The long night [Tsukuyomi]

[Col Arana]

Thread Title: The Long Night
Participants: Col Arana, Tsukuyomi Kawada
World: Soul Society
Death Setting: Non Death Enabled
Rating: PG
Location: An outer Rukongai district in a small teashop.
Special Conditions: None. Standard NDE fight.
Circumstances: Col Arana has infiltrated Soul Society. Not wishing to draw attention to himself, he has opted for terrorizing a tea shop in the outermost districts of Rukongai for their wares, while waiting for worthy prey. Tsukuyomi Kawada answers the call.

[Col Arana]

The sun set on Rukongai. Darkness crept out across the land. People went to sleep in their beds, torches were lit, and businesses closed for the night. All but one. At a humble location in the Rukongai, the lights remained on, a plume of steam rising out the doors as those within continuously toiled away. For what cause? Why? Who was so important as to leave their business running long after sundown? Was it some dignified noble running a party for his friends? No... No, it wasn't loud enough for that. Was it a Shinigami that had done the owner a favor? No, indeed, that wasn't right either. There was a sickly, ominous reiatsu that leaked out from the shop. A tea shop. There was only one patron tonight, and it was not a Shinigami.

Col Arana sat back in his seat with a contented sigh, a cup of green tea in front of him. An arrancar. Quite clearly. Both the malicious reiatsu, as well as the mask fragment atop his brow was evidence of that. Platinum hair swayed lightly in a gentle breeze that blew through the open door to the shop. "It's not particularly my first choice. My first choice would have been a nice red wine of some type. But..." He sipped and let out an enjoyable 'ahhh' as he placed the cup back down. "This tea of yours is quite remarkable. Bravo. Truly." He complimented the tea shop's owner who was standing and looking at the arrancar apprehensively. Col locked eyes with him, and gave a charming smile. A very, very fake smile, that did little to hide the malicious mind behind it, but perhaps it was his way of being reassuring? "Fear not. I'm not going to kill you tonight." He said. "Well. As long as you do not attempt to flee for help. And I'm willing to compensate you for your work tonight, you've quite earned it." This statement, while meant to be reassuring as well, left something to be desired while Col had a long slender blade resting beside him from his seated position. Col sipped his tea again. "You are welcome to close up shop as soon as my visitor arrives. And do not fear, he should be here soon." He assured the tea-maker.

For while Col had been leisurely sitting here and drinking tea, he'd been allowing his reiatsu to emanate. Controlling it sharply so that he did not betray his full power. Col was suffering his hunger pains again, and had decided that he would feast on Shinigami flesh tonight. He was emanating reiatsu comparable to a standard Menos Grande. An adjuchas class. Out this far from Soul Society, patrols would be minimal. Maybe only one or two Shinigami? Hmm. But if he fought at full power, it would garner significant attention from Soul Society, and he was not in the mood for a feast tonight. A light snack would be sufficient. He knew it would not be long before a Shinigami came to investigate this reiatsu. And then? Then Col would feast.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Stats and Abilities}
[Strength: 300 (100)
Speed: 400
Reiatsu Strength: 400 (1400)
Spirit Pressure: 340
Light Aura: 0
Dark Aura: 100
Senses: 150
Instincts: 390 (130)
Energy Sensory: 120 (420)
Healing Expertise: 100 (33)
Total: 2200]

Martial Arts: Blades: 3
Martial Arts: Wing Chun: 2
Special Skill: Climbing: 3
Stealth: 2
Battle Analysis: 3
Analysis: 2

[Tsukuyomi Kawada]

Walking throughout the streets of the Rukongai that had once been the place that he knew as home or rather the world itself was a strange sensation. It felt like so long ago that he had been here, walking throughout the puzzle of tattered shakes that everyone used as homes while relying on his hearing in order to guide him along. He had been here for years. Stumbling over the dirt in search of food for not only himself, but his mother as well. It hadn't taken long for her to leave him. To be left alone in this God forsaken place with nothing to call his own possession. He owned nothing more than the natural talent he had been born with and used that talent in order to get out of this hellhole by becoming a shinigami.

It had only been a few years now if even that long yet it felt like a different life now. He could see now and these streets looked even worse than he had imagined them. This place was one of sorrow and contempt. The people here didn't care for anyone outside their families as they all tired to survive on what little they all could seem to do. It was a game of survival with many of them eventually turning on others with violence in order to take what wasn't there's just to get by a little while longer. Such a dystopic environment that drowned more souls in sorrow than it ever raised up to achieve joy.

He had returned here tonight in order to gaze back at where he had started. During a previous assignment along with all of the troubles recently facing Soul Society Tsukuyomi's faith in himself was wavering. He had failed more than once at keeping his inner darkness at bay and the cost free each time. Was it getting easier to accept the only thing that his father ever gave him? If he lost control again would the next time he kill more? He needed to remember why he become a shinigami and figure out how he could regain his composure of self assurance.

It didn't take long though for Tsukuyomi to stumble by what looked like the only open at this hour. His stomach began to growl and he realized that he hadn't had anything to eat or drink in several hours. Perhaps he wouldn't be to late and he could still get a small snack. He could recall the scent of this building as a tea shop he had only ever gone in once. The owner of he recalled had threatened him for scaring off others as a blind boy begging was bad for business. As Tsukuyomi drew the drapes across allowing him entrance inside he felt something off in the shop. Looking up he saw on my the owner and a single patron who after a moment of inspection was realized as an Arrancar.

Tsukuyomi could act like so many other shinigami especially in Division Eleven and immediately draw his zanpakuto and start attacking the Arrancar. He didn't work like that though. Instead he began to walk over towards the owner. "A single cup of green tea and two sticks of spicy dongo." Tsukuyomi wasn't one to be polite especially not to someone he knew wasn't kind enough to treat a child with care. Perhaps it was a grudge perhaps not it simply was to him. After a few moments his order was brought up to the counter and Tsukuyomi placed down the payment in coins on the counter. After that he grabbed his cup and the small plate with the dongo on it and walked over to the low table that the Arranger continued to sit at.

When he reached the table Tsukuyomi simply starred at the Arrancar as he had the entire time he had been walking over which although only a few seconds was enough to get his point across. Both entities were sizing the other up. Tsukuyomi possesses no talent at sensing reiatsu all he could tell was that this Arrancar possesses experience and skill. It wasn't easy to tell, but the position of his zanpakuto along with his look and attitude gave Tsukuyomi the idea that this Arrancar was one that could definitely out duel more than his fair share of even the best of Division Eleven. Sitting down across from him Tsukuyomi would place the dongo in the center. He grabbed one of the tasty sweet sticks with three red tan colored balls of sugar and bread and offered the second to the Arrancar with a nudge of his head. After a sip of his tea Tsukuyomi starred into the eyes of the man across from him. "Why are you here?"

[Col Arana]

Ahh.... and there he was. Col's expected guest. "Welcome, Shinigami. Have a seat." Col offered, and the Shinigami did exactly that. He wasn't immediately hostile. And Col smiled at this. "Ah, how wonderful. A proper gentleman, who knows the value of conversation, and speaks before he strikes." He noted, allowing Tsukuyomi to take a seat. "You see?" He proposed to the teamakers. "As soon as you conclude this gentleman's order you may leave. I wouldn't want such excellent teamakers getting caught in the crossfire." The arrancar took note of the Shinigami's badge, displaying his rank and office. Hmm... That was a badge Col had only seen once before. A Vice Captain is it? Wonderful. He thought, as he poured himself some more tea from the pot. And one from a division that, if Col's memory served him, specialized in combat as well. He inquired as to Col's purpose.

"I came here, Vice Captain, in the hopes of attracting a Shinigami." He stated. "You see, I am cursed, even among my kind with an endless hunger, that no amount of food or drink can sate." He sipped the tea. "Not that I don't enjoy such things, at any rate." He added as an afterthought. "I am not so far gone I cannot appreciate such remarkable tea, or fine wines, or foods when I am offered it. But it does not sate my hunger. Power does. I am a connoisseur, Vice Captain. Of beings. Hollow. Arrancar. Human. Shinigami. I seek out the strong, and I feast upon them." He informed Tsukuyomi. "I take no pride in it. It's barbaric really. Cannibalism. Devouring other sentient beings. I concede, it makes me ill better than a wild beast or base Hollow." Col admitted. "But, it is truly the only thing that can sate this hunger. And I must sate it, else I may go into a savage, berserk rage, and cause catastrophic damage. I do apologize, but it seems you will be my sacrifice tonight." He noted, as he drained his cup, before pouring in the last of the tea. "It's really nothing personal. Take it as a compliment if you will, that I deem you worthy of devouring. I have oft let go those who proved too weak to do so."

Now, Col paused, for he had detected something. A strange fluctuation in Tsukuyomi's reiatsu, and his eyes narrowed slightly. "....What's this?" He inquired, holding his teacup, but not drinking from it yet. "You...." His eyes narrowed, as Col focused at Tsukuyomi. Then he abruptly recoiled, as if stung. "You... are not a Shinigami." He stated. Quietly. Quietly enough that only Tsukuyomi would hear him. "No... you are... but you are not. I see it. I can sense it. Your reiatsu. It is so very, very similar to a Shinigami's. But there is something more. Something I do not wish to experience further. What are you, Vice Captain of Soul Society?" Col hissed, his tone no longer gentle and jovial, but vindictive and malicious, as though Tsukuyomi had just somehow severely offended him. This was Col's first meeting with a Hell Race, and the experience of feeling the reiatsu of a being from hell was quite unpleasant for him. A small victory for Tsukuyomi, before the battle had even begun.

[Tsukuyomi Kawada]

Being treated by the Arrancar that sat at the table wasn't something that Tsukuyomi had particularly expected yet was still more than gladly to accept over the typical response of instant combat. It seemed that Tsukuyomi's thoughts on the matter were shared by the Arrancar who greeted him pleasantly enough. Tsukuyomi didn't have to wait long to find out that was how the Arrancar felt as he made a point to bring up how gentleman like it was for Tsukuyomi to not instantly attack him for simply being an Arrancar. If only he knew the truth about him he might understand why he always gave others that hadn't already committed hostile actions a chance to leave.

This Arrancar wasn't one to underestimate though that much Tsukuyomi could tell within a few moments. Not only was he unfazed by a shinigami arriving and now sitting across from him, but he had seen the eyes of the Arrancar glance over his badge. A typical Arrancar would comment or react to his position even if he was quite young in one way or another. This Arrancar was unfazed and didn't allow it to effect him in the least an aspect that Tsukuyomi had to keep in mind when evaluating how to proceed. The shop keeper was in no way trying to stay any longer even if it was his business. He wouldn't be the only one though as civilians for a few blocks now began to move further away believing that when an Arrancar arived and a shinigami came to handle the situation a battle always broke out which meant the building was going to be destroyed along with potentially the surrounding area so it was best to get as far away as possible as fast as possible.

Tsukuyomi began to drink his green tea holding the cup with his right hand under it while his left held the grasp around the curved body. This Arrancar sure was a talker. Perhaps one that enjoyed his own voice. Or maybe Tsukuyomi just hadn't ever met one that spoke like a typical shinigami or human. He knew that he didn't talk much compared to others so perhaps it really was up to the personality of the individual not just the race. Yet another reason never to grudge anyone based on something so superficial. That was when such an important aspect of life have Tsukuyomi the information that this Arrancar apparently was particularly ravenous. He went into what had to be full detail with how much he spoke. It seemed that he was going to attack him after all in order to consume him so that he wouldn't have to deal with the painful hunger that plagued Hollows.

Picking up one of the dongo that he had gotten from the owner at the start Tsukuyomi bite off one of the three pieces on the stick and began to chew. His eyes starred into those of the Arrancar giving him the knowledge that despite everything Tsukuyomi wasn't afraid and would face him down if he made a move against him. He was just about done chewing and ready to respond when the expression on the Arrancar's face shifted. He had looked so calm and confident much the same that Tsukuyomi figured he had to look when suddenly now he looked almost fearful. Over the next few moments Tsukuyomi learned why this Arrancar had reacted in such a manner and why his attitude had suddenly changed so much.

He could sense the difference between a typical shinigami and himself. That meant that this Arrancar possesses quite the talent for sensing reiatsu perhaps to the point he might be able to perceive his soul. He's definitely have to keep that in mind if this Arrancar still planned on devouring him. Once the Arrancar was finished speaking ing he now threatening tone Tsukuyomi kept his stern gaze. Placing his cup on the table between them he concentrated his reiatsu flexing it as much as he could without releasing. He took special care to focus almost like he was giving into the side of him that he took care never to awaken. It was a gamble, but if it could scare away this Arrancar perhaps it was worth it. "I'm not something to be trifled with due to a slightly hankering for food. If you want to seek out something powerful enough to satisfy your never ceasing hunger than by all means go and cleanse the worlds of a few hundred Vandenreich. If you stay here though you'll learn what I am and what it is we of Hell are capable of." This was a first. The Vice Captain of Division Eleven usually kept his existence as a Nakkabakki under wraps yet this was a unique position where his heritage was actually an advantage and one he had just attempted to use for his and Soul Society's benefit.

[Col Arana]

The Shinigami didn't speak at first. As far as conversation went, it was less that Col loved the sound of his own voice, and more that he didn't really have anyone to talk to besides his victims. And most of the time they just yelled war cries at him, or screamed and begged for mercy. Boring conversations. Tsukuyomi was one of the few whom Col could actually interact and speak with before he killed him. But even he was greeting Col with a threat, which caused the arrancar's face to set in a line, giving Tsukuyomi a flat expression. "You are mistaken. Your sentiment is amusing, and I would eat a Quincy just as readily as a Shinigami. But they are a crafty lot and hide themselves well. Shinigami are a far more reliable food source. And you are mistaken to think even a thousand lesser beings would satisfy this hunger. I told you. I am a creature whose hunger is sated by power.... Not merely by quantity. My food must be of the highest quality, for even the arm of a Shinigami Captain would sate it more than a hundred of your seated officers. And I would know. I've consumed at least that many over my lifetime~" Col said with a far too pleasant smile. "I'm certain you've had many Shinigami who went out on missions and never reported back. Never heard from again. I wonder how many of those were my doing~?" He taunted Tsukuyomi. "Well, I hope none of them were close to you." He said. "But you are mistaken if you think your nature will drive me away. It is true, your dominion may be less pleasing to my palette, but... well. You've seen me now, have you not?" Col inquired. "I hardly expect you intend to let me stay and fetch a new meal. Terrorize the human world, perhaps."

Col sighed, as he finished the last of his tea, and placed it down. "It's a pity, really. You seem an interesting fellow. Well. Perhaps if I should find your Hell flesh, not to my taste, I may be inclined to spare you. It depends how much of my abilities you see. But I'll allow you to finish your meal. It might be your last, so I encourage you to enjoy it." He said contently now, having regained his composure, now that Tsukuyomi had explained himself. A hand lazily traced down to his sheathed blade by his side and he slowly placed it on his lap, one hand on the hilt of the weapon. "I suggest we take this duel outside, however. It would be a pity to cause unnecessary damage. Although I've never actually fought in a tea shop before. It is up to you, Shinigami." Col noted, giving Tsukuyomi the choice of venue, and patiently waiting for him to finish his meal. He seemed unhurried, despite the hunger he had described before. Col had, to an extent, learned to live with it, and with food so close, it was actually easier.

He has very potent reiatsu. Is that a result of his lineage, I wonder? Col thought. He had never fought a denizen of Hell. He wasn't certain what to expect. This mingling of Shinigami and demonic reiatsu.... Reiatsu that Col was actually repulsed by, causing him to repress his energy sensing abilities to only the surface. Enough to detect fluctuations, but not to gaze too deeply. Gaze too deeply into the abyss, and who knows what would gaze back. "He is a Shinigami of the Eleventh Division. They're a very combat focused division.... The infantry of Soul Society. The assault squad. Despite that reiatsu, he is likely competent in melee combat... Interesting. A similar approach to myself. Intriguing. I am looking forward to this~

[Tsukuyomi Kawada]

The reaction of the Arrancar to the mold threat that Tsukuyomi had just issued was one that the young Kawada hadn't been expecting. Perhaps due to his own inexperience with displaying emotion did Tsukuyomi misunderstand that which he saw described on the page of the Arrancar's features. He had believed that his demonic heritage had cast fear into the Arrancar yet that didn't seem to be the case as the Arrancar's expression shifted once again now into a flat one that simply told Tsukuyomi he may have just overplayed himself and lost what little advantage his heritage could have given him in this battle.

The Arrancar stayed civilized stating how he was gladly devour Quincy just as fast as Shinigami the fact of the matter though was that they were much harder to find. Tsukuyomi although one of the protectors of the civilians of all the worlds at least in the eyes of Soul Society didn't want to get had to agree that the Arrancar was correct in his statements. Everything he had said about Quincy being more difficult to find up to a Captain fighting off an endless hunger more than hundreds of seated officers made sense. It wasn't until he began to try and provoke Tsukuyomi that the Vice Captain knew a battle between them both was truly inevitable.

The Arrancar had jade it clear that he had been planning to devour the first Shinigami to find him yet for a moment the long dark haired Kawada believed there was a chance to get him to leave without a battle ensuing. That chance although incredibly small was snuffed out. He was looking for a fight now just as he had been since the start. Tsukuyomi relied on his natural cold attitude towards most others to prevent any sort of physical reaction to the provoking methods of the Arrancar. Shinigami died on duty all the time Tsukuyomi accepted that knowing that so many of the shinigami below him were found dead or never found and only presumed dead on a daily basis in times of war. The battle was reaching ever closer as the Arrancar declared that Tsukuyomi's demonic heritage wouldn't keep him from trying to devour him.

"I would allow you to leave because you haven't done anything worthy of termination yet. If you wish to leave here and search out your next meal in Heuco Mundo or the Human World then I won't stop you." Tsukuyomi and the Arrancar were both preparing to face one another down now speaking one after the other in conversation. "How honest. Perhaps if you wish to leave and go back to Heuco Mundo at any point I might allow it. So long as no bystanders are hurt by you prior to such a decision. Here have the other dogon it may help your hunger if even a little." Tsukuyomi offered the Arrancar the other dogon that he hadn't touched yet as he bit into the second of the three plump sweets.

When the Arrancar grabbed his zanpakuto and placed it in front of him Tsukuyomi wasn't to sure what to expect or when. His nerves were now on edge ready to anticipate movement and counter accordingly. There was simply one problem with the idea of facing down this Arrancar in direct combat. Although Tsukuyomi specialized in the usage of swords in combat he knew that an Arrancar's heirro would more than likely even out the odds of he even could best him in combat. If not then it just leaned the scales even further in the Arrancar's favor. "Let's settle this business in the street then." Tsukuyomi felt the same as the Arrancar. Although he had grown up here and no one in truth had helped look out for him he didn't wish to see such a business in this section of the Rukongai go up in flames. So once they got outside of the shop the tea drank and the sweets eaten he would stand on the right side of the shop in the middle of the dirt street starring down the Arrancar. "Last chance before we begin leave or take your chances."

[Col Arana]

Indeed, conflict today was inevitable. But Col did not see any reason to be rude about it. He even smiled at Tsukuyomi's kindness. "Very generous of you. And naive. How many have taken advantage of that I wonder...?" He inquired. "I like you, resident of Hell. Moreso than I have most Shinigami. I was very sincere when I wished you that I had not devoured someone close to you and caused you grief." Was Col telling the truth, or lying for the sake of manners? It was difficult to read with this arrancar, it seemed hard to believe Col would do anything out of anything more than maintaining appearances. He accepted the proferred Dango, and bit into it with relish. "Hmm... the food of Soul Society is indeed pleasing to me. Not at all what I am used to. But not unpleasant. And you need not fear for bystanders. I declared you a sacrifice, Vice Captain, because your battle with me, will spare countless others." He replied. "Perhaps you may take some solace in that. And who knows? Perhaps, by devouring your soul, your very essence, I will prevent it a far worse fate, should it return to your homeland~. The belly of an arrancar may not be the ideal final resting place for a warrior such as yourself, but I am certain it is far better than whatever torment lies below." He said, with a tone that was still too pleasant for the subject matter.

Col polished off the Dogon in short order, pausing to savor the taste of the sweet treat, but he made no move to draw his sword. He was merely readying it for the combat to come. He needed not draw it yet. He was confident in his ability to deflect Tsukuyomi's attacks. No Vice Captain would be a match for him. Col had fought two before, and though they had both fought valiantly, it had taken all they had just to slow Col down, and escape with their lives. They had had no chance of besting the former Escudo, nor even forcing him to release. Col expected this one to be no different. But both fights had been entertaining. And he expected this Vice Captain to put up a good fight as well. Tsukuyomi offered to fight Col outside. "Very well. I'll accept your venue." He said, rising slowly from his seated position and following Tsukuyomi outside. He walked out the door and stepped away from Tsukuyomi, allowing his imminent adversary three meters of space. Even now Tsukuyomi extended a chance of surrender, and Col merely gave him a smile and shake of the head. "Ah.... I wonder if you say this out of fear, or genuine generosity. In any case, Vice Captain of the Eleventh Division, I will do my best to remember you after this night." He promised, before drawing his sword, a three foot long Espada Ropera. The blade was narrow, but very sharp, with a double edged blade and a finely honed point. Col placed the sheath up against the side of the tea shop, before returning to the street, holding his Zanpakuto in a single handed grip. The weapon's blade was extremely sharp, and it had a rather ornate guard, which branched out in the shape of a spider.

"I await your pleasure, Vice Captain. It's the least I can do." He proffered, keeping the sword pointed toward the ground, but lowering his stance. Despite its appearance being similar to a rapier, the Espada Ropera was a weapon well suited to cut-and-thrust swordplay. Though its cuts lacked the smoothness and bite of the katana, Col could still easily slash a man in half, and it was far more maneuverable, with its weight focused toward the hilt of the weapon, and as a single handed sword, left Col free to use his hand in other ways. But... not today. Not right now anyways. Col folded his left hand behind his back, as if showing his intent not to use it in this duel. Well. Not unless forced to do so. He patiently waited for Tsukuyomi to prepare himself, before determining that he would make the first move. As soon as he was reasonably certain Tsukuyomi was ready to begin, Col advanced towards him. "You seem a decent fellow. It's a shame I must kill you." Then Col attacked.

The tip of Col's blade suddenly flashed up from its low guard at Tsukuyomi, as Col stepped toward him with an extending thrust, toward him. This was a carefully measured thrust-- Col was not overextending himself, ready to alter and react at a moment's notice. If Tsukuyomi did nothing, Col would drive the point of his blade through Tsukuyomi's belly and up under his ribs, puncturing all manner of vital organs. Dodging backwards was futile, as Col would simply pursue with the thrust until Tsukuyomi was forced to react. But if Tsukuyomi parried the thrust carelessly, Col would quickly redirect the blow into a flicking wrist cut at Tsukuyomi's lead leg, aiming to slash him across the quadricep. Despite his weapon being of similar length to a katana, Col actually enjoyed a slight reach advantage, under normal circumstances. The katana was a two handed sword, and while this improved its leverage and power, it hampered its reach ever so slightly, as the weapon was limited by the maximum reach of the back arm. If Tsukuyomi wielded the katana standardly, Col estimated he might have about a six inch advantage of reach. This was just a probing assault, to test Tsukuyomi's mettle. Nothing more. Col would find himself sorely disappointed if this set-up allowed him to strike a clean blow so early.

[Tsukuyomi Kawada]

Tsukuyomi kept sitting across the small table as the Arrancar spoke. He definitely was one of more words than Tsukuyomi himself who preferred to keep quiet unless necessary. As he finished eating his dogon he would listen and watch as the Arrancar are his own dogon. "While I thank you for not wishing to involve those of this area in our battle I wouldn't be so quick to assume that you'll be the one coming out at the end of the night. I may save countless lives from you tonight or perhaps I'll save the lives of everyone you are destined to ever eat from this moment onward. Only time knows all answers. I'm unsure what would be best if I do manage to lose though. Being devoured by an Arrancar or living in the darkest world in existence. It all depends on how I would be welcomed to my homeland I guess." Tsukuyomi was more so talking to himself now than the Arrancar thinking about a subject pertaining to his life that in truth he normally wished to avoid.

By the time both of them got outside to the dirt street of the Rukongai Tsukuyomi was ready. He had been preparing himself mentally. Steeling his senses along with his attention to make sure that at a moments notice he would be able to react to the best of his abilities. Three meters between them, just under ten feet. It wasn't a long distance yet it was enough that neither would be able to attack the other without first closing the distance. However, this Arrancar as Tsukuyomi knew from both study and experience more than likely possessed spiritual techniques such as cero and bala that would grant him a method of attacking from afar. That was a problem. Tsukuyomi was limited when it came to distance battle so he'd have to hold virtually nothing back right from the beginning.

"You can't waste any time Tsukuyomi he's strong. He's confident enough to come into Soul Society and wait for a shinigami of considerable rank. Despite knowing you're a Vice Captain he isn't concerned in the least. He's at least around the level of a Captain. If you don't use both of us together than you won't have a chance. Just this once I'll allow you to use that loud mouth idiot." Tsukuyomi nodded his head looking at his mentor and Zanpakuto Mikoto who now turned and looked at the dark short haired girl who was glaring at her angrily.

"Such a vile old woman. Don't worry Suku together we'll definitely take this Arrancar down. Just rely on me for offense and let Mikoto do what she's good at . . .being a shield." Honshitsu placed her hand over her mouth with a grin at the insult towards Mikoto. These two just could never get along even in this sort of situation. He never understood who his zanpakuto despite coming from him never could see eye to eye with the exception of one thing.

"Alright it's time for us to work together so stop fighting ladies. I'm going to need both of you to win. So let's work together just this once and show this Arrancar that I'm a shinigami and I don't need that tainted power to take him down." Tsukuyomi in his inner world of the surface of the moon smiled as his zanpakuto smiled back at him and held out their hands. Placing his hands over theirs all of them closed their eyes and began to focus as one.

Back in the Rukongai the Arrancar was drawing his zanpakuto from its sheath and commenting how he'd do his best to remember Tsukuyomi after tonight insulating that he would be the victor of this battle. Tsukuyomi crossed his arms over his waist grasping the hilts of his zanpakuto which were placed on opposite hips. Even while sealed they couldn't stand to be near one another normally. Pulled each out together Tsukuyomi revealed the katana of Mikoto in his right hand while in his left was the wakashi known as Honshitsu. Both average looking with a triangle guard on Honshitsu and a circle on Mikoto. "My name is Kawada Tsukuyomi. Perhaps that will be a reminder if I should fall. What is your name so I may find you here in the Rukongai once I purify your soul." Backing down wasn't an option he had to win this fight in order to make sure this Arrancar didn't just break his word.

"Descend From The Abyss Onto The Battlefield, Tsukuyomi-no-Mikoto. Cast Out The True Nature, Honshitsu." Tsukuyomi uttered the call out phrases of his zanpakuto as the Arrancar walked back to the middle of the street after placing his sheath against the tea shop wall. Mikoto the katana transforming from something so average into a brilliant bright silver sword with a curved body hooking around almost like that of a fishing hook. Connecting her new form to Tsukuyomi was the silver chain attached to her hilt at the base which wrapped up and around Tsukuyomi's entire right arm ending only once it reached his shoulder. Honshitsu although also released was admittedly less striking in appearance as the average looking wakashi that she had been only a moment ago now looked like a crude knock off of what she had been made entirely out of what looked to be iron. Her hilt wrapped in black leather which just like Mikoto's chain wrapped up and around Tsukuyomi's left arm.  Both arms ready with the top of his uniform down around his waist and his chest covered in the mesh vest that always seemed to be on him Tsukuyomi was as ready for this battle as he was going to ever be he truly believed.

Mikoto had been released which caused three white orbs of reiatsu to form right away which now rotated through the air at the level of Tsukuyomi's chest clockwise in motion. These orbs looked almost like miniature moons. The Arrancar placed his left arm behind his back and from examining the placement of his feet and the grasp of his right hand in his zanpakuto Tsukuyomi could tell that this Arrancar was skilled. Perhaps even more skilled than himself which meant this battle was truly beyond his reach. His for began to rush him yet still managed to speak.  Tsukuyomi swung Mikoto upwards before the Arrancar even came into range instead of countering with her channeling his reiatsu and crafting a new white moon from her curve which rushed towards the Arrancar yet was above him by three feet within the span of a moment as the moon moved at a speed of 500.

This was it he only had a moment left the Arrancar was just about upon him. He was faster than the Arrancar it looked yet not by much which meant he had to act NOW. The zanpakuto of the Arrancar was coming up from below and would be met with Honshitsu's crude form clashing against it causing a glint of light to illuminate the darkness of the night encompassing them both. He had only bought himself a moment and could feel the zanpakuto moving against Honshitsu moving to strike him somewhere else. Deflecting or rearranging the angle of this Arrancar's zanpakuto was going to place significant stress on his arm and Tsukuyomi could only manage it for a brief moment longer with his left arm before he squeezed Mikoto's grip with his right and angled her down towards the ground.

The moon that had flown passed the Arrancar suddenly cracked as its body began to change from the warm white to a dark black while red liquid seeped from the crack. In the moment that Tsukuyomi managed to buy fighting off the zanpakuto of this Arrancar his moon had transformed from a new one into a bad one that now smiled upon the Arrancar a grin of Cheshire darkness. His wrist was already burning with pain as the Arrancar would fight to push his zanpakuto down towards his leg and Tsukuyomi now only managed to hold him back by a few centimeters any moment now his leg would be cut if he didn't jump back and give the Arrancar the chance to stab him again. Just as it would look like Tsukuyomi was going to suffer the first wound of the battle though the Arrancar would feel himself being pulled backwards by a force of 300.

The bad moon was giving of its gravitational pull to any and all that possessed a dark aura of at least 50. Tsukuyomi could feel the pull of his moon as well knowing that he couldn't fight the moon's pull physically he raised Mikoto activating the strongest technique he had ever learned from Mikoto. Suddenly all three of the white moons that had been rotating around Tsukuyomi would vanish smacking into the Arrancar at a speed of 5000 with a force of 600. One moon was positioned to strike his forehead while the other two would impact the sides of his chest pushing him backwards towards the bad moon faster than Tsukuyomi in order to put some distance between them now.

The impact of the moons wouldn't be enough to harm this Arrancar much of at all due to his heirro, but there was still something. Raising his left arm Tsukuyomi let Honshitsu fall from his grasp for a moment and grabbed the hilt positioned behind his head. Unsheathing Unum from his back Tsukuyomi moving as fast as he could threw his straight sword at the Arrancar utilizing the Kawada sword technique known as Suisei in order to make the sword travel at a speed and carry with it a force of 529 aiming to pierce through the left eye of the entity as he was set to slam into the bad moon. This had better work Tsukuyomi could tell just from the first few moments of combat that this Arrancar was a better swordsman and if he couldn't beat him now then chances were he wouldn't survive without resorting to . . . that.

Shikai: (Mikoto / Honshitsu) 1/7

Remaining Reiatsu: 4875/6000
Mikoto: {-300}
Honshitsu: {-300}
New Moon: {-75}
Bad Moon: {-150}
Lunar Dance: {-300}

SPOILER: Click to show

{Stats & Skills}
Strength: 75 (56)
Speed: 315 (473)
Spiritual Pressure: 400 (600)
Reiatsu Strength: 40(30)
Light Aura: 50 Points
Dark Aura: 50 Points
Instinct: 200
Senses: 150
Energy Sensory: 0
Healing Expertise: 0

Movement: (2)
Calm Mind: (2)
Acrobatics: (2)
Battle Focus: (2)
Lack Of Fear: (2)
Battle Analysis: (2)
Weapon*Swords: (2)

SPOILER: Click to show

{Equipment}
Item Name: Unum
Item Type: Weapon
Item Rank: C

Item Description: This blade is the first of Tsukuyomi's Kawada's creations and as such is rather simple with a correspondingly plain appearance. It's a straight thin blade that's edged on both sides that end with a sharp tip at the end of the blade. The edges of the blade appear to be silver while the interior grows darker and darker until at the center it's nearly pitch black. This black area is very small a thin line that only begins at the halfway point of the blade and then extends downwards towards the handle growing in width. The blade has no cross guard instead curving in slightly and then out once again extending downwards to the grip. The actual grip is simply the metal of the blade wrapped in black leather. At the end of the grip is a small circle with a six inch circumference enabling a rope or wire to pass through the hole or something else small. All in all this blade is rather simple and uneventful. It possesses no special properties it simply is crafted with the utmost care. It possesses a cutting strength of 400 and durability of 500. The hilt Unum is eight inches long while the blade section is 24 inches in length.

SPOILER: Click to show

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[Col Arana]

Col's eyes narrowed ever so slightly at Tsukuyomi. "You must have very poor skill at assessing your opponent if you believe you can defeat me." He warned, before exiting the building. "I wouldn't make such promises not to involve others if I wasn't absolutely confident of my ability to defeat you, without exerting my full power. Were I to unleash my full might, this entire district would be naught but dust and splinters." He stated in a matter-of-fact tone. He detected fluctuations of activity in Tsukuyomi's reiatsu. He was communing with his Zanpakuto, no doubt. "Shall we begin?"

Tsukuyomi reacted to Col's advance by releasing his sword. Smart. "So you can use a Zanpakuto properly, just like a normal Shinigami. How quaint. But unless you can unleash a Bankai, I'm afraid you still have no chance against me." However, he was at least taking this fight seriously, despite Col's polite demeanor, and was clearly going all out from the start. He appreciated the craftsmanship of Tsukuyomi's weapon as he released it. Indeed. Col approved. Fine, elegant, and quite lovely to look at. Not at all what a denizen of hell would be expected to use. Three orbs formed near Tsukuyomi, like little moons. And then the battle was truly joined.

Tsukuyomi made a pre-emptive cut. On a less skilled opponent this could have been a poor measure cut, or a panic reaction, but Col knew that Tsukuyomi was a Vice Captain. This wasn't a careless move. Col, despite his boasting and confidence had respect for the abilities of a Vice Captain. At seated officer level, a Shinigami could reasonably be expected to have all the basics of fighting down. Basics of timing, distance, and strategy. They likely would not make foolish mistakes on their own. They had to be goaded or pressured into making them. And there was no way Tsukuyomi was feeling pressured yet. Therefore, he was initiating a long range attack, no doubt. One of the little moons shot out at Col at a fairly good speed. Col reacted, by bringing up his sword, and attempting to deflect the moon. This wasn't a swing, persay. Col simply raised the point of his weapon and brought his weapon to the side, almost gently. Smoothly. Fluidly, meeting the moon with the top third of his blade and angling the weapon to deflect the moon off to one side, so that it would miss him, and still leave Tsukuyomi on-point for his thrust.

A thrust which Tsukuyomi appeared to barely deflect, his blade crashing against Col's. "Is that all? I expected better of a Vice Captain." Col taunted, the crude block being perfect fuel to redirect his attack. His blade flicked away from Tsukuyomi's as his opponent's heavy blow pushed his weapon back. Flowing with Tsukuyomi's force instead of against it. And then using that momentum to flick around and cut downwards at Tsukuyomi's leg, with a cut sudden and fluid enough that he would have almost no time to deflect the blow. Almost. Tsukuyomi did get his weapon down in time, but his harsh blocks were costing him initiative. His blocks were frantic, and he was committing too hard to them. More importantly, his parries weren't threatening Col. So there was nothing to stop Col from turning his blade in hand, so that the back edge of his sword pointed upwards, and delivering a straight vertical blow cleaving north, with an aggressive advance, initiating a cut that would have slashed Tsukuyomi groin to throat.

Or at least it would have, had a powerful gravitational pull not yanked Col back as he attempted this. The sudden pull took Col off-guard and as such, his cut slashed up just in front of Tsukuyomi instead of through him. The length of his weapon still allotted him some measure of threat-- his blow would graze Tsukuyomi's chest and prevent him advancing on Col carelessly, lest he be impaled. Col was pulled back towards the dark moon, sparing a look backwards, and sighed. "Is that how it is then?" He inquired. He felt Tsukuyomi's reaitsu flux. He was about to try something. No doubt the moon that he had previously deflected was what was drawing him back. As for Tsukuyomi he was about to combine this with an attack to blast Col as he tried to determine whether to stop his retreat or stop the attack. The answer was obvious. "Bakudo #39! Enkosen!" Col's arm snapped forwards just as Tsukuyomi launched his projectiles. Normally, 5000 speed would have been too fast for Col to react to at this range. But his energy sensory had allowed Col a moment to detect the incoming attack as Tsukuyomi's reiatsu had fluxed, allowing Col to begin his reaction even before Tsukuyomi released his attack.

Because of this, as the projectiles fired at Col at such a close range, they struck, just as a shield of reiatsu formed in front of Col, hammering against it. The shield, newly formed, quivered against the attack, but held firm. Normally they would have shattered the shield, but Col's reiatsu strength was substantially greater than Tsukuyomi's spirit pressure. Against a defense like this, they couldn't quite penetrate. However, this came at the cost, that Col couldn't prevent himself being pulled back towards the "Bad Moon" technique, his feet skidding and drawing back dust as he attempted to maintain his footing. Col was forced to draw back his sword, pointing the one hand behind him, as his shield stayed in front of him, to ward off further attacks. "Enough!" He snarled, and a bala exploded from an extended finger to strike the moon, before Col reached it. Col didn't necessarily know what this would do, but he had an expectation that the Bala would collide with and possibly destroy it. If nothing else it would give Col a hint as to what might happen if he reached it, before he did. The arrancar looked back at Tsukuyomi, eyes gleaming.

"Well. I call it Enkosen. But in fact it's a modified Cero technique of my own design. It is wonderful to see the expressions you Shinigami make when you think an arrancar is using your own craft against you." He jested. Of course, Col actually had used Enkosen, not a Cero. But he was deftly attempting to cover it up for the moment, so that Tsukuyomi would not necessarily suspect if he were to use further Bakudo in battle, down the line. He doubted he'd need them. Col only intended to use his reiatsu techniques to counter Tsukuyomi's own. Col was perfectly content to duel Tsukuyomi in a battle of blades as long as Tsukuyomi played by the rules as well. But if Tsukuyomi tried to overwhelm Col with raw power... well. He'd learn very quickly how miserable an idea that was. However, this defense did gain Tsukuyomi at least one thing. The initiative. Firing his Bala at the moon, and creating his Enkosen shield. Aside from his vertical cut, Col had been pushed back and was not able to immediately strike back, giving Tsukuyomi a chance to try and reclaim the upper hand.

Reiatsu Remaining: 3250/3400 (-100 for Enkosen, -50 for a Bala)

[Tsukuyomi Kawada]

Standing in the dark street of the Rukongai district with only the little light from the bar that the owner was more than likely desperately trying to close as fast as possible. That or the fact that the light of the inside hadn't gone out yet meant that he was either hiding inside of it or he had run away without putting out the lanterns inside. Either way it gave enough light to the section of the street that the battle was taking place in that both combatants could see without much problem. The shinigami though stood his vest cut clean vertically in half revealing his smooth young chest. The zanpakuto of the Arrancar had only just barely missed his flesh and Tsukuyomi knew for certain after that first exchange that he was dealing with an Arrancar who was better at using a blade than he was.

He stood moving his arm back to grab a hold of Unum in order to go along with his strategy when suddenly he heard the Arrancar say something that was odd. It sounded like he had just spoken a kido. In the moment that followed Tsukuyomi's usually calm and collected expression along with the serine look of his eyes were in shock by the waves that this Arrancar caused by utilizing what Tsukuyomi swore was a defensive kido. A shield was projected from his reiatsu on his arm blocking all of the moons that Tsukuyomi had just utilized through Lunar Dance. It should have happened to swiftly for the Arrancar to react that was Mikoto's ultimate technique and yet it was stopped so easily despite everything.

Tsukuyomi couldn't believe what he was seeing. He was sure that the entity that he was fighting right now was an Arrancar yet what he had just seen was a kido something that only Shinigami and Akki could do. Despite being born from both races himself even he was unable to preform the spells that many Shinigami believed to be the superior form of combat as opposed to the way of the sword. So how was it that an Arrancar had just used a kido in order to defend himself against the onslaught of the new moons while being pulled backwards by the bad moon. The Bad Moon! It was still working the Arrancar was getting pulled back against his will by it. He still had a chance!

Suddenly the Arrancar screamed and his other hand along with his zanpakuto was thrown out towards the Bad Moon. Tsukuyomi couldn't sense reiatsu yet that didn't matter right now even a notice of combat would know that the Arrancar was going to do something in order to destroy the Bad Moon. Normally Tsukuyomi would attempt to stop the Arrancar from doing so or reposition the Bad Moon yet against an Arrancar especially one as powerful as this one he'd have to take a risk a major risk which involved sacrificing what seemed to be one of the few strengths he had in this battle. Immediately Tsukuyomi would vanish executing Sin Sonido in order to stay under the radar of the Arrancar as a bala was cast from his hand towards the Bad Moon.

In the moment that followed two things filled the same span of time. The first was something that the Arrancar had set into motion as his bala clashed with the Bad Moon breaking through it and ending the effect that the negative aura had on him. In that same moment though Tsukuyomi was in front of him Honshitsu his crude wakashi held in his left hand being brought across the face of the Arrancar. The monster of a spiritual entity would have a heirro that Tsukuyomi knew he couldn't hope to inflict any sort of damage upon yet Honshitsu with her blue flames would still hopefully be able to burn him. Her blade engulfed in blue fire that would immediately blind the Arrancar hopefully from seeing Tsukuyomi as the flames and blade of his zanpakuto cut across his eyes.

He had to stop this Arrancar and inflicting damage on such a crucial point was the only way Tsukuyomi could hope to have a chance against someone that could guard against Lunar Dance. He had to blitz him despite risking a counter attack. This had to work he had to cut into the eyes of the Arrancar with his zanpakuto blinding him. The blue flames of Honshitsu would stay on the Arrancar's face whether or not Tsukuyomi was successful in cutting in his eyes or not since they'd at least make contact . . . he hoped. The constant burning would help especially if it happened to be burning his eyes. Whether or not he was successful though Tsukuyomi was ready to execute Shunpo right away knowing that at any instant this Arrancar just might end him with a counter attack.


Shikai: (Mikoto / Honshitsu) 1/7

Remaining Reiatsu: 4675/6000
Blue Fire: {-50}
Sin Sonido: {-150}

[Col Arana]

It seemed his Bala attack was quite successful in dispatching the opponent's attack. Col demonstrated remarkable precision with his Bala, the explosion seeming relatively contained and minimizing collateral damage. Although this seemed a generous action on Col's part, like many things he did, there was a pragmatic notion to it as well. If the battle raged too fiercely, it would attract others and a more considerable display of Col's power might attract multiple high level enemies. Now, while Col was absolutely confident in his ability to take on a Captain or two, he was not so foolish as to try to pull a stunt like that in the middle of Soul Society. Col could control his destruction. Besides. It might be an amusing test of his abilities against this strange, demonic Vice Captain. Col made a mental decision that during his battle with Tsukuyomi he would only employ his own spiritual techniques in answer to Tsukuyomi's own. He would not utilize them to create an advantage for himself, or in any other manner save for negating Tsukuyomi's attacks. Well. Within reason. Col could afford some leeway if Tsukuyomi happened to be vaporized by a Cero that he fired defensively.

Speaking of defenses, Tsukuyomi was attempting to exploit a gap in Col's defenses, as Col performed his attack. Although Col bore the Enkosen shield in front of him, and had considered a frontal attack impossible, Tsukuyomi instead flickered in and out of existence immediately to Col's exposed front, cut already chambered and flying out at him. In such an instance, Col's saving grace was that Tsukuyomi was forced to break out of his Sin Sonido prior to launching his attack. It was a split second only, but it was a split-second that Col exploited himself. Tsukuyomi's blade, blue flames raging along its edge, carved gracefully through the air to hew the top half of Col's cranium from the rest of him. Unfortunately for Tsukuyomi, his attack cut through nothing but air, as the sound of static filled the air, and, like Tsukuyomi, Col disappeared and reappeared about five feet back, beyond the reach of Tsukuyomi's blade. In the instant that his Bad Moon technique had been destroyed, Col had opened up the ability to use Sonido, and used it to move back from Tsukuyomi. A purely defensive action. Was it by choice or necessity, though. Tsukuyomi's timing had been almost perfect. Had he executed his technique a moment sooner, while Col was still being pulled by the Bad Moon, Col mentally acknowledged he likely would have been required to rely on either his Hierro or a Bala to defend himself. Although... at that range, a Bala would have been absolutely devastating to Tsukuyomi. But that attack had proven something else to Col.

"Well well. That was quite an attack. You quite startled me to be honest." He intoned gently. "You're actually faster than me, you know." He stated, dispelling his Enkosen and bringing both hands to the hilt of his sword, wielding it as a long sword. "It's true your power doesn't compare to mine, but that speed of yours may actually give you a prayer of survival. At any rate, you could always flee from me, and try to bring reinforcements." He suggested. Was Col mocking Tsukuyomi? His tone appeared genuine, but this arrancar seemed twisted enough to be difficult to read that way. "I've made a promise to myself to improve your chances of survival you know." He stated. "I have a hidden defeat condition for myself. If you can manage to make me break that condition, I'll leave you in peace, my hunger unsated~" He smirked, as he flicked his sword tip down so that it was now pointed at the floor. "The truth is I haven't had a proper sword duel in quite some time. I wonder if you'd be inclined to break my fast of such things. There is truly nothing quite like steel on steel is there? From your own stance and technique you're a very accomplished swordsman yourself. I'd like to see how accomplished." Col proposed.

Then he charged. Col's long sword flashed up at Tsukuyomi in an upward angled cut to and through his ribs, requiring an immediate answer. Tsukuyomi would notice something about Col's technique. Col was using a long blade. Longer than a katana, and certainly more than a wakizashi. He delivered his attack at the perfect measure, that Tsukuyomi would not be able to counterattack without pressing deep into Col's fighting range. A range that would make retreating if things went badly, difficult. Not that Col was going to let things stop with a single cut. Col was technical, but his fighting style, although possessing refinement, even a certain amount of finesse and grace, was heavily based on unleashing an unrelenting storm of attacks. Whether with one blade, two blades, six or twelve, Col emphasized burying his opponent in blows. No sooner had his undercut been parried, dodged or successful, Col immediately stepped off his initial line of attack; Coming around at Tsukuyomi's right. From this new position, Col flicked his blade around in a crescent arc over his head, helicoptering the strike at Tsukuyomi's temple, just as his opponent had aimed to do to him, slicing through the Nakabakki's head if successful. This pair of cuts left Col in a right side high guard, his wrists crossed, the blade pointing forwards (or pressing against Tsukuyomi's sword if the Vice Captain succeeded in parrying). And he wasn't finished. Col quickly uncrossed his wrists, fueling a sudden, vicious downwards cut with the false edge of the blade. This Col hoped would catch the Vice Captain off guard. Shinigami, who were so used to the dimensions of the katana for their fencing, might, in Col's mind, be unexpecting the fluidity of attacks with the back of the blade, but with Col's double edged Espada Ropera, such attacks comprised a considerable part of his dueling repertoire.

Reiatsu Remaining: 3150/3400 (-100 for Sonido)

[Tsukuyomi Kawada]

SPOILER: Click to show

This was one of the few times that Tsukuyomi had been forced to employ the Arrancar step technique known as Sin Sonido and yet it had failed him. Accelerating his speed in the same way that Sonido could yet concealing himself in the best possible way in order to prevent this Arrancar from actually being able to pick up on where he would appear. That was what Tsukuyomi was betting on would allow him to swiftly strike the Arrancar with some of Honshitsu's blue fire which would hopefully provide him enough of an advantage that dealing with the rest of him could be easier.

No such luck though. Slashing outwards Honshitsu clashed against nothing, but the air that now rushed to fill the space that this Arrancar had been standing in only an instant prior. Tsukuyomi hadn't witnessed him move nor had he heard any sort of indication that he was executing a step technique. This meant that the Arrancar had answered his Sin Sonido with his own usage of the technique to get away. Tsukuyomi knew that this Arrancar was a threat and hadn't been giving him much chance to get away yet now this had just gotten far more serious.

Knowing that this Arrancar could employ the Sin Sonido technique meant that much of Tsukuyomi's advanced knowledge and skills in the art of fast movement methods would become void. Tsukuyomi was an accomplished swordsman especially for his age yet everything that had faced off against him seriously knew that if nothing else he was a threat because of how well he could move across the battlefield. The slash that was meant to strike the Arrancar left a trail of blue flames which Tsukuyomi didn't hesitate to send flying forwards the short distance in the hopes of getting the Arrancar.

Afterwards this Arrancar began to speak once again now addressing Tsukuyomi's speed and how it was superior to what he could manage without acceleration techniques. Whether this Arrancar was admitting the truth or not Tsukuyomi couldn't tell and he wasn't about to believe. Based on the size of his bala this Arrancar was immensely powerful and yet he could employ what looked to be kido as well. Lying about his actual speed wasn't hard to believe especially when he seemed to outclass Tsukuyomi in every other regard.

Now though this Arrancar dispelled the shield that had been formed along his arm and drew his zanpakuto. This was definitely starting to get serious which meant nothing good. "Fleeing from a fight isn't something a Shinigami should ever do. Reinforcements will come whether I leave and allow whatever you plan to unfold or not. Let's just see how well I can do." His hands couldn't stop form trembling at the moment this Arrancar was just overwhelming. However, then Tsukuyomi felt his unease disperse when the Arrancar mentions a handicap against himself.

What came next was a clear cut challenge against him not as a Shinigami, but as a swordsman. Tsukuyomi wasn't usually one to take things personally yet when it came to the sword it was the only thing he could ever take pride in his own abilities. "So this will no longer be a battle as Arrancar and Shinigami. You want to face one another as swordsman." Tsukuyomi for the first time since the two entities had met one another gave this adversary a grin. "Let's both have the greatest battle either has ever experienced then. I'll say it once more. I am Tsukuyomi Kawada, swordsman."

He hadn't faced off against an enemy that gave him this sensation of a welcomed challenge in his life. He declared himself once again hoping that the Arrancar would give his name as well. He would wait a moment before the next phase of this battle began. This Arrancar's zanpakuto was longer than both Honshitsu and Mikoto which meant that he could be placed at a disadvantage. Tsukuyomi didn't have much time to think about a strategy as the Arrancar rushed in ready to strike him from below.

Tsukuyomi would place a good distance roughly six feet between where he had just been standing and where he now occupied as the Arrancar's zanpakuto passed through the space that he had just been standing. The technique known as Movement was what Tsukuyomi had just executed instinctively in order to evade the swing that this Arrancar had just delivered. Now though his right foot skidding against the dirt beneath him the Vice Captain watched as the Arrancar closed the distance and swung his zanpakuto towards him again this time aimed at his skull.

This wasn't a battle that he could overly rely on the usage of his acceleration techniques. He had been challenged to face this Arrancar in a battle of steel. Tsukuyomi wasn't going to commit suicide by taking on swings that he couldn't handle, but he couldn't dodge forever either. Shifting his feet on the dirt Tsukuyomi would swiftly spin rotating his body to the side. In response to the strike from the Arrancar Tsukuyomi would answer swinging Mikoto outwards horizontally aimed to strike the side of the Arrancar's head. This wasn't going to be easy one wrong move and he could be brought down while this Arrancar possessed steel like skin through Heirro. His skills were truly being put to a test of a master against this Arrancar tonight.

Shikai: (Mikoto / Honshitsu) 2/7

Remaining Reiatsu: 4600/6000
Blue Fire: (-50)
Movement: (-25)

[Col Arana]

Tsukuyomi still wasn't going to flee. Col smiled idly. "I commend your bravery. Though I suspect it is misplaced today. Reinforcements may come whether you leave or remain, it's true. I confess I admire the conviction of the Seireitei's armies. You do not fear death. But in your case." Col began. "Perhaps you should. You have far greater reason to fear death than most Shinigami." He seemed to give a moment's pause in thought at that. "Perhaps that makes your courage to stand before me even more admirable." He conceded. "It's one thing to simply fall back into the cycle of reincarnation. But that is not the fate that will await you is it?" He pressed Tsukuyomi with a smirk. "We both know the fate that awaits you beyond the grave, and it is by no means at all, a pleasant one." As Col began his charge, he simply issued a reply. "Tsukuyomi Kawada. You do not need to know my name, but I shall tell you a secret all the same. We can converse as we fence." He declared, as he initiated the opening of his attack sequence.

Tsukuyomi avoided his undercut simply by dodging backwards. Simple enough, but he was not interceded in any meaningful way, and it allowed Col to maintain the initiative in their battle. The one who controlled the initiative controlled the fight. It was a basic lesson in swordsmanship, but a vital one. You didn't defeat your opponents by only defending after all. Still, Col felt the need to compliment his opponent's speed, but held his tongue. His speed, Col reasoned, may well be the only thing keeping this fight interesting. His eyes glinted with blood lust, as he moved into his second strike, the German thwarting cut, to Tsukuyomi's head. Tsukuyomi made a wide circle to avoid the attack, attempting to cut sideways at Col's own skull. Fortunately, Col didn't even have to abandon his sequence to counter, only his footwork. Having stepped in a quarter-circle to attack Tsukuyomi from the side, Col stepped backwards a full pace as Tsukuyomi's cut flashed in. The step back bought Col milliseconds before Tsukuyomi's blow struck. Milliseconds that allowed his false-edge downward cut to intersect Tsukuyomi's and the two blades crashed together in a bind for an instant. The ring of steel on steel resounded through the darkening streets. Col's blade pressed against the Nakabakki's, glowing orange as it reflected the light of the nearby lanterns. "Well done. But I hope you can do better than that." Col challenged Tsukuyomi, as he broke the bind and stepped back out of reach. If Tsukuyomi wished to follow-up, he'd have to chase after Col and already, Col had raised his blade above his head in an aggressive guard. The point of his sword stretched up toward the sky, as if about to slash with a downward chop, as if to dissuade Tsukuyomi from pursuing him carelessly.

"Ah. I suppose I did promise you a secret. Very well then. I will tell you that I was once a member of an organization, deep in the heart of Hueco Mundo. An organization opposed to Sonken Kouhai, and his precious Las Noches, and his silly little Espada." Col gave a polite cough. "I would tell you to look us up afterward, but that's not particularly going to be practical, now is it?"

If Tsukuyomi did not rush to meet Col's challenge, the mercenary would bring his sword back to his shoulder, in the Wrath guard, and bear into the fray again, with a long, heavy, reaching cut at his adversary's left shoulder. Col's blade arced from his shoulder not unlike swinging a baseball bat at a diagonal angle. But there was nothing thuggish in Col's movement. It was refined, and composed. Technical-- almost like casting out a fishing rod. This cut allowed Col to make full use of the long reach of his sword, and slash at Tsukuyomi's shoulder from outside the Shinigami's reach. But this slash was not going to go all the way through. If Tsukuyomi parried it, or tried to dodge it like before, Col would only cut to the centerline, his blade halting its momentum at approximately the level of Tsukuyomi's solarplexis, before Col swiftly rotated the blade into a diagonal, downward cut on the opposite side as well, then back to Tsukuyomi's left. A three cut combination that struck Tsukuyomi from both angles, before Col chambered for what seemed a fourth cut-- this one aimed along the same line as the second. A diagonal, downward cut, through the Nakabakki's left shoulder. But at the last moment, Col broke off his cut. With a flick of his wrist, he struck again with a false edge swing, this time at a horizontal angle, coming from the right, aiming for the Vice Captain's neck! Let us see how you answer this one then Tsukuyomi Kawada

[Tsukuyomi Kawada]

This conflict was so much different than every other interaction the Vice Captain had ever experienced alongside an Arrancar. Normally neither side would speak beyond insults and yet from the beginnning this Arrancar had been acting more pleasant than even some of the shinigami within the Eleventh Division. Tonight was truly a strange anomaly in the short story of his life so far. If he didn’t do virtually everything perfect though this was set to be the final chapter in his book. He had been expecting the Arrancar to continue the conflict now that it had began yet the man seemed keen on speech.

“Who’s to say I’m not afraid of death. It’s clear you know what I am. You’re correct I should be more afraid than anyone else what awaits me when I fail.” Tsukuyomi inhaled deeply wondering why he was speaking so easily to an enemy. “Letting fear dictate my actions though. That’s the path of a coward. The mark of true weakness. I may be afraid, but I won’t let it ruin who I have worked so hard to become. I am the Vice Captain of Division Eleven.” The Arrancar smirked only to then advance on him while denying the reveal of his own name yet luring Tsukuyomi in with a remark of divulging secrets.

The sequence of attacks between the two spiritual entities was swift lasting little more than a handful of seconds. The horizontally slash aimed to cut into or at the very least smack against the side of the Arrancar’s face was met with the zanpakuto of the Arrancar. The orange sparks littered the area between both of them in fury that Tsukuyomi hadn’t seen in months. This Arrancar was definitely a massive threat potentially . . . No almost certainly even to a Captain. The Arrancar was the one to retreat this time though opening up a decent amount of space between them now as he remarked about Tsukuyomi needing more than just that.

As if answering the Arrancar the Vice Captain would step forwards executing Movement once again to rush inwards fast enough that he would more than likely get inside the guard of the Arrancar. As he moved forwards though Tsukuyomi raised his zanpakuto angling Mikoto above him horizontally to prevent the Arrancar’s zanpakuto from reaching his actual body should it be brought down upon him. As a manner of attack though Honshitsu the crude looking wakashi was raised then thrust forward aimed to pierce the right eye of this for. He knew the Heirro would be far to dense to penetrate which meant the eyes were the obvious choice to strike. Tsukuyomi would just have to stay focused and ready should the Arrancar parry, evade or counter his combination between his two zanpakuto.

Mikoto/Honshitsu: 3/7

Remaining Reiatsu: 4575/6000
Movement: (-25)