Born Enemies, Espada vs Shinigami

[Connor Greaves]

Thread Title: Kazuna vs Connor
Participants: Kazuna, Connor Greaves
World: Human World
Death Setting: Non Death Enabled
Rating: PG-13
Location: A local park in Karakura town in the day. A lot of grassy field area, with trees along a large concrete pathway. The grass is wet from the morning dew, and the sun is just starting to rise over the horizon.
Special Conditions: None
Circumstances: After a spree of local murders in a park, a lone Shinigami investigates, only to discover a hollow, which he promptly kills, right as Kazuna arrives

[Connor Greaves]

Often times I wonder if there was something wrong with how I do things. I hardly spend any time in the Soul Society, preferring the feeling of the world of the living, and actively trying to change the place for the better, as is what I am doing now. As was routine by this point, I stepped back onto Earth, this time arriving in Japan, Karakura, after finally being deemed at an acceptable level of ability by my superior officers. On the surface, it was just like any other location I have visited, but spiritually...

Even having just left the senkaimon, I could feel how special this place was. It was almost like I was still in the soul society, it was so spiritually enriched here. But I had to stop gawking. There was no time for such things. I had to move on. And as if responding to my drive to move forward, the unmistakable roar of a Hollow was heard nearby. I answered its call, and ran to intercept it. I arrived to meet it moments later, only slightly out of breath, only to find that it had already consumed a poor plus soul.

I yelled in rage, immediately grabbing its attention. It roared back, charging at me with a lunging bite. I responded by drawing my Zanpakuto, and cleaving its head in two, killing it instantly. The beast, some sort of hybrid between a snake, and a badger, slumped and fell to the ground with a loud thud. I sheathed my blade, before taking off my mask, looking down on the beast in barely contained anger. This was no victory for me. Not when I could have saved someone if I were faster. I sighed, wiped my face with my sleeve, and returned the mask onto my face.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Stats, Skills, Items}
Stats: Strength- 200
Speed- 250
Reiatsu Strength- 50
Spiritual Pressure- (210+50%) 315
Senses- 50
Instinct- 50
Energy Sensory- 0

Dark- 100
Light- 0

Skills: Strength of Will- 1
Weapons, Swords- 1
Weapons, Guns- 1
Street Fighting- 1
Acting- 1
Disguise- 1
Crafting- 1
Charisma- 1

Class 5 Protective Gloves
Class 5 Spiritual Steel Greatsword

[Ailene Haschiro]

As the deafening roar of the Hollow was quickly replaced with silence, no thanks to Connor's quick action, the silence would continue quite eerily. There was nobody nearby, presumedly from the mess that the Hollow created. Little would Connor know that the Hollow was going to be the least of his worries. As he presumedly mourned the loss of life, even a deceased one, the air around would feel denser. The silence was broken as a spacial distortion began to hum about 30 feet away from Connors current position.

As the spacial distortion finished being created, it would softly open to appearing as a black void. Connor would then see a calm space of free-flowing reaitsu with only one thing in it. A pale, average height, 'young' man stepped out, a large scythe being carried on his back. He had a sleek and slender form and surprisingly did not wear any form of footwear. His cheek and chin were adorned with the broken fragments of his former mask and he was wearing those white robes of the Espada. 

Kazuna looked around and saw only one thing. He saw the fading remains of the Hollow Connor fought as well as well as Connor himself. He looked up, his piercing grey eyes studying the Shinigami. A low and uninterested, but audible voice would speak. "I see you are the one to kill the rampaging Hollow that came here." He sighed and shrugged his left shoulder. "Geez, I hate those detestable creatures. Well then again, I used to be one of them..." Kazuna then placed his hand on his hip. "This brings us to the question at hand. Who are you and what exactly are you doing here?"

SPOILER: Click to show

{Stats and Skills}
Strength - 100 x .6 = 60
Speed - 150
Spiritual Pressure - 100
Reiatsu Strength - 100 x 1.75 = 175
Light Aura - 40
Dark Aura - 60
Instinct - 100
Senses - 50
Energy Sensory - 50
Healing Expertise - 50


Total SP: [700 Points]


[Analyzing] [3]



[Calm Mind] [2]



[Strength of Will] [1]



[Anti-Stealth] [2]



[Illusion Resist] [1]



[Lack of Fear] [2]



[Battle Analysis] [2]



[Pain Tolerance] [2]

[Connor Greaves]

There were many things I learned not to trust, over the course of my short life. At the top of that list, was bureaucrats, nobles, and pale people walking around with weapons. Guess which category this young man fell into? Regardless, I was on guard, very not trusting of the shorter man. Clad in all white, with a scythe, there was a lot that I could guess about this person, and very little of it was good, especially for me. I narrowed my eye at the man from behind my mask. If he was observant, he would notice how stiff my posture had become.

I rested my hand on one of my blades, both hooked on the left side of my waist. This man was dangerous. Then his claim that he used to be one... "My name, is Connor Greaves." I told him in a dull tone, trying, and probably failing, at hiding how nervous I was. "I have been assigned to patrol and safeguard this area from hollows as well as other threats." My gloved right hand was wrapped around the hilt of the blade now, and I took a stance what would allow me to draw it with ease, which I had a feeling I would be doing soon enough.

"And now you approach me, after having just defeated a hollow, claiming to formally have been one. Who are you, and are you a threat to the people of this world?" I would not make the first move, not yet anyway. If he was a threat though, I would not hesitate to attack him, regardless of if he had yet to do something or not, I would give my all to stop him. I would not let the people fall victim to the whims of evil men and monsters, whether they be in the form of a human, or otherwise.

[Ailene Haschiro]

Kazuna stood there watching Connor stiffen. He raised an eyebrow as he listened to Connor's explanation of who he was. To Kazuna it sounded as if Connor was trying to emulate his apathetic attitude. He sighed and did not reach for his weapon. He bent his legs slightly, taking a stance that would allow him to utilize his weapon as well if needed. As his grey eyes maintained eye contact with Connor, he shifted slightly into a calming position keeping his knees still bent. As he shifted, his robes remained still and he quivered gently.

His voice was still soft, but borderline uninterested in Connor. "My name is Kazuna Hashiro." His appearance led Kazuna to believe that Connor was a Shinigami, the weapon being able to kill a Hollow was a pretty good indicator of being a spiritual being. Kazuna was not one to be deceiving, but he was also not sure of the ability of this Shinigami. Quite frankly, he didn't want to reveal who he was exactly just yet. 

As he settled into a comfortable position, placing his hands in pockets of his robe, his expression looked as apathetic as ever. "I am a denizen of Hueco Mundo, home to Hollow and Arrancar alike." He made no effort to hide his spiritual pressure as he wasn't sure as to the sensory ability of Connor. On top of that, he really had nothing to hide. Leaning forward gently he continued with his answer. "As to whether I present a threat. I don't seek any quarrel in particular among anyone here. However..." he trailed off thinking for a bit.

As he thought more and more, closing his eyes he calmly projected the way he normally did. Little emotion clouding his speech and as such, his intentions could not be read too easily. "I presume that a member of the Soul Society would naturally seek quarrel with a being of Hueco Mundo." He smirked gently, deviating from the apathetic expression and sighed greatly at the prospect of fighting. Fighting is something he found oh so dull.

He began to inspect Connor, trying to fill out his ability. He did indeed seem at least capable for taking out a Hollow with such a swift motion. This aroused curiosity in Kazuna. Getting stronger. Seeking more and more at any cost was a typical desire of the Espada, but Kazuna's motivation as the Harbinger of Nihilism was dulled. It was much weaker, but still there. In his mind, all was futile because death will eventually meet everyone. Be it through time or through another stronger individual.

As these thoughts raced through his mind, he once again shook his head and opened his eyes again, staring directly at Connor. "So what shall it be? The way I know you Soul Society types...you always pride yourself on what's right...and not to be rude, but it's all a moral playground. Make no mistake, however. Present a threat to me and I will strike back..." He raised an eyebrow and began to move his hand to his scythe, ready to take action as it seemed that this is where it will always lead. 

[Connor Greaves]

So, his name was Kazuna. We inspected each other, preparing for our imminent fight, one that I was sure to start, given how passive the 'arrancar' was being. I was still unsure exactly what that meant, and I curse myself for not knowing something like this, he confirmed that he was at one point a hollow, and more than likely still is. For a sentient as Kazuna is though, I would not take any risks. I would not let the people come to harm, and I cannot guarantee that someone so closely affiliated with hollows would care for the wellbeing of humans.

"Pride is the sin of fools, and something I care not to have, unlike others I know." It was not hard to think of at least several other of my squadmates that shared such arrogance. I drew my blade in a wide swing. "I do not bother myself with the dilemma of right or wrong. I know my fate, and if in the end I must burn, then I shall do so defending those who cannot, even from potential threats like yourself." I answered him honestly, seeing no reason not to. I held my sword with both hands, still unused to the new blade, unlike the one I used to slay the hollow.

This weapon was a prototype, given out to the field agents to test against hollow, and other unforeseen threats. Apparently the twelfth had made a breakthrough on spiritual steel, and was using us as test subjects. Not something I would normally condone, but the temptation of having some new equipment, even for as short a while as it is, was for too great for me to ignore. The blade is a clunky thing, and swinging it was difficult, but I had other tricks up my sleeve just in case it failed, which I was certain it would.

I charged at the spirit, moving as fast as my body would allow at 250. I was on top of him in moments. My gloved hands tightened around its hilt, as I swung the blade at him with a diagonal slash, reduced to a speed of 225 due to the negative effects of the weapon. It might be with it however, as the spiritual greatsword boasted an offensive strength of 450, and would likely cause a good deal of damage if it connected. I hoped to end this as quickly as I could, but I had a feeling that this would be a tricky fight.

[Ailene Haschiro]

Listening to Connor talk was rather dull to Kazuna. This entire scenario was rather silly to him in general. He posed no threat to Connor, but like always some righteous soul felt that he posed a threat simply for his being an Arrancar. He couldn't control who he was and quite frankly, it filled Kazuna with a moment's worth of regret that this was even happening. Not the idea that they had to fight, but the knowledge that this Shinigami was much like all the rest. They couldn't be reasoned with. It was either death or victory.

Not really listening to him speak as time went on, Kazuna entered a deep state of mind. One purely of thought. As his body was left there to 'enjoy' the wonders of Connor's thoughts, his mind trailed off into the distant crevices of his very consciousness. There he thought about all that he was. An Espada. An elite Arrancar who was an enemy to the Soul Society. For all intent and purposes, Kazuna should see Connor as an enemy, but what was really behind the Shinigami that he found interesting?

As he continued to lose himself in his mind, Kazuna let a deep exhale escape his lips. His mind began to descend deeper and deeper into the very void of his soul. It was there that he saw what he wanted to avoid. Images of his life before the Espada. A life without this nihilism. A life without this ideology corroding his sanity. He was free then. Free to explore and feel just like anyone else. But death took it all from him. His family, his home, and even his identity. When Kazuna died and the Hollow was unleashed, he committed many atrocities that such a desperate hunger-driven creature would pursue.

A slideshow of images flashed by. Images of Kazuna in his dreaded Hollow form, biting through flesh, carving through wood and person alike. In his eyes was not the light of that cheerful child he once was. He was an animal. Devoid of emotion, desire or purpose. All he was is a mindless creature with the only goal to feed. Kazuna hated not being in control. Not of himself, not of his abilities, and certainly not of the situations he was placed in. 

These flashbacks grew more vivid as the world darkened around him. All he saw were the barren deserts of Hueco Mundo. Something was different. The air was not as dense. Everything seemed to have a brighter hue. And in the middle of this barren desert stood a woman. A beautiful woman standing at 5'4", blonde hair and a little-broken fragment of her mask. She wore casual attire. A green cloth that flowed in the winds of the desert. The vision of her, of August, smiled at Kazuna.

August was a good friend to Kazuna. She gave him reason to care. After his parents died while he was alive, Kazuna found very little reason to place trust into anything. All he could think was, "Why place care into something if it will only end up dead or destroyed....?" As he thought this, the vision of August gave him a confused look. Her face then soon transitioned into that sweet smile as she calmly spoke. "Why silly...you place care into things because they matter to you. Remember how I mattered to you?" This response was met with an immediate shake of Kazuna's head. As he rejected the notion, he was then quickly taken back into reality.

This entire mental journey, feeling like hours while actually taking up a few seconds, in reality, left Kazuna weary but focused. He came back in time to hear Connor finish his little spiel. Naturally, he went for an attack it seemed as he quickly made a move towards Kazuna. The speed of 250 was impressive, yes, and Kazuna had never encountered a foe who moved at such speed in a legitimate fight, Kazuna noted the way that the blade was about to be swung. That horizontal swing left alot of space for Kazuna to quickly shift his weight to the side and kick off with a speed of 150 which pushed his body to the limit for a split second, pivoting around Connor, ending up slightly airborne on his side. 

As he was now midair, Kazuna had prepared Kurakusabyou and was now in the opportune position to strike at his entire side. With a mighty heave, Kazuna swung at Connor's back, the blade being positioned in such a way that if it connected and were to be let continue would slice through Connor's entire abdomen, splitting his body into two halves. In the case that Connor attempted to do something cheeky, Kazuna's grey eyes were calculating as he quickly stomped his foot down, killing all momentum as he was not still swinging at Connor, but now grounded and standing still.

For good measure, Kazuna moved his hand backward. Curling it up into a fist he was about to make an all too familiar motion at point blank range. As he moved his fist forward, a bala was released at Connor's shoulder. If he would parry the strike from the scythe, then hopefully the bala could at least deal a sizeable amount of damage. Hopefully enough to truly damage the Shinigami.

The double strike of the scythe and bala hopefully connecting, Kazuna would wait to see how the Shinigami would respond. If Connor tried to create distance, Kazuna bent his legs and was ready to pursue if need be. Currently, however, he had to concentrate on what was going on here. The scythe was still in motion to slice Connor's abdomen and hopefully sever flesh from bone while the bala was traveling at near point blank incredible speeds towards Connor's shoulder and may leave more than a bruise of either one hit. 

SPOILER: Click to show

{Reaitsu Capacity}
Bala - 50
Current Reaitsu - 950/1000

[Connor Greaves]

This man was good with his footwork, there was no denying that. As I swung my blade at him, he managed to pivot around me in a show of grace and skill. In this regard, I was nowhere close being equal to this man, and I was sure I would not be for a long while. It was a shame that those two things alone would not win him this fight, especially not so easily. Mid swing, I pivoted myself, more than matching Kazuna in speed, and releasing one of my hands from the blade, I moved it to intercept the strike of the deadly polearm.

My hand, currently wearing another item from the twelfth division, latched onto the blade of the scythe, with the unique properties of the glove saving my hand from being damaged. On top of that, my much stronger grip allowed me to hold it in place, preventing the arrancar from shaking me off it, no matter how my foe struggled. I would have tried to disarm him from his weapon, if not for the glowing ball of light in his other hand. I had the chance to feel surprise, before I was blasted by whatever it was that he attacked me with.

My arm, which had been swinging around to attack him once more, took the brunt of the damage, leaving my shoulder with a nasty red burn, causing the weapon to fly off into the wooded area. With my best option for ending this quickly gone, the fight became much harder for me. Despite the pain, I had yet to release his weapon, knowing full well the consequences of doing so. So, as I had wanted to do before, I jerked the weapon away from him in an attempt to take the scythe for myself, as little good it would do for me.

In the same jerking motion, I spun the right side of my body towards him, kicking at his torso. It was a powerful kick, and would likely send him flying, if he refused to release his weapon. Sure, his iron skin would mitigate some of the damage, but it would hurt no less. If the hollow released his weapon, I would toss it to the ground, and quickly draw my zanpakuto, before stepping on the weapon. I needed to get this away from him, I was sure of it. If he was more experienced with a weapon than I was, then the best way to beat him was to remove the weapon altogether.

[Ailene Haschiro]

Kazuna was surprised by this Shinigami's ability. His capacity to intercept the blade of his scythe was indeed impressive. The burn on his arm did indeed look nasty and was sure to hurt more later. More suprising, however, was the weapon which flew into the distance. This certainly made the Shinigami a little less threatening, but nonetheless he was a formidable adversary that could definitely prove to be a deadly combatant.

The iron grip on his scythe certainly was annoying. Trying to dislodge the blade, it seemed nigh impossible, his superior strength and like the gauntlet allowing him to maintain a firm grip on the blade. This was further supplemented by the painful kick. Thankfully, Kazuna's Hierro helped to mitigate the blunt trauma impact, but it would leave a nasty bruise not unlike the bala that Connor was hit with. 

The kick did indeed send him flying as he lost grip of his weapon, but this was not necessarily the worst of situations. A second after being kicked, Kazuna oriented himself to be 'flying' through the air upright. Within another second, a deadly burst of reaitsu erupted from the Espada's hand. As flew above the gentle grass, it quickly became seared, the burning wave of reaisu proving to be incredibly dangerous if taken head on.

Kazuna's Cero moved in a broad large beam towards the arm that was keeping its grip on his weapon. The question was whether Connor's arm wouldn't just be seared off by the burning reaitsu. As he hit the ground, Kazuna quickly kicked, a maximum velocity of 150 for him being reached. Now from the side, he fired a bala at the same arm. Unless maneuvered around quickly, Connor would have to deal with the burning Cero headed towards his arm or the painful concussive blast of the bala. Either way, the question was whether Connor would still be holding the weapon if not losing his arm potentially.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Reiatsu}
-200 Cero
-50 Bala
Current Reiatsu - 700/1000

[Connor Greaves]

There was no longer any doubt for me that this man was a threat. That, and that I would not survive what appeared to be a cero if it struck me. And It was getting close. He had attacked before I had managed to drop this unwieldy scythe, which was quickly becoming an issue. So, as I was running away from the weapon, I tossed it towards the cero, letting the torrent of reshi carry it away from me. I knew not if the blast would actually damage it, but it would force him to retrieve it if he wanted to use it to kill me.

Although, given the ero, and whatever it was he used to injure my shoulder, it might not be as necessary for him as I had first thought. As I got around the remnants of the attack, I saw him about to use another attack. Panicking at this point, knowing that there was no hope in beating him from this far away, I decided to close the distance between the two of us. I used a Shunpo to appear at his side, narrowly avoiding the high speed Bala. I ignored the sound of explosion that it caused, spinning around, and kicking at him with a spin, hoping to hit his back or side.

The pain from the first bala was great, and it was hard to ignore. I probably would be unable to use my sword too effectively now. But I could still fight with my body for now. I had to avoid anymore attacks, which would be difficult given how strong this man was proving to be. There was no way I would be able to counter a Cero head on, and the other attack would make this harder than this needed to be. I needed to keep my head in this fight, and keep him close so he would be unable to cast magic like he was.

Ooc: Shunpo: 50
Total Reiatsu remaining 3100/3150

[Ailene Haschiro]

As the destructive force of the Cero tore through the landscape, Kazuna looked at Connor intently. He watched as he threw his scythe towards the cero which indeed prevented Kazuna from getting it right then and there. This was a fast-paced fight though so it would only be a matter of time, Kazuna was atleast trying to predict in his mind. One thing was for sure, Connor had successfully avoided the Cero. The only thing now was that Kazuna had to end this soon. At his current ability, Kazuna was not all too great at long term fights.

Kazuna followed the bala as well as it had also missed Connor. Kazuna was getting rather frustrated at this. He thought about it and smirked a bit. Granted, Connor had actually caught him slightly off guard as he used the Shinigami's step technique to quickly close the distance. Once he was in range, Connor kicked at Kazuna and the 'young' Espada saw an oppurtunity. He was going to take the kick, but positioned himself to be kicked in the back.

As the kick connected, it would hurt. I mean really hurt, but it launched him which is what he wanted. Using the speed of the launch, Kazuna vaulted himself once more off of the ground into the direction of his scythe. As he slid and landed closer to the scythe, he quickly ran at a speed of 150 towards it, aiming to simply pick it up. Now holding his scythe, Kazuna thought about his opportunities. He had one move in particular as of right now that if it hit, would be devastating. 

He held his scythe to the side and softly spoke. "Rot and Decay, Kurakusabyou." A sudden pulse of reiatsu emanated from Kazuna as it would appear to Connor as if Kazuna's scythe simply...withered away. It withered away like a dead flower. Kazuna's skin began to take a morbid and horrible color. His scythe would start to reform in his hands and using one of them, Kazuna cut his own hand. Blood would begin to spill from it as Kazuna smirked.

At that moment, Kazuna had vanished. A sonido as he was accelerating towards Connor with his step technique at an astounding speed of 2000. As Kazuna reappeared directly in front of Connor, he would see Kazuna in his Primera Etapa. What he saw was a living corpse. Kazuna's pale skin had withered away, bursting off of his body revealing an almost rotting appearance of grey flesh. His hair was all messy, far more than usual.

His robes were flat out tattered, bits and pieces were missing and the bottom of his robe was almost completely torn. Kurakusabyou had become a pair of gleaming kamas, but the worst thing was Kazuna's eyes or moreso the lack thereof. All that Connor could see was eye sockets that had no pair to fill the void. A sadistic smirk on his face, Kazuna quickly used one hand, using his sudden appearance with the sonido to startle Connor, to lash out at his neck with a max speed of 150. Hopefully for Kazuna he would be successful.

In the following motion, Kazuna would grip his bloody hand tightly creating a fist. With that, Kazuna quickly kicked as he gripped Connor, trying to send the Shinigami into a stumble. Whether this was successful or not was irrelevant. Kazuna was going to release his technique. Punching at Connor, a black mass of reiatsu formed and almost instantly erupted from his hand. The recoil of it would knock him back, but the point blank range of the Bala Obscuras made it extremely difficult to dodge, especially if Kazuna had successfully staggered the Shinigami.

Kazuna gripped his hand in pain. Not only had he just released the destructive force of the Bala Obscuras, but he also had to cut his hand to use it. A large gash could be seen, blood dripping down to the ground, staining the landscape around them. Kazuna was only focused on thing right now. The outright destruction of this Shinigami. He was going to use any means to do it and a point-blank Bala Obscuras could do the trick.

Ontop of this, Kazuna had to suffer the horrendous burns of the technique as it could scar his hand after consecutive uses after consecutive uses. The point is, the technique was detrimental but effective. He looked up to see the result of the technique as even he had difficulties tracking it due to its sheer velocity. Kazuna blinked and began laughing maniacially as his release turned him into a psychotic individual.

Now if the bala itself hit, Connor would first feel severe, excruciating burns that would splash across the point of impact at minimum. The worst case scenario would be that the bala put a hole though the Shinigami as its power tore through the body of any individual. Of course in the event that it missed which would be very impressive to Kazuna on Connor's part, the bala would eventually hit something. Maybe a stray building or some landscape. Regardless, Kazuna impatiently awaited the results of the technique, but he would feel the fatigue soon as he began to venture into negative reiatsu territory.

Primera Etapa: 1/8

SPOILER: Click to show

{Bala Obscuras}Technique Name: [Bala Oscuras] (Black Bullet)

Class: [3]

Technique Type: [Hollow Technique]

Technique Element: [None]

Technique Description and Effects: [The Espada-only version of the bala. The Bala Oscuras (Dark Bullet) version turns the bala into a jet black and fires it with tremendous velocity and power. This can only be used while in Release Stages. It packs the nearly punch of half a Gran Rey Cero. Unlike regular Bala, which merely puts holes in adversaries, and occasionally blows limbs off, this one will blast holes easily twice the size of the actual blast, and splash burns across the enemy as well. On top of that, it is capable of completely disintegrating limbs, rather than just blowing them off, meaning that reattachment is impossible.]

How to use technique: [Same as regular Bala]

Drawback: [Unlike Cero Oscuras, this technique requires there be the user's blood on their hand, rather similar to the conditions for Gran Rey Cero. This will also slowly burn the hand with each use. Consecutive uses will add second and third degree burns to the hand that uses it. After too many uses, around 6 or 7, that hand will not be able to use any more reiatsu based techniques, unless it is healed. High speed regeneration cannot heal the damage caused by this technique.]

Made by: [Kazamaru]

SPOILER: Click to show

{Reiatsu}
-400 Primera Etapa
-100 Sonido
-400 Bala Obscuras

Current Reiatsu: 300/1000
Reaitsu After Release: -200/1000

[Connor Greaves]

'Oh that looks bad.' Connor thought to himself, as his opponent had finally reclaimed their weapon. The icing on the cake, was that he had managed to do so thanks to him kicking the former hollow, making Connor feel all the dumber for it. The hollow had played him, though it had only been a matter of time until he had retrieved it anyway. that was what Connor was going with. The moment Kazuna picked up the weapon, was the moment things went from bad to worse for the young Shinigami. Rot and decay was all he heard, before the transformation happened.

And the arrancar did exactly that, as his body and scythe crumpled inward, much like a dying leaf in the autumn. This was the least horrifying thing Connor witnessed, because he was unable to take his gaze off of the spirit. Flesh fell away revealing ivory bone, and what remained looked like maggot food, as he looked like a rotted corpse brought to life. The worst part was the eyes. They melted away in a bone chilling display, leaving black voids in the partially revealed skull of the man. As he stared into the voids, he could feel the voids staring back.

Connor knew that this was most likely going to be his end. It was funny, in a sense; he was a soul reaper, about to die to what he could easily call the grim reaper. Funny how life works sometimes. Though Connor was unable to laugh at the irony at the moment. Mostly because the -he felt that he should not call it living, but it sounded too fitting to call it otherwise- living corpse, was now ready to attack. The nightmare that attacked him moved quickly, appearing next to him with a movement ability of their own, grabbing at his neck with what appeared to be a his hand. His very bony hand.

While the soul reaper was able to respond to this, having ample warning in the form of a sonic boom, Connor tried to lunge to the side, thinking he was being attacked by a scythe. Turning with the motion to face his new nightmare fuel gave the corpse the opportunity to latch onto him. It was so very, very chilling. The bones felt ice cold against his skin, and he wanted nothing more than to get it off him! He let out a yelp of pain, and instinctively grabbed the wrist with his right hand. He was unable to use the arm properly at this point, due to the energy attack the hollow had unleashed earlier, but he had enough energy to do this.

With all the strength he had left in his arm, he snapped the wrist of his attacker, breaking the bones holding him, before jumping backward. The feeling of death holding him by the throat lingered on his skin. That was far from the worst though, as he saw the corpse cut open their flesh covered palm. His eye shot open, somehow knowing that if there was blood involved in something, it was never good. He quickly grabbed his Zanpakuto with his left hand, unsheathing it, with minor difficulty, swinging it out in a reverse grip. If he had been even a second slower, he might not have managed to hit the black Bala that was fired at him.

And that was all Connor could see or feel for a few seconds, as the thing exploded on impact, throwing him away from the blast. A high pitched buzzing was all he could hear, as he tried to gather his bearings. Idly, he could tell he was not holding his Zanpakuto anymore. Groggily opening his eye, he could see that he no longer had an arm to hold a Zanpakuto. The limb was burnt off at the elbow, and his shirt was missing, burning his chest with black fire. He could also no longer feel his mask, having been blown off. It also appears he had been shot through three trees, which would explain why he could no longer feel his legs. Connor slumped against the tree that withstood the shinigami, and fell into blissful unconsciousness.

[Ailene Haschiro]

The splash of black burning Reiatsu even shook Kazuna in his Primera Etapa. The resulting blow radiated energy around the area of the fight. Kazuna could the bala itself searing against the very blade of the Zanpakutou. Of course this was not the interesting part. What was really interesting is that Connor was even able to strike the bala. It came out with such force that all Kazuna saw was the Shinigami be catapulted through the air.

Of course all was not well with Kazuna as the Noveno Espada now had not only a bruised and bloodied hand, but also his other wrist was broken. Kazuna held it tightly scoffing. The released Espada was heavily displeased by this final act against him. Of course if Kazuna were not in his psychopathic state, he would argue that this was not completely out of the question, but he took a moment to focus on Connor.

Looking at the Shinigami, the most interesting part about this is that his Bala Obscuras had actually hit. Never having hit it before, it left the Arrancar with a fleeting sense of satisfaction. He began to coldly approach the Shinigami who was slowly passing in and out of consciousness. It wasn't the most befitting end of a Soul Reaper. The sadistic side of Kazuna wanted to see his anguish as he slowly ripped the Shinigami's life away.

In this case, however, Kazuna took his two kamas into his hand, one wrist hanging limply as well, it was not broken. Kazuna raised one above his head, but then it hit him. A repellant force suddenly overcame him. Was it Kazuna? The voice of reason that would appear? Indeed. Kazuna's Primera Etapa became forcefully ended by the Noveno Espada as he had no interest truly in killing this Shinigami off. Kazuna knelt before the weakened Shinigami and sighed.

His flesh began to return to normal, assuming not only a normal color, but now no longer would bits of skin and bone hang off his body, seeking to induce fear within the hearts of many. His appearance normalized as his eyes began to reform, as now the black voids from earlier were no longer present thankfully. He was now as he appeared in his normal sealed state and he felt exhausted. The Reiatsu drain instantly took its toll.

Kazuna began to breath out heavily, the Reiatsu spent on release being deducted immediately. He began to cough, blood appearing on his hands. It was his blood and Kazuna sighed. This Shinigami despite being an Unseated one, was able to go toe to toe with the Noveno Espada. It was true at the Noveno Espada was the weakest spot, but well...Kazuna himself was one of the weaker Espada within Hueco Mundo.

Kazuna knew that it honestly would not be long until his release would eventually knock him out. The Primera Etapa itself already took a great toll on his body, but well. The capacity to spend Reiatsu almost infinitely, a staple feature of the Arrancar release, always bit the Espada later. He could feel himself growing weaker, but he was no where near the condition of the Shinigami that was unconscious before him.

Kazuna thought about it and turned around. He made a small motion as a wide, black gaping entrance appeared. It was just tall enough to fit his height. As he began to walk towards it, he looked at Connor. "I know you can't hear me since you are unconscious, but the might of the Espada is not to be underestimated. Remember this feeling so that you may learn from it. I have no interest in killing you, so I will see to it that you live..."

The Noveno Espada slowly walked through the portal as it neatly closed behind him, taking one last look at the human world. As he began to walk on a path of Reishi he had created, Kazuna reflected on what has transpired in this fight. As an Espada, it was his designation that carried power more than he himself. In fact, he was sure that even some of the Hollows could severely outmatch him such as that Valentin individual.

The Noveno Espada shook his head as he had actually appeared in Las Noches. He was In his quarters and his eyes felt heavy. He was now safe of course, but he had to learn to ration his Reiatsu more. It was a skill that he needed to possess as his Reiatsu pools were extremely low and as such, he needed to conserve. There was no point in reckless combat. Regardless, there was a quick motion as the Espada was now laying down, exhausted. Maybe he was not so different from Shinigami after all?

---

2 Hours Later

A few voices could be heard in this distance. They wore black robes and the mark of the Soul Society. They were clearly Shinigami who were looking around. By their tone and talking, one could assume they were looking for someone. They looked around the devastation. Looking for a missing member, they were not sure where else to look. This was all that was left. A shocking battle between an Arrancar and a Shinigami.

Suddenly out of nowhere, a scream could be heard. A female Shinigami began to call out, "Oh. I found him!" Suddenly the group rushed to the body of Connor. They could tell that he was not dead, but..one of his limbs was burnt off and he had severe 2nd to 3rd degree burns plaguing his chest. Some idle conversation occurred before one of the Shinigami picked up his unconscious body to take back to the Soul Society. "Damn it Connor...you better have one hell of an explanation..."

SPOILER: Click to show

{Reiatsu}
Current Reiatsu: -200/1000

Battle Contestants:
Kazuna - Winner
Connor - Loser

[Deleted]

230 TP to Connor.
450 + 100 TP to Kazuna.