Post by Matsumoto Rangiku on Apr 24, 2008 1:45:33 GMT -5
Shinigami
Name: Matsumoto Rangiku~
Age: Apparent age is indiscernable, though is really 429
Gender: Female
Rank: Ex-fukutaichou, currently unseated.
Division: 10
Appearance:
There was little doubt that Matsumoto Rangiku was one of the more widely recognized shinigamis due to her pulchritude. In all essences, she is the epitome of a blonde bombshell, with long hair, wicked curves, and a killer smile. Her body, yet slender, was toned well from upper torso to lower; and though she exuded an aura of a dainty woman, this was the opposite. An unseen strength lays beneath the visage of the the typical blonde bombshell, and anyone who has gotten to know the woman beyond her looks could confirm this with ease.
One thing that stood out the most about her though, of course, is her immense rack. There were very few, if any, women in Soul Society who possessed a rack that measured up to her's. But, although her chest was the most...prominent of her physical appearance, Rangiku took most pride in her hair. It was positively lustrous with shine, health, and movement. Long, strawberry blonde locks cascaded in waves over her shoulders and down to her lower back. Another distinctive feature of her's is the color of her eyes. They seemed to change day to day, just ever so slightly with her moods; sometimes, an intense hue of silver, other times, steel blue, and several times, a dull gray. There is a birthmark by her mouth, yet it usually goes unnoticed.
Whenever she's in her gigai, the outfits change from day to day, though the relative norm consisted of skirts and something else girly-esque. Preferring to keep up with the latest trends, she has a fascination with shopping and clothes that would hug her body in all the right places. Never will Matsumoto wear sweatpants, it does no justice to her legs! Accessories aren't a big thing to her, seeing as most impact comes from her body, period, so she doesn't wear much jewelry. But, she does possess a necklace, one that looks like a simple chain with a circle on the end is always worn, whether she is in uniform or not. Speaking of the latter wardrobe...
Rangiku's haori is cut so low that it is practically impossible to fathom a decent explanation as to how her 'girls' haven't fallen out during battle. Some speculated she used a type of kido spell to keep them in place, but those were just uncomfirmed rumors. There was another short-lived theory addressing the question of why they were so shiny. Perhaps she shared the same wax that Ikkaku used on his head? Hm, it is an interesting thought, but let's not go too deep into that subject. Other than her scandalously fitting robe, there is nothing unique about her appearance when she is dressed in the typical shinigami garb. There are several slight additions, including a pink scarf draped around her shoulders and arms, and a small badge with symbols engraved into it, worn on her sash where the lieutenant's armband once was.
Zanpakutō: Haineko [Ash Cat]
Matsumoto has rarely conversed face to face with her zanpakuto's spirit. Haineko 'talks' to her only through times of intense emotional distress (life or death situations in battle, for example) or her dreams. Though both share the same personality, it's understandable to infer that they would be talking to each other a lot more. Nevertheless, the scenario is different. The bond between her and her zanpakuto is not based on conversation, but understanding.
Haineko's spiritual manifestation would be quite the sight. Because it is not whole, due to it's single component, it is at a relatively large size. Up close, you could peer straight into Haineko and see nothing but a cloud of ash that seemed to be in a craze, whizzing through the air, buzzing, buzzing, the fierceness of the actions radiating a warm aura. If you idled too long, the intensity of the temperature heightened, and you would soon be reduced to rubble and dust, joining Haneiko's flurr...
At a farther, safer distance, the outline of the spirit is that of a cat or a leopard; definately something feline-like, guarding the opening of a volcano. The entity would tower over Matsumoto's body if she stood in front of it, eyes blaring a fiery red and orange, like fire.
Shikai: Upon release, the blade disappears into a bit of ash, which cuts through things as easily as a sword. Matsumoto, afterwards, can control not only the direction of where it goes, but the severity of her attacks, and how precisely she wants to inflict it. The ash can cut off a piece of hair, give you tiny little papercuts all over your body, or slice you into itty bitty bite-size pieces. The further the ashes are dispersed in the air, though, the less effective the attack will be.
(( Apologies about the length... TwT ))
Bankai: Matsumoto has not yet achieved bankai... or has she? (Let me know if this can't be done)
Kidō:
* Summoning of the Tracking Sparrows (Kakunutssuijaku) ~ Tracks any spiritual pressure the user focuses on.
* Idokuseidoku (Fighting Fire with Fire) ~ Although not a projectile this attack focuses ones kidou to ignite the area in front of the user. Can extend up to four feet with skilled use.
* Blue Fire, Crash Down (sôkatsui) ~ Fires a burst of blue spiritual energy at a target.
* Abolishing Flames (Haien) ~ Fires a blast of purple spiritual energy that will incinerate a target completely when it makes contact
Personality:
Lazy. Selfish. Tease.
A set personality was nonexistant with Rangiku; unlike many of her fellow shinigami, she showed how she felt according to what was going on around her, causing fluctuations within her sentiments. It was rarely noted, however, that all of the instances in which she had chosen to display an act of emotion seemed to lighten up the surrounding atmosphere. Boisterous antics (which included grabbing Isane away from a report so she would eat her boiled rice, patting Ikkaku's head even when he was riled up, or laughing at Kira when he was trying to apologize) were common, though they only covered the outermost being of this particular woman.
Dumb. Moody. Ditz.
She despised paperwork in all its evil glory. Honestly, slaying hollows was a full-time job, why must all of the details be logged meticulously? Rangiku felt it pointless, so, to avoid doing such a boring task, she was usually off at one part of Seireitei or the other. The relatively simple tasks that Hitsugaya bestowed upon her (such as retrieving medical documents from the Fourth Division) took several hours to do, as she would find herself engrossed in a conversation with Unohana-taicho, or checking up on the patients there, or 'accidentally' stumbling into a bar for a a couple of drinks with Kyouraku, Renji, Hisagi, Kira, and the entire eleventh division.
Sultry. Useless. Stubborn.
Her image was in sharp contrast with the stereotypes it brought upon her. It was obvious that she was not at all modest about her appearance. Though, despite looking like an 'easy' type of woman, it did not define her at all. Matsumoto does like the way she looks, that was a sure thing, but she did not dress that way to attract any attention; she dressed that way because she felt comfortable that way. Bold is another good word to describe the blonde. With new people, she is unashamed and unrestrained by any sort of circumstances, often times teasing acquiantances mercilessly... or getting them drunk.
Maternal. Happy. Strange.
Rangiku never told anyone this, but she loved her name in all its morbidity. War and chrysanthemums, an ironic coincidence regarding the life of shinigamis. Interestingly enough, she only confessed this tidbit to herself when she was inebriated. Even more interesting was that she only reflected upon herself when she was half-asleep or filled to the brim with sake. You would never see the fukutaicho depressed looking unless she thought she was alone; she was always smiles and teases when someone was around. But when she was by herself, it was a different story. Only when she is alone.
Bubbly. Loud. Loyal.
She never told anyone this either, but despite what some had been saying: 'Poor Matsumoto, having to choose between her taicho and her childhood friend! How hard it must've been!', it was an easy decision. Hitsugaya had gained her trust and respect the day he walked into the tenth division office and looked at her as a capable shinigami rather than something to oggle at (unlike her last pervert fogey of a captain), and those feelings carried on since then. Sure, she would mess with him relentlessly, ignore his orders, and give him hugs when he didn't want it, but the blind truth was that she would always be behind him...even if he is a stiff-ass who probably shampoos his hair with glue.
Indescribable.
Matsumoto has no real set personality. She was just simply Matsumoto.
History:
Ichimaru Gin; it was a name that caused so many emotions to surface within the ex-fukutaichou. Resentment, anger, sadness, a forlorn yearning... something that would never be satiated. He was, in all essences, her history. Her past. He was the reason she reason she was living, he was the reason for her birthday, for her existence. It all started when she had crossed the line between both worlds, leaving behind all the tragedies of a human life and entered Soul Society. More specifically, Rukongai, the 78th district. It was a barren place, and the only other living beings there only wanted to destroy her. Less competition for sources, thus a higher chance at living.
For years did she wander this hell on earth, surviving on instinct alone. It wasn't a happy life, but it was a life, period. There was no other way, no other path to go down... that is, until it happen. As fortune, or misfortune would have it, Rangiku developed the gift of reiatsu. At first, she was confused; what would she do with such a thing? It didn't help her with surviving. It didn't quench her thirst, or fill her stomach. In fact, it pained her. It was uncontrollable... and it made her hungry, a feeling she was not used to.
So she starved. Starved until there was barely anything left. The lonely girl would find herself on the ground, dirt caking her skin and clothes, the hunger still eating away at her. It was so ironic. Death seemed so close at that instant, and it would have come if not for one man. Him. A silver-haired boy, one with a plastered smile and eyes that would only be seen at the rarest of times, came to her. Like an angel descended from above, he came to her, offering something much more than food. His friendship. Thanks to him, she would no longer be alone... or so she thought.
The years she spent with Gin were described as one of the happier stages in her life. They conversed daily, supported each other, made each other happy. Sure, there were times when he would disappear, sometimes for days, even weeks... but she didn't care. Like a cat, he would always come back, and no matter how angry she was with him for leaving, she would always welcome him back. The cycle would repeat itself for a while... but then, something changed. Something that she herself wasn't prepared for.
Gin was sent to the shinigami academy. It annoyed her. She had as much reiatsu as he did, but he went on without her anyways! Vexated, but now with the inspiration of making something else out of her own life, she trained herself to get stronger.. stronger until she too, joined the shinigami academy with Gin. By the time she had arrived, he had already graduated, but the idea that she would one day, be with him again, overshadowed that. Besides, she was too preoccuppied dealing with the drama going on in the academy. These people didn't know her, but rumors spread like wildfire as soon as she entered. It wasn't her fault that she had large boobs. And sleeping with the senseis? Please. They were all old fogeys. It was gross.
She proved them all wrong when she graduated early amongst the rest, immediately assigned to a squad as an unseated shinigami. Rangiku found out that Gin had been placed in the fifth division, under a certain blonde taichou by the name of Hirako Shinji. Kido was never her thing, so instead of getting into fifth, as she had hoped, she was placed into ninth division. It was such a boring squad. There was nothing to do except wait around for the occassional hollow-slaying, which made her sorely disappointed, especially when she thought about how much she had trained to get to where she was.
To top that, Gin didn't even visit. What a jackass! She didn't care about any of the men that oggled her, only him, and he wouldn't even give her any time of day. He was too busy with that Aizen-fukutaichou character. Hmph! To pass time between missions, she would go to bars, where she developed her love for sake. How did she not realize before how d**n good this stuff tasted? Rangiku became a regular in many bars both in Seireitei and in Rukongai, and soon enough, she had built up yet another reputation, one of THE woman who could outdrink anybody (well, except for Shunsui-taichou, but he was inhumane, swear!).
It was a way to cure boredom. Patrols weren't interesting.
Though... there was one that was quite memorable. One day, on her way around district one of Rukongai, she sensed an abnormally high spiritual pressure. Though it wasn't anything alarming, it was still something to investigate. In doing so, she found herself walking into a small shop, where she saw the owner slam some poor kid's change onto the counter. How rude! To speak up for the munchkin, she called out the owner, then picked up the kid that was treated so wrongly. The first thing she noticed was that, one, not only was he light, but two, he had really gorgeous eyes, eyes that were...tearing?
Oh god, he was crying! What a pansy! Rangiku felt like she needed to straighten him out, else he'd grow up to be a pansy, so she told him to simply man up. The brat said he wasn't crying, then had the nerve to slap her hand away and run off. How ungrateful! Though he was fast, she was still a shinigami, and could have caught up easily, but something held her back. The spiritual energy from earlier... yes, she had just remembered. It was his.
The shinigami followed him until she arrived at his 'home'. His spiritual energy seemed to grow the closer she got to him, which caused her to think that he was doing some strenuous activity or something of the sort. Much to her surprise, he was simply asleep... and he looked like he was having a nightmare... meanwhile, not too far away, was an old woman who was shivering intensely. It was strange. He was panting, sweating... seemingly on fire, and here the old lady was shivering. It didn't take much to connect the dots.
He opened his eyes.
"Hiya!" Rangiku greeted, as bubbly as ever. He opened his mouth to question her intentions, but she quickly silenced him when she pointed out his leaking reiatsu. He looked confused. She went on, also acknowledging the freezing woman. Once again, he had little time to respond, because she had gone even further, telling him that this power of his would be the end of her, and all those around him, if it were to continue growing so recklessly. Then the expression on his face totally changed. It showed a vulnerability that she had not yet seen, one that broke her heart. He didn't want to hurt anyone.
She convinced him to become a shinigami. Then she never saw him again.
Just kidding. Decades passed and she transferred into tenth division, rising in rank, acquiring a higher seat with every promotion, until she eventually landed fukutaichou. Thoroughly pleased with herself, she continued to strive to earn thetitle of taichou, training, becoming stronger. Gin was promoted to third division captain, and his visits became even more rare. Worst of all, she had to call him 'Ichimaru-taichou'. Ugh! It was so lame. Nevertheless, she persevered, all while fending off her nasty pervert captain's advances until his retirement.
Her dreams of taking the spot were crushed when she heard about a prodigy; a genius who shot up through the ranks in the Gotei-13 and would soon take the place of her old captain. How wrong! She had spent years trying to achieve captaincy, and some hot-shot waltzes in out of the blue and takes it from her just like that? It wasn't fair! Rangiku was a bitter woman, yes she was. She didn't even care about how good-looking this taichou was (though she hoped he'd be easy on the eyes, it would lessen the blow a bit); so when the day came for her to meet the man, she certainly wasn't ready to throw a party to welcome him into tenth division.
Little did she know...
"Munchkin?!"
No. Freakin'. Way! It was that white-haired kid from Rukongai! He was her captain? HER. CAPTAIN. Him. A child. The boobs of Seireitei and an Oompa Loompa. Oh well, maybe she could bribe him into doing the paperwork with candy. Kids loved candy, right?
Wrong. Dang, this guy was like a drill sergeant. Already she was regretting ever telling him to become a shinigami. 'Matsumoto, stop sleeping.' 'Matsumoto, do some paperwork.' 'Matsumoto, cover your chest.' Matsumoto this, Matsumoto that! What a pain. He was cute though, she had to admit. The way his eyebrows furrowed when he was annoyed, even that scowl. So cute! Urges took over and she found herself smothering him into her bosom more than the typical fukutaichou should do to their superiors. Like she cared, anyways. He always yelled at her for such, but she was never punished. So it continued.
They were a happy pair (so to speak) for a while. Paperwork (mostly completed by munchki-err, taichou, hollows), sake, and the rare Gin encounter. It was enough to keep her content, even if it was route.
Things weren't that way for long. Sure, shinigami came and go, but something about one case was special.
Kuchiki Rukia, sister of Kuchiki Byakuya, was to be executed. Though she wasn't friends with Rukia, she knew her, and from the beginning, knew that something was morally wrong with the decision. Though she did commit a crime, it wasn't big enough to warrant death. Yet she, just a mere fukutaichou, could do nothing about it, as much as she wanted to. It was up to Central 46... and what they said was final.
Then came the ryoka, which caused even more trouble than what was wanted. After that, Aizen was murdered. It was chaotic. Momo was devastated, which caused her to start a fight with Izuru. Thankfully, Hitsugaya had stepped in. Rangiku took Momo to her holding cell, feeling rather sorry for the broken girl. It was a lot to take in. Later, she returned to the cell, and the fifth division fukutaichou tried to apologize. She would hear nothing of it. Instead, Matsumoto handed Aizen-taichou's letter to her, and left.
Something about it was amiss. To add to the shock, Hitsugaya had suspicions against Gin, her Gin. Though Gin wasn't exactly the most liked guy in the Gotei-13, he surely couldn't have killed Aizen. No, not Gin. It couldn't be... she refused to believe it. Yet, a part of her, the one that said that Hitsugaya was the one with the suspicions, her taichou, someone she trusted... it tore her apart. She didn't know what to think.
That is until she was forced to turn against her childhood friend. Hitsugaya had told her to return to the office while he went off to deal with one thing or the other. Though, halfway to the destination, she felt the crushing spirit force of Hyouinmaru. Why would he release his shikai at a time like this? Her heart stopped when she realized that the other person he was fighting against was Gin. No... why were they fighting? Matsumoto immediately rushed to the scene, just in time to see Shinsou coming towards an unconscious girl-no-not just any girl, Momo. It didn't surprise her in the slightest. It was just like Gin to take such a low blow when he knew he was losing. Without second thought, and a small apology to Haineko, she came between his blade and Hinamori, saving another unwanted death.
Gin was challenged. She was angry - scratch that, she was downright pissed off at him. Fighting her taichou was one thing, but nearly killing Hinamori - someone who meant so much to Hitsugaya - it made her blood boil. If he didn't turn away at that moment, she wouldn't have hesitated to kill him.
It was when Momo was in the hospital that Hitsugaya had pointed out all of strange circumstances regarding the execution. He was convinced that something was amiss, making up his mind to stop the execution. She agreed, and with Hitsugaya, rushed to Central 46 as a final appeal to save Rukia's life. When they arrived, they had found each member to be slain. Who could've done this? So many questions with little time to find out. Izuru then came by, and both officers of the tenth division chased after him for a short distance.
Kira said something about Momo escaping, which led to Hitsugaya falling back. He left both fukutaichous to face off, but it was a fight short-lived, as the shikai ability of Haineko completely nulled Wabisuke's. After she had won against Kira, she returned to the execution grounds to see what was going on.
Again, Ichimaru surprised her. She wasn't there long, but she was there long enough. Before Gin could finish the job, she appeared behind him, holding her blade to his neck. It felt so weird to be in that situation, so intense. Never in her life did she think that she would be so close to him - not like this, at least. He was between life and death with Haineko at his throat.
He escaped anyways, leaving her behind... again, and for the last time.
Rangiku spent weeks lamenting upon what had happened, along with what could have been. Aizen betraying Soul Society was never something she would've imagined. Tousen... him too? And Gin... why? Why did he turn traitorous? Why did he fight against her taichou? Why... why did he leave her?!
It didn't matter why. He was gone now...
...and things were more dangerous than ever. Matsumoto left to the real world with others due to the oncoming arrancar invasion, fighting tooth and nail to protect both the spiritual world and one of the living. Gin never left her mind since then, and she had always carried the guilt that it was partly her fault he had turned against Soul Society.
The protective barrier that Ichigo and the others had created enabled both worlds to have peace again. But it came at a costly price; their lives. It was a saddening time; and though Rangiku appreciated their sacrifice, it didn't make her feel any better. They didn't have to die. Maybe if she had fought harder, they would still be here. Ichigo. Rukia. Renji. Chad; all who've left their families in their final fight.
Rangiku couldn't bear to return to the Gotei-13, not with all the shame. While the children of Soul Society's legends grew older, she disappeared in the world of the living, remaining hidden among the humans. All she wanted to do was have a normal life; one without loss, one without pain... a peaceful life. She wasn't foolish, however; she knew that a peaceful life wasn't possible forever. Whenever she could, she would fight against the arrancars that started to grow in number while the barrier faded.
News reached her ears that the Gotei-13 were rebuilding themselves, and though she was apprehensive about going back to the life that she had spent so long trying to lose, the threat couldn't be ignored.
So then, fifty years later, did Matsumoto Rangiku finally come out of hiding. She came back to Soul Society with hopes of regaining her position, and a chance to redeem herself, because even now, Gin still affected her.
At least she would see old friends.
Rp sample: (Taken from another site, but still mine.)
Rangiku, oh blonde, buxom, beautiful, and bloody Rangiku, shall we dance?
Upon the sword’s edge dripped red, the blood of the fallen, the sinned. There was the guilt of killing, yet not of murder. War was not willfully engaging, yet she fought with passionate fervor, movements in comparable irony to an aspect of her own self that spent most afternoons in a slumber on the tenth division couch. Like a vicious predator, she sought the best game, slaughtering all the weak within her path. Strands of blonde blew in the air, and Haineko sang a sweet song of death with every swing given by it’s master.
If this will be the last time we fight together, my friend, I will be disappointed.
Move, now! Before it’s too late! Forcing her body to jerk to the side, the fukutaichou jumped out of the way of an oncoming ball of flames, which plunged from the sky towards her very spot. By mere inches did she manage to evade it, the close contact singeing the ends of several lustrous locks. In normal circumstances, vexation would have fueled her next movements, but in the heat of battle, there should be no emotion driving you, only the instinct to survive. It would be the strongest will, and when it came down to it, your best weapon.
Rangiku, oh sultry, sweet, seductive, and silly Rangiku, you’ve missed a step.
That was too close, was the thought that crossed her mind, but a split second was the only amount of time given to stew in the attack. There would be many more to come. “Hadou number four: Byakurai,” and with that fierce whisper, and with a finger pointed into the blazing inferno in the sky, the single bolt of lightning that surged through the air eradicated another winged threat on her life.
There is so much we have yet to accomplish, my friend, do not give up now.
No time to recover, no time to dawdle, no time for vanity. With dirt on her face, scratches trailing her neck, and dirty red staining her hands, she was an image of death; but only one among the torrent of demons that still surrounded her wake as she stood there, watching the battlefield before her. They didn’t care who got in their way. They were also death, but unlike her, they weren’t held back by anything.
Rangiku, oh Rangiku…
She could not rise to their level. There was only so much one could handle. A blank look on her face, Matsumoto raised her hand, twirled the hilt so the zanpakuto would face the other direction, and thrust the blade into the gut of a hell beast that had appeared so suddenly behind her. It was fast, but so was she. All that she could hear then was the piercing scream that drowned out the chaos around her. It was expressing it’s pain into her ear, as splitting as that was.
I will be there as long as you need me, my friend.
I know Haineko, I know.
To make the blood flow easier, she twisted the blade. It’s scream dwindled to a gurgle, thick liquid seeping onto her skin.
It was warm.
Name: Matsumoto Rangiku~
Age: Apparent age is indiscernable, though is really 429
Gender: Female
Rank: Ex-fukutaichou, currently unseated.
Division: 10
Appearance:
There was little doubt that Matsumoto Rangiku was one of the more widely recognized shinigamis due to her pulchritude. In all essences, she is the epitome of a blonde bombshell, with long hair, wicked curves, and a killer smile. Her body, yet slender, was toned well from upper torso to lower; and though she exuded an aura of a dainty woman, this was the opposite. An unseen strength lays beneath the visage of the the typical blonde bombshell, and anyone who has gotten to know the woman beyond her looks could confirm this with ease.
One thing that stood out the most about her though, of course, is her immense rack. There were very few, if any, women in Soul Society who possessed a rack that measured up to her's. But, although her chest was the most...prominent of her physical appearance, Rangiku took most pride in her hair. It was positively lustrous with shine, health, and movement. Long, strawberry blonde locks cascaded in waves over her shoulders and down to her lower back. Another distinctive feature of her's is the color of her eyes. They seemed to change day to day, just ever so slightly with her moods; sometimes, an intense hue of silver, other times, steel blue, and several times, a dull gray. There is a birthmark by her mouth, yet it usually goes unnoticed.
Whenever she's in her gigai, the outfits change from day to day, though the relative norm consisted of skirts and something else girly-esque. Preferring to keep up with the latest trends, she has a fascination with shopping and clothes that would hug her body in all the right places. Never will Matsumoto wear sweatpants, it does no justice to her legs! Accessories aren't a big thing to her, seeing as most impact comes from her body, period, so she doesn't wear much jewelry. But, she does possess a necklace, one that looks like a simple chain with a circle on the end is always worn, whether she is in uniform or not. Speaking of the latter wardrobe...
Rangiku's haori is cut so low that it is practically impossible to fathom a decent explanation as to how her 'girls' haven't fallen out during battle. Some speculated she used a type of kido spell to keep them in place, but those were just uncomfirmed rumors. There was another short-lived theory addressing the question of why they were so shiny. Perhaps she shared the same wax that Ikkaku used on his head? Hm, it is an interesting thought, but let's not go too deep into that subject. Other than her scandalously fitting robe, there is nothing unique about her appearance when she is dressed in the typical shinigami garb. There are several slight additions, including a pink scarf draped around her shoulders and arms, and a small badge with symbols engraved into it, worn on her sash where the lieutenant's armband once was.
Zanpakutō: Haineko [Ash Cat]
Matsumoto has rarely conversed face to face with her zanpakuto's spirit. Haineko 'talks' to her only through times of intense emotional distress (life or death situations in battle, for example) or her dreams. Though both share the same personality, it's understandable to infer that they would be talking to each other a lot more. Nevertheless, the scenario is different. The bond between her and her zanpakuto is not based on conversation, but understanding.
Haineko's spiritual manifestation would be quite the sight. Because it is not whole, due to it's single component, it is at a relatively large size. Up close, you could peer straight into Haineko and see nothing but a cloud of ash that seemed to be in a craze, whizzing through the air, buzzing, buzzing, the fierceness of the actions radiating a warm aura. If you idled too long, the intensity of the temperature heightened, and you would soon be reduced to rubble and dust, joining Haneiko's flurr...
At a farther, safer distance, the outline of the spirit is that of a cat or a leopard; definately something feline-like, guarding the opening of a volcano. The entity would tower over Matsumoto's body if she stood in front of it, eyes blaring a fiery red and orange, like fire.
Shikai: Upon release, the blade disappears into a bit of ash, which cuts through things as easily as a sword. Matsumoto, afterwards, can control not only the direction of where it goes, but the severity of her attacks, and how precisely she wants to inflict it. The ash can cut off a piece of hair, give you tiny little papercuts all over your body, or slice you into itty bitty bite-size pieces. The further the ashes are dispersed in the air, though, the less effective the attack will be.
(( Apologies about the length... TwT ))
Bankai: Matsumoto has not yet achieved bankai... or has she? (Let me know if this can't be done)
Kidō:
* Summoning of the Tracking Sparrows (Kakunutssuijaku) ~ Tracks any spiritual pressure the user focuses on.
* Idokuseidoku (Fighting Fire with Fire) ~ Although not a projectile this attack focuses ones kidou to ignite the area in front of the user. Can extend up to four feet with skilled use.
* Blue Fire, Crash Down (sôkatsui) ~ Fires a burst of blue spiritual energy at a target.
* Abolishing Flames (Haien) ~ Fires a blast of purple spiritual energy that will incinerate a target completely when it makes contact
Personality:
Lazy. Selfish. Tease.
A set personality was nonexistant with Rangiku; unlike many of her fellow shinigami, she showed how she felt according to what was going on around her, causing fluctuations within her sentiments. It was rarely noted, however, that all of the instances in which she had chosen to display an act of emotion seemed to lighten up the surrounding atmosphere. Boisterous antics (which included grabbing Isane away from a report so she would eat her boiled rice, patting Ikkaku's head even when he was riled up, or laughing at Kira when he was trying to apologize) were common, though they only covered the outermost being of this particular woman.
Dumb. Moody. Ditz.
She despised paperwork in all its evil glory. Honestly, slaying hollows was a full-time job, why must all of the details be logged meticulously? Rangiku felt it pointless, so, to avoid doing such a boring task, she was usually off at one part of Seireitei or the other. The relatively simple tasks that Hitsugaya bestowed upon her (such as retrieving medical documents from the Fourth Division) took several hours to do, as she would find herself engrossed in a conversation with Unohana-taicho, or checking up on the patients there, or 'accidentally' stumbling into a bar for a a couple of drinks with Kyouraku, Renji, Hisagi, Kira, and the entire eleventh division.
Sultry. Useless. Stubborn.
Her image was in sharp contrast with the stereotypes it brought upon her. It was obvious that she was not at all modest about her appearance. Though, despite looking like an 'easy' type of woman, it did not define her at all. Matsumoto does like the way she looks, that was a sure thing, but she did not dress that way to attract any attention; she dressed that way because she felt comfortable that way. Bold is another good word to describe the blonde. With new people, she is unashamed and unrestrained by any sort of circumstances, often times teasing acquiantances mercilessly... or getting them drunk.
Maternal. Happy. Strange.
Rangiku never told anyone this, but she loved her name in all its morbidity. War and chrysanthemums, an ironic coincidence regarding the life of shinigamis. Interestingly enough, she only confessed this tidbit to herself when she was inebriated. Even more interesting was that she only reflected upon herself when she was half-asleep or filled to the brim with sake. You would never see the fukutaicho depressed looking unless she thought she was alone; she was always smiles and teases when someone was around. But when she was by herself, it was a different story. Only when she is alone.
Bubbly. Loud. Loyal.
She never told anyone this either, but despite what some had been saying: 'Poor Matsumoto, having to choose between her taicho and her childhood friend! How hard it must've been!', it was an easy decision. Hitsugaya had gained her trust and respect the day he walked into the tenth division office and looked at her as a capable shinigami rather than something to oggle at (unlike her last pervert fogey of a captain), and those feelings carried on since then. Sure, she would mess with him relentlessly, ignore his orders, and give him hugs when he didn't want it, but the blind truth was that she would always be behind him...even if he is a stiff-ass who probably shampoos his hair with glue.
Indescribable.
Matsumoto has no real set personality. She was just simply Matsumoto.
History:
Ichimaru Gin; it was a name that caused so many emotions to surface within the ex-fukutaichou. Resentment, anger, sadness, a forlorn yearning... something that would never be satiated. He was, in all essences, her history. Her past. He was the reason she reason she was living, he was the reason for her birthday, for her existence. It all started when she had crossed the line between both worlds, leaving behind all the tragedies of a human life and entered Soul Society. More specifically, Rukongai, the 78th district. It was a barren place, and the only other living beings there only wanted to destroy her. Less competition for sources, thus a higher chance at living.
For years did she wander this hell on earth, surviving on instinct alone. It wasn't a happy life, but it was a life, period. There was no other way, no other path to go down... that is, until it happen. As fortune, or misfortune would have it, Rangiku developed the gift of reiatsu. At first, she was confused; what would she do with such a thing? It didn't help her with surviving. It didn't quench her thirst, or fill her stomach. In fact, it pained her. It was uncontrollable... and it made her hungry, a feeling she was not used to.
So she starved. Starved until there was barely anything left. The lonely girl would find herself on the ground, dirt caking her skin and clothes, the hunger still eating away at her. It was so ironic. Death seemed so close at that instant, and it would have come if not for one man. Him. A silver-haired boy, one with a plastered smile and eyes that would only be seen at the rarest of times, came to her. Like an angel descended from above, he came to her, offering something much more than food. His friendship. Thanks to him, she would no longer be alone... or so she thought.
The years she spent with Gin were described as one of the happier stages in her life. They conversed daily, supported each other, made each other happy. Sure, there were times when he would disappear, sometimes for days, even weeks... but she didn't care. Like a cat, he would always come back, and no matter how angry she was with him for leaving, she would always welcome him back. The cycle would repeat itself for a while... but then, something changed. Something that she herself wasn't prepared for.
Gin was sent to the shinigami academy. It annoyed her. She had as much reiatsu as he did, but he went on without her anyways! Vexated, but now with the inspiration of making something else out of her own life, she trained herself to get stronger.. stronger until she too, joined the shinigami academy with Gin. By the time she had arrived, he had already graduated, but the idea that she would one day, be with him again, overshadowed that. Besides, she was too preoccuppied dealing with the drama going on in the academy. These people didn't know her, but rumors spread like wildfire as soon as she entered. It wasn't her fault that she had large boobs. And sleeping with the senseis? Please. They were all old fogeys. It was gross.
She proved them all wrong when she graduated early amongst the rest, immediately assigned to a squad as an unseated shinigami. Rangiku found out that Gin had been placed in the fifth division, under a certain blonde taichou by the name of Hirako Shinji. Kido was never her thing, so instead of getting into fifth, as she had hoped, she was placed into ninth division. It was such a boring squad. There was nothing to do except wait around for the occassional hollow-slaying, which made her sorely disappointed, especially when she thought about how much she had trained to get to where she was.
To top that, Gin didn't even visit. What a jackass! She didn't care about any of the men that oggled her, only him, and he wouldn't even give her any time of day. He was too busy with that Aizen-fukutaichou character. Hmph! To pass time between missions, she would go to bars, where she developed her love for sake. How did she not realize before how d**n good this stuff tasted? Rangiku became a regular in many bars both in Seireitei and in Rukongai, and soon enough, she had built up yet another reputation, one of THE woman who could outdrink anybody (well, except for Shunsui-taichou, but he was inhumane, swear!).
It was a way to cure boredom. Patrols weren't interesting.
Though... there was one that was quite memorable. One day, on her way around district one of Rukongai, she sensed an abnormally high spiritual pressure. Though it wasn't anything alarming, it was still something to investigate. In doing so, she found herself walking into a small shop, where she saw the owner slam some poor kid's change onto the counter. How rude! To speak up for the munchkin, she called out the owner, then picked up the kid that was treated so wrongly. The first thing she noticed was that, one, not only was he light, but two, he had really gorgeous eyes, eyes that were...tearing?
Oh god, he was crying! What a pansy! Rangiku felt like she needed to straighten him out, else he'd grow up to be a pansy, so she told him to simply man up. The brat said he wasn't crying, then had the nerve to slap her hand away and run off. How ungrateful! Though he was fast, she was still a shinigami, and could have caught up easily, but something held her back. The spiritual energy from earlier... yes, she had just remembered. It was his.
The shinigami followed him until she arrived at his 'home'. His spiritual energy seemed to grow the closer she got to him, which caused her to think that he was doing some strenuous activity or something of the sort. Much to her surprise, he was simply asleep... and he looked like he was having a nightmare... meanwhile, not too far away, was an old woman who was shivering intensely. It was strange. He was panting, sweating... seemingly on fire, and here the old lady was shivering. It didn't take much to connect the dots.
He opened his eyes.
"Hiya!" Rangiku greeted, as bubbly as ever. He opened his mouth to question her intentions, but she quickly silenced him when she pointed out his leaking reiatsu. He looked confused. She went on, also acknowledging the freezing woman. Once again, he had little time to respond, because she had gone even further, telling him that this power of his would be the end of her, and all those around him, if it were to continue growing so recklessly. Then the expression on his face totally changed. It showed a vulnerability that she had not yet seen, one that broke her heart. He didn't want to hurt anyone.
She convinced him to become a shinigami. Then she never saw him again.
Just kidding. Decades passed and she transferred into tenth division, rising in rank, acquiring a higher seat with every promotion, until she eventually landed fukutaichou. Thoroughly pleased with herself, she continued to strive to earn thetitle of taichou, training, becoming stronger. Gin was promoted to third division captain, and his visits became even more rare. Worst of all, she had to call him 'Ichimaru-taichou'. Ugh! It was so lame. Nevertheless, she persevered, all while fending off her nasty pervert captain's advances until his retirement.
Her dreams of taking the spot were crushed when she heard about a prodigy; a genius who shot up through the ranks in the Gotei-13 and would soon take the place of her old captain. How wrong! She had spent years trying to achieve captaincy, and some hot-shot waltzes in out of the blue and takes it from her just like that? It wasn't fair! Rangiku was a bitter woman, yes she was. She didn't even care about how good-looking this taichou was (though she hoped he'd be easy on the eyes, it would lessen the blow a bit); so when the day came for her to meet the man, she certainly wasn't ready to throw a party to welcome him into tenth division.
Little did she know...
"Munchkin?!"
No. Freakin'. Way! It was that white-haired kid from Rukongai! He was her captain? HER. CAPTAIN. Him. A child. The boobs of Seireitei and an Oompa Loompa. Oh well, maybe she could bribe him into doing the paperwork with candy. Kids loved candy, right?
Wrong. Dang, this guy was like a drill sergeant. Already she was regretting ever telling him to become a shinigami. 'Matsumoto, stop sleeping.' 'Matsumoto, do some paperwork.' 'Matsumoto, cover your chest.' Matsumoto this, Matsumoto that! What a pain. He was cute though, she had to admit. The way his eyebrows furrowed when he was annoyed, even that scowl. So cute! Urges took over and she found herself smothering him into her bosom more than the typical fukutaichou should do to their superiors. Like she cared, anyways. He always yelled at her for such, but she was never punished. So it continued.
They were a happy pair (so to speak) for a while. Paperwork (mostly completed by munchki-err, taichou, hollows), sake, and the rare Gin encounter. It was enough to keep her content, even if it was route.
Things weren't that way for long. Sure, shinigami came and go, but something about one case was special.
Kuchiki Rukia, sister of Kuchiki Byakuya, was to be executed. Though she wasn't friends with Rukia, she knew her, and from the beginning, knew that something was morally wrong with the decision. Though she did commit a crime, it wasn't big enough to warrant death. Yet she, just a mere fukutaichou, could do nothing about it, as much as she wanted to. It was up to Central 46... and what they said was final.
Then came the ryoka, which caused even more trouble than what was wanted. After that, Aizen was murdered. It was chaotic. Momo was devastated, which caused her to start a fight with Izuru. Thankfully, Hitsugaya had stepped in. Rangiku took Momo to her holding cell, feeling rather sorry for the broken girl. It was a lot to take in. Later, she returned to the cell, and the fifth division fukutaichou tried to apologize. She would hear nothing of it. Instead, Matsumoto handed Aizen-taichou's letter to her, and left.
Something about it was amiss. To add to the shock, Hitsugaya had suspicions against Gin, her Gin. Though Gin wasn't exactly the most liked guy in the Gotei-13, he surely couldn't have killed Aizen. No, not Gin. It couldn't be... she refused to believe it. Yet, a part of her, the one that said that Hitsugaya was the one with the suspicions, her taichou, someone she trusted... it tore her apart. She didn't know what to think.
That is until she was forced to turn against her childhood friend. Hitsugaya had told her to return to the office while he went off to deal with one thing or the other. Though, halfway to the destination, she felt the crushing spirit force of Hyouinmaru. Why would he release his shikai at a time like this? Her heart stopped when she realized that the other person he was fighting against was Gin. No... why were they fighting? Matsumoto immediately rushed to the scene, just in time to see Shinsou coming towards an unconscious girl-no-not just any girl, Momo. It didn't surprise her in the slightest. It was just like Gin to take such a low blow when he knew he was losing. Without second thought, and a small apology to Haineko, she came between his blade and Hinamori, saving another unwanted death.
Gin was challenged. She was angry - scratch that, she was downright pissed off at him. Fighting her taichou was one thing, but nearly killing Hinamori - someone who meant so much to Hitsugaya - it made her blood boil. If he didn't turn away at that moment, she wouldn't have hesitated to kill him.
It was when Momo was in the hospital that Hitsugaya had pointed out all of strange circumstances regarding the execution. He was convinced that something was amiss, making up his mind to stop the execution. She agreed, and with Hitsugaya, rushed to Central 46 as a final appeal to save Rukia's life. When they arrived, they had found each member to be slain. Who could've done this? So many questions with little time to find out. Izuru then came by, and both officers of the tenth division chased after him for a short distance.
Kira said something about Momo escaping, which led to Hitsugaya falling back. He left both fukutaichous to face off, but it was a fight short-lived, as the shikai ability of Haineko completely nulled Wabisuke's. After she had won against Kira, she returned to the execution grounds to see what was going on.
Again, Ichimaru surprised her. She wasn't there long, but she was there long enough. Before Gin could finish the job, she appeared behind him, holding her blade to his neck. It felt so weird to be in that situation, so intense. Never in her life did she think that she would be so close to him - not like this, at least. He was between life and death with Haineko at his throat.
He escaped anyways, leaving her behind... again, and for the last time.
Rangiku spent weeks lamenting upon what had happened, along with what could have been. Aizen betraying Soul Society was never something she would've imagined. Tousen... him too? And Gin... why? Why did he turn traitorous? Why did he fight against her taichou? Why... why did he leave her?!
It didn't matter why. He was gone now...
...and things were more dangerous than ever. Matsumoto left to the real world with others due to the oncoming arrancar invasion, fighting tooth and nail to protect both the spiritual world and one of the living. Gin never left her mind since then, and she had always carried the guilt that it was partly her fault he had turned against Soul Society.
The protective barrier that Ichigo and the others had created enabled both worlds to have peace again. But it came at a costly price; their lives. It was a saddening time; and though Rangiku appreciated their sacrifice, it didn't make her feel any better. They didn't have to die. Maybe if she had fought harder, they would still be here. Ichigo. Rukia. Renji. Chad; all who've left their families in their final fight.
Rangiku couldn't bear to return to the Gotei-13, not with all the shame. While the children of Soul Society's legends grew older, she disappeared in the world of the living, remaining hidden among the humans. All she wanted to do was have a normal life; one without loss, one without pain... a peaceful life. She wasn't foolish, however; she knew that a peaceful life wasn't possible forever. Whenever she could, she would fight against the arrancars that started to grow in number while the barrier faded.
News reached her ears that the Gotei-13 were rebuilding themselves, and though she was apprehensive about going back to the life that she had spent so long trying to lose, the threat couldn't be ignored.
So then, fifty years later, did Matsumoto Rangiku finally come out of hiding. She came back to Soul Society with hopes of regaining her position, and a chance to redeem herself, because even now, Gin still affected her.
At least she would see old friends.
Rp sample: (Taken from another site, but still mine.)
Rangiku, oh blonde, buxom, beautiful, and bloody Rangiku, shall we dance?
Upon the sword’s edge dripped red, the blood of the fallen, the sinned. There was the guilt of killing, yet not of murder. War was not willfully engaging, yet she fought with passionate fervor, movements in comparable irony to an aspect of her own self that spent most afternoons in a slumber on the tenth division couch. Like a vicious predator, she sought the best game, slaughtering all the weak within her path. Strands of blonde blew in the air, and Haineko sang a sweet song of death with every swing given by it’s master.
If this will be the last time we fight together, my friend, I will be disappointed.
Move, now! Before it’s too late! Forcing her body to jerk to the side, the fukutaichou jumped out of the way of an oncoming ball of flames, which plunged from the sky towards her very spot. By mere inches did she manage to evade it, the close contact singeing the ends of several lustrous locks. In normal circumstances, vexation would have fueled her next movements, but in the heat of battle, there should be no emotion driving you, only the instinct to survive. It would be the strongest will, and when it came down to it, your best weapon.
Rangiku, oh sultry, sweet, seductive, and silly Rangiku, you’ve missed a step.
That was too close, was the thought that crossed her mind, but a split second was the only amount of time given to stew in the attack. There would be many more to come. “Hadou number four: Byakurai,” and with that fierce whisper, and with a finger pointed into the blazing inferno in the sky, the single bolt of lightning that surged through the air eradicated another winged threat on her life.
There is so much we have yet to accomplish, my friend, do not give up now.
No time to recover, no time to dawdle, no time for vanity. With dirt on her face, scratches trailing her neck, and dirty red staining her hands, she was an image of death; but only one among the torrent of demons that still surrounded her wake as she stood there, watching the battlefield before her. They didn’t care who got in their way. They were also death, but unlike her, they weren’t held back by anything.
Rangiku, oh Rangiku…
She could not rise to their level. There was only so much one could handle. A blank look on her face, Matsumoto raised her hand, twirled the hilt so the zanpakuto would face the other direction, and thrust the blade into the gut of a hell beast that had appeared so suddenly behind her. It was fast, but so was she. All that she could hear then was the piercing scream that drowned out the chaos around her. It was expressing it’s pain into her ear, as splitting as that was.
I will be there as long as you need me, my friend.
I know Haineko, I know.
To make the blood flow easier, she twisted the blade. It’s scream dwindled to a gurgle, thick liquid seeping onto her skin.
It was warm.
