Heroic Intentions [R, DP]

[Hadrian J. Ryan Ⅻ]

Thread Title: Heroic Intentions
Participants: Hadrian J. Ryan, Asmoskon Masurao
World: Human World
Death Setting: Damage Permanent
Rating: R
Location: The sleepy village of Upper Glenvale is nothing special - it is so unremarkable that it isn't even put on most maps. So, the chances of two Quincy meeting by chance here are very slim, right? You would think so, but perhaps fate has something in store for Hadrian and Asmoskon, as they meet for he first time. The rain is pouring, and most of the villagers are sheltered inside their homes. The conditions are not favourable for battle, but these two will probably end up fighting anyway.
Special Conditions: Asmoskon is not able to use Gravitational Pressure against Hadrian, in the interests of making this a fair fight.
Circumstances: Hadrian J. Ryan, Sternritter H, is on a pilgrimage - so to speak. He is living at the moment in almost complete isolation in Upper Glenvale, looking to sharpen his senses and better attune himself to his environment. Asmoskon has stumbled upon the area by chance - it is not marked on any map - and is surprised to find a member of the Vandenreich there. While Hadrian, originally, bears Asmoskon no ill will, it is inevitable that Asmoskon will want to kill him - given that he has allied himself to the organisation which Asmoskon hates so much.

[Hadrian J. Ryan Ⅻ]

John sat back into the plush armchair, and exhaled slowly. He let the beating of the rain against the small window fade out as he focused his hearing on the conversation downstairs. He was not eavesdropping - the people of this tiny inn would hardly have anything threatening to say - only trying to push his senses to the limit. He closed his eyes, and tried to block out the various sounds which stood between him and the landlady's voice two floors down. It was still only garbled nonsense from this distance, like a radio that was slightly out of tune. John couldn't help but feel a little disappointed. Only wood and air stood between him and her; he had thought his abilities were better than this...

He opened his eyes once again, and began absorbing all the detail around him. Close to his chest his pocket watch ticked, the rain continued to lash against the window, the fire still crackled in the grate. There was the occasional boom of thunder and even the odd flash of lightning. Thunderstorms were, in a way, sensory feasts. This one in particular had been useful, as John tried to tune it out to focus on other sounds. It was a perfect test of his mental abilities.

John raised himself gingerly off the armchair, trying to ignore the sting of the pins and needles as the blood rushed back to his legs. I really need to stop sitting cross legged... His back and neck cricked as he stretched, as he turned to face the mirror. It was cracked and dusty, like almost everything else in this inn, but it still provides a good enough image to show John that he had aged... a lot.

Is this what you meant, your Majesty...? That I'm beginning to grow into the role you assigned me...?

The deep blue in John's eyes was fading into a steelier grey-blue, while he swore that he could see the occasional grey hair in his hairline. As he lifted his arm to check, his attention was brought to yet another aspect that marked his development as a Quincy: the Sanrei Glove. Its blue and white cloth covered John's left hand completely, and continued up a good portion of his arm. It was held in place by a metal bracer, which grazed uncomfortably against John's wrist. The glove was new, and was still a mostly uncomfortable experience. Though, John couldn't deny that it was having a great effect on his Reiatsu Strength - his arrows were about 50% stronger than they were before.

Yet the glove itself was so draining. Every so often, John could feel it draw from his pool of Reiatsu, and consume it to produce more ambient reishi. The resulting Spirit Particles were then ejected at high speeds from the glove, making them harder to harness and control. Yet, this added degree of difficulty made a Quincy far stronger once he overcame it. There really is no such thing as a free dinner... John mused to himself.

The thought of dinner reminded him of how hungry he was. It wasn't a 'devour everything' kind of hunger, more of a 'uncomfortable feeling in the pit of the stomach kind'. But with the hunger came the reminder that this was not an inn per se - it was, unfortunately, more of a B&B. To get a proper dinner, John would have to go to the pub across the road. It wasn't that he was so elitist that he didn't enjoy pub food, it was just that pubs meant lots of rowdy, loud people. Loud noises for extended periods of time had started to give John intense headaches - he could barely listen to music over headphones for more than 10 minutes without developing one. He could only take it as a sign that his senses were improving, however.

And so, John grabbed his jacket and made to exit his room, when something caught his attention. Something which he hadn't sensed all week - another Quincy's Spiritual Pressure. From this distance, John couldn't tell whether it was the Reiatsu of a friend or foe, but whoever it was, they were pretty strong. John had picked upper Glenvale as a retreat precisely because there was nothing of interest for spiritual beings here - he could be left well alone. Who could be coming for him now?

John pulled his bandolier out of a drawer, and fastened it around his shoulders, beneath his coat. The silver capsules clattered alongside the two Selee Schneide as he fixed it into place. He then pulled out his pocket watch - not to check the time, but to draw in Reiatsu. Although it was more than likely a fellow Vandenreich member, John could not go out unprepared for battle. It could just as easily be a free Quincy - few as they may be. And those Quincy bore those of the Vandenreich an extraordinary amount of hate.

John clattered down the stairs, his silver tubes jangling like sleigh bells. He dashed past the landlady, managing a quick "Thank you!", before heading out into the lashing rain. His opponent would have an immediate advantage. John's white coat was distinctive in practically every terrain, while this mysterious Quincy had the cover of rain and nightfall to mask his approach. Perhaps, they might not risk a confrontation in the town, and John could use the time to defuse the situation. And this was all assuming that this Quincy bore him ill will. While that was a possibility, John's instincts told him otherwise - he had a feeling that this Quincy would not be sympathetic.

The rain had already drenched John's coat by the time he arrived at the small alcove that sheltered the door of the pub. A lone smoker occupied it, who John nodded curtly too. The man appraised John's attire with a cool glance - he was obviously slightly inebriated, John didn't need his animal-like senses to smell the alcohol on his breath. "Tis a bad night out, alright..." said the man philosophically. John held his breath in anticipation - he had a feeling that it was about to get a whole lot worse.

Reiatsu Remaining: 2300/2200 : -200 for Sanrei Glove, +300 from Quincy Cross
Timer: 1/12

SPOILER: Click to show

{John's Stats and Skills}


Strength - [80] Points (48 with Strategist Deduction)

Speed - [150] Points (90 with Strategist Deduction)

Spiritual Pressure - [220] Points

Reiatsu Strength - [400] Points (600 with Sanrei Glove)

Light Aura - [80] Points

Dark Aura - [20] Points

Instinct - [75] Points (150 with Strategist Boost)

Senses [75] Points (150 with Strategist Boost)

Energy sensory - [110] Points (220 with Strategist Boost)

Healing Expertise - [0] Points


Total SP: [1100] Points


Skills

[Crafting] {2}

[Weapon : Sword : Dual-Wielding] {2}

[Weapon : Bow] {2}

[Battle Analysis] {2}

[Strength of Will] {2}

[Leadership/Charisma] {2}

4 banked

[✠Asmoskon Masurao✠]

Throughout the countryside roamed one of the greatest archers to ever grace the human world. A man of hardship and struggles that had forged him into an individual until any other. One of Xcution's most powerful members along with one of the few remaining Quincy apart from the Vandenreich. Asmoskon Masurao a Quincy who sought after that which all others believed to be unobtainable. Something that throughout time was brief and always broken earlier and earlier after each time it came to be obtained. Peace, the one thing that every realm needed yet none could obtain was the only thing that Asmoskon truly sought after.

The young man was hardly in his twenties yet so far his life had been filled with more torment and torture then others experienced throughout the entirety of their existence. While at the moment most of his hardship had been settled and problems solved there was still more stress then anyone his age should be put under. Trying to do right for all of the pain he has caused throughout the world. Reforming his family under his leadership and protection. On top of both of those Asmoskon still had his duty in Xcution to uphold while constantly training his subordinates.

His time was split between so many different things that Asmoskon actually had very few moments to relax and train his own prowess. When he actually got free time to himself it was normally spent spending time with Hotaru. If that wasn't the case then all that he had the energy to do was relax or train. It wasn't the training that he wanted nothing that could push himself to new heights only what would allow him to keep his skills fresh. All of those reasons were why a week ago Asmoskon had spoken with Satsujun and been allowed two weeks to himself away from everything he didn't want to be burdened by.

He had left his subordinates to train in ways that were already being scheduled yet with a fair bit more difficulty. Making sure to send a message to the Seireitei Asmoskon made sure that Hotaru would know that he was safe, but needed time to develop his prowess in a more harsh way. Right now he was walking in the dead of night and he was beginning to catch the scent in the air change. From what he could tell it was going to begin raining very soon. Asmoskon thought about it and came to the conclusion that finding the next town he came across would be the best solution. He had been running the majority of the day so resting wasn't a bad decision just based off that.

Taking the supply bag off of his back and placing it on the ground Asmoskon sorted through everything that he had packed when he had left. It took about thirty seconds for him to find the rain cloak that was within the bag and pull it out. Once he had it he zipped the bag back up and pulled the rain cloak over the bag and himself while pulling the hood over his head. Thanks to this there would be almost no chance that he would get wet. Well everything besides his boots those were as good as soaked and it hadn't even started to rain yet.

It took Asmoskon roughly an hour to come across the small village known as Upper Glenvale. From what he could tell the village was very off the map. It looked like this place was still living in the time prior to modern medicine. As if he had stepped into a medieval space of time when everything was like this. Asmoskon wasn't a stealthy man so if anyone had actually been meaning to look for a new individual they would have a fair chance of noticing him. Well that would be the case if the majority of his body wasn't covered by the black rain cloak while in the dead of night.

Asmoskon was moving through the town looking for either a inn or some sort of restaurant. He knew that most inns would have some sort of food available as well yet this wasn't the first trip like this that Asmoskon had taken. The last time he had been in a place like this and ate in the inn that he had stayed at he had gotten incredibly ill from the food. Even now the memory of that illness brought up the sickening taste of everything being regurgitated shortly afterwards.

When he actually began to get close to the inn of the small village he sensed the reiatsu of a Quincy. His eye scanned everything in sight and if it hadn't been thanks to his ability to sense the reiatsu of the Quincy and his animalistic sight he wouldn't have caught notice of the individual stepping into what looked to be a pub. That individual had a white jacket on and Asmoskon was all to aware of what that signified him as. One of the Vandenreich was in the village. A small grin crept across his hidden face. Looks as if his vacation was going to bring about a fair bit of new news as well.

Asmoskon felt sorry for almost every single action that he had caused while in the turmoil that he suffered when away from Hotaru. Whether it was hunting down humans, killing half demons, killing Fullbringers yet there was one thing that he still felt was justified through all of it. The amount of torture and killing done to the Vandenreich had sky rocketed while he had been ruthless. Even after reclaiming a fair bit of his kindness not even the memory of torturing the young couple and murdering them both in the end brought a twinge of regret. The Vandenreich all swore their loyalty to the foolish old man and with him gone they were next.

Asmoskon made his way to the pub not giving the smoker at the door a glance. His head was held downwards slightly to conceal his face from view. As he opened the door he would move throughout the pub finding an empty table for himself. Once that was accomplished he stripped the rain cloak placing it on the back of the chair while setting his bag at the tables foot to the right of his seat. The man sat his pants, boots, shirt and necklace all as dark as the night sky outside. The gaze of his left eye though was locked on the face of the Vandenreich boy.

Remaining Reiatsu: 2100/500
Quincy Cross: {+1600}

SPOILER: Click to show

Strength ❖ 300
Speed ❖ 400
Spiritual Pressure ❖ 100-50%=50
Reiatsu Strength ❖ 400x2=800
Light Aura ❖ 80
Dark Aura ❖ 20
Instinct ❖ 300
Senses ❖ 150
Energy sensory ❖ 50
Healing Expertise ❖ 0

•[Weapons: Archery] [4]
•[Acrobatics] [3]
•[Strength of Will] [3]
•[Battle Analysis] [3]
•[Battle Focus] [2]
•[Crafting] [3]

SPOILER: Click to show

40x Datsu
Mechanical Quiver
Power Ring
G.O.D
R.O.O.T
10x Ginto Tubes
2x Plasma Swords
4x Band Holsters
10x Supaiku Shafuto
20x Ginto Shafuto
10x Gasu Shafuto
5x Sonikku Shafuto
5x Setchaku-zai Shafuto
15x Furasshu Pfeil
15x Bakuhatsu Pfeil
5x Mamushi Pfeil
5x Kojin Poison
5x Parusu Grenade (Arrows)

[Hadrian J. Ryan Ⅻ]

Hadrian watched as the Quincy walked right past them, and into the inn. He gave off a formidable aura, like that of a seasoned soldier - he was clearly accustomed to combat. With Hadrian's level of energy sensory, it was impossible to get more than a vague idea of what his personality was like, but, even so, an incredible sense of enmity emanated from the man. The fact that he was almost completely obscured by his travelling cloak made his appearance seem even more ominous. He, however, didn't seem to intend to start a fight here. He walked calmly past Hadrian and the smoker, and walked into the inn.

Hadrian began to run through various lists in his head, there weren't a whole lot of spiritual organisations in the Human World, and fewer that would associate with a Quincy. He could be just a wandering mercenary, trying to reclaim some past glory, yet he seemed to possess a sort of resolve that most mercenaries usually lack. To say that the difference between his power and Hadrian's was large would be doing the gap an injustice. While Hadrian could determine that the Quincy's Spiritual Pressure was considerably lower than his own, the Quincy's Reiatsu Strength was considerably stronger. And unfortunately, by a greater margin.

Hadrian slid a Silver Tube from his bandolier almost instinctively, and rolled it slowly in his hand. The smoker eyed him warily. "I want none o' that stuff..." he drawled. His words were slurring now, probably because of the small hip flask at his side - Hadrian could smell the potent alcohol from this distance. His mouth curled up a little in disgust - alcohol brought out the worst in everyone, it could make civilised men into beasts with only a few drops. It was a disgusting habit. Perhaps, seeing as Hadrian had never gotten to the stage where his schoolmates went out drinking, he had just never become acclimatised to the drinking culture that pervaded modern society...

Hadrian shook his head, trying to get his thoughts back on track. The Quincy in the inn was dangerous, possibly the most dangerous opponent he had ever come across... And in all the places. Upper Glenvale was as remote as you could get - in fact, Hadrian had specifically picked this place BECAUSE the chances of running into another spiritual being were so remote. Yet, here he was, this mysterious soldier-like Quincy with an apparently unshakeable resolve. And he apparently hated Hadrian on sight, so he was obviously a free Quincy who bore a particular grudge against those in the Vandenreich. Fantastic...

Well, there was no point beating around the bush. The Quincy seemed unwilling to start a fight in a populated area, so this was Hadrian's chance to dull his hate a little. Perhaps, over a meal, they could settle their differences. Hadrian had no desire to fight, especially against a fellow Quincy who he bore no ill will, yet at the moment such a fight seemed inevitable. Hadrian meekly pushed the door, allowing it to swing slowly and stopped it just before the doorbell chimed. Through the small crack, he saw that the Quincy had taken a free table, and had his eye focused on the door. He was staring directly at Hadrian.

His pitch-black attire and eyepatch gave nothing away regarding his allegiances. In fact, Hadrian could glean very little from his appearance. He was probably a bit older than himself, but his eyes and Reiatsu Signature carried far more authority and experience. He also hadn't missed Hadrian observing him through the door. His cover blown, Hadrian had no choice but to walk into the inn. His white clothes and bandolier drew unusual stares from the few locals slouched on the bar stools, and the barkeeper made to turn up the radio to break the silence. Crackly pop music filled the otherwise silent bar. Upon the request of one of the regulars, it was promptly switched off.

Hadrian walked up to the table of the Quincy, whose eye was still firmly focused on him. Hadrian cleared his throat. "Is this seat..." The request died in his throat. Not a good start. Although Hadrian could be quite charismatic, his charisma was largely based on his boyish appearance and polite mannerisms. He was not exactly the type of leader who could rouse troops to battle with a few words, but he inspired loyalty in his own way. Unfortunately, it was not always effective. "Is this seat taken, sir?"

It obviously wasn't, and it was a ridiculous request. Every other table in the inn was empty, so why on earth would Hadrian have to choose to sit at the same table as this mysterious Quincy. Hadrian stood politely, and awaited the Quincy's reply. He was starting to regret bringing his Captain's coat. Things would have been so much easier if he had remained indistinguishable as a Vandenreich Quincy. Being part of the most hated spiritual organisation ever always made it awkward when meeting new people. Some people didn't care, most did, but you never knew until you sensed their reaction. And this Quincy's reaction had not been favourable in the slightest.

Even of the Quincy refused to let Hadrian sit at the table, he would remain standing nearby. If the Quincy was gracious enough to allow him to sit, Hadrian would take the seat opposite him. Either way, Hadrian was anxious to continue the conversation. "What's..." Again, his voice died in his throat. The icy glare he Quincy was giving him was making him incredibly nervous. He coughed once, trying to pass off his nervousness as a cold. Perhaps the other Quincy was not as emotionally sensitive as he was. "What's your name, sir? And, if you don't mind me asking, what are you doing here?"

Better. He managed the questions confidently, making it through them both without a stutter. Before the Quincy could reply, however, the barkeeper arrived over, with two menus. "Can I get he drinks, lads?" His gruff tone carried a hint of accusation. Hadrian senses that he wouldn't be happy if they left without ordering anything. Hadrian motioned to the other Quincy to answer first. Once he had responded, Hadrian would politely ask for a simple 7-up, and declined to order any food. His appetite had vanished.

Once the barkeeper left, Hadrian returned his attention to the Quincy. His eyes quickly scanned his attire, taking note of the Quincy's back pack and rain cloak. Everything looked quite official, suggesting that he was not any simple mercenary. Perhaps he was with Xcution, or Uzaki Enterprises? It was hard to say. As far as Hadrian was aware, the few remaining unaffiliated Quincies preferred to remain as lone wolves, fighting in the name of their families. Perhaps he was the same, and just happened to have the funds to purchase all this equipment. Hadrian cast his mind back to the dusty genealogy books in the Vandenrich library, and tried to recall the names of the notable Quincy families.

Well, Ryan, obviously, van Keiter, Longueville, Ishida, Mercata, Burton, Schraeder, Bunratty, Muadline, Tohsaka, Matou...

Reiatsu: 2100/2200: -200 for Sanrei Glove
Timer: 2/12

[✠Asmoskon Masurao✠]

While Asmoskon had been moving throughout the pub searching for the table his attention had been split. In all truth Asmoskon had played with game more then once and had come out on the losing side in the equation his fair share of times against the Vandenreich. The only time that had nearly gotten him killed though had been when he still was fresh and had gone against the Vandenreich by the name of Gerald. Asmoskon was far more powerful then he had been during that battle and from what he could tell of this boy he was the senior of him in both age and experience.

Splitting his attention had served a singular purpose that Asmoskon had overlooked at one point prior in his life. The sound of the ginto being disconnected from the boy’s bandolier was one that he could just make out through the constant talk of the patrons. Asmoskon based on the sound could only come to the conclusion that the boy had grabbed something metallic in nature. What gave him the information that allowed him to jump to the assumption that the boy was now holding a ginto tube was the fact that the smoker who was standing beside him at the doorway spoke as if whatever he saw the boy holding was some type of drug.

Asmoskon knew from his own experience and usage of utilizing ginto that the small silver tubes could pass as a storage compartment for drugs. Often times that was the case that normal humans assumed when they saw a ginto until it was in some other kind of position of placement that wouldn’t make sense for a drug. It only took a few moments after Asmoskon had entered the pub though for the boy to begin his entrance as well. Asmoskon wasn’t sure if he would actually risk attacking him in the middle of the pub filled with normal humans. That assumption wasn’t something that Asmoskon would ever use as a shield though.

Unlike himself most of the Vandenreich didn’t care for the well being of normal spiritual ignorant humans. While it was true that Asmoskon had gained a large sum of money from assassination the same type of people he hadn’t ever killed an innocent. At least not an innocent normal human which was one of the few things that held him back from the Vandenreich in terms of equality. He had yet to cross such a line and he had to cling to such a fact. He couldn’t cross all the same lines that the Vandenreich did just so he could eradicate them for if such a method was done the very last one would be himself and there would be no one to lead the Quincy through their new order.

When the boy approached the table Asmoskon analyzed his body position and movements through the ocular prowess of his left eye. From what he could gauge the boy wasn’t going to start conflict at the moment yet one of his hands was holding something in it. Asmoskon knew more then likely that it was a ginto prepared yet the boy would need to speak whatever incantation that went along with it. He was confident that by the time an incantation began he would have already fired an arrow. The bandolier held a fair amount of ginto and Asmoskon wondered for a moment if the boy might be one of the rare technique specialists of his race. It would be such a shame if someone such as that was tainted by the illness of the Vandenreich.

The boy then tried to speak and it became painfully obvious that the boy was either incredibly scared and or nervous. Asmoskon for the moment couldn’t tell from his facial expressions if the boy knew who he was. If he didn’t know him then he wasn’t anyone of any significant ranking in the Vandenreich. Asmoskon was one of the most wanted individuals in the human world and the Vandenreich he knew was growing very tired of dealing with him. “He can’t be anyone important . . I don’t recognize him.” Asmoskon thought over it. The only way the boy could hold any position of significant power was if he obtained it recently. He knew what almost every officer in the Vandenreich looked like and their names from torturing their subordinates.

The boy asked if he could sit at the table with Asmoskon. It wasn’t the first time that enemies would act in such a way and it certainly wasn’t Asmoskon’s first time allowing such an action. He held out his right hand for a moment signaling that the boy may pull the chair out and sit across from him. All of this caused two brief flashbacks to rush through Asmoskon’s mind. The Arrancar Allen suddenly was in his head starring at him like he had over a year prior. That fucking Arrancar was going to die at some point Asmoskon was going to make sure of it. The other memory was of the meeting with Gerald and Asmoskon shoved it to the side.

From what he could tell either the boy was a terrific actor and was so far being successful in portraying himself as an inexperienced boy that was well equipped or well he was just the latter. All he had to show his prowess in combat so far was the rather large quantity of ginto. Such a thing Asmoskon kept telling himself wouldn’t make this match between himself and the boy even fair. Asmoskon would be able to prevent anything from happening and if it actually got serious he was far more equipped for combat then the boy from what he could tell. The boy wouldn’t be able to tell and neither would anyone else in the pub, but aside from his camping gear the back pack that Asmoskon had now beside his foot was also concealing his quiver.

The boy continued to try and speak and assume a confident demeanor from what Asmoskon could tell, but the constant failure and nervousness of the boy was starting to get annoying. At this point Asmoskon would be screaming at one of his own subordinates for lacking the confidence to even speak with him. When the boy actually spoke Asmoskon was slightly surprised. Not about the boy asking his name after the boy had displayed such nervousness yet still approached him it was obvious that he didn’t know who he was. Perhaps it would be best to keep his identify concealed Asmoskon didn’t want the boy running off the first chance he got. That was ultimately up to Asmoskon though whether it be to tell him his name or give him a chance.

What was about to play out Asmoskon figured was meant to be the same exact thing that Gerald had tried to do to him prior to the fight that had ensued between the both of them. This Vandenreich boy was more then likely just going to assume that Asmoskon was a free Quincy that had never given the Vandenreich a chance and was holding on to some grudge based on what had happened long ago in the past or that he wanted to stay to himself. Well while at one point that might have been true with time comes changes and change had come to Asmoskon. No longer was he after the Vandenreich just to settle the revenge for his family being taken from him. There was far more for the Empire of Quincy to answer for and Asmoskon was going to be the one to make them it was only a matter of time.

When the boy sat down in the chair across the table from him Asmoskon had come to the conclusion that whether this eventually ensued to battle was going to be determined by the boy. He was on vacation at the moment and while the thought of killing this boy here and now wasn’t something that brought even the slightest bit of trouble to his mind unsettling the normal every day people of this village did. Asmoskon had no remorse about killing each and every single member of the tainted Quincy known as the Vandenreich even this boy before him for no other reason then him simply being one of them. Just as he was going to answer he stopped taking notice of the barkeep walking over to the table. “Scotch” Asmoskon answered immediately without actually looking at the man as if he was the boy across the table’s superior and was angry with him and was keeping the barkeep from the equation.

“I doubt someone as young as you would know my surname so I’ll skip to the point. Leave this village now and don’t return and I’ll allow you to live for a short while longer.” Asmoskon starred into the eyes of the boy his piercing harsh eye strangling the soul of the boy. Asmoskon at this point just wanted to find somewhere to sleep for a few hours and then start wandering again. If this boy was here then perhaps Asmoskon was close to a Vandenreich base and if he allowed the boy to get away the base would be altered to his location. All of this could play out either very well and lead to a large amount of the taint being cut off or Asmoskon could end of wounded again. Either way success would never be gained if he went with everything safe decision. “I’ve no desire to plague these people with nightmares of your corpse.”

Remaining Reiatsu: 3700/500
Quincy Cross: {+1600}

[Hadrian J. Ryan Ⅻ]

Once again, John was struck by the incredible sense of enmity radiating from the man across him. It made it difficult to focus on keeping up a pleasant façade; it was taking almost all of John's energy to keep his smile up, let alone make pleasant conversation. This man bore him an incredible amount of hatred, and John didn't doubt that it was because of the white coat John had elected to wear. John watched the man track the silver tube in John's hand; he clearly thought that it was preparation for an attack.

John gave him a quick smile and a nod, indicating that he had noted his interest in the tube, and slid it into the pocket of his coat. The man gruffly addressed the barman, asking for scotch without so much as a 'please'. For a brief moment, John thought he might just bear the entire world ill will - it would certainly make him easier to deal with, but it would also put the lives of everyone in the small village at risk. No, it would be more sensible to assume that the man simply hated the Vandenreich and the Emperor.

Their glasses of respective drinks arrived promptly. The barkeeper left without a word; it seemed as though he wasn't eager to interfere with the man across from John. John didn't blame him, at the moment his drinking companion could scare of a small army with his glower. John lightly sipped at the 7-up, letting the burst of sugar hit his brain before making any further comments. However, it seemed as though his companion had decided to answer his questions.

“I doubt someone as young as you would know my surname so I’ll skip to the point. Leave this village now and don’t return and I’ll allow you to live for a short while longer.

...I’ve no desire to plague these people with nightmares of your corpse.”

John choked on the 7-up he was sipping. This guy really wasn't messing around. Once again, John felt the cold vice of fear grip his heart. This man had the power, certainly, to back up his threat. John could very well end up being a dead Quincy if he didn't comply. The fact that he was being given a chance to escape also made things interesting. The man was either a sadist, and enjoyed toying with his prey, or was hoping that John would have information he could gather by following him.

Either way, John would probably end up dead. He seemed to be inferior to the man, based on his analysis, in almost every respect. His only option was to stay in the village - so far the man had made no indications that he was willing to hurt innocent people - and attempt to diffuse the situation. John was not an imposing man, and he was not going to do anything as petty as toss his rank around to lend him weight. No, he would just have to continue in the same vein, and hopefully he could make some progress.

"Sir, I bear you no ill will. I'm just here on a retreat myself, in fact. I mean neither you nor anyone else here harm. So, please, let's just try and resolve this without trading arrows." John followed up his request with a smile. Perhaps this man could be persuaded somehow... Yet, John's sense of dread remained. The Vandenreich had committed so many wrongs in the past, actions which John would nearly consider heresy now, that they were bound to have more than a few haters. The conservatives held rigidly to the earliest teachings of His Majesty, and left no room for interpretation.

"To be of His Majesty is to be perfect, and to be perfect is to be Quincy... Or something like that..." John did not possess an incredible memory, so most of his recollections of Vandenreich scripture were somewhat garbled. However, the message of the conservatives was clear: kill everything else, there is no room in this world for anything but perfection, it is our God-given right to dominate. And perhaps John would agree with them, if their train of thought did not leave out an incredibly important fact.

Quincy are one of the few races capable of 'converting' other races into Quincy. By this token, practically anyone can become a Quincy and achieve perfection. This means that every single person has the capacity for perfection, to be a Quincy, and that every single person the Vandenreich slaughtered was a potential Quincy lost. John was deeply saddened by the loss, but he lacked the power or authority to do anything about it. But that was slowly changing. He was steadily gaining more influence, a loyal following among the soldiers, he was gathering the potential to change in the Vandenreich - all in the name of obtaining the Wahrwelt.

But how could he communicate all of this to the man in front of him, who seemed determined to hate the Vandenreich as a singular entity? It was clear that he had decided to hate John as soon as he saw his uniform, so he obviously had preconceived notions about the Invisible Empire. These were always the hardest to deal with... However, sometimes he came across people who were willing to give him a chance, people who wouldn't judge him based on the coat he wore.

"Now, sir, I'll ask again, what is your name? And what are you doing here?"

John held his ground. His tone was firmer than he would have liked, but he suddenly found himself feeling somewhat angry with the man across from him. The Shinigami had done terrible things in the past, including genocide, yet somehow they remained on the right side of history. The Bount killed on a regular basis, yet no one bore them such hatred. Xcution was rotten to the core, and yet no one decided to hate them. Yes, the Vandenreich had committed recent atrocities, and for all the wrong reasons as far as John was concerned, but still... Sometimes it was difficult to see the 'perfect Quincy' in others. However, John would do his best to find it.

"Also, my way out doesn't arrive for another hour, I'm afraid. So you're stuck with me until at least then, sir."

Reiatsu: 2200/2200: +300 from Quincy Cross, -200 from Sanrei Glove
Timer: 3/12

[✠Asmoskon Masurao✠]

Asmoskon picked up the obviousness that this Vandenreich dog had seen his pupil track the location of his ginto tube. He then nodded and placed the tube inside of his coat pocket. Asmoskon was sure that it was to be taken as a sign that for the moment this Quincy bore him no ill will and held no intention of engaging him in a battle in this situation. Asmoskon might have believed such an action from someone else even an Arrancar yet there was no fragment of himself left that believed a member of the Vandenreich could be cleansed.

He had tried in the past time and time again attempting to show members of the Vandenreich Empire that the morals and actions of the late Emperor were wrong. Every single time however the Vandenreich had remained slaves to the Emperor. There were a few cases that while brief had been successful with Asmoskon causing a twinge of doubt and hope to rise. Only for it then to be revoked and their faith restored off of nothing, but pure ignorance and lack of individualism. He had come to the conclusions months prior after the battle with Gerald that in order to bring about a change to his race all of the Vandenreich had to be annihilated not just the Emperor.

The reaction to his offer from the Vandenreich was one that Asmoskon had already seen a few times from Quincy younger than himself. This Quincy seemed to be around his age yet was considerably smaller in pretty much everyway. Asmoskon thought for a moment that he was around the size that eh had been a little more then a year ago prior to his growth spurt which led to his now large stature. While the Vandenreich was thinking over what Asmoskon had just told him Asmoskon lifted the shot glass and poured the liquor down his throat. Asmoskon knew the bitter taste of it would hold him over through whatever actions he had take against the citizens of this village if worst came to pass.

The boy then tried to talk all pretty stating that neither of them wished to involve the normal humans in the situation. Claiming that he held no ill will for Asmoskon. Giving him the over used excuse that he was in this village on a small vacation. Asmoskon knew the truth though. This Vandenreich wasn't alone he was just the bait. There had to be dozens of others scattered throughout the village all of them getting into position to strike at him and finish him off while they could. In all truth Asmoskon with all of his talent and experience was the worst drinker of all time.

Asmoskon sitting across the table was already starting to have his eyes droop and his expression shift to that of slack sluggishness. That one shot of whiskey had been all it took to bring the greatest archer in the history of time itself to a state of drunkenness. When the boy used the phase trading arrows Asmoskon actually began to laugh leaning backwards in his chair. After a few moments he was finished and leaned forwards again starring at the boy in anger. It was just after the boy had asked for his surname once again and now more then likely was no longer showing such a pleasant expression as a smile across his face.

"Listen here you insolent little piece of tarnished flesh. You think that by raising your voice and pretending to grab your cock your anything more than what you were a moment ago. THE ANSWER IS NO! YOU'RE FUCKING NOTHING YOU WORTHLESS CORRUPTED INFANT!" Asmoskon was now standing his chair on the floor behind him as he starred angrily at the boy. There was no doubt now. Asmoskon had intentionally traded off his reasoning for the chance to kill this Vandenreich. He knew he wouldn't be able to do it with the humans around so long as he was thinking normally. So the solution was simple; get drunk.

Asmoskon suddenly gripped the underside of the table with his right hand and in the next moment the table was sent flying across the tavern. Everyone in the tavern had already been starring at the two of them from Asmoskon's screaming and now witnessing the table smash into thousands of tiny pieces they all started to move towards the walls and then slowly to the door. The tavern keeper was starting to go for his gun when Asmoskon turned and starred at the man his face contorted in rage. The keeper got the message and moved towards the door like the others.

Asmoskon turned his gaze back on the Vandenreich who was now right in front of him. "Now then this is the stage for your little ambush. YOU'RE ALL GOING TO BURN! ALL OF YOU ARE GOING TO BURN! GIVE ME YOUR BEST BOY IT'S GOING TO TAKE EVERYTHING YOU AND THE OTHERS HAVE TO TAKE MY EYE THIS TIME!" Asmoskon was beyond his normal attitude and allowing his anger towards the Vandenreich to just vent during this encounter. He had a snarl like expression across his face while screaming at the boy and then when he was finished he waved his right hand at the boy from the short distance away. A pitch black short bow appeared in his hand; an arrow seemingly already fired was off and aimed to strike the right shoulder of the boy.

Remaining Reiatsu: 5230/500
Class 1 Arrow: {-70}
Quincy Cross: {+1600}

[Hadrian J. Ryan Ⅻ]

[OOC: My apologies that this took so long. I won’t deny, given everything I’m going through at the moment, I forgot about this thread… Again, my apologies]

"Listen here you insolent little piece of tarnished flesh. You think that by raising your voice and pretending to grab your cock your anything more than what you were a moment ago. THE ANSWER IS NO! YOU'RE FUCKING NOTHING YOU WORTHLESS CORRUPTED INFANT!”

As soon as the dark Quincy raised his voice, Hadrian was on the alert. He tried to tune out the Quincy’s words, to focus on his actions rather than his speech. Hadrian had no time for those who lost themselves to passionate outbursts, it could only be taken as a sign that the person was unwilling to reason. With his impressive energy sensory, Hadrian could easily detect the pent-up rage within the Quincy. There was no reasoning with him. Hadrian cooly turned his head slightly, just making eye-contact with the barman and the men at the counter.

”Please leave, sirs. Things are going to get dangerous here.”

They wasted no time in moving out - Hadrian’s opponent had obviously intimidated them. Even Hadrian, with his decent combat experience, felt fear when facing the Quincy in front of him. The fiery eye, the twisted snarl, the dark uniform… Wait, he’s Xcution?! A name sprung into Hadrian’s head, one he had seen on so many reports - responsible for the death of so many Quincies, many of whom had been Hadrian’s close comrades…

”Asmoskon Masurao…”

Hadrian’s hatred of the man quickly overcame his fear of him. This man had killed - no, brutally murdered - so many Quincies for nothing but personal revenge. The senselessness of his vendetta was coming across now in his uncontrolled fury - he didn’t seem to be aware that his actions would only contribute to the cycle of vengeance that had caused the spiritual world - Vandenreich included - to spiral into such moral decline. The old guard of the Vandenreich were only interested in avenging their comrades who were lost to the Shinigami, now the world wanted revenge on the Vandenreich for retaliating in kind. It would only continue if people Asmoskon continued to think this way.

The gap between their abilities was enormous, to say the least. Hadrian certainly didn’t favour his odds. But if he could even just get through to the Quincy, tried to teach him to show a little mercy…

"Now then this is the stage for your little ambush. YOU'RE ALL GOING TO BURN! ALL OF YOU ARE GOING TO BURN! GIVE ME YOUR BEST BOY IT'S GOING TO TAKE EVERYTHING YOU AND THE OTHERS HAVE TO TAKE MY EYE THIS TIME!"

Great. Now he was delusional on top of everything else. Anyone with rudimentary energy sensory would realise that Hadrian was alone, and Asmoskon had walked through the countryside without encountering a single Vandenreich soldier. His paranoia, inspired by his hate, was blinding his judgement. Hadrian sidestepped the table with little effort. The attack was clumsy and easy to read, but it was certainly an effective display of strength…

The arrow was slightly less trivial. The bolt of black reiatsu flew towards Hadrian at alarming speed. Hadrian employed a clumsy Hirenkyaku to move out of the path of the arrow - he felt its slipstream ripple the sleeve of his coat. However, the arrow had not been aimed to kill - it was directed at Hadrian’s right shoulder. Was Asmoskon that inebriated? No, it was more likely, given his attitude, that he simply wanted to cause Hadrian the maximum amount of pain. Hadrian recalled the reports, the brutal ways in which his comrades were killed…

”My apologies, Asmoskon Masurao, but by the pride of the Quincy, I cannot allow you to continue like this…”

Reiatsu:1950/2200 : -200 for Sanrei Glove, -50 for Hirenkyaku.
Timer: 4/12

[✠Asmoskon Masurao✠]

Asmoskon could feel the effects of the alcohol cycling throughout his body as everything started to blur slightly. He had fought under much worse conditions and arose victorious. In all reality there was little to no chance that Asmsokon believed he would be defeated here and now whether or not this boy had reinforcements of not. The boy had fear stricken across his face as Asmoskon spoke and while all of the normal humans left the pub he could feel the change in the boy's demeanor. He could see it a moment later in the eyes starring at him. "Well seems he might have some balls after all."

It was then that the battle between the two of them started and Asmoskon flung the table that they had both been sitting at up and towards the boy. He managed to evade the table yet that wasn't what Asmoskon had planned to hit him in the first place. The sound of the table hitting the wall and exploding into little more than the legs and splinters of its former self didn't even register to Asmoskon's consciousness. Instead the arrow that he fired from his short bow was at the forefront for a brief moment. That was until he felt a spike in the boys reiatsu and knew exactly what he was going to do. The clumsy Hirenkyaku was enough that the boy barely able to get away in time to avoid the arrow embedding into his shoulder.

However, as the boy finished Hirenkyaku and began to speak over towards Asmoskon's direction exactly to see him still there aiming another arrow he would see nothing. Asmoskon had executed Hirenkyaku at the same exact moment that this boy had and now as he would realize he was nowhere to be seen Asmoskon made his move. Suddenly the long black bow slung from the right of the boy towards his face. Asmoskon was standing behind the boy on his right side slightly behind his shoulder. It was the perfect position to hide from sight yet why did Asmoskon hit hi with his bow was the question. The impact if successful would cause a great bit of damage to the boy more than likely breaking his nose and fracturing much of his skulls face portion.

That wasn't it though. This boy was going to witness why there had been no Vandenreich in the last few months able to report back after facing Asmoskon. They had all perished in battle unable to keep up with his style of combat and now this boy to would fall to the same situation like all of the other tainted disgraces. The longbow was held in his left hand like normal and would still be up towards the boy even if he dodged the swing by ducking or jumping backwards though he would suddenly have an arrow fired off to his left thigh. If he got hit in the face first there was virtually no way that he would be able to dodge it and even if he did actually seeing the arrow in time was next to impossible for someone like him.

Whether or not everything or nothing actually was successful against the boy he would without a doubt have put some distance between himself and Asmoskon after what had just happened. Everything that he would have read on him from reports would have specified that Asmoskon was a completely distance based Quincy that still cling to the use of a bow. So the fact he had just launched an attack from up close would definitely take any Vandenreich that knew of him by surprise. What he would see though would more than likely be something that truly would make this boy question Asmoskon. There was a short bow in his right hand while the longbow was in his left. Was he duel wielding bows? "Whether you like it or not kid all of you need to be eradicated. It's not personal against all of you just something that has to be done for the greater good. now face your death like a man."

Remaining Reiatsu: 6830/500
Quincy Cross: {+1600}

[Hadrian J. Ryan Ⅻ]

Hadrian stumbled slightly as he regained his balance after the Hirenkyaku, but the it seemed the brief opening was all that Asmoskon needed. With a speed that exceeded Hadrian’s estimations, he had stepped over beside Hadrian, with two dark bows materialised in his hands. His attack was swift - there was no way a Quincy of Hadrian’s speed could hope to evade or block. That was, if the Quincy was relying solely on their physical speed. Hadrian’s instincts were nothing to be sniffed at, and the rush of adrenaline he was getting from this battle heightened them even further.

There was only one way Hadrian could react to such an assault - by using his Bow Release. The short bow materialised practically instantly in his hand, and with a single thought he conjured up 5 arrows. What would certainly catch Asmoskon off guard was the fact that these arrows were not notched on his bow. No, they were held in place by 5 small circles, which formed in midair like ripples in the fabric of reality itself. These circles enclosed Asmoskon in a small semicircle, cutting him off from Hadrian. Hadrian didn’t doubt that Asmoskon would recognise how lethal the stop was, and that he would avoid the attack easily, but it would still force him to put distance between them - and would certainly prevent his bow from colliding with Hadrian’s skull.

The five arrows fired simultaneously, converging on Asmoskon’s position like the spokes of a wheel. At this distance Hadrian would have a distinct advantage, given the versatile firing property of his Bow Release. There would be no way for Asmoskon to keep up with an assault from all sides, and the situation would only worsen for him as time progressed. Unfortunately, the Firing Property was only that effective with a 5 metre radius of Hadrian - which would be enough against fighters who relied solely on close quarters combat, but would be less effective against a Quincy who specialised in archery like Asmoskon.

But one thing was for certain. If Asmoskon wished to avoid the arrows which converged on his torso, he would have to retreat and pull back his attack. But this was a man who had slaughtered capable Vandenreich soldiers with ease, Hadrian knew that it would not take one of Xcution’s best long to figure out a counter strategy to his Bow Release. Hadrian would have to end this before he exhausted his repertoire of tricks. Most Quincies relied on unpredictable techniques and the element of surprise to win a battle, and Hadrian was no different. He would have to be swift.

Hadrian followed up his initial counter attack with a more thought out offense. Drawing on his Bow Release’s power once more, he created another 10 clock faces, each pointed towards Asmoskon’s side of the room. Although the arrows had to be fired simultaneously, Hadrian could vary the times at which the arrows struck by altering their initial positions. Some of the clock faces, therefore, formed behind Hadrian, while others were nearly an arm’s length in front of him. They were structured so that they would arrive at Asmoskon in two groups. The first volley were all along the sam horizontal line, however the lead arrow was slightly ahead of the others, forming a v-shaped formation. This meant, given the spacing of the arrows, that if Asmoskon attempted to dodge left or right, chances were that he would be struck by the trailing arrows in the formation.

The second volley had a wider spread, and nearly encompassed the entire width of the room in their trajectories. If Asmoskon somehow managed to get past the initial volley, he may be hit by one of the follow-up arrows. These arrows were significantly less likely to land a hit, however, given how widely spread they were, they would certainly limit his opportunities to pull of a surprise counterattack. His speed was a force to be reckoned with, but Hadrian had seen little else of his combat ability. His reiatsu seemed decently strong, and the force with which he had attempted to swing that bow indicated that he was at least confident in his strength.

"Whether you like it or not kid, all of you need to be eradicated. It's not personal against all of you, just something that has to be done for the greater good. Now face your death like a man.”

”Interesting. That’s the same kind of logic the ‘old guard’ of the Vandenreich used to justify their genocides. Stop trying to mask your hate with heroic intentions, Asmoskon Masurao - this is no more than the fulfilment of a personal vendetta.”
Hadrian’s voice was seething with anger. It was the hypocrisy of people like Asmoskon that continually plunged the Spiritual World into war after war after war… Killing for revenge was never a solution to a problem - a lesson which the Vandenreich was learning the hard way. While it would be foolish to believe that the Wahrwelt could be obtained through peaceful means exclusively, Hadrian believed that peaceful means had to be the heart of any utopian society - a society built on war was destined to be forever at war with itself. If only Hadrian could make Asmoskon see this fact, to let him recognise that his hatred would only spawn hundreds of other cases like himself - indeed Hadrian could name many Quincies who wished to avenge their families against this man. He had to be stopped, peacefully or otherwise.

”I bear you no ill will, Mr. Masurao. In fact, I acknowledge your anger and I’m the first to admit that what the Vandnereich did to your family was wrong. But I cannot let you continue this vendetta - you fail to see the damage such hatred is doing to both society and yourself. Please reconsider your actions, sir. Or I cannot let you leave here alive.”

Reiatsu: 1710/2200 : +300 from Quincy Cross, -200 for Sanrei Glove, -100 for Bow Release Level 1, -40 for 1 Class 6 Bow Release Arrow, -200 for 2 Class 3 Bow Release Arrows.
Timer: 5/12

[✠Asmoskon Masurao✠]

Asmoskon closed the distance between him and this Vandenreich boy just as he had planned yet just as the longbow held in his left hand was moving upwards towards the head of the boy Asmoskon's single eye picked up the sight of a bow materializing as he sensed a high raise in the reiatsu of the boy. Asmoskon knew immediately what he was feeling was the activation of a bow release which meant that this boy was less experienced than Asmoskon had even thought. Only those with inexperience guiding their actions would release so quickly in battle revealing the truest depths of their power wasn't something to display around to everyone you faced in battle.

The longbow ceased to move instinctively as the small circles formed in the air and Asmoskon realized how this boy's release functioned so far. What he was seeing would more than likely be the firing ability that his first released possessed. It was something more versatile than Asmoskon's own firing ability yet that wouldn't make up for the difference in strength and experience during this battle. Asmoskon knew there were a few things that he could do right now that would shatter all hopes of this boy yet for one reason or another wanted to keep things going just a bit more.

If there was one thing Asmoskon did normally during a battle with the Vandenreich it was defeating them in every sense of the word. This battle was going to be no different. Asmoskon was going to take on everything this boy had at his disposal. His powers, his beliefs and his courage were all going to be faced with Asmoskon's own and just as every other conflict this boy would break. Afterwards Asmoskon would be able to extract every bit of information that the boy possessed and only then would he purge him of the impurity he believed to be righteous life. Just as the arrows were able to be fire from the semi-circle around him Asmoskon utilized Movement going backwards causing the arrows to hit the floor where he had been standing a moment prior.

Now standing about fifteen feet from the boy Asmsokon starred as his right shoulder moved slightly. The boy if he caught the motion might be able to see that the bag Asmoskon had been carrying with him was now at his feet. In the time it took for the additional circles of the boy's firing ability to form Asmoskon pulled something out of the bag only to then pull it over his right arm and over his head. It might then click in the boy's head what Asmoskon had actually just pulled from the bag. His quiver now in position and his bows thirsty for an exchange Asmoskon was prepared for every trick this boy would throw at him.

Asmoskon's skill with a bow was unparalleled throughout all of the spiritual worlds. Even the Vandenreich had no such Archer that could rival Asmoskon in terms of pure instinct when utilizing a bow. There was just an unfathomable gap in skill between all else and the one dark Quincy. Asmoskon took sight of all of the circles that now surrounded the boy and in a brief flash of movement arrows darker than the night itself with crimson edges soared through the space between the two Quincy. Asmoskon had in less than a moment brought his longbow up to his face and pulled back on the string with his teeth channeling his reiatsu the same way he would with his hand and generated five arrows held with his teeth. They had all then been released and each would strike the arrows that the boy had just fired in the V pattern shattering them.

In truth Asmoskon hadn't been completely sure about countering the arrows that weren't aimed upon his position and for the moment there wasn't really a reason to do such a thing. This bar was without a doubt going to be nothing more than rumble after this battle so there was no reason to keep it standing any longer than he had too. Asmoskon was still someone that made good on every action he caused so afterwards the debt would be paid. He knew this building was all of the entertainment to the village and it wouldn't be fair to take it away from them. So as soon as this battle was over he would have it rebuild better than ever to make up for all of the problems.

The Vandenreich boy had only been speaking a moment ago, but now without a doubt would have stopped after seeing his assault reduced to nothing. The arrows that Asmoskon had fired off not only shattered his arrows yet kept going and each mirrored the pattern the boy had fired. The only difference was as they neared all of the arrows spun around as if becoming a screw. It would appear imposing yet each of the arrows were aimed perfectly and passed by the boy. One on each side of his face so close the air pushed down on the soft flesh of his cheeks. Two passed through the gap between his arms and torso while the final one went between his legs. All of them hit the other side of the building piercing through the wood into the unknown.

"You're so mistaken, so blind to the truth. You believe that everything I've done has been for my own hate. You're wrong boy. I didn't start off my conquest by killing any of you. At first there were only two entities that needed to be killed off in order for the Quincy to start prospering once again in peace. I began by trying to get my own view on things across to your kinsmen. None of them listened to anything other than the word of that blind old fool you all prayed to for safety. After awhile I became a threat as my power grew and your kind weren't able to bring me over to the Vandenreich."

"After that I became a target for the military to dispose of without any kind of warranted attack from my end. I survived time and again and as I did things started to become more clear to me. There was one thing that would forever keep the Vandenreich as nothing more than a disease. The word of your false God was what brought about the near eradication of the Quincy. When I found out of his death I believed that the Vandenreich might finally be able to change. Instead the worse possible outcome came to be . . Baal has claimed the Vandenreich. Now more than ever I must cleanse my race from its impurity and after that I will lead the reformation of the Quincy in an era of peace."

Asmoskon had said everything that he felt was essential for this boy to accept his fate was one of the tainted Quincy. None of the Vandenreich ever seemed to get that though and he held no anticipation for this boy to either. Once the voice of that foolish old man was inside of their mind then they would corrupt and could never be saved. Not by Asmoskon not in the way that he wanted so there was only the alternative. Asmoskon felt there was no reason to hold off the inevitable now so suddenly in a flash of movement he fired with his longbow again sending five arrows out towards the boy. They traveled like a five pointed star if the boy paid close enough attention he would realize the pattern was fixed to hit all his limbs plus his head if he didn't move. What he more than likely wouldn't see though was the slight movement of Asmoskon's right wrist as a single arrow was fired from the short bow at a blinding speed (1600) aimed right for the center of the boy's chest.

Remaining Reiatsu: 7810/500
Quincy Cross: {+1600}
Class 3 Arrows (10x): {-500}
Class 1 Arrow: (1x): {-70}
Short Bow Speed Boost: {-50}

[Hadrian J. Ryan Ⅻ]

[OOC: Again, sorry about the delay. College is keeping me busy, but things are settling down now, so I hope this is the start of more regular posting for me this year. Thanks for putting up with this, Asmo.]

Hadrian was not so slow as not to realise Asmoskon’s tactic. Hoisting his quiver was a bold move, given that he had no idea how long it took for Hadrian’s arrows to fire - it demonstrated that he had complete confidence in his skills as an archer. So, it was no surprise to Hadrian when all of the arrows he had formed around the dark Quincy were shattered in an impressive display of bowmanship. ”Well… no-one said this was going to be easy…” Hadrian thought, with a wry smile. He was too used to being the underdog at this stage, it would take more than that to break his spirit. He’d just have to be a little more inventive, that was all.

At least he had dealt with the attack that would have likely caved in his skull, so that was something. But his other attacks had strayed from their intended targets, it seemed as though he had been trying to read too far ahead, and got caught up in a strategy that didn’t reflect the course of the battle - it was something he was working on. It was a regrettable waste of reiatsu, but there was nothing that could be done about that now. Asmoskon was a formidable opponent, so Hadrian couldn’t really afford to make mistakes like that again. Still, it didn’t seem as though this battle was going to last for too long - so maybe he could afford to be a little… generous in his usage of reiatsu.

But again, he had strayed from reality into theory. Focus, John! Hadrian shook his head slightly, as if to forcibly rearrange his train of thought. And just in time. The arrows which the dark Quincy had fired had changed their trajectory, and were now aimed straight towards Hadrian. Instinctively, he grabbed a single silver tube from his bandolier, and quickly uttered the incantation.

”Unseen protection, rise over me like a blanket and keep me from harm!”

Silver light burst from the tube, enclosing Hadrian in a translucent sphere. The sphere was still in mid-formation when the first of the arrows struck. Ordinarily, they would have pierced the shield like needles through skin, but they had been slightly weakened by their interaction with Hadrian’s previous arrows - the shield held long enough to slow the five arrows considerably - but it still broke. The fragments of the half-formed Ginto fell like broken glass, disappearing into their constituent strands of reishi as they hit the floor. It would have been quite beautiful, if Hadrian had not been so preoccupied with the arrows that flew narrowly past him. He felt their slipstream whip his cheeks like a piercing November wind - and he only moved again when he was satisfied that he heard them embed themselves in the wall in the other side of the room.

"You're so mistaken, so blind to the truth. You believe that everything I've done has been for my own hate. You're wrong boy. I didn't start off my conquest by killing any of you. At first there were only two entities that needed to be killed off in order for the Quincy to start prospering once again in peace. I began by trying to get my own view on things across to your kinsmen. None of them listened to anything other than the word of that blind old fool you all prayed to for safety -

”-There were only two entities that needed to be killed off?”

Hadrian cut off Asmoskon’s speech with a derisive tone. ”You’re exactly like the ‘old guard’, the ones who believed in eradicating the people who had wronged them, all in the belief that it would satisfy some twisted sort of justice. The true doctrine of his Majesty is not about war, or revenge, it’s just about peace - for all Quincy. It’s the twisted logic of people like you who reduced us to this state, squabbling over who needs to be killed next in the name of the ‘New World’. I don’t claim that the Vandenreich is the perfect organisation to create the world both you and I want, but I do believe that there is potential for it to become that organisation - which is why I can’t allow people like you to think that way!”

Hadrian felt a surge of emotion: anger at Asmoskon for being so blind to the hypocrisy of his actions, sorrow that it seemed as though he wasn’t going to be able to persuade him to see otherwise, but a sense of pride that he had managed to consolidate his own beliefs. For a long time, he had struggled to reconcile his own personal goals with that of the Vandenreich, but the Emperor had assuaged those fears. The goal of His Majesty was the Wahrwelt, a perfect world in which everyone could peacefully coexist. Why else would the gift of Quincyification exist? This peace - no this world - existed to be shared with those who wanted peace above all else, what was wrong with that ideal?

Of course, human greed and ambition clouded those goals for a long time - the Shinigami extermination of the Quincies certainly didn’t help matters. Revenge was all that was on the minds of the Vandenreich soldiers for so long, but that was coming to an end. The crusades would have to end with the defeat of the Emperor - now was the time for everyone to reevaluate their faith and beliefs, and try to see what the Emperor truly yearned for.

”Why do you have to kill me, Asmoskon Masurao? I have never personally wronged you, I wasn’t even a member of the Vandenreich when they launched their attack against you. In fact, I’d say we even hope for the same thing - a peaceful world for all Quincy. So why do you attack me? Because I wear the white coat? What about those who have grown up in the Vandenreich, would you kill them too, even when they know no other way of life? It’s time to stop living in the past - many of the Quincies you bore grudges against are dead. We’re not at cross-purposes anymore, we can work together to build a brighter future for all Quincy…”

Hadrian was using every last ounce of his charisma to try stir Asmoskon’s heart. While he wasn’t at the level of the world’s greatest speech writers, his aptitude for leadership and speech-making was not inconsiderable. Asmoskon would have to be firmly rooted in his beliefs for Hadrian’s words not to create even the tiniest nagging doubt - unfortunately, Hadrian could sense that that could possibly be the case. In spite of his misguided feelings, he seemed to possess tremendous resolve. Chances were that Hadrian’s charisma couldn’t even force him to reconsider…

Damn..

The motion was so fluid that it was difficult to tell when it began and when it ended. The net result, however, was that there were five arrows aimed directly Hadrian now, all aimed with perfect accuracy. Hadrian wasted no time in reacting. With the briefest of thoughts, 6 more circles formed in front of him, posed to return a volley of arrows to Asmoskon. They weren’t designed to counter Asmoskon’s arrows - just to put a little pressure on him again. This time, Hadrian evaded Asmoskon’s volley with a ore practiced Hirenkyaku - one that made his earlier step more like an attempt at slapstick comedy.

As soon as Hadrian was safely past the arrows, however, he began a true offensive. He immediately activated Hirenkyaku constant, boosting his speed immensely. Asmoskon was originally far faster than Hadrian, but the technique now granted Hadrian a significant edge. With his newfound speed, Hadrian drew another Ginto from his bandolier, and threw it in Asmoskon’s direction.

”Feel the wrath of battle and accept this sacred chalice - sacred bite!”

The incantation would give Asmoskon plenty of warning, but this hit wasn’t really intended to land. The horizontal beam of light shot from the Ginto, travelling forward at a remarkable pace. If Asmoskon had been occupied dealing with Hadrian’s initial volley of arrows, it may have scored a hit - but Hadrian knew not to underestimate the man’s skill with a bow, no doubt this would be only a nuisance to him. But now was not the time to dwell on that. Hadrian could only act and react in this situation - trying to plan too far ahead would only lead to his downfall.

Hadrian would press Asmoskon if he retreated from the Ginto, or would continue his lunge if he had another way of blocking it. Either way, Hadrian would rapidly close the gap between them. Based on earlier observations, Asmoskon was fast, but Hadrian now had the advantage with Hirenkyaku active. The light from his Ginto would have barely disappeared when he began the second stage of his attack.

In his free hand, he formed Hohle Schneide, his trusty Quincy blade. With incredible speed, he would draw his left arm in an upwards arc, lacerating Asmsokson across the chest if the hit landed. If Asmsokon somehow managed to block the attack, he would then have to deal with the six new arrows which had formed behind Hadrian just as he had begun his swing. It was a two-pronged attack, with bow and the sword in accord. However, Hadrian was not so foolish as to assume his victory; Asmoskon was skilled Quincy, and he undoubtedly had a tool in that infamous arsenal that could turn the tide of the battle if Hadrian so much as misstepped. This was certainly not going to be as easy as this.

Reiatsu: 600/2200 : -200 for Sanrei Glove, -100 for Bow Release 1, -150 for Gespenst Containment, -150 for Heizen, -60 for 2 Class 5 arrows, -400 for Hirenkyaku Constant, -50 of Hirenkyaku
Speed: 540
Timer: 6/12

[✠Asmoskon Masurao✠]

Witnessing his arrows soar through the small space of fifteen feet towards their intended target was nothing new to Asmoskon. He could have continued the onslaught for a few minutes without every needing to take a break or slowing in speed yet something such as that would drawn much of his reiatsu and wouldn't allow him to get information from this boy after he was defeated. What he saw though was that this boy wasn't one that specialized in the use of a bow like a true archer. He hadn't been able to interpret the trajectory of the arrows and instead had immediately rushed to a ginto spell as a defense.

The spell that the boy had hoped would keep Asmoskon's arrows from him had failed though and shattered only managing to slow down the inevitable for a moment. What came next was the same as it always was when Asmoskon confronted a young Vandenreich individual that only believed in the words of an old fool. He continued on claiming that Asmoskon was just like all of the Vandenreich that only acted on hatred and led their actions through passion and not wisdom. Yet it was the boy who was simply placing Asmsokon in that group without listening to what he said and making the distinction between them. There was a simple reason for it and it was the reason that no Vandenreich could be saved. Everything that goes against the word of their fallen Emperor is wrong.

The boy continued on speaking now in a rage himself that no matter what he did his point wasn't getting through. Asmoskon grinned for a brief moment at the irony of it all. It seemed to be a reversal of events right now. This boy may in fact be his parallel in the Vandenreich yet that didn't mean he was correct nor that Asmsokon would spare him. The grin vanished just as soon as it had appeared and the boy was now parading on about why Asmoskon had to kill him when there was no harm done by his hands to him specifically. It was obvious that this boy hadn't heard a single thing that Asmoskon had said during this entire confrontation. He was still placing everything on revenge as a motive and not anything else.

"Listen well this time boy. I've already told you that the purging of the Vandenreich doesn't stem from revenge nor hatred. Such specifics are reserved for one individual within your ranks. The truth of it all is that you all have been raised to believe that your Emperor was an all loving entity that simply wanted the best for us as a race. Even during this confrontation you have simply pushed off my own explanation of my actions. Do you know why you and all of the others immediately think of such a thing? Why you instinctively believe that what I'm saying puts me in a category of those you feel are the worst of our race. It's because what I am goes against the word of your decreased God."

"From the moment you are born his words echo inside of you bringing all of you under him so called wisdom and love. There are many things you don't know boy and yet you cling to the believe that he was in the right and everyone else was wrong. If he loved all of us then he wouldn't have allowed us to perish at the hands of the Shinigami millennia ago. No instead he knew what the outcome was going to be and sacrificed the majority of our race anyway so his own pride and representation as a God wouldn't be tainted by working with the Shinigami."

"I bet you place most of your hope and balance of his wisdom on the fact that you in the Vandenreich can turn other races into us. . now don't you? Whether you want to accept it or not such a thing is a stain on our race and a disgrace to life itself. We're not the supreme race, there is no such thing. Each race is special just like every individual and it's the Vandenreich that want to purge out all of the beauty in these worlds by making everything white. By wishing for all to be Quincy you claim to be better than all others no matter if they themselves are a good individual. Open your eyes to the true hate and bigotry. It's not me it was him boy."

It was in that next moment that Asmoskon fired off his next onslaught of arrows. His arms now down at his sides he watched as the boy utilized Hirenkyaku. Asmoskon was growing more and more accustomed to sensing reiatsu and being able to interpret what was actually going to happen. What he sensed next though was a much higher spike in the boy's reiatsu yet the same sensation that he got from Hirenkyaku which meant only one thing. The boy was activating Hirenkyaku Constant in hopes of being able to move faster than Asmoskon.

Just as he sensed Hirenkyaku Constant being activated though he saw the movement of the boy's hand and knew that he was planning something in hopes of victory before he ran his reiatsu dry. Asmoskon was absorbing all of the reiatsu in the area far faster than this boy could and whether or not the boy knew it sooner or later Asmoskon was going to get over the intoxication he had at the moment. When they had started a few minutes ago he had been wasted yet the boy hadn't realized Asmoskon's speech was back to normal and his movements fine. Asmoskon was already nearly over the alcohol which meant his true strength was about to be unleashed.

The six arrows that the boy fired from his position didn't require much movement yet Asmsokon had decided to leap from the floor only to flip forwards evading all of the arrows, putting himself closer to the boy and as he did both of the bows he held vanished leaving only his bare hands visible as weapons. The ginto technique that the boy was now casting was more offensive than the one previously and Asmoskon brought up his left hand as he threw the ginto and the large rectangle of light rushed towards him. In the next moment fire began to course from Asmoskon's palm as he hit the light and caused it to shatter in an instant.

Asmoskon sensed a small spike in reiatsu and could now make out the nearly blurring form of the boy and see a sword now in his left hand. The way he held it suggested that this was his true weapon and Asmoskon simply sneered at the fact an archer was no longer favorable even to Quincy. Just as the boy brought his blade upwards Asmoskon stepped forwards using Movement to out speed the boy by far. However, what he actually did was something that many would call reckless and insane. He placed his palm against the blade of the boy's sword just as the fire was forming into an arrow. In the following moment the fire was shot and Asmoskon's palm was sliced in two.

The fire would pass through the solid form of the sword while at the same time causing it to overheat and melt into reiatsu yet not before it cut Asmoskon's hand in half. His left hand now only held his thumb with the upper half including his fingers all now on the ground with bleed pouring from them and the open hand. The fire though was aimed at point blank range to strike the boy in his left shoulder. It would burn the shoulder while at the same time piercing through it and cauterizing the wound shut. The boy wouldn't bleed to death yet chances were he hadn't ever felt such pain in his life.

Asmoskon though was only halfway through his step and suddenly spun on his right heel taking him around the boy just as his arrows were fired from the small circles. The boy was now at a point that would truly make whether he was a capable individual or if he was simply one that couldn't keep up at the moment. If he was overwhelmed by his pain then he would be shot by his own arrows while Asmoskon used him as a shield. Asmoskon himself at the moment was hurt yet knew he had nothing to worry about it wasn't the first time an appendage had been severed and it wouldn't be the last.

Remaining Reiatsu: 9325/500
Movement: {-25}
Urtümlich Pfeil: (Class 2) {-60}

[Hadrian J. Ryan Ⅻ]

"Listen well this time boy. I've already told you that the purging of the Vandenreich doesn't stem from revenge nor hatred. Such specifics are reserved for one individual within your ranks. The truth of it all is that you all have been raised to believe that your Emperor was an all loving entity that simply wanted the best for us as a race. Even during this confrontation you have simply pushed off my own explanation of my actions. Do you know why you and all of the others immediately think of such a thing? Why you instinctively believe that what I'm saying puts me in a category of those you feel are the worst of our race. It's because what I am goes against the word of your deceased God.”

Asmoskon’s word were just as Hadrian had feared - he was still intent on slaughtering every member of the Vandenreich he came across. Even though Hadrian was beginning to see that perhaps not all of his actions were based on his hatred of the Vandenreich, the dark Quincy seemed to believe that ‘purging’ the Quincy Empire was the only way to proceed. A man like him could never achieve the peace he was searching for, he would only create an endless cycle of bloodshed and violence.

”What about those who doubt the Emperor’s words, even still?”

Hadrian asked the question through gritted teeth. ”Will you condemn them, just because they’re locked into a war they never asked for? Will you kill them, just because that’s easier for you than reasoning with them? If you are so convinced that you stand on the side of truth and justice, then why are you alone? Why will no-one else stand with you?” Hadrian’s tone was no longer impressive, or even spiteful, but perhaps even verged on pleading. He was just looking for answers, and if Asmoskon was so sure that he walked the path of peace, then Hadrian would be willing to listen to what he had to say. But so far, the dark Quincy had conveyed nothing but anger and hate. Hadrian could sense very little else in the Quincy’s ‘aura’.

"From the moment you are born his words echo inside of you bringing all of you under him so called wisdom and love. There are many things you don't know boy and yet you cling to the belief that he was in the right and everyone else was wrong. If he loved all of us then he wouldn't have allowed us to perish at the hands of the Shinigami millennia ago. No instead he knew what the outcome was going to be and sacrificed the majority of our race anyway so his own pride and representation as a God wouldn't be tainted by working with the Shinigami."

Let us perish…? He was mistaken on this point, no doubt about it. The Quincy - Shinigami war was born out the Shinigami’s fear of Quincy powers - and a reluctance on the part of the Vandenreich to stop killing Hollows - not out of some conspiracy by the Emperor. So was this a bitterness on the part of Asmoskon, that the Emperor failed to save the Quincies when they were in their prime… Nothing he was saying was making any sense, but Hadrian guessed that the feeling was mutual. It seemed that they would be at cross purposes, no matter how much they tried to reason with one another.

”I still fail how your crusade against the Vandenreich will solve the problems you’ve raised. All I can see your actions causing is another cycle of hatred - I don’t doubt that a new vengeful army of Quincy will rise from the ashes of the Vandenreich, the world never seems to run out of zealots.” Hadrian smirked slightly, he was trying to distance himself from the raving madmen who prostrated themselves before images of the Emperor at the very mention of His Majesty’s name, yet to Asmoskon he was the raving zealot. It seemed Hadrian had been fighting an uphill battle from the very start, both verbally and physically. But now it was nearly at an end.

Hadrian was surprised to land a hit, but that surprise quickly evaporated when he realised that it was merely a tactical sacrifice on Asmoskon’s part. Hadrian was barely aware of the fire piercing his shoulder until after the actual event. Pain blossomed from the wound, spreading quickly throughout his body. It felt as though every nerve was on fire, as if his whole nervous system was screaming in outrage at the amount of pain he was being subjected to. He felt the blood well up in his mouth as he bit down on his lip to stop himself from screaming out in agony. The room seemed to blur around him, and he practically staggered into Asmoskon’s arms, almost willingly offering himself into Asmoskon’s practiced grip.

Damn… The arrows…

It was the only coherent thought he could manage, but it was enough. Six circles appeared, surrounding himself and Asmoskon, perfectly positioned as to block Hadrian’s initial volley. Except there was one crucial difference. Hadrian’s timer had incremented by another hour, meaning he had one extra arrow - and he wasn't going to let it go to waste. The seventh circle appeared - conveniently - right behind Asmoskon’s head. The dark Quincy had been getting a lot of mileage out of his limited energy sensory, but Hadrian was confident that he would be unable to sense this particular shot. There were twelve other arrows in close proximity to one another, finding the one extra on would certainly be difficult.

But this had been a far too arduous fight to end like this. Hadrian didn’t really believe that, in spite of the almost perfect set up, the arrow would pierce his opponent’s skull. But he barely cared at the moment. The pain was overwhelming. His vision was slowly darkening, and he was practically shaking in agony. He had never felt any sort of pain like it. It was unbearable. If this arrow failed to incapacitate Asmoskon, the battle was surely lost.

Reiatsu : 480/2200 : +300 from Quincy Cross, -120 for 1 Class 2 arrow, -200 from Sanrei Glove, -100 for Bow Release Level 1
Timer: 7/12

[✠Asmoskon Masurao✠]

Standing there as the arrow of pure orange and red flames was fired from the palm of his hand Asmoskon watched as the silver blade moved through space towards the arrow. In the next moment he felt the sting of pain flow from his hand throughout his entire body and the almost undeniable need to scream out in agony. He had sacrificed something so delicate and essential. His bow hand was cut clean in two and that was something that anyone who prided themselves as an archery would never allow so the fact that he had made this decision was one that many would not understand.

It would seem completely uncalled for due to the simple fact that he hadn't even released yet. So why had he gone to such drastic measures when there was obviously things that he could do that he hadn't even bothered with so far. Whether or not Hadrian was currently thinking over this puzzle didn't really matter all that much or at least not to Asmoskon at the moment. For right now the younger Quincy pretty much fell forwards and began leaning against him unable to support himself anymore.

Asmoskon could see the wound that his technique had actually inflicted upon him and knew what was actually happening to the boy. He knew the overwhelming pain that more than likely was coursing throughout his entire body. He had a large whole in his shoulder now where his flesh had been incinerated within a moment. Charred flesh a scent that was repulsive filled the area around the two of them as Asmoskon felt a small spike in the reiatsu of the Quincy. "So even now he still gives it everything." Asmoskon continued to stand there looking down at Hadrian as the arrows began to generate.

Asmoskon's ability to sense reiatsu wasn't refined enough that he could actually sense the location of every arrow. He just knew that based on what he had already seen there would be a pretty fair number of them and they would all be more than likely coming from behind him. While this boy was a Vandenreich and thus must be eliminated for one reason or another he reminded Asmoskon of himself and after everything that he had said he realized something. While they're paths were different if it hadn't been that way the two of them more than likely would have been great friends.

However, life wasn't such a beautiful place and this was how fate decided the both of them should be and thus something had to be done. Raising his right hand upwards Asmoskon placing his hand on Hadrian's throat squeezes and lifts the Quincy off of the ground by a few feet. In that moment the arrows clashed against each other shattering and the arrow that Hadrian had generated in hopes of impaling Asmoskon from behind his head suddenly was halted by mere centimeters from its target.

Asmoskon using some of his concentration was extending his reiatsu from himself and imagining a small confided room around the both of them. In fact while it was invisible to Hadrian and Asmoskon himself in all truth it wasn't big by any means. Only just a centimeter from Asmoskon's back to just past Hadrian and about two feet above his head. The length of the reiatsu room was about three feet to the sides from Asmoskon meaning it was actually more accurate to call it a wall. Asmoskon's grip tightened and Hadrian would feel his wind pipe start to be crushed.

Asmoskon had strength far superior to even a bear and could by all rights kill Hadrian in any number of ways right now. Ranging from ripping off his limbs to simply crushing his throat in the next moment. However, there was something he had left to do that Hadrian had to see before he made his choice on what the outcome of the boy was going to be. Suddenly lifting his left hand up to Hadiran's face Asmoskon showed the bloody cut apart hand. Concentrating for a moment the veins and blood from his hand suddenly sprung out from the wound and down towards the ground.

Hadrian wouldn't be able to see what was actually going on until a few moments later when suddenly the upper section of Asmoskon's hand which had been cut off was being pulled up by the veins and blood. It took a few moments, but right in front of his face Hadrian would be forced to watch as the one wound that he had been able to inflict on Asmoskon suddenly seemed to pointless. The hand was reattached and the wound itself closed such. Asmoskon then squeezed his hand revealing that there was in fact nothing wrong with it and Hadrian had succeeded at nothing during that clash.

While all of that happened if Asmoskon sensed a spike in his reiatsu his hand would squeeze tight enough that air wouldn't be able to get into his lungs and Hadrian would be forced to stop. Now though Asmoskon starred at him sternly his eye seemingly piercing into his very soul with judgment. "Whoever said I was alone?" In the next moment his grip tightened around his throat and Hadrian would only see a bloody fist coming towards his face as Asmoskon punched with his left hand more than likely knocking the boy unconscious.

---

In the aftermath of the battle Asmoskon stands the tavern destroyed and bloody and Hadrian unconscious on the floor with a large charred wound where a large section of his shoulder once was. He knew that if he left the boy how he was he would survive and seek out revenge. He would seek greater power and dive into the depths of darkness in order to achieve his goals. The Vandenreich would find him and he would gain in power.

For one reason or another Asmoskon seemed fine with that whether it be for enjoyment in the future or simply to throw off the Vandenreich. Might it be to prove his point later on simply by sending the boy closer to the clutches of Baal. He didn't know all he knew was that if he allowed the boy to live he had to leave behind a message to the Vandenreich one that they wouldn't be able to ignore.

Asmoskon stepped from the tavern his clothing dirty and his right hand covered in blood with his supplies on his back. Walking past the owner of the tavern who stood outside Asmoskon throws a large sum of ryo at him which in all honestly would be able to build the tavern over more than three times what it was actually worth. However, as Asmoskon left the village in search of more to the world. Hadrian was left in the tavern on the floor with his left eye no longer apart of him.

Remaining Reiatsu: 10,475/500
Kyōsei sa Remasu: {-150}
Ketsueki Ketsugō: {-300}