What’s Your Part In All This? [R / NDE]

[Deleted]

Thread Title: What’s Your Part In All This?
Participants: Luke and Shikitsuhiko
World: Human World
Death Setting: Non Death Enabled
Rating: R
Location: A mail processing plant.
Special Conditions:
Circumstances: Both participants are engaged in their own investigations regarding the Hollow attacks. Luke finds a potential processing facility, and Shiki finds something interesting at the end of some tunnels in Hueco Mundo. The two cross paths and you can guess what happens next.

[Deleted]

The large shipping van began to slow down as the driver applied pressure to the brake pedal. He stared ahead, eyes focused on the gate in front of him, a comfortable smile painted on his features as if he had no care in the world. From behind the guard house a figure shifted, lifting a walkie talkie and muttering into it before getting to his own feet. An assault rifle in his hands, the guard began to make his way from the guard post and pace over to the drivers side of the van. Another guard was on the other side of the van and stood in position. The drivers smile never faltered as the guards came to see what he wanted.

”You’re not supposed to be here.” the guard replied, tightening his grip on his gun. The drivers head turned towards the guard, his smile not faltering, before replying with, ”We got a problem. One of the control collars broke and the sonofabitch is eating the rest in the back.” The driver replied. The guard paused, his head bouncing from the drivers compartment and to the back of the truck. ”Shit. Okay. We’ll send you in.” the guard grumbled with a sigh, nodding to his partner before returning to the guard house that controlled the automatic gate. Once the gate opened and the truck began moving again down the road, the driver peered behind him. ”We’ve made it through, master.”

”I told you not to call me that.” Luke grumbled from his hiding spot behind the drivers seat. ”Oh, sorry master.” the driver replied, earning himself a “oh my god” groan from Luke. ”I feel your pain. It’s weird hearing you be called that by a middle aged Japanese man.” his Doll replied, snickering a bit at Luke’s discomfort. He was still trying to get the hang of using the Verteiten technique, or as other people would call it the “vampire charisma power”. The driver, being a completely normal spiritually aware human, was basically enthralled by Luke with this technique and practically turned into a mindless slave. But, backing up, just what the hell was going on?

About eight or so hours earlier the very truck that Luke was hiding in had entered Karakura Town. For whatever reason it was pulled over by local law enforcement and as the cops approached the vehicle, someone started shooting. It wasn’t clear who started shooting, but the resulting gun fight caused the trucks cargo hold to come open revealing the dangerous surprises inside. A collection of Hollows were being kept inside the truck and, upon being freed, went to work slaughtering and devouring the two cops and a number of surrounding civilians. Uzaki’s agents responded quickly, although not quickly enough, to detain the Hollows and capture the driver who had attempted to flee.

Interrogation with the use of Luke’s Verteiten technique revealed quite the little secret. The driver had gotten his Hollows from a “acquired” mail truck loading facility. Could this be a massive break? Could Luke and Uzaki Enterprises finally find some answers regarding these Hollow attacks? Luke noticed that the driver was turning the wheel a good bit and summarized that he was turning around to back the truck up into the loading dock. If this place was like a regular mail truck loading facility then he had a rough idea what it should look like.

There would be the unloading bays that were a network of conveyer belt veins to sort out the mail that was unloaded. If Luke’s memories were right...then there would be one big conveyer belt feeding through the facility where multiple other trucks would be loaded with their mail. But, since this place had been retrofitted to store and load Hollows, Luke didn’t have a confident answer regarding what he was going to see inside. He was expecting a fight nonetheless. It was why he was wearing his combat gear.

It was different from the “Nightraid” outfit he was wearing a little over a week ago. He’d decided to actually wear something that stood out, and something that would look good in the brown leather jacket with a wool interior that he had bought. Resting beside him was his tempered Uchigatana. ”You should have brought backup..” Windstarke commented softly. ”It’s really stupid that you’re doing this alone.” the Doll said again.

I’m not doing this alone though. I’ve got you three after all. Luke replied with a bit of humor to try and offset the stupid decision he had made. ”Well, you mean the two of us. Springflut is acting like a big baby bitch and not saying anything anymore.” Jager snarked, his mental visualization hanging over Luke’s shoulder as he said that. Oh, right, that was starting to happen. Sometimes Luke could just see his Dolls. Especially Jager. Especially...Jager. ”Who’re you calling a bitch, mongrel?” Luke jumped with surprise a little when he heard Springfluts gravelly voice. It had been days since he had heard from his Doll.

But Luke didn’t have the opportunity to try and reconcile the relationship with the injured Doll. Luke suddenly became aware that the truck had been backed up into the cargo bay and, given the noises and energy signals, there were some people ready to open the back of the truck. ”Get ready to slip a new control collar on.” Luke heard someone say, causing his eyes to narrow a bit as he got to his feet. He slipped the scabbard of his sword through his belt and readied himself. When the door slid upwards to cast light into the truck, Luke sprung. Smashing the butt of his sword into someone’s face, he wasted no time getting to work dealing with the guards waiting for a Hollow.

Sometime later..

”Phew..” the Bount sighed, scratching the top of his head as he finally let all that tension in his body seep out of him. Blinking with surprise when he noticed blood on the back of his glove, the Bount turned backwards to look at the collection of bodies throughout the facility. Some of them moaned in pain, squirming as they held their injuries, and others didn’t move at all. Luke didn’t pull his punches against people who threatened his life or the lives of other people. He wasn’t necessarily trying to kill everyone, but some of them ended up dying during the fight. I hate fighting guns.. Luke commented mentally to himself, kicking a rifle at his feet and looking at the hole in his pants leg and left arm. He had been shot twice but, thankfully being a Bount, had healed the injuries right then and there.

Wiping his sword clean and sheathing it, the Bount decided to check out just what all these men had been guarding so much. During the fighting he had noticed that Hollows had been stored aboard multiple delivery trucks. They had all, somehow, been put into a coma like state. It was probably the collars they were wearing. But Luke had noticed that the enemies he faced had all been trying to protect a specific room. Looking at the door in front of him, he frowned before lifting his foot up. ”Knock knock!” he shouted before kicking the door in, head bouncing back and forth as he looked for enemies before seeing what all those men had been protecting so dearly.

The light in the room didn’t seem right. It was as though someone was flashing a pitch black rooms light on and off. But despite the strobe like effect Luke could make out what he was looking at it. It looked like a black ring afloat between two science fiction looking pillars. The ring looked flat, two dimensional, and was filled with a empty void of darkness. The pillars on either side of it looked unsophisticated, thrown together, with dozens of thick wires sticking out of them and connected to a assortment of machines and control panels. ”Is that a...”

”portal?”

Jager took the word straight outta Luke’s mouth. It wasn’t a black hole otherwise...well...everything would be dead. What’s more, a platform was situated right in front of the ring with a ramp descending downwards to the floor. A ramp and platform big enough for something like a Hollow. Just what the hell was this? ”Man...the R&D nerds are going to jizz themselves when they see this...” Luke snorted, reaching into his pocket to pull out his Uzaki Enterprise provided cellphone. He had already started hitting the speed dial to call HQ when, suddenly, an assortment of armed and armored soldiers filled out from behind the portal, a office room, and scrambled along the catwalks on the upper floor. All with guns pointed right at Luke.

”Aaaah...”

Shit..

Luke cursed, looking at the number of guns pointed on him before slowly raising his hands. This doesn’t look good...I might actually have to put some effort into this. Luke confessed to himself, preparing his reiatsu Incase all, like, thirty of these men just opened fire on him. But before that happened, the building tension in the air suddenly collapsed when the portal made a noise. The darkness inside flickered like the surface of water, drawing the soldiers attention away from Luke and too the portal. Seems something unexpected was happening...but what would be happening that they didn’t see coming already?

SPOILER: Click to show

{Stats and Skills plus Items}

• [Weapon: Swords] {2}
  
  
• [Battle Analysis] {3}
  
  
• [Strength of Will] {3}
  
  
• [Pain Tolerance] {2}
  
  
• [Anti-Stealth] {2}
  
  
• [Charisma/Leadership] {1}
  
  
• [Battle Focus] {3}
  
  

Luke | Soldier

Strength - 100 (50) Points

Speed - 300 Points

Spiritual Pressure - 400 Points

Reiatsu Strength - 400 - 800 Points

Light Aura - 100 Points

Dark Aura - 0 Points

Instinct - 150 Points

Senses - 150 Points

Energy sensory - 100 Points

Healing Expertise - 0 Points

Total SP: 1600 Points



+1 Tempered Uchigatana

[Shikitsuhiko Isayama]

The distant sounds of footsteps reverberated down the long, winding corridors beneath the sand's surface. A sense of panic and dread clung to the melody created by the various feet scuttling across the ground. The sound gradually grew closer just before a vibrant red cero tore through the panic to create utter chaos. The cero's size was admirable, but was easily subdued by a simple gesture. Shikitsuhiko held out his hand as the cero collected in his palm. She flicked it off the side, down a separate corridor. 

The resulting explosion shook the underground cavern as he came face-to-face with those he was pursuing. "I offered you two options, one of which was merciful and infallible in its generosity. Despite this gesture, you chose the less wise option. To betray one's kin and then refuse undeserved kindness is an unforgivable mistake." He said calmly. He began to step forward before side-stepping multiple jabs from a nearby hollow. Using his hand like a knife he severed the spines that attempted to pierce his skin.

The shattered weapons landed at his feet, the sand cushioning their fall and muffling the noise. As if sight was possible, his face was aimed directly at the hollow. It created the illusion of an eerie gaze despite his blindness, which caused the hollow to begin backing away. Before it had taken more than two steps it was bifurcated. In a flash he had dispatched numerous opponents who stood in his path. Their objective was clearly to prevent him from reaching the end of the corridor. What laid in wait? A doorway to another world, one that was not so unfamiliar. 

As he descended further into the dimly lit cavern he immediately took notice of the officers standing near the doorway. He shared no reaction, choosing instead to keep his thoughts internal. To think that such feeble creatures are responsible for the capture and trafficking of hollows from Hueco Mundo. An insult that indeed cuts deeper than I would prefer. He thought to himself as he progressed forward. He vanished from his position and appeared in front of the crude doorway, cutting off their exit. 

"You audaciously invade Hueco Mundo and then prepare to flee like cowards when confronted." He reached into a robe and pulled out a collar, which nearly intact. "You wield these strange devices, which enable you to seize control over the complicated mind of a hollow. I'd be interested to know where you received these? You're merely worker ants. Your function is easily replaced by another, but the mind behind this device is likely someone who derives sanctification from touting his peculiar invention. A man bold in intellect and personality, am I right?" He questioned. 

His voice seemed to lower in octave the longer he spoke of the collars, their purpose, and his hypothesis regarding their creator. The men simply stood motionless, frozen in place as he spoke. He remained silent for a moment, observing them closely. "Your fear nearly leaps from your body. I can see the sweat collecting on your skin and brow and hear your heart rapidly beating. Fear is a trustworthy response in this moment. It tells me that your deepest instincts have not yet betrayed you even when your mind has. I suggest you lean into the fear and tell me what I want know."

Moments later....

Dozens of armored soldiers have set their sight on a common enemy. They gripped their weapons tightly as they prepared to fire. Their concentration was abruptly broken when a bloody and partially dismembered body was hurled through the portal. Exiting at their feet was a man's body, only both of his arms had been torn off. His nearly limp body tumbled across the ground as his eyes rolled in the back of his head for a moment. He drifted in and out of consciousness, only to return to see a tall, shadowy figure emerging from the doorway. 

Even in his stupor he knew it was Shikitsuhiko, the same person who had so crudely torn off his arms as punishment. As Shikitsuhiko emerged into the real world, the guards having focused on Luke,  immediately found themselves distracted. The armless man was not Shikitsuhiko's only victim. As he came into view they would see that he was dragging another man by the head, his body bloody and badly beaten. As if his eyes provided him sight, he subtly turned his head from side-to-side. He observed those around him before tossing the nearly dying man on top of the other.

"Yet another doorway into the human world." He immediately grabbed a nearby man and pulled him toward his face. His voice deepened further as an ominous quality took over. "What is this place? And why do you bring hollows here?" Shikitsuhiko suddenly shifting his body and allowed the man to act as a shield, his body becoming loaded with bullets. The man coughed up blood as Shikitsuhiko tossed him at the other guards. They began to fire on Shikitsuhiko as he slowly walked forward. He said nothing as their bullets ricocheted off his body, striking others nearby. 

Their guns were completely ineffective. In a twist of irony, the guns they used for protection were killing them instead of their desired target. He neared another soldier, slitting his throat with a flick of his finger. He then smashed two of their heads together before stepping on one's throat who lie on the ground. "Do not make me ask a third time. What is this place and why do you bring hollows here?" The solider abruptly began speaking. "This is a shipping facility. We use its intended purpose as a guise for transporting hollows. We send them to..." Before he could utter the next word another man shot him in the head and then shot himself.

At the sight of a solider executing himself, the others frantically began fleeing the area. They dropped their weapons and left the wounded behind without much thought. Cowards. He thought to himself. He straightened his body before directing his attention toward Luke. He remained still, his back turned to him. "You are not human." He stated abruptly. "And your willingness to allow me to kill these men tell me you are here for a similar purpose. Unless I am wrong and you are here as their acting commander. In which case, I would be required to ask you the same questions I had asked them."

SPOILER: Click to show

{Stats and Skills} Strength -  [100]



Speed - [300] Points



Spiritual Pressure -  [525]



Reiatsu Strength - [1200]



Light Aura - [20] Points



Dark Aura - [80] Points



Instinct - [150] Points



Senses - [300] Points



Energy sensory -  [75]



Healing Expertise - [268]



Skills





[Battle: Weapon - Wakizashi] {3}



[Battle: MMA] {3}



[Battle: Battle Analysis] {3}



[Battle: Pressure Point Strike] {3}



[Body: Vibration Sense] {3}

[Deleted]

Well, things had gone bad. Not terribly bad mind you, but they were at a level that one slip up could fuck a lot of things up. As Luke stood there with arms raised and about a dozen or more guns pointed at him his mind raced with various thoughts and ideas regarding how to handle this situation. It was certainly surprising to see that there were this many people left, that was for sure, but it wasn’t like Luke was fucked. He had a number of answers to this problem, it was just a matter of determining which one was going to be the more efficient and least costly. Daybreak was coming in a little over a hour, and Luke didn’t want to be stuck here till nightfall.

But the situation quickly evolved into something neither the Bount nor his enemies expected. They had all had their attention drawn to the shifting portal just before the body that looked like he had lost a fight with a angry blender was thrown back into the human world. Something had taken both of his arms, leaving him a stumped mess that was still somehow alive. For how long? Probably not long. Blood loss, shock, and pain were three perfect ingredients for a dead mans pie. Luke, just like the armless soldier, had his attention drawn to the figure emerging from the dark and shifting ring, blinking with surprise when he saw the new arrival dragging another poor son of a bitch by his head.

”It’s an Arrancar.” Windstarke stated calmly and lowly. Wasn’t that hard to figure that little piece of information out either. Had reiatsu like a Hollow but walked on two legs like a man. Also had broken mask fragments on his face. Luke’s brown eyes locked onto this unexpected individual, his eyebrows twitching anxiously a bit as he watched the situation unfold before him. Luke was getting a front row seat to Shikitsuhiko’s energy sensory light show. If he had to compare it to anything it would be like standing in front of a big fucking spotlight. This thing was strong.

”Look at the top of his head.” Jager commented, drawing Luke’s attention upwards. What was he-”Look at his stupid hair! Haahaha!” Luke was about to curse Jager out for being stupid when the soldiers began opening fire on the Arrancar after the Hollow asked his question. Shit! Luke cursed, quickly dashing backwards and hiding behind one of the machine consoles that dotted the room as the room basically exploded into a storm of bullets.

Peeking from around the corner he watched, noting how the bullets were basically pinging off of the Arrancar and having no effect at all. So that was Hierro. He had read up on what information Uzaki’s had on Arrancar soon after becoming a Senior Employee. What information there was had talked about how Arrancar had armor like skin, making cutting them difficult if not impossible in some cases. Luke was quiet, watching as the Espada made quick and easy work of every soldier there. He couldn’t hold in the gasp seeing one soldier kill another, not expecting them to be willing to kill their own comrades to keep information from getting out.

Didn’t take long for everything to quiet down though. Shame it took the room being filled with fresh corpses for that to happen though. Luke frowned, wondering what he should do. This guy, based on what he had been saying, was looking into this Hollow thing as well. Luke couldn’t come up with an answer about why an Arrancar would care about this Hollow business, but it was a interesting piece of information none the less. ”You are not human.” Shikitsuhiko suddenly said, earning himself a surprised blink from the hiding Bount. ”I think he’s talking to you.” Yeah, no shit. It made him frown though. The guy could tell Luke wasn’t human? Did that mean he had strong sensory abilities?

Cautiously emerging from his hiding place, Luke stared ahead at the Arrancar as it delivered its dialogue to him. He had noticed that Luke might have been here for the same reason he was, for answers, or that Luke might be the commander of this unit. Be smart.... Luke told himself, thinking about how he should best handle this situation. ”I’m not with them...and I’d be surprised if you told me you were on their side after what you just did.” Luke replied, keeping his hand on his uchigatana’s grip. ”Like you said though our reasons for being here might be similar to each other’s. So...instead of fighting how about we exchange some information. Enemy of my enemy is my friend, right?” Luke offered, trying to gain more information for Uzaki’s without getting into a fight with this guy. If a fight could be avoided then that would be for the best.

[Shikitsuhiko Isayama]

Shikitsuhiko slowly walked away from Luke, his attention drawn to a nearby body. He hovered over the body, his senses zeroing in on it. So...instead of fighting how about we exchange some information. He leaned down and grabbed the man throat and lifted him into the air. He ignored Luke for a moment, finding the feigning man more immediately useful. "You're abysmal at playing dead." He said to the man as he tightened his grip. The man coughed in response to the pressure applied to his throat. 

Shikitsuhiko casually released the man, letting him fall to the floor. He looked up at Shikitsuhiko as he massaged his throat. "Your true nature is not of a man, but a woman." He knocked the cap from her head revealing her hair neatly pinned beneath it. "Apparently you were the cleverest among them by feigning death." Lowering his head, as if to peer straight through her, he asked more questions. "Where are the hollows transported and who is in charge of this facility?" His stern tone possessed a near ominous quality, causing the woman to shake. With her body vibrating in fear, her eyes widened so his visage was reflected in her pupils.

He hovered over her as his fist clenched tightly. "I'm growing impatient." He stated coldly. "I ask a simple question and yet you persist in your silence. Your comrades have either died or deserted you. What loyalty do they remain deserving of?" He asked quizzically. "As a courtesy, I will ask once more. Where are the hollows transported and who is in charge of this facility?" The woman simply bowed her head as she gripped her thighs tightly, attempting to stabilize her body. Tears began pouring down her face as the fear further arrested her. 

He shook his head with disgust before slapping smacking the woman across the face. The force of his strike sent the barreling to the right, just past Luke. Soaring past Luke she collided with a metal door, her body crumpled like a piece of paper. Blood splattered across the large door and began to pool beneath her body. Turning his head to the right, as if to stare directly at Luke, he responded to his earlier question. "Fighting?" He stated incredulously. He turned to face Luke, pausing for a moment. "You assume your interaction with me will result in some form of resistance? And what if it ends the same as with her?" He asked while gesturing to the woman who moments ago he killed. 

He took a couple steps forward. "You are not entitled to the information I possess and I will not be sharing it with you. What will happen is you will share with me all that you know. It is my kind who are being drafted into slavery, not yours." While Shikitsuhiko did not possess the level of arrogance many of the other arrancar boasted, there was an automatic sense of entitlement that came with his position and authority. He had the power to demand things of others and resolve to extract whatever he was being refused. It was a delicate balance and a near contradiction. And while he was typically the more calm and respectful of the Espada, he was not immune to this process. 

The gravity of the situation had applied some pressure to his regular disposition and allowed something slightly different to take control. He was not interested in debating or bartering for details. He expected answers and was unwilling to negotiate. A crime against Hueco Mundo is a crime against Las Noches and such things would simply not be tolerated.This meant Luke was now confronted with a less patient and even more focused Shikitsuhiko. "As such, you have two options. You may willingly disclose to me all that you know and leave here as you are now. Or you can refuse and I will be required to extract the information by force, leaving behind mere fragments of how you are now. Your choice." He stated with a cold and unwavering tone. 

[Deleted]

He didn’t like the way this was going. Not one bit at all. Luke began to feel a bit of anxiety growing inside his stomach as the nameless Arrancar seemed to ignore him, carrying about his own business without responding the Bount’s peaceful suggestion. Instead, the blue haired man went after one of the corpses that were now scattered across the room. But in a sudden twist it was revealed that the soldier was still alive. He was only playing dead in hopes of avoiding detection by the Arrancar. Luke had also noticed that the person was alive. What little reiatsu they had was still burning within them like a well fed candle in the darkness.

But the biggest surprise was still to come. As the still nameless Arrancar began his interrogation of the soldier, continuing to ignore Luke, it was revealed that the soldier was actually a woman. She had hidden her hair in her hat, keeping it tied in a bun to make others mistake her gender. For what reason who knew. Hell, she might not even have hidden it from her allies. Her hair could have just gotten in the way of work. The Arrancar asked his questions, the woman remaining in silent and trying to control her ever bubbling fear. Luke’s intense aura of good allowed him to understand the Arrancar’s intentions, and the bubbling irritation in him. He was reaching the end of his patience being answered only with silence.

The sound of his strike filled the room just before the womans body slammed into the metal door behind Luke. The Bount gasped, eyes widening with shock as he shouted, ”No!!” as he looked at her broken and bloody form. His hand tightly gripped the hilt of his uchigatana as he turned to face the Arrancar, eyes brimming with righteous fury. At least...that’s what Luke thought he would have done. Rather, the Bount’s eyes remained ever locked on the Arrancar. The woman was slapped and sent hurtling past the Bount, the sound of the impact reaching his ears and yet never causing him to turn. The Bount remained locked, an intense expression on his face as he kept his attention focused solely on the nameless Hollow before him.

He surprised himself. Why hadn’t he done what he felt would have been the correct course of action just now? That imaginary scenario seemed...right. It seemed like the sort of thing that Luke would have done. So why didn’t he? He found himself surprised at how little he...cared. He realized now that he didn’t care about these soldiers. He didn’t react with disgust at how Shikitsuhiko had torn these men apart. In fact...did Luke even look at them as people? Did he not care because he had already wet his blades steel with their blood? He had already ended many of their lives fighting to reach this room. Luke’s duty was to save lives so why did he care so little that he had taken them, and why didn’t he care that Shikitsuhiko had taken these lives as well?

The answer Luke reached was something that was stupidly obvious. These men were his enemies. These soldiers had used Hollows as weapons. They had used the powers of the spiritual world to bring harm, suffering, and death to the normal and weak. They had disrupted the peace. They were enemies to the justice that Luke sought to enforce. To him, he realized, these soldiers were no different than the Vandenreich. They were no different than her. Whatever their reasons for doing this, they had forfeited their rights to live when they signed on to ruin other people's lives. Luke’s grip tightened for a moment. He felt uncomfortable for that brief moment. He wondered, for a second, when he had become like this. When did he become so comfortable with killing?

His Dolls remained silent. He wasn’t even sure they were aware of what he was thinking about right now. He felt their attention focused entirely on the Arrancar. Luke’s eye’s narrowed some as Shikitsuhiko finally focused his attention on Luke. He didn’t answer the Arrancar’s question right away, rather his attention had shifted to what he noticed on his neck. There, clear as day now that all the fighting had stopped, was a single number tattooed and revealed for the world to see.

The number four.

His eyes had widened with recognition for a moment, before narrowing once more. This guy was an Espada. That changed some things. But for now, Luke decided to reply to what Shikitsuhiko had said. ”And it’s my kind being killed with the Hollows” Luke replied, saying “my kind” and meaning the people of the Human World in general. What’s more, Luke decided to reveal to Shikitsuhiko a bit of information. But that was all Luke intended to reveal. After a few moments of silence, Luke couldn’t help but smirk. He found what the Arrancar had said entertaining.

”Is there a reason you didn’t mention the third option? I’ll say it for you then. The third option is me, beating you to a bloody pulp, and then extracting everything I want to know from you. You’re awfully arrogant, and underestimating me…Espada.” Luke replied, letting that last word drip with venom. As he said that, he let his own Spiritual Might reveal itself. The air would grow heavy like the gravity had been increased by five times its normal value. While this wouldn’t affect Shikitsuhiko, the two being the same Class of warrior, the factory around them was certainly affected. The fluorescent tubes above them that provided light flickered before shattering, casting the room they stood in into darkness. Windows shattered, steel doors groaned and cried as they were pushed backwards. Light emitted from Luke as the aura of his teal green reiatsu sprung coated him, causing winds to be pushed away from him.

But Luke knew that his display would fall on deaf ears. It was a peacock displaying it’s eye patterned feathers to a dinosaur. But, regardless, Luke did it anyways. ”The Espada attacked my city and my friends. You guys made yourselves my groups enemies.” Luke decided that he wasn’t going to let this opportunity pass him up. Standing before him was an Espada. An enemy. A threat to the peace that he fought to ensure. If Luke did nothing then it was completely possible that it could come back to bite him. It could get someone innocent, or someone he knew, killed. But Luke also needed answers. What was going on on the Hollow homeworld side of things? Luke’s plan was simple. He’d beat this Espada down to the point that his will would weaken and, using the Verteiten, he’d dominate his opponents mind and force him to spill everything he knew about the Hollow attacks, the other Espada, and Las Noches in general.

[Shikitsuhiko Isayama]

Shikitsuhiko remained still as he observed his opponent, taking note of his steadily rising anxiety. He could feel it swelling inside him. It was only natural and a perfectly reasonable bodily response. And yet, it does not do Luke any favors. In some ways it can be seen as our bodies way of warning us, demanding to be heard when circumstances warrant special caution, much like now. In other ways, our body betrays us, exposing us to those with keen enough senses to peer into the body and recover such valuable data.

Of the opponent's Luke could have encountered, Shikitsuhiko is one who can easily sense what others wish not to be. His entire environment informs him at any given moment, and unfortunately for Luke, his body was no different. Despite this, Shikitsuhiko was not one to gloat or taunt. Such things were beneath him, or merely reserved for more unique circumstances. As of now, Luke was merely an irritant that required a moment of his attention. He would not underestimate him, but remained unwilling to give him any more effort than he deserved.

Shikitsuhiko was not interested in playing with him or flaunting his skills. He did not derive the same satisfaction from battle as other arrancar, which made him a notable expection among the Espada. Battling for the sake of violence was trivial and beneath him. He was here to accomplish a goal and would do so by whatever means necessary, but not with the intention of satiating some primal need for battle. If such a need arose there would be other times where it would be more appropriate. Not now. Not when so much was at stake.

Is there a reason you didn’t mention the third option? I’ll say it for you then. The third option is me, beating you to a bloody pulp, and then extracting everything I want to know from you. You’re awfully arrogant, and underestimating me…Espada. Shikitsuhiko wasn't prone to laughter and he felt very little in life encouraged it. Somehow Luke had managed to inspire a motivation to laugh. Such arrogance. Such foolishness. He had to acknowledge the absurd comedic value of this simple creature's statements. His face remained cold and imperturbable, though a notable scoff entered his throat. "Hmgh." He uttered without any change in his expression. 

"Just as ill-advised as those lying at my feet, and now a fate to match." His tone was grim and unfeeling as he took a few steps forward, ignoring Luke's display as the antics of a child. "It is clear you are young and inexperienced, otherwise you wouldn't need to rely on such theatrics. It is a shame that today will be the day when not only your body is broken, but too your fragile spirit." Shikitsuhiko's words were cruel and patronizing. Shikitsuhiko noted the shattered windows, the glass lining the edges of the room. "Creatures from the realm of humans are so diverse, and yet they remain weak and oblivious." Shikitsuhiko's tone expressed his incredulity and pity as he gently shook his head.

"Tell me. Where should I deliver your mutilated remains after I have finished humiliating you? I take it you were referring to the human world organization known as Uzaki Enterprise, correct? If there is anything left after this so-called attack, I imagine they'll be disappointed to find that you too became a casualty. Humans and their otherworldly playmates are sentimental that way." Shikitsuhiko straightened his body and directed his attention forward. "Well?" He asked casually. "You now know that I am a member of the Espada, likely a result of my number designation. But do you truly know what this number signifies? And will it properly be factored into the decision you're about to make?" He asked with an ominous curiosity.

[Deleted]

Theatrics? Luke didn’t express his reiatsu strength to try and intimidate the Espada. The sudden burst of power from the Bount had been because he had been suppressing his strength. His spiritual might was so great that, as he had been warned, it could affect the souls of perfectly normal people. It could turn people spiritually aware and, in rare cases, turn people into Fullbringers. Luke only released his full power like this when he was preparing to battle against a threat from the spiritual world. An Espada definitely counted as a threat. It was true that Luke was young though. He may have been born Bount, but it had only been about a year since he began exploring his spiritual capabilities. Yet, the Espada was incorrect about something. Experience was not something Luke was lacking.

Ever since coming to Karakura he had been swallowed into the maelstrom of battle. Strength brings challenge. As Luke grew stronger without his knowing life continued to throw challenge after challenge at him. It didn’t matter if he was prepared or not. Through that experience Luke became tempered and honed like a blade. He was young, but he was not inexperienced. Luke could laugh at how arrogant and ignorant Shikitsuhiko was. His brown eyes glared at the Espada, focused and watching every move he made as he approached Luke. Better than him had tried to crush his spirit.

”Yeah, it means you’re the fourth strongest of the Espada. That also means you’re the third weakest.” Luke cracked back, his sarcastic tongue working its magic. Despite what Luke had said earlier though, he wasn’t picking a fight for Uzaki Enterprises’s sake. That was the reason he was going to put on the report. The reason, in truth, was because Shikitsuhiko was powerful. Standing before him, Luke knew that this man was stronger than a Captain of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads. Luke himself was more or less comparable to a Captain in terms of power. Shikitsuhiko was stronger than him. But Luke didn’t mind that.

He needed to fight this man. Luke needed to face someone so much stronger than him. It was the only way to gain more power, or to see just how powerful he had become. Because if Luke wasn’t strong enough then there was no way he’d be able to become a superhero able to save everyone. He wouldn’t be able to be a superhero strong enough to defeat those who threatened the world. Luke had his eyes on someone above Shikitsuhiko. The Arrancar wasn’t the strongest he had met. To Luke, Shikitsuhiko would just be another stepping stone in his climb for strength.

”Luke y-”

I know. Luke didn’t need to hear it. He already knew not to play. Suddenly reaching into his pocket, Luke grabbed the matchbox he kept hidden in his clothes. Alongside that, there were also two other personal items on his person. Luke had a gun holster at his side but rather than carrying a firearm there was instead a simple, silver, flask. A silver watch was also kept on his left wrist. Shikitsuhiko would no doubt feel Luke’s reiatsu surge again before the words ”Ziege dich, Jäger.” fell from the Bount’s tongue.

Crushing the matchbox as he said those words of command, the Bount’s surging reiatsu would suddenly cut out like someone had turned off the lights. Jäger had been released. The Doll instantly became a copy of Luke’s shadow and lied down on top of it. Because Luke was standing on the dark side of the room after his reiatsu surge earlier destroyed the lights above, Jäger also immediately spread to every connecting shadow and darkness. ”Well butter my balls and call me George Clooney you called me out pretty damn fast. It's not like you to skip the foreplay, y’know.” the Doll mentally said to Luke.

Jäger was automatically summoned with his Ungesehen technique active. It was a passive ability that activated when the Doll was summoned. The technique masked and hide the Dolls reiatsu and spiritual signature from those with Energy Sensory. Generally, if someone didn’t have more Energy Sensory than Jäger’s Reiatsu Strength then they wouldn’t be able to sense the Doll. But, both the Bount and Doll knew that Shikitsuhiko got around the Ungesehen technique because of his tremendous Reiatsu Strength. Personally, Jäger was getting pissed that he kept fighting people able to sense him. He wanted to shank people without them knowing he was there. But, for now, the Doll remained within Luke’s copied shadow.

Normally he wasn’t the type to bring a Doll out right away, but that just went to show the sort of caliber of fighter that Shikitsuhiko was. Without missing a beat, Luke didn’t intend to give the Espada his turn yet. Grasping his sheathed uchigatana, the Bount vanished from sight as he utilized the Human World Step Technique, Movement, to close the distance between them. Dashing forward at 3x his speed for a total of 900. Luke attacked Shikitsuhiko head on and, once within about thirty inches, stopped his step and attacked with a drawing slash. He drew his sword and slashed upwards, aiming to cleave right through Shikitsuhiko chest with his opening move.

Luke's Remaining Reiatsu: 3375 / 4000
-400(+200) for Doll release
-25 for Movement

Jäger's Remaining Reiatsu: 1660 / 2010
-350 for Ungesehen

Jäger's Duration: ∞

SPOILER: Click to show

{Jäger's Stats}
Jager | Freak

Strength - 150 - 300 Points

Speed - 300 Points

Spiritual Pressure - 300 - 201 Points

Reiatsu Strength - 400 - 900 Points

Light Aura - 50 Points

Dark Aura - 50 Points

Instinct - 225 - 151 Points

Senses - 150 Points

Energy sensory - 75 - 131 Points

Healing Expertise - 0 Points

Total SP: 1600 Points

[Shikitsuhiko Isayama]

Shikitsuhiko remained silent at Luke spoke, feeling no impulse to respond. Yeah, it means you’re the fourth strongest of the Espada. That also means you’re the third weakest. Such petulance. He thought to himself before activating pesquis. It provided him all the information he needed regarding Luke's reiatsu strength and his position, though that much was already clear. Things quickly escalated with the summoning of his doll, which could not be concealed from Shikitsuhiko. Ziege dich, Jäger. 

Raising an eye-brow he sensed the doll's strength, but knew little of this release style. It was peculiar, but appeared to possessed a release command much like his own. Shikitsuhiko had noticed no shift in Luke, but could now sense the doll lurking beside him. The product of his release appeared to have more potential than he did, though this would not persuade him to make rash decisions. He needed to remain vigilant despite Luke's apparent inferiority. Having only heard stories of Bounts he did not want to assume more than he thought he knew. Such a mistake could prove disastrous. 

Shikitsuhiko sighed as Luke unsheathed his blade, prompting Shikitsuhiko to do the same. Even this would prove ineffective at catchng him off-guard, though it appeared his opponent was simply using the speed to bridge the gap. He was charging him head-on. The vibrations in the air rarely lied. There was no time for much contemplation at this rate of speed. With his left hand at his side, he subtly  gestured forward releasing a large, high-speed bala. The cyan colored bala immediately erupted from his hand and traveled directly in front of him.

The quality of his reiatsu strength lent itself well to such an attack, by increasing both its size and its force upon impact. The wrecking-ball sized bala was moving so quickly that Luke would need to pivot, unless he could somehow thwart it head-on. It didn't matter what he decided to do. It would all be information he could use. Even so, things were about to be over as quickly as they began. "Beset, Enjambre."  Shikitsuhiko's body erupted in energy as his skin began to move and churn like water in the ocean. His blade dissolved, insects dropping to the ground, as his skin continued to move. Beneath Shikitsuhiko's skin crawled a mass of alien-like insects, number in the hundreds. They poured from his body, spreading  around him.

Their shear numbers allowed them to cover a large radius around him, but equally concealed some as they worked beneath the others. Hundreds burrowed into the ground and hundreds more scurried along the ground. Others climbed up beams stretching from the floor to ceiling. Unfortunately for Luke, this warehouse allowed the insects to fit into small, unseen places and scurry around unnoticed. Shikitsuhiko was wasting no time in crushing his opponent. He would retrieve that information no matter the cost.


The insects that burrowed under the ground were very busy, having had to burrow through the concrete. They immediately began releasing chemicals from their bodies as they expanded outward from Shikitsuhiko's position. The ground would  immediately soften and turn yellow as they converted a 40ft radius around Shikitsuhiko into Viscoso, a most lethal substance. Possessing both the capacity to ensnare through adhesion and destroy through corrosion. The ground was transformed into the viscous material, causing the nearby truck's tires to burst from the corrosive agent. The trucks dipped into the substance, which now Luke stood upon.

It was not merely the top surface, but the layers of concrete and dirt beneath where they stood, meaning the viscoso's reach had depth and length throughout the warehouse. To make matters worse, the insects had crawled onto and into the bodies of the men and women who lie in the viscous substance. They scaled the concrete and metal beams and crawled onto the vehicles nearby. They had a separate, but similar job to those responsible for the viscoso. They were toxifying the environment by releasing a troublesome neuro-chemical mixture which allowed them to invade the bodies of others. The bodies and nearby structure would appear begin emitting a fairly dull dusk-blue color.

The color was this techniques initial signature, but known only to those who had once served under Shikitsuhiko. Nightfall Fog. He thought to himself as the dusk-blue fog spread throughout the inside of the room. It has been quite some time since I utilized you. The fog clung to air as it spread, and only a single whiff would be needed for it to invade Luke's body. The confined space was proving remarkably advantageous. If the Bount was unwilling to yield the information he knew, choosing instead to rely on childish insults, he would show him just how outclassed he was. And in doing so pull whatever knowledge he had from that tiny brain of his.

The nightfall fog was just as formidable as the viscoso, but for different reasons. If Luke even touched the viscoso he would be completely stuck, and unable to to free himself and whatever became adhered to the substance. The fog, on the other hand, would deprive Luke of the most essential of senses. The moment he inhaled the substance that was filling the room he would lose his ability to perceive touch and pressure. Without constantly look at his own blade in his hand he wouldn't be able to feel it. He wouldn't be able to tell if he was holding it, losing the ability to judge the tightness of his grip. It would fall from his hand into the viscoso and be lost to him, as most things would follow. "Like I said earlier, today you will find yourself broken. And make no mistake, when I break you, you will remain broken." He said ominously now having completely reshaped the environment. 

5,250
-50 Pesquis
-50 Bala
-400 Ress
-150 Mudar
-150 Desposeer
1/8 Fatigue
1/16 
=4,450

SPOILER: Click to show

{Mudar - C}Mudar (Mutate). Aspect C (Environment) - Members of the swarm can apply their talents to the environment, both changing its chemistry and biology and reshaping it. The swarm invade the ground and buildings and become integrated with the matter in question. They can actively manipulate the matter while also applying the effects from above. The swarm literally become a part of the object(s) they are invade and apply the chemical change and manipulate their shape. They are able to reshape objects (even buildings) and landscape in rudimentary ways. They cannot make incredibly elaborate things such as machinery or complex buildings. However, this does give him the ability to reshape all structures. They can form domes, boxes, create ripples across the ground, etc. That is, they apply the viscid aspect to the environment and shape the earth around them as if it was Shikitushiko's body. Around Shikitsuhiko and the user they can shape the ground, now gelatinous and corrosive, form an enclosure around them. They are able to affect an area with a radius of 40ft.

Repeated exposure to the corrosive agent will dull weapons, ruin armor, and burn through the skin. A single exposure is enough to begin eating away at skin and armor. Each time a weapon is exposed, its sharpness is lessened. In fact, continued exposure can cause a weapon to fracture and break. If an opponent's weapon is exposed to viscoso even once, the offensive stat governing its impact is lessened by 20%. That is, for the weapon's use only, it has 20% less effectiveness using that offensive stat. This includes the ability to damage, cut, etc. Repeated exposures continue to reduce it by 10% each time. After five exposures, the weapon can be broken. Viscoso is immune to slash,

Viscoso however, does have a weaknesses. It is highly susceptible to ice-based attacks, which counteracts the viscid agents in his body. If it comes in contact with ice-based techniques, it will nullify the adhesive agent, but not the corrosive quality. It will only neutralize it for a single post, however. Despite his high-susceptibility to ice-techniques, he does not take high-damage from material weapons such as blades, hammers, clubs, etc. This form is highly resistant to slash, thrust, an strike weapons; attacks relying on strength; and wind and water-based techniques. If a user has 50% RS superiority, they can use that resist the adhesive aspect. If they have 400 or more strength, they can also remove objects (such as their sword, etc.) from the adhesive hold of viscoso. Neither, however, protects them from the corrosive aspect. If he is struck, fluids will coat the object and spray from the body. An opponent may burn-away the residue with the RS advantage, but it will be painful, as will forcefully pulling a limb from the substance. .

SPOILER: Click to show

{Desposeer - B}Desposeer (Dispossess) - This technique focuses on removing and adjusting sensory aspects. Aspect B (Opponent) - A frightening application of desposeer, which allows members of the swarm to invade the body of an opponent and manipulate their senses through a neuro-chemical mixture they release into the air. Known by his faccion as the "Nightfall Fog" due to its distinctive dusk blue color, when this chemical vapor is released into the air and can be inhaled by an opponent. This chemical brew disrupts the signals distributed across an individual's sensory nervous system. It completely blocks sensory information from being processed, beginning with touch and pressure. That is, one an opponent is exposed it eliminates their ability to perceive and judge touch and pressure. This does not eliminate pain, but makes it difficult to determine if they have grabbed something or if they are holding tightly, making fighting with a weapon difficult. They won't be able to feel anything around them, not even heat or cold or wind on their skin. If holding an object, they might drop it because they weren't holding tightly enough, or grip it so hard their hand begins to bleed. They will continue to lose access to sensory information during each subsequent post. So, that is, they lose touch/pressure first (upon successful exposure), followed by balance, sight, hearing, and smell. Each sensory modality will be affected for a total of six posts.

To clarify the above senses, balance does not only involve being able to stand, but involves perceiving the body's own position, motion, and state. That is, the opponent will not be able to perceive movement of the part's of the body.

The only methods for evading this chemical cocktail is to blow it away with a heavy wind or completely conceal oneself in a seal-proof barrier. The swarm, however, can continue to produce the chemical, which will require the continued use of a wind-type technique to disperse it. An opponent with a 3 in poison resistance can delay the effects of technique. That is, their first sense will not vanish immediately, but will take three posts to kick in. At that point, each of the senses will begin vanishing during subsequent posts in the same order listed above. If the user has a 2 in poison resistance, it will be a two post delay. A one will result in a single post delay.

[Deleted]

As Luke moved forward with Movement he became aware of something. Reiatsu was gathering and focusing in the Espada’s hand, the Bount’s Energy Sensory and Instinct combined letting him know about this. He didn’t know what it was, but considering the concentration and the overall feel of the reiatsu he chose not to risk it. The beautiful thing about Movement was that it could be cast again mid step to change directions. That’s what Luke, in this situation, chose to do. Casting Movement again midstep, the Bount cut his path short by veering hard to his right just as something the size of a god damned wrecking ball came hurtling past him.

Sliding to a stop, the Bount looked back at the destruction that Shiki’s bala had caused when he heard the attack impact a wall behind him. That attack seemed like it was a bala of concentrated reiatsu. On top of that, the speed it possessed was ridiculous. Had Luke not been using a Step there would have been no way he could dodge it. Besides that, it’s size was that of a wrecking ball. Was it normally that size or was it being augmented by the Espada’s reiatsu strength? So many questions but so little time.

"Beset, Enjambre."

Luke’s eyes widened with surprise when he heard those words drop from the Espada’s mouth. The air erupted with energy that, if Luke was weaker than he was, could have threatened to weigh down on the Bount. A look of shock and disgust painted itself on the young mans features as he watched Shikitsuhiko’s very skin began to quiver and crawl, as if it were ripples on the surface of a lake. What’s more, insects, actual bugs, began to emerge from his body and drop to the floor. What the...fucking fuck? Luke asked himself, feeling himself sickened by just how disturbing Shikitsuhiko release was to look at.

”The floor! Look at the floor!” Jager suddenly expressed mentally from his hiding place in Luke’s shadow. Turning his gaze downwards, the Bount saw how the insects pouring from his body numbered in the hundreds. Where the hell were they all coming form? The Bount quickly moved backwards, eagerly trying to outpace the approaching horde of bugs. This wasn’t good. There were a variety of things that this power could potentially do to him if he let even a single insect on him.

Vanishing and reappearing once again with Movement, Luke was now farther away from Shiki than when the fight began. He had to thank the designers of this facility for how they built this place shape wise. It was a rectangle, not a square. Shikitsuhiko stood in the middle, whereas Luke was now backed against one of the walls. ”It’s like a fucking sci-fi horror movie in here. What’s the one with the bugs on Mars?” Jager asked as Luke weighed his options.

The horde was crawling atop everything. The walls, floors, ceiling, everything. What’s more, the floor was turning yellow and looked like it was melting. If Luke had to guess he was going to assume that the insects had basically turned the floor into acidic glue. It might not have been glue at all. More than likely though it was corrosive in some way given what had happened to the floor. Not just that, but a blue mist was being created as well. Great. Luke couldn’t help but smirk.

This guys a fucking asshole..

Shikitsuhiko had basically just made it impossible for Luke to approach him safely. Jager could safely travel through the shadows but Luke didn’t intend to risk the Doll just yet. He needed a plan. Really, though, he needed to test the potency of that mist. The stuff on the floor could be avoided thanks to Air Ground, but it wouldn’t stop the horde from jumping up or dropping down on him. Dragon might be a good technique to use here. ”No. Bring me out.” Windstarke suddenly offered, knowing full well that making a Dragon strong enough to fight the Arrancar would take too much reiatsu. ”Alright fine. Zeige Dich, Windstarke!” Luke said as he lifted his left arm that the silver wrist watch before him.

The wristwatch suddenly exploded into blue light that consumed Luke like a cyclone of wind. That glowing blue vortex heaved for a moment, before it was suddenly split apart and pushed away like a breaking egg revealing what Luke had unleashed. Hanging in the air in front of the Bount was something best described as a bird. It was about six feet in height with a wingspan of thirteen feet. While it was clearly in the shape of a bird it possessed neither flesh nor feathers. Its body seemed comprised entirely of ice except for what looked to be a metallic skeleton from which that ice grew. But its appearance was deceitful. That metallic looking structure was ice as well. A single horn of ice extended from its beak, and two glowing blue eyes focused themselves intensely onto the Arrancar before it.

Wasting no time with words, the avian entity spread its wings outward. As if that were the activation, intense arctic gales released from the bird and hurtled themselves directly towards Shikitsuhiko. But it wasn’t like it was a focused stream of wind. No. Windstarke had opened his wings as far as they could go, causing his winds to be blowing from wall to wall in Shikitsuhiko direction. This aimed to serve three purposes. Firstly, it would, hopefully, both stop the progress of the swarm coming towards Luke and the corrosive pit. Windstarke was firing a constant gale with the backing of his Reiatsu Strength after all. Secondly, it would also aim to blast that vapor being created to the other end of the warehouse and keep it trapped there. Thirdly, it would also hopefully blast Shikitsuhiko back there too. If the Arrancar wanted to play a long range game then that was fine, Luke could play that game too.

But there was more to Windstarke’s power than just that. It would become obvious, very quickly, that the winds being released by the bird were chilling to the bone. Temperature from everything being struck by those winds was being reduced at a rapid rate. If Shikitsuhiko remained exposed to those winds for too long (One post) then his bodies temperature would drop by a drastic one hundred and fifty degrees celsius. If the Arrancar remained exposed, then he would be frozen to death.

Remaining Reiatsu: 2925 / 4000
-50 for Movement x2
-400 for Doll Release

Jäger's Remaining Reiatsu: 1660 / 2010

Windstarke's Remaining Reiatsu: 7500 / 7500

1/6 Fatigue
1/12

Jäger's Duration: ∞

Windstarke's Duration: ∞

SPOILER: Click to show

{Windstarke's Stats}
Windstärke | Genius


Strength - 100 - 67 Points

Speed - 300 Points

Spiritual Pressure - 300 - 750 Points

Reiatsu Strength - 400 - 1000 Points

Light Aura - 50 Points

Dark Aura - 50 Points

Instinct - 150 Points

Senses - 150 Points

Energy sensory - 125 - 312 Points

Healing Expertise - 75 - 51 Points


Total SP: 1600 Points

[Shikitsuhiko Isayama]

Shikitsuhiko immediately noted Luke's evasive maneuver. It was wise of him to place distance between himself and the viscoso, though to do so mid-step was peculiar. Those who dwelt among the humans were indeed full of surprises. It was a shame simple movement would not aid him for long. He stepped forward, among the viscoso, as he observed his opponent. His opponent spared little time in summoning his second doll, which did not surprise Shikitsuhiiko. He would need all the power he could summon.

It did leave him questioning the number of dolls Luke was capable of. He assumed he had at least two, but is their a third? Unfortunately he could not ascertain the answer to that question just yet. Whether there was a third it wouldn't matter. It simply meant he needed to be more cautious. Alright fine. Zeige Dich, Windstarke! With those words Luke had summoned his second doll. A flying creature? I, too, feel it. The air has changed in temperature. He stated as he shasred an internal dialogue with his insects. The insects didn't simply benefit from their numbers, but their ability to communicate and their unified experience. 

They quickly took note of Luke's doll and burrowed into any surface they could find if they weren't already underground. Surrounded by opponent he could not see and unable to distinguish them individually. It was a cruel set of circumstances, but Luke was not the only one. He was placing Shikitsuhiko is a most troublesome position. The wind has dispelled the nightfall fog and if he had a concentrated ice release it meant his viscoso would lose one of its most useful attributes, at least for a short while. How troublesome indeed. He thought to himself as the arctic winds roared in his direction. His pesquis and vibration sense informed him of the dangers of this doll.

He sighed as the viscoso in front of him quickly rose and shielded him from the wind. The wind was strong, but his doll's spiritual strength was beneath that of his own. In a straight clash, it could do no more than limit the adhesive quality of his viscoso. The wall created by the viscoso would block those frosted winds from reaching him directly. While Luke's line of sight was broken, Shikitsuhiko was keenly aware of his opponent and the doll, even the one hiding beside him. His doll can somehow dematerialize as its form is not entirely tangible. It allows it to hide in plain sight and protect its master. Certainly it can move beyond its master, but is waiting for an appropriate time. Allow me to provoke the it after crushing the beast before me. He thought to himself. 

Having deactivated nightfall fog, it allowed him access to another technique, but it requires he deactivate another. Giving up the ability to manipulate the substance was a small price to pay for this brief period of time. He was far more interested in seeing the outcome. The viscoso burst upward and blocked the air further just before lunged toward Luke. A mass of it burst in his direct, before halting in mid-air.  All the insects around began emitting a thick, dense fog, but it was not floating away like the nightfall fog. It seems to cling to the air and was immovable even when confronted with his doll's icy winds. 

The fog quickly spread in a matter of seconds, but its purpose might not be immediately understood. He used sonido to travel to the edge of the viscoso, but still out of view of his opponents. The visual barriers he made hid his physical form, but the fog, which could not be dispelled, diffused all reiatsu. They couldn't see or hear him and any attempt to sense reiatsu would prove ineffective. They were virtually blind. Shikitsuhiko ran several feet toward the edge of the room while they were initially distracted by the viscoso's pursuit of Luke. He raised his hands as he felt the vibrations surging throughout the room. Ostentatiousness certainly has its disadvantages in situations like these. He thought to himself as a black and cyan cero collected in his hand before bursting forward with double his reiatsu strength (2400). It tore through the wall of the viscoso striking Luke's precious bird doll.

Many aspects were working against Luke while aiding Shikitsuhiko. They were unable to see, hear, or sense Shikitsuhiko or his technique. They would be completely blindsided, especially because he had changed his location. The cero was not only powerful, but the amount of energy fueling the technique made it far larger than his regular cero, which were already large in size.  The gargantuan sized cero would be nearly inescapable even with swift movement. To make matters worse, Luke, too, might feel the burst of this cero.

The cero would strike his windstarke, nearly incinerating its body and shatters its form. A blow of this magnitude would obliterate the doll and leave it unusable until it was able to properly heal. To make matters more complicated for Luke, from the moment Shikitsuhiko release his insects were spreading beneath the surface and the commotion allow dozens of his insects to occupy the ground beneath Luke. With the viscoso moving and the cero bursting forth, insects quickly crawled to the surface and onto Luke's legs. The insects immediately took their razor-sharp mandibles and burrowed into his skin. They just needed to break his skin and it was all over. They would immediately shed their body and meld into the flesh and open wound, sending a hemotoxin into his body. The hemotoxin would course through his veins, causing a burning and tingling sensation across his entire body. His body would die from the inside out unless he made the necessary sacrifices. 


4,450
-150 Grilletes (B)
-150 Desposeer (C)
=4,150
[400] Cero Oscuras
2/5 Pesquis 
2/8 Fatigue

2/16

SPOILER: Click to show

{Desposeer - C} Similar to above, the swarm begin emitting chemicals into the area, spreading approximately 50 ft in every direction. The chemical released from the swarm creates a dome-shaped vapor that completely isolates reiatsu from outside.. In essence, those inside are masked from those outside the fog. At the same time, however, the chemical mix completely diffuses reiatsu, making it impossible for either Shikitsuhiko or his opponents from relying on energy sensory abilities. Both will be unable to lock onto reiatsu signatures or sense any fluctuation or use of reiatsu. The chemicals create a dense fog, which can distort an opponent's vision, but not blind them alone. The fog produced is heavy and dense, but most importantly it adheres to reishi in the air. In doing so, it cannot simply be dispelled by a gust of wind. If an opponent has 400+ ES, they can resist the effects and sense reiatsu.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Grilletes}(Opponent) - Members of the swarm can use the same mechanics mentioned above to transform into invading cells that spread chemicals throughout an opponent's body. They inflict the opponent with a highly potent, but rather slow acting hemotoxin that causes vast degeneration across their body. The chemical make-up of the hemotoxin is highly adaptable, in much the same was as above. They can change their chemical composition so an opponent's body has more difficulty processing and combating the hemotoxin. The hemotoxin itself will target tissues, organs, and muscles. The toxin will also prevent an opponent's wounds from mending, which causes wounds to continue bleeding until the toxin is removed from their body. It will cause wide-spread tissue damage, appearing like rotting flesh that blackens and causes significant pain. Only someone with the apex of pain resistant skills can lessen the pain of this effect. Erosion of the skin will be begin localized (i.e. where the insects entered the body) and spread from there.



Organ degeneration will impact breathing and movement as damage increases, impacting overall stamina and mobility. Those with a three in poison resistance will be able to moderately slow down the process of the hemotoxin. It will affect them every other post (refer to infection rate below). Each post the symptoms and effects will progress. The major flaw of this aspect of the technique is not housed with the toxin itself, but rather the point of infection. The insects are unable to inject the poison by stinging. They must invade the host's body, which can only be done by entering a wound or burrowing through the skin. They are capable of burrowing through the skin quite rapidly due to their sharp mandibles and legs. If an opponent has 400+ HE, they can halt the toxin from going beyond post five effects. If an opponent pays 200 reiatsu per post, they can keep the effects of the toxin at bay. If, at any point, they cannot or choose not to pay the reiatsu amount the effects of the toxin will resume based on the number of posts that have passed. That is, if six posts have gone by, the effects will pick up at post six effects.



To help illustrate the effects of the hemotoxin, below is an example of the effect, per post, following infection:



Initial infection:The user will feel a slight tingling and burning sensation on their skin across the whole body, especially in the location where the insects enters.

Second post: Their epidermis will begin exhibiting symptoms of corrosion. It will be a blackish/grey color and the skin breaks open into wounds. It will be prominent at the area of infection.

Third post: 30 percent of their body's skin has now changed to the blackish-grey and their wounds are festering due to deeper layers of the dermis eroding away due to the hemotoxin. They will be losing blood steadily and find that their skin is far more susceptible to damage.

fourth post: Any wounds they have received by this point are bleeding consistently as the bodies clotting function is greatly impaired. Even healing stats will be ineffective at helping promote clotting and prevent further blood loss.

fifth post: Muscles and related tissues will begin experiencing the effects of the hemotoxin, resulting in muscles tearing and eroding away, causing excruciating pain, though this can be slightly mitigated by pain tolerance 3. Without pain tolerance, attacking will be painful enough to prevent the opponent to defend and counterattack.

Sixth post: An opponent's organs, such as lungs, will begin to experience the effect of the hemotoxin. They will begin to experience tissue degeneration, causing the infected person to develop symptoms of labored breathing and easily winded during battle, especially if they are involved in heavy combat or using step techniques.

Seventh Post:The dermis is now fully infected and deep, gaping wounds are appearing across the user's body. This will double stamina drain and hinder fighting due to pain, blood loss, and difficulty breathing. Beyond post seven the user's symptoms worsen, to the point that their flesh is melting off their body and the majority of their epidermis is rotting away. The opponent runs the risk of dying by post eight.

[Deleted]

Needless to say, both Luke and his Doll were rather surprised when the floor before them suddenly rose up into a wall to defend the Arrancar from Windstarke’s arctic winds. Looks like whatever his insects were doing to the floor they burrowed into extended to more than just some bad looking goop. Shit.. Luke thought to himself. Because the Arrancar’s Spiritual Strength was stronger than Windstarke’s the winds couldn’t break the wall apart. Regardless though, didn’t stop the secondary effect of those winds from activating now. The winds chilling effects were causing a thin sheet of ice to begin to form across the surfaces of everything the winds touched.

The ice being created, though thin, was strong and reinforced with Windstarke’s Reiatsu Strength. Formed across the surface of vicoso, machinery, and the floor, Windstarke’s ice was spreading across the packaging facility. But there was something peculiar about the ice. When looked at it, there was no ice visible. In fact, it simply looked like pure darkness was growing across the floors and walls. This was because Windstarke’s ice was special. It was called Black Ice for a reason. It was a special ice that absorbed light, thus creating darkness. As a result, it was giving Jäger even more room to maneuver should the Doll choose to act.

But that wasn’t happening right now. In fact, the trio was surprise with what happened next. The wall of vicoso seemed to lunge towards them before stopping, creating a larger wall. They noticed that the fog that was being pushed back was dissipating. Had the Arrancar turned it off or had they defeated that ability? Didn’t have much time to think about that though. The wall that lunged for them had stopped and instead was now producing a new kind of mist. Blinking, Luke noticed that Windstarke’s winds weren’t blowing this new fog away. Instead, it was as if the fog wasn’t even being affected by the wind. The risen wall that stood in their way was being frozen by the Dolls winds instead. Whatever this fog was, Luke didn’t want to be caught inside it.

”I can’t sense him anymore.” Windstarke suddenly said, mentally, to Luke and Jäger. You’re right. Neither can I. Luke confirmed, narrowing his eyes in frustration. ”Neither can I. It must be that fart gas.” Jäger suggested, though the other two were thinking that very same thing. They needed to break that wall. The very fact Shikitsuhiko created that wall was proof that he didn’t want Windstarke’s wind touching him. It meant the Arrancar felt he was endangered. Placing a hand on Windstarke, Luke realized he didn’t have a choice but to use that power. Or, as Jäger put it, the ultimate asspull.

As Shikitsuhiko used his Sonido to travel to the edge of his vicoso, Luke placed his hand on the avian Doll before him. From the depths of his very soul he grasped the power laying dormant and pull it out, causing the flames to appear. Bright, beautiful, blue flames erupted into existence and consumed Luke’s hands. However, they did not burn. The flames quickly spread onto Windstarke, empowering him and Luke with the power of Chakra. It had been Luke’s intention to use this to break the wall Shikitsuhiko had created and end this battle, and thank god for him making that decision.

Because just about as soon as those flames covered Windstarke, something came erupting out of the Desposer fog. Soundless, sightless, and impossible to sense, whatever it was came erupting from the fog like a bullet train straight at the two. Both were caught by surprise as the black energy beam shot at them, and were only saved by Windstarke quickly turning around and wrapping Luke in his wings and using his own body as a shield. But what’s more, the Doll activated a technique just as the Cero Oscuras collided with his body. The Cero Oscuras washed over them, eating away everything around them and the structure around them. An attack of this size? Shikitsuhiko just ended up destroying everything in front of him.

The facility was opened up to the night. The rest of the facility behind Luke had been practically erased. But more importantly, what about Luke? Well, Shikitsuhiko would sense him before he saw him. When the Cero Oscuras died down, the Arrancar would see a blob of darkness hanging in the air. A strange thing to see, for sure, but what made it even more strange was the blue flames surrounded the darkness. The darkness shifted, before opening up into a avian shape and revealing the Bount and his Doll to be perfectly fine. So, what happened?

When the Cero Oscuras had fired at them, Windstarke had used his body and winds to shield Luke by encircling him. The Doll had activated Dunkelrüstung, creating a armor of Black Ice around the bird. The armor took his Reiatsu Strength and added half his Spiritual Pressure stat to create the strength of the armors defense, and while normally that wouldn’t be enough to stop the Cero Oscuras it was thanks to Chakra that the move had been successful. Cero Oscuras was fired with 2400 Reiatsu Strength, and Dunkelrüstung’s strength was 1375. Because Cero Oscuras didn’t have 2x Dunkelrüstung strength, the defense had won out thanks to Chakra. Didn’t mean that it wasn’t cutting things close.

However, they hadn’t accounted for the other factor to Shikitsuhiko’s attack. As the two worked together to stop the Cero Oscuras, they failed to notice the threat lurking beneath Luke’s feet. As the Cero washed over them, the insects that made up Shikitsuhiko’s release burst from the ground. Luke’s eyes widened and before he could yell out something coherent, the insects bite and chewed their way into his legs causing the Bount to yell out in pain. ”Luke!” Jäger cried out in shock as his Bount master collapsed to one knee. Windstarke’s eyes widened with shock as he saw his Master writhing in pain, clutching at the wounds made by the insects that melded with his very skin.

Well, now it was Luke’s turn. ”Hraaaaaaaaaaggghhhh!!” Windstarke roared out in anger as he spread his wings once more, firing his winds once again that were now also carrying the Chakra flames. They’d slam into the Vicoso wall, causing it to be blown away without much resistance. But Windstarke did much, much, more than just that. As Windstarke fired his winds, his reiatsu also kicked into gear. Six at a time, points of reiatsu collected together around the bird to form before instantly forming large, sharpened, icicles. Windstarke was readying his Rakete technique, but he was doing it to a extreme level. Not once, not twice, not three times, but a total of five times the technique was cast. Thirty of these ice missiles were formed, instantly, before suddenly fired at 700 Speed.

Windstarke didn’t have Shikitsuhiko’s exact position because of that fog, but with what he had planned it didn’t really matter. He wasn’t going for perfect accuracy, he was going with the “create such a large field of destruction that the target CAN’T dodge” strategy. With his Chakra enhanced winds destroying the wall of Vicoso, and hopefully keeping Shikitsuhiko from moving, Windstarke fired his missiles. These missiles, enhanced by Chakra as well, were quite destructive to say the least. Shikitsuhiko’s Cero Oscuras vs Windstarke’s Rakete barrage...was hard to say which one did more collateral damage to the facility. But the thirty missiles created a practical hellzone of subzero explosions that not even Shikitsuhiko’s Hierro would be able to protect him from. Covering himself with his arm to shield his eyes from any debris or ice shards, Luke had to wonder what was going to happen next. Was the Arrancar fine after all that? What did the insects in his legs entail?

Remaining Reiatsu: 2150 / 4000
-800 for Chakra

Jäger's Remaining Reiatsu: 1660 / 2010

Windstarke's Remaining Reiatsu: 6075 / 7500
-300 for Dunkelrüstung
-1125 for Rakete x5

Jäger's Duration: ∞

Windstarke's Duration: ∞
2/6 Fatigue
2/12 Exhaustion

SPOILER: Click to show

{Asspull: Chakra}
Technique Name: [Spiritual Discipline: Chakra]

Class: [1]

Technique Type: [HWD Tech]

Usable By: [Bount, Mod Souls, Fullbringers, Non Vandenreich Quincy, HWD Nakabakki]

Technique Element: [N/A]

Technique Description and Effects: [Insert Below]

The soul. Essentially the core of one's true self. And to manifest its energy is a feat anyone can accomplish. When you gaze at all of the spiritually aware, you see them blasting their spiritual energy around themselves. Sometimes they can flex it and use the force it generates to their advantage. Other times they can create projectiles, or concoct actual physical changes. But this technique is different.

The cost for this is a full 800 reiatsu, but it lasts for 20 posts. As long as it is active, the user's hands gain the power to directly utilize their own reiatsu. How? Anything they touch, should they allow it, including their own body, can be imbued with a flame of their choosing. This fire isn't hot, and does not burn. What it does it enhance offensive and defensive capability. This can be used on techniques, releases, body, attacks, weapons, etc.

As long as that flame coats an object, it is considered "class neutral" and "value neutral." Unless struck by a superior class or 2x offensive stat or more, it will always win in conflict against anything that is without a flame. In other words, say Player A utilizes Chakra on their sword and Player B has some sort of Hierro-like ability. Player A, except with the aforementioned limitations, will always be able to cut clean through that defense and sever it.

If the target is also coated in flames, however, then the neutrality of class and value is lost against that target, and once again it is treated as a clash of offensive power or class, as per normal rules. Therefore, this technique is a must for top level HWD, as it is almost impossible to succeed in combat without it. Just to meet the high tier status quo, this technique is required.

How to use technique (How is it activated?): [Insert Below]

It is activated for the 800 reiatsu cost, and it is special in that no technique that lowers reiatsu cost can lower the cost of this technique. Furthermore, anyone who can charge or generate reiatsu cannot use any such methods of charge or regeneration while this technique is active. To learn this technique, user must know Willpower, Output, Movement, and Energy Generate.

Technique Drawbacks (Limitations, repercussions for use, etc) (Insert Below)

800 reiatsu cost, in addition to considerable stamina drain the longer this technique is used. In addition, anyone who uses this technique bleeds 20% more profusely out of wounds while it is active.

Incantation and Effect: [N/A]

Made By: [Kento]

Reserved?: [No]

SPOILER: Click to show

{Dunkelrüstung}
This is Windstärkes defensive technique, for when things are not going well for him. Using this technique encases Windstärke in a covering of his own ice, covering him a Black Ice armor that protects him from attacks thrown against him. This armor of Black Ice is rather useful for more reasons than just protection, as combatants who try and get too close to Windstärke when he is using this technique will be affected by the Black Ice absorbing the light around them. Speaking of protection though, this technique is actually a very powerful armor. It doesn't just take in the value of the Dolls Reiatsu Strength, but also takes half of the Spiritual Pressure stat and adds that value to Reiatsu Strength to equal the defensive value of the armor.

Drawbacks: So what sort of drawbacks are we gonna see? Well, first of, this Doll is a bird. A bird in armor. See the problem here? While Windstärke can still fly, his speed is reduced by 50% while using this technique and he cannot use Streifen, since why should he be able to move faster when weighed down like that? This technique lasts for three posts, and can't actually be cancelled until the technique has ended. The technique also costs 300 reiatsu to activate, and can only be used three times a release.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Rakete}
While Windstarke's natural overall ability makes up the bulk of his offensive capabilities, sometimes he needs to add a little oomph. Rakete is a technique that utilizes Windstarkes cryokinesis in a very offensive manner. Using this technique allows Windstarke to fire off six, instantly formed, spikes of black ice. The icicles are generated from concentrations of reiatsu that will appear around Windstarke before being fired. These icicles are fired at a strength equal to his reiatsu strength, and will also explode with that same level of strength when they come into contact with something as well as at 700 speed. But while they are explosive, their shaped tips mean that they possess serious penetrative strength. This means that things hit by the icicles will generally be stabbed through by them before they explode. These iciles are also rather large in relativity to his size.

Drawback: These icicles can only be fired from Windstarke's front, meaning they are safe if they are behind the Doll. This technique costs 225 reiatsu to use. Someone with Energy Sensory can predict this technique before it's used and before the concentrations of reiatsu are visible.

[Shikitsuhiko Isayama]

Shikitsuhiko's cero had been neutralized. How? He asked himself. Nothing he knew of could withstand the force of his cero oscuras, especially considering the apparent disparity in their spiritual strength. He frowned knowing that he had to take defensive measures. He re-activated mudar, but instructed the swarm to go about altering the landscape different than before. The descended further, extending the influence of mudar. The surface beneath his feet began to bubble as he sank into the ground quickly.  

Submerging into mudar, he instructed it to create a tunnel that allowed him to move  below the service  into an intricate set of tunnels. Using his vibration sense he could easily navigate the tunnels he had crafted. He needed to get close to Luke. He relied heavily on keeping him at a distance with his dolls, which is especially effective considering how easily he defied his cero. The ground shook as the explosions spread across the surface from the ice missile. One of his dolls guards his body closely whereas the other interacts with the environment. What technique allowed him to make that ice creature impervious? He asked himself.

Shikitsuhiko needed to determine a course of action quickly. He would only be able to use this to surprise his foe once. Running through the tunnels composed of mudar he coordinate the location of both Luke and Windstarke. He could feel his insects dissolving inside Luke's body, having already infected him. First exposure would leave his opponent feeling a tingling, burning sensation on the skin along his whole body. His skin would not be taking on a blackish-grey color and breaking open into wounds, that would be especially prominent in the area he was initially infected. Shikitsuhiko need only wait as the effects would become increasingly worse very shortly and were incapable of being healed by the Bount. 

Insects emerged from around Shikitsuhiko and collected across his body. They began to meld into his skin as he vanished even further into the darkness. He began running through the tunnels, heading toward the corner left of Luke. Based on the initial vibrations it was clear the ice creature was targeting in area directly in front of it and Luke. They still had no idea where he was located, and he wanted it to remain that way. Shikitsuhiko needed to distract them, so multiple walls of viscoso burst from the ground in front Windstarke, an effort to distract them all. 

"There is simply no where for you to go." Shikitsuhiko quietly declared as the wall which Luke has his back quickly became Viscoso. Simultaneously with this the viscos slowly thinned roughly 10 feet to the left of Luke. The viscoso leapt from the wall and ensnared Luke from behind while Shikitsuhiko emerged from the opening in the ground. Unfortunately, he had used a technique within the tunnels to make himself completely invisible. His hand already pointed at Luke, Shikitsuhiko decided he would end Luke with the same technique he thwarted earlier.  There simply wasn't enough time for them to react to everything and he was certain he had Luke right where he wanted him. 

The cero oscuras fired from his finger and its shear size was inescapable. Luke would be incapable of moving due to the viscoso's adhesive properties and it having wrapped around his body, covering his legs, hands, arms, and head. The viscoso would force itself in his mouth, ears, and up his nose. If Shikitsuhiko couldn't vaporize him then he'd suffocate him, filling his body and lungs with viscoso. The powerful cero raged forward annihilated everything in its path and destroying the entire right-side of the facility. 


4,150

-150 Mudar
-150 Desposeer
=3,850
[400] Cero Oscuras

3/5 Pesquis

3/8 Fatigue

3/16 res

[Deleted]

BLEH

Did you get him?” Luke asked, mentally, his question directed to Windstarke who had just released a barrage of Rakete at the Arrancar. The avian Doll, hanging in the air with his wings fully extended, stared ahead into the frost vapor debris that floated about in the air. Eye’s narrowing in focus before suddenly wincing as the pain from the insects rattled him, causing him to focus on his legs once again. Just what where they doing? How could he let himself get caught by them like that? But, suddenly, without being given time to think Luke was under siege yet again.

"There is simply no where for you to go." They all heard just before the very wall behind Luke sprung forward, the substance called Viscoso having assimilated the wall behind him. ”Wh-” Luke had began to shout as he turned, turning to face the wall and try to do something about it but was, unfortunately, snagged and ensnared by it. It bound his entire body and began to force its way into every orifice it could fit, as disgusting as it was it was a good way to ensure that Luke wasn’t going to move.

Windstarke, becoming aware of the situation, was in the middle of turning when Shikitsuhiko emerged from the tunnels his insects had created. The Doll’s eyes widened, as well as Luke’s, when they saw the black energy gathering together. Well, needless to say, Luke wasn’t seeing things for much longer after that. He couldn’t move and Windstarke couldn’t stop Shikitsuhiko in time.

[Himitsu Kasumi'Oji]

+610 TP to Luke
+460 TP and an additional 100 victory TP to Shiki