Behind the Masks We Wear [PG-13, NDE]

[Kaijin"Harle"Quinn]

Thread Title: Behind the Masks
Participants: Harle Quinn vs Zeich Yajuu
World: Human World
Death Setting: Non Death Enabled
Rating: PG-13
Location: Karakura Business District
Special Conditions: None.
Circumstances: The events after the Karakura invasion had given the Captain much to think about. One of those revolved around the amount of allies. With her future plans already underway, Harle must seek aid not only from within but from the outside. As a result, Harle had managed to locate a vigorous aura from Karakura. A Shinigami? She goes forward to investigate, hoping that this individual was willing to talk.

[Kaijin"Harle"Quinn]

OOC: Harle will be using her new Skill Set. So please refer to this if needed.

New Skill Set Link

IC:


Jinbei's words were always there in her mind. She lacked the strength to make change. The Captain was weak in terms of self and connections. Although the Captain can make changes to herself, the strength of connections would take time. At this time she possessed the strength of Squad 2, a squad who is primarily organized to handle special operations and assassinations. Her Lieutenant is a member of the Shihoin family, so Harle had some connection to the family, including some relation to Kimiko Shihoin as they were squad mates for some time. Aside from them she had Marcus. Her beloved partner for whom she would gladly run into a searing fire for to save... Then there came her most questionable of connections. The Arrancars named Shiryou and Iraishin, or rather Shinzui.

Their work relation was one of the most bizarre formations that she knew of thus far. From what she what can gather from their encounter was a single favor that Shinzui would request from Harle. The nature of that request remained a mystery but her aid would come to pass once she found the use for it. Her and her partner, the Adjuchas, would make for a good distraction. Regardless of the light they can do for the Captain, their nature was one to be no less suspicious and a cause for concern. Beyond the list there were no others that she could rely on. That is what led the Captain to continue her search for potential allies. With what little time she had for herself was used for that very purpose.

The World of the Living was the primary source for new allies. Traces of strong reiatsu, suspicious activities surrounding organizations, or even individuals with a hardened history with spirits, there were always people with such skills that reigned above the others in the world of the living. However, what kept the woman from going further then her limitations was the amount of potential harm that would be brought to Soul Society. This was the greater concern for the woman. If she brought strong beings into Soul Society then the extent of harm to its populace would surely be horrendous. She scoured the ends for those individuals that she could form a neutral bond with, but nothing could have been found. At least, that was what she originally thought before sighting one potential.

A single individual was found, a newcomer who was originally not present before a certain time. This one was more peculiar than most that the Captain investigated. This one possessed a reiatsu that was ominous yet familiar. A reiatsu that seemed more like a ...Shinigami. That was her original thought anyways, but it rose many other questions. Such as, why would a Shinigami remain in the World of the Living without authorization from the Gotei 13? Was it a covert operation of some sort? Harle could have possibly be wrong about the individual. Perhaps she had been presumptuous to believe that this individual was a Shinigami to begin with. Still, this source was the best she could site for some time. It was better than nothing.

The night. The night was the best time to investigate the individual. The population that would have greatly dwindled during the weekdays. Thus resulting the amount of people wandering about should a fight commence. She observed the individual first for some time, at least to recognize when the best time would have been to approach him. She done at a distance and without her Captain's Haori. For her to be noticed with it was alerting the man and those that could see her that a Captain of the Gotei 13 was operating. This could not be known at least for some time. Harle had to be careful when visiting the World of the Living, she had to be cautious.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Play Me}

Black, all black is what she wore for this encounter. Her locks of brunette weaved together and tied into a pair of ponytails that dangle from the upper back corners of her hair. The carbon fiber armor she wore was her signature garment for special operations. Her pits were somewhat exposed to the elements just the top section of her cleavage. Although the night would have foreshadowed her natural quality the full moon is what gave her away her mask. Her facepaint was what she came with this night. A solid face layer that overlapped the skin and black masquerade ink over pain her lips and form the tears that hung below her outer tear duct. Her lower bottoms remained loose to provide her with the comfort and flexibility that she may require, but more to help conceal her physical form within the shadows.

She had to suppress her spiritual pressure before moving closer towards her target. She kept it to a minimum for the time being as she clung to the shadows, waiting for the target to move into a isolated location. Her presence remained in the World of the Living for some time, at least during the hours of lunch to properly observe the target. She waited until she saw the opportunity to move. And that is when she did. She wasn't going to come from behind. That was a sign that most people that approached them would have some form of malicious intent. Harle came with an invitation. That is the reason why she waited for the target to pass by. As per her usual constraints Harle remain seated on the edge of the concrete fence. Its position over saw some distance over the streets as it slowly led into the residential area. This was a means to prevent the target from proceeding further.

The woman's legs kicked about as though she were a child, humming to herself in a cheerful tone. That white face tilted down to peek out at the target before she spoke, "Zhiz iz un buen night, wouldn't you agree? Doez it remind you of ze light from ze Zoul Zociety?" That thought still lingered. Was this individual from Soul Society? She didn't know, but it was best to come out with it rather than beat around the bush. "If you could, would you please come wiz me to Zoul Zociety? Zhere iz zomezing zat Kaijin would like to speak wiz you about." Not many people of Soul Society knew of her real name. That was something that was kept out of her paper work at all costs. Besides, she had never used that name with anyone besides with Marcus. She was digressing in thought, but she was back on track. Her target was before her, and she required his help.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Stats/Skills}

[Overall Points - 1600]

Type: ( Shadow - Level 3 )

Strength - [100] (/2) = 50 Points

Speed - [300] Points + (150%) = [750]

Spiritual Pressure - [400] - (40%) = [240]

Reiatsu Strength - [400] Points + (60%) = [640]

Light Aura - [50] Points

Dark Aura - [50] Points

Instinct - [175] Points (-25%) = [131]

Senses [125] Points (-25%) = [93]

Energy sensory - [100] Points + (50%) = 150

Healing Expertise - [0] Points


1. Stealth - [2]

2. Acrobatics - [2]

3. Special Skill: Hoho - [2]

4. Weapon: Throwing Knives - [2]

5. Martial Arts - Mixed Martial Arts: Kajukenbo (Taekwondo, Judo, Sanshou) - [3]

After the events of Fate of the King Harle has begun to develop her own style of martial arts. Studying upon other martial arts the girl has been able to fuse their individual styles into a single entity. Sanshou, or Chinese Kickboxing, is a free style fighting style that consists of close range and successive punches and kicks. Freely moving the body without restrictions and serving as a foundation to build upon, though, it is through Judo that Harle maintains control of her proximity. In overall performance Judo's influence in this fighting style allows for fluid counters by using hip and throwing techniques in conjunction with it her own body weight. But it is Harle's specialty in Taekwondo that allows the girl to deliver the consistent power that drives this fighting style. Not being too keen with hand to hand, Harle resorts to using her feet to combat. Altogether, the portions of three styles are joined to maximize movement for maximum efficiency with minimum strength.

6. Mental Skill: Battle Analysis - [2]

7. Strength of Will - [2]

[Zeich Yajuu]

“You really shouldn’t be so hard on him, Master.”

Late autumn was rolling in, and as the days grew shorter, the evenings grew colder. The sun was already beginning to dip below the horizon and Zeich emerged from Uzaki Enterprises, still wearing the signature mask that hid his face from the world. Though few people in the area could see him, none would recognize that which was kept form sight. The Vizard was still a wanted man, at least in Soul Society’s eyes, so it would be best to keep himself as anonymous as possible. It built up its own reputation, of course: a wolf-faced man who seemed to reside, isolated, within Karakura Town. Moving about aimlessly, disappearing and reappearing in various parts of the city with no real direction, he was like a phantom at times.

Even in personality, he seemed more spirit than person; few heard the man speak, and when he did, it was usually in a quiet, reserved tone that held no warmth or emotion. Zeich was one that felt no need for wasted words, and simply spoke what he felt was necessary at the time. Blunt, to-the-point, and possessed of a mindset for efficiency, he rarely wasted time on banter or smalltalk. He came across as silent, off-putting, and cold, all of which were true; he was as introverted as they came, speaking only when he felt it appropriate and otherwise presenting a distant facade to everyone else. He had no need for friendships or similar; Zeich possessed no need for comrades in the emotional sense.

But none of this was true of the wolf next to him. Padding alongside Zeich was a lupine that stood a little below waist-high compared to the former Shinigami, fur of a dark, ashen gray coating him. Whorls of darker color covered his body, twisting runes that spoke of wind and freedom, of a free spirit who was bond by nothing. This wolf was Zeich’s constant companion, and to see one without the other was uncommon, but not unusual. Haiiro was formerly the Vizard’s Zanpaktou Spirit, and though a chain of events had separated their two souls from one another, the two were still bound together in their own ways. Of all the people around Zeich, Haiiro was the only one who could potentially claim to have something more than just a working relationship with the quiet Vizard.

Haiiro was also the more chatty and extroverted of the two, representing the hidden positive aspects of Zeich’s personality. Though the Vizard never showed these traits, they existed somewhere within him, else Haiiro would not possess the free-spirited and outgoing personality that he did. As a result, former Zanpaktou Spirit was more than happy to handle the majority of conversations, able to speak with Zeich mentally and communicate the Vizard’s thoughts in a more personable and social manner as opposed to his master’s quiet and somber personality. The two worked well together, with one being the silent and strong type, while the other was the social butterfly, giving them a wide range of reactions to a variety of situations.

“I explained how I am when we met. He accepted. I’m as stern as I need to be.” Zeich responded simply to his companion’s earlier claim. His voice was slightly distorted by the mask he wore, the sound echoing through the hollowed-out wolf’s muzzle. The two of them were discussing a conversation that the Vizard had just held with his “employer” regarding general security at Uzaki Enterprises. Zeich was one who took his job very seriously, and he constantly pointed out sweeping holes in the company’s defenses, ones that had been left by the sudden absence of Kazura’s previous Chief of Security. With the man trying to run his company, deal with the spiritual incidents all over the city, and trying to handle security on his own, things were looking bad, and so Zeich had stepped in to make… suggestions.

Suggestions, of course, were Haiiro’s charming way of describing Zeich’s means of negotiation. Most of it was the Vizard ordering, rather than suggesting, how security should be handled and improved. He had demonstrated quite effectively by himself just how Kazura’s office was a deathtrap in the past, and now he applied that same talent to describing how his building could simply be overrun by anyone with a modest amount of common sense. Naturally, this had devolved into a lot of bullying and browbeating until Zeich had at least made some progress towards getting Kazura to improve security against spiritual threats. It wasn’t as much as he’d have hoped to have made, but it was a start. Next time, he’d have to be a bit more… firm about it.

“Yes, but I feel that threatening to cause destruction to the building as a show of evidence was a bit far. Next time, try and make him see with better examples. Maybe we could—” Suddenly he went silent, a mental command from Zeich causing both of them to freeze in place. The wolf was confused temporarily, but a quick query explained the situation. The Vizard had suddenly gone on high-alert, a state of mind that was as common and comfortable for him as a casual one would be for the average person. It suggested that he felt threatened or suspicious in some way, and that every one of his senses, both physical and spiritual, were extending to try and feel out the situation.

There was a spiritual presence. Very faint, but it disappeared. Zeich quickly explained, letting his Energy Sensory spread out, trying to find any unusual sources of Reiatsu around him. Haiiro sent a wave of emotion that was like a dismissive roll of the eyes, but the wolf’s actual eyes were scanning the area even as Zeich’s ears and sixth sense were searching for any sort of presence nearby. Few knew it, but the Vizard was blind, and relied on his companion to relay anything related to sight. It was probably some weak Hollow being killed, or like… a Shinigami leaving the area. If it’s a weak signature, it’s probably not nearby, or it’s not something to worry about. You’re being high-strung.

Maybe… but I’ve felt like I’ve had eyes on me all day, too. Zeich’s body was tense, and one hand was on his Zanpaktou, a symbolic gesture if anything; a simple mental command would release the blade into its ashen form, which could be manipulated with ease and used to defend himself in mere moments. Haiiro sent an impatient flash of irritation and something that said Zeich was being way too serious, but he opened the connection between spirit and master, sending the images from his vision to Zeich so that the Vizard could see everything around them with only the slightest of delays. There was nothing.

Relax, Master. We’ll be home soon enough, and you can go back to pacing most of the night like you normally do. The wolf received a sense of unconcealed irritation for that remark, and sent a “gotcha!” grin right back. This was normally the relationship between the two; one teasing, light-hearted, and laidback, while the other was serious and focused. Yet it was a stable one, and one of the few that Zeich truly enjoyed, as rarely as he admitted it. There was something relaxing about being around Haiiro even at his most annoying, likely a connection that came from being near a large fragment of his soul.

As I was saying, you need to be nicer—ulp! Haiiro’s mental thoughts broke off as he spotted someone ahead, a person Zeich hadn’t been able to see thanks to his blindness. Normally, this would not stop the garrulous wolf mid-sentence, but it was obvious why as the connection between the two was re-established. Zeich could see that which his companion could, and he saw the face tilted towards him, eyes directed at the two of them. The Vizard paused mid-step; though his body was tense, something only moderately sharp senses could detect, his pose was casual, one hand on his sword and the other on his hip. His mind screamed “danger,” however.

Kill her! She can see you! A second voice in Zeich’s head, and the more unwanted of the two, Tsukikage rarely spoke except when he wanted to taunt or goad his jailer. The Hollow that was bound to Zeich’s soul and allowed him to control his Vizard powers, Tsukikage was an unwilling captive who claimed that the former Shinigami’s body belonged to him in exchange for some kind of deal. Their relationship was harsh, often combative, the two coming to verbal confrontations more often than not. Tsukikage only desired bloodshed and death, the fierce rush of combat, and the joy of slaying others. Zeich wanted nothing to do with the Hollow’s desires, and thus the two of them rarely saw eye-to-eye.

Ignoring the Hollow for the moment, Zeich waited as the woman spoke to him. His alert senses focused further at a mention of Soul Society; this woman somehow knew who he was, knew that he was a former Shinigami. Of course, she could be guessing, based on the mask he wore; it was sculpted in the likeness of his actual Hollow mask, and few Shinigami lacked knowledge of the fact that Vizards were formerly of their kind. Nonetheless, such a casual and familiar greeting suggested that this woman thought she was in control of the situation, a confidence that was enough to make Zeich wary. Who was she, and what did she want?

Most things make you wary, Master. Haiiro sent, but his usual humor was tinged with a slightly serious tone, his gaze concentrated on the woman as Zeich’s sightless eyes lined up with that which his companion was seeing. He didn’t want to give away his blindness if he could avoid it. Despite his wariness, however, he showed no additional outside expression; he simply waited, as though patiently watching to see what the woman would do. In truth, his ears were already sharply listening for any signs of movement around him to indicate more people, and occasionally Haiiro’s gaze would shift from side to side to confirm any audio input with visual.

The request that came a moment later, however, was startling; an invitation to Soul Society? For a Vizard? Surely this woman wouldn’t be so foolish as to suggest a thing. Yet something about her words sounded… almost serious. Kaijin was the name she gave, an interesting twist of words that usually referred to a “strange person” or “strange beast.” Perhaps it was a code name, much as the one he gave himself? For Zeich had gone by “Wolf” for a while now, and it was the title that even Kazura called him by. No one here in the World of the Living aside from the other Vizards knew Zeich by name. By the same token, Kaijin seemed like a pseudonym as well, but Zeich wasn’t going to push the issue. He at least had some way to identify the speaker.

“What business involves a Vizard in the affairs of Soul Society, ‘Kaijin?’” Zeich’s tone suggested very minor sarcasm, a slight nod to the fact that he assumed the name to be a false one. He felt no risk in giving away his status as a Vizard, as his mask and his Shinigami-like spirit would have given him away to most. No, the former Shinigami was simply putting the question out there rather than beating around the bush, being his normal straightforward self. “Last I checked, we were considered criminals and outcasts among the Shinigami, existing under constant threat of the death penalty. Unless, of course, the Crimson King has expired in the last few weeks and I haven’t been told?”

The last remark was a prod at gathering information; Zeich was well aware that though the fear and hatred of Vizards was generally wide-spread due to the unstable nature of them when their Hollow first went out of control, the leader of the anti-Vizard movement was Sozen Kuchiki. The Captain of Squad 6 had an almost inhuman hatred of Zeich’s kind, and had been the leading force to exterminate them. He had killed Zouma Santeku, a previous leader of the Vizard faction, and had been responsible for other similar incidents involving their kind. Zeich had made it a primary point to ensure that he avoided that man’s gaze as long as possible, lest he be next on the list of casualties.

“Given that it’s unreasonable to meet in Soul Society, I would rather that we simply speak here. If you have anything to say, do so now. I have places to be, and I’d rather not linger too long.”

SPOILER: Click to show

{Zeich’s Stats}Stats (Rank 2 Fractured Type):

Strength - [300] (300) Points

Speed - [400] (400) Points

Spiritual Pressure – [400 x 1.75] (700) Points

Reiatsu Strength – [200 x 0.6] (140) Points

Light Aura - [50] Points

Dark Aura - [50] Points

Instinct - [200 x 1.5] (300) Points

Senses - [200] Points

Energy sensory - [100 x 0.70] (70) Points

Healing Expertise - [0] Points


Total SP: [1800] points

SPOILER: Click to show

{Zeich’s Skills}Current Skills: (17 SKP)

• [Weapons - Katana] 3
  
  
• [Strength of Will] 3
  
  
• [Martial Arts - Hakuda] 3
  
  
• [Stealth] 2
  
  
• [Calm Mind] 3
  
  
• [Martial Arts - Wing Chun] 1
  
  
• [Battle Analysis] 2

SPOILER: Click to show

{Haiiro’s Stats}Haiiro's Stats (Rank 2 Fragment):

Strength - [200] (300) Points

Speed - [300] (300) Points

Spiritual Pressure – [350] (350) Points [Locked: not SP spent]

Reiatsu Strength – [50 x 0.6] (30) Points

Light Aura - [100] Points

Dark Aura - [0] Points

Instinct - [150 x 1.5] (225) Points

Senses - [150] Points

Energy sensory - [50 x 0.70] (35) Points

Healing Expertise - [0] Points


Total SP: [900] points

[Kaijin"Harle"Quinn]

Vizards. The Crimson King. Such terminology have struck the Captain's ears more than a few times along her stay in the Seireitei. Such things that were mostly rumors that have been spread by conspiracy theorists and those who harbored ill intent against those who were considered to be "special" among their people. Though one of those terms, one the names to be said happened to be Vizards. To the Captain's knowledge not much was known about their kind. At least in terms of origin, how they were born. They simply came into existence, by the will of the connection of their spiritual realms. Possibly born through conception. Harle didn't know, there was simply too many theories to truly understand what they were. Yet, before her stood one. Just like herself, the Vizard announced himself accordingly as to what he was.

The Crimson King. A second of the terms that Harle heard of. However, unlike the information of the Vizards, there was more information to be found on this subject Only one person who had the reason to exterminate such a group as the Vizards. The subject and individual were documented with little to no sense of discretion. Only one individual she knew of fit the notion that she thought of. Sozen Kuichiki. Rumors spread of such a nickname among the Seireitei. Infamous for his cruelty and leadership, the man led a campaign against the Vizards, stating the dangers that they posed on Soul Society. The statements and intelligence on the matter brought the woman's point of thought back to the reality that she was currently in. That a Vizard stood before her. A Vizard, and a wolf that stood beside him.

Was this the dangerous Vizard that she heard so much about? If so, why doesn't he attack? Why does he remain still despite knowing what he does? From what she knew of the reports, the Vizards were a threat to Soul Society. Their existence shunned by those among her people. Outcasts as the Wolf-man stated before. Could she really bring in such a threat back to Soul Society? "You are weak...." Jinbei's words still echoed in the back of her mind. She was weak because she lacked the will to do what was necessary. Harle kept herself within the boundaries that others have set onto her. Those thoughts had her eyes flux from point to point. Was she really going to let a place she called home be ruined from the inside out? "Ze cause zat iz worked for requirez ze ztrength zat you posses." she said.

"Zoul Zociety now iz now on ze verge of ruin from wizin. Ze structures zat hold Zoul Zociety in place are now falling. Kaijin will not allowz zat to continue." This was the wish that the French woman, with all her heart, sought out. Harle had to be strong, to overcome her own shortcomings. As such, she had to do things that most others would not. Even if it meant committing the most heinous of crimes. If anything that Soul Society has taught her is that evil wins when the good few do nothing to stop it. And for someone whose reiatsu speaks Shinigami to some measure, this Vizard was the closest individual she could recruit that may share the same interests. That was, if he did. Harle had to see to it.

"Oh heavenz hear moi prayers. Shine your light from above and blind moi foes wiz your eternal love. Subjugate, Tsukuyomi." She originally didn't intend for such a thing to occur. If anything she'd rather converse with the Vizard to try and show a view point that may lead him to assist her of his own free will. She spoke of such words as she descended from the wall. Slowly as the light from the moon graced her landing with its benevolent glow. She couldn't allow herself to remain in the Human world for long. Her presence gone from the barracks without notice would cause an uproar. Especially when she ventured into the Human world in secrecy. But more than that, she couldn't go empty-handed. "Zoul Zociety iz Kaijin's home. And Kaijin will fight fo it."

That slender form of what was known to be Zanpakuto came sprouting forth from its sheath. Its handle dangled loosely in the woman's hand to reveal it subtle size, more than similar to that of a short-blade. A throwing dagger. And as she spoke her small phrase did its form came to be voided by the same mesmerizing light that made the moon radiate so bewitchingly. "Kaijin doze not have ze time to speak of zuch zhings. Ze inztability zat plagues Kaijin's home iz real. No criminals. No Vizards. And no Crimson King will stand in ze way," Harle said as the light enveloped the glove covered palms.

Metal tips began to form over her fingers, "Kaijin iz not here to kill Vizards... she said with the lace of pure white tangling itself around her hand. Dancing in the palm of her hands the Zanpakuto flourished in its awakening. Its light glistened with the moon's light to finish its transformation with the transparent ribbons that coiled themselves around the woman's arms. She wasn't going to take any chances in letting such a prime candidate escape her sights. Such strength like his would surely assist in luring out the shadows that dwell within her home. But more than that. She measured the man's strength. His strength among her peers would be considered the strength of that of a Captain. Her Energy Sensory peered open to evaluate her subject. And from what she learned from Jinbei, it was not to chance their encounter. That was her reasoning for what she did. For the sake of her family, and for those soon to follow.

"Kaijin iz here because Zoul Zociety needz ze strength to fight ze shadows in itz midst. And zat iz why.. The moment that passed didn't even qualify as a moment, but the same instance in which the woman was speaking. From what he could realize, from what is companion could even see, Harle had emerged before them. No more then a single of distance them did the stranger of the two appear to be twirling her body about. Perhaps his level of instincts alerted him before she even thrust herself forward to what was coming. Her soles close together as one pivoted off onto the other to jettison the body forward for a spinning side kick.

She brought in her arms that were extended from herself that moment ago to add propulsion to her spin, adding emphasis to her kick. "..zat iz why Kaijin requires your ztrength now." Her left leg shot out from beneath her as it rose to spin across the man's head. If it landed, then it would have left a throbbing pain to his right side. If it did, then perhaps he wasn't what she was looking for. The woman asserted herself for one guised as a recruiter. Her tone could have been described as both soft, yet firm. Almost pleading in some way for the assistance of a stranger. She knew not of how Vizards came to be, but perhaps his reiatsu was more than a clue to the masked man's origins. Possibly, a means to shed light onto a race that may have been shrouded with fear and lies.


Remaining Reiatsu: 2250/2400 : -150 Shikai.

Shikai: 1/7

Combat Posts: 1/8

[Zeich Yajuu]

Zeich listened with what appeared to be a passive stance, but mentally his mind was racing, analyzing each word as it came. Lies, truth, bluffs, fears; while he lacked such talents of perception that others might, the former Shinigami had been a member of Squad 7. Though the majority of official interrogations on captured prisoners were performed by Squad 6, that didn’t apply to conflicts in the field; Zeich had seen his share of questioning, and he knew the many turns of a captive’s emotional state as written in their words, expressions, and body languages. Even through the filter of Haiiro’s perceptions, the Vizard could still pick apart another’s words with practiced talent.

The first phrase was interesting. “Because Soul Society required his strength,” suggested that there was something brewing. That being said, there was more to it; Vizards were anathema in Soul Society, treated as monsters on the verge of destroying everything around them, powerful beings who were more Hollow than Shinigami. Unless attitudes had rapidly shifted in the short time that Zeich had been away, he doubted that the majority of those in the other world would treat him with anything besides loathing and fear. There were always those who were more open-minded, but those who were often tended to make use of unscrupulous methods to support their causes. No, the only reason anyone would bring him back into Soul Society without an official representation was for a criminal or, at very least, illegal cause.

I have a bad feeling about this woman. I don’t recognize her, but I suspect she’s at least a high-ranking member of Seireitei. I don’t know if that just means she’s an independent agent outside of the Gotei, or if she’s a ranked member within it, but either way she’s a notable enough force that her ‘recruiting’ a KOS target is not good news. The most useful benefit of Zeich’s connection with Haiiro was the fact that the two of them could communicate nonverbally, and with exceptional speed, talking in concepts and trains of thought as much as they did with actual words. It was much faster than vocal talking or telepathy, something only the two of them could do with one another and with no else, and only because they were so closely connected.

I don’t disagree, Master, at least not with your assessment of her position and her possible threat level. But she seems to be going on about a ‘cause,’ so she’s either a religious or ideological fanatic, or else she’s actually serious about this. It may be best to at least hear her out, as much as we can. For all we know, she might actually be the ‘good guy’ this time. Haiiro’s rebuttal came as quickly, and as always be played himself as Zeich’s conscience, optimism, or positivity, traits that the Vizard himself was still pretty sure he did not possess, but nonetheless he accepted the wolf’s rationale. It was too soon to make an immediate judgment, at least; they could at very least hear the woman out.

A surge of Reiatsu changed their minds quickly, however; even with low energy sensory, the Releasing of one’s Zanpaktou was almost always accompanied by a burst of Reiatsu that few could conceal. Zeich was one of those that could, and that was only because of his Zanpaktou’s presence-suppressing nature, which hid its spiritual energy from the moment of Release. However, it did raise a very valid issue for both Zeich and Haiiro; the woman, this “Kaijin,” had Released her Zanpaktou. This was not something that one did when negotiating or trying to win someone over; no, it was an attempt at force, though to what end, Zeich could not tell.

Yup, she’s a Shinigami alright...

It didn’t help that there was a conflict of sensory information. Though the woman had unleashed her unique power, forming a pair of claws that were mounted on each hand. A close-range fighter then; Zeich was not completely disadvantaged despite his blindness, but he was not fond of close-quarters combat either. He had a firm mastery of Hakuda and could handle the motions and counterplay of close-range combat, even with his blindness, but his weakness came in that while he was far stronger than the average individual, those who focused on their strength entirely often overpowered him easily. He recalled combat against Irudai, who had simply overwhelmed him through sheer strength and force, bypassing defenses and blowing away his attacks.

Staying put was not an option. The moment that Kaijin moved in close, Zeich’s body was already reacting. High mental reaction times allowed him to anticipate the incoming strike, even through Haiiro’s eyes, and his ears confirmed the proximity of the attack in the same moment, his sharpened senses alerting him to the movement of the air. As soon as Kaijin’s foot came near, the former Shinigami seemed to just relax, as though he were going to take a hit. This might have been a warning, a sign of confidence, a hint of arrogance; whatever Kaijin read into it, it was likely wrong. Her Energy Sensory was sharp enough to discern basic emotions, but it was impossible to read someone who lacked anything sharper than an emotional whisper.

Besides, what Zeich possessed was none of the above; it was simple readiness, a mental preparedness that allowed him to react. No emotion, just cold analysis. The moment that leg swept around, about to strike him, he moved. To Kaijin, nothing happened. The Vizard had just stayed put, waiting patiently as the limb had come at him. But instead of finding resistance, the unknown Shinigami would likely be surprised as her leg passed through his body as though it were nothing more than mist. But though he hadn’t appeared to move, Zeich had stepped away and then back in one of the quickest of steps, Shinkirou. The mirage technique simply caused him to step back at fifteen times his speed, and then immediately turn back and return, stepping back into the brief afterimage that had been left behind. In that moment of movement, Kaijin’s kick had passed by, and then Zeich was back in place.

The attack allowed him to analyze his opponent’s offenses quite thoroughly, however; when he returned, there was no shockwave, no heavy force behind the attack. This indicated that this woman, this Shinigami, lacked any sort of physical strength. The attack was just a bluff, then? Zeich was curious as to the nature of it, and the intent of such a strike, but for now he had an idea of what he was dealing with. This felt much like a Shinigami of mid-rank seating at best; though she possessed her Shikai, she had made a physical attack on a Vizard with substandard strength for one who fought in the front lines. If Zeich wasn’t the type to play it cautiously, she would have been annihilated right there, as her attack was not only stopped but then turned against her.

That’s not the only possibility, Master. Haiiro warned, but Zeich’s thought process had already moved ahead. The only explanation that did not leave this Kaijin labeled a neophyte was one in which she could affect him in some way through contact. If it wasn’t about the damage, it could simply be about the hit. The Vizard had no way of knowing what the woman’s Zanpaktou did; given that it formed a pair of claws that were used in hand-to-hand combat, it could very likely possess some form of contact poison that was not only limited to the weapons themselves. Whatever the case was, it was better to take things cautiously, one step at a time.

All the while that Zeich was thinking and planning, Kaijin continued to speak. She spoke of a threat to Soul Society, one that existed “within the shadows,” one that threatened her “home.” For once in his life, the Vizard could almost empathize; he understood the desire to protect something, though he did so out of duty rather than personal attachment. But at the same time, protecting something was not always the right course, and even if it was, the ends did not always justify the means. If this woman was willing to stoop to recruiting known criminals, then it was possible that she was bringing unwanted elements into Soul Society. Zeich now knew what he had to do: he had to capture this woman and take her in for interrogation. He had no spare time for words or replies; right now, he was acting.

It’s time, Tsukikage.

About damn time, kid! I want to make her bleed! A wordless Release command had Zeich’s weapon converting itself into its Shikai form, but there was no way to immediately detect the change if one concentrated on the blade; only Haiiro’s disappearance as the two halves of Zeich’s soul became one would give any sort of warning. Unlike most Releases, the suppressive nature of Tsukikage prevented it from giving off a pulse of Reiatsu when its power was unleashed. Instead, it remained muted, unseen, unheard. The blade turned to ash within the sheath, but again, it was another aspect that could not be seen, concealed by the container than held it. It would only do so for so long, however; the quantity of ash was far greater than the capacity of the sheath, and so Zeich would have to act quickly.

And so he did. Even as the ashen form of Tsukikage’s Released state became too abundant, a silent issue had the substance lunging forward at close range. The woman was only just finished with her kick, and the two of them were in extremely close proximity. The ash would flow from his sheath at an effective speed of 600, blasting past the woman in five separate tendrils that would move around her at different angles: two by her legs, two by her shoulders, and one above her head. This would make direct evasion difficult for anyone without an exceptionally high reaction time. Five lines of ash, whose property was unknown; if she dashed through them, Kaijin would be in trouble, as Zeich would immediately have a foothold in their battle. The moment he started to sap away her Reiatsu was the moment he took an enormous advantage.

But that would not be all. Two of the tendrils, the ones by her legs, would immediately shift into a new form, like that of binding bandages that would quickly tie around the woman’s legs if she did not evade. These would draw her legs together, and bind them with the force of Zeich’s impressive spiritual power, leaving the target nearly immobilized. Once that was done, it would just be a matter of covering her in ash until all of her Reiatsu was sucked away, at which point he could question her without fear of counterattack. He would find out what “threat” Kaijin believed was coming for Soul Society, and if necessary, work to deal with it in his own way as well.

Remaining Reiatsu: 6300/7000 (-400 for Shinkirou, -150 for Shikai, -150 for Kaijin Gokusha)

Shikai: 1/10

[Kaijin"Harle"Quinn]

Her starting point was an obvious bluff. A simple kick to start the show and to bring forth the events that were meant to come. Harle released was no different. She knew that releasing early was always a gamble as her strengths were better known when such a power had been unleashed. A Shinigami who is able to release the power that resided within the bowels of the Zanpakuto revealed much of their standing among their peers. The position of a Seated Officer was more than capable of utilizing their Zanpakuto through perseverance and training. An Officer or higher standing. Positions such as these were easily attainable through their efforts, though for those who pursued a much higher standing required skill, and dedication to their work. Harle was no exception.

The Zanpakuto reflected much of their wielder's inner self. Much like her, Tsukuyomi manifest itself in the pair of talons that crust over her fingers. A mirage of sorts as it was facade to what its true ability was. Its power was the very embodiment that reflected the shrouded Captain. In spite of her opening act, the purpose was served. The man that stood before her wouldn't have been a candidate should he have failed to dodge a simple kick. For him to refer himself as a Vizard and to easily fallen for such an opening would have a direct insult. However, even should the man have withstand her opening, then it would only have revealed to her his level of strength. The strength of a Vizard.

As if striking wind itself her limb flew past a vivid image left behind the man. The masked man had fell back from his previous position, knowingly that it would result in a form of counter. His gaze never left the woman's sights. Harle knew the man would commence with his own assault shortly after as what many would believe to be an opening. That was the purpose of her initial strike. In truth, whether her limb made contact or not served its purpose anyhow. Her foot nearing the ground when several streams of blurring particles shot from the man's sheath and into the air. Their nature unknown. Dangerous was the unknown, and this was no different.

Harle's eyes widen. Not in the sense of shock or surprise, but to ride the shadows that shrouded the corners of her trained sight. Those particles shifted themselves in the air like arms, rushing forth to surround and engulf her in their residue. Though the situation seemed strenuous the woman kept her calm. Unlike some of the other Captains Harle contended with a few well known individuals. Souza Kuichiki, the Heir and a Prodigy of the Kuichiki Household. Despite his ranking among the Gotei 13 he was labeled as the strongest Lieutenant. She saw for herself their reasoning. The young man was both calm yet tenacious. Subtle and precise in each of his actions to maximize the benefits of what they had to offer. The Kuichiki Heir knew of what were his strengths. During their match it was revealed that Harle still had much to learn about herself, and what her strengths were. From him she learned caution.

And then there was Jinbei Kawadai. The strongest of his House. A man who single handedly led a coup against Soul Society. He alone who encouraged others to rise up against the Gotei 13 and nearly destroyed it all. All for the sake of his family. Harle had the honor to face him. But much to her horror, she was no match for him. Merciless and determined Jinbei overwhelmed the Captain time and time again. The man's abilities far surpassed her own, making her out to be a child. The man was a monster in his own league. Based on what she faced before the Vizard she was more than ready. "Miss Harle, it is time to start the show." Her cheery little spirit, White, was correct. Harle couldn't agree more.

The kick itself served numerous purposes, as it does in Taekwondo. Though her mastery in Kajukenbo kept her body relaxed, exerting strength in key moments in her initial strikes while maintaining a fluid body. This meant that she had full control of her own body. The sole of her foot was nearly about to touch the ground once more, but just before it did her torso followed with its motion. The sheer momentum of her kick allowed the body to swing itself from the legs to the head. That same motion allowing her arms to absorb the motion and jerk it into the kick to swing her arms to touch the floor. From there the French woman's open palm took the place of her legs, grinding against the floor to enter into another rotation. Her entire formation seemed as her legs were that of propeller blades.

Acrobatics, speed, and martial arts all working in tangent with each other in harmony to produce the result in which the Vizard saw before him. Visually appealing as one would expect for an entertainer, and much more for when a pure force of air being forced from the palm of her hands. Hado #1: Shō (Thrust), with hands compressing themselves onto the ground produced two results to occur simultaneously. The first occurred with her continuous rotation. With her hands firmly planted on the ground the trapped force caused the technique to be released from the creases surrounding her newly made foundation. Together with her leg rotation of 750, the erupting force became ensnared to create an expanding wind tunnel.

From the Vizard's standpoint it would have seemed that the woman managed to create a brief torrent of air, similar to that of a Tornado. Although indirect, the combined force would have dispersed the five ash made tendrils, while at the same time adding distance between herself and the man. Harle couldn't allow the area sustain much damage. The Captain utilized both her technique and skill to spread the accumulated power of her 640 Reiatsu Strength to push the man's technique away while striking him at the same time. And yet, that wasn't the only result. When her Hado technique erupted, the amount of trapped force propelled the woman's body upward over the man.

Flying. The open air enveloped her body. Similar to the weightlessness of using the trapeze Harle felt at home. There were no boundaries that restrained her to the world below. No restrictions, and nothing to weigh her down, the woman felt a sense of easiness. In fact, the Captain was free. The boundaries of reality had release the French woman from captivity, and so they would the Vizard. Harle's voice rained down over the Vizard. It came as an echo that surround the man's position, and shortly after the aggressor herself soon followed. The woman fell a few feet from his position. Unknown to the Captain, she didn't realize that her foe possessed a ailment of his own. He was blind after all. Yet, to his other senses he would find the presence of two individuals. Two Kaijins.

This was the power of Kyoka Suigetsu. An exact copy of the woman came into existence, an illusion forged by the power of her Zanpakuto Tsukuyomi. Harle believed that the man fell under her abiliites, not knowing of his condition. And yet, she only realized herself that the Wolf companion that stood silently beside the man no longer remained. Where did his companion venture off to? What did it mean? She couldn't wait. In the fabric of reality that Harle had created, her own body would remain invisible with the phantom taking her place in the world. Though the superiority of the Vizard's senses was keen to surpass the woman's technique. The man was capable of pushing past the false reality and detect the real Harle.

But which one was real? His senses were not keen to separate the phantom from Harle. One identical to the other. They shared the same presence. The same aura of reiatsu. And even as they both charged towards him, the sound of their muffled foot steps were exact. There were two that the man could tell. Two.

Harle took to the man's right as the phantom took to the left. Dividing the man's attention while the woman believed that her phantom was all that the Vizard could read. Harle struck first with a blurring motion of 750 speed. Her presence dropping to her knees into slid before darting upward. A single leg pushing the woman off the floor to bring her right foot kicking back. From the indicated force applied in the air, the woman's incoming upward thrust came in the form of a backflip. She was using the heel of her right foot to smash the man's lower jaw into his head. The applied force would have been enough to cause a moment of paralysis as the brain itself would suffer the full force of her kick. But all the while, the phantom was close.

She twirled her form building up momentum to smash her elbow against the man's cheek bone. Subtle as it wasn't meant for a single blow, but a repetition of two other elbow strikes shortly after before sending the man soaring over the ground with spinning hind kick to his left abdomen. Sadly, Harle's Zanpakuto ability never made contact with the Vizard. When releasing her Zanpakuto it produced a light, a light that only the wolf companion beared witness to. And despite sharing senses with its Master, it is unknown if the man was to be effected as his Zanpakuto spirit had been. If so, then those elbow strikes would have felt as if the man had been struck by the woman's elbows. As Tsukuyomi's ability would have been known, that it made the illusions that the woman cast before were as real as she was to the world.

But that wasn't the worst case for the man. If Harle's ability effected the man, then his body would have suffered a series of blows from the joint operations of the two Harles that he faced. One that was seen, and the other that didn't existence.


Remaining Reiatsu: 2075/2400 : -150 Kyoka Suigetsu, - 25 Hado #1: Shō (Thrust)

Shikai: 2/7

Combat Posts: 2/8

SPOILER: Click to show

{Kyoka Suigetsu}

Kyoka Suigetsu - Moon Flower, Water Moon :

Perception is in the eye of the beholder, which is why Kyoka Suigetsu distorts the perception of all those effected by the technique of Harle, creating an illusion that resembles to an afterimage of Harle. It is activated by speaking the name of the technique allowing her voice to used as the sound medium to carry the effect to those in a 15 yard radius of Harle. Which why those who are effected by the technique are often bewildered when nothing happens after calling on the technique, but they will hardly know that they have been affected by it already. When speaking the name of her technique, Harle's voice will sound louder to those in the effected area for a brief moment.

When placed under the influence of Kyoka Suigetsu Harle's physical body and presence will be hidden under the illusion of a projected Harle. The projection will replace the real Harle in the world and appear and act as a phantom. The phantom itself will possess Harle's characteristics and presence, so it is difficult to distinguish the phantom as an illusion. It's movements will remain 5 feet away from behind where actual Harle, who is invisible at this point, is located and will follow her exact movements. Since the illusion is a phantom it will resemble Harle's appearance to each detail of her body, including her voice. When struck the phantom's body will become a hazy black smoke at the area where it was struck and immediately will reform itself to become a complete figure again.

If Harle remains at a location for five seconds, then the afterimage will appear where she is currently holding up. In the effected victim's eyes, Harle will appear as an illusion while in reality Harle is moving around normally. There will be no changes to her stats while using this technique. The technique cost is 150 reiatsu points to activate and an additional 150 points per post should Harle continue to use it for each post, or 150 reiatsu points when Harle is struck to keep the illusion going. This technique can stack with other Zanpakuto techniques

Drawbacks -

Maintaining the techniques illusion is exhausting and draining to Harle, especially if she decides to maintain the illusion after being hit with consecutive attacks. Suigetsu is a harmless technique that to which Harle can not use spells when the this technique is in use. This technique affects all those within a 15 yard range of Harle, including her allies. A person with superb senses of 200 can feel Harle but can not locate her exact position while someone with superior senses of 250 can determine her exact location despite seeing the illusion.

[Zeich Yajuu]

I see...

An ironic statement for a blind man, Master. Haiiro jabbed, sending a hint of a smile between the two of them. The statement that Zeich made was not without basis, however; he could hear the air moving as the woman shifted her body, he could make out the motions vaguely. Though he did not possess the analytical talents to sharply define every one of her movements, he could make some very accurate general guesses. A rotation motion suggested that the woman was spinning in place somehow, and the shift in emphasis from the ground to midair formed a trail of sound that, to the blind man, was like a neon light that another’s eyes could follow, giving a clear and distinct path to the movements. That leg that had kicked up at him was now rotating at a higher level, indicating an inversion of the body.

What this told Zeich was that this woman possessed notable acrobatic skills despite her strength. Her speed had proven impressive prior as well, so it was likely that she was the type to move gracefully and attack in rapid sequence from many different angles, using her natural agility to overwhelm foes who were slower physically or mentally. Even without strength, such talents would still be at least moderately effective. The Vizard quickly revised his initial estimation of Kaijin; she was no novice. She at least showed that she had the skills to be a skilled fighter, if not the insight and wisdom to temper and compliment those skills. It was time to see just how far those skills went.

Feeling the winds whipping about, Zeich repositioned himself with a quick backstep, not even bothering to use a Shunpo to get out of range. The artificial windstorm that Kaijin had created lacked any real power behind it due to her lack of actual strength, possessing only speed and some minor acrobatic talent, and as a result, the actual movement of the air currents was minimal. Zeich’s ash, which was controlled and maintained by his strong spiritual presence, was completely unaffected by the small windstorm. Actual loose particulate matter might have been another story, but this was the Vizard’s Zanpaktou; it would not be stopped by something as simple as a little wind without any true force behind it.

The result was that the ash was not dispersed, merely slowed temporarily, though that did buy Kaijin enough time that she was able to avoid the tendrils coming her way. The Sho that exploded outwards did not register immediately on Zeich’s sixth sense, his ability to sense Reiatsu being one of his weaker points, and as a result he did not feel it until the spell had already gone off, such was its lower general strength and subtle nature. He could hear the results, however, and knew that his opponent was now moving overhead, propelled by the air. But this was a poor decision on her part; the disadvantage to leaving the ground was that it committed one to the actions they chose to make. Even with the ability to create air ground, until that stop was made the arc and motions were clearly defined, leaving the Kaijin an easy target to predict.

Even as the woman came down, she’d find that Tsukikage’s ash was already swirling about her body again. It latched on, like a layer of dust atop her outfit, and where it did, sharp pain broke out. For now it focused around the torso, with the sensation of a thousand dagger-like needles plunging into her body, yet leaving no actual injury; pain was just a portion of the ash’s malevolent nature. No, the moment it wrapped around the woman’s torso, binding itself there like a second skin, the ashen layer would hold itself there not using Zeich’s Reiatsu, but draining from Kaijin herself. This was the suppressive nature of Tsukikage, which reduced the foe’s Reiatsu constantly, draining it to keep itself anchored, while making it harder to channel Reiatsu through the body due to that constant pull. It was an attrition-type Zanpaktou, whose focus was on wearing down a foe’s spiritual reserves, leaving them with few options in combat.

Yet despite this, it would not stop the woman from making her attack. Even though the ash would start to sap away at her Reiatsu and erode her willpower with its ongoing pain, it would not bind her movements or stop her in any way. Zeich’s mind was already racing as he stood still, unmoving as Kaijin circled around him. His ash was meant to weaken, not hinder, not in this form, and a single pulse of Reiatsu would dislodge it. But he was not planning on burning unnecessary Reiatsu to try and turn that ashen coat into a weapon, especially given the woman’s speed; doing so would be a futile waste without a means of trapping her further. No, he would allow her freedom of movement, even as her spiritual energy was sapped away.

That didn’t mean that Zeich was defenseless, however; far from it. His senses told him exactly where his ash was, as it was connected to him; since he mentally controlled it, he could constantly detect its movement, and would always know where it was. That was why he was aware of Kaijin’s movements as she prepared her attack, and why he could anticipate her line of assault. He didn’t need his eyes when he had his other senses. The Vizard was completely in control of this battle, his stance relaxed, his posture at ease, and his form unmoving as Kaijin prepared herself to make her attack.

But then, something broke through that wall of calm and surprised Zeich; though it didn’t show outwardly, he stiffened, so to speak, when he realized he didn’t just hear one set of footsteps on the ground. If he were an animal, his ears would have been twitching, straining to catch every sound as he tried to analyze the situation. Why were there two steps of footsteps? And it wasn’t just footsteps; the sound of the moving air was there too, suggesting at least some mass, not just a sound-based illusion. For a moment, he had thought it was another trick, much like her kick had likely been, but now he was certain that he was fighting more than one opponent. The Vizard wasn’t sure where this second figure had come from, as they had been virtually nonexistent a moment before but… he didn’t have time to worry about it. He had to act quickly, and counterattack, before he ran the risk of getting overwhelmed.

Why not just release your Bankai… you know that with that, you could make this a bloodbath. Or… you could use my power... A temptation lingering on the edge of consciousness, Zeich was nevertheless aware of Tsukikage’s words. Admittedly, having tasted the power that came with donning his Vizard mask and drawing upon the beast within, Zeich knew all too well that it was potent enough to allow him to dominate this fight without any sort of difficulty. He did not wish to resort to such measures if he could avoid it, however; giving himself over to the Inner Hollow’s power had a way of negatively influencing him, causing him to take on more of Tsukikage’s bloodlust, his desire to harm others. No, the mask was a last resort, and it was one that he would not draw upon now.

Fortunately, he did not need the mask, or even his Bankai, to deal with the situation. Motions were easy to determine, with one target coated in his ash and the other’s presence still available to his ears, so he prepared himself accordingly. Even as they both approached to attack in tandem, Zeich’s arms shot out, both of them, in opposing directions. One caught Kaijin’s foot, palm striking against the sole in a way that would negate momentum; Hakuda Defense: Do was a versatile and powerful tool that the former Shinigami made firm use of, and thanks to his mastery of Hakuda he could perform it not only once, but actually twice at the same time, catching the new opponent’s shoulder so that it would halt any rotating momentum that the unknown individual was building up.

The effects of this clash were disastrous for Kaijin. At this point of impact, their two spiritual presences collided, and Zeich’s was far superior. In accordance with the idea that every impact has an equal and opposite force, the collision of their attacks would rebound backwards in an effect known as Cutback. Had Kaijin attacked with her Zanpaktou instead of her leg, she would have ignored this factor, but because she struck with an unguarded limb, she had to suffer the reaction. Though it was blunt force as opposed to the normal slashing pain that came with Cutback, in a way it was almost worse; deep bruises and contusions exploded along the leg that made contact, often deep enough that blood would reach the surface, leaving the limb bloody and raw. The difference between the two would be enough that the limb would actually be rendered completely useless, negating much of Kaijin’s acrobatic ability with the loss of use from one of her legs.

Surprisingly, the second hit never landed, however; Zeich’s attack had been a perfect Hakuda Defense: Do, but despite the constant stimulation to his ears that suggested the exact location of the second attacker, his hand found nothing. It was as if the person had evaded without moving, suggesting intangibility… or something that wasn’t there at all. An illusion of sound, perhaps? The only way he could confirm with his eyes was to don his Vizard mask, temporarily banishing his the blindness that his Inner Hollow had caused, but that would be an unnecessary expenditure of energy to confirm that he had indeed been attempting to counter an illusion’s attack.

Speed, acrobatics, and illusions… like a spider spinning a web, do you not agree, Master? Zeich did in fact agree; he was up against one who liked to act strategically as opposed to directly, taking a longer, but more effective route to her goal rather than to claim it immediately. Another reassessment; this individual was decently talented, perhaps at the rank of a Vice-Captain or higher. How ironic it would be if she was a Captain, he thought with a sardonic smile that was hidden behind his mask. Certainly Soul Society wasn’t recruiting superior officers of this rank, though, not if they planned to maintain any sort of semblance for power. A Vice-Captain then; still a worthwhile adversary.

But, ultimately, he did not have the time or luxury to continue this fight. The Vizard wanted answers, and he was going to get them, and so the battle would have to be wrapped up swiftly. Once more, his ash came swirling about him, aside from the fifth of it bound to Kaijin’s torso, and he redirected it into several new forms, using his Zanpaktou’s disparate form to effectively bind the woman and keep her from acting. With her leg no longer functional due to the negative effects of cutback on the limb, it would be very difficult to escape as the bindings from before caught each of her arms, binding them together behind her back and leaving them immobile. Zeich did not bother with the second set, those for the legs; with one leg out of commission, Kaijin would not be going anywhere.

“Now, Kaijin, I do believe that you have some answers for me. Do you still wish to continue this struggle, or will you surrender now?”

Remaining Reiatsu: 6150/7000 (-150 for Kaijin Gokusha)

Shikai: 2/10

SPOILER: Click to show

{Tsukikage’s Shikai Overall}Tsukikage's power is to suppress the opponent, particularly their Reiatsu. When this Zanpaktou’s abiliy is released, it simply dissolves into a thick gray ash that floats in the air and can be guided consciously in any direction. The ash moves at 600 stat speed, and the amount is roughly enough to coat a person from head to toe. When this ash comes into contact with something, it can bind itself through the use of Zeich’s Reiatsu to that object and remain in place. When it comes into contact with spiritual beings, it uses the target’s Reiatsu to keep itself bound. At first, the layer of ash seems harmless, but as it accumulates, the victim first begins to feel pain in the afflicted area, and then starts to have a harder time using their Reiatsu, both in terms of the fact that their pool seems to be diminished as well as the fact that they are having a harder time drawing it from their bodies to manifest it in the form of a technique.

The first effect of the ash is immediately noticeable in that it causes pain. It is equivalent to having hundreds of needles jabbed into one’s flesh continuously wherever the ash coats a major region (see below); this part ignores a single tier of Pain Tolerance, meaning that without multiple points in this skill, it cannot be ignore or resisted, meaning that it is almost impossible to concentrate as long as the ash is coating one’s body. The constant pain will eat at one’s focus, meaning that interruptions are frequent and easy, ruining a number of strategic or charged-up techniques. Zeich is also immune to the pain effects of his own Zanpaktou, though he cannot extend this same protection to anyone else. However, this is not the major effect of Haiiro, merely a harbinger of what is to come.

When an enemy is coated in Tsukikage’s ash, their Reiatsu is slowly depleted. For every major section of their body covered, the victim loses 100 Reiatsu per post. This means that the more of one’s body that is covered in ash, the more Reiatsu is absorbed by the ash to keep itself in place. It also has the effect of making Reiatsu harder to use; for every major section of the body covered, all techniques cost 10% more Reiatsu to use. As the ash continues to coat an opponent, not only does burn through their Reiatsu by consuming it, but also causes the opponent to use up their spiritual power more quickly as they try to fight through the layer of ash. There is enough ash to coat up to five major areas, but only a single area can be coated per post, and atop that, for every technique active during Shikai, the number of major areas is reduced by one. An opponent can disperse the ash from their entire body by using 200 Reiatsu to break its grip on their spiritual energy.

When major parts of the body are mentioned, it refers to certain areas being covered at least halfway by ash. These parts include limbs, the torso, and the head; each limb counts individually towards the total, so if all four limbs are covered, that's a loss of 400 Reiatsu per post along with a 40% increase in Reiatsu costs. Hands and feet do not count towards these, as they are considered generally too small to be enough to block Reiatsu output; otherwise, most of the body is vulnerable to being a point in which Tsukikage's ash can drain and hinder the foe's Reiatsu flow.

Additionally, as the ash's ability is suppressive in nature, the substance itself exudes no spiritual presence. It traps, binds, and suppresses spiritual energy, including its own, preventing energy sensory from ever detecting it. This does work both ways, however; as it cannot be sensed, if it coats a target completely, that target's spiritual presence completely disappears, suppressed and hidden from any form of energy sensory. Though their Reiatsu may be slowly depleted and their costs may go up, a target coated in Tsukikage's ash has the advantage of vanishing spiritually, which can be turned against Zeich by one who knows how to take advantage of such a situation.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Kaijin Gokusha’s Effects}Kaijin Gokusha (Ash Prison) – Another somewhat offensive technique meant for suppression of movement, Kaijin Gokusha allows Zeich to create wrappings of gray ash around the target’s arms or legs, keeping them bound together in order to restrict movement and ability to retaliate. These bindings are simple affairs, appearing almost like ash-gray bandages that wrap around the targeted limbs. However, they are much sturdier than they look; Zeich’s ability to suppress is based on his Spiritual Pressure, which is his way of suppressing and putting down his opponent, and thus as a result he compares his Spiritual Pressure to his opponent’s Strength, should they try to break out physically, or Reiatsu Strength should they be trying to break out with the use of spiritual power. Strength of Will at a 2 or higher allows the reduction of requirements to 75% of Zeich’s Spiritual Pressure. These bindings also possess Tsukikage’s suppressive powers, increasing Reiatsu costs of those bound by it by 10% per set of bindings, which stacks up to 20% total with both arms and legs bound. However, each use takes two sections of ash from the total five, meaning that there is very little left if both sets of limbs are bound during Shikai.

In Bankai, this technique is strengthened accordingly. By paying double the cost (see drawbacks), Zeich can reinforce the first set of bindings with a second layer over them, which now take on the form of gray chains made from the ash that tie in tightly over the initial wrappings. This reinforcement makes it so that to break the technique, an opponent must possess either a Strength or Reiatsu Strength greater than twice Zeich’s Spiritual Pressure, depending on which type of force they are using to break free of their bindings. Strength of Will at a 3 can reduce the requirement to only 75% superiority to Zeich’s Spiritual Pressure. In addition, the additional layer of bindings increases its suppressive effects, increasing the costs of the victim’s techniques by 20%, up to a maximum of 40% with both arms and legs bound.

The cost for this technique is a simple 150 Reiatsu per post for its normal form, and 300 Reiatsu per post in its advanced, doubled-up form. In addition, this is heavily taxing on Zeich’s ash reserves, using two out of five sections of ash for binding one set of limbs. That is 40% of his ash that is used for either overall or techniques when this ability is used for one area, or 80% for two areas. Finally, Strength of Will can help reduce the effectiveness of this tech if the victim has a sufficient amount, allowing them to break through the bindings more easily.

[Kaijin"Harle"Quinn]

Her sides stung with an unbearable prick. Piercing each of her pores with a small syringes that did so in consecutive integers. They picked at her with every moment that went by, causing discomfort when moving her stomach about. More over it felt as though someone was gripping her stomach and ribs tightly. An unseen hand. Yet it wasn't. When reviewing where the sensation was covering she saw it. Beneath her torso she saw that hazy bandage that coiled around her sides. Its influence partially covered by the underside of her breasts, but its texture and color remained separate from her attire. Especially the... there was no aura that it produced. There was no mistaking it, this was potentially a release.

Now that she took the time to analyze the situation further she found that the Wolf that stood beside the Vizard was now missing. Before the Hound stood at attention next to what was deemed its partner, but now its presence was gone. Aside from the disappearance of the wolf, the man took a firm hold of his sheath. The more she thought of it, the further her realization of her injury became. Like hauling a practice dummy her leg fell limp. Battered and bruised she had little to no feeling in her leg. "A cutback? Thiz man?" In her experience there has only been one race that was capable of using such an effect, and to a strong degree to add on.

The man spoke, seemingly to brood with confidence if all possible. "A struggle" he referred to their situation. It couldn't be further from the truth. While originally it was the Captain's intent to recruit the man, so ideally there would have been some opposition if their goals weren't in tangent. But now, overall, the French woman found some form of delight from her spiraling situation. "Hehehe, Kaijin iz enjoying herself. Kaijin iz learning much about you Monsieur." The girl chuckled ever so lightly as her reiatsu flexed. And naturally the splintering effect of the man's bandage technique stung. It made it difficult to muster the reiatsu that she needed. This was going to be a problem.

Unlike before when she was gliding through the air, the woman wasn't able to catch a good view as to what had struck her earlier. Now, as she took in the moment did she realize that flaky tendrils charged at her. Was this the same material that was stuck on her? It must have been. Could prove to be an issue if more of them clung onto her during the fight. The clouds came close before the woman made her move. Like water the woman slid through the crack in the pair's formation. The woman threw herself forward into a roll before reclining up using her hands in place of her legs. Movement for her was not impossible, but remained daunting. Her time spent honing her gymnastic abilities placed her on par with those who dedicated a life time in the fine arts of the body. Although not perfected, her mastery in the martial arts made it more easy to endure the pain that splintered across her core. After all, core strength was important in the life of acrobatics.

Harle was no stranger to pain. Swinging on the trapeze and climbing on nets and swings meant that the woman was forced to carry her own weight entirely unsupported. With no support and gravity pitting the odds against her the Squad 2 Captain was indeed in top physical condition in maneuvering herself with keen accuracy. This was especially tiring on the woman's core muscles. The abdomen was constantly strained when performing. From shifting to legs to hands, the woman's body was forged into a single muscle in which she controlled. When it came to understanding the woman body, Harle was above than proficient. It didn't mean that her core ignored the pain that the man's technique caused her.

Harle couldn't move as swift as she wanted to, not while the bandage was in place. She had to time her movements to remain ahead of the clouds that moved in on her. She used this time to process the situation further. Like piecing a puzzle together while a child comedically takes a piece, formulating long terms strategies with the pain ever present became quite the chore. Each moment her core stretched the pain presented itself. One had formed previously, one in which the Vizard may already pieced together. In the palm of his hand her presence remained. A thread that linked them both. One that remained unseen, but ever lingering to his extraordinary senses. And this link between them forged a course of up to 19 feet before the woman went into her next act.

With all her moving about it was easily foretold that she was nearing him. Every step taken, every rotation closed the space between them. At least until she was no more than 5 feet away from the Vizard. From there, the show can start. Sliding into position the woman's fingers intersected the other, forming a symbol of power. As if conjuring a flood from within the woman's reiatsu flared to rid herself of the ashy bandage that limited her abilities. And much like before the technique itself resembled the sensation of a thousand needles being forced out of her core and away from her. This itself took a measurable amount of reiatsu while simultaneously conjuring a secondary technique when her slide came to an end. Kyoka Suigetsu made its return once more when her talons were grinding themselves against each other.

In the cloak of releasing her reiatsu Harle seized the moment to utilize her phantom once more. And like before her words echoed, the grinding of metal claws resonating a soft chime at the end of their sweet sonata. From behind, the soft patting of foot steps are heard. A strong flow of reiatsu building, circulating into the form of a ball lunging forward. Its intention was clear, and its target went unopposed. If left unchecked, the compressed sphere of reiatsu would be digging into the rear of the man's mask. This was fake of course, and much like before the man would feel nothing when it made contact with him. But could he tell the difference? Was it really an illusion, or an exact copy that waited for an opportune moment to strike when his guard ceased.

It wouldn't have mattered either way, Harle was on the move. From her crouched position, and Vizard's sensory, the woman would have seemed to have vanished. What he believed in gaining the upper hand on their fight was little than overconfidence. The man was careful, cautious, analytical, and spontaneous when it came to his reflexes. But this time, there was no where for him to run where she couldn't reach him. This was something that enabled the woman to close distances without much effort, however, the way that she applied it this time around made it easier to make contact with her foe. This was known as Trace. A stepping technique that Harle developed to retract her steps back to the point of origin. And that point of origin resided in the palm of the man's hand.

At the point of contact Harle's leg became limp due to the effects of the Cutback. Physically the leg became impaired, though spiritual it remained functional. Of all the body it was only that single leg that lacked motor control. The lack of sense in the limb made it all the more simpler to conjure reiatsu into it. Despite the hindering effects of the ash, Harle was forced to use the limited reiatsu that circulated in her legs. Though small, it was all that was required to muster Trace. The only reason that Harle was capable of using the technique was because her primary focus was on Trace.

From her kneeling position the woman carried through the course of reiatsu made by her technique. The same course that the Vizard could feel. Unlike other step techniques, Trace didn't require Harle to really use her legs during its retraction. The sole of her foot remained on the ground while her body glides along the path she made with her movements while dodging the ash clouds. The Captain's overall speed elevated five times its original rate during Trace, bringing her back to the Vizards palm with the speed of 3750. To him, it would have been nothing short of a sonic boom, having the woman re-emerge at his side before the sound even penetrated his ears.

If the man took the bait of her phantom, the overall effect would have drawn his attention away for the briefest moment. A single moment of misdirection was all that it really took to position the woman in the most beneficial position possible. That was due to the opportunity in tracing side of the man's arm with her talons before using the momentum of her oncoming movement to bring her left leg around his head. This motion enabled the woman to coil her leg swift around the shape of his mask as the momentum carried her over his shoulder. Only to have his weight drawn back and pinning him to the ground by the sheer force of both her leg strength and rotation speed working in conjunction.

Harle twisted her sore core in order to use the force required to apply the woman's speed with the man's weight. All of the effort meant to solely for a single opportunity to draw herself close to the man, and to bring him to the ground. Harle clutched at her abdomen, suffering from the results of the man's technique from earlier. All of the effort to land her strike, as well as binding the man for what she needed. The binding itself came in the form of a Hado.

As swiftly as the woman would be able to bringing the man down to the ground, ushering out the spell would not take much effort to use. A one meter discharge of electricity would surge from the Shinigami's body. Hado #48: Dendō Hōden, if contact was made then the Vizard would feel the numbing sensation of the static charge that flowed through his nervous system. The brain's electrical impulses would not have been sent to their proper receivers, leaving the man vulnerable for a few moments. Moments that enabled the girl to bring her claw to the rear of his neck, and ready to puncture. Not a death dealing blow, but a measure in which placed Harle a in position to better speak to the man. "Monsieur, you can ask ze questions zat you want. Kaijin would be more than happy to anzwer." she pants. The amount of reiatsu she lost was beginning to settle in. This was beginning to become a battle of attrition, and one that she was going to lose if she continued to play her cards the way that she has been so far.

Remaining Reiatsu: 1415/2400 : -100 Ash penalty, -100 Trace +(-10% Ash = -10 reiatsu), -200 Ash Release, -150 Kyoka Suigetsu, - 100 Hado #48: Dendō Hōden [Electric Discharge].

Shikai: 3/7

Combat Posts: 3/8

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{ Hado #48: Dendō Hōden [Electric Discharge]}

Class: 5

Technique Type (Kido, Hollow/Arrancar Technique, Human World Dweller Technique, Other): Kido

Usable By (Technique is available to which races?): Shinigami

Technique Element: Lightning

Technique Description and Effects (Explain appearance, powers, and effect):

This technique emits a lightning in a full 1-meter radius circle around the user. Any opponents caught in the electricity suffer considerable numbing in that body as well as slight first-degree burns in the areas exposed to the electricity. However, the most prominent effect is the numbing, which would last three posts.

How to use technique (How is it activated?): Channel your reiatsu and activate the Kido.

Technique Drawbacks (Limitations, repercussions for use, etc)

Other than the Class 5 reiatsu cost, this technique has a very short range. In addition, it does very minimal damage, applying burns only to the areas exposed to the lightning. If only the target’s limb is in the lightning’s radius, then only that one limb would feel numb and slowed.

Incantation and Effect (If Kido only):

“God of lightning, hear my cry, understand my plea, and grant me your power. Hado #48: Dendō Hōden.”

Made By: Kagami Murai

Reserved? (Yes/No) (Can others use your technique, or just your character?):No

SPOILER: Click to show

{Trace}

Class: [ 5 ]

Technique Type (Kido, Hollow/Arrancar Technique, Human World Dweller Technique, Other): [ Other ]

Usable By (Technique is available to which races?): [ Any ]

Technique Element: [ None ]

Technique Description and Effects (Explain appearance, powers, and effect):

Watching Marcus' portray of techniques and capabilities inspired Harle to construct a technique that enables the user to retrace their precise movement from before in an instant. Similar to Shunpo, the technique acts as a form of stepping using a stream of reiatsu from the point of origin until it is activated.

Trace is first applied by marking a specific location as point A just by tapping their foot at the location while applying the necessary reiatsu amount. After, the user will move about as they normally would. However, when moving a line of reiatsu is left behind, following the route that the user has taken. Whether it be jumping into the air, flying, or falling, regardless of which path the user takes the trail of reiatsu will be left behind, only seen by the user or by an individual with 250 energy sensory.

The trail can go up to 20 feet until the trail stops. Originally, a cost of 100 reiatsu is needed to use the technique, but an extra 10 feet can be gained with additional 50 reiatsu cost each time the 10 feet range is maxed. Now, when it is time to fully activate Trace, the user merely calls out the technique name "Trace" for the users body to immediately be pulled by the trail of reiatsu. Which, can work with mental incantation as well. The user will return to the point of origin, following the path that the user had forged with the reiatsu trail, sorta like being reeled in, with gliding movements along the surfaces. Actions that were done while forming the trail will not be repeated. Remember that this is retracing the path that was taken and not rewarding what was done. However, the user is freely to move their body naturally according to their capabilities.

The user will return to the point of origin, then return to their natural movements. The rate of speed when returning to point A is x5 the speed of the user.

How to use technique (How is it activated?):

A cost of 100 reiatsu to first create the point of origin while tapping a surface with the sole of the foot. Then, the trail will begin to form when the individual begins move away from the position that was tapped. After, all that is needed is to call out the technique name to begin repelling back to the point of origin.

Technique Drawbacks (Limitations, repercussions for use, etc)

Now of course there are drawbacks to the technique itself, such as its limited range and the extra costs. Much of those are pretty basic, but for those with 250 energy sensory are capable of seeing the reiatsu trail that is made, making the return trip easily predicable to the enemy, and by destroying the trail itself with a reiatsu based attack, then the point of origin resets to where the trail was broken.

And lastly, once the technique is started, the reiatsu spent can not be refunded because the user decides to not use it. Trace can end prematurely by the user by saying "Release," thus causing the trail to fade away and not being pulled back to where the technique first began, but still leaving the user to waste the reiatsu that was spent to start it.

Incantation and Effect:

"Trace" to retrace the reiatsu trail.

"Release" to end the technique all together.

Made By: Harle

Reserved? (Yes/No) (Can others use your technique, or just your character?): Yes, but can be learned.

[Zeich Yajuu]

Zeich’s attempt to weaken his foe had started off effectively enough; his ash had bonded itself to the woman’s body, causing her unmistakable pain that would shake her concentration and make it difficult to focus. In addition, it would sap away her Reiatsu trying to hold itself to her body, leaving her quickly drained of spiritual energy. The more he could attach to her, the faster her reserves would be depleted, and the sooner she would be at his mercy, exhausted from the loss of her Reiatsu. This was the long-term plan for capturing Kaijin for questioning, but there was no guarantee that it would need to last that long. It was simply a backup in case any of his short-term attempts failed.

The effects of his cutback effect had been devastating to Kaijin, that much he could tell, yet he got the sense that though it was effective, the woman wasn’t put off. One of the abilities Zeich had noticed developing since his blindness was his sense of empathy; though he often did not comprehend the motivations and feelings behind another’s feelings, he could understand and sense the feelings themselves. Haiiro had thought that it was perhaps his neutral personality, his absence of strong emotions creating a vacuum that made him more sensitive to those about him. Whatever the reason for it, Zeich felt a sense of… something akin to satisfaction off of Kaijin. Why? What was the cause for it?

Zeich couldn’t understand the sense of satisfaction, but he could make some guesses. Odds were, the woman had learned something about him that was pleasing, or else she had set herself up for something deadly in this battle. The former didn’t seem as likely; the only things he had revealed were the basic powers of his Shikai and one of its techniques. There wasn’t much information there, not when he had only touched the tip of the iceberg. Perhaps she had another plan set up, using her illusion-inducing abilities and her acrobatics to try and ensnare him. Of course, Zeich wasn’t sure how she’d be able to cause him much trouble now, given that her leg was made useless; with her mobility sharply hampered, Kaijin would be struggling to reach him, let alone hurt him.

Don’t let your guard down, master. She’s a tricky one. Haiiro warned, but it was an unnecessary one; Zeich never let his guard down. So far, he had only heard the enemy’s Zanpaktou be Released, but he had yet to determine just what it was that it did. It could be the source of the opponent’s illusionary technique, but if so, to what extent did it go? The illusions seemed to extend to sound and energy sensory, but not to touch; did they also apply to sight as well? Or had Kaijin simply been playing mental games with him, using nothing but periphery senses to distract the primary one of sight? Without more information, more data, Zeich knew that he could not afford to relax and assume he could predict anything.

That was why patience, observation, and calm were all essential parts of Zeich’s combat style. Until you knew everything your opponent could do, they could surprise you. Until you knew everything they were capable of, they could catch you off-guard. The only counter to these issues was to never let one’s guard down, no matter how familiar one was with their foe, and even less so with strangers. And that was why he never let himself relax; though an enemy could still surprise him and catch him off-guard, it would be that much more difficult, and he could mitigate the effects. Caution was what had led him to survive this far, even against his Inner Hollow and the Primera Espada.

His sharp senses tracked his opponent as Kaijin moved forward, tracing her movements as she traveled with the skill of a natural acrobat. The sounds of her motions suggested rotation of the body, indicating that she was not using her injured leg, yet still managing to move through sheer skill in using her body. Admittedly, Zeich was impressed; normally, when a leg was eliminated from combat, mobility was diminished to a degree that made it nearly impossible to continue. This wouldn’t be quite as easy as he thought it would be, and it renewed his sharp sense of caution, his golden eyes narrowing behind his mask even as he considered this fact.

And that caution was the only thing that kept him, with his lost eyesight, from being surprised as Kaijin suddenly stepped forward in an amazing burst of speed, even faster than sound could keep up. If Zeich had relied solely on his hearing because of his impaired sight, then he would have never been able to act in time to respond to the sudden assault. As it was, though, he had a few tricks up his sleeve that his opponent could not have expected. The first was his sense of touch; though the sound would arrive a second too late, moving through the air, even at such speed, would cause air resistance and drag. As a result, upon her appearance Kaijin’s motion left moving air that brushed against Zeich quite powerfully, giving him every indication that his opponent had just moved in front of him.

But even that would not normally be enough. Though his mental reaction time was exceptional, the short distance of only five feet between the two and Kaijin’s high speed would have ensured that she’d still be able to land a strike, if there had been no other forewarning. But there was another indicator, one that the woman would not have expected, acting as a monochrome beacon. The ash that had formerly clung to Kaijin’s body was a part of Zeich’s Zanpaktou, controlled by his simple mental command, and as a result, its location was always known to him. The portions of his Zanpaktou were connected to his mind, in a manner of speaking, and as a result, he was constantly aware of them. That was why he knew the moment that Kaijin started moving towards him, the reason that he could be prepared with a counterattack even as she drew in close.

But Kaijin had released a burst of Reiatsu, one that would have forced the ash off of her body. If this was the case, then how was it that Zeich could sense her motion? It was simple, really; though it was pushed off of the woman’s body, it still remained in the air around her, a scattered mass of ashen particles that could spread over a large area simply by dispersing. Additionally, there were still two masses of ash around Zeich that he had yet to use in combat, and two more that would be approaching from behind shortly at a speed of 600. When Kaijin moved, her body moved through the ash, and the air moving about her disturbed the ash further. While he could not measure exact amounts, the range of the disturbance suggested to Zeich that the woman’s motion was at a very high speed, given how much ash was displaced and how rapidly it was done. He had little time to react.

Hakuda Defense: Do wouldn’t suffice this time; there wasn’t enough time to aim a precise strike to counterattack with. Instead of making a direct counter, Zeich was forced to dodge. Doing so required him to acknowledge a second presence behind him, though, the sound of movement and the feel of Reiatsu building at such close range suggested an attack. But the loose ash around Zeich told him that nothing was there again, that this was another illusion as the gray powder was left undisturbed. Even so, it didn’t pay to be overconfident; there did exist attacks that were intangible physically, but could strike at the internals or even the soul if one was not careful.

Thus, a step away. Before, Zeich had remained mostly stationary, keeping to his position and reacting as needed to keep Kaijin at bay while she circled about him, but this time he moved. A Shunpo carried him away… a very short distance away. It was less of a step and more of a brief slide at high speed, carrying him a mere five feet away. He was still within arm’s reach even as the woman twisted her body around, bringing her good leg up to try and wrap it around where his head had been a moment before. Now, there was naught but ash, and with her lower body raised into the air, she would be unable to use a stepping technique to move away. Stepping techniques implemented Reiatsu channeled through the feet, and with those occupied, Kaijin was vulnerable for a few brief moments.

But that was all that Zeich needed; ashen blades blossomed, two thin knives that would manifest from the ash that had been left behind around Kaijin. They would immediately stab into the woman’s good leg, one halfway down the calf, and the other directly into the back of the knee, a move that would cripple those who were unable to avoid such a strike. Each of those blades was razor-sharp, and extremely durable thanks to their density; without a force at least four times as strong as the Vizard’s own spiritual strength, the knives would be difficult to even scratch, let alone break. They would drive through flesh and bone alike, tearing muscles and leaving the leg crippled should the attack not be avoided.

Even as his attack struck, Zeich was already preparing. Kaijin had surprised him more than once with her maneuverability, and though her offense was lacking, a surprise attack could still be dangerous. Blind Instinct was activated, a technique that would focus Zeich’s non-visual senses even more than before. Normally this technique took away the vision, requiring a period of adjustment to adapt to, but those who were previously blind were able to forgo this weakness, instead benefiting from the technique’s effects immediately. His senses doubled in potency, he could now hear and feel things around him with a level of clarity that made sight seem like a paltry thing. Even his sense of smell was improved to the point that he could track Kaijin by the scent of her form, the slightly bitter odor of sweat on her form, the metal of her claws, the smell of paint and ink on her body.

The remainder of Zeich’s ash gathered about him at this point as he prepared for another counterattack should it be needed, three large portions of ash that spread out into a thin cloud extending for several feet around him. He’d feel the moment that ash was disturbed, improving his ability to respond to an attack from any direction. From here, he was in a position of general safety, conserving his Reiatsu by using it in small amounts and acting only enough to counter Kaijin’s moves. Move and countermove, efficiency and attrition; this was the style of combat that Zeich favored, where he could wear down his opponents with his sheer amount of spiritual energy and the careful conservation of action.

“Very well. If you’re so willing to be forward with your answers, I will ask.” In the lull between attacks, Zeich had a few moments to speak, though his mind focused on retaliation attempts from Kaijin should his attack be unsuccessful. “Who exactly are you, and what do you want? I do not want the evasive and vague answers you gave me before. I want your name, rank, and your purpose in contacting me. Any further attempts at subterfuge will be taken as dishonesty with intent at harm, and I will no longer hold back. I will use fatal force. Are we clear?”

Remaining Reiatsu: 5950/7000 (-50 for Shunpo, -100 for Kaijin Ken x2, -50 for Buraindo Jinsei)

Shikai: 3/10

New Senses: 400

SPOILER: Click to show

{Kaijin Ken}Kaijin Ken is one of the few offensive techniques in Zeich’s Zanpaktou, and makes up for the fact that he does not have a weapon at Tsukikage’s activation; the Shinigami can use the ash to form a melee weapon of any shape or type. The weapon can be bladed, can have spikes or blunt force, etc; regardless of the means of attack, the ash provides the shape and definition. The density of the weapon is dependent on the size; if it is the size of a normal katana or roughly that amount, then it is regular spiritual steel and can be broken with offensive power equal to twice Zeich’s Spiritual Pressure as normal. If it is larger than a katana by at least a 25% margin, then the weapon is more fragile and able to be broken with more ease, requiring only superior offensive stat to his Spiritual Pressure. On the other end of the spectrum, a weapon that is smaller by at least a margin of 25% has twice the density, and requires four times Zeich’s Spiritual Pressure to break. Finally, Zeich treats all weapons formed with Kaijin Ken as though he had a 1 in that weapon, due to the technique being guided mentally as much as it is physically as a natural extension of his Zanpaktou's ash. This technique costs 50 Reiatsu per weapon formation or reformation, in the event of breaking.

In Bankai, this technique gains an additional trait. By paying 100 Reiatsu, Zeich can add an extra “point of durability” to his weapons, both those formed from Kaijin Ken and other ones. To do so, he thickens the ash around his weapon, reinforcing the steel and making it sturdier against powerful blows. For each additional point of durability, Zeich’s enhanced weapon can take one additional hit from a powerful source (see above for weapons formed with Kaijin Ken, or 2x Zeich’s Spiritual Pressure for any other spiritual steel weapon) without breaking, even if it normally would. This does not mean he can suddenly defend against any attack; though his weapon may not break, it does not reduce impact, increase his ability to block, or anything else. The weapon only becomes sturdier and more durable.

Finally, when Zeich's Hollow mask is active, one more trait is activated. Though the technique is limited to normal weapons, an extension allows the use of long, claw-like blades at the end of each finger, each extending far enough to double the length of each digit. These blades are razor-sharp and are treated like any other weapon from Kaijin Ken, meaning that it takes 4x Zeich's Spiritual Pressure to break, as they are, as a whole, a smaller weapon. These weapons, despite being claws, are treated as though Zeich had a 2 in "Weapons - Claws" due to drawing from Tsukikage's knowledge on use of them. This is increased to a 3 in Bankai. Additionally, a portion of ash can be used to form similar blades on his feet, though these do not grant a proficiency and are generally used only for traction or bracing.

The first drawback to this, though, is that the weapons in themselves are not special. They are easy to form, fairly inexpensive, but they have no special traits to them. They are just standard weaponry, and when formed have a variable amount of durability depending on their size. Each time a weapon is formed or the shape of a weapon is altered, it costs 50 Reiatsu, though this seems like a negligible cost unless an enemy possesses the superiority of offensive power to break weapons repeatedly. Being made of ash, they can reform quickly, but the cost to create them causes them to become a drain on Reiatsu against an opponent who possesses that superiority consistently.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Buraindo Jinsei}Technique Name: Kuro Gigei Mikon: Buraindo Jinsei [Dark Wild Arts: Blind Instinct]

Class: 6

Technique Type: Other

Technique Element: None

Technique Description and Effects:

The first of the Dark Wild Arts line of techniques, this is the opening technique that is required for each of the others after it. The Dark Wild Arts uses speed similar to the standard line of original techniques, but it also makes use of the user’s other senses through the loss of sight, strengthening them, and allowing the user to particularly focus on their sense of touch and hearing more than anything else. Upon use, this doubles the user’s current Senses, but requires that they have no way of seeing; simply closing one’s eyes does not work. A visual impairment of sorts is required, whether it is the actual loss of one’s vision, or some means of covering that completely blocks sight.

How to use technique:

The first step is to remove vision completely. There can be no trace of light, meaning that if one is not currently blind, one must use a visual impairment of sorts, whether it’s a blindfold or some way of cutting off vision. Once that is done, Reiatsu is released through the body in small amounts, augmenting the user’s ears and nerves, thus enhancing hearing and touch sensations.

Drawback:
There are multiple drawbacks to this technique. The first, obviously, is that it requires blindness in some way. Whether it is artificial or actual blindness, the user must not be able to see at all, or their brain is distracted by its main stimuli through sight rather than focusing on alternate ones. The second is that this style of combat takes adjusting to, a total of one post after the technique is used, during which time the user’s Senses are decreased by half. This is the adjustment to relying on senses other than visual; Lost Sense types who have given up sight, or any other character who is naturally blind can skip this adjustment post. And finally, when this technique is canceled by re-introducing sight, the user has to re-adjust to vision, and thus must have a post after this technique is deactivated in which Senses are reduced by half again. This technique also costs 50 Reiatsu per post to keep active.

Requirements: None

Made by: Zeich Yajuu

[Kaijin"Harle"Quinn]

The man motioned once more away. Unlike before this time there was no afterimage to take his place, instead, it was merely a simple stepping technique. Harle knew of that much. The indication of built of reiatsu pulsating in the soles of his feet before motioning gave it away. Although his presence was vague and faint, the moments of technique use still relied on the accumulation of energy. While a Vizard's presence was indeed bleak, their use of reiatsu remained the same like any other race she faced before. However, the fact remained that her tactic went unopposed and unsuccessful. As her leg coiled around the empty space in front did her senses peeked. Unlike the Vizard's meager Energy Sensory, Harle could indicate those subtle changes of reiatsu use. Behind... two, and they were small. And moving fast. As to what they were she didn't know until her frame curved a bit more place them in her peripheral vision.

The rate of speed was similar to that of the particles that caressed her before. Oddly shaped they pierced through the air towards her. Not this time. Despite not being able use Shunpo, Harle had other methods in dodging. Her eyes caught on to the trajectory of the where the reiatsu signatures first emerged. They were indeed flying towards her, but more specifically her leg. Two things were done. First was her maneuvering. Duo platforms were conjured through the sole of her foot and flinging right arm. Reiatsu seeped away from her good leg to push away from, while the secondary enabled the french woman to initiate a one arm hand stand. But to Zeich, his foe manifested space of reiatsu to rid herself of being a larger target to that a smaller one. The blades would pass beneath her head and back towards their master at the same rate of speed. [-25][-25 air ground]

But that wasn't all. As the two daggers came about, red mist protruded from the Shinigami's lips. A Bakudo that she once used against Souza Kuichiki. Bakudo #64: Tousei Takai, or Intoxication High. A Bakudo that spread a toxic red mist that once inhaled causes the mind to lose focus. Sight would be impaired and leaving the mind in a never ending rotation. The two daggers ran past through the mist, capturing its essence back to the Vizard. In tale, the heavy odor that the mist produced stained the projectiles that were on their way flying back. That was the secondary motion that the woman committed. Not that she knew what his ability was, but a single clear glance at what covered his body told her everything that she needed to know.

Back on her foot Harle saw the heavy particles of grey matter that shielded him. Ash. Its faint aroma was clear as any other. Like burnt smoke treading the air ash's odor was distinct, with no physical form than that of numerous flakes of what they originated from. In this case there were many flakes. So this was the manifestation of his power. However, this even told her more than what she thought it could have possible. The level of power. The way that the power itself reflected. No physical distortions to the body. Was he.... Couldn't be. Harle was actually shocked at what stood before her. If that was the case, then why? Why would one be here in Karakura rather than that in Soul Society? Why?

The man spoke, desiring to end the charades of word play, to the truth. Harle couldn't back away from what he wished for, because, she wanted the same thing. "What Kaijin dezirez iz ze zame zing az you Monsieur." she sighed. Then dared, " A Shinigami's duty iz to protect Soul Society no? Zen why are you here Monsieur?" The red fumes continued to seep forward to stain the ground that they stood on. Slowly rising up to the knees. "Az per ze Monsieur's questcion, Kaijin iz un Shinigami wiz a positcion zat can make a change. Az to whatz Kaijin wantz, iz to eliminate ze evil zat iz now wiz-in Soul Society. What Kaijin wantz iz to zecure Soul Society, and destroy zhose zat threatenz it. Zat iz why Kaijin iz here, to recruit you Monsieur, a Shinigami, back to Soul Society to help wiz zat goal."

The red mist continued on, venturing further up their legs as the two would take in. She spoke the truth, at least without giving away specifics. Her rank had to be protected should their encounter prove to be fatal. But if this man was indeed a Shinigami, and still held true to their duties, then he would see this as a calling. A call to service once more. "Kaijin can not wait anymor'. Iz now or neva' idiot." she retorted. For once in a long while Harle grew impatient. She didn't have time to spend in recruiting this Vizard. But if he was a Shinigami, then surely he would understand. Despite being a Vizard, he was still a Shinigami. And now, his home needs him. "Criminal or not, Soul Society needz help. Ze corruption may be bigger zen Kaijin believez it to be.. But, if you won't come zen.."

"Zen Kaijin will force you to come."


Remaining Reiatsu: 1215/2400 : -25 Advance Air Ground x2, - 150 Intoxicating High.

Shikai: 4/7

Combat Posts: 4/8

Mist Remains : 1/5

SPOILER: Click to show

{Intoxicating High}

Class: 4

Technique Type: Kido

Usable By: Kido-Using Races

Technique Element: Air

Technique Description and Effects:
Tousei Takai is a flexible Bakudo, one that is used to ensnare and warp the mental abilities of the target that is caught within it. When used, this technique allows the user to release a constant fog of a red-tinted gas from their mouth until this Kido ends, which is two posts after its initial use. This fog will constantly spread wherever they go, leaving a trail behind them that will hover low to the ground, flying no higher than thirty feet above the ground at its peak. However, this cloud will remain for an extended period of time, namely a full five posts once the initial duration of this technique ends. The fact that this technique remains for such a long time, and can cover a fair area depending on how much the user moves around, makes this a very versatile and broad-spreading technique.

But what exactly does this cloud do? It fogs the mind. The victim has a hard time focusing once they are within this cloud, their vision blurring and their head spinning. This is just from the first breath, causing a fair amount of disorientation right away. But it gets worse the longer one is exposed to the cloud. After the second post of exposure, the victim loses their balance, causing them to stumble and easily collapse, making step techniques risky to use. Additionally, their vision begins to fade slightly, tinting everything a faded gray-red to further add to their blurred sight. A third post makes the victim unable to stand between the dizzying spinning sensation, their balance completely vanishing, and a sudden lack of focus that causes their mind to flit from one subject to another. Four posts, and the victim is practically a zombie, eyes drawn to the nearest shiny or pretty-colored object while they stumble around, unable to even walk thanks to their inability to balance. Battle Focus and Strength of Will can delay the effects of these symptoms, adding a single post per symptom for every 2 combined ranks in these skills (i.e. a 1 in both would cause the initial disorientation at post 2, balance and faded vision at post 3, and loss of balance at post 4, as the combined total is two ranks.)

The user is immune to this technique, as it is infused with their Reiatsu, and it can be blown away with a technique with a superiority of two classes or 25% higher Reiatsu Strength than the user's. Wind-based attacks, however, can blow this away with some ease, though the smoke is constantly being emitted, which can neutralize a single wind attack.

How to use technique (How is it activated?):
Speak the incantation, and cast the spell. As long as the mouth remains open, smoke will continue to pour from it. Move around to spread the smoke over a large area.

Technique Drawbacks (Limitations, repercussions for use, etc)
Reiatsu cost. Besides that, there are a few other drawbacks. First off, this technique is ineffective against opponents who can get above it, having a maximum height limit of thirty feet above a solid surface. Additionally, it can affect allies who are caught in the cloud, making this a double-edged sword. Finally, it takes a while for the strongest effects to kick in, meaning that the victims must be contained within the technique constantly to make full use of the effects.

Incantation and Effect (If Kido only): The smoke can be spread for an additional two posts upon use of the incantation, and the cloud's duration is doubled to ten posts after the spreading ends. (“Breathe in the mists of ambrosia, feel the mists fill your mind. Know the world, let it know you; spin to the ground like a dandelion tuft, stare at the sky and truly wonder at the nature of the stars.”)

Made By: Z-Wolf

Reserved?: No

[Zeich Yajuu]

Kaijin was no less impressive in her maneuvers than before, and somehow through a twisting of her body, even in as vulnerable a position as she had been before, she managed to evade the two blades that shot past her. However, she made one miscalculation, assuming that they would retain their motion; they did not. Zeich had mental control of his ash in all of its forms, and here was no exception as the blades suddenly whipped about, stopping in midair before dispersing into ash. If he had been serious about attacking her with fatal intent already, the blades would have been driven through Kaijin’s body without a second thought. Her heavy breathing told Zeich exactly where her lungs were, giving him a prime target if he had chosen to make use of it.

The motion of his blades, however, carried a faint scent to him. It was chemical in nature, almost sickly sweet, and even that brief exposure left him feeling slightly light-headed. Zeich’s eyes narrowed, and he took himself upwards to higher ground by making use of the air ground that was native to the World of the Living. He hadn’t heard any liquid sounds, so he could only assume that the scent had been some kind of gas, toxic in nature. Whether it was fatal or simply meant to incapacitate him, he couldn’t be sure, but the Vizard knew that gas only rose so far, the particles within it often causing it to sink lower to the ground. By maintaining altitude, he’d avoid any gas attacks that couldn’t be controlled like his ash was. Still, he couldn’t be sure that his opponent couldn’t control it, so it would be best to be wary. If he detected that scent again, then he would have to slip back on the defensive until he could deal a more decisive blow.

While Zeich had increased the distance between the two of them, Kaijin had been responding once again. Her answers, as always, were unsatisfactory; she gave vague answers, alluding to herself as a “Shinigami who could make a change,” a vague means of stating that she was in high authority. A Captain, perhaps, though Zeich would be surprised if someone at this level of strength was a Captain. She had potential, but he had yet to see anything that truly convinced him of her worth yet. And then there was the need to “eliminate evil in Soul Society,” another concept without explanation. Evil was a subjective term, and could be anything from true corruption that was harmful to the world as a whole to something a simple as a directed injustice. From what little news he got from Soul Society, Zeich had heard nothing, so he wasn’t sure what the woman was talking about. News about anything major would have leaked out from the other world without fail by now.

But there was the matter of her challenge. Only now, despite giving away his status as a Vizard previously, did she acknowledge him as a Shinigami. Yet she tried to use this as a calling, a means to sway him over to her side. She knew that he was a criminal in Soul Society’s eyes, yet she still was attempting to recruit him. This, combined with her continuing lack of clear answers, was enough to make Zeich’s decision: he had no intention of working with Kaijin, and he would not aid her in her goals, whatever they were. She claimed Soul Society needed his assistance, but he had not yet seen a storm that it could not weather. When the Senzaikyu Prison system had been broken into, and a powerful criminal emerged, Zeich had responded without fail. Then, he had been given a true threat, with no misleading or twisted information. Then, he had seen a true goal.

Finally, a threat. If he did not join Kaijin in going to Soul Society, then she would make him do so by force. That in itself was almost amusing. By force, is it? He thought to himself with bemusement. I do not think she knows what it is she is dealing with. If she attacks me in an attempt to capture or restrain me, then I will have to take steps. What Kaijin didn’t understand was what exactly she was threatening; even if he were just a Shinigami, Zeich was considered a force to be reckoned with at this point. His power would probably be considered that of an upper Vice Captain, if not Captain level. He had even unlocked Bankai, an ability that most could only dream of. But that was only if he were a Shinigami; with Tsukikage’s presence marking him as a Vizard, he was much more.

Alright, Tsukikage, listen up. This immediately drew the Inner Hollow’s attention; he was so rarely addressed, and his curiosity naturally got the better of him. I am going to teach this woman a lesson in what it means to be a Vizard. For this, I will be giving you control of the body for a short period, though I will be watching. This statement drew alarm from Haiiro; he knew what had happened when Tsukikage had forcibly taken over Zeich’s body back before they had fled Soul Society; an entire Rukongai District had been destroyed, its people annihilated. Relax, Haiiro. I am confident that I can regain control immediately if needed, now that I have defeated him once. But his control is necessary to this lesson. His attention immediately turned back to Tsukikage. You asked for her blood to be split earlier, Tsukikage. Now is your chance. As long as you do not inflict any fatal wounds upon her, you are free to do as you will.

Can I rip her arms off? She won’t die immediately from that, as long as she stops the bleeding. There was a brief moment of pause as Zeich considered the request, but after a moment he accepted. Do as you will. Do not kill her, but you may make her hurt as much as you desire. We are going to show her what demons a Vizard harbors. She should know what to expect before asking again that we join her. The approval drew a feeling of sharp surprise and elation from Tsukikage, and Zeich could almost feel the shadowy wolf’s twisted grin spreading wider in his mind. Taking a deep breath to calm himself, the Vizard moved to address Kaijin.

“Once more, I have asked for specifics, and once more, you respond with vagueness. Seeing as you cannot trust me enough to give me the full truth, I cannot trust your word that there is a threat. Since you have once again failed to answer, and instead tried to sway me with words like a ‘duty’ to fight against ‘evil’ and ‘corruption,’ then I will have to show you what I know of these words.” Suddenly, Zeich’s spiritual energy flared out. No longer was he concealing it with Tsukikage’s ash; he was letting Kaijin feel exactly what he was. For the moment, it felt like a Shinigami’s aura; if it had a color, one could describe it as a cool, stormy blue, so faint that it was almost gray. It was relaxed and calm.

“A Vizard is a former Shinigami who harbors a Hollow within their body; whether it is by choice or not does not matter. All of those who bear these inner demons are cast out from Soul Society and are thrown into the World of the Living, if not outright killed. Those of us who survive have to do so after a grueling battle to contain the demons within. It is not until we have descended into deepest darkness that we know how to control it, how to take the power that has consumed us and make it our own. And even those of us that do cannot be assured that control will remain forever. In the heat of battle, in a moment of mental exhaustion or physical collapse, our Inner Hollow could come out, and they do not discriminate between ally and enemy. Let me show you exactly what it is that you are asking to join you.”

And with that, the Vizard’s aura began to shift dramatically. The best way to describe its feeling would once more be that color; streaks of bloody red suddenly tore through the calm gray-blue, vibrant and chaotic as they pulsed outwards. The whole thing became darker, sinister, and grew in scope. And then it was swallowed whole; in a moment, there was nothing but a crimson-tinged black to describe the aura flowing off of Zeich. This was the emergence of the Inner Hollow. Tsukikage, with Zeich’s permission, now had control of the body, and it was his soul that let out such a fearsome aura. It was a twisted, bloodthirsty aura, one that could make others nauseous just by its existence.

“Well now, it’s been a while since I have had a chance to play!” Tsukikage grinned maniacally, though his face was hidden behind the lupine mask that Zeich wore at all times. The Hollow let out a twisted laugh before raising one hand. Suddenly, the ash about the possessed Vizard formed itself into five long blades, each about the length of a standard Asauchi. Each one was ash-gray, however, formed of that powdered substance that had once floated about him. “And it’s been so long since I’ve gotten to draw blood too! Oh, this is a treat! I am going to make you bleed, going to make you bleed bright red! You will be a crimson creature by the end of the night!”

A shame you won’t get to see it unless you lift the blindness from Master’s eyes, Hollow. Haiiro retorted with an almost smug tone. It was true; even with his control, Tsukikage was still limited to the lack of sight that Zeich suffered under. The Hollow let out a snarl towards the former Zanpaktou spirit. Shut up! I don’t need to see it to enjoy it, and I’m not restoring your ‘Master’s’ eyesight so easily! Their conversation lasted but a moment, and once that moment had passed, Tsukikage was already directing the blades downwards. He still had Zeich’s sharp senses of sound, scent, and touch thanks to the ongoing effects of Buraindo Jinsei, so he could tell exactly where Kaijin was thanks to the sound of her breathing. Those ashen blades would slice downwards, and in a moment they would begin their assault.

The first would come at Kaijin’s right shoulder, aiming to sever the limb from her body. Tsukikage was a wolf of his word; he wanted to rip those limbs right off of the woman’s body. The blade would easily cut through bone, muscle, and flesh with no difficulty unless Kaijin dodged, a feat that would become more difficult even with her acrobatic skill thank to a second attack occurring at the same time. This blade slashed at the back of her knees, aiming to damage the one good leg and almost entirely disable the Shinigami’s mobility. These two attacks would set her into a defensive position unless she had some way to counter them, but given the superiority of Zeich’s Spiritual Pressure, they would be hard to stop.

And those two were not the only attacks; even as a blade slashed at her right shoulder from the front and another slashed at the back of her knees, a third was being driven forward in a powerful stab intended to slide right through her stomach. The fourth was being driven towards her left arm at the elbow, this time from the side. These four blades would be coming from four different directions: the right shoulder, the back of the knees, the side of the left arm, and the front of the torso, at the stomach. It was a dangerous maze of blades that would be difficult to thread, and Kaijin might not find the time to do so as the fifth and final blade aimed straight for her face in what seemed to be a violation of Zeich’s request that none of Tsukikage’s attacks be fatal.

Just before that last blade struck, however, it splintered and shattered into dozens of sharp fragments that would fly at the woman’s face. If they struck, they’d flay away the skin, tear into the eyes, nose, and mouth, dealing an exceptionally excruciating amount of damage. The attack’s success came with the risk of blindness or even damage to the throat, leading to potential breathing or vocal difficulties, and it would be unwise for Kaijin to simply let it happen. But how was she planning on evading it? She had attacks coming from all sides, and if she did not find some way to counter it, she’d find all four limbs crippled, her torso in complete agony from the blade through it, and her senses completely ruined from the damage to her face. It was a vicious, brutal attack unlike those that Zeich had employed until now; this was the bloodlust and desire for violence that came from his Inner Hollow.

Remaining Reiatsu: 5650/7000 (-50 for Buraindo Jinsei upkeep, -250 for Kaijin Ken x5)

Shikai: 4/10

[Kaijin"Harle"Quinn]

This aura... This was something that Harle never felt before in her life. An ominous, ill sensation befalling her person. Pure and utter disgust was slowly piercing through her soul. Such a filthy aura that was once pure. Solid, if she could put it into words. This man, this Shinigami, was keen on what his beliefs were. Steadfast and direct with what he wanted to accomplish, this Shinigami pushed himself into exile in fear of what he would become. The taint that spewed out of him at this moment reflected of what he spoke of. At any given moment, such a taint would consume him and will cause him to wreck havoc upon the world he wished to protect. In her ignorance, she believed him to be that of an ally that could use his strength to aid her in her quest. She only thought of herself rather than thinking of the whole scenario.

Should his power be capable of bringing peace, why not destruction? A Vizard was one half Shinigami, and the other a Hollow. Two halves of a coin that struggled to consume the other. Despite being in control, the Hollow within him remained in his shadow, waiting. That fact would never change. This aura that the man was emitting now brought the woman to face that fact. With his current position, not only would be remain safe from persecution, but able to guard Soul Society from the shadows. Both honorable and cautious, but at the same time lonely and misunderstood. What she thought of being misunderstood, she thought of being labeled as a monster, while he was still a man. Deep down inside, there was choice he had to make. Whether to submit, or to fight against a darkness that resided within himself. It was admirable. She saw that now.

But now, to have this monster's reigns forgotten meant that there would be damage. People could be harmed should the fight be allowed to spread from their area. True, the Vizard had to show the woman's ignorance as to the nature of a Vizard. But at the same time, to allow control to such a spirit like this was... foolish. Harle understood the means of procuring results. One must venture beyond the limitations of order to be able to establish order. Some questionable methods had to be used to secure the peace and freedom that the people relish in. Harle understood what it meant to sully one's own hands to achieve a greater goal. However, the decision that the Vizard made was placing trust into a being that knew no control. The feeling of blood lust and destruction emanated from its immersion. It was sickening. What was he thinking about?

"Kaijin understandz now Monsieur Vizard. Zis iz ze threat zat you speakz of. Kaijin understandz ze reazon zat you feel zat you needz to take. Howeva', the woman's breathing stilled, bringing both her nerves and body back into her control. The shining glint of her talons brought forth to caress the light of the moon, upon the flawless sheen of her Shikais metal. .. it iz our duty to ze people of Soul Society, and to zhose zat live here in zhis world, zat we will protect zhem. Against zhose zat wish to do zhem harm, even if zat includes us. And hiding here will not change zat." she challenged, darting away from the oncoming onslaught.

Harle's eyes were trained to analyze the patterns in her foes attacks. Particles of ash that were cable of solidifying to that of blades, including versatile in terms of shape, and form. Such advantages meant that the Vizard could alter their flight pattern and change its formation with a mere thought. His spiritual pressure was outstanding, far ahead of her own. This was reflected in the numbed leg she was forced to support for most of her confrontation. Yet, what she had over the man still was maneuverability and speed. By the looks of things, his power couldn't keep up with her.

Although the ash couldn't match her speed, it still proved to be a nuisance to pass. Furthermore, the Vizards ability to react to her attacks meant that his senses were sharp, keen to that of an animal. Yet there was an issue to that. Her illusions would typically work on such an individual. The fact that most of her uses of Kyoka Suigetsu caused the man to react to its movements, and yet not fazed by it. Primarily, it required a visual input to have the technique to work at its best. So that meant..He iz blind? or at least incapable of sight. Or merely closing his eyes during much of the fight. This can also contribute to the fact that his response to her Bakudos mist was late, at least until it neared him. There was difference in reaction time.

Harle's movements drew away from further openings from her calculations. Darting forward the moment the first two blades came down, pivoting herself with just her working foot, leaving her weight shift her body in the direction required before lifting her heel and bringing it up and about face. Her hip shot around and about to help with the motion, as it allowed the woman to keep eye contact with the plummeting ash blades, and their activity. Overall this motion forced the woman into a planned roll to remove the use of her dead leg, while still being able to utilize her overall speed in terms of her arms jettison her body away from the hazy clouds, then shooting herself upwards towards the awakened Hollow.

This act itself positioned the woman over the Vizard's position, having the red mist fall from her parted lips to rain down. "Five feet, five enches. One hundred fifteen poundz. Zlender phyzique. Cotton feetz. Clawz. Three en a half feetz part from ze body." These words she said quite bluntly as she fell at a controlled pace. Her feet emanating a weak pulse of reiatsu to help lower her descent as it formed a foundation for her to slide down towards the man's position. The words she uttered before described more or less herself. Painting a picture within the minds of those that heard her. Though the fact remained the man refused to see what she appeared to be, there was truth to be told that each individual possessed a third eye. The minds eye.

Words shaping a vivid picture as to what was being said to describe a person or an object. In other words, "Kyoka Suigetsu." the technique was spoken of once more, releasing a phantom that mimicked the Captain herself in every way down to the man. Its steps mirrored the weight that was said, which was compared the man's hearing of her earlier footwork. Its footsteps echoing closer to the Vizard on a path that was not seen but felt equaled to that of an airground. Still, there was none, only the single layer of reiatsu that allowed Harle to push away from across the man, setting her behind him, making use of the advance airground to divert her path away from the coming ashes that he may have sent her way. Upwards, pushed by her foot, then away to flank him with the use her hands to pull herself.

The phantom dropped below, before initiating what seemed to be Shunpo. The same movement that would cause the phantom to smash into the layer of ash that was being used to shield him. However, this time the ash would meet the phantom on a physical plane. The Vizard knew of what the woman felt of when striking her with his ash before. Though, it was through her words that painted an image, a mold of herself, in his mind. To which her technique required only sound to trigger and activate its effects. The described weight, calculated by his intuitive mind, would know of the pressure of such a weight would be. Less than his own he could imagine, yet, that was all that was needed. Beyond the weight, her own physique that was vaguely issued upon him would only provide him with a single layer of a being. In other words, naked. But wasn't all, as the phantom would speak on Harle's behalf.

"Drilling claws through from beneath the cloud of ash." Once again, imagery. Because Harle and the Vizard never truly had their Shikais clash with one another, he could never know of its true strength. In this aspect, the concept of Uncertainty Manipulation came into play. Harle made use of the lack of knowledge that the man possessed about her. Only leaving vague images for the man go on, he would be his own mind that he would come to challenge. Uncertainty Manipulation allowed Harle to fabricate a realm in which her lie could become true by creating an image that lied beyond the man's own perception. Without the use of his eyes, and the lack of knowledge to the woman's strengths, he could never truly know what the assassin was capable of. As a result, should his doubts of his strength be deemed weaker than her, then the end result will allow her phantom to penetrate through his ash to slash upward against his chest, leaving what would be felt as a drill puncturing his chest.

Of course this wound would only be made in his mind while not causing real physical damage, but nonetheless, the wound would be inflicted in his mind. As such, the body would undergo the sudden shock from receiving such a wound. In addition to her phantom inflicting a nonexistent wound on him, his ash, being a part of his sensory, would indicate that the woman was truly coming at him from the bottom while moving at 750 speed. This in tell, would only serve to enforce her phantom in being his true opponent, rather than being that an illusion.

Harle was a master of such ploys, though it would be the Vizard's blindness that would contribute to his false sense in reality. A reality that the Captain was well versed in turning upside down with her Zanpakuto, Tsukuyomi. As for Harle, with the phantom's contact with the ash barrier she made her move, drawing herself closer to her target with claw drawn.


Remaining Reiatsu: 990/2400 : -25 Advance Air Ground x3, - 150 Kyoka Suigetsu.

Shikai: 5/7

Combat Posts: 5/8

Mist Remains : 2/5

[Zeich Yajuu]

“So, I can use anything to hurt her, as long as it teaches the lesson, right…?” Golden eyes glittered in the darkness as the two sat opposite one another in Tsukikage’s Inner World. A land of shadows and darkness, of ebony night and a promise of light that existed only to be swallowed into the abyss; this was the realm in which the Hollow roamed. As an unusual gesture, the Hollow was in his true form at the time being; he stood a foot or two taller than Zeich, half-wolf and half-humanoid, his long, unruly mane of fur cascading down his shoulders like a pitch-black mantle that pooled about his upper torso. Jagged fangs emerged from beneath curled jaws, and wicked claws tipped both sets of paws, one pair at the end of long, lanky arms, while the other sat beneath powerfully muscled legs.

Zeich’s glare covered the distance between the two; it was a sign of warning as the Vizard watched his “captive” pace back and forth. Though Tsukikage had control of the body right now, the former Shinigami’s dominance would allow him to simply take it right back, like yanking a dog back on a chain. That metaphorical chain was looped about his wrist and fingers, and all it would take was the slightest twitch of mistrust, the faintest belief that Tsukikage was going above and beyond their contract, and he would rein his Inner Hollow in. His own eyes shone with a radiance to match the Hollow’s, but his gaze was sharper, more piercing; he meant every word he had said, and was ready to cut Tsukikage off the moment he got out of hand. Thus, to enjoy freedom, Tsukikage had to toe the line as closely as he could without going over it.

“What’s your point?” He knew Tsukikage wanted something. That much was obvious. The wolf had a plan that would serve his desires, and he wanted permission to toe the line as closely as possible. The Hollow never asked permission for anything unless he was certain it would work against him; clearly he wanted to do more, given that he had already been permission to maim, even if not kill. But what more could he do to Kaijin, when set loose? Zeich considered this for a moment, and then decided if it was best that he simply hear it out. “What is it that you want to do?”

“I want to use…that.” The emphasis made Zeich’s expression darken for a moment as he considered, and then he realized what it was that Tsukikage was asking him. It would be a risk to allow the Hollow to do so, raising the potential for an “accident” to occur, but at the same time it would showcase exactly what it was that made Tsukikage, or any Vizard who lost control, a true threat. Zeich closed his eyes, considering the implication of the situation, weighing the risks, but his decision was already made. He knew that it would be best. “...Do it.”

“As you command… ‘Master.’”

“Too slow!” The words would come, but even then, there was no time to react. No one could have anticipated such a powerful burst of speed, a Shunpo that came not at the already-fast 4000 speed, but at a whopping 8000. This was faster than even Kaijin herself could accomplish, and twice that what she could have expected from his movements thus far. It was worse yet because Zeich also possessed exceptional Instinct and Senses; moving as fast as he was, most people would have to take a moment to take stock of any changes that occurred in that sparse second of movement. But his analytical skills, ability to pick up information from the world about him, and speed at which he could process those inputs, the Vizard could move at amazing speeds and never slow in his stride or reaction time. The natural second or two that might have existed for any other combatant, an instinct that was likely bred from experience with high speed and modest reaction times, was enough. If this were any other situation, it might have even been fatal.

But where had this power come from, this sudden speed that defied anything Zeich had shown up until this point? It was all in the mask. The mask that Tsukikage was wearing was not the one that Zeich normally wore to conceal his face and thus his identity. This was the real deal, the bone-white mask that belonged to a Hollow: a Vizard’s mask, a symbol of Zeich’s control over Tsukikage, but now in the hands of the Hollow himself. For the first time, Tsukikage was as close to completion as he could be; the body and the mask were both his. This was the pinnacle of existence for him. He could be no more alive than he felt in this very moment.

And with that mask came new strength. He was faster, stronger, more perceptive, quicker to react; the power of the Vizard’s mask was not to be taken lightly, and it would give Tsukikage all the power he needed to destroy Kaijin. Even holding back, it would be possible to kill her, simply given the force behind every strike, the vicious speed at which he could attack; a slight miscalculation or an unexpected movement on Kaijin’s part could have a grievous injury turn completely fatal. That was why Zeich’s grip on the leash had to be that much tighter; should it slip even an inch, then he would have the death of a Captain on his hands, and all because he had decided to teach her this lesson.

A lesson learned in death would do little good.

Tsukikage’s speed had him behind Kaijin even as she began to speak. “Five feet—” Was all she’d start to get out before the Hollow was already attacking. His hands, now coated in claws formed from Zeich’s ash, would quite easily tear through flesh and muscle; indeed, even as he was appearing, that claw shot outwards, stabbing directly into the woman’s torso from behind. With such a sudden movement beyond her initial realms of expectation, Kaijin would be hard-pressed to dodge it, and if she didn’t, she’d find the claws of one hand emerging from her stomach, trails of viscera following them, while the other wrapped around her throat, silencing her with the sharpened blades against her throat. A simple motion would have her throat slit, surely a fatal move, yet he kept her flesh on razor’s edge, a bare breath away from severing flesh.

“Five feet you say? I’m certain I can extract just five feet of your guts for you to look at, if that’s your desire.” A sinister laugh would ring out, and his claws would press ever so lightly against her throat. Blood would trickle from those wounds, a thin trail of red running a line down the ivory lines of her neck. It was a stark contrast between the two, especially against the dark backdrop that was the Hollow’s midnight aura. Red, black, and white, the three colors that represented the soul and body all in one, the good and evil contained in the former and the life that flows through the latter. For Tsukikage, this was a brush with life, a dance that would end all too soon and leave him back in his confinement once more.

For Kaijin, it would likely be a dance with death. The moment she slipped, the moment that her foot nudged ever so slightly off of the tightrope over the abyss she was walking, she was gone. But that was what Tsukikage was counting on; the woman was an acrobat, one who was used to putting her life on the line. And it was that thin balance that would keep her on the cusp of death, on the very edge of existence. It was this balance that the Hollow sought, to draw out the most pain and anguish, the blood and the agony, without breaking his word to keep her alive. He could not have asked for a better partner for this dance.

Remaining Reiatsu: 5500/7000 (-50 for Buraindo Jinsei upkeep, -50 for Shunpo, -50 for Kaijin Ken (Claws))

Shikai: 5/10

Vizard Mask: 1/3

SPOILER: Click to show

{New Stats (+Vizard Mask)}Strength – [300 x 2] (600) Points

Speed – [400 x 2] (800) Points

Spiritual Pressure – [(400 x 1.75) x 2] (1400) Points

Reiatsu Strength – [(200 x 0.6) x 2] (280) Points

Light Aura - [50] Points

Dark Aura - [50] Points

Instinct - [(200 x 1.5) x 2] (600) Points

Senses – [(200 x 2) x 2] (600) Points (3x Limitation Cap)

Energy sensory - [(100 x 0.70) x 2] (140) Points

Healing Expertise - [0] Points

[Kaijin"Harle"Quinn]

OOC: The last post for the thread. To close off with.


The intensity in the Vizard's aura just erupted. Nothing as to what she felt before hand. The sheer force of the man's spiritual pressure and reiatsu. Those in conjunction alone were something that she couldn't picture of facing against. Souza Kuichiki? No. His aura didn't mirror to what was within her senses. Was this the true potential of a Vizard? If that was the case, then how long did the power last? With such immense strength there had to be a limited time frame that his body could sustain it. But what if there wasn't one? What if this power went rampant and... "Too slow." Harle wasn't even able to turn her gaze to see where the Vizard came to be. Not enough time to really react to the sudden burst of speed that trounced her own. Yet, not as swift as the one referred to as Jinbei Kawada.

The Vizard's sudden speed caught the woman by surprise. A sinister laugh rung out in the pit of the Captain's ears as she jettisoned herself forward. The Vizard's single moment to plunge his ash covered hand into her vanished. With the enhanced body of his, the possibility of hiding such a devious reiatsu was no longer conceivable. Not with the level of blood lust that lingered within that body of his. Not with its desire to ruin and destroy. And that was what frightened her. Although not as strong as Jinbei Kawada, although not as stern as Souza Kuichiki, the sudden change in overall nature was simply dreadful. For Harle to see someone who is as dedicated to his cause to alter his behavior so drastically, it was an utter shock. But that wasn't the reason for her quivering.

A hand stained with red. The splintering pain that was constantly quivering was the opened wound in her back. Mixed together with the cool refreshing wind against the tender wound it throbbed. Every gasp for air that seeped into her lungs made the puncture throb all the more. The tear in her robes secreted red fluids that rained down onto Karakura, with a disgruntled Captain caressing it. She wasn't fast enough to react to the incoming blow. A shot of pain surged from when the Vizard appeared to her six before realizing what part of her body that he would strike first. A deafening blow indeed. And that same sense of pain crept up her spine to suddenly jerk herself away from it. Much like a child withdrawing themselves away from what caused them to hurt. But unlike those wounds, this was much severe.

The blade's edge pierced the layers of clothing and flesh, digging into the muscles that rested beneath them. Such minor effort came from someone who was so posed against using such a power was now turning it loose on her. His own malevolence seeped just as much as blood seeped from her. Already, her body was slowly being drained of its energy. The previous strikes against her sapped away her reiatsu and bit of her stamina, but now the situation grew worse. For every encounter she traded with the Vizard only meant to stagger her more in the long run. A time span in which she didn't have as her body was slowly caving in on itself. As a Captain she was strong, but much of her efforts only allowed for a short time window that allowed for the woman to muster the entirety of her strength. Once that window was closed, her strength would gradually fade away. It meant that her ability to fight will diminish until her body completely collapsed due to exhaustion. She couldn't allow that in this situation.

She didn't have the time to continue fighting the Vizard. The more exposure that she had to the Vizard the more likely she was to perish, or worse, for Karakura. She couldn't continue to fight with the situation worsening. She had no choice. The Vizard would come again, this time for her throat. The ash that clung to her wound kept her from moving as it surrounded her. Everything was darkening with the Vizard closing in. All she could manage was the utter the words, "Bankai." A flash of light erupted from the tips of her fingers as the coils of veils intertwined with the woman's body. Her reiatsu soared as it began to shape the final form of her Zanpakuto. The true form of Tsukuyomi. Yet, all of it was merely a distraction. The light and developing reiatsu. All of it was a mere ruse to create a single opening.

As the reiatsu pushed out to create her field of influence, the Captain ran. Jet streams of wind and air crashed against the beads of sweat that peeled away from her cheeks, taking into mind to the message and lesson that the Vizard taught her. A single moment was all it took to change. A change so subtle that it meant everything. From life to death, from good to evil. Nothing was ever certain within those moments. Not even with people. No matter how good their intentions were it could quickly shift to that of evil. This was something that Harle will keep in mind. A lesson learned with blood.

Victory to Zeich

[☾ Aevus | Umbra ☽]

670 TP, given to Harle

860 TP + 100 TP for winning, given to Zeich