Hidden within the metropolis of the jureichi, a titanic monolith loomed with imposing vigor. Indestructible, macabre, and alien to that world, the Spire, as it was called, seemingly beckoned all to tread within reach of its cryptic, perplexing shadow.
Kyuketsu eyed the structure with sharp scrutiny, hoping to make sense of such a strange, unknown edifice. As customary for someone of his rank, in the World of the Living, his powers were sealed off exponentially. He could feel the Gentei Reiin squeeze down to his bones, obstructing the centuries-old proficiencies that he had come to master. The mere act of walking felt off to him, as if weren’t natural, as if a great chunk of his soul was missing. Truly, it came as no stretch of the imagination that Kyuketsu disdained such limiting restrains regardless of where he was.
Caressing the length of his sword’s handle, it seemed that for a fraction of an instant, the captain felt the spark of another soul close by.
Since its creation, this monolithic piece of metal has loomed over one of the central districts of Tokyo, unable to be removed or destroyed. In an effort to keep its nature secret, the organizations of Earth have quarantined the area until further notice in a small, three block radius. The spire itself is sharp and pointed at sections, but is relatively climbable for the dexterous. Three buildings surrounding the spire offer further venues, potential damage only lending credence to the danger of the spire for the human world.
The ex-assassin sighed as he walked to another fight. He'd been told that there'd be a captain waiting for him this time. He was shivering in anticipation, not quite sure whether or not he really wanted to fight here. If the captains were like the ones that he'd seen back in soul society then he'd be hard pressed to win. He sighed as he edged closer to the other presence. He seemed weaker than he'd thought the guy would be, which surprised him. He'd vaguely wondered why he'd not been asked to wear an inhibitor, but then he'd learned his opponent was going to be a captain. He'd need all the tricks in the book to get out of this one.
The blue eyed man flexed his arm, tensing as he felt a slight tingle on the skin. The healing potion had worked and all his burns had gone away. How these things were determined he had no idea, all he knew was that he had to seize whatever advantage he could.
"Clay, flesh of the father," Tod murmured with a grin. "Cover me. Bakudou number sixteen, Familiar Stranger."
The shimmering Bakudou covered him, feeling like a light cloth was lain on his skin. He smiled as he walked around the corner to see the captain waiting for him.
Let's see what he thinks of this one.
[229/229]
Rolled a 9(Potion) -100 but all wounds from previous fights are healed.
For but a fraction of an instant, the rise of an unfamiliar reiatsu clawed at his senses’ peripherals. It smelled like a shinigami, felt like a shinigami. The aura seemed nothing out of the ordinary, exponentially weaker than Kyuketsu was in his fullest capabilities. Regardless, with his powers locked away, this would-be foe might just prove troublesome should the situation lead to the inevitable.
Turning his head to meet the stranger, what caught the captain’s sights briefly took him aback. The sharpness and intensity in his eyes wavered, lessening to that of calm, even serenity. Kyuketsu smiled, advancing casually for the figure.
“I figured you’d follow me all the way out here,” he said, coming within reach of the girl. “You sure you won’t get in trouble for this? You’re still on the clock, you know.”
Without warning, snapping instantly from the shinigami captain’s side, his right arm shot up, going with a clean hook for the incarnation of Fuko.
"Gah!" the tracker hissed as he ducked beneath the blow. He was lucky the man telegraphed all of his moves with his sloppy hand to hand fighting. He rolled backwards and got in a defensive stance. "What's the big deal?! that coulda hurt!"
Yeah, he'd wanted to mess with the guy. He just hadn't expected for the guy to try and clock him for it.
"This some kind of lover of yours or something? Geez." Tod shook his head again while he readied his naginata. He could sense immense power from the man in front of him but all of it seemed strangely muted. "You got some bite to you, don't you? I guess that comes from being a captain then?"
The vizard knew that whatever he said his opponent would hear the voice of whoever it was he'd thought he was. And if he attacked now he wouldn't see the naginata but would only see the weapons that whoever he was impersonating used. If he could get an attack in maybe he could slip something in quickly. Even through the fear the excitement of this kind of fight got his blood rising in joy. He thrived on life or death situations and loved when he was pushed.
Tod did have a few surprises for the man, after all.
[221/450]
(Note, that spell lasts for 3 turns total so 2 more turns and its done)
“I’m not exactly fond of people trying to get into my head,” he retaliated, halfway smirking at the individual. “So allow me to return the favor and get inside yours. Preferably with my sword.”
Drawing Tenzansatsu from his waist, the blade was quickly split in two, morphing into its released form. Both talons glaring with steady maliciousness at the invader, the captain began to encircle his quarry step after step with dangerous acuteness.
A final drop of the heel marked his swooping descent, pushing him towards the unknown combatant. In the wake of the captain’s pounce was a barrage of swings, carried with them was the resounding might of his swordsmanship. Sealed as he was, his mastery over the sword was still evident nevertheless. Stroke after stroke defined his visage, eager to drown his prey in a down of gleaming silver. Brought by the final slash was a torrential flush of fire, burning and scalding everything in its path. Accompanying the reign of fire was a prison of cuts, a dimensional slash which sought to carve apart the opponent in place.
507
deets
barrage of swings aim at tod, then a laser blast. combo'd with that is [Predation]
[1] [Predation] – Unique
With every stroke carrying Kyuketsu’s blade, his aim goes beyond simply killing an opponent. He strives to thrash and deluge his foes to the best of his abilities, painting a scene of utter devastation that immortalizes a masterpiece of both conflict and gore. Through this, he has crafted a slashing style amended by spiritual energy which extends and improves the reach of his sword.
By swinging his zanpakutou and giving up 5% reiatsu, the whole 15-feet space surrounding Kyuketsu is instantly overrun with a multitude of lines representing individual sword strikes. The gap between each crimson-colored stroke is impossibly narrow, thus cutting and tearing away at anything within range from all sides and angles, each slice being as deadly as a single zanpakutou swing.
In a sense, it acts a myriad of blows all coming instantaneously at once. The ‘slicing zone’ vanishes completely after a few seconds, leaving nothing but the scarred earth on which it once subsisted. This ability is usable only once per turn and requires a single cool-down round. Should the target deflect or stop the initial swing, however, the effect of the ability is cancelled out completely.
[3] [Radiance] – Trained
As a fundamental ability bestowed on all shinigami, one must be capable of manipulating the flow and exertion of their spiritual energy. This reflects primarily in the usage of a zanpakutou release, kidou, or otherwise. However, to excel beyond these measures would mean controlling one’s reiatsu at the most basic and elementary level—particularly by channeling it from their arms into their weapons. Those trained in Radiance are able to release their spiritual energy into corporeal form, in this case a fiery beam of energy whose strength corresponds to its user.
By giving up 5% of one’s current reiatsu, a Radiance practitioner can unleash a wave of raw power directly at a target 10 meters away which deals damage equivalent to its cost. As a rule of thumb, the speed in which the attack travels is proportionate to the user’s zanjutsu or hakuda proficiency, depending on what school their sword release is based on. As a nod to a similar ability shared by their Hollow nemesis, the color of a shinigami’s Radiance attack depends entirely on the user, although the default shade remains at light blue.
Training: In order to learn Radiance, a user must master how to sufficiently channel the right amount of reiatsu into their zanpakutou. Complete and absolute focus must be established, as too little will do no good and too much will cause the energy to backfire on the practitioner. A trainee will start off learning to siphon their power through their arms and down to their fingers, before graduating and attempting the technique on their actual weapons.
Off to the side, an inconspicuous spectator watched the exchange with wide eyes. Adele had her reiatsu neatly repressed and was casted as a small grey cat by her Kotaizumai. Next to her sat a larger black cat with green eyes.
"Wow. They're already at it. You were right, Tod is strong. I think I'll like this fight," Midnight nodded in approval.
Next to him, the Mystic's cat ear flickered in the tomcat's direction indicating she'd heard him, but she said nothing in return to his comments. Figures the ornery feline would like Tod. Shrugging, Adele continued to watch the match with interest.
"Temper, temper," the blue eyed soul said with a small grin. He noticed the man's sword split into two and shook his head. He grimaced as he felt the sudden rush of power that signalled a release to shikai. He was surprised the man hadn't said anything to show that he was releasing into anything.
You cant let something like this faze you, boy. the spirits voice hissed in his ear. Release me, show him that you're willing to match him, force with force.
Tod was startled when the quick strike from the man seemed to open up a hundred vectors of attack. Jumping back he almost got out, only to feel the blades caressing his skin what seemed like thousands of times. His skin, harder than a normal persons' withstood most of the blows but some of the strikes were deep enough to actually wound him.
Growling the tracker pulled his mask on quickly and felt the man get ready with another attack. A raw bolt of spiritual energy rushed quickly towards him, making him grin madly.
So he thinks he's a hollow, does he?
Quickly putting his hand forwards he collected the negative energies needed to create his counter. The Cero blasted forwards. It smashed into the other mans attack and, after a few moments, began to rapidly overwhelm it. He quickly jumped up above where the man was and gathered the energies for a spell.
"Hadou number thirty," the soul intoned, knowing that whoevers body he was borrowings voice would also contain a hollows warble. Mostly he hoped this would throw off his opponent. "Big Bang!"
[275/725]
Statsu:
So I've been doing stats wrong... Mask only gives 10% boost... Reiatsu: 13264 {Masked: 14590} Threshold: 5730 {Masked: 6303} Rage: 0%
He felt it again—the familiar, foreboding sensation that crawled up and down his spine. Meeting the cero’s release was a clean cut, precise and surgical in execution as it cleaved the doom blast in two. From up above, as the kidou’s descent came within reach, Kyuketsu’s attention snapped into place instantly. Meeting the spell was yet another blazing torrent, ravaging through its entirety and racing further upwards to scorch the enemy combatant.
The captain quickly stepped off to the side, leaping away for a clearer vantage of his target. And there it was, clear as could be. A white mask, bony and pallid. Eyes as black as night.
A vizard.
“So... you’re a hybrid. How’s that sorry excuse of an Imperator—Adachi Hisao—doing these days, if I may ask?” he sneered.
Tenzansatsu’s twin steels shined with a sinister aura, a shrieking, malevolent luster which served to amplify its lethal potential. Its blades sharpened tenfold, screaming with hungry vehemence for the chance to taste flesh. Near the left blade’s center, unbeknownst to the vizard, was a small chip on its edge.
“With your Hollow skin saving you,” he continued abruptly, not bothering to allow the other person to respond, “...let’s see if I can make you bleed more.”
Affirming his stance, the raptor stood up straight, gaze unwavering from the half-breed. A sharp, predatory grin detailed his countenance, exuberant and amused to great extremes.
742
shtuff
Used [Ittouryoudan] to cut cero, and then another laser to take out Big Bang. It burned through it and is now headed straight for Tod. Also anti-hierro kai ability put into play so say goodbye to your horro resiliency :>
Ability 1: The lethality hidden in Kyuketsu’s zanpakutou is one forged from centuries-worth of trial and error, growth, and sacrifice. An inherent trait possessed by Tenzansatsu’s twin blades, both are capable of inflicting wounds dangerously deeper than normal. Should Kyuketsu leave an enemy with either a simple graze or a blood-soaked laceration, his soul cutter allows such cuts to become far more thorough and entrenched whence in combat.
The young vizard growled again as he saw his spell eaten up by the same sorta cero the captain had shot out before.
"I wouldn't know," the assassin growled, he knew that soon his spell would wear off and his opponent would know who he was. "I thought you guys in soul society had taken him."
The ball of energy was coming on him rapidly and he dodged, or tried to, only to get hit and thrown to the side by the outermost side of the energy attack.
"Show them the chill of death," the once soul reaper intoned, his voice reflecting his malice. He'd been left alone here and he knew for a fact that those soul reapers were to blame. "Grey Man."
As the captain approached Tod held his sword forwards and slashed quickly three times, creating three crescents with, what looked like, a strange dark oil tainting the inside them. He grinned as he dodged to the side again, all he needed to do was stay out of reach of the man and keep harrying him with attacks. If he could do that maybe he could win.
[190/915]
Statsu
Reiatsu: 12991 {Masked and Released: 15719} Threshold: 5457 {Masked and Released: 6603} Rage: 20%
+10% Rage
Reiatsu: 12991 {Masked and Released: 15719} Threshold: 5457 {Masked and Released: 6603} Rage: 30%
Shikai ability
Kurai Tsuki Disuku (Dark Moon Discs ,暗い月ディスク) : While wearing his mask Tod can, by gaining rage instead of using reiatsu, create his Ice Crescents in a new, less pure, way. By gaining 6% rage instead of using his reiatsu he can replicate, and even power up, his ice crescents. The new crescents are corrupted with an oily black flames that creates a layer of frost on whatever they touch and the crescents themselves explode into an icy geiser that flash freezes whatever the crescent comes into contact with like a frozen wave within a three meter radius of the impact. Additionally the soul reaper can gain rage instead of using reiatsu in creating extra crescents just like his normal ability. For each extra crescent made while he’s masked he can gain 2% rage instead of spending the 1% reiatsu needed to create the extra crescent with a maximum of 5 crescents.
The captain’s figure burst into movement, leaping swiftly in hopes of eluding the incoming attacks. Having zanpakutou abilities merged with the vizard’s Hollowfied potential proved utterly troublesome, even at that low a level of spiritual pressure. Kyuketsu dodged the entirety of the first crescent, yet with the limitations placed on his speed, he was unable to move in time to counteract the succeeding blows. Chafed by the second, his footing stumbled, allowing the third and final wave to strike him dead-on. As he tumbled back, the geyser’s steam suffocating his lungs, a single image was burned into the back of his mind: the white mask.
As he stood back up, slowly recovering from the damage dealt, carnivorous fangs glistened ecstatically at the enemy vizard.
“Impressive.” He brandished both swords off to either side, taking note as the spell’s charade wore off. At last, he saw the hybrid’s true form—that of a short, dark haired man. “You seem capable enough that I’m curious to know your name... my dear half-breed.”
The right talon came to move forward, its alignment fixed and pointed for the vizard’s throat. Spiraling rabidly around the captain’s physique, the breath and chains of the Duelists came into existence. A scorched heat warped the land, elevating the temperature to dire extremes... originating solely from the raptor himself. As Kyuketsu executed a simple nod of the head, a violent, unforeseen force took hold of the vizard, reeling him quickly within his reach nearly instantaneously.
As the bull stepped into the matador’s shadow, the inevitable followed suit. The red cape was dawned, its form taking shape with a ballistic barrage, strokes of silver painting over a canvass of flesh and bones.
1,024
boobies
alright. [Scorched Earth] activated. tod was also dragged back within reach of kyu thanks to division tech [Lockdown]. In the fuckload of swings, [Vandal] is also put into effect.
[Scorched Earth] - The notion of ‘shock and awe’ is what instills meaning into a Duelist’s fighting mentality. It is a tenet which has been pounded into their hearts and minds to the point where it has become as instinctive to as breathing. As such, those under the banner of the Eleventh have developed within themselves an internal, unquenchable fire which aims solely to crush and rapidly dominate their foes. The very presence of a seasoned Duelist in the battlefield incites trepidation and unease within the enemy ranks, so much so that the land itself becomes subjugated to their power.
For the cost of 3% of their reiatsu per round, a user’s spiritual pressure morphs and grows denser as it further weighs down on the combat zone. This reflects as a dramatic increase in the area’s overall temperature to the point where nearby water even begins to boil and evaporate. The closer one is to the user (roughly 10 feet), the more intense the influence becomes, pushing them further and further into dehydration and heatstroke. In turn, as time progresses, this could inevitably cause one’s actions to stammer and falter.
[Lockdown] - Forged in the harshest cesspits of conflict and strife, it is the Eleventh’s code to quickly assert supremacy over an opponent the moment contact is made. A Duelist does not allow their quarry to distance themselves from the fray, opting instead to thoroughly exterminate whatever gap comes in between their way. By landing a hit on a target and paying 3% reiatsu, a user can mark them for the next two rounds. At any time during the said turns, a Duelist is able to instantly violently reel in the victim 15 meters towards themselves. Only one mark can exist on a target at a time. After pulling in a target, the Duelist must wait a single turn before attempting to apply a new mark.
[Vandal] - A Duelist’s zanpakutou is not only a symbol, but also a declaration. It is the materialization of one’s fortitude, as well as the testimony of a fighter’s desire for victory at all costs. Weaponizing conviction is second nature to many of the battle-hardened warriors of the Eleventh, and thus can, little by little, completely annihilate their enemy’s focus.
For 2% reiatsu every turn the technique is active, whenever a user’s soul cutter lands a successful strike, be it a clash or a direct hit, the target suffers a concussive feeling all throughout their body. Their reaction time dwindles with each successive blow, becoming more and more dazed and disoriented to the brink of wanting to vomit or collapse. Continual subjugation could, when given the opportunity, prove disastrous to the victim.
The cats blinked. "So that was Tod," Adele, the small grey cat murmured after Tod's true form was revealed. "I was confused when he sounded the same but looked so different."
"You didn't just assume it was a shinigami technique? You're hiding your appearance too," Midnight replied, watching the match with great interest.
"True, true," the Mystic stiffened. "He got hit with an ice crescent... ouch. Wonder what that does," she mused, remembering when the Vizard had used his Shikai against her.
"How come the other guy keeps calling Tod a half-breed?" The black cat's whiskers twitched.
The nekogami shrugged. "He's... he's not one hundred percent shinigami anymore. But I really think he shouldn't refer to Tod-san in such a derogatory manner, it's incredibly rude. I'm sure Kenly-san is a perfectly nice person outside of battle."
The assassin growled as he saw his ice instantly steam instead of freezing the bastard in place. He was happy to know that his opponent wasn't fast enough to dodge all of his attacks and he growled as he tried to figure out a new method of attack.
"As long as you're having fun I don't really see the need to be burdened down with names," the blue eyed man said with a grin, even though his mask completely hid his eyes. He'd always felt like he was being sucked into an unending pit whenever he'd looked into the eyeholes of the mask itself. Suddenly he felt like he was being yanked towards his deadly opponent.
Shit.
The short soul felt the blades cut into his skin a hundred times, causing minor lacerations thanks to his hollow resiliency making the wounds less damaging. He howled in pain and, once the attacks were finished, attempted to jump out of the way.
I can heal you, a hissing whisper in the back of his mind said. You know I can, just let me in.
Tod grimaced behind his mask as he reached for the darkest center of his being, allowing himself to be bathed in the taint that represented his hollow side. He had to resist the urge to wipe himself clean as he felt like he was being dipped into a dark slick layer of filth.
The wound on the souls' body rapidly steamed as they quickly closed and healed. He hadn't wanted to use this trick so early on, but his hand had been forced. He growled again as turned around while he still flew in the same direction and held out his hands to cast another spell back the way he came, towards where he'd last seen his opponent so he wouldn't still follow him.
"Ye Lord! Mask of flesh and bone, all creation, flutter of wings, ye who bears the name of Man!" the young vizard intoned as he collected the energies in his hands. A triple twist of colors coalesced into his palm as he readied his spell. "Ashes and dust, strike at the world with the power no less than three. Hadou number fifty-three, Sanjukageki."
[375/1290]
Feat
Feeding the Beast:
Being a hybrid force between shinigami and hollow, Vizards carry numerous abilities usually identified with hollowkin, including a hollow’s natural regeneration. Some vizards have learned how to link Hollow Resiliency with it to keep themselves alive even when serious wounds were dealt to them in Hueco Mundo. By channeling the beast within, gaining 5% rage per round, the practitioner can heal moderate wounds in 2 rounds, severe wounds in 4 rounds. Minor wounds are healed instantly.
Statsu
Reiatsu: 12991 {Masked and Released: 15719} Threshold: 5457 {Masked and Released: 6603} Rage: 30%
-1045 Reiatsu
+5% Rage
Reiatsu: 12127 {Masked and Released: 14674} Threshold: 4593 {Masked and Released: 5558} Rage: 35%
For a moment, he became fixated on the regenerative abilities displayed by his foe. Surely, for one to have merged with the powers of a Hollow, self-induced healing wasn’t anything out of the ordinary. Nonetheless, to witness the skill firsthand was still a sight to behold. With the vizard’s chanting, Kyuketsu immediately returned to the defensive, fortifying his stance and welcoming the power blast of kidou head on. A severing rush of energy stormed from his blades, impacting brilliantly against the three-pronged assault of Sanjukageki. Diced and dancing in the raptor’s grip, embers and flares were extinguished, leaving only the faint, dying sparks in its wake.
His lightless sun continued to swelter, razing the land as vapors of moisture quickly withered and gone. Yet, beyond such concepts of temperature and spiritual pressure, something else entirely pulsated wildly from the captain. Vomiting from his shadow, solidified by his presence, the intent to maul and devastate roared from his core. Murderous, wanton resolve immersed the battlefield, playing a feral orchestra of savage, callous melodies. His animalistic grin only grew wider, sharper... hungrier, as if drowning the half-breed further into the coiling depths of the abyss. Kyuketsu’s abyss.
“I am having fun,” he replied teasingly. “But what about you? I wonder... if you would even know a thing about the Army of Masks as a whole. You appear competent in your own right, so you must know at least something. That being said, I have a feeling I know a lot more than you... of the Army’s past... present... and of its future. Kuragari, Zhukov, Adachi. Who’s next? Are you, by chance, willing to fill that role?”
He leaped back into the fray, pouncing once more on his foe, eager to maraud with yet another volley of swings. Tenzansatsu’s edges were slowly showing signs of wear and tear, small fragments absent from parts of its lengths.
The former soul reaper grinned as his opponent cut his spell in half. Although it wasn't truly the outcome he wished for he was still quite impressed by the captains' swordsmanship.
"Impressive," the soul murmered to himself awed by the pure beauty of the opponents swing for a moment. "It seems you really are a worthy opponent."
Watching his opponent during his whole speech he thought about what the man said. Tod had never considered taking over the vizards, surely there was someone else that could fill the role, but he also thought about how he would've been lost, his life forfeit, if it wasnt for one crotchety old bastard that had helped him through his taming. One who had nearly fed him to another vizard when he'd been new to the twlefth. He recognized Adachi's name well and, barely, knew the name of Zhukov and that knowledge was only because of the propaganda they crammed in soul reapers' heads at the academy.
"If it was for them," the blue eyed tracker said, growling angrily as his opponent rushed in. The hollows innate rage was starting to really affect him as his bloodthirst rose. "Then I would do it. I would never wish to condemn someone else to this hell."
As the captain closed the distance he allowed himself to fall down towards the ground, hoping to continue to put some distance between him and his opponent. Even though he wished to close the gap between them he'd seen the mans master of the sword and knew he was outclassed. If he could, somehow, get the mans swords out of his grips he could take him in hand to hand.
Growling the assassin slashed upwards, creating pure crescents of ice this time, allowing them their cutting edge as the ground rapidly rose to meet him. As the opponent got near and began to destroy his crescents, then the trap would snap shut.
"Hadou number thirty," the assassin intoned as he landed onto the ground, creating a small crater with his landing. "Big Bang."
As the red ball zoomed towards its intended target the tracker hoped that he'd timed it right so the spell would hit while his blades turned to steam, masking his true intent.
[375/1665]
Shikai
Koori no Mikaduki (Ice Crescents, 氷の三日月): Tod creates a crescent of Ice from his blade slash, much like his previous shikai. However now he doesn't need to store up moisture since he can use ambient moisture. The ability costs 3% of his rei to use and at every 3500 rei he can create another crescent to attack with right behind the first one maxing out at 5 crescents total. Each extra crescent created this way costs an additional 1% rei.
Statsu
Reiatsu: 12127 {Masked and Released: 14004} Threshold: 4593 {Masked and Released: 5558} Rage: 35%
-970 Reiatsu
Reiatsu: 10772 {Masked and Released: 13034} Threshold: 4593 {Masked and Released: 5558} Rage: 35%
Flourishing a sweep of silver against the summoned crystals, Kyuketsu’s reactionary senses both mental and physical were too utterly diminished for him to counteract the vizard’s succeeding attack. Though the captain was able to cleave through the Grey Man’s freezing splash, the kidou enacted by the half-breed caught him unawares. In an eager ploy to parry the hadou, he brandished his left blade in a rising arc, only to fail the deflection at the very last second. The blast detached the sword from his hand, sending the blade spiraling upwards and away from its master. Left only with the Tenzansatsu’s right half, Kyuketsu realigned himself, smoke billowing from his partly charred left hand.
“For them...?” The captain slowly traced the tip of his blade over the ground, a mocking smile tattooed over his features. “Define ‘them,’ if you would. If you could. Those with Hollowfied powers are a dying breed. Less and less do they feel persecuted and more are they willing to jump down the rabbit hole for the sake of that goddamned mask. Do you believe the past three Imperators believed such a thing? Do you honestly think that they longed to return to Soul Society, casting aside instantly what powers they achieved?
Ask yourself—vizard whose name I do not know—whether or not you speak the truth. Forcing humility and playing the role of the victim is about as arrogant as it could get. Do you truly believe yourself to be condemned, damned for eternity? That fate has set its course for you? Because it has not. Never has and never will. You have the same freedom, if not more compared to humans, Hollows, and even us shinigami. Prove me wrong.”
He nodded his head forward, dragging the chain back once more as the vizard was flown forward, closer to the captain as he chanted, “Castling titan, serpentine wind. Forsaken by your own greed, the endless chain entangles the dying sun. Bakudou Sixty-Three: Saju Sabaku.”
Kyuketsu dove forward, and even with a single sword in hand, released a quintet of strokes painting a masterpiece of steel aimed for the hybrid’s neck and throat.
1,694
Note
Used [Lockdown] again, then Saju Sabaku, before finally swinging five tiems for his neck and chest.
Description: The caster faces its palm towards the opponent in a gripping-like gesture while a serpentine luminous chain, 5m long, materializes around the caster's hand and rushes towards the target, entangling itself around him. Immobile, the target is subdued by the seizing chain's weight and is forced towards the ground or nearest surface.
Incantation: Castling titan. Serpentine wind. Forsaken by your own greed. The endless chain entangles the dying sun. Bakudou #63, Saju Sabaku.
Tod grinned as he saw his trap catch his opponent unawares. His chances were better now that his opponent wouldn't be coming at him with both of his swords. He collected the poison in his veins into his left palm, getting ready to mark the man. He stood a better chance getting a hit in when he wasn't quite so fully armed.
"I'm not so naive to believe others haven't taken this course just for the power," the tracker growled at the captains accusations. "I didn't take this course for that. I took it to save myself from becoming the monster your kind believe me to be. I may have all this freedom, not being choked under the yoke of the central forty-six, and, if you aren't lying to me, I have the freedom of not being hunted anymore. If that's true then I've still been robbed of one thing that you and yours take for granted. Home."
The assassin stabbed the ground, allowing his freezing blade to create a layer of ice on the ground itself, he readied himself as he felt his opponents chains wrap around him. The added weight almost staggered him beneath it and he curled into a ball as the steam from the frozen ground gave him enough cover to keep him from losing anything vital and to minimize the wounds. He was almost happy the man was using his own spiritual pressure to raise the temperature. He could feel, more than see, the poison in his blood spilling out onto the ground, seeming to sizzle as it came into contact with land itself, the black blood spilling down his back in a sticky wetness that seemed to flow through him.
"Now," the vizard growled as menacingly as he could. "Tell me when was the last time one of the masked was allowed to roam free in the lands they came to call home before being cast out."
With the question hanging in the air and his wounds closing shut, except two that marked down his shoulders and still bled down into his back, he lunged forwards. The chains on him still weighed him down and almost made it a monumental effort since he didn't even bother to dismiss them from his body as he tried to lunge and land a hit on the man and infect him with the twelfths special brand of poison.
[400/2065]
Abilities
[Mark of the Hunted]
The feared technique of the 12th division is both hideous to learn and to execute. Those who seek to learn the technique are injected with a cocktail of poisons and diseases and left bedridden for several days. At such a point either their immune system is able to cope with the injection or they are forced to go to the 4th division and undergo a series of extensive (and painful) filtrations at which point the process must begin again.
Once the user has adapted to the plague, they are able to use it against their enemies, focusing it into the palm of their hand. Upon contact with the target, the virulence will transfer, leaving a dark hand print where the contact was made. This mark sends a message to any who sees it that the person bearing it is hunted, and most citizens will treat such a person like a leper.
The mark sends out a small leak of reiatsu that serves as a signal flare to all members of the 12th, making it difficult for a marked person to hide. This mark is permanent unless a chiyudo or Reiki user channels a healing ability for at least three rounds with a cost equal to or greater than the Mark's activation cost. The user may release the Mark at will, also.
Side effects include pain, nausea and blurred vision, although each person’s reaction to the plague is different. Any attempt at high-speed movement by the victim (shunpo, fight-or-flight, hirenkyaku, sonido) will veer dramatically off path for two rounds.
Bounty points can be spent to augment the power of the poison. Each 150 bounty points add one round to the disorientation, to a maximum of 5 rounds.
Activation costs 2% rei on a successful touch to force the virulence into the target.
Shikai Abilitiy Slot 2:
Touketsu Suru Sekai (Frozen World, 凍結する世界) Tapping into his spirits’ nature Tod can actually freeze the world around him. He sets up a trap by stabbing the ground and freezes the ground within a ten meter radius of where the sword stabbed for a continuing cost of 3% rei per round. This makes the terrain around where he stabbed count as bad footing for anyone else but Tod. The power causes everything within the ten meter distance to freeze over, even those within the barrier and the ice continues to reinforce itself and refreeze those within the radius for each turn he pays the 3% cost.
Statsu
Reiatsu: 10772 {Masked and Released: 13034} Threshold: 4593 {Masked and Released: 5558} Rage: 35%
-402 Reiatsu(Shikai ability)
Reiatsu: 10440 {Masked and Released: 12632} Threshold: 4593 {Masked and Released: 5558} Rage: 35%
He was not able to slit his throat open, nor did he manage to carve open the half-breed’s chest... yet, what he had in place was good enough as it was. The captain’s footing was left weakened by the slippery sheet of ice, preventing any sort of countermeasure to avoid the debilitating toxin in the former assassin’s grasp. As Kyuketsu felt the tingling sensation rush up his spine and the man fall from the weight of the chains, he leaped back and away, giving himself distance from his hybridized quarry. Nauseous and pained, he began to suffer the full extent of the venom. But no matter. In his mind—in his cruel, callous, manipulative mind—the stage was set.
“My, how dangerously poetic you are.” He laughed, grinning halfway as to legitimately compliment the man. “Everything has a price, does it not? Anything free in this world is either not worth it... or a lie. And the price to pay for this freedom of yours, this power... is to no longer set foot on the land you call home. You reap what you sow, and true enough, in this heartless world of ours, is that not a fair trade? For pseudo-immortals such as ourselves to be bound so much by the past... what’s the point? We live for centuries, even millenniums if we’re lucky... so why do we put so much stock in such a fragile and outdated concept such as the ‘past’?
To some degree the past is important. But sure enough, to be shackled by it would only serve to drag you down, to chain you to things that have long since passed. So... why not look in the present and into the future? I’d like to believe my future is set in stone... but what about you, I wonder? What is your future?”
Kyuketsu simply stood there, sword floating by his side as the predatory grin defining his visage never once subsided.
“That being said, as we are now, I have checkmate from every possible angle. You’d do well to keep that in mind. So... why don’t we put aside this petty little confrontation of ours for now, and talk about the future, yes? The Army of Masks are scattered, and Ascania Theron has been asked to round them up. To serve the Forty-Six, no doubt. But I have an entirely different idea... something far more beneficial, if you’re willing to lend me your ears,” he explained, lowering his sword away from the man.
“So pick one.” He gestured with both hishands. “Die from the past... or live for the future.”
The assassin left his blade in the ground as he considered the dangerous mans words. He growled as he broke through the weight on his body. He stared at the man, a hundred thousand questions running through his mind as he tried to respond to the dangerous man. He'd been given a momentary reprieve from the fight and he tried to figure out what the raptorian shinigami's plan was, tried to discern the message.
Just sitting here staring at him, the soul reapers' spirit hissed. If you really want to figure out what he wants the easiest way to do it is to ask.
Tod continued to watch, then slowly drew his blade from the ground and relaxed it in his grip. He allowed his body to relax as well and allowed the ice to melt as well. He'd give his opponent a chance but he'd let the virulence run its course. Yes, that would give his opponent enough time to adjust, as well as one could to something like that. But there wasn't a way to truly get ones body used to it.
So ask. the voice hissed again.
"Who profits from this... future?" the tracker growled quietly. "And what does this future create? What is it that you want from the likes of me?"
Three small, flattering applauds left the captain as he heard the vizard’s response. His smile could only grow wider as he sat himself down, legs crossed atop the paved avenue leading to the brunt of the Spire. He swung his blade casually over to a completely separate direction, the flames born from its edge racing to a series of scaffoldings which housed a certain uninvited guest. Iron bars, plywood, and gravel scattered, entrenching the place and blocking any other curious ears from listening on their conversation. Satisfied, the captain erected the lone blade by his side, vision undetached from the half-breed.
“Capable and smart. Good choice.” His countenance bore a cold, calculating mask, tactical yet vicious. “The future, if I see it correctly, creates whatever you so desire. As I’ve said, you pave your own path, and while there are some obstacles and variables, the end result is all on you. And the future... the future belongs to people who are not afraid to get their hands dirty, to those bold enough to cast aside these foolish morals for the sake of getting what they want. You want your home back? You want that which you have lost? Then by all means, go get it. The Gotei, the captains, the humans and Hollows. They’re not stopping you. You’re stopping you.
I’m making friends left and right, so why should I discriminate against you or your people? Those who profit from this venture are the fearless souls who stare at oblivion without so much as flinching. And you know that thing about fearlessness? It’s a man’s willingness to conquer in the name of destiny... so as to claim what is rightfully his.”
Kyuketsu stood back up, dusting himself as he began to lazily stretch out his joints.
“I only ask that you lend me your sword and your loyalty... and your investment will not come unrewarded.” He pointed his sword at the vizard. “Or you know, we could keep this up. Your choice.”
The former assassin listened carefully, noting the other mans cautions in making sure he'd cleared out other prying eyes. He hissed in awe at the power the man waved around casually. Even equalized his opponent still had more experience, more battle survival skills than the assassin.
You dont truly trust him do you? the spirit hissed in his ear. The pair of them could feel a hunger in the captain, so akin to a hollows yet completely different. He's far too ambitious, the kind of man who would see the world burn if he became displeased with it.
Aye, Tod thought with a sigh to his spirit. The relaxed state of his body was letting him realize, now that the adrenaline was bleeding from him, that he was tired. Fighting a captain came with costs. But its better to know a serpents plan then to get bitten by for crossing it later.
"By lending you my blade," the blue eyed soul asked, his voice warbling with the hollow mask he wore. "Do you mean to wage war upon soul society?"
The tracker let the question hang in the air for a moment before he sighed again. He would surrender to the other man, whether he answered in the affirmative or not.
"Those old men who allowed me to save their skins," Tod said with a growl as he remembered the chaos in soul society. The bombing of Central Fourty-Six that he'd aided the senators in escaping. "They can burn, but there are still those whom I count as precious back home."
