Total Control, Round 1

[Shawn Rabuburēdo]

Responding to Lucien's comment, “Nah, I prefer not to sever limbs off if I can, it doesn’t fit my personality to maim.” Finishing his sentence he would prepare to shunpo at Lucien, but would end up being stopped before he moved. Explosions rippled around his body, burning some small parts of his skin, giving him gashes and lashes to others, it would be safe to say Shawn is feeling pretty battered and bruised from that attack. That blade was an arrow? I’ll give him credit, I didn’t anticipate that.



With his non-existent Energy Sensory he wouldn’t feel the arrow forming near the throne, nor would he feel it flying at him. Thankfully however, he doesn’t need ES to notice it in time, even if it was shot right after he was caught off guard by the explosion. With his 800 Senses he would see the arrow come out of thin air as it flew at him from around the throne. Nice trick, too bad for him everything in here is in my line of sight. Using shunpo he would move to be 6 feet in front of Lucien, raising Kami no Koe to be pointing at his hand that is part of the undamaged arm. “Ouch by the way, that hurt me, but why would I even want to cut your arm off when I snapped the bone anyway? Keep in mind, I dodged the first arrow just now but don’t think I can’t see the other two coming towards us now, if they explode they will take you with me.” If Lucien doesn’t detonate them before they get close Shawn would use Watashi Kara Subete o Gekitai Suru to redirect them and force them to go around him.



This time speaking out loud and not mentally, Shawn wants Lucien to realize what he might not have noticed about his Kami no Koe’s power. “Attract”, this is what he says while focusing on that hand, Lucien would feel his hand and arm being pulled forward at an intense speed of 400 right into the pointed tip of his Zanpakuto. The moment his blade pierces and cuts into Lucien’s hand Shawn would speak, “Ugokanai de”, Lucien would then feel his own reiatsu push him to the ground and make him immobile. Flicking his left hand before Lucien drops, two class 2 advanced air arsenal: air string would attach to Lucien's forehead, they don’t give off any reiatsu signature but they allow Shawn to do something with them at that class.



Upon contact with Lucien’s forehead, Shawn would mentally cast Bakudo #55 Mutsohoyo twice, one for each of his two threads, while doing each one he would seal Bakudo #64 Tousei Takai into them. Doing this would give Lucien 300 Reiatsu. Once he finished this he would activate one of them causing a red tinted fog to roll out of his forehead. The moment he takes a breath of this gas would cause his head to spin, blurring his eyes and making it hard to focus. Completing this, Shawn would step back about 7 feet from Lucien and watch as his Bakudo poured out of this vandenreich head and covered the front half of him.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Reiatsu Remaining If Arrows Weren't Detonated}
Shunpo-50
Watashi Kara Subete o Gekitai Suru-200
Attract-50
Ugokanai de-300
Bakudo #55 Mutsohoyo X2-300
Bakudo #64 Tousei Takai X2-300
Reiatsu Remianing-  5850/10500

SPOILER: Click to show

{Reiatsu Remaining If Arrows Were Detonated}
Shunpo-50
Attract-50

Ugokanai de-300

Bakudo #55 Mutsohoyo X2-300

Bakudo #64 Tousei Takai X2-300

Reiatsu Remianing- 6050/10500

SPOILER: Click to show

{Remaining Bankai}
Bankai Post 6/24

 

[Lucien Dantes]

"Understandable. For my part, I would prefer to kill you quickly and cleanly. I do not enjoy drawing out another creature's suffering. If I am to execute you I would prefer you suffer as little as possible. You may take it as a compliment or a pity that your tenacity has made that untenable against you." Lucien replied. Shawn was suffering some pretty serious bloodloss, which would limit his ability to fight in the long term. Although he had a willpower of iron, his body's ability to tolerate excessive bloodloss was not equal to his will. Lucien had suffered a broken arm, but while that would cause the Vandenreich trouble, a close quarter battle was still very much in his favor, a fact proven by Shawn's continued reluctance to engage Lucien at such a range.

Shawn was still yet providing Lucien with more information. His reactions were superb. He could detect his arrows the moment Lucien fired them, which left one option available to the Vandenreich. If Shawn could not be caught off guard without the use of esoteric abilities, then his defenses would need to be overwhelmed. And Lucien had just the tool for that. In his free hand, Shawn would see Lucien's bow reappear but it was different this time. Smaller than usual. While size was not necessarily indicator of a Vandenreich bow's power, the smaller bow did not look as if it would produce shots nearly as powerful as before. And that was true. Lucien had transitioned to a shortbow.

It looked like the Shinigami was also growing desperate. Shawn exploded into motion, emerging at just outside of his measure in front of Lucien, in an attempt to cause Lucien to divert his arrows. "Admirable, Shinigami. But I am a Vandenreich. I am prepared to suffer injury and death for my Emperor." He responded, prepared to withstand his own attack if need be. Fortunately, it was unnecessary. Shawn used his repulsion technique to divert the arrows and this was the opening Lucien was looking for. As his arrows passed by them both, Lucien refused to detonate them, letting his arrows trail their firing lanes as they would, right beside Shawn now on either side of him.

Shawn readied his sword and unleashed his attraction ability, attempting to draw Lucien directly into his sword. Two things happened in this moment, but the most notable was that Shawn was holding his arm still. A perfect target, for the arrow that exploded at 1200 speed, from right beside Shawn, through the firing lane he'd just allowed to be created, while a second arrow, just as fast erupted from his opposite side, aimed to pierce him through the neck. There wasn't time for Shawn to repulse this time. Even if he saw the arrows as they formed, Lucien had timed the attack at the exact moment Shawn had performed his attraction ability, and Lucien was fairly certain that Shawn couldn't attract and repel simultaneously.

The end result would be Lucien's arrow piercing through Shawn's forearm and neck. The neck blow would be imminently fatal, and cause Shawn to bleed out in a few seconds. The one piercing through his forearm would detonate, and although its class was inferior to the previous shots, it would still be sufficient to blow off Shawn's arm entirely. The only way for Shawn to protect his arm would be to abandon his attempt on Lucien, but even in such a situation he would likely still be wounded by both arrows at the speed they flew. Avoiding a direct hit may have been possible if he immediately abandoned his attempt, but even then, he would likely at least experience a grazing shot. And when that grazing shot happened, both arrows exploded.

On a direct hit, Shawn would likely lose his limb from the forearm up as a small explosion erupted. The blast was small enough, that a grazing hit might allow him to partially save the arm, but the blast would still likely render the limb nearly as useless as Lucien's own. As for his neck, well.... there was no questioning that a direct hit would be imminently fatal, but even if he avoided said direct hit, the blast would still result in considerable bloodloss from a very important collection of veins and arteries. Shawn would be left in very poor shape indeed. Additionally, the blasts were small enough that Lucien himself was unthreatened by them. True, these arrows were too low class to benefit from his Soul or Heart properties, but he only needed his Firing Properties to remain functional for these particular shots. Fortunately for Shawn, what Shortbows gained in speed, they lost in power, and Lucien's arrows only possessed 75% of his usual power-- though augmented by Blut Arterie this was likely not especially endearing for the Shinigami.

Lucien wasn't pulling punches though, and he wasn't taking chances. Shawn had proven himself tenacious and stubborn and the Vandenreich would not run the risk that he was playing him. Lucien slipped his shortbow with one hand onto his shoulder, and drove forwards a second blade of obsidian appearing in his hand. This one was a form that perhaps Lucien was more comfortable with-- resembling a classical European arming sword, and reinforced it with his Soul Property, before unleashing a hewing cut diagonally on the opposite side his arrow had fired, to slash Shawn through the middle, immediately following up by slashing across and low to wound Shawn's legs, and prevent him from using his Shunpo to continuously try to create space. Not that there was anywhere safe to run now. Lucien's firing lanes crisscrossed the room like strands of a spider's web. The moment Shawn tried to escape from Lucien he would almost certainly find himself landing close enough to one of the lanes that Lucien could attempt a point-blank shot.

And indeed this was what Lucien planned. Assuming Shawn survived his sudden two shortbow arrows exploding into him, whether the Shinigami stood his ground and attempted to defend against Lucien or tried to flee again with Shunpo, the moment Lucien had a clear line of sight from Shawn, the nearest firing lanes would launch another pair of arrows from Shawn's blind spots into his legs, while a third would fly in his line of sight directly at his heart as a means of diverting his attention. These arrows were each Class 4, and as such while Lucien wouldn't be able to detonate them while close, it did mean that if Shawn tried to move further away, the blasts would be much harder to deal with.

Reiatsu Remaining: 8105/12000
-90 reiatsu for two Class 5 arrows
-120 reiatsu for three Class 4 arrows.
+100 reiatsu for three properties with Blut Arterie active
-100 for Form: Obsidian
-60 for turning Form: Obsidian into a Class 2 arrow

Stamina Post: 7/8

[Shawn Rabuburēdo]

"Understandable, I wouldn't believe the dogs of the emperor would do anything less than give their life if need be, for that I must put you down as I know their is no other life for you without the emperor." Shawn calmly states this right before saying "Attract", yet again his plan was cut short however as before Lucien actually reached the tip of his blade an arrow began to form on his right side followed immediately by another forming on the left. Sadly this time Shawn knew he didn't have the time to redirect them or prevent them from exploding as right before he moved in for the attack he watched as a new bow appeared in Luciens hand, it also just happened to be the most tedious type of bow to deal with. 

While Shawn didn't have the ES to notice the reiatsu coming together to form the arrows he did notice them thanks to his sense, just before they launched at his arm and neck there was only one thing Shawn knew he could really do at that time. With a quick use of Shunpo he moves backwards about 15 feet only to follow the landing with a second Shunpo this time landing next to the door. Lucien would have an interesting time with this as he would find himself following Shawns 3500 Shunpo although moving at only 400 speed himself. The worst part of this for Lucien though would become evident real fast if he continued with the detonations, finding himself not close enough to take a direct hit but more than likely close enough to feel the explosion.

Knowing the battle could not have been finished with that Shawn begins opening and backing out the doors of the throne room while shouting to Lucien, "I feel as if I understand some of you powers enough to know not to continue this battle in here, also how rude of me, My name is Shawn Rabuburēdo and I acknowledge you as a difficult opponent." Can't believe I forgot to give him my name, even if he is vandenriech he deserves to know who will be bringing him the mercy he requires, while he was thinking this and moving outside Kami no Koe tries to ease his mind, It happens master, especially with someone as fierce and powerful as the one you have been battling. with a small smile all Shawn could do was quietly say out loud, "Thanks Kami no Koe, you always know what to say to help."

While outside Shawn quickly searches for a small object of some sort such as a pebble and while in his hand he mentally casts Bakudo #55: Mutsohoyo and has it hold Bakudo #88: Isshuin Kaze with the activation being set to the first shadow that passes over it. Completing that setup he toss it to land in front of the door hopefully before Lucien walks out for that fact if Lucien walks out. Readying himself he prepares for his trap to hopefully go of and if it does he will decide on how to deal with his opponent then.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Reiatsu Spent and Remaining}Shunpo X2- 100
Bakudo #55 Mutsohoyo- 150
Bakudo #88: Isshuin Kaze- 600

Reiatsu Remaining- 5900/10500

SPOILER: Click to show

{Remaining Bankai}7/24

[Lucien Dantes]

Fortunately for both Lucien and Shawn, the detonation of Lucien's arrows was predicated on actually hitting Shawn with even a glancing hit. As Shawn's Shunpo took him out of the way of them, this did not occur. Lucien did have one problem facing him, which was a full speed slam into the wall, courtesy of Shawn's Attract ability. Surprisingly, perhaps though, is that Lucien took no measures to defend himself. Indeed, as the Vandenreich was slammed into the wall, he did not so much as lift an arm to shield himself, crashing against the stone. Lucien was tasting the familiar hint of iron at the back of his throat, and his focus now was entirely on suppressing his illness. Such it was that as Shawn Shunpo'd again to retreat out of the room, Lucien did not pursue him, crouched and leaning against the wall, as he felt the blood vessels in his lungs about to burst, filling the organs with blood. This is but the Emperor's trial. You must rise above it. It is the only way He shall recognize you and give meaning to your meaningless existence... He thought to himself as he fought to keep himself from vomiting, as a wave of nausea hit him, and he could feel a cold sweat breaking out on his brow. He tried to relax. Shawn was not immediately counterattacking, which meant for the first time since their battle had begun, Lucien had a chance to recuperate and recover.

So he took it. Lucien did not pursue Shawn, giving Shawn time enough to set up his kido trap. The Vandenreich simply held his place, focusing on keeping his breathing even. How pathetic I must seem in his eyes. But I suppose... there is some admirable quality in struggling on futilely. Nothing truly meaningful in it, really. But it is beautiful in its own right, like the last dying embers of a flame. But Lucien had no intention of letting his flame die out here. These were not dying embers, but the mere quieting of a flame before a sudden influx of oxygen caused it to ignite anew. Shawn had made a critical error in not continuing the battle in the church. True, it gave Lucien a home field advantage, but in his attempt to move the battlefield, he had given Lucien time to recover. A break between constant exchanges of blows just as Lucien had been about to hit the breaking point. If one was to be a little bit meta, if it took eight consecutive "posts" of battle for Lucien's illness to begin to seriously affect his combat performance, Shawn had only forced Lucien to fight seven. In this moment, where he was not forcing a potentially fatal blow on Lucien, nor attacking Lucien's faith with an attack on the throne it gave Lucien a moment's reprieve, and it was one he was taking.

Already Lucien's breathing was evening out. His lungs didn't hurt quite so much, and the nausea was passing. There. Soon I'll be able to fight at full strength again. I pray the Emperor forgive me this moment of weakness. I cannot afford to face this man with anything less than my full power if I can avoid it. Lucien knew of course, that once Shawn realized his error he would not give Lucien a second chance to recuperate. The next round would be the last. But Lucien still retained one small advantage. While he could not compete with Shawn in a direct contest of stamina, the Vandenreich did know that while the Emperor's strength endlessly flowed through his body, the same could not be said of the Shinigami. Shawn was dependent on his own reserves of strength which would steadily deplete, forcing him to begin making smaller and smaller moves in an attempt to preserve his dwindling strength. He was not there yet of course, but in time he would certainly reach that.

Lucien did not know what Shawn was up to, but at last the Vandenreich felt that he had regained sufficient strength that he could begin to stand. His strength had recuperated, and now the Captain-Supervisor was ready to renew the contest with all the same intensity and power he had been demonstrating before. Round one was over. Round two was about to begin.

Reiatsu Remaining: 8105/12000
No reiatsu expended.
No reiatsu regained for the duration of Lucien's rest post.
All techniques and Bow properties deactivated during rest post.

Stamina Posts: 0/8 (Reset)

[Shawn Rabuburēdo]

With his set up complete all Shawn needed was for Lucien to walk in to the trap, a big issue with that was insuring Lucien even left the throne room. What to do, what to do, any ideas Kami no Koe?. Maybe aiming for the throne again master? he seemed determined to prevent you from damaging it earlier, mulling it over in his mind Shawn agrees with his Zanpakuto. That seems like the best route to take so I shall go ahead and do that, thank you my amazing Kami no Koe, with a quick It is my duty to serve you from his Zanpakuto spirit Shawn moves to be standing at just the right spot for him to hit the throne through the door with Hado.

It was at this moment of preparation to attack the throne that Shawn picked up the scent of blood coming from where Lucien was located, not only that but the sounds of his heavy breathing began to lessen and become steadier. Did I make a mistake on not pushing him further when he is in that state? By the sounds and smell he's giving of he might have some sort of medical issue. I'll have to keep that in mind as I move forward. Finishing up that though he raises his hand towards where the throne would be before silently casting Hado #4: Byakurai sending a blue beam of lightning through the door straight at the throne.

Finishing up with that Shawn will sheath his released Kami no Koe, drawing reiatsu into the sheath in order to coat his blade. With his right hand currently over his shoulder he will quickly reach behind himself with his left hand, touching the sheath that is held on his back. The moment he makes contact with the sheath he will cast Bakudo #55: Mutsohoyo with Bakudo #81: Danku stored within it. Not gonna let him get the drop on me with that two sided attack again, if you wanna survive as a warrior you must learn how to adapt. 

SPOILER: Click to show

{Reiatsu Spent and Remaining}Hado #4: Byakurai- 25
Bakudo #55: Mutsohoyo- 150
Bakudo #81: Danku- 600
Entei- 250

Remaining Reiatsu- 4875/10500

SPOILER: Click to show

{Remaining Bankai}8/24

[Lucien Dantes]

Lucien's power hadn't fully restored, but he was recuperated enough to fight again. His breathing steadied, he could focus on Shawn's movements, noticing his approach to the door again. He is observant. He is tactical. He will attempt to bait me out of my Emperor's temple. Lucien noted. He recognized Shawn's tactic. He was trying to herd Lucien. Having suffered his illness, Lucien's power was reduced, but, with the help of the Emperor's gifts, he could still outmatch Shawn's power. The real trick would be getting around his magnetic repulsion or attraction. Despite his greater power he could not suppress the effect. However, he can only affect one target at a time. He will be wary against Echo, but he has yet to see the truest extent of the Emperor's greatest gift to me. For such an effect however, Lucien would undoubtedly need to conserve his power. Though it was not typically his method, he would need to ramp up more slowly this time.... And then crush Shawn with a sudden blistering offensive when the time was right!

As Shawn cast Byakurai toward the throne, Lucien answered. With his four in marksmanship, it was all too easy to hurl a stone from the ground-- one jarred loose from the numerous explosions that had been caused by the battle, with the precise timing and angle to intercept the Byakurai. The stone then immediately detonated, preventing the Byakurai from passing any further towards the Emperor's throne.

The next moment the wall on Shawn's right exploded, as Lucien smashed through, an amateurish soccer kick, sending one of the stone bricks of the cathedral wall hurtling toward Shawn like a bullet, aimed to smash into his upper arm. There was no augmentation from Lucien's soul property here, just a solid, heavy projectile, propelled by a kick with enough force to make a Grizzly Bear jealous. Lucien barreled forward, shortbow in hand, but not firing any arrows yet. He had avoided stepping over Shawn's trap at the entrance hall, and his projectile would likely trigger Shawn's Bakudo defense. Unfortunately, with his defense sprung, Lucien would now be free to move around it, side stepping around Shawn's shield which was considerable. Shawn's defense would certainly, if nothing else, give him a chance to respond to Lucien's attack as he circled about the shield to attack Shawn from what would have been his back, were he to still be facing the doorway, feinting a kick toward Shawn's leg to draw the Shinigami's defenses down, and then reaching out with a quick and sudden grab at Shawn's sleeve, yanking the Shinigami forwards into an uppercut to the stomach. It was likely Shawn would be able to defend against the attack, but how he would choose to do so would be telling, and inform Lucien as to his own next move.

Reiatsu Remaining: 3832/6000
-500 for Soul Property
-20 reiatsu for Class 6 arrow
+300 reiatsu due to Quincy Cross and Spirit Fragment with Blut Arterie and one property active
Halved Spirit Pressure and remaining reiatsu due to Genius type drawbacks

Current Offensive Stat: Reiatsu Strength (1800 due to Blut Arterie)

[Shawn Rabuburēdo]

Shawn new that just because a trap my be set, one that takes recourses and time to get ready, this does not mean it will succeed or in some cases, be avoided altogether. Thanks to his potent senses he was able to hear the Byakurai that was sent towards the throne be stopped. If that was the only thing Shawn heard he would have been happy, but fate had other things to say about how he felt. Following the explosion that ceased his Byakurai he would hear Lucian approach the wall that was the same one which held the trapped door, he seemed to be a good distance down but not so far that he couldn't launch an attack. What is he planning, this would be Shawn's thought before the rest of his trap was tossed out the window.



Shawn could hear it, the sound of armor moving in a very specific manner, as if the one wearing it was lifting their leg. Is he about to do what I think he is?, if he was right then his opponent was about to kick the literal wall down in order to get outside, as if he knew there was a trap set up at the door. Before the wall would come crashing outward, Shawn would channel more reiatsu into his sheathed blade, hoping to increase the power a little bit before he more than likely had to use it.



Sure enough it went down as Shawn thought it would, Lucien kicks the wall down causing debris to fly every where, in fact a good sized block shot towards Shawn. Thankfully he was ready for Lucien's "Unexpected" entrance, with one quick motion forward he fly straight towards where the Quincy would be stepping out thanks to Shunpo. Upon landing Shawn would have to use a combo he came up with a while ago in case someone actually caused him trouble. This attack plan started as soon as he stepped using Shunpo, speaking while speeding towards his destination, "Trap yee black dog, dark tower in the south. Floodgates of darkness, corrupted despair runs through the veins of the land. Colossus of clouds, smirking sins, eye of the tempest beast. Ruler of the land of darkness and bearer of the name of Obelisk! Bind thy enemy before me and halt their movement to the fullest!"



Landing in front of where Lucian would be, Shawn flicks downwards creating a highly condensed string of Reishi, this string would firmly plant itself into the ground where the Quincy's shadow would be. With the string in place Shawn would wordlessly finish casting Bakudo #88: Isshuin Kaze, sending the Kido through his string and into Lucien's shadow. The Vandenreich would find his shadow begin to shoot forth black tendrils that will start restraining him. All of this was to ensure this next attack, if everything goes as he hopped Shawn should land this attack. As the shadow is restraining Lucien, Shawn would finally unsheathe and slash downward with is sword, in the hopes to divide his opponents head. In fact Shawn would even mentally speak the command attract, focusing on the center of where the top of Lucien's head would be. This slash would come down with his full power plus the additional stored energy thanks to Entei making the actual attack 1900 strong.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Reiatsu Spent and Remaining}Shunpo- 50

Bakudo #88: Isshuin Kaze- 600

Advanced Air Arsenal: Air String- 600

Entei- 250

Attract- 50



Reiatsu Remaining- 3325/10500

SPOILER: Click to show

{Bankai Remaining}9/24

SPOILER: Click to show

{Bakudo #88: Isshuin Kaze Current power}1960 is the current OS for this Binding tech used in this post}

[Lucien Dantes]

An incantation was it? Very well. Lucien was well acquainted with the Shinigami art of kido, though he had hardly memorized each and every spell. Either way, he was on guard, and wove to one side as Shawn unleashed his string of reishi. The Vandenreich paused only for an instant as he suddenly saw his own shadow-- struck by the string, to produce black tendrils to ensnare him! I see.... So that's how it is, is it? Lucien pondered for a moment. ...Very well. If this is how it must be. Emperor forgive me for my blasphemy. Just this once I must bend my knee to one other. Pray understand that my loyalties lie to you alone.


The shadows ensnared Lucien's legs, and bound the Vandenreich to the ground, Lucien's knee, as he foretold, hitting the pavement along with his broken arm, though his good arm raised up along with his bow in a shielding motion to guard his face. Shawn's blade unsheathed to strike Lucien down...

A trap of his own. Although Lucien's arm was broken, he did not need it whole to channel the Emperor's blessings. Emperor, you granted me these gifts that I might smite thy foes. Permit me this small blasphemy that I might claim you victory. I shall not sully you by claiming such a sloppy victory in your name, but for you I shall wield your gifts and triumph. Unbenownst to Shawn, and much as he had done to the stone that blocked Shawn's Byakurai, Lucien had just granted the very street in front of him the same properties as one of his arrows. Specifically the street in front of him, for about ten meters ahead. The same street that Shawn was standing on as he drew his sword for the killing blow.

Before the final blow was struck, he tore open the street in a tremendous explosion, detonating the street leading to the Cathedral just as he had detonated his arrows countless times before during his battle with Shawn. Unlike before he wasn't generating arrows. There was no sound queue to warn Shawn as to what was about to happen. The ability to detect reiatsu may have alerted Shawn to the sudden infusion of power directly beneath him, but lacking any Energy Sensory, Shawn would be blind to his peril. The blast was even forceful enough to hurl Lucien backwards, from the shift in air pressure, although it was possible that Shawn's Bakudo would prevent him flying too far back, and shrapnel would rip through Lucien's flesh and his Vandenreich uniform-- his raised arm shielding his face and vital organs from any debris. As for Shawn, the blast would consume his legs, and possibly part of his lower torso as well, if not outright destroying the limbs, then certainly at least rendering them completely useless, as well as launching Shawn away from Lucien-- beyond the reach of his sword. Even with using Attract, the blast would almost certainly throw off Shawn's aim, assuming his own Bakudo spell did not withhold Lucien from being drawn towards him, and assuming the power of Shawn's Attraction could overcome the force of Lucien's exploding "arrow" hurling him the opposite direction.

Lucien felt blood in his mouth, from the wounds his own attack had inflicted upon him, but while Lucien had been on the outskirts of the blast, and possessing of greater spiritual strength thanks to Blut Arterie, Shawn would have suffered a direct hit. The Vandenreich unleashed a full flare of reiatsu in an attempt to break Shawn's kido, and shakily rise to his feet, so that he might survey the devastation his attack inflicted and finish off his crippled opponent, if Shawn yet lived-- it was possible the wounds he'd have suffered from the blast would cause him to bleed out quickly, but Lucien was not one who took chances. Shawn was an enemy of the Vandenreich, and the possibility of mercy was no longer available to him. As such it fell to Lucien to do his duty and execute him. Not as cleanly as he would have preferred and certainly not as painlessly, but an execution all the same. "If you still draw breath, I pray you cease your struggles. Your wounds must be severe. At least permit me to end your suffering as a final show of respect to you, my foe." Lucien requested, in a steady voice that well concealed the severity of his own injuries.

Reiatsu Remaining: 4027/6000
+300 reiatsu due to Quincy Cross and Spirit Fragment with Blut Arterie and one property active
-105 reiatsu for creating and detonating a Class 1 arrow

Stamina Posts: 2/8

Current Offensive Stat: Reiatsu Strength (1800 due to Blut Arterie)

[Shawn Rabuburēdo]

This fight was not going at all the way Shawn wanted, granted it seems he himself kept avoiding most of the things this vandenreich was throwing at him. Unfortunately his luck and skill that was getting him past most of the more deadly stuff was running out. He managed to lock the Quincy down using Advanced Air Arsenal: Air String, however, even though Isshuin Kaze landed a direct hit holding Lucien in place, the Quincy had other plans. Sadly having such high natural senses have come at a cost, for to get such great senses he avoided growing his energy sensory capabilities.



With the inability to sense energy, Shawn didn't notice the shift of energy into the road below their feet. What was about to happen would be very bad for the Shinigami to deal with. Beginning his strike Shawn was very close to hitting his mark, however, just before contact of blade to enemy was made the ground exploded. Only one thing saved him from losing the fight there, that was the Danku he had set up in advanced. Even if he himself didn't notice the immanent danger, the Danku did, activating which kept Shawn alive. The problem is it couldn't protect him completely and he was kept in the same general location due to the force of the blast canceling out the effects of his attract power.



Shawn was still able to stand and hadn't fallen over yet, though as mentioned before the Danku didn't protect him fully. At this time a large chunk of the outer side of his left leg was gone, only being able to stand thanks to his bone still being intact and a good amount of muscles still remaining. That wasn't all he lost as the pinky and ring finger on his left hand was gone. With the way he was standing it would almost seem as if he were already dead, only standing up from the willpower he had. In fact when Lucien was finally able to stand he offered to put Shawn out of his misery.



This was not an option Shawn had, he needed to finish the job he came here for. "I'm not dead yet, there's still some fight left in these ragged body." This was the answer Lucien would get, it was a shame things didn't go as smoothly as he hoped, but even the best thought out plans get thrown aside in combat. Lifting his head he looked into Lucien's eyes, "Might I ask the name of the Quincy who pushed me this hard? If- No, when I win this fight, the strength you showed will be remembered."



Waiting for an answer Shawn would begin readying himself for the next attack, giving his opponent enough time to answer before speaking one more time, "Very well, let us end this song and dance." With those words he would use Shunpo, pushing away from his spot using his remaining good leg even if his speed was reduced. Landing a good 7 feet to the left of Lucien he would mentally speak the words attract yet again focusing this time on Lucien's right leg trying to trip him up. At this same moment he would point with his index finger that still remains on his left hand before speaking these words quickly, "Carriage of Thunder. Bridge of a spinning wheel. With light, divide this into six!" Following this up by mentally speaking the name Bakudo #61: Rikujokoro.



If everything goes as he hopes the Rikujokoro should catch Lucien who was hopefully being tripped by the attract power of Kami no Koe and be paralyzed mid fall, remaining in the air. If not he would just have to prepare using Shunpo once again, even if it causes him to fall after. Now he would just have to wait and see how his opponent reacts to this combo he used.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Reiatsu}Remaining: 3,075/10500
Shunpo- 50

Bakudo #61: Rikujokoro- 150

Attract- 50

SPOILER: Click to show

{Remaining Bankai and Strength of Bakudo Used}Bankai Remaining: 10/24
Bakudo #61: Rikujokoro's Strength when used is 1,750

[Lucien Dantes]

His enemy... was certainly tenacious. That was for certain. Of that, there was no doubt. Danku, is it? A high level Bakudo. I suppose he is a kido user though. Very well. If that is the case, I shall take that away from him too. Lucien's eyes glowed with power, and his reiatsu transformed. His reiatsu prior had been blinding white in nature, flecked with azure that rendered the reiatsu almost a gentle teal in color. But now it had become a golden color to match Lucien's eyes. "I am the Emperor's Knight, Lucien Dantes. One who would change the course of the Vandenreich. One who would see impossible utopia which cannot be built by mortal hands made real."

Lucien's erupting reiatsu wound down into the Quincy, clinging to his body and surrounding it in a brilliant glow. As Shawn lunged seven feet to Lucien's left,, Lucien extended an arm. The reiatsu bent and shaped itself extending out, and forming into a European long sword. Something was strange in the air. It's something that Shawn's enhanced senses would absolutely pick up. The air suddenly tasted... stale somehow? Stagnant? Stagnant air? Was that even possible? And the world around them seemed unnaturally still. There was no sound here now either. Nothing. Like they were in some kind of stasis bubble, removed from the rest of the world, somehow.

Shawn's attempt to use Attract on Lucien's leg did catch the Vandenreich off-balance, or so it seemed, but Shawn would be greeted by an unexpected sight. Erupting from the golden glow of the reiatsu was an armored Knight with tremendous, angelic wings extending from his back. Not the black knight from before either-- although there was a certain resemblance, the armor Lucien was now clad in was shining silver. And the wings didn't appear to be just for show, as Lucien used them to maintain control as Shawn's sword drew his leg towards him, and Lucien's armored greave crashed into Kami no Koe, with far greater force than before, possibly with enough strength to even kick the sword from Shawn's grip.

As for Shawn's Bakudo.... Lucien didn't even react to it. Shawn said the incantation. His reiatsu flowed as it should. But no rods of light flew through the air to catch Lucien. His kido simply... didn't happen. It was possible Shawn hadn't quite realized what Lucien had done. What he was facing. "Behold the Emperor's greatest gift to his servants. Vollstandig." And along with it, Lucien's Divine Soul Property-- Frozen World. Time had stopped. The world around them was fixed in the state it was when Lucien had unleashed Vollstandig. Nothing in the area could be changed. Nothing could be created. Nothing destroyed. Which included reiatsu constructs like Shawn's attempted Rikujokoro. In Lucien's Frozen World, neither Lucien nor Shawn could use their reiatsu to create anything now. The battle would be determined solely by their release abilities and martial skill.

Lucien delivered a savage blow with the new sword, chopping down on Shawn with the same surprising new strength he had brought to bear before. Dominating physical might to break Shawn's guard with raw, brute force, and continued to press his attack, his blows hammering down in a flurry of devastating strikes, clearly intended to overwhelm Shawn with sheer ferocity, speed and force over elegance and technique.



Reiatsu Remaining: 2013/6000

Stamina Posts: 3/8
Vollstandig Posts: 1/3

Current Offensive Stat: Reiatsu Strength (2250 due to Blut Arterie)

Vollstandig stats (+25% to base stats):
Strength: 250
Speed: 500
Reiatsu Strength: 1125
Spirit Pressure: 750
Light Aura: 100
Dark Aura: 0
Senses: 187
Instinct: 375
Energy Sensory: 1012
Healing Expertise: 65

[Shawn Rabuburēdo]

This battle was not going at all how Shawn hoped it would, it seems the Vandenriech of this world are much more capable than those of his. Granted that might mean the Shinigami are more capable as well, considering they haven't fallen to these worshipers of a false god. Either way he was in a bad spot that looked as if it would become worse the longer the battle continued. All he could feel right now was pain, his legs barely wanted to move on his mental command while every muscle in his body burned from the extreme exertion to keep defending to survive. It doesn't help that the bleeding from his leg hasn't stopped and his right hand is broken.



You might wonder how Shawn was doing so bad? Well it all started after his last ditch effort to catch Lucien off guard by using pull on one of his legs. Simply put that failed miserably, after all Shawn wasn't expecting Lucien to sprout wings helping him keep his balance. Actually, there was quite a few things in that moment going horribly wrong such as his Kido failing to cast even though he could tell everything else worked. The other major issue was at the same time he started casting Kido, Lucien not only sprouted wings but also a brand new set of armor that looked a lot more pristine.



With the Kido not wanting to form and the brand new silver armor clad Lucien, Shawn knew this was probably going to be the beginning of the end for him. With the Pull from his Kami no Koe still working Lucien just simply smashed his leg into Shawn's Zanpakuto thanks to the extra momentum gained from Pull. Suffice it to say the impact not only showed how much stronger this Quincy was physically than him, but Shawn could also tell the moment armor clad leg met sword his hand broke. If it wasn't for the amount of training he went through, Kami no Koe would most likely be on the ground now.



Thanks to quick thinking Shawn manages to switch which hand holds Kami no Koe, the problem is this helps only slightly as he doesn't tend to use his left hand with his Zanpakuto. From this point on he does everything physically possible to block the strikes from Lucien. Deflecting, stepping to his left or right, once in a while going so far as using Push when he really needs the break. It was all he could do to keep these attacks from injuring him as much as they could, already being physically drained and injured didn't help much. It seems his time was coming to an end, in that case he should probably do all that he could to ensure his enemy also met the same fate.



Sorry Kami no Koe, looks like this is the end of the line, hope you'll at least help me in these last moments to bring an end to this man as well. Shawn's thoughts would immediately be answered, Of course, I don't call you master because I think you're weak. On the contrary, you might fall in this battle but your strength has been proven, after all this Quincy had to go this far to beat you. With that Shawn would give a warm smile, even through the calmness that Bankai brings to his emotions, he couldn't help but give his last smile to his beloved partner.



With that Shawn puts all his focus on the man in front of him, using a push to give himself a moment of reprieve Shawn strikes at Lucien, attempting to peirce through the mans face. Of course he fully expected Lucien to block this attack, after all Shawn wasn't moving nearly as fast as he was earlier in their fight. If somehow he did land the attack then he couldn't be happier, either way this was a set up to drive Lucien to the edge. The moment Kami no Koe made contact with Lucien (armor or not), the Quincy would find every sound he hears reverberating in his mind, growing louder and louder as Shawn spoke the words "Distortion Sakkaku: Echo". Shawn would go completely silent after this as not to ruin his Technique, all I requires is a moment of physical contact and speaking those words to activate its effects.



From this point on every footstep and clang of metal against metal would echo infinitely in the mind of Shawn's opponent. Shawn would let a long breath escape from his nostrils, preparing himself for the final moments of life. Raising Kami no Koe up to eye level near his face Shawn aims where he wants the next thrust to land, directly through the slit where his opponents helmet meets chest plate. No armor is completely impenetrable after all, but this one sure is as close to being impenetrable as armor can get. Good bye Kami no Koe, until we meet again, his thought would get a simple Until we meet again in response.



With his remaining strength Shawn launches himself forward using Shunpo on his least damaged leg, while doing so he would also mentally speak the command Pull, focusing on the neck he could see thanks to his potent sense of sight through the sliver between Luciens armor. With both the speed of his Shunpo at 3500 and dragging Lucien towards him at a speed of 400, Shawn hopes it doesn't give the Quincy enough time to react. This does cost him everything though, for if it all plays out like he wants, Kami no Koe would find itself sliding through the crack in Luciens armor before peircing his neck. Momentum, however, doesn't stop after a killing blow though, the next moments would be Shawn's already damaged body breaking against the heavy armor clad Quincy, with no hope of survival.



Reardless of how this battle ends a Shawn who was fast asleep would jerk awake, sweating profusely from the dream he just had. The thing is, it didn't feel like a dream to him. That was strange, I could feel every movement, every attack dealt by and to me, was it really a dream? Standing up from his bed in the Barracks of Squad 11 Shawn wanders over to the door, no matter how hard he tries the name he kept calling his Zanpakuto was fuzzy, unable to understand it. I don't understand, what happened? I've been sleeping here so that couldn't have possibly been me, even if it absolutely felt real.



Puzzled at what he just dreamed, Shawn figured the best way to overcome this sensation of uneasiness was to train. Getting dressed in something more comfortable he heads over to the training ground to practice his swordsmanship. If that was real, then clearly I'm still not strong enough to protect those close to me, I must work harder to obtain the strength I need. Spending the rest of the night practicing with his Jian sword, Shawn wouldn't notice until early in the morning something seems to have been placed under his pillow.

[Lucien Dantes]

The battle was settled. Lucien's gaze behind his visor was cold and focused, but the fight seemed to be decided. In Shawn's heart he could sense the young man's acceptance of his fate. Faced with the might of the Emperor's Knights there was no other outcome, and Lucien's assault quickly overwhelmed him. The Vandenreich's Captain-Supervisor advanced, assured in his victory, now at last detecting his opponent's own acknowledgement of the certainty of his victory.

Lucien's Focused Eye talent allowed him to drown out Shawn's attempt at distracting him with Distortion: Sakkaku, the angel's focus entirely upon his adversary. Shawn's blow was effortlessly swatted aside by Lucien's own double edged broadsword. Then while binding Shawn's own Kami no Koe, Lucien attempted to guide his own strike down towards Shawn to hew through Shawn's shoulder. His blow was thrown off a hair by the unexpected ringing of the clash of blades, but would still strike a telling blow across Shawn's pectoral if left unattended, even if it would not split him shoulder to naval, as Lucien had intended.

Still this child stood his ground. Still, even with defeat in his heart he stood. Holding out to the last. Kido failing him, his own body collapsing in on itself, his legs a ruined mess, Shawn was still finding the strength to stand. A spectacular ending. If only the other Vandenreich could see your spirit Shinigami. You stand against his Majesty. It is improper I should praise your stubbornness. And yet, one day I too will die. I can only hope it will be with the resolve that you do. Lucien thought. His momentary admiration causing a split second break in his attack pattern. Lucien detected the flow of reiatsu to Shawn's legs. Frozen World did not stop the use of Step Techniques after all. Lucien's blade suddenly darted up to defend. A hairsbreadth too late. Shawn's own Bankai flashed toward's Lucien's face, towards the point where his gorget met his breastplate---

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Lucien's eyes snapped open, gazing at the vaulted, arched ceiling of his bedroom. Chirping birds could be heard outside. The pale faced, pale haired Vandenreich moved to sit up in bed. His throat felt raw, and the taste of iron was in his mouth. A glance at the red-stained pillow he had been using told him that he'd had another episode during his sleep. Weakness flooded his muscles, but Lucien's spiritual energy burned to counteract it, allowing the man to slip out of bed and stand. Pulling a robe from its hook on the wall, Lucien slid it on and looked out his bedroom window at the Dantes family gardens, in full bloom as they ever were, by the Emperor's grace. His gaze climbed up beyond the gardens to the impenetrable, towering citadel of the Emperor himself, from where he oversaw all of his subjects, and tirelessly worked on the creation of his perfect utopia, that must be beyond the comprehension of any mortal, even his own Vandenreich.

Lucien thought to the dream he had that night. A battle with a Shinigami, the unleashing of his own Vollstandig. A thought that should have brought a smile to Lucien's face, but instead, caused his mouth to set in a grim line. How arrogant of him to dream of possessing the gift given only to the Emperor's chosen few. Yet... surely the Emperor would not forbid his servants their fantasies. The idea that Lucien might serve him well enough to be offered such a boon? Lucien's golden eyes remained fixated on the citadel. No... surely such a fantasy was well within reason. A pale, slender hand pressed against the wall, as Lucien staggered for a moment, his chest heaving with his illness.

Ah yes... there was the end of the dream, wasn't there? Lucien's admiration of his imagined opponent had caused him to falter at a vital second. Perhaps this was the purpose of the dream. An admonishment for that sort of thinking? Or at the very least for it staying his hand. Lucien's hand moved from the wall and to the Vandenreich cross which he bore around his neck, clutching it in prayer. I hear you My Emperor, and I will obey. I will learn from this lesson which you have sent me. When I face a man like that again in reality. I will not hesitate, no matter how valorous his last stand. I will rip his glory from him, and give him the end one that shirks your Light deserves. Lucien prayed silently.

And then he turned away, walking slowly, feebly, but steadily towards his closet. It was a new day. And speaking of dreams, it was time for Lucien to do his part, yet again, in making his Majesty's dream a reality.

[Kitai Yoru]

Bravo, bravo my dear contestants! You two are the winners of the Summer Tournament! In addition to your normal rewards, you both get a unique item make by yours truly! Thank you both for seeing it through to the end, and I do hope you enjoy your well earned rewards.

Lucien Dantes: 72 paragraphs, 720+50 TP for the draw

Shawn Rabuburēdo: 60 paragraphs, 600+50 TP for the draw

And here are your prizes!

Name: Victorious Blade
Description: This item is a two inch button that is typically placed onto the hip of the user, but can be placed anywhere on their person. On the back of the button, there is an engraving; "To the winner of the tournament, may he have many swords." Though what that could mean is anyone's guess.
Class: 1
Item Type: Weapon
Item Power (IP): 1,200
Offense Type: Physical
Durability: 3x IP
Bonuses: Once this button is pressed, a sword materializes in the hand that pressed it. This sword can cut through material that has less OS than the sword's IP. Sword Summon costs 100 reiatsu per sword. Sword durability counts as half Button durability.
Drawbacks: If the Button is damaged, the durability removed from it will affect all swords manifested before and after the damage.
Cost: Tournament reward
Crafting Skills: 4 in Crafting
Donated to Urahara's: To Lucien Dantes

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Name: Me, Myself, and I
Description: A round glass bottle with a cork, that is empty. The bottle is roughly four inches in width, with a two inch neck that holds the old-timey cork. This bottle has a small engraving on the bottom of it reading; "To the best runner up of the tournament." Though what that means could be anyone's guess.
Class: 3
Item Type: Utility
Item Power (IP): 1,200
Offense Type: N/A
Durability: 3x IP
Bonuses: When the cork is pulled off, the bottle sucks in a portion of the user's reiatsu in increments of 25% of their max pool, depending on the user's choice. Once the reiatsu is absorbed, the cork magically reseals itself, and a strange chemical process begins. After three posts, the cork will pop off, and pour the liquid down onto the ground, and an exact clone of themselves will appear for each quarter of their reiatsu they poured in. These clones are identical to the user in every way, and have access to the release and non-release techniques of the user. They only have 25% of the user's reiatsu, and disappear after five posts, with the post they are summoned as post one.
Drawbacks: Cost. The user selects up to half of their non-release techniques; the user distributes these techniques to the clones however they see fit. Step techs are automatically granted to the clones, and is not taken away from the user. Release techniques cost twice as much for the clones.
Cost: Tournament Reward
Crafting Skills: Crafting 4
Donated to Urahara's: To Shawn Rabuburēdo