Bridges Burned [DP, R]

[Alacrán]

Thread Title: Bridges Burned
Participants: Alacrán, Albin Landry
World: Human World
Death Setting: Permanent Injuries Enabled
Rating: R
Location: Karakura Community Park
Special Conditions: None
Circumstances: Alacrán has been purposely attacking Shinigami and allowing them to escape so as to draw out a stronger or higher seated Shinigami for him to fight and set his plans in action. Albin has been sent to investigate and interrogate the Adjuchas' motives.

[Alacrán]

(Training for Ryo)

After ambushing and roughing up several Shinigami and letting them escape, Alacrán had begum getting to work on setting up his trap. He needed to make this attack to look organized and like it was planned out, even if it was, but for other purposes. He was hoping one of their more capable fighters would show up so it would have more of an impact on getting the idea that there might be some kind of movement against the Reapers being planned behind the walls of Las Noches. Of course there wasn't, but that didn't matter. All that mattered is that Alacrán tries to put up a good enough fight to cause trouble for the Shinigami, make them think that Kouhai sent him, and then wait for the Soul Society to move against Las Noches and weaken their defenses enough for him to slip in and cause his own havoc. Was he banking on a long shot here? Most definitely so, but he was tired of seeing an outsider rule over Hueco Mundo and it's denizens.

So here he was, setting up this neat little trap for whoever it was they sent out to fight him. His trap of course being that he was charging a Cero in his mouth between the mandibles and then once it was fully formed, he'd compress it with his teeth and mandibles, causing it to shrink in size to about the size of an apple. He then moves to the center of the park and stabs the ground with his limb, rotating it in the ground a little to form a hole just a little larger than the orb, which he places into the freshly formed hole. Once it's in the hole, he covers it up with the displaced dirt and moves to about 20 meters to the left and up from the center placed orb and buries another condensed orb into the ground.

After covering up the holes in a manner that he felt made them inconspicuous, he moves away to hides in the forest, hidden away from prying eyes and waits. He would also use this time to recuperate slightly, as having formed two full Ceros and then condensing them like that took a bit out of him. It was a skill he had freshly acquired after achieving this newly terrifying form, no doubt the knowledge on one of the many Hollow or Arrancar that he's ate. He also picked up a few other things from them and this had given him an idea for a Cero of his own that he was eager to try out. If it worked properly enough, then he knew of a certain Saika that he'd love to test it out on. However that was neither now nor here. No, Alacrán had to keep his mind here for as soon as that Shinigammi showed up, he would step into an Ulcera and send himself flying straight towards them, emerging just a few meters in front of them and sending his tail out to try and grapple them, where he would then use all his strength to send them straight to the ground, towards the center of the park and the first Cero he'd buried, setting it off as they land.

Without waiting for them to recover, he'd then disappear into another Ulcera, this once send him straight down towards them, but instead looking to emerge right above them and try to stab them with his razor sharp limbs to test and see how strong they actually were and if he'd even be able to damage them. Whether this actually pierces him or not, he'd sneak his tail underneath him and try to grab the Shinigami by their feet to pull them off balance and send them flying yet again towards the second Cero and also setting that one off if they got near the spot. He'd then wait for them to recover, keeping his guard up but trying to judge their capability before he went any further.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Stats & Skills}Type: Roughneck

Strength - [400] (50% multiplier) 600
Speed - [200] (-30% multiplier) 140
Spiritual Pressure - [216] (25% multiplier) 270
Reiatsu Strength - 150
Instinct - 100
Senses - [134] (-25% multiplier) 100.5(100)
Energy sensory - 0
Healing Expertise - 0

Light Aura - 10
Dark Aura - 90

Anti-Stealth 1
Battle Analysis 2
Battle Focus 2
Calm Mind 1
Damage Recovery 1
Focused Eye 1
Pain Tolerance 2
Stealth 1

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{Reiastu Pool}2220/2700
-480 for 2 Cero Durmientes
-125 for 2 Ulcera steps

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{Cero Durmiente(Sleeper Zero)}Class: 5
Technique Type: Hollow Technique
Technique Element: N/A

Technique Description and Effects: As an expansion on the typical Cero, this technique allows for a more flexible form of attack rather than a straight shot. These Cero can be placed at any location within an arm’s length of an opponent and simply left there. This seems like an ineffective technique at first, but becomes much more deadly when the user decides to make use of them. At any time after their placement, the user can direct these Cero to fire in any direction, moving at a stat speed of 300. The point of this technique is to lay a web of Cero that can strike at any time and be used in a tactical manner during combat. This technique can also be used with Bala, and costs half as much Reiatsu. In other words, a Cero Durmiente costs 240 Reiatsu per, while a Bala Durmiente costs 120 Reiatsu per.

How to use technique: To use this technique, the same method for creating a basic Cero is applicable. However, rather than releasing the technique as a blast towards the opponent, the user instead clenches their fist briefly to condense it into an orb that will remain in place until directed at a target or destroyed.

Drawback: In order to place a Cero Durmiente, the user must be within an arm’s length of where s/he wishes to place it. It must be manually placed; it cannot be created at a distance. Cero Durmiente can be destroyed by an attack by a higher-classed technique if the attacker has superior Reiatsu Rtrength. Bala can be destroyed by any attack with superior Reiatsu Strength. When learned, only ten Cero Durmiente can be placed at once; for Bala, up to twenty can be placed. If the technique is mastered, twice as many of each may be placed. No more than five of these Cero can be placed per post; two Bala of the same type may be placed instead of each Cero per post.

[Deleted]

Ah, Karakura Community Park. To say that a place like this didn't bring back memories would've been an understatement; Camila had frequented this place fairly often, back when she was still in the Human World. It was a place he'd grown to know rather well. Though, it seemed that a new opportunity presented itself; dispatching an unruly hollow in the area. As Albin made his way toward the Senkaimon, he made sure he had everything he was going to need on him; his Soul Pager? Check. Zanpakuto? Check. His Shihakkusho in top condition? Check. Seemed he was ready.

Stepping through the gate, and eventually making his way into the Human World, the Shinigami took a moment to look around; survey the area, and assess the damage. From what he'd seen, there wasn't a Hollow in sight for the time; time was had to look through the area and make sure everyone was holding up somewhat well, if there were any notable survivors. At least, that was going to be the plan, if it weren't for the fact that he was quickly blindsided by a Hollow seeming to teleport a good few feet in front of him.

Despite the Hollow's movements, and working to catch him off-guard, it seemed that he was just a slight bit faster, giving him that edge that he needed in order to clear his escape. Putting at least another twenty or so feet between the two of them through a backstep Shunpo, the Shinigami took the opportunity to draw one of his twin Zanpakuto; the one originally Sheathed on his right side, Tengoku no Hikari. Holding the weapon firm in his hands, Albin threw a leg back, and assuming a defensive posture. Seemed he wasn't going to be given any leeway, though, as that same Hollow appeared directly above him.

Entering a mental rhythm, Albin made immediate note of the signature echoing of Ulcera opening above him, and threw his body back in an attempt to try to dodge the blow. Unfortunately for him, though, dodging a surprise attack like this wasn't going to be the easiest, given his current position. Throwing his arms up in a quick counteractive motion against the beast, Albin did what he could to defend the blow, clashing his own blade against this hollow's bladed body. Finding himself pressed back as though it were nothing, Albin gripped his weapon ever-tighter. Gods, he thought to himself, this thing's relentless!

Focusing all of his attention on the incoming attack, the Shinigami quickly ended up blindsided by Alacrán's tail, wrapping around his leg, and launching him at rather impressive speeds toward a different spot in the park. Hurdling through the air with no real way to balance himself out, Albin crashed into the dirt, setting off what felt like some sort of energy grenade stored inside of the dirt. As the Cero blasted through the air, the boy let out a pained shout as he'd found himself directly in the blast zone.

As the Cero eventually came to an end, Albin forced himself back into a standing position, assuming that same defensive stance. "Tch," he scoffed, "lucky shot. I can promise you, it won't happen again. Today marks your purification, Hollow; stand down and we can make this painless, yeah?" With a deep breath, Albin found himself in an immense state of focus; so much so, that it felt like his weapon was almost weightless. Over his shoulder, the flickering appearance of a being of light; Tengoku no Hikari, similarly held onto his weapon, as if to guide his hand.

"Strike fast, and strike true," she spoke to him, "take my guidance and vanquish this Hollow."

Nodding his head, Albin took the opportunity to close the distance between the two through Shunpo, stepping just inches away from the Hollow that had just launched him. Using as much force as he could muster, Albin threw his arms forward, sped up immensely through Shunpo Karin, and aimed to cleave directly toward the Hollow's chest; not necessarily enough to incapacitate, but certainly powerful enough to debilitate if the hit connected. He wasn't going to give this hollow any quarter if he could help it; not after a sneak attack like that.

Ichi Duration: 1/5

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{Albin's Stats & Skills}
Type: Fighter, Version 2

Strength: 300 [405]
Speed: 250 [187]
Spiritual Pressure: 300 [405]
Reiatsu Strength: 50 [37]
Instinct: 100
Senses: 100
Energy Sensory: 0
Healing Expertise: 0

Light Aura: 50
Dark Aura: 50

------------------

Weapons - Hardlight Weapons: 2
Strength of Will: 1
Damage Recovery: 1
Pain Tolerance:2
Hakuda: 2
Weapons - Katanas: 2

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{Reiatsu Pool}
Reiatsu: 3,700/4,050
-50 for Shunpo.
-150 for Ichi.
-50 for Shunpo.
-100 for Shunpo Karin.

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{Status Changes}
Rhythm Beat Speed: 237
Shunpo Karin Speed: 2,370
Ichi: Striking Strength Chosen - 810 Striking Strength

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{Shunpo}
Technique Name: Shunpo (Flash Steps)

Class: 7

Technique Type: Kidō

Technique Element: None

Technique Description and Effects: A movement technique that allows the user to move faster than the eye can follow. The focal point that determines the basis of this technique is speed. As speed is the main point of the technique, the method is best characterized by how fast one can get from Point A to Point B in the least amount of steps. Training and skill are what determines how fast a user of Shunpo can move. Those of little skill in the technique or those who haven't used it for an extended amount of time would obviously be out of practice, causing those individuals to be considerably slower. This requires the use of more steps to move the same distance and become tired more easily in a shorter amount of time. A single step magnifies speed for that step by ten times. Shunpo uses fifty Reiatsu per step. This one is automatically learned in the academy. All Shinigami know this when created. This technique does not take up a technique slot.

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{Rhythm Beat}
Technique Name: Rhythm Beat

Class: 6

Technique Type: Hakuda

Usable By: Shinigami, Beast-Clan, Escudo

Technique Element: None

Technique Description and Effects: A stance-type technique, this one requires the user to slip into a state of automatic combat. Automatic combat is a mental state in which the user continues at the exact same pacing of their previous blows, creating a rhythmic pattern that allows them to fight without focusing on it. During this, the user becomes accustomed to their own movements, flowing into the same speed and rhythm of attacks until it's no longer required to think about it. That's when this technique truly begins to shine; upon that point, the user can speed up or slow down that rhythm suddenly, creating a pattern of attacks that suddenly alters in speed. Slowing in speed takes no effort, merely the conscious decision to hold back a blow, but speeding up is another story.

When speeding up, the user must do so gradually; as they become accustomed to their movements at a set pace beyond their normal limit, they can slowly push themselves further and further. With each post of consecutive rhythmic attacks, the user can adapt and push their muscles so that they move an additional 50 speed faster with their consistent attacks. This can be continued up until the maximum of the 3x limit on speed boosts. However, if speed is dropped at all, it caps at the speed dropped to or the user's maximum speed, whichever is higher, and can only regain 50 speed per post. Example, if the user has 300 Speed, after one post they can have 350, and after two their attacks come at 400 speed. However, if they drop down to 300 for a slowed move to surprise a foe, they cannot just go back up to 400 speed, and instead have to work up at 50 per post again. If they dropped down to 200, however, they could immediately make the next blow 300, as that is their natural cap.

How to use technique: Begin striking in a consistent, consecutive rhythm of blows, adapting to it over time and adjusting speed as able.

Technique Drawbacks: Stamina. Aside from that, the biggest drawback to this technique is its predictability; the user does have to build up a rhythm of strikes, and because they are fighting almost off-handedly, even if they have control over how they strike, there is a pattern in the motions that can be countered by an analytical foe. Note that this counts as a long-term buff if used for more than two posts (i.e. after the first post of increased speed); otherwise, it is counted as a short-term buff. Requires at least a 1 in Martial Arts: Hakuda.

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{Ichi (One)}
Technique Name: Ichi (One)

Class: 4

Technique Type: Other.

Usable By: Shinigami.

Technique Element: None.

Technique Description and Effects:

Aptly named, Ichi, also known as "Strike", is the first of the Numbers technique line. Working with their Zanpakuto Spirit, the Shinigami manifests an aura around their Zanpakuto, a ghostly, translucent aura that flickers and fades in and out. This lasts for five posts, and grants the Zanpakuto a special power for the duration of the technique. For the duration of the technique, either the striking speed doubles, or the striking strength doubles.

Additionally, while using this technique, the user is able to perceive their Spirit holding the Zanpakuto with the user, as a faded out image. No one else can perceive their Spirit, unless they have the required Energy Sensory to normally see one. Essentially, the Spirit wields the blade along with the technique user.

How to use technique: Communicate with Spirit, work in tandem with it.

Technique Drawbacks:

Class Four Reiatsu cost. Depending on the Spirit, the relationship they have with their wielder, and their nature, the spirit in question may not choose to lend aid to the wielder. Physical and spiritual fatigue if they do help. Damage to the users arms, due to either the increased speed or increased strength, in the form of strained or sprained muscles, as well as possible overextending. Mastery of this technique lessens the damage done, as well as overextending, due to the user knowing how much strength/speed they have and are able to handle.

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{Shunpo Karin}
Technique Name: Shunpo Karin

Class: 5

Technique Type: Kidō

Technique Element: None

Technique Description and Effects: The famous "partial Shunpo" technique. This allows the user to initiate a single movement at Shunpo speed with one limb. This cannot be used without initiating the forward momentum. The user will need to move their arm the way they normally would before this technique can be activated. Momentum for this technique cannot be controlled. This means once the user initiates this technique, they cannot stop their limb from the movement.

How to use technique: Stated above.

Drawbacks: Also stated above. Higher Reiatsu cost than normal Shunpo. Limit is once per post. More taxing on stamina than regular Shunpo.

[Alacrán]

Alacrán was expecting some type of retaliating attack of course but what he didn't expect was the sheer speed at which Albin had used to attack him. In fact Alacrán hadn't even seen him move, he'd simply saw Albin a good several meters away from him and then Albin was practically in front of him, arm and sword swinging down to strike him. And of course the strike landed, with the blade cutting through his exoskeleton like it was butter.

Alacrán hadn't faced anyone capable of getting through his natural armor by just cutting or slicing it before but the pain was something else. It was downright excruciating but luckily Alacrán was able to keep his focus, being used to having to constantly deal with the pain of his nerves being damaged whenever his armor took a hit. The pain of having his skin cut open was a new experience however. It wasn't quite the same as when Jeff had ripped off his mandible, but the level of pain for both were on about the same level. That level being that he wouldn't want to experience either of them again.

Alacrán quickly leaps back, swiping his tail to try and bat the Shinigami away to throw them off and give him some extra room. It seemed that the Shinigami hadn't figured out the fact that he had planted the Cero's prior before and he still had the one in the center of the park planted and waiting to be set off. From the way that Albin was talking, Alacrán suspected that he thought he'd charged and quickly fired it while he was still falling and recovering. Perhaps he still had a way to push this Shinigami to the edge even if he was stronger than Alacrán had expected.

So he braced his legs and pushed himself into the air, the ground breaking and forming a crater underneath him as he soared into the air, wings keeping him afloat as a small red orb formed in between his mandibles which he quickly launched at Albin. As soon as that orb had left his mandibles another one was being charged and launched, and then another and another. A total of five Balas were fired off, each one not really aimed to hit but to herd Albin closer and closer to the center of the park.

As soon as he got Albin about several meters to the spot of where the Cero was hidden, he smirks as he calls down to Albin, “Wasn’t a lucky shot.“ He would then set off the Cero, hopefully catching Albin while he was too distracted from dodging the Balas. As he was firing off the Balas, his tail had hovered and hid behind him as a Cero had begun forming. As it formed, he’d also started filling it with the venom from his tail, turning the core into a deadly purple hue. As soon as the dust settled from the Cero Durmiente, he'd fire it down on Albin if he was still there.

The other reason that Alacrán had began charging the Cero Corrosivo while he fired the Balas was in case Albin wasn't going to be getting caught up in the trap of dodging them, which in turn means he wouldn't have been herded towards the remaining Cero. Alacrán knew that with his speed, Albin would more than likely have no issue getting up to him if he's able to dodge the Balas. So in the event that Albin ended up dodging the Balas and got near him, then he'd fire it as a defensive measure of keeping Albin and his ridiculous strength out of striking range of Alacrán.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Status Change}Blindado Debuff: RS-50% = 75
Speed-25% = 105

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{Reiatsu Pool}1910/2700
-250 for 5 Balas
-600 for Cero Corrosivo

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{Bala (Bullet)}Class: [6] [Cannot be learned until class 6]
Technique Type: [Hollow Technique]
Technique Element: [None]

Technique Description and Effects: A straightforward and simple technique that hardens the user's Reiatsu and releases it like a swift blast of spiritual energy. While the technique is not nearly as powerful as a Cero, its speed is 20 times faster and allows for it to be fired in quick repetition. The orb of reiatsu fired varies in size and strength, some Arrancar creating one the size of a basketball with the rough power of a massive punch, and others creating Bala with enough power to blast holes in adversaries. Some Espada can create Bala as large and powerful as an average Arrancar's Cero.

How to use technique: The user must first aim and then fire the technique, as is custom of any projectile type.
Technique Drawbacks: 50 Reiatsu cost.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Cero Corrosivo (Corrosive Zero)}Class: 4

Technique Type: [Hollow Technique]

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

Technique Element: [Acid]

Technique Description and Effects (Explain appearance, powers, and effect):
Alacrán has learned how to infuse his Veneno into his Ceros, causing them to become extremely more corrosive and acidic compared to your average Cero thanks to the toxicity of Veneno del Hombre Muerto. These Cero appear like a normal Cero but it instead has a purple core that can be seen through the red orb. While still bearing the same destructive power and speed of a normal Cero, due to the nature of Alacrán's Veneno, these new Ceros are extremely effective at breaking down or through Reiatsu. When this Cero collides with defensive or reiatsu based techniques of equal class or lower, it reduces the overall effectiveness of the opposing technique by 50%. If the opposing technique is of higher class, the overall effectiveness of the said technique is reduced by 25%.

How to use technique (How is it activated?):
In order to use this technique, Alacrán first aims his tail at the target and then begins forming a Cero at the tip. As the Cero is forming, he must also activate Veneno del Hombre Muerto, injecting the toxic reiatsu it into the core of the Cero for him to then fire at his target.

Technique Drawbacks (Limitations, repercussions for use, etc):
As previously stated, in order to complete this technique, Alacrán must activate Veneno del Hombre Muerto therefor paying the activation cost of that technique. On top of that he must also pay a reiatsu cost of 200 even though this technique is class 4.

Made By: Alacrán

Reserved?: Yes

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{Strength Step}Class: [4]
Technique Type: [General Physical Technique]
Usable By: [All Races]

Technique Description and Effects: This, first and foremost, is not a Strength based Step Technique. It does not boost stats, and does nothing involving speed. People of high enough strength are more powerful in all aspects of their body in comparison to those who are weak. Their arms can push harder, their abs can stop punches, and they can perform feats such as jumping higher. This last one is what Strength Step uses for its effect. By crouching down and bunching up their leg muscles, strong people can push off the ground at incredible strengths, sending them soaring into the air. This can be useful in a variety of ways.

To use the base form of this technique, the character must have 400 strength. They can use that strength to propel themselves much like the Hulk is seen doing, jumping over and over again over a long distance. At higher levels of strength, they can use this technique more powerfully. While at 400 strength the ground will only bend and crack, at 600 strength the person pushing off the ground will leave a fairly large crater, measuring a few feet in diameter. At 1000 strength, the person will be able to use this technique in a much more offensive way.

By using their full strength, pushing off the ground will not only leave a good sized crater, but the air will be forced around them as they push through it, causing a cone of air to build up. This cone is not large, like a supersonic cone would be, but merely measures a foot away in all directions from the person pushing. This cone of air can push away any physical projectiles or attacks of inferior strength, and because they can already push through Reiatsu techniques, even the air can disperse reiatsu techniques if the strength is 50% superior than the offensive stat of the technique.

How to use technique: [See Above]

Technique Drawbacks: Stamina drain, muscle damage for repeated use, possible issues with falling if jumping off of a high building.

[Deleted]

With his slash connecting against Alacrán's chitinous armor, Albin smirked to himself as he cleared a bit of distance, almost perfectly in tune with his movement inward and following slash. Seemed Alacrán wanted him off as well, as he made note of his tail swatting toward him. Thank the Soul King I didn't get hit with that, he thought to himself, I can only imagine what kind of hell that would've entailed.

As the distance between the two of them grew, Albin continued to bounce around on his feet, moving left, then right, then left again in a repeating pattern. He did what he could to keep up that same rhythm, only continuing to push his body ever further. Never miss a beat, he thought to himself, never miss a beat. As he continued to bounce back and forth, Albin was rather quickly assaulted from a stream of Bala after Bala, firing straight at him.

Well, straight at him wasn't entirely correct. After the third blast, he quickly realized that these weren't aiming directly toward him. Rather, near him. Around enough to try to subtly nudge him in a direction. Unfortunately it seemed to be enough to force him to move around; after all, the park wasn't exactly the largest, and another talking to from Ludwig wasn't on his agenda; he needed to keep casualties to a minimum. Last thing he could afford was to clean up after the mess this hollow was causing.

As his movements quickly followed the Hollow's Bala, Albin found himself in the middle of the park not a few moments later; a mistake that was going to cost him another attack quickly thereafter. "Wasn't a lucky shot." These words quickly forced an expression of angered surprise to rise to the lad's face as the once-hidden cero erupted, threatening the surrounding area in a rather noteworthy blast. Throwing his arms up in defense, Albin did what he could in order to defend himself against the blast, scorching his arms in reiatsu burns.

Gritting his teeth, and forcing himself through the pain, Albin leapt backward amidst the smoke and debris before it cleared. He needed to take this opportunity to strike back; to try to attack while he could against an otherwise unpredictable foe. Creating a platform of air-ground vertically behind him, Albin placed a foot amongst the spiritual springboard and launched himself forward through Shunpo, flashing straight through the debris at 2,870 speed, straight toward the hollow. Realizing real quick there was yet another Cero coming his way, Albin tucked and rolled, throwing himself down toward the ground mid-movement -- something he otherwise wouldn't've been able to do without a level of skill with the stepping technique -- throwing himself against the ground in a rather rough roll.

Doing what he could to catch his movements, and refraining from using the backs of his arms, Albin skidded along the dirt ground in order to come to a halt. Gritting his teeth once more, and holding his blade up right, he glared down the Hollow. "You're fairly strong," he said, both his and Tengoku no Hikari's grip growing tighter, "what's your name? I wanna know before the fight ends, if that's all right with you." Giving Alacrán the time to say something if he wanted, Albin would then move into his own offensive.

With another Shunpo, Albin rushed toward Alacrán at the same speed as before, Pulling his arm underneath his body, and preparing for a slash upward toward Alacrán, looking to cut diagonally across his torso where possible thanks to an incoming Shunpo Karin. Only, he had another plan; precisely one second before his own strike would otherwise make contact, a semi-spectral, aethereal slash from Tengoku no Hikari would lead, threatening to catch the hollow off-guard from the speed of the blow and off-timing when compared from Albin's otherwise normal attack. Whether Hikari's own strike, at the same speed and force as Albin's own, would connect with Alacrán, the Shinigami was going to follow through with an identical blow toward the Hollow. "Strike fast!" Hikari shouted valiantly, mimicking her original words, "and strike true!"

Ichi Duration: 2/5

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{Reiatsu Pool}
Reiatsu: 3,450/4,050
-50 for Shunpo.
-50 for Shunpo.
-100 for Shunpo Karin.
-150 for Go.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Status Changes}
Rhythm Beat Speed: 287
Shunpo Karin Speed: 2,870
Ichi: Striking Strength Chosen - 810 Striking Strength

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{Go (Five)}
Technique Name: Go (Five)

Class: 5

Technique Type: Other

Usable By: Shinigami, Vizard

Technique Element: None

Technique Description and Effects: Go, also called "Addition", is the fifth of the Numbers. This technique allows the Zanpakuto Spirit to interact with the physical world as an attack of sorts. This technique creates a ghostly aura around the Zanpakuto, much like Ichi. Unlike Ichi, this aura is more solid, more 'real' so to speak. This technique lasts for one strike, one swing of the Zanpakuto, or simply one motion of the blade. Effectively, this technique allows the user and Zanpakuto Spirit to strike an additional time. The user of this technique can choose whether it be as soon as they attack, utilizing two attacks at once, a second before, or a second behind their original attack.

The real power, and versatility, of this technique comes from the fact that whatever effect is on the Zanpakuto, or user, at the time is copied on to the strike. (I.E, the Zanpakuto is coated with an ice-effect, the Zanpakuto the Spirit uses will also be coated with ice.). As this is a blade made of Reiatsu, it naturally bypasses the Cutback Effect.

Synergizes well with Ichi and Ni.

How to use technique: Communicate with Spirit, work in tandem with it.

Technique Drawbacks: Class Five Reiatsu cost. Depending on the Spirit, the relationship they have with their wielder, and their nature, the spirit in question may not choose to lend aid to the wielder. Small amounts of Physical and spiritual fatigue if they do help. Depends heavily on the user's own skill and sword technique to make useful. Must be within the range of the original slash or attack, I.E, you can't teleport the slash behind someone if you have no possible way of getting over there with your original strike. Shunpo does not count.

[Alacrán]

Alacrán was thoroughly surprised that he had managed to catch the Shinigami off guard and watches as he sent himself crashing to the ground, equally impressed by the level of skill the Shinigami had with his Shunpo. He was also very cautious and concerned by how quick it was as well. He hadn't seen anyone this fast in a long while and knew he wouldn't be able to dodge them if he was using that. So he needed to catch them off guard like he just did.

It was unfortunate that he'd hadn't been able to set up a more elaborate trap but it seems he did decently well with what he had to work with so far, something he'd need to keep in mind for later when trying to take on other opponents in such a manner. For now he needed to focus on this fight and prepare his next move for defeating this Shinigami. Luckily he gave him a moment of reprise it seemed, allowing Alacrán to rest and think as he spoke up towards the Hollow, "You're fairly strong, what's your name? I wanna know before the fight ends, if that's all right with you."

Alacrán's mandibles clicked together in irritation as he figured the Shinigami was being cocky and assumed this fight would be over soon. That wouldn't be the case however, at least as long as Alacrán could do something about it. So he glares down at Albin as Cero form in between both his pincers and one between his mandibles, crushing and condensing them as he begins to speak down towards Albin, "My name is Alacrán, Shinigami. And I wouldn't count this fight as close to ending so quickly."

As soon as he releases the three charged Cero, they lift up into the air and all shoot towards each other, combining and forming into one consolidated Cero that hovers at the tip of his tail. However before he has a chance to release it Albin was launching towards him and between the speed of his Shunpo, Shunpo Karin, and the strike from Hikari cutting him, Alacrán didn't properly have a time to react to anything as he finds himself being slashed twice on his underbelly.

As he recoiled from the pain, his tail flicked around to try and smack Albin away from him with all his strength whilst simultaneously leaping back into an Ulcera. He exits the Ulcera several hundred feet away from where they'd been and doesn't hesitate to release the charged Cero, it's speed now boosted to a total 300 and it's strength now triple that of Alacrán's Reiatsu Strength.

The Hollow doesn't even wait to see what Albin does to dodge it as he flies down and crashes into the ground. He tears a chunk of earth out from it's roots and sends it flying towards Albin before he begins smashing into the earth in an attempt to send up a clouds of dust to hide in as he licked his wounds and formulate his next plan of attack.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Reiatsu Pool}995/2700
-840 x3 Cero Consolidar
-75 Ulcera

SPOILER: Click to show

{Cero Consolidar (Consolidation Zero)}Class: 4
Technique Type: Hollow Technique
Technique Element: None

Technique Description and Effects: This technique is an expansion of the Cero Durmiente technique, and requires mastery of the former. Using the same concept as the Cero Durmiente, the user places Cero at various points throughout the battlefield. These Cero have a different Reiatsu frequency, however, and as a result have special properties. If one Cero Consolidar contacts another, they merge and combine their strength; as each Cero Consolidar is equal to the strength of a standard Cero, they can quickly increase in strength by merging. The most effective use of this is to combine several groups to form multiple larger Cero that can attack from several directions; as they multiply in power, and their base power is equivalent to the user’s Reiatsu Strength, they can overcome just about any defense with enough merged together. Speed increases for each combination as well, each base Cero Consolidar possessing a Speed Stat of 100 and adding up as more combine. Unlike the prerequisite technique, this cannot be used with Bala. Costs 280 per Cero Consolidar.

How to use technique: Similar to the Cero Durmiente technique, the user condenses their Reiatsu into orbs by clenching their fist and placing a Cero Consolidar into the air. These can be guided freely, but can only be shot in one direction, so are often either aimed to consolidate and grow stronger or else to be fired at the opponent.

Drawback: Each individual orb can be destroyed with a technique of superior class, provided that the attacker has superior Reiatsu Strength. Merged orbs combine their Reiatsu Strength, making them more difficult to destroy as they merge, but still possible by a superior technique with greater Reiatsu Strength. Only ten Cero Consolidar can be placed upon learning this technique; upon mastery, fifteen can be placed. Requires Cero Durmiente to be learned and mastered to learn this technique. No more than five Cero Consolidar can be placed in a single post.

[Deleted]

"My name is Alacrán, Shinigami. And I wouldn't count this fight as close to ending so quickly." Wait. That was a name Albin remembered, but... he wasn't quite sure from where. Odd, he thought to himself, I'll have to deep-dive that name later on if I get the opportunity to do so. I know for sure I recognize that. Even with that being the case, now was not the time to ponder something like that. He needed to be decisive; to press the attack while he still had the chance to do so.

As he continued to rush toward Alacrán as he'd originally planned, cleaving into his abdomen alongside Tengoku no Hikari, he noticed Alacrán's own tail looking to strike into him. Much like everything else thus far, Albin found himself a bit too distracted formulating an offensive to focus on protecting himself, and ended up taking the brunt of the attack. Skidding backward once more as he was slammed by the force the hollow could put out, Albin kept himself up particularly well this time around, all things considered.

Catching his balance rather quickly, and keeping his footing well on the dirt in order to keep the skirmish at hand rolling, Albin gripped ever tighter with his sword. He needed to defend for a bit. Quite frankly, if he didn't, he likely wasn't going to walk away as well as he'd hope from this fight. As Alacrán reemerged from his Ulcera, Albin made immediate notice of the roar of Cero from above, he gritted his teeth. Coating his blade in reiatsu within a flash, Albin's Zanpakuto quickly began to shine like that of a star; while the golden sheen wasn't enough to blind someone looking at it, it certainly had a level of "bright" to it.

As the Cero fired toward him, and against better judgement, Albin jumped straight toward the blast. "Hikari!" He shouted at the top of his lungs, "aid me!!" As his words finished, and his blade came in contact with the blast. Though, due to speeding up the speed of his own strike via Shunpo Karin, his blade connected far sooner than the cero itself could've hit him. Though providing quite a bit of push-back against his sword, Albin, with another shout, slammed his sword's blade straight toward the ground.

As soon as his blade had been lowered, the reiatsu once stored around his weapon released forward as a wave; a slash, even, carving the Cero almost perfectly down the center. As the golden scar travelled along the length of the blast itself, traversing ever further into the air, Albin leapt backward in order to clear some distance between the two of them. Seemed now was as good a time as ever for what he had planned.

Once the golden slash completely split the cero, and almost as if on queue, seemed to redirect itself. The new target? the Hollow, now several hundred feet away. Whether or not it was going to connect was up in the air, given it wasn't going to redirect itself again, but he'd be damned if he wasn't hopeful. As this occurred, Albin made distinct note of the chunk of dirt currently headed his way. Leaping and diving away from the blast, but only just barely managing to dodge, the Shinigami rolled out, kicking up dust and dirt of his own.

In such a short span of time, it seemed the entire battlefield was clouded in dirt and debris; a rather common sight, but not one Albin appreciated regardless. With a deep breath, he forced himself up, using his Zanpakuto in order to stand, and took a deep breath. It was time. Sheathing his blade, Albin spoke out a phrase aloud; "Shine Like Stars, Tengoku no Hikari!"

As he finished speaking, the area directly around him quickly became eclipsed in light, coating him for a short second before quickly fading. To those that might've gotten a good view on the boy, his appearance had distinctly been... changed. His Shihakkusho was now a pale white, his hair a sky blue color. His eyes shined like the stars in the night sky. He was ready to fight.

Ichi Duration: 3/5
Hikari Shikai Duration: 1/10

SPOILER: Click to show

{Status Changes}
Rhythm Beat Speed: 337
Shunpo Karin Speed: 3,370
Ichi: Striking Strength Chosen - 810 Striking Strength

SPOILER: Click to show

{Release Information}
Essence of Stars: 2

SPOILER: Click to show

{Reiatsu Pool}
Reiatsu: 2,650/4,050
-150 for Shunpo Karin.
-400 for Ni.
-250 reiatsu for Shikai, increased cost.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Ni (Two)}
Technique Name: Ni (Two)

Class: 3

Technique Type: Other

Usable By: Shinigami.

Technique Element: None.

Technique Description and Effects:

Ni, also known as "Divide", is a technique that pools together the Zanpakuto Spirit's Reiatsu, as well as the Shinigami's Reiatsu, to form a powerful counter to Reiatsu based attacks. From within the user's Zanpakuto, Reiatsu wells up and coats the blade. This forms the 'first' coat. The Reiatsu from the user pools around this first layer, forming a second layer over the blade, which takes the form of whatever the user's flexed Reiatsu looks like, creating a dual-color Reiatsu over the Zanpakuto.

Upon contact with a Reiatsu based attack, the first layer activates, cutting into and repelling the technique in half, depending on the size. The second layer closely follows the first behind, a sharpened blade of Reiatsu that travels in the direction of the person who used the first technique. This blade will continue to cut through the opposing Reiatsu based technique if it isn't cut apart by the first layer, and has limited seeking properties to track the individual that used the opposing technique. This works best on beam-type attacks, such as Cero, and could be thought of as a counter to Cero-type techniques.

Due to the nature of this technique, the user's Offensive Stat, instead of simply Reiatsu Strength, is used to determine the power of this technique. This power can be utilized on techniques up to 1.5x the user's Offensive Stat.

How to use technique: Communicate with Spirit, work in tandem with it, use Reiatsu.

Technique Drawbacks:

Class Three Reiatsu cost. Depending on the Spirit, the relationship they have with their wielder, and their nature, the spirit in question may not choose to lend aid to the wielder. Physical and spiritual fatigue if they do help. This technique tires out the Spirit, increasing the cost of Releasing by 50% the next time the user releases. Increases the cost of non-release techniques by 25% for the next three posts. Despite being able to be used on stronger techniques, this technique does not prevent the Zanpakuto from taking damage from these techniques, and will damage the Zanpakuto each time it is used. If the Zanpakuto is broken during usage, this technique does not work.

[Alacrán]

Alacrán was none the wiser as to what had happened with his Cero, which had been blocked and redirected by Albin who had sent it now rushing towards him. He does however pick up on the fact that the roar of the Cero hadn't ended, nor had he felt or heard the explosion of it's impact which meant that something had happened that he hadn't anticipated. He picks up on it's roar growing increasingly louder as it got closer to him until he noticed the area around him began to be basked in it's red glow and he barely has enough time to dodge out of the way as it explodes on impact, a portion of his wings getting caught up in the blast as he hadn't been quite quick enough to completely dodge it.

As he's flung away from the force of the explosion, he's thoroughly surprised by the power of his own combined Cero which was something he'd keep in mind for later. He stabs his limbs into the ground as he reorients himself, trying to discern where the Shinigami had gone. He was beginning to feel the exhaustion of his efforts and realized how low he was fuel meaning he'd have to be cautious going forward and try to engage in more melee rather than relying on his reiatsu based attacks. His train of thought is interrupted however as he feels the sudden surge in power coming from Albin, as well as the burst of almost blinding light that emanates around him for a few seconds, helping Alacrán in locating him as the Shinigami released his Shikai.

Alacrán was surprised that he had managed to push the Shinigami to using this stage of release and had never really fought against a Shinigami in Shikai nor Bankai. He'd fought against plenty of Arrancars who'd released their Resurrección so he was used to fighting against a foe who would continuously display a variety of skills and powers mid-combat whilst he only had his own form and skills to keep him alive. In reality, to him this was only a testament to how far he'd come as a Hollow to be able to push a Shinigami he's never encountered before into releasing their Shikai, boost his ego and confidence now.

So as he watched the Shinigami's transformation complete, Alacrán didn't hesitate another moment as his legs all tensed up for a moment, crouching down slightly as he does and then sends himself leaping towards the young, pale man with explosive power that caused the ground where Alacrán had been to form into a small crater. He slammed down with one of his bladed forelimbs, deciding he would now prefer to keep this as up close and personal for as long as he could bear. He grins as he uses his other bladed forelimb to try and sweep across Albin's body in a horizontal slash, expecting the young Shinigami to have blocked and parried his first strike.

While he clashes with Albin, not at all expecting to be able to reliably pressure the Shinigami while he was in his released state, Alacrán's tail slowly sinks behind the Hollow's body and begins to slink underneath him, inching slowly and closer to Albin as they fought. Alacrán would do his best to keep Albin distracted and engaged with Alacrán in a close quarters fight as he'd picked up that so far the Shinigami preferred this method of fighting, always leaping towards and following the Hollow in an attempt to strike him with his insanely powerful cuts. So Alacrán would use this to his advantage and push through the pain and damage in an attempt to strike him with his venom.

He does his best to work Albin into a rhythm of parrying and blocking Alacrán's attacks, the Hollow making use of his two natural weapons to keep Albin on a back pedal. In case Albin started use his insane Shunpo, Alacrán would just do what he could to power through the pain as he wouldn't reasonably be able to react to Albin's speed in time to block or parry and Albin has already demonstrated the ability to easily carve through Alacrán's armor like it was butter so all he could rely on in that instance would be his ability to bear the pain and recovery from it as best as he could.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Strength Step}Class: [4]
Technique Type: [General Physical Technique]
Usable By: [All Races]

Technique Description and Effects: This, first and foremost, is not a Strength based Step Technique. It does not boost stats, and does nothing involving speed. People of high enough strength are more powerful in all aspects of their body in comparison to those who are weak. Their arms can push harder, their abs can stop punches, and they can perform feats such as jumping higher. This last one is what Strength Step uses for its effect. By crouching down and bunching up their leg muscles, strong people can push off the ground at incredible strengths, sending them soaring into the air. This can be useful in a variety of ways.

To use the base form of this technique, the character must have 400 strength. They can use that strength to propel themselves much like the Hulk is seen doing, jumping over and over again over a long distance. At higher levels of strength, they can use this technique more powerfully. While at 400 strength the ground will only bend and crack, at 600 strength the person pushing off the ground will leave a fairly large crater, measuring a few feet in diameter. At 1000 strength, the person will be able to use this technique in a much more offensive way.

By using their full strength, pushing off the ground will not only leave a good sized crater, but the air will be forced around them as they push through it, causing a cone of air to build up. This cone is not large, like a supersonic cone would be, but merely measures a foot away in all directions from the person pushing. This cone of air can push away any physical projectiles or attacks of inferior strength, and because they can already push through Reiatsu techniques, even the air can disperse reiatsu techniques if the strength is 50% superior than the offensive stat of the technique.

How to use technique: [See Above]

Technique Drawbacks: Stamina drain, muscle damage for repeated use, possible issues with falling if jumping off of a high building.

[Deleted]

As the dust around the Shinigami began to settle and disperse, Albin held his left hand somewhat out to the side. Focusing for a brief moment, Albin willed a blade of materialized light to form around his grip; that of a standard longsword. One meant for one-hand, but still large enough to be wielded with two. Shortly thereafter, a fan of these swords began to create themselves behind him, materializing just as fast and creating the same weapons. "Alacrán, yeah?" He spoke, his voice overlayed with that of Tengoku no Hikari's own, "Let's see how well you can fight this."

As he finished speaking, Albin noticed immediately that Alacrán was going on the offensive; closing the distance as fast as he could. Seemed it was time to do the same. Wreathing his own form in starlight, Albin dashed toward Alacrán; speeds not unlike that of a Shunpo, but without the notable start-up sound of one. Just like that, he was upon the insectoid hollow, and as he'd expected, parried against the hollow's first strike. Though, naturally not without a noteworthy amount of effort; even if Tengoku no Hikari was aiding his striking power, Alacrán was still physically stronger; something Albin was going to have to deal with whether he liked it or not.

Gritting his teeth, and pressing back against the hollow as hard as he possibly could, Albin quickly found himself starting to lose footing against him. "Gods," he spoke aloud, keeping his attention toward the hollow, "if only you weren't Hollow; I would've loved to fight alongside you. Hell, Camila might've even enjoyed your company too!" With a soft chuckle to himself, reminiscing on the past, Albin knew he'd need to keep his defenses up. Especially if this hollow was going to start pressing the attack. Otherwise, he was going to have to face that stinger; something he knew was going to be trouble at some point.

If Alacrán tried anything funny, trying to attack while keeping up the parry, he had his swords in order to intercept the blows. They weren't the most durable, but they did enough to protect if he was in need of an opening. Other than that, he was going to try to keep his blade locked with this Hollow. It wasn't safe for him to try to break the parry at the moment, given he could've been physically overpowered at practically any moment, and he didn't exactly have an opportunity to strike back against the hollow in such a way that would be decisive. For now, he needed to wait.

Ichi Duration: 4/5
Hikari Shikai Duration: 2/10

SPOILER: Click to show

{Status Changes}
Rhythm Beat Speed: 387
Ichi: Striking Strength Chosen - 810 Striking Strength

SPOILER: Click to show

{Release Information}
Essence of Stars: 6

SPOILER: Click to show

{Reiatsu Pool}
Reiatsu: 2,194/4,050
-400 for Hikari Overall, 400 Durability.
-6 for Hikari Overall, 1 Durability (x6).
-50 for Starlight Road.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Tengoku no Hikari Overall}
Tengoku no Hikari, or Heaven's Light, is a release that focuses around the use of Starlight-based physical abilities in order to dominate a fight, mimicking that of the stars in space. Predominantly, this is through the creation of starlight weaponry in order to get the job done. At any point he desires after Tengoku no Hikari is released, Albin can spend any amount of reiatsu in order to create melee weapons of starlight. These weapons take any form Albin desires at the time of creation, and have a durability equal to the reiatsu spent in order to create the weapon, up to 600 in Shikai, and 1,200 in Bankai. These weapons have a Strength equal to Albin's own Strength, even when being wielded telepathically. These weapons can be controlled by Albin telepathically, and move at a speed equal to his own. These weapons can only travel up to thirty feet away from him at any given time. Anything struck by these swords will be inflicted by solar burns, akin to that of touching a star, but not nearly as hot. These weapons, for all intents and purposes, are Albin's Zanpakuto. Using these weapons telepathically does not transfer over any mastery of them via Skill Points; they're treated as though they have 0 Ranks in weapon skills.

For every 100 reiatsu that Albin spends in order to either utilize Tengoku no Hikari's Overall Ability, or spends in order to cast Tengoku no Hikari's techniques, Albin generates 1 Essence of Stars. Upon reaching 100 Essence of Stars, all of Tengoku no Hikari's techniques are strengthened in ways specifically listed in each technique. Essence of Stars that are generated are tallied when they're earned.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Starlight Road}
Name: Starlight Road

Bias: Starlight

Range: Self.

Cost: 50 reiatsu.

Description: Starlight Road is a step technique, that grants Albin the option to chain on an attack to it should he desire. By paying the reiatsu cost, Albin is able to coat himself in starlight, and move at 10x his speed for a singular step. By spending another 100 reiatsu on top of this, Albin is once again able to step directly after the first one, in order to move in on a certain location and deliver a melee attack at that same speed. If this variant is used, other step techniques cannot be used during that same post. Naturally this technique is physically exhausting to use in constant succession, and consecutive use in two or more posts back to back will see Albin's arm and leg muscles tearing, reducing his Strength and Speed by 10% each time this happens. In Shikai, Hakuda techniques cannot be used in conjunction with the second step. In Bankai, this is permitted.

At 100 Essence of Stars, Albin is now able to move at 12x his speed during these steps. At 100 Essence of Space, the attack that Albin makes does not need to be physical, and can instead be a spiritual attack. As such, closing the distance between himself and an opponent is not a necessity with the second step.

[Alacrán]

Alacrán was seeming to be continuously surprised by his own capabilities as he had accurately judged that Albin was very much comfortable in a close quarters fight. Unfortunately Alacrán was also very comfortable in up close confrontations as well, and boasted a much higher strength to back it up it would seem. Still, Albin did have one thing over Alacrán that was allowing the poor boy to survive now and that was his spiritual abilities. Alacrán seemed quite annoyed when the first blade had blocked his attempt to cut Albin’s guts open but he’d become even more frustrated when a possible second and third came in to block any openings that Albin might have that Alacrán would immediately try to make use of.

He did notice however, that they were quite fragile and shattered upon impact yet not without repercussions it would seem. The burns that were inflicted on his armor wherever the blades made contact was quite painful, but compared to the pain of when his armor was being shattered under Jeff’s aura, this felt much more tolerable to handle and push through as he ignored the pain and made no hesitation to clash with the blades using his extra limbs which reeled themselves as Alacrán began to hover in the air using his wings.

As he did lift in the air however, Alacrán would switch up his target momentarily and begin to try and destroy the swords with his limbs, leaving himself wide open momentarily while he did this. In the process of trying to break the swords, Alacrán’s tail would have curled up the second his legs left the ground. Trying to protect the most deadly part of his body was important not in that it was a vital limb but in making Albin believe that his stinger was the only way for Alacrán to secrete his veneno.

So of course, as he rose up to try and elevate himself into a better position to destroy the ring of light swords, Alacrán would purposefully expose himself and his tail, hoping that Albin might take the bait and try to do away with the stinger before it could damage the boy. He’s still entirely focused on trying to destroy the swords with his limbs, taking several strikes at them however if he proved unsuccessful in this way he'd quickly back away just a bit and swing one of his forelimbs in a horizontal slash, producing a shockwave to maybe destroy all the swords at once with one blow.

If and after the swords are dealt with, Alacrán would then make his next move against Albin if he had taken the bait of his exposed tail. "Gods, if only you weren't Hollow; I would've loved to fight alongside you. Hell, Camila might've even enjoyed your company too!" He’s about to make his move when Albin says this, causing him to hesitate and glare at the young Shinigami with his response, “How do ya know her?” It’d been quite some time since Alacrán had last heard anything about the odd former Shinigami with Hollow-like reiatsu in her and he’d wonder from time to time what's become of her.

[Deleted]

As Albin found himself clashing blade to blade with the hollow, he noticed the hollow going out of his way to damage the swords he'd set up almost immediately. Softly sighing to himself as he realized his ploy wasn't going to work this time, Albin tucked and rolled backward, allowing him to get away from the Arrancar as best he could in order to keep an attack from closing in on himself. He could afford to sacrifice a few blades if it meant he was going to keep himself relatively safe, all things considered.

Taking no opportunity to attack the incoming hollow, out of a desire to keep himself out of harm's way for the time being, Albin kept up his guard as his swords were blown to smithereens from a shockwave, fragments of hardened light sent flying across the ground before dissipating into nothing. Holding his sword in front of him, Albin spoke what he'd originally planned to say; the same line about how Camila would've enjoyed his company. Though, to Albin's surprise, it seemed Alacrán held stock in what he'd said.

“How do ya know her?” These words caught Albin off-guard. Lowering his stance, her stared At the hollow almost blankly. "Wait," he started, "how on earth did you know Camila? …And how on earth did I of all people not know about it?" Truth be told he wasn't exactly sure how something like that was entirely possible. Given the circumstances that led up to his existence, he found it rather... confusing that this hollow seemed to know Camila. Perhaps that was something to probe into? He'd have to see. As the aura around his blade wore off, he simply awaited Alacrán's response.

Ichi Duration: 5/5
Hikari Shikai Duration: 3/10

[Alacrán]

It seemed the Shinigami was as equally confused by this revelation as Alacrán was as he watched Albin lower his guard, "Wait, how on earth did you know Camila? …And how on earth did I of all people not know about it?" Alacrán wasn't so foolish as to lower his guard against an enemy, even with this confusing knowledge of them both having known Camila. The Hollow glares at Albin as he hovers in the air for a moment, slowly backing away as he thinks on how to respond.

An idea pops in his head as he caught a glimpse of the aura around Albin's blade disperse and although he didn't quite know what it meant it was obviously a good sign for him as he returns his full attention to the Shinigami, "Hows 'bout we make a deal? Looser reveals what dey know and da win'er can chose ta keep der secrets hm? Aye don' plan on eaten ya so ya won' have ta worry 'bout dat." He tilts his head and waits for Albin's answer, despite wanting to immediately strike him while the Shinigami's guard was down but he reframes from doing so. He does continue to keep his own guard up however, fully expecting Abin to attack as soon as he gave his answer.

Alacrán was also making use of this momentary pause in the lull of battle to catch his breath, which he could only assume the Shinigami was doing the same. His body and muscles were starting to feel sore now and he wasn't sure how much longer he could keep it up with how tired he was starting to feel now. Still he kept on alert, his body staying tensed and prepped to reengage in combat.

[Deleted]

"Hows 'bout we make a deal? Looser reveals what dey know and da win'er can chose ta keep der secrets hm? Aye don' plan on eaten ya so ya won' have ta worry 'bout dat." ...Huh. Taking deep breaths, and looking to slow his breathing, Albin did what he could in order to calm himself down to prepare for the future here. He needed to think about things carefully from here-on out, given the situation at hand. Did he want to just disclose his entire hand to this hollow? The thought was a bit worrisome, all things considered.

"Hm," he pondered aloud, "I can't say I'd be too opposed to that. Circumstances permitting, I'd like to think that's pretty fair, all things considered. You've got yourself a deal." Letting his words linger for a few short moments, Albin held his guard still for the time. He wasn't going to strike Alacrán right away; quite the opposite, actually. He had no problems waiting and lingering for just a moment so that the Hollow could catch a moment to breathe. Given there was now something on the line, that was only fair.

Though, as he did, Albin wasn't exactly going to sit around and do nothing. Instead, gripping on the second of two swords he chose not to draw, Albin drew the blade slowly before stopping, leaving it no more than halfway from its scabbard. Taking another deep breath, and flaring his reiatsu, he spoke once more. "Darken the Sky, Tengoku no Yami." As his words finished, she slammed the weapon back into its scabbard, and in turn another explosive release of reiatsu followed in suit.

While nothing visually changed regarding Albin this time around, the sword he drew was now firmly locked in place, much like his other weapon. In contrast to the golden, almost pure nature of the reiatsu circulating around him now, a darker, deep blue wave of spiritual energy now coated him as well. Perfectly complimenting the almost hot-to-the-touch feel of Tengoku no Hikari with a chilling darkness. Holding an open hand out toward the hollow, Albin made very little motion aside from a quick flex of reiatsu.

From his hand, an inky-black bolt of spiritual energy fired forward, very much akin to that of a Bala. Traveling at a reasonable speed of 500, this bolt flew straight forward, threatening to slam into the Hollow if he decided not to move from his place. In truth, it was more of a warning-shot than a direct threat, given he'd given prime opportunity to leave his place. Nonetheless, Albin wasn't going to hold back any longer.

Hikari Shikai Duration: 4/10
Yami Shikai Duration: 1/10

SPOILER: Click to show

{Reiatsu Pool}
Reiatsu: 1,944/4,050
-200 for Shikai Release.
-50 for Tengoku no Yami Overall Ability.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Tengoku no Yami Overall Ability}
In direct contrast to Tengoku no Hikari's starlight-focused powers, Tengoku no Yami focuses instead on spatial manipulation in order to combat foes spiritually. Much like how Tengoku no Hikari grants Albin a new "basic attack", Tengoku no Yami does the same, but in a different way. Through Tengoku no Yami, Albin is able to fire off bolts of spatial energy from his hands. By holding out his hand, Albin is able to spend 50 reiatsu in order to fire off a spiritual bolt of blackened, galactic reiatsu at 500 speed. This bolt of reiatsu has a Spiritual Pressure equal to Albin's. Upon contact with anything, these bolts explode with spatial energy, hitting anything within a five foot radius of the bolt and afflicting a sort of freezer-burn to anything struck, mimicking the cold vacuum of space. These bolts travel up to 60 feet before dissipating.

For every 100 reiatsu that Albin spends in order to either utilize Tengoku no Yami's Overall Ability, or spends in order to cast Tengoku no Yami's techniques, Albin generates 1 Essence of Space. Upon reaching 100 Essence of Space, all of Tengoku no Yami's techniques are strengthened in ways specifically listed in each technique. Essence of Space that are generated are tallied at the end of the post they're earned in, as opposed to the time they're earned.

Upon reaching 100 Essence of Stars, Tengoku no Yami's release shifts to accommodate that of Tengoku no Hikari. Instead of being themed around space, Tengoku no Yami instead changes to fit that of the star-focused aesthetic. Space-imbued bolts of reiatsu instead become starlight-aligned, reiatsu-laced shockwaves, and utilize the blinding radiance that Tengoku no Hikari creates. In addition to this change, both Tengoku no Yami's Overall Ability, and Zanpakuto techniques utilize Strength instead of Spiritual Pressure. Bolts fired from Tengoku no Yami's Overall now function identical to shockwaves.

[Alacrán]

Alacrán nodded in response to Albin's answer but then his focus sharpened and his body tensed as the Shinigami began to chant once more. What the hell was this? He was aware that the weapons of the Shinigami can change forms or at the very least just have hidden abilities but he didn't think that this one had more tricks to hide up their sleeve. If that was so then Alacrán really couldn't give the young boy time to act then and he'd have to try and put him on the defensive before it was too late.

It seemed that maybe Alacrán didn't have to worry too much though, at least it's what he thought when he noticed that Albin's appearance had remained the same. He quickly dashed away that thought when he saw the black orb begin to form in Albin's hand which he noticed was much darker than the swords Albin had conjured up earlier. He knew it must of been some kind of projectile so he quickly dodged out of the way, not aware that Albin was going for a warning shot and that he was going to be getting serious now, which was something Alacrán would have found insulting since he has been pretty serious with this fight since it started.

Which is why he planned on continuing through with his scheme earlier as he bolts straight towards Albin, going for a head on collision once more, trying to press Albin all over again. So in order to press Albin even further than he had him before, he decided to try something he's never done before. As he got closer to Albin he telegraphed his bladed forearm coming down to swing on Albin. Whether blocked or dodged, Alacrán would charge a Cero at the end of his tail and fire it on the young man and then charge him again to try and come in with a side swipe of his arm.

While the Cero wasn't really meant to do much, it was his attacks that Alacrán was banking on. The reason being was that he was swinging with all his strength and once the point of impact was made, whether it be blade, ground, or flesh Alacrán produced a shockwave. While this was mildly tiring, hopefully it would be an edge in this fight that tipped it towards Alacrán's favor.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Reiatsu Pool - 795/2700}-200 Cero

[Yuki & Yui Tsumugi]

(Deleted Albin's account, taking over the rest of this thread on Yui's account so we can get it finished.)

As his hand slowly started to drop after having fired off a bolt of spatial dark thanks to Yami's aid, Albin let out a quick huff. He didn't particularly enjoy relying so heavily on Yami's abilities if he could help it; at times, she felt a little more... destructive than he would've liked. Very much a direct contrast to the more easygoing Hikari. Regardless, it was something he was just going to have to suck up and deal with if he wanted to win this fight. And, given that Alacrán wasn't exactly an easy opponent thus far, that seriousness was something he was going to need to kickstart.

And, it just so seemed that Alacrán was going in for a strike against him, now; one that he was leaving himself to telegraph rather notably, as well. Almost scoffing to himself, Albin threw his arm up, allowing the blade currently glittering in his hand to block the incoming strike. If he'd had the opportunity right there to make a comment, he would've done so, but it seemed the Hollow had other plans. As the Cero that had been prepped quickly roared to life, and threatened to eclipse the Shinigami, Albin did what he could in order to guard himself from the coming assault.

Within a matter of a few short moments, reiatsu burns quickly laced his form, leaving singed cloth and burned skin where he stood. While certainly not enough damage to put him down, a surprise strike like that wasn't something he was exactly just going to walk away from unscathed; he'd taken a number of hits over the course of the fight, and they were starting to show. Breathing out softly as the Hollow went in for yet another strike, Albin knew very quickly that he was going to need to try to push through, and retaliate with one of his own. As Alacrán went in for another swing against him, Albin prepared to counter it not with a sword, but with his bare hands.

Using his left hand, which had once held a now-broken blade of light, Albin lashed out via Shunpo Karin toward Alacrán's swinging arm, looking to stop it with his hands. While he knew damn well he was still going to take the hit - which, very much followed in suit, as the blade dug not only into his hand, but into his abdomen given the notable difference in Strength between the two of them - he was going to do what he did best and make a reckless attack in turn against his opponent; one he wasn't about to let them escape, if he could help it. "Checkmate!" he shouted, as a rather quick, powerful wave of blackened spikes rose from the ground directly in front of him, traveling thirty feet outward, and protruding at a speed of 800. Given his grip on the Hollow, he'd had quite a bit of hope his attack was going to land. Given his condition, he knew damned well that enduring another Cero like that was going to be game-over, so he needed to make this count.

Hikari Duration: 5/10.
Yami Duration: 2/10.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Reiatsu Pool}
Reiatsu: 1,844/4,050
-100 from Shunpo Karin.
-200 from Astral Precipice.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Astral Precipice}
Name: Astral Precipice

Bias: Galaxy

Range: 30 feet.

Cost: 200 reiatsu.

Description: Upon paying the reiatsu cost, Albin can manifest a trail of spatial spikes that break through the ground, rising outward at a speed of 600. These spikes impale with a force equal to Albin's Spiritual Pressure, and travel in a wave that reaches this 30 foot distance at a speed of 800. Upon impaling a target, these spikes will break off in whatever was struck, siphoning 50 reiatsu per post to the nearest Pylon. These spikes can be pulled out, but doing so while remaining unfazed from this action requires at least 2 Ranks in Pain Tolerance. Anything less will cause so much pain from those that try that they find themselves unable to do so. This technique can only be stacked on a person once, but can be reapplied should they remove these spikes.

At 100 Essence of Space, these spikes require at least 3 Ranks in Pain Tolerance to pull out. At 100 Essence of Stars, weapons summoned through Tengoku no Hikari's Overall Ability instead manifest these spikes, allowing them to be broken off on successful melee attacks with said weapons. These spikes fade off of the weapons in question should this attack miss.