be seen running throughout Soul society. Structurally not considered overly athletic, like Zaiella, yet she is fit. Surprisingly, this tiny dancer has quite larger feet, considering her small stature, a size 8 (US size); always kept clean, callous free, and pedicured. Due to her noble background and narcissistic nature, her nails always have matching nail polish, or designs, uniformly on fingers and toes. Make-up is always done proficiently and beautifully, making sure to not wear too much but just enough to enhance her features. Glossy lipstick adores her pouty lips give her lips a smooth look.

Captain's attire-

As a Captain, Iza rarely thinks about others when she dresses, she wears what is appropriate to her status. Getting ready for her day, as a Captain, she starts with putting on her white shitagi, then a black kimono. The Kimono is lined with Olive Green satin that perfectly matches her Division's colors; on the left front side of the kimono are needle worked sakura blossoms. The needle work is silk thread and is very soft and delicate to the touch. The green stems are lined with a deep purple color, to add to the richness in color, this kimono is very fitting of someone from a noble home. Her attire is the one thing that she indulges freely. Tied tightly around her waist is a olive green and gold obi. The obi, about 7 inches wide, with gold thread stitched into the shape of her family’s crest. Finally she ties a purple rope to secure the bow in the back, also olive green, and ties the rope into a three loop knot. The two foot rope is woven with fine but strong weaves and tassels hang from the end. Her pants are more snug than most Shinigami, this is due to her need to move quickly; any added fabric would get in the way. She wears a pair of white tabi that reach to just above her ankles and okobo made from a black wood found only in soul society. The black wood has a shimmering quality. This well crafted footwear is a family heirloom. The shoes also add a few inches in height to her petite build. The okobo straps are olive green and made from the same satin as the kimono. Lazily around her waist, sits a large black leather belt, with a large silver buckle. There is a small loop on the left side that comfortably holds her Zanpakato. Sadly most will never truly see the intricacies of her outfit, since it is covered by her Captain's Haori, again the Haori is tighter than most other Captain's for speed purposes but is relatively the same. The only difference is her diamond clasp on the front.

Rabbit Form: Usagi Keitai (ウサギ形態) [x] [x] [x] [x]

Within the Nakatomi house, some members are blessed with the Keitai ability. This transformation takes place in the form of an animal. Most Nakatomi's transformations are beast of preditorial aspects, yet Izanami changes into a rabbit. Though this animal fits her perfectly, it's speed and size are fitting of her personality. While in rabbit form she is extremely small weighing only a mere 4 pounds. Her fur is soft and shiny; most can't help but want to touch the small rabbit. In Usagi form, her fur is yellow with slight hints of pink, only seen while petting the adorable rabbit. Her hind legs are large and muscular, the pads on her paws are a darker pink. In times of extreme danger, she can change into this form and increase her reiatsu, this doubles her speed but in this form she is defenseless and has no weapons for protection. Lately she uses this only as a means to escape her division unseen.

Izanami is a very reserved and aloof person, around strangers or strange environments. She prefers to keep new people at arms length, due to her upbringing and people's natural tendency to hate the nobility. She is intelligent but emotionally immature and since she never allows herself to open up to other people this only encourages her snobbish behavior. Once you have spent enough time around Iza, and are no longer considered a stranger, you will encounter a very endearing and even extroverted person. At times, she can be extremely patronizing, the degree usually depends on how angry she is at the time. She can treat her peers like petulant children, forcing them to do her will because it is "best". She truly believes in the purpose and pride in Seireitei's nobility and feels most others are born below her and this is a fact of life and not something that should be treated lightly. The Nobles are the pillars of society and so her actions represent such a responsibility.

Most people that have seen Izanami around Kitoushi have seen a completely different side of her personality. She trusts, and yet distrusts, her poison eater like none other. With him she is open and talkative; she never talks down to him even if she thinks he is wrong, partially because she knows the brilliant man won't allow her attitude. She loves nothing more than to play pranks on him, although she is usually "caught in the act". When in need of advice, she will always seek Kitoushi out. Having deep rooted problems within her family, his company is her solace and sanctuary.

Once she has warmed up or is in comfortable surroundings, she can be sultry, sexy, flirtatious, and fun-loving: all words that could easily describe Iza but would barely scratch the surface of this enigmatic woman. At times she can be flirtatious with people, regardless of rank or gender. With a charismatic smile she can light up even the darkest corners of people’s hearts.

Due to her small size she has a very large Napoleon complex. Getting easily angered when called small, cute or being patronized. People have a tendency to hover over small women, this feels more like smothering to Iza. She hates feeling in any way Claustrophobic, even when someone is trying to be protective. She has a very independent nature and is unsure of how to react to overprotective attitudes. Even if someone was genuinely being kind, she would still react unkindly to such a gesture. When in battle, if an enemy makes her feel trapped, small, or smothered she can become violent. Normally in battle, she is calm and calculating but as stated previously her fear can trigger a violet reaction; lashing out and scratching her opponent till they are a bloody mess and/or deceased.

Being a former ballerina in her human life, Iza is small yet very graceful. During the Night, she can be found in the nearby fields surrounding Soul Society dancing and humming, her body control is impeccable and her dance is a feast for the eyes. Other then singing and dancing, she can also play piano and the violin.

Although she has a shrewd nature, this should never be mistaken for deceitfulness. She is completely loyal to soul society and would do anything to protect her home and family. Although her loyalty isn’t very easily earned, once earned it is forever. However, she is also loyal to many people or things; mostly Soul Society,the Noble houses and Kitoushi. Due to her sacrificial nature, she would give her life, her sanity; go through any sort of unimaginable pain for them. Knowing the pain of losing everything and everyone she has ever loved; she is completely aware they mean everything to her and has no plans to ever betray that special bond.

Iza is a bit of a comedian. To everyone's dismay, she tells horrible jokes and plays childish pranks. This is a very odd side of Iza as she tells horrible dirty jokes, which are just not funny. The pranks she pulls, mostly on Zaiella or Kitoushi, are childish and usually are followed by sticking her tongue out.

Izaami writes in ambigrams, hieroglyphics, and other forms of code. She enjoys leaving people notes which take immense mental powers to decode. Iza also signs all her paperwork with an ambigram. Due to her love of strategy she also enjoys playing Shogi, mostly because she tried to play Go with Kitoushi and lost miserably. They tend to play many games of Go, which she has never won, not even once. She hopes one day she will beat that white-haired freak!

[Darake Kitoushi]

Strengths: Her proficiency on the dance floor makes her graceful on and off the battlefield. She views the battle as an elaborate performance, where all performers play their parts. In her mind she is always the star and the diva, so she acts as such on the battlefield. Even in the heaviest of battles, she calmly moves through the battlefield with grace and a clear head. This makes her, in a sense, and excellent strategist. The analytical part of her mind that she rarely is allowed to use comes out on the battlefield.

Her speed is a great asset and when combined with her tactical abilities, she can always find the upper hand. Her diva-like behavior and noble blood give her the feeling of superiority and so she treats her opponents like they are beneath her. Iza has a large pain threshold, being able to withstand broken bones and cuts with ease. She pushes through the pain, all in the name of getting things done. Though in spite of her massive threshold, she will complain about minor cuts, as if her arm has been cut off.

Weaknesses: As stated previously, she has intense claustrophobia, even while being sheltered or protected. When in battle with an enemy the worst thing he could do is make her feel trapped, small, or smothered. Normally in battle she is calm and graceful but as stated her fear can trigger a violet reaction; lashing out and whipping till her opponent is a bloody mess and very dead. The only person she feels comfortable being protected by is her poison eater, Kitoushi, this is only because he has protected her since her 5th birthday.

A major weakness is her major lack of defense, in her conquest of speed and stealth she has rejected defense. Most who tend to have a large defense tend to be clunky, with is a major drawback for someone of the Nakatomi family. With a disability in defense and her Claustrophobia, she is an open target when unable to move or when she is trapped.



Sealed Zanpakutō: The sealed form is similar to other Zanpakutou; however it is full of surprises. The black hilt, about 10.75 inches, is wrapped with light blue ribbon, an ashen ruffle steams off the end. This ruffle is attached to a small loop and when pulled, it releases compartment with various poisons and elixirs. A safeguard for when close quarters combat becomes too close for Iza’s comfort. In Iza’s mind it is always best to have a trump card… or twenty.

Zanpakutō Spirit: [x] Kurage is Iza’s Zanpaktou spirit she is also known as the “Death god of the sea”. She appears as a young teenager girl. Iza first felt her presence as a child but was unable to comprehend her own inner Zanpaktou till much latter; at times seeing her face in nightmares. Iza frequently struggles to controll Kurage. Kurage is quite an angry and vengeful spirit, wishing nothing more pull her enemies into a dark, painful death. The spirits long white hair cascades down her back, gracefully flowing like a gentle tide. She appears to be floating in water, even if she is on dry land, never touching the ground. She has completely black eyes, deep and soulless. Iza awoke many nights screaming from those eyes, before she was able to recognize her own Zanpaktou. Her iridescent skin is luminous and adds to her ethereal presence.

She stands at about 159cm, although small and very lean, she stands with the poise a grace of nobility. She wears pearl earrings that trail from lobe to helix, on both ears. Kurage's dress is ashen and ruffled, hovering gracefully around her small form. Affixed on the back is a great bow tied tightly with the ends steaming down past her slight feet. She wears stark white gloves, delicate, and loose fitting; they seem more like a white thin membrane then fabric. Her white heels are sharp ended pins. Iza has commented, many times over the years, that she is lucky she floats or those sharp heals would have given her very sore feet or a sore ass from falling too much; Kurage always replies with a dejected sigh. Her mesoglea shaped umbrella encompasses her entire body to add to her jellyfish-like appearance. It is trimmed with the same ruffles that drape her garb. The alabaster handle firmly placed between her frail hands. During trainings and battles with Iza, Kurage’s umbrella will transform into her Shikai state. Kurage’s voice sounds as if she is always underwater, though it is soft and melodical, although it can be eerie at times.

Iza’s inner world is a reflection of how her mind operates. It is a vast crystalline ocean with restless waves and endless potential. Much like Iza’s mind it is always churning, moving, expanding and overtaking. The ocean looks inviting but it is poisonous to any creature, so nothing lives in this infinite space. This is Iza’s own private world away from emotions and social constraints that cloud the mind. This place is how Iza perceives her past, surrounded by poison, as were her hopes and dreams. This may seem sad or depressing to an outsider but Iza is perfectly content with her situation.

In this world, the sky is black and mostly starless, a perfect reflection of the dark pool below. Lonely in the sky, hangs a bright silvery moon. Luminescent enough to give some life to this otherwise dark place. Through Kurage or Iza’s will, a large strip of black land ascends from beneath the depths. It bubbled and hissed as it rises, the poison endlessly trying to corrode the black rock and drag it back down. The smell that accompanies the rising earth is sulfuric and putrid. In the middle of the jagged rock is an alabaster thrown; high backed with large armrests. The armrests are decorated with pearls and diamonds in the shape of crescent moons. The back is tall with five spikes pointing up towards the sky, in a defiant stance, each spike adorned with small gold crescents. This is Iza’s resting place; she will use it during Bankai training or other battles with Kurage.

Shikai Incantation:
Satsu (殺人) : Meaning Split or Murder; it’s a play on words. Kinjou Kurage : Reign of the Emperor Jellyfish
Kurage (クラゲ) meaning Jellyfish

Shikai Category: Poison Type
Shikai Description: Iza removes her sword with her right hand, holding it in front of her blade down. She says “Satsu”, with those words her Zanpaktou glows splitting, eventually, into it's full form as a Cat o’ Nine tales bull whip. At the beginning of each battle, the blade releases with three tails and as the battle ensues the tails increase by three, until it's full nine tails. This is due to her inner diva, Kurage refuses to put on a bad show and they share a mutual love of drama; causing a full release at the battles climax. If the fight is considered boring or tedious she may never reach her full potential. The increase in tails doesn't increase the attack power, it just multiplies the damage. Each tail whips through the air like tentacles. The tails extend to approximately 47 inches, from the original size of 27 inches. At the tips of the extensions are sharp hooked bards, used to further intensify the pain and ripe into her opponents flesh. .

This is where her ability comes into play, her whips aren’t very strong, power wise, and they have the ability to cut, as any whip does, but in terms of attack power it is weaker then a regular sword. Where as some Shinigami depend only raw strength, Iza also depends on her strategic skills and sharp mind to win the battle.

Technique Name: To awaken her true Shikai ability, she must use a different incantation: "Hougyo Kurage" (崩御 水母) meaning "Death of the Emperor Jellyfish".
Technique Category: Augment
Technique Range: Mid-Range
Technique Description: Kurage's overall ability is cellular manipulation; she can control the rate that cells replicate. By piercing a body with Kurage's bards, it can cause cells to replicate at an exponential rate. Like all things Iza does, even her shikai is dramatic. The tail that is hooked into the opponent begins to glow, a bright blue, the glow starts from the handle and travels downwards. Once the glow reaches the target, that is when her reiatsu, in essence, becomes a toxin and the cellular regeneration begins.

This increased rate of cellular division may sound trivial but in actually these foreign cells become a time bomb. Think in terms of cancer, Kurage in a basic sense causes the area to be affected with an incurable and unavoidable cancer. The technique has the potential to destroy an entire body within seconds but that isn't an easy task, nor is it something Iza would do lightly. Iza has to have superior concentration, precision, and proficient control over her opponents movements (as she has the inject the toxin); a quicker opponent could easily dodge these attacks. Through the cellular replication or the tumor-like bombs, the explosions are extremely painful. The pain associated with the bombardment is unbearable as nerves, tendons, organs, and muscles become exposed. A major flaw with this technique is the severe drain it causes on Iza, her stamina is lost at an exceeding rate, due to the constant flow of reiatsu needed.

One might not notice right away what is happening due to her abilities working on the cellular level. The first clue would be swelling in the area, about 3 to 4 inches at greatest. This is due to the rapid splitting of cells. Next, the opponent would feel immense pressure building in the area, if that didn't get their attention then the pain associated with it definitely will. Soon after, the tumor irrupts causing an explosive reaction, leaving in it's path bloody open wounds. Exposing tendon, muscle, and organs (if in the area). This all happens in a relatively short period of time, depending on the size of the tumor, and if the enemy notices they can cut the tumor out to avoid the irruption. Now this may seem like a viable option, and it is, but cutting out these tumors take courage and strength of mind. It also takes concentration and can be distracting from the battle.

Bankai Name: Reign of the Emperor Jellyfish, Oomiyo Kurage (大御代水母) [x]
Bankai Category: Summon/Poison
Bankai Range: Long
Bankai Description: Upon saying her release phase, the whip seems to come alive and entangle itself around Izanami. Slowly it merges with Iza and a skin of black covers her body. Her and Kurage become one and she gains an outfit that is reminiscent of a Dominatrix's outfit. When the whip is lost, the true form of her spirit materializes into a massive Jellyfish. The gargantuan summon darkens the sky and is accompanied by horrific chanting. The large Jellyfish floats through the air as if under the sea, Kurage is luminescent with shining greens and deep purples. Within the jellyfish's bell are floating skulls that chant and sing (around 2:40 on the video), the singing is meaningful and will be explained later on. The many tentacles of the jellyfish have bones of past enemies wrapped within its grasp.
Bankai Technique Category: Poison
Bankai Technique Range: Immediate
Bankai Ability description: Kurage has the ability to whip, catch or even throw a caught enemy, this is simply the nature of the Jellyfish but it's true abilities have yet to be seen. Once the words are said Shinnen Kurage, meaning "Grief of the Emperor Jellyfish", the tentacles glow a bright blue, and are reminiscent of it's shikai form. Once the tentacles touch or come in contact with an enemy, it's poison seeps into an enemies skin and the spiritual cells become Necrotic. As cell death occurs the area becomes black and is extremely painful. The necrosis will only effect the area which the tentacles touch, meaning if it catches your wrist it will effect the wrist but not the upper arm. The Necrosis will eat away at skin and organs till there is nothing left but bone, this isn't instant but could take up to a couple minutes (longer if the area of effect is larger i.e a wrist compared to a torso.), being a selfish creature Kurage will try to capture and keep any parts of a defeated enemy; hence the pieces of bone within Iza's Bankai.

Bankai Technique Category: Poison
Bankai Technique Range: Immediate
Bankai Ability description: Upon realization that an enemy will be defeated, Kurage becomes excited and demands to possess the enemy completely. Similar to her previous technique the phrase of "Bunin Kurage" or Consort of the Emperor Jellyfish, Kurage will entangle the enemy, the tentacles still have the same necrotic effect, and begin to pull the enemy into itself. The summon lifts the enemy upward into it's massive bell, once within the bell the enemy is instantly liquified to nothing but it's skull. The enemies soul will then be purified but Kurage will keep a piece of the enemy forever, in the form of it's skull. The skull will then join it's fallen brethren and join in the haunting throat chants.

Tragedy: A fatal and mournful event; any event in which human lives are lost by human violence, more especially by unauthorized violence.

Prologue:[/u][/b][/color]

It takes about three seconds before her life flashes before her eyes.

One. She had always been a flirt but, perhaps, she had gone too far this time.

Two: She had always viewed the outside world as an unsafe place and this was one of the few times she let her guard down.

Three: This was supposed to be the night of her life, all her dreams were so close to coming true.

After that—
After that, what happens next?

----------

Act One, Scene One: Birth of the Diva[/u][/b][/color]

1900’s New Orleans, the streets were filled with the hustle and bustle of a town about to explode. The sweet smells of Cajun cuisine, unique flavors brought by the French-speaking Arcadians when they migrated south, filled every inch of the city limits. Boudin, Gumbos, and Jambalaya were the most common meals of the time, families and friends gathered outside their porches nightly to share in the feast. All were invited, except the local ladies of the night. Here we meet such a lady, Néomi La Choux, standing on her balcony, watching the families below with envious eyes. She absently rubbed her stomach, the child inside barely moved. As all young mothers’ do, she worried for the child’s health but slowly realized it was just her way. Her, a girl, she was told the gender by Ol’ Mama Beaudroux, the tarot card reader on Bourbon street, Mama was never wrong. Néomi’s worst nightmare was to bring a daughter into her dark world, she vowed this child’s life would be different. That night Néomi left for Leoncourt, an old abandoned plantation in the south bayou, this is where she would have her child. Hidden from the public eyes, hoping to lessen the disgrace for her newborn, she accepted the terms of her delivery. Néomi would have the child and recover in Leoncourt, being brought all the necessary provisions by her fellow whores.

Néomi stayed there for weeks waiting for the labor to begin and starving for attention. She solitarily rocked on the porch swing, drinking in the landscape. Leoncourt, a once beautiful plantation was now a shadow of it’s former self. The tall grass and local amphibians claimed the scene; vines grew up tall columns, the bayou slowly claiming the plantation, blurring the lines between wilderness and humanity. Later that day she felt the pains of labor sweep over her body, she had never felt such pain, unimaginable pain. Her body contracted in an attempt to expel the fetus. She curses in English and French at the scores of men who may have put her in this position, and it calms her for a moment. Deep down she is the one to blame for living her life as a prostitute but her reasoning has since been forgotten. Through her blood, sweat, and tears came life, this particular life was called Izanami.

Act One, Scene Two: The Diva takes the stage[/b][/SIZE][/color]

Izanami La Croux was raised in the brothel and so she never found the company of different men odd. It was, in fact, a daily part of her life. Perhaps it wasn’t the safest place to raise a daughter but Néomi had no other choice, no family to rely on and no husband of her own she was forced to make the best of the situation. Izanami knew no differently and so she loved living with a slew of other woman. The other ladies had “adopted” Iza, as she was nickname, all acting as protective lioness. At the tender age of 10, Iza would sing and dance for the patrons, becoming a local sensation.

Time marched on and she lived happily, not realizing her surrounding was considered a shame. Ignorance is bliss, until she was 16 and one of the patrons didn’t understand she was not for sale. After a bar fight and the injury of a few woman, Néomi decided to give her daughter to a local troupe. Iza worked for Madame Marlene’s troupe, learning Ballet and honing her singing talents. Eventually she took on the name of Evangeline, shedding her seedy past. With the rise of the jazz wave, Evangeline became the biggest performer in all of New Orleans. At the age of 27, Lady Luck had graced Evangeline, she was wealthy beyond her dreams and fame was only a night away. Unfortunately luck has a way of running out, even for the biggest and brightest stars.

Act One, Scene Three: A Night to Remember[/u][/b][/color]

It was the night of April 22, 1927; the biggest night of her life. Evangeline had just put on the performance of her life, in front of hundreds of patrons, from newspaper reports to the mayor of New Orleans. She had finally made it, with the money she collected she restored Leóncourt. The restoration was in honor of her mother, who had past away a few years ago, and the physical embodiment of her transformation from low beginnings to opulence. Everything was perfect, except Evangeline had a horrible habit. She left a trail of broken hearts in her path, never finding true love. Recently she had broken off her longtime engagement with the Baron Patrick Pelew, he was furious at her announcement, and had tried to send her gifts at an attempt of atonement. She tried to push his angry words out of her mind, it was her perfect night and she had to whole world waiting for her.

Evangeline stood on her Grand staircase, looking down below at the packed ballroom. Everyone had gathered at Leóncourt to see the Diva and celebrate her rise to fame. She cradled bouquets of roses, as one would cradle a child; one admirer noticed her aloft and began to clap. The throng joined in and she envisioned her life ahead, the lights, and the crowds, everything working out perfectly. As if the curtain had risen, she smiled a gracious smile, waving at the onlookers below. She had charmed all her critics and this was the spoils of her hard work. Every detail was in place, her risqué black satin dress hung tightly on her frame. Her bygone corset held tightly and laced up the front, the slit in her shirt reached up to where her garter belt snapped up her stockings. Her make-up was styled after the Hollywood vamps, completed with smoky kohled eyes and bright red lips. Between the dress and the jewels that she donned, the outfit had costs a small fortune, but nothing was too much for tonight. As she begin to make her way down the staircase, blowing kisses with her free hand, she noticed Patrick. His bloodshot eyes pierced her and she felt a thousand daggers piercing her skin. His blond hair was disheveled and he looked unkempt. She wondered how he had escaped security, he was rich and the bastard had paid them off.

Inwardly she cursed him, he was the kind of man to make a scene and expose her tainted past. She wouldn't allow him to ruin her night by destroying her good name, she would kill him first. She picked up the pace, chin up and shoulders back, she headed toward the guard located at the front door. She tightly clutched her flowers in anger, she tried to signal the guard but the crowd engulfed her, effectively trapping her. When she heard Patrick pushing people behind her, she began to softly apologize to her admirers and push forward. He neared. From her peripheral vision she saw him fumble with something in his coat pocket. She begged the gods to please not make it another gift, or worse an engagement ring, she would be mortified. When his hand shot out, she turned around, dropping her Bouquets. Metal glinted in the light of the flashbulbs. Eyes wide as saucers, she screamed-

Moments before he plugged a knife deep into her chest.

She couldn’t breathe, she couldn’t think. All she could hear was the grating of the knife against bone, and the jarring as the knife tip exited out of her back. This can’t be happening, she thought. She clawed at him, air trying to push it’s way out of her throat, she gurgled in agony. Those nearest her backed away in horror, women screamed in fright. This isn’t happening, her mind screamed. Only when he released the knife did her body collapse to the floor. People began to flee the scene; in vain she tried to scream for help. The temptation to close her eyes was too great but she had to fight. She would live, she had to live. Patrick fell to his knees beside her and wept, she would have clawed his face off if she could. Then lifting the knife once again, he jarred it into her, again and again. She had no strength to defend herself, no air to scream, she only had her will to survive. Patrick bellowed apologies as he continued to stab her, sobbing, just after he said his goodbye he sliced her own throat from ear to ear. This was supposed to be her perfect night, how could it have ended so horribly? The cool bayou breeze flew through the place, blowing out the surrounding candles; a few rose petals tumbled over her face. Then fade to black-

Iza sat in the rocking chair, on the porch of Leóncourt, till a Shinigami came to send her to Soul Society.

-The Curtain closed.-

Act Two, Scene One: Diva Reborn[/u][/b][/color]

As if karma or fate has righted the previous wrongs, Izanami’s soul was re-born in the opulence and splendor that lacked in her previous life. Though sometimes all that glitters is not gold, Iza was born as the 3rd child of the Nakatomi family. The Nakatomi family was one of the four noble clans of Soul society, and thought to be descendents from the gods. Her birth was to be a happy time for her family, she was the only girl and meant to be the comfort and companionship for her mother. Born in the year of the Rabbit, her mother looked forward to nothing else and wished spring would arrive. Born in the spitting image of her mother, 12th Division Captain, she would grow up being spoiled and constantly kept at arm’s length by her father, the Captain Commander Nakatomi Kamuyamato. Although he loved his daughter more than anything, her face was a constant reminder of his late wife, who died of mysterious circumstances when Izanami was eight years of age, and as she grew older and began to resemble her mother more and more he, in kind, became more distant.

Act Two, Scene Two: Enter the Baslisk[/u][/b][/color]

Within a noble household, a daughter’s 5th birthday is a very special occasion, but what do you get the child that has everything? Nakatomi Taichou decided Izanami would choose a life-ling assistant and poison eater. Waking up the morning of her birthday with the energy and excitement of any child that is about to receive a huge present and at the same time go to “work” with Daddy. Iza flew, literally, everywhere that day, even as she entered Maggots Nest. Many people would think it was insane to bring such a young child into such a dangerous place, but she was not just any child and her father was the Captain. After hours of seeing prisoner after prisoner, each getting rejected by the small child, the prison guard began to get more and more nervous as they trekked deeper into Maggots Nest. Finally they came upon a locked door, the guard opened the door and she ran inside, still with the same endless energy she flew like a plane around the room. The guard explained about this prisoner had been a medicine man, Iza froze, and the prisoner’s gaze had fallen upon her father. He had seemingly forgotten her presence, or simply ignored it; his emerald gaze was fixed on her father. Her father returned his gaze and she wondered why the guard seemed so uncomfortable. She ran quickly and poked the white haired boy’s forehead and giggled as his face looked shocked. “I want this one, Daddy!” With a simple gesture from her father, the boy was, in essence, hers. Only later did she learn the boys name was Kitoushi, she didn’t like it very much though.

As Izanami grew, Kitoushi would read to her every night, amazing stories about the noble Shinigami. Night after night the stories would be told, and night after night she would fall asleep to the sound of his voice. As she grew, sometimes the stories would change and he would speak on chemistry or medicine, but the end was still the same. Once she was old enough to start the academy, she begged her father to let her join the Shinto Academy. Although she knew her brother’s were everything her father ever wanted or expected out of the perfect Shinigami, Iza wanted to strive to break out of the confines of her birthright. So with Kitoushi in hand, the two started the academy, two different sides of the same coin, both trying to break free of their restrictions; with nothing to hold onto but each other and a dream.

Iza filled her days with study and between studies she trained. She trained her body hard, not necessarily tying to increase muscle mass or strength but to increase speed and hand to hand combat. Once she began to feel increasingly stronger in those areas she worked on her sword fighting, she desperately needed to be accepted by her father and live up to the Nakatomi name. Determined to excel in all areas if she trained hard enough, she never quit or faltered in her determination. It was her destiny to be the very best at the academy, her noble blood would allow her to accept no less. The first couple of years flew by and she was quickly moved through classes, due to her exceptional talent, she found herself, after 4 years, on her final year.

In her final year, the few friends she had made at the academy got themselves into a bit of a bind. Kitoushi had let out hollows within the academy and it almost cost them their lives. After the fierce battle all the other students had earned their shikai (even Kitoushi), all except Iza, she viewed this as disgraceful and once her wounds healed she trained harder then she had ever. This secret was between the academy student, and the young shinigami Namani, would be one they would take to the grave or suffer severe consequences.

Always needing to be in the epitome of noble blood, the teachers knew her by accomplishments and talent but not much else. By the final days, Iza was top of her class overall but she wanted to excel in all areas; this would prove difficult when it came to Zanpakutou training. She entered her Zanpakatou training class, their final exam was a match up to test your sword skills, and she was matched with the boy who was 1st in the class. She needed to defeat him, she would take his place and claim her position with pride. The boy was average height, slicked back black hair, and sunglasses. He smirked wickedly at Iza as he flung his sword over his shoulder; he was definitely fit for 11th division. He relentlessly taunted her about being female and promised he would go "easy on her"; she would make him regret those words. Chuckling loudly over the crowd was her poison eater Kitoushi; turning her head, Iza winked at her friend. Realizing that his opponent’s attention was elsewhere he went on the attack, Iza felt his clumsy reiatsu immediately and dodged to the right. Luckily, he missed her but the boy was quick to counter, slashing and swinging violently. He was strong and began pulling her into his violent stride, she had to escape the onslaught. Unknowingly clever of him, he pushed her into a corner. Getting a free opening she slipped to the side, panting she glared at her opponent who roared with laughter and enjoyment of the battle. She heard the sound of waves and a voice calling her…

Kurage

The voice told her to told out her sword and grab the hilt with both hands. She quickly did as the voice instructed, massive amount of reiatsu began to flow out of her body. Some of the nearby students were escorted out of the hall due to the pressure being too much, the teachers and her opponent looked at her in awe. The voice instructed her to say her name, Izanami wondered for a moment if she even knew her name or if she had been told. The voice scolded her, demanding she say her name, calling her an blind because she knew her name better than anyone. As she opened her mouth and the words began to fall out, the voice whispered what she already knew. “Satsu, Kinjou Kurage.” The Zanpakatou began to glow. Kurage praised Izanami and encouraged her to bring this boy to his knees.

The boy once again charged, not waiting to see what was going to happen, jumping towards her with his full strength behind him. He wanted to end with one final move, the blade descended on her. When it suddenly stopped mid-swing, his mouth rounded sharply in disbelief when he saw the whip around his sword. He looked at Izanami who had an enigmatic grin on her face. With a flick of her wrist, the sword was removed from his hands; then she took a moment to observe her whip. The whip flew threw the air, ear piercing cracks following seconds behind every move. Kurage’s voice, once again filled her head and beckoned her to call forth her true power. “Hougyo Kurage”… Then with determination in her eyes, she twirled her wrist; the boy was slashed before his ears heard the crack. The whips speed was incredible, giving the boy no time to counter; he shut is eyes in fear expecting the worst but felt only a few cuts and a hooked bard. When he opened his eyes, Iza had forcefully pulled out the barbs; she began to wrap the whip around her arm and walked towards Kitoushi. The boy laughed and provoked her to come back and fight him; she completely ignored his taunts and continued to speak with the basilisk. Kitoushi's eyes widened as he honed his Serpent's geis on the boy. Everyone was silent and unsure what was happening. The boy called her spineless trying to goad her back to the battle, he hadn’t yet realized that this battle very much over. She turned and looked at him blankly.

“It is so sad when someone doesn’t realize they are half dead. You should be thanking me that went so easy on you.” Iza stated with an air of superiority.

The boys face twisted into an angry sneer, he was about to yell something when he began to violently cough up blood. Panicked he looked around and desperately called for help, his body seemed to twitch and he fell to his knees, chocking on his own blood. After a few seconds, Kitoushi slowly walked over to the fallen boy. Kitoushi's grin was large and twisted, giving the medical student a frightening air.

The boy did regain consciousness for over a week.
Iza was filled with a strange sense of guilt and relief. She felt guilty for hurting the boy but was relieved that she won the battle. She swore she would never again give into that power as a way to prove her worth.

Upon graduation she joined the 12th Division, unlike her brothers before her, who chose to join the 2nd Division and follow the Nakatomi name. Izanami had always been so much like her mother and her scientific mind proved to be suited for her new division.

Act Two, Scene Three: In the Captain's Chambers[/u][/b][/color]

She quickly raised the rank within her division. Her mother, being the former Captain, she was expected to excel. Sometimes mistreated and misunderstood by her fellow shinigami it was tough sometimes but her love of technology was greater than her anything she felt for her comrades. Shi, the current Captain, had a strange love and obsession with her mother and his affections seemed to transfer to Izanami like water. This overly affectionate behavior became almost unbearable during her time in the division and when she became his Vice Captain it proved to be more difficult than she had imagined. Her times of solace was when her and Kitoushi trained, their daily times were happy and fun. A place where the two could be themselves.

During a turn of events, Kitoushi and Shi became locked in battle. The frightening 4th Division Vice Captain was victorious. For a day, he took the position of Captain of the 12th division, which was a strange time for Izanami. She had no idea how to feel about the battle, the outcome, or the fact that her assistant was now her Captain. Knowing it was best the the division, the next day the old man Captain of the 4th Division resigned his position to Kitoushi, seeing his strength and knowing Kitoushi's place was in the 4th Division.

Days after she was called into her father's Division and was asked to perform a Captain's exam. Izanami had been nominated by 3 other Captains to take the exam. She successfully completed the exam and was given the title of Taichou and President of the Shinigami Research Institute.

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(This was copied from the old site.)
The light of the morning rays began to penetrate through the thin bamboo blinds; the light slowly permeated her eyelids. She eventually began to stir, she hadn’t quite remembered falling asleep, and a thick cloud still covered her mind. She slowly lifted her head from the pages of the book she had been sleeping on; the drool on the pages caused them to stick to her face. Wedging her delicate fingers between her face and the page forcefully removing the wet paper. Her eyebrows furrowed and she rubbed her temples in an attempt to dull the headache. Her bloodshot eyes still barely opened glared at the culprit responsible for her current situation. The innocent, and empty, bottles of sake lined her desk. With her left hand she swiped at the bottles causing them to fly off her desk and hit the wall with a deafening crash. She quickly grabbed her head in regret as the offensive sound penetrated her head. The broken bottles littered the floor and she, once again, frowned in regret of her actions; she really didn’t want to clean up the mess.

The previous night, while hiding in the 4th division, she had been playing the violin. Closed within the unused space, she lowered her chin on the collarbone of treble instrument, the hard piece of plastic pressing hard against her pale skin. Sweat built on her fingers, as she lifted the wooden bow to the four taunt strings. In an instant, the room filled with low languid tones, the strings answering her call as she moved her finger precisely. She paused at the realization of the approaching reiatsu. The shinigami was familiar to Iza; she winced at the intruding figure, not out of fear but from an impending sense of responsibility. She had so wanted a day away from the burden of hiding her true self; she quickly hid the instrument in a secret compartment. The 4th division shinigami entered the room. Immediately Iza bowed in apology, the shinigami’s voice came out laced in apprehension.

"What are you doing here, Izanami?" the shinigami raised an eyebrow questioningly. “Did you hear music?”

Iza’s eyes narrowed mischievously. “Mais no, cher,* didn’t hear a thing. Maybe you need ya ears checked.”

With a sultry stride, the Cajun beauty took her leave, heading back to her quarters; she was in dire need of a drink. On the way back to her quarters, she drug her feet, deep in thought. Suddenly, she heard the sound of music filling her head. The Ballerina had come out, she gracefully danced through the corridors, twirling and spinning. On the tips of her toes she walked, arms gracefully flowing through the air. She stopped before her sliding door with a plie. Upon entering her quarters, she grabbed the first of many bottles of sake she would drink this night.

Later that night, drunk, Iza sat on the roof; the dark velvet sky draped itself around her curvaceous figure. Relishing in the days training, she exhaled a warm breath, steam escaping her lips. Her eyes reflected the moon, giving them an unearthly glow. She observed the landscape, and the beauty of Soul Society. A shiver curled up her spine, she wasn't cold, not temperature wise. She has been told stories in her youth about inhuman creatures that lurked during night time, and they still frighten her occasionally, whenever she is too caught in the moment to give justice or notice to any rational thought. She would not be ashamed to admit that she has stayed awake more than once, waiting in rapt attention (fascination) for some mythical being of grotesque (or beautiful. The devil's children could be beautiful.) to tilt its head and simper like a little child at her hunched over body, speaking in dark, silky tones. She stretches a hand towards the moon, as if trying to cover it with a simple gesture, but the angle isn't quite right, and she does not want to move.

The mythical being filling her thoughts was, once again, encompassing her mind. She thought back to earlier that day when she met, for the first time, the 4th Division Taichou, Darake Kitoushi. Since that moment, she has been unable to get the dark man out of her mind. His gestures are too illusive and his eye is too hard to read. Iza knows that kind of darkness all too well and she shivers, once more, at the thought. She thinks how she should stay away from the apathetic captain, perhaps, she would, but it is doubtful. Slowly she raked a hand through her hair with the suaveness she is known for, but her shoulders are too tense and her hand trembled slightly, as if she wanted to reach out and touch something (someone), perhaps, one day, she would. In spite of everything, she keeps drinking heavily, hoping this will quiet her thoughts. Unfortunately her thoughts seem to return to that one person. Sighing, she gently places the sake bottle on the balcony, barely making a sound, and then she closes her hand into a fist to block out the moonlight.

She likes this darkness more.

The moon fits perfectly in her hand.

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[Darake Kitoushi [Old]]

Approved as Captain of the 12th Division and Oujo of the Nakatomi Clan.