The Masks We Wear [PvP | NDE | R ]

[☾ Aevus | Umbra ☽]

What came after Lumina’s death seemed like a fog to the newly awakened Vizard. Days would turn into weeks, and those weeks into months. It was hard to keep track of time when you let it fade into the background. When your goal was no longer possible. It sort of became a blur when nothing really mattered to you anymore. He had stayed with Zeich for what time he had too. Taking the blind Vizard’s kindness in stride. Learning to call upon the power of his Inner Hollow without letting it fully consume him.

Yet each time he wore that black mask, he felt as if he lost himself in the Hollow’s shadow. As if he was sinking into himself, and letting that vulpine shadow spread over him. In truth it didn't feel like she was controlling him per say, but he felt her will becoming his own. As if his fate was being bound to hers in every sense of the word. Sheltering him down a shadowy path, he knew not where it led him. And with that black mask he realized he no longer really cared. Hell part of him actually welcomed that loss of self. And in his isolation, he had realized perhaps he always had.

He had turned to Umbra when he had first joined the Onmitsukido after all. Letting those golden eyes take him. Giving into her influence during his assassinations. It had become a ritual of sorts. More so an addiction. He was a killer, but he certainly didn’t have the heart for it. Letting those sultry whispers sway him, was a way to cope with what he was really doing. All just so he didn’t have to feel the guilt or responsibility. So he could dissociate almost completely from the act of killing. Yet in the end, he had become the very thing he had hunted for so long. And well that guilt came back in waves regardless of how much of his heart he let that Vulpine swallow.

Upon leaving, Aevus had left Zeich with a sincere thank you. He remembered the blind vizard had even offered him a meeting with a manger of a corporation called UE. He had also agreed to help him find a place to rest his head. It certainly would have been smart of him to stay and go along with it. Aevus was even the one who had brought it up to begin with. But in the end, Aevus said no. That he had no desire to be shackled. He just wanted to learn what he had to with Zeich and leave. And in truth, his heart strangely still belonged to Soul Society.

Part of him was still that lost soul in that alleyway of Inuzuri, holding the corpse of a child. A young girl named Aura with a dream of becoming a hero. And in those stealthy teal eyes of hers, that is what a Shinigami was. He had thought he had abandoned that foolish dream long ago to save his dear Zanpakuto Spirit. But no. He had embraced it. He tried to the play the hero; he only failed. It took wanting to save Lumina to realize his heart wasn’t black. And it took losing her for him to wish it was.

During his time under Zeich's roof, Aevus would leave each night to be by himself. Not to hunt, nor train, but to look out to that lone moon. He also wandered and explored the city. Taking in the sights. In truth, he knew he was going to leave Zeich’s home at some point. His walks wern’t merely trivial. He was also searching for a place he could lay his head. Somewhere abandoned yet possibly warm. It was during one of these nightly escapades he had found something truly remarkable.

In a neon sign covered street, filthy and littered with garbage. Aevus came across an abandoned clock tower that stood out amongst the other buildings. Upon inspecting it more closely, the tower seemed to be built in at least the last fifty years. It was a strange thing to find here. The architecture was Gothic and seemed originally European inspired. Yet over the years it seemed it couldn't escape the lands influence as well. It was like an amalgamation of the two, creating something Aevus had never seen before.

Perhaps the architect was inspired by old medieval towers. Aevus could only guess why it had been abandoned. It seemed to have moved from owners over the years. Hinting at why it had Japanese influence as well. Wooden scaffolding surrounded the outside of the tower. Possibly from previous unfinished or perhaps failed projects. Graffiti littered the outside of the building, and neon signs pointed to nearby stores and brothels. Thankfully nobody was brave enough to scale the old scaffolding, so the inside didn’t suffer such a fate. For the main entrance of the tower had been sealed. Thus forcing Aevus to find an alternate route through a window near the middle of the structure.

The interior was composed mostly of the clocks mechanical gears along woodwork and brick. It was in obvious disrepair. The gears no longer moved which was not necessarily a bad thing. Aevus was actually kind of glad of that fact. He would have been driven mad by the constant ticking. Upstairs the former Shinigami found himself looking at a possible living quarters. He would find abandoned furniture as time went on. And over the course of those months that shoddy tower had become his new home.

Alone again. He fell into himself during that time. His reflection soon showed a rough complexion of his former self. Time moved slowly for his kind, and yet it seemed to catch up to him rather swiftly. Over several months he seemed to weather. An unkempt beard covered his face, his blue eyes once burning with a longing to fight fate. Now seemingly formed permanent black bags underneath, that had undoubtedly succumbed to it. He hadn't seen hair of Umbra during that time. And yet he could still hear her sultry whispers in the dark of the night. Part of him didn't want to face it, and yet he knew, she was his Zanpakuto Spirit. In the end Umbra had taken both Lumina's name, and place as his source of power.

And so he just wouldn't release his Zanpakuto. In that time he made sure not to put himself in a situation where he'd need to call upon his release. His Mask on the other hand had become a crutch. And in a sense, it had become an escape. He felt her influence deeply so, but it didn't call her back to him like Shikai or Bankai would. And so he wore that vulpine mask without question. Though it wasn't like he was making excuses to wear that mask. He had barely trained outside of what Zeich had taught him.

And Like Umbra, his contact with Zeich wasn't completely severed. Aevus had merely taken a break to rest, and be by himself. It was a nice escape for a time. But Aevus knew if he stagnated he would never recover. Heh, Lumina would never forgive him if he just completely given up. He had kept contact with Zeich with his own personal Hell Butterfly. He had kept it after leaving Soul Society, keeping the Black creature within a small bird cage. It was reminder and link if had ever wanted or needed to return there.

And so one day he agreed to meet Zeich in a forest clearing outside of Karakura, where no eyes would see them. His training had ended, as well as his rest, and so it was time for the Vizard to test his capabilities. The canopy of the forest shaded him as he walked beneath the trees. His sullen blue eyes catching the faintest hint of moonlight as it peaked through the leaves. Much like the forests of Soul Society, this place was peaceful. Aevus enjoyed the solitude as he walked. Yet it wouldn't last long, he had agreed to meet Zeich tonight. And not just meet him, but his Zanpakuto, as well as his mask. It was a scary yet exciting thing. He coveted the thought of clashing with the blind man. Yet facing his mask was another story. And using his own against him was also daunting. Aevus would materialize that vulpine mask letting it linger for a time. Yet even after a few seconds he felt as if might lose himself in that black. Am I ready for this? He'd ask himself removing the mask. His fingers tracing the black bone as he held it out in front himself. Allowing the moonlight to filter through the eyeholes before letting it dissipate in his grasp.

Wondering into a clearing, Aevus would eye that lone moon. The grass was longer here, reaching to his knees. Fireflies littered the place. Igniting the clearing with spots of yellow-green light. A pink weeping cherry blossom sat in the middle. Aevus would reach it, resting his back against its bark. A cool breeze sifted through his darkly hairs. It fell through the trees and long grass, as Aevus waited for Zeich to arrive. He began taping the the handle of his Zanpakuto at the thought of his coming fight under the stars.

Vizard’s Mask: 1/3

[Zeich Yajuu]

It is said that the full moon awakens madness within the human heart; though Zeich lacked faith in such superstition, for some reason, he felt something ominous swirling in the evening breeze as he prepared himself for his meeting. The lunar eye stared down upon Karakura with its radiant glow, lighting up the sky in the images Haiiro provided for the blind Vizard. Yet even without sight, the former Shinigami could simply feel the intensity. Perhaps it was intuition, instinct; the feeling was as blind as the one who experienced it, yet Zeich had long since learned to trust such things. His time as a Shinigami had honed his senses, and his subconscious awareness of the environment around him had only grown sharper since his flight from Soul Society. Yet still, the sudden feeling of anticipation, like the world was holding its breath, bore down on the Vizard.

Perhaps the full moon evokes madness after all.

The last little while had certainly been eventful, Zeich reflected as he calmly strode through the streets of Karakura, his body language masking the tremor of wary anxiety that strummed at his heart. Nearly two years since he had left Soul Society himself, living at the edge of his former existence, the Vizard had not encountered another like him since the day he split from the group that had helped him come to grips with his Inner Hollow. Vizards were exceptionally rare as it was – those few that surfaced were often destroyed by Soul Society, who viewed the hybrid souls as anathema. And they were not wrong, either; before learning to master his own power, Zeich had wiped out an entire district of the Rukongai in a moment of lost control. Vizard were a threat, and thus few lived long enough to be realized as full-fledged beings.

But then Aevus had come along. Zeich had stumbled upon the former Vice-Captain as he had meekly struggled to fight off a group of Hollows, his internal struggle against his Inner Hollow keeping him from being able to fight. Recognizing the symptoms, Zeich had quickly taken charge of the man, knowing that he was at a crucial crossroads. His options had been twofold: eliminate Aevus before he became a threat, or teach the Vizard-to-be control, that he might live and survive in this new existence that he had never asked for. Zeich’s own awakening had opened his eyes to the value of individual lives as opposed to the cold logic of the scales that he had once embraced, and in the end, he had chosen the latter.

“The real madness was your decision to let that vulpine bitch sink her claws into him.”

A hint of a growl colored that deep tone as Tsukikage manifested himself, seeming to simply step from the shadows as though formed from them. The Hollow’s form was ephemeral and faint in this form, like a cloud of black smoke that could be blown away in a gust of wind, yet his eyes glowed with a vicious intensity that matched the moon’s own shine. Waves of fear rolled across the bond between Zeich and Haiiro as the Zanpaktou Spirit took in his opposition, the dark Hollow and the ashen wolf contrasting as the walked on opposites sides of the Vizard that hosted them both. Though Zeich had a firm leash on Tsukikage, Haiiro could never feel anything but unease around the creature that had destroyed his mate.

Though he could have kept the conversation mental with the two spirits, Zeich spoke up, confident that there was no one to overhear them. “That was a choice that was his to make, Tsukikage, no matter how unsure we are regarding the outcome.” Though his tone was calm, the Hollow’s words resonated with Zeich. It had been Aevus’s choice, no matter how they felt about it; it was his life to choose as he wished. Aevus had emerged from the trial against his Inner Hollow alive, but hollowed and emptied at the loss of his Zanpaktou Spirit. And in the process…

“We came to an agreement.”

Those words had gnawed at Zeich since Aevus had spoken them, his eyes tired and his spirit broken. Most Vizard, from what Zeich had gathered, fought for dominance with their Hollow. It was a matter of strength, both spiritual and emotional, that allowed for control and subjugation of one’s Inner Hollow. Yet as Tsukikage had warned, Aevus’s Inner Hollow was not like most. She was sly and patient, a corruption that would slowly wear down her host without ever truly lifting a finger in combat. Where other Hollows would clash and attempt to devour their host, she had merged, overlapped, become something more with Aevus. She did not conquer, rule, or crush; she assimilated. Her unusual nature made Zeich wary, and pushed him to keep a very watchful eye on the former Vice-Captain.

Aevus’s nighttime escapades did not go unnoticed. The new Vizard had not even attempted to hide himself as he walked through the moonlight, seeking something unknown. Naturally Zeich had followed, though he had made every effort to remain hidden as he observed his companion. Aevus’s wandering had been aimless, with no goal or destination, and for a time Zeich had to wonder if the former Vice-Captain was losing himself to depression. Life had changed dramatically for Aevus, after all: he could never return to Soul Society, on penalty of death, and a portion of his soul had been consumed and replaced by the Inner Hollow who claimed it. Despair was not unexpected, but that too was Aevus’s choice: should be decide that he could not bear the burden, it was his right to discard it—and his life—as he chose.

Naturally, Zeich was aware of the Vizard’s new home as well. He had investigated it once or twice while Aevus was out, and kept aware of any changes as a part of observing his companion’s mental state. Nothing indicated a danger to anyone but Aevus himself; no sign of instability revealed itself, nor had a suggestion of harm towards others. As long as that remained the case, Zeich did not need to involve himself with Aevus’s personal life, and the Vizard kept a respectful distance. If Aevus chose to approach him, the former Shinigami was always available to offer aid as needed, but that was it. Better that his companion learn his own independence in this new life.

“Bah, his choice was as much your choice; if he goes berserk, or that fox wench makes him do something horrific, that falls on your head. You made the choice to let him live, knowing the threat he could be.”

“You’re one to judge, Shadow.” Haiiro spat the words out through his trepidation. “If Master used the same logic you do, you’d both be dead and gone. Instead, he saw potential value in a life, and claimed responsibility over it. As you said, it’d be on his head, but he has accepted that.”

“Oh, feeling your fangs tonight, puppy?” Tsukikage’s sneer was evident in his voice. “Don’t worry, I don’t give a damn about the boy; whether he lives or dies, and what he destroys around him makes no difference to me. You and your precious ‘Master’ can drown in your guilt for all I care.”

“Enough.” The single word rolled past Zeich’s lips, and both wolves went quiet. Their emotions still surged back and forth in the bods he had with them, however; Zeich could feel anger and fear in equal measures flowing from Haiiro, while Tsukikage had a smug satisfaction about him. Yet there was an underlying tone beneath the Hollow’s emotions, a flicker of anger and impatience, as well as a sharpened spike of hatred whose direction Zeich could only guess at. The Vizard suspected it had something to do with Aevus’s Inner Hollow; since he had first sensed the fox-like Hollow, Tsukikage had been immediately wary of her. And that wariness had become infectious, leaving Zeich feeling much the same upon their first real meeting...

---

“Now, Aevus, I’m assuming that your Hollow has shown you the shape her power will take.” Zeich was seated on one of the chairs that furnished his apartment, his posture relaxed and slumped but his muscles coiled tightly, ready to respond as needed. It had been some time since Aevus’s full awakening as a Vizard, time enough for the man to recover his senses. Zeich couldn’t allow much more time than that; part of being a Vizard was learning control, learning to take the power that was granted and shape it into something that could be used. In a sense, it also solidified one’s hold over the Inner Hollow, again control of their power akin to gaining control of the dark beast itself.

“Forming your Vizard Mask is a simple enough process in theory, yet doing so is difficult because you have to act inverse to what you’ve done until now.” Zeich lifted a hand, and a bone-like mask seemed to form from the air, Reiatsu knitting together into a shape much like a wolf’s skull. Soon the lupine mask rested in the Vizard’s hand, held easily. “Up until now you’ve been struggling to contain your Inner Hollow’s influence, to hold their power and Reiatsu back so that it doesn’t corrupt you. As you would expect, that has had a detrimental effect on your combat ability, an effect you experienced the night we met.”

Dismissing the Vizard Mask, Zeich once more concentrated his Reiatsu, putting more effort into making it visible. Aevus’s ability to sense spiritual energy was quite refined, but given the ordeals he had gone through lately, it was best to be as thorough as possible. Zeich’s Reiatsu, described to others, would be a placid, calm gray. It was vast, yet still, a sea of spiritual energy that lacked even a single ripple disturbing its surface. Yet as he concentrated, drawing on his Vizard Mask, streaks of crimson would pierce through it, like clouds of blood within that endless ocean. They’d bubble up, drawn to the surface, and would be extracted, shaped. Soon that dark energy was condensed into its intended form, that lupine visage once more resting in the Vizard’s hand.

“With your mask, you reverse your expectation. Instead of trying to confine and contain that Hollow Reiatsu, you instead draw it out yourself. You mold it and shape it, bending it to your own will. You take it and form the image that your Inner Hollow has created, the symbol of their power. Once that is done, and the mask is donned…” Zeich lifted the mask up to his face, where it fit perfectly. Immediately that crimson-streaked aura was back again, infusing him, yet it became more intense, even deeper depths to the ocean of spiritual energy revealing themselves upon donning the mask. The sheer power rolling off of him was immense. Zeich wore the mask for but a moment before removing it, but that moment was enough to make its impact known. “...You can see the results.”

“Now, it is your turn to try. Reach deep, and claim that power for your own...”

---

Zeich frowned at the memory. What was supposed to be a simple lesson in controlling the basic powers of a Vizard eventually became so much more. To think that the bargain between Aevus and his Inner Hollow involved… well, that was something he would have to think on after tonight. For now, he needed to concentrate on what lay ahead. A few days back, he had left a note for Aevus, a simple message asking for a meeting between the two. The Vizard had disguised the true meaning of their meeting behind a simple pretext: he wanted to see how far Aevus’s control over his Vizard Mask and his Inner Hollow were coming along. And in a normal situation, these would make sense. But after that first lesson in manifesting the mask…

“You’re right, Tsukikage.” Zeich spoke after a moment. “I made a choice as well. And we’re meeting tonight to take responsibility for it. One way or another.”

These words drew a chuckle from the shadowy Hollow, and a murmured comment. “Madness indeed...”

The rest of the walk was spent in silence, and as the trio entered the forest where Zeich had agreed to meet Aevus, Tsukikage seemed to simply melt into the shadows among the trees. His presence faded for the time being, though the Vizard was always aware of the Hollow’s eyes watching, even from his den within the darkest depths of Zeich’s soul. Still, it would be best that Tsukikage was not immediately present, not with his hostility towards Aevus’s own Inner Hollow. Zeich intended to keep things as simple as possible until he judged greater action to be necessary, and having the shadowy wolf agitating things was an unnecessary complication.

The moon’s light shone down once again as the trees opened up, revealing a clearing with a single tree at the center of it. Resting against it was a lone figure, but even through Haiiro’s eyes, Zeich recognized the man immediately. Aevus had not been taking care of himself, not in the way he had before, and it painted age across his face that no Shinigami should have shown. Tired eyes and a poorly managed beard framed a face that had once been eager to advance, to try and protect the spirit that had been close to him. The sorrow and failure had been cruel to Aevus, and for a moment, Zeich considered simply ending things now. What sort of life had the new Vizard been left with? Was it even one worth living?

That’s not my decision, in the end. Not yet, anyway.

Rather than striking from stealth, as he would towards an enemy target, Zeich approached quickly through the tall grass, making no sound. He purposely approached from an angle that Aevus could see him from, allowing the other man time to consider his reaction. The older Vizard stopped fifteen feet away, crossing his arms as he assumed a seemingly lax posture. He had forgone his false mask for this meeting, and as such, a frown of disapproval was visible on his face. “If this is the discipline you’ve chosen to adopt since we last met, you’re not going to survive long in this world, Aevus. Dignity and self-worth are going to be invaluable tools if you intend to keep moving forward and prove your control over the creature within. If you cannot care for yourself, how can you be trusted to maintain the bonds on your Hollow?”

“Now get up. We’re going to gauge your progress thus far, and you better prove to me that I made the right decision in aiding you.”

SPOILER: Click to show

{Zeich’s Stats}Stats (Rank 3 Fractured Type):

Strength - [300] (300) Points

Speed - [400] (400) Points

Spiritual Pressure – [400 x 2] (800) Points

Reiatsu Strength – [200 x 0.5] (100) Points

Light Aura - [50] Points

Dark Aura - [50] Points

Instinct - [200 x 1.75] (350) Points

Senses - [200] Points

Energy sensory - [100 x 0.60] (60) Points

Healing Expertise - [0] Points


Total SP: [1800] points

SPOILER: Click to show

{Zeich’s Skills}Current Skills: (18 SKP)

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

[☾ Aevus | Umbra ☽]

“Now, it is your turn to try. Reach deep, and claim that power for your own...”

Aevus remembered those words like it were yesterday. He had wanted to warn Zeich that his agreement with Umbra wasn’t exactly him claiming her power for himself. But he had decided to show the older Vizard instead. In exchange for power he would be assimilated by her but not entirely so, at least that’s not how it felt to him. When he wore that darkly mask he was becoming someone else. It was more so an invasive unity, as if the Hollow’s very instincts, her very nature was becoming part of him. He had wondered if Zeich was disappointed in him. He had seen the surprise in the Vizard behind hollow eyes.

Aevus himself felt regret regardless of seeing what each path held. He had replayed them all constantly. In one he had died; more so he had killed himself attempting to fight the Hollow. He could still feel the endless onslaught of his own blades digging into his flesh as he tore into Umbra. Even now he felt that phantom death like were reality.

In another he had been imprisoned within his own inner world alongside Lumina. They were both ethereal ghosts, undone by some power he did not understand. Forever trapped in darkness. It pained him even more witnessing that potentiality. Seeing that forlorn expression paint his Spirit’s face. Those silver eyes looking at him with defeat. And in the one he had survived, well... his current state spoke for itself.

“If this is the discipline you’ve chosen to adopt since we last met, you’re not going to survive long in this world, Aevus. Dignity and self-worth are going to be invaluable tools if you intend to keep moving forward and prove your control over the creature within. If you cannot care for yourself, how can you be trusted to maintain the bonds on your Hollow?”

Even past the Vizard’s blindness, Zeich had seen through Aevus. He would stop taping his Zanpakuto from those words. Part of him wanted to hide ashamed, and yet he’d greet the older Vizard with a small perk of his lips. Hiding behind a feigned smile. ”I apologize, I seem to have lost track of time in my rest, and well I suppose its caught up to me." Aevus would half-joke stroking his left hand through his scruff. "I wasn’t much different, minus this beard when I was a Lieutenant, I assure you. Also you don't have to worry about my bond with my Hollow, I have everything under control." That last part was a lie and Aevus wasn’t even trying to hide it. He didn’t want a bond with Umbra, and yet he had still come to an accord.

“Now get up. We’re going to gauge your progress thus far, and you better prove to me that I made the right decision in aiding you.”

”Well I hate to disappoint you, but I haven’t done much training outside of when we last met." Aevus would lazily rise from his resting position, his hand finding the handle of his Zanpakuto once again. "But that doesn’t mean I've forgotten the dance." He would narrow his eyes on the older Vizard. Past that shame now came that previous tinge of excitement.

He would begin taping on the handle of his Zanpakuto once more. It had been months since he had fought, hell he hadn’t even hunted a hollow in those months. Yet now he could feel the call to battle as if it was boiling beneath his very skin. With a roguish grin he would call out to Zeich. "Though I may be a bit rusty, so be warned, I might step on a toe or two." Aevus teased.

The Vizard's left hand tightened over the handle of his Zanpakuto as his taping continued. He began shifting his feet, getting a feel for their dancing ground. A cool wind blew a couple of his stray black hairs in front of his narrowed blues. He'd part them with his right hand as he eyed the older Vizard. "So I think it only fair, that you take the lead."

SPOILER: Click to show

{Aevus' Stats/Skills} Aevus' Stats/Skills

Strength - 250 (150)
Speed - 400 (700)
Spiritual Pressure - 400 (800)
Reiatsu Strength - 100 (50)
Light Aura - 50
Dark Aura - 50
Instinct - 300
Senses - 150
Energy Sensory - 200
Healing Expertise - 0

•[Weapon: Katana] [4]
•[Stealth] [3]
•[Battle Analysis] [3]
•[Strength of Will] [3]
•[Hoho] [3]
•[Acrobatics] [1]

[Zeich Yajuu]

This fool...

Feeling stirred within Zeich, emotions that he kept carefully suppressed. The heat of anger was blistering, a roaring inferno designed to consume icy calm and resist cooling logic, yet he kept those feelings clamped down, bottled away. Any who had known the Vizard before or after his Hollowfication knew the man as an almost emotionless individual, small expressions barely touching his features and body language. A slight narrowing of the eyes could be consideration or frustration, a quirk of the lips might indicate amusement or irritation. A rigid stance for wariness or alert, a loose one for calm. A shifting of the feet for readiness to move, a hint of preparation for flight. There were a thousand small and subtle signs that only those who had associated with the man for years might begin to recognize.

Yet none but the two beings bound to his soul would know the truth behind Zeich’s feelings. Anger boiled and raged in a consuming flame, while fear gripped his heart tight in a clenched fist. Sadness threatened to drown him beneath its depths, and worry gnawed at his insides with jagged fangs. Unlike many people, the Vizard’s emotions were highly amplified and wild; it was this part of his nature that forced him into stillness and calm. Without being able to control the volatile scope of his emotional state, all he could do was keep it buried, force it all beneath the surface and embrace an almost blank personality in the eyes of others. But he could not help it, that control lost with the portion of his soul that Tsukikage had consumed, the discipline and spiritual tempering to counter Haiiro’s brilliant and vibrant emotions.

That anger seared through him, and for once, Zeich relaxed his grip, ever so slightly. A slow exhale was the only indication he gave to express his frustration at Aevus’s laid-back response; his body felt as though it was growing hotter in the evening air, yet he knew it was simply a physical reaction to his anger. Heightened adrenaline, increased blood flow; even as he let the anger flow from him, logic still reigned supreme – for now. One foot moved in front of the other, and Zeich made slow, calm steps towards Aevus. Not a sound was made aside from that one exhale; his shoes didn’t scrape the dirt or disturb the grass enough to make noise, and his motions were efficient, fluid. A silent shadow, he seemed to slide across the distance, and almost immediately was face-to-face with the former Vice Captain.

Zeich’s hand moved with deliberate slowness, as though he were reaching for the Zanpaktou hanging at his waist, yet his palm never met the grip. As opposed to the passive motion he had made before, his arm suddenly shot up at an incredible speed, further augmented by Shunpo Karin. He held back enough strength to prevent it from literally snapping the other Vizard’s neck, but in that motion, Zeich delivered a powerful backhand across Aevus’s face. Though he had ensured it would not be fatal, or even crippling, that blow would undoubtedly send his companion to the ground a dozen feet away if it landed. The echo of the blow, in such a scenario, would ring out through the clearing, a loud crack that a nearby observer might mistake for a gunshot.

---

He remembered that first time vividly, the time that Aevus had properly summoned his mask and put it on. Zeich had been prepared for the intense rush of power, the sheer scope of the new Vizard’s strength, yet that was not what had left him shocked. No, everything about Aevus had changed in that moment, from his posture to the look in his eyes. This was not Aevus, not anymore. And she had proven it only moments later. Umbra, the Inner Hollow that had not fought her host, but instead had entrapped him, bound him, and wove him into her scheming while devouring his former Zanpaktou Spirit. Lumina had been lost to this woman, and for a moment, Zeich had feared that Aevus had too.

Even after the mask came off, he wasn’t sure that his companion had fully returned...

---

Whether Aevus dodged or received the strike made no difference; Zeich’s words were just as sharp either way. “You are a fool, Aevus, and no amount of japing will conceal your current state. The less you resist, the more you give into her control. You may have signed your soul to a devil, but I intend to see you claim your half of the bargain as well. Do not mistake this for a simple training exercise; should you prove that you will allow yourself to be a threat to those around you, then it will be an execution.”

His warning delivered, Zeich leapt back properly this time, making distance between the two Vizards. His Zanpaktou was drawn, pulled fully from its sheath, yet it wasn’t Released just yet. It was brought up in a two-handed ready stance, angled across his body, yet Zeich’s posture was still loose and relaxed, with no hint of a charge yet. The former Shinigami was still in the preparation stages for battle, though he knew how he planned to proceed. As he had told Aevus, this wasn’t going to be simple training, but something far more decisive. Life or death sat on the scales now, and it would be up to Aevus to prove which side he deserved to land on.

Tsukikage.

The dark wolf stirred at the edges of Zeich’s mind, his attention caught by the direct address. What do you want?

We’re going to show him what it means to be a Vizard, and the difference between control— This drew another disapproving rumble from Tsukikage, but Zeich ignored it. —and what it really means to lose it.

Time to go wild, eh? And what’s in it for me? I’m not the teaching type.

A brief pause came as Zeich considered his plan one more time, but he responded shortly....I’m not the one going wild.

Master, no! Panic and concern flooded the bond between Haiiro and Zeich, and the Vizard had to brace himself against the sudden torrent of emotion coming from his companion. You can’t possibly let that beast take control! Who knows if you’ll get it back? How do you know he will relinquish it at all once you’ve given it to him? You were fortunate last time, when you fought Kuroi – he had been willing to cooperate back then, but now there’s no certainty!

A hint of a mirthless smile was sent back along the bond. Don’t worry. I’ll be back even if I have to rip it from his bloody jaws. Hopefully it won’t come to that, right, Tsukikage?

Do what you wish – I will make no promises. But sure, I’ll be happy to rip this conceited pup to shreds, if that’s what you want. Just remember that you asked for this when I leave you with his twisted corpse!

Good. Don’t hold back anything, Tsukikage. Throw everything at him, and show him your absolute worst.

“Aevus.” The words were finally spoken aloud, the first time Zeich had spoken since his admonishment of the other Vizard. “I don’t know if it’s your Hollow’s grip, if you’ve lost your will to live, or you’re simply a fool. But I’m going to make this clear, one last time: if you do not make the effort to contain and control that manipulative fox, then she will take you, and you will be lost. Every moment of your life must be holding tightly to the reins on that cursed beast, and the moment your grip slips, you will be lost. Every breath comes on the edge of a razor, and the moment you fall, that’s it.”

Emotion started to color Zeich’s voice, the first time that Aevus would likely have heard it do so. Words became clipped, practically spat out, as the Vizard let anger start to build. The lid was opened, the furnace stoked to a brilliant flame, and every word became engulfed with the rising heat. Golden eyes narrowed in a rapidly-building fury, the pupils dilating as he accepted every ounce of fury and channeled it into his words. Reiatsu, normally contained and muted, suppressed beyond most senses, flooded out. A roaring, blood-red flood washed over the clearing, oppressive and crushing in its weight, yet stopping just shy of Gravitational Pressure. “I am going to show you, right now, exactly what it means to let that control go. Even his voice was becoming different, almost deeper, with malice and bloodlust beginning to taint each syllable. [smear:#808080]And hopefully it will drive some sense into you, if not some fear. If you can learn nothing from this, then I will gladly[/smear:800000] rip you into bloody tatters!”

Take all of this anger, Tsukikage, and devour him!

Madness indeed... heh. I think I’m going to enjoy this, ‘Master’!

“Now roar in feral rage: Haiiro Yasei!”

To Aevus, this would likely be a shock: in their time together, he had undoubtedly learned the true name of Zeich’s Zanpaktou, Tsukikage. Yet despite the different name and command, the former Shinigami’s Zanapktou exploded into its ashen form, a cloud of gray flooding out to engulf Zeich in its entirely. It clung and congealed, forming a solid layer atop clothing and skin. Individual particles broke free, like strands of fur floating off of the surface, yet soon the whole mass had covered the Vizard and left him transfigured, a gray figure among the moonlit trees.

Golden eyes stared out from behind a lupine visage; though the bone-like muzzle matched Zeich’s Hollow Mask, this wolf’s face moved as though it were real, organic. Jaws hung open, hot breath steaming out from between sharp, wicked teeth, and the nose twitched despite its seemingly-solid form. Pointed ears tilted at the slightest sound, shifting to catch any noise that Aevus might make. Zeich’s clothing and body were hidden beneath the layer of ash like a coat of dark gray fur, and powerful claws jutted out from the end of each finger. Lines of glowing orange Reiatsu could be seen beneath the surface, flowing up the arms towards the shoulders, and down his back and flanks, flickering like flames.

Zeich’s technique had given him a form he was very familiar with, built around his own: in this moment, he resembled his Inner Hollow perfectly, down to the wicked smile that slowly creased his muzzle. Made worse, Aevus would suddenly become blind to the Vizard’s presence on a spiritual level. His spiritual signature had simply vanished in its entirely, despite the creature he could see before him, the lines of glowing Reiatsu snaking across his form. Whatever this thing was, it simply could not be sensed.

“Now, Aevus,” The sneering words twisted that name into a mockery, “I’m the one in control now, and I’ve been given full permission to tear your heart from your chest. Prepare to breathe your last!”

Shunpo would carry Zeich across the distance between the two at lightning speeds, and Tsukikage’s right hand came up in a deadly slice. The claws of solidified ash were as sharp as any blade, and if the man did not attempt to evade, he would find them ripping across his torso from stomach up to the far side of his chest. Flesh and muscle would be rent, and organs exposed; Aevus would have to dodge to avoid critical if not fatal injuries from those jagged claws. Yet, would he be able to? Another surprise would reveal itself even as Zeich appeared a breath away in mid-swing; though Aevus had the ability to plan and analyze in battle with the best, he would find that he simply couldn’t – there was no planning in Zeich’s motions. He was moving purely on instinct, with no conscious tell to his motions or body language. Somehow, this technique had not only made Zeich spiritually invisible, but it had made him completely and utterly unpredictable.

It was the first proper move in their fight, a simple motion and a deadly swing of the claws, yet in that moment, Aevus’s life already hung in the balance. This was the first hint of an Inner Hollow’s power, and a hint of what would lie at the end of a path of concession.

Aevus would learn from this experience, or he would die.

Remaining Reiatsu: 7800/8000 (-100 for Shunpo Karin, -50 for Soulbind, -50 for Shunpo)

Soulbind: Haiiro Yasei: 1/20

SPOILER: Click to show

{Altered Skills}

• [Calm Mind 3 → 0
  
  
• [Battle Analysis] 3 → 0

SPOILER: Click to show

{Soulbind: Haiiro Yasei}Technique Name: Soulbind: Haiiro Yasei (Wild Gray)

Class: 4

Technique Type: Shinigami Technique

Usable By: Zeich only

Technique Element: Spirit

Technique Description and Effects:
Haiiro Yasei, despite its name, is a Soulbind that incorporates Zeich's Inner Hollow, Tsukikage, rather than his initial Zanpaktou spirit. This technique draws upon the dark creature's feral nature, and implants it into Zeich, drawing out a more reactive and wild form of combat. The theme of Zeich's Zanpaktou has always been suppression, and so it is here; suppressing his natural calm and analytical personality, layering Tsukikage's anger and aggression atop of it, the Vizard is able to act in a manner completely opposite to what one expects from him. This technique gives him an element of surprise and an air of unpredictability that can completely turn a battle on its head.

When activated, this technique completely coats Zeich in ash, changing his apparent physical features. His face is coated by a mask that seems to mirror his Vizard mask, though the jaws and eyes move just like a real wolf's. Long, pointed ears frame a narrow muzzle and the Vizard's normally golden eyes, making him look feral indeed. As an additional note, those eyes can now see, as they can when normally looking through the filter of Tsukikage's mask. Each hand is now tipped with foot-long razor-sharp claws that are reminiscent of his Kaijin Ken ability, each with durability equal to double his Spiritual Pressure. These claws are treated like an extension of his Zanpaktou, and have cutting power as appropriate. With Zeich's entire body covered in his Reiatsu-suppressing ash, he simply disappears from any form of Energy Sensory, no matter how strong; one can see him, but one can never sense his spiritual presence.

Finally, the greatest bonus of this technique is the reward of utter unpredictability. Because of his feral mindset while this technique is active, Zeich can attack at unusual angles and unexpected times. This unpredictability makes those who have grown accustomed to a pattern from Zeich completely lose track of the Vizard; mechanically, all Analysis skills that apply to Zeich or his attacks (Analysis, Battle Analysis, etc) are reduced by two tiers, unless Zeich is a higher Class than the foe, at which point they are reduced by three tiers. It's hard to predict something without a plan or course of action.

As with all Soulbinds, this technique has a duration equal to the current maximum length of the user’s Shikai release, with an additional five posts of duration if it is mastered. Its cost is also equal to half of the user’s current Shikai cost.

How to use technique:
To use this technique, the user quickly communes with their Zanpaktou Spirit, asking their permission to use it. If permission is granted, the user absorbs their Zanpaktou into their body, causing it to burn with a bright blue flame as it disintegrates away, the spiritual ash merging with their material form.

Technique Drawbacks
This technique has a fair number of drawbacks to balance out the bonuses given to it. For one, all forms of Analysis that Zeich has are reduced to 0, as are all ranks of Calm Mind. Additionally, his combat style is required to be far more aggressive; he cannot take posts in which he is idle, but instead must make at least some form of direct attack every post. Finally, all actions taken are at maximum speed, meaning that stamina can be burned rather quickly, especially since all techniques are still available and will be used offensively in order to take down a foe quickly.

In addition, the normal drawbacks of Soulbind apply: No Zanpaktou techniques can be used during Soulbind; only the overall ability is enabled. Also, no other stage of Release can be used for the Zanpaktou that Soulbind is active with. This also causes spiritual damage to both the user and the Zanpaktou; the user is literally consuming their own soul and making it perfectly align with their material bodies as well, which tears at and weakens the spirit. Excessive use of more than twice in a thread without extended rest will leave a Shinigami comatose or kill him.

Made By: Zeich Yajuu

Reserved: Yes

[☾ Aevus | Umbra ☽]

Like the ticking of a clock, Aevus’s taping would continue, even as he watched Zeich approach - He couldn’t help but be impressed. The blind Vizard gave no wasted movement as he moved with grace - his footwork, his subtly would have made him a good match for his former squad. Though his appreciation almost turned into blindness. He found himself entranced like some love struck romantic. Watching - not acting, as Zeich’s hand seemingly sought Zanpakuto. Widened eyes, he barely had time to react when he sensed it. A hair away from Zeich’s attack, he now stood eyes narrowed on Zeich with his hand rattling his sheathed blade.

Shunpo Karin That intense backhand would have sent him spiraling - if not for his mastery of Hoho, Further he had to augment his speed with a single step backwards utilizing Shunpo. Even so... he had not come out of that fully unscathed. It had seemed Zeich had grazed him. A bloodied lip hinted at contact. As Zeich spoke he expected another attack. But no... this one was more verbal in nature. He would look askance as the man spoke; his eyes seeking anything but that blind disappointed gaze. His taping, his feigned smile had now but disappeared as Zeich tore into him.

He was right after all and Aevus grimaced - biting into his swollen lip from that truth. Damnit... Aevus nearly swore under his breath. His gaze remained planted away from Zeich even as the man leapt away. He’s right... dark thoughts drifted into mind. Thoughts of escaping more than those blind eyes - but from those words. His left hand clenched the handle of his Zanpakuto so tightly. His breathing was shallow and he began fighting for breath. What had he become? He was a fool. A damn fool and a coward. Even now he wanted to run away. Run away from those words and those eyes that judged him so.

This wasn’t a fight he could win. Not now; not as he was. Lumina wouldn’t have recognized the thing he had become, and that truth; that understanding drove into him like a blade. What more, Lumina couldn’t offer him kind words to ease his pain. She couldn’t berate him when he deserved it. She couldn’t tell him to get back up - to stop being so foolish and stubborn - going so far to let that thing that stole her very name take rein over his life. He would have given anything in the world to hear her yell at him now. If only he could hear her voice. If only he hadn’t...

Aevus's eyes widened once more as a crushing reiatsu buried itself over him. He felt himself smothered by the weight of it, and next he heard an unfamiliar call out phrase. Forcing his eyes to end their exile - he found that he was no longer meeting Zeich’s clouded pair. No, something else had claimed the surface of the man. An Ashen Wolven predator now stared him down. What more - He could no longer sense Zeich’s reiatsu; it was as if it had been snuffed out like a flame in all that gray. Even before he revealed himself, and even though the Vizard had never met it; Aevus knew this was Zeich’s hollow.

It was sudden and violent. A flareless Shunpo... Surprise echoed the man’s expression. His eyes widened, shock turning into fear, and next he felt daggered claws run across his chest. Aevus inched back, his natural instincts screaming at him to make flight or fight. He had to decide now or die. Pain dug at his chest. The Hollow was so close, so unpredictable he had barely dodged. It was only thanks to his natural instincts that he was able to react in time. Even so, he felt warm blood running down his slashed chest.

It was at that moment a powerful reiatsu would explode from his back. Destroying the darkly garments covering his back and shoulders in an instant. It crackled and flickered from the man violently so - before condensing around his blade and body. Like dozens of slashes from a weapon the energy cut into the air around him. Having activated Shunkō: Kyūhadō, Aevus had become a blade himself. Held reverse gripped, his Zanpakuto rattled within a splintering sheath. Past a tightened grip, and a moment of fear filled hesitation he’d finally unsheathe it; more so he’s cut through the sheath.

The wood splintered as a blade sung crossing the boundary between him and foe. Yet his aim wasn’t true. Instead because of his blunder, his slash warped the wind into a bladed edge impacting the ground, carving a slash between the two. Dirt, dust and various debris shrouded the two in a clouded haze. "Tch..." He clenched his Zanpakuto tightly narrowing his once widened gaze, and past a single breath he’d cut through that haze with blade held reverse gripped.

Fueled by a surging reiatsu the slash that sought Zeich was not only magnified in size - carrying a large cutting force, but its speed was also amplified to 1000 possibly digging into the older vizard and carrying him 250 feet away. Regardless of impact the blast would scatter the remaining debris of dust and dirt past the two in a flurry of strong wind. And past that clearing haze, Zeich would be met with a narrowed gaze - and past those eyes a tinge of black began to take him once more.



Reiatsu: 3050/4000

Shunpo - 50
Shunkō: Kyūhadō (1/7) - 800
Shunko - Amplified Slash - 100

SPOILER: Click to show

{Shunkō: Kyūhadō}

Technique Name: Shunkō: Kyūhadō (Flash War Cry: Way Of The Swift Blade)

Class: 1

Technique Type: Zanjutsu | Kidō

Technique Element: Wind

Technique Description and Effects: Shunkō: Kyūhadō is a technique refined by Aevus to make Shunkō his own, allowing it to compliment his Zanjutsu. Once activated the crackling wild energy given off by Shunkō condenses, and begins to spiral around the user, and any weapon they may be holding. This removes the bonus of combining the users strength, Reiatsu strength, and Spiritual Pressure as it normally would. Instead Kyūhadō relies purely off of the users highest offensive stat. This as one would think weakens the overall destructive power of the original Shunkō but it only initially appears to do so. Yet like the original Shunkō it does share the suspension drain of stamina while active.

The now spiraling energy that streams from this technique becomes so condensed that it causes multiple cuts (Up to ten per second) to anything that comes within two inches of the user, but while flexing and standing still, the condensed energy can expand up to fifteen feet, which can be increased to sixty feet by spending 300 Reiatsu. In a sense the user of this technique becomes a blade themselves. The energy given off by this technique is so sharp that it is constantly tearing and shredding into the air itself. This causes a high pitched cry while Kyūhadō is active.

Spiraling far more wildly from quick sudden movements, this techniques vastly extends the range that the user can attack. So instead of sending off blasts of destructive energy from the users attack like the original Shunkō. Kyūhadō instead tears into the air, warping the wind into a bladed edge. So as the user attacks they cut everything within their path up to fifteen feet, while still following the length and width of their original attack. Not only moving at a static speed of 800 but also hitting with the weight, and force of the users highest offensive stat. And because of the very nature of Kyūhadō, a single attack can cause multiple lacerations around the area struck, while still carrying the effect of the original slash. The user can amplify the nature of this ability by spending 100 Reiatsu when used with a single slash, or 300 when used with a technique, that utilizes the users blade. This amplification not only magnifies the slash as it tears through the air, but also increases the speed it moves to 1000. It also increases the range it can travel to about 250 feet before dissipating. Step Techniques expand the rate at which the energy moves. Becoming a vortex of slashes to anything and anyone unfortunate enough to be caught in the users path.

How to use technique: Flux Reiatsu and activate this technique, and then proceed to condense Reiatsu.

Technique Drawbacks: Shunkō: Kyūhadō lasts for 7 posts and can only be used once in a thread. This technique like its parent, puts a huge strain on the users body and requires the same aptitude to use. Requiring at least 700 speed at the time of activation, and the user must have a 4 in one combat method as well as a 3 in Hakuda or Hohō. Being class 1, the Reiatsu required to activate this technique is rather costly, and the stamina drain is merely suspended. Meaning that all stamina expended will come back to bite the user after this technique ends. Lastly this technique comes with its own unique drawback. Stated previously this technique only cuts, it doesn't actually protect the user from most attacks. Meaning anything that manages to get past the condensed energy, will actually push back and cut into the user, causing multiple lacerations. This makes Kyūhadō a double edged sword, and can even lead to the possible death of the user.

Made By: Aevus

Reserved?: Yes

[Zeich Yajuu]

Aevus was quick enough to react to the attack, but only just barely – Shunpo had put Zeich in range of his opponent with no warning, the surge of his Reiatsu hidden from the other Vizard’s senses and the unnatural movement of his transfigured form preventing the man from actually predicting him. That was a major advantage on Zeich’s part; the strongest Shinigami often relied on their wits and their ability to analyze a battle to perform at their best in combat. His Soulbind technique, the Wild Gray, was able to negate those benefits with its feral nature, at the cost of his own. Battle became wild, bloody, and raw, a clash of animal instinct.

Blood dripped from the ashen wolf’s claws, Tsukikage’s feral grin stretched across his muzzle as he brought that crimson liquid to his lips. His tongue lapped at it, drawing a minor response of disgust from Zeich at the act, but the Hollow was beyond paying attention. His golden eyes widened, those pupils dilating in excitement and his heart racing. Compared to his life of imprisonment, trapped in the inner realm he had carved out within Zeich’s soul, this was beautiful freedom. It had been too long since he had truly seen, breathed, tasted the sensations of the outside world, and it was driving his adrenaline up higher by the moment. Hot breath spilled from his maw as the Hollow’s whole body trembled with anticipation, and all he wanted at that moment was more.

“Yes. Yes. Yes. This is what I want from you, Aevus! Bleed for me, give me more! Fear and flee me, and let me hunt you down like the prey you are!”

---

Within his Inner World, the forest-shrouded plateau that both Haiiro and Polaris had once occupied, Zeich watched quietly. He could sense the bloodlust and ecstasy rising in equal measures, yet he made no effort to leash Tsukikage. He could do so, he was sure, but it was going to be quite a struggle to put the beast back in its cage, and the Vizard wanted to save his mental energy for when he had to do so. Instead, he sat at the edge of the plateau, with Haiiro seated next to him. The gray wolf was showing his own anxiety, fidgeting restlessly as he watched alongside his master. Unlike Zeich, who seemed to radiate confidence and calm, the former Zanpaktou Spirit was not comfortable with the situation.

“Master, is this wise…?”

“It’s necessary.” Though short and to the point, the words did not begin to explain the depth of their meaning. It was indeed necessary for Aevus to see what could come from giving in to his Hollow, to understand the monster within. Though Tsukikage was no substitute for Umbra and her sly ways, he possessed the power and ruthlessness to crush anything in his path. The raw and unchecked bestial nature was a symbol of the monster that lay within their souls. No, maybe monster was an unfair term, despite Tsukikage’s current actions, but he was certainly vicious and wild, far more so than any animal.

“I don’t like it.” That much was obvious enough. “I don’t like him.” Now that was more of a revelation, a small jolt of animosity flowing through the bond between master and spirit. It was natural that Haiiro was wary, maybe even angry towards Tsukikage; the Hollow had, after all, consumed the wolf’s mate in agonizing flame. But the feelings that slipped between the two of them were much stronger, a hint of furious malice tempered by a cold fear that slid through like a dagger. Zeich sent a sense of inquiry back, not needing to put into words what feeling could better communicate between them. He was met with silence, and Haiiro’s eyes were locked on the events outside. A soft sigh escaped the Vizard’s lips, and he, too, turned back to the battle.

---

Aevus’s Reiatsu exploded outwards, a massive wave of energy that sent its shock rippling through the forest. What remained of his shredded shirt was blown away as his Shunko activated, a technique that Zeich had only seen once or twice prior. He knew little about it, aside from it being a massive concentration of spiritual energy that amplified the opponent’s combat parameters immensely. The air whistled and howled with its intensity, and seemed to come alive as the energy slashed out at everything immediately around Aevus. Were he in control of the body, Zeich might have released his Soulbind to allow for more cautious handling of such an attack, but he had purposefully given it to Tsukikage. He had to show Aevus the Hollow’s true personality, not the poor imitation of such that Zeich could provide.

Tsukikage was hardly fazed by the sudden release of spiritual energy, happy to meet it with one of his own. While he himself was impossible to sense, the Hollow’s spiritual energy could still be detected in other ways. Crushing pressure would slam down on Aevus, enough to make his legs buckle and his spine cry out at the sudden weight. The Gravitational Pressure that the Hollowfied Vizard could release was far more intense than most others’, and in a way it was even worse now. Bloodlust and hunger raged within that field of pressure, a predator’s eager desire to hunt snapping through the air and infusing Aevus with its energy. Fear, doubt, hesitation would grip the former Vice-Captain’s heart as unseen eyes seemed to focus on him, waiting and watching for any moments of weakness. Worse, that sense of pressure, of a sheer mass of spiritual energy, seemed to grow more and more by the moment.

Tsukikage’s spiritual energy saturated the area, crashing down and engulfing Aevus. As both the Gravitational Pressure and Predator’s Aura took hold together, they would coincide with the other Vizard’s moment of hesitation and his failure to draw his sword properly. That moment was enough for Tsukikage, and his eyes seemed to flash gold even in the dust that arose from the failed motion. His ears twitched, the frustrated sound from Aevus ringing out to the Hollow’s sharp hearing, and his grin grew sharper. The wolf’s knees bent, his body coiling and flexing as he prepared to leap forward to charge head-first at his victim.

Aevus’s slash came through the haze, a wave of cutting energy that seemed to tear through the air in dozens of deadly slashes. The wave engulfed Tsukikage, yet seemed to leave him unscathed, not a single slash marring his ashen fur. He didn’t flinch or even seem to react to the strike, and instead disappeared after it passed by him. Aevus’s vision would go black as night, the forest vanishing and even the crackling energy of his Shunko seeming to vanish from sight, and a weight just as heavy as the Gravitational Pressure threatening to crush him would slam into him, dragging him down to the ground and pinning him if Tsukikage’s attack struck true.

Even as sharp as he was, Aevus’s processing speed was weakened by Tsukikage’s predatory aura, enough for a delay from his expected response. Combined with his inability to analyze his foe’s actions in battle, it would be very hard for him to avoid the sudden strike. But why would he have to avoid one? In his current form, Tsukikage was a close-range melee fighter, and Aevus had a powerful cutting defense about him at all times. Any attempt at a direct attack would leave the Hollow torn and bloody, even if it didn’t cripple him outright. So why, then, would Tsukikage have chosen to take things to close quarters so readily?

It was simple. During the cloud of dust raised from Aevus’s strike, in the moment where he could not see Tsukikage, the ashen wolf had amplified his being, taking his ashen mask and creating the real thing, the Vizard Mask that Zeich permitted him to use for the moment. In that moment, everything had doubled; his speed, his reaction time, his senses, and most importantly, his spiritual energy. All of these were key in responding to Aevus’s Shunko, both its offensive and defensive forms. The wave was the first part to handle; with improved senses and reaction time, it was child’s play to avoid the wave, even as fast as it was. Shinkirou had made it better, a form of Shunpo that created an after-image as the user stepped away and back at blinding speeds to provide the illusion of a strike simply failing to land as it passed through the target’s body.

From the moment he had returned to his initial position, Tsukikage had employed another standard Shunpo, disappearing from sight, along with a second technique. This second technique would become evident to Aevus as his vision cleared; rising above him was that ashen Hollow, hunger shining in his golden eyes, and a wall of black seemed to shove his Shunko’s aura away from the two combatants, forcing a gap between them. Wings as dark as night, built from shadowy Reiatsu, enveloped the two and bound them in their ebony grasp. Powerful limbs would reach to pin Aevus’s arms to either side, and teeth dripping with saliva were only inches from the man’s throat. The power in the Hollow’s grip was not to be denied; at four times the Vizard’s own physical strength, he would find his arms unable to move in the slightest, and the knee pressed to his stomach would be just as effective at keeping his torso still.

And now, his form above Aevus’s, Tsukikage’s malicious grin grew ever wider, his tongue sliding across his teeth. Crimson still stained that ashen length, Aevus’s own blood still coating it. “Well now, weren’t you the easy prey! Shame you let that wench make you into such a pathetic display, this wasn’t any fun at all! But you’ll still be delicious, and the knowledge that I’m sinking my fangs into that vixen will be satisfaction enough!”

Remaining Reiatsu: 6600/16000 (-150 for Predator’s Aura, -300 for RS to SpPr conversion, -400 for Shinkirou, -50 for Shunpo, -300 for Kurayami: Kurohane)

Soulbind: Haiiro Yasei: 2/20

Vizard’s Mask: 1/4

SPOILER: Click to show

{Altered Stats}Strength – [(300) x2] (600) Points

Speed – [(400) x 2] (800) Points

Spiritual Pressure – [(550 x 2) x 2] (2200) Points

Reiatsu Strength – [(50 x 0.5) x 2] (50) Points

Light Aura - [50] Points

Dark Aura - [50] Points

Instinct - [(200 x 1.75) x 2] (700) Points

Senses – [(200) x 2] (400) Points

Energy sensory - [(100 x 0.60) x 2] (120) Points

Healing Expertise - [0] Points

SPOILER: Click to show

{Predator’s Aura}Technique Name: Kuro Gigei Mikon: Ryoushi Reiki [Dark Wild Arts: Predator’s Aura]

Class: 4

Technique Type: Hakuda

Technique Element: Spirit

Technique Description and Effects:

This technique is an intimidation ability used in order to slow down and weaken the opponent with fear. Making use of the concept shown in Gigei Mikon: Douzen Heisei and reversing it, this technique creates an aura of Reiatsu around the user that is used in a sense similar to excessive spiritual presence; when active, it makes anyone around the user, whether friend or foe, see the user as something to be more feared, to be concerned with; slowly this fear builds into intimidation, making the victims more easily frightened, unable to focus as well. As long as this aura is active, the user’s gravitational pressure is treated as if it were one Class higher than their usual Class. Atop that, anyone who is under the adjusted class loses 10% of their Instinct for every Class they are beneath the adjusted Class. The range of this technique is 100 meters in radius if the victim can see; if it is only felt, rather than observed, then the radius is halved to 50 meters.

How to use technique:

Disperse Reiatsu out from the body to form an aura, one that suggests a greater presence and causes fear in those who are within its range.

Technique Drawbacks

There are a few drawbacks for this technique. The first is the cost; this has a cost of 150 Reiatsu per post it is active. This drains Reiatsu over time. Second is the ability to resist this technique; with a 2 or higher in Lack of Fear OR Calm Mind, an opponent can reduce the loss to 5% of their Instinct per Class difference after adjustment. With a 2 or higher in BOTH, this technique can be completely resisted. Naturally, having a higher class can allow this to be resisted as well. This also requires at least a 2 in Hakuda.

Made By: Zeich Yajuu

SPOILER: Click to show

{Shinkirou}Technique Name: Shinkirou [Mirage]

Class: 3

Technique Type: Hoho

Usable By: Shinigami, Beast Clan

Technique Element: None

Technique Description and Effects:
Many speed or movement techniques exist for the sole purpose of going from point A to point B at an increased level of speed. Shinkirou is an unusual technique in this line, because instead of going from A to B, the user goes from A... to A. Essentially, it is referred to as something akin to a “double step,” in which the user steps in any direction, and then back into the original position. Visually, this barely creates a flicker, hardly noticeable below 200 Senses, and the whole technique lasts for no more than three seconds. What is the purpose of this technique? Similar to Utsusemi, it provides an afterimage coupled with a movement ability that allows the user to evade an attack while providing the illusion that they are hit with it. However, this technique allows the user to return to the spot, creating an effect that makes viewers think that the attack passed through the user. When used properly, one can follow up immediately following an attack that “goes through them” and catch an opponent off-guard. The step speed for this technique is 15x for each step, and it can be used up to twice per post.

How to use technique:
Focus Reiatsu, then launch oneself in any direction. Upon landing, launch back in the same manner, all within three seconds of movement.

Technique Drawbacks:
Cost. This technique also requires that the user has a 3 in Hoho or Hakuda, and has 400 or higher Speed after Type. This is also a tiring technique, draining stamina faster than normal steps through extra movement.

Made By: Z-Wolf

Reserved?: No

SPOILER: Click to show

{Kurayami: Kurohane}Technique Name: Kurayami: Kurohane (Darkness: Black Wing)

Technique Class: 3 - 80 TTP

Technique Type: Kurayami.

Usable By: Vizard.

Technique Element: Spirit.

Technique Cost: 300 Reiatsu/post.

Description: This technique takes a Vizard's dark spiritual energy and forms it into a pair of black wings that represents their spiritual presence. At base, they will always be five feet in length from shoulder to the wingtip. However, depending on the user's Spiritual Pressure, they will increase in length, gaining two feet in length for every 100 Spiritual Pressure they have. This does not count the bonus gained from the mask, instead using the user's base Spiritual Pressure (after type and rank bonuses, but before other bonuses) to determine the size. These wings have a durability equal to the user's current Spiritual Pressure with all bonuses, including mask, applied. They can be used defensively to block physical or spiritual strikes, though an offensive stat with superiority to the user's current Spiritual Pressure, even by one point, will immediately break through them. This technique also provides flight without air ground or any other support as long as it is active.

How to Use: First, the Vizard using this technique must have their mask active. From there, they gather their spiritual presence to them and form it into a pair of black wings, like a mantle, that can be moved with nothing but thought.

Incantation: N/A.

Drawbacks: This technique is a very durable one thanks to the mask bonuses, but it does have some limits. As with all Kurayami techniques, the user's Vizard Mask must be present. Second, this technique costs 300 Reiatsu per post to keep active. Though there is no set duration, this technique only lasts as long as the user's mask, vanishing when the mask is dismissed or wears off due to duration. Finally, should the wings be broken through even once, the user's Spiritual Pressure is immediately halved, and remains so until a period of significant rest–8 hours or more–is taken.

Made By: Zeich Yajuu.

Reserved?: No.

[☾ Aevus | Umbra ☽]

Overwhelmed. Put plainly that is how Aevus felt while facing Tsukikage. That gravitational pressure that spilled over him was nothing he had ever felt before. Years back when he was still an unseated officer, he had felt the difference in power between him and his superiors, but that was when he was still green. Now though, even with his rust he swore he shouldn’t have felt this way. So why? Why did he feel this way?

This thing... this thing is inside him? Aevus felt his knees buckle under the weight of not only that pressure but something else entirely. Beads of sweat dripped down the former Shinigami’s face. I really could die here... Aevus’s Shunkō was a deadly technique refined by the Vizard to do one thing; to cut. And that is all Kyūhadō did. He forged his Reiatsu into a cutting edge that shredded the air itself. Cutting into it so quickly that even the world around him seemed to cry in agony.

Not even Aevus was safe from that doubled edged sword. For as that Wolven Hollow past the boundary between the two with seamless ease, he felt his own Shunkō turn on him - digging painfully like razors into his skin. Black wings veiled him from his surrounding as he fell to the ground. As if painted by night and born in shadow. He couldn’t sense it but the felt the dread as his own power tore into him.

---

With eyes painfully clenched shut Aevus did the only thing he could. Like a coward he would flee into himself. Lingering in that dark for only a few precious moments. The world around him seemed to wash away. That feathered darkness seemingly replaced by the aurora of his inner world where two moons hung stagnantly in the sky. He could feel the soil beneath him shift to ice, and hear the cyanic waters that sheltered beneath. Aevus had awakened to a winter, the now frozen bioluminescent forest of Lumina Umbra.

Yet lingering just within view a red thread of fate caught his eye. Glowing warmly he followed that thread. Rising to his feet, he was met with the presence of his Inner Hollow. Her naked form was silhouetted and basked under the cold glow of those two frozen moons. Much in the fashion of Lumina before her, he had noticed that red thread had woven itself around her left pinky as well as his. Her black vulpine ears pivoting in his direction, she’d slowly turn to meet his gaze.

The silence between the two was broken by a single question as he shifted his footing atop the ice. “Why? Why are you still here?” Aevus nearly shouted, his fingers stirring to his sheathed Zanpakuto.
[smear:ffd700]"I had told you we are tied, had I not Dear hunter?"[/smear:ffe34d] Umbra giggled faintly before meeting Aevus’s narrowed gaze with a smile. [smear:00FFFF]“In truth like the Wolf before this one - it seems this Fox cannot completely be free of her Den.”[/smear:ffe34d] Umbra’s breath misted faintly as she spoke, alongside a familiarity so close to his heart. [smear:ffd700]”Even so we came to an accord. You can never be completely rid of me Dear Hunter~”[/smear:ffe34d]

”I wish we hadn’t..." Aevus would sigh staring down to the ice beneath him.
[smear:ffd700]”Afraid of losing yourself are we? You‘ve changed in such a short time Dear Hunter. Time should not have moved as swiftly as it has for you.“[/smear:ffe34d]
”That doesn’t matter! Stop acting like you care, when all you want is to control me!” Aevus shouted beginning to unsheath his Zanpakuto with those rising words.

With a twitch of her tail Umbra would shorten the distance between the two with a single shunpo, causing Aevus to nearly stumble, and yet she would catch him. An arm held his forearm preventing the man from unsheathing his blade, and the other sheltered upon his lips as if attempting to shush him. [smear:ffd700]"You misunderstand, I want to see you thrive."[/smear:ffe34d]

She would slowly remove her finger from his lips, moving her hand to the man’s chest, hovering over his heart. [smear:ffd700]“You’ve fallen Dear Hunter. Fallen into a trap you cannot escape. The ice is cracking beneath you as we speak, and you will surely drown if you stand still - so why do you not run?"[/smear:ffe34d] Umbra would begin to circle the former Shinigami, her bushy tail faintly brushing against his leg as she moved. [smear:ffd700]"Ashen jaws linger and lean in to tear out your throat. You have teeth, and you have claws - so why do you not fight? Why shelter which yearns to break the surface Dear Hunter?” [/smear:ffe34d]

”Because I don’t want to lose myself.” Aevus spoke coldly narrowing those blue eyes of his on the Hollow, as she stepped in front of him once more. The puff of mist from his breath merging with her’s as he spoke.
[smear:ffd700]“You have not needed me for that.”[/smear:ffe34d] Umbra’s voice would darken faintly with those words. [smear:ffd700]”Shelter behind that veil of grievance and you will wither even more so than you already have Dear Hunter."[/smear:ffe34d]
”Maybe I should just wither away." Aevus would clench his fists. "At least then i’d be free of you.”

[smear:ffd700]“And yet you chose another path."[/smear:ffe34d] Umbra would step away from the former reaper with those words heading towards the shore. Her bushy tail twitching faintly as she turned to the side, letting those golden eyes rest on his blue pair for a time. He hated to admit it but her naked silhouette glowed beautifully within the frosted light of his inner world. Her arms rested at her side, causing that red thread of fate to dangle freely between the two.

Thanks to that cord he could feel the cold chill that ran up the woman’s bare feet and through her entire body. He also felt every emotion of her’s that stirred within those glowing pair of golden eyes. A mixture of feelings consisting of disappointment, confusion, and was that fear? But no it couldn’t have been. But yet it was the same feeling he felt from Tsukikage’s overwhelming predatory gravitational pressure just moments ago. A feeling that death may be taking reign. That your life - your fate was never truly in your hands.

[smear:ffd700]”At a crossroad you stand~"[/smear:ffe34d] With those words he felt it, felt the pressure of Umbra’s Reiatsu burying down into him. It wasn’t as intense as Tsukikage’s, but it didn’t have to be. It took Aevus only a second to realize the Vulpine’s intent. More so he had heard it with the sound of a splintering crack. Looking down Aevus’s eyes widened as he witnessed the ice beneath his feet begin to spider-web. [smear:ffd700]“You can falter, wither, and drown as you are~"[/smear:ffe34d] Aevus could hear Umbra’s words as the ice continued to fracture.

[smear:ffd700]"Or Dear Hunter~”[/smear:ffe34d] Next came the crash. Aevus immediately felt his entire body seize up from the cold. It was as if all of his blood at once had turned to ice. He tried to fight against it but it felt as if something was dragging him down. [smear:ffd700]"Give into your instincts. Take a breath, fight, and do more than just survive~"[/smear:ffe34d] He would begin to panic, kicking his legs against the waters with all his might. He didn’t understand, the waters shouldn’t have been this deep. The cyanic clearing that he had always met Lumina in was a pond, but with these darkly depths, it was as if he was being dragged into an ocean.

It felt as if hundreds upon hundreds of threads were coiling around him and causing him to sink. Sink ever so deeper and deeper into the murky depths of that cold world. Despite everything, despite his words Aevus had taken one final breath before disappearing under the waters. The luminescent glow of that pond slowly drained away to a black ocean as he began to sink ever so deeper.

Precious air bubbles began to rise to the surface as he desperately held his breath. [smear:ffd700]Do more than just survive ~Thrive![/smear:ffe34d] He felt as if he was losing himself in that dark. The last thing he would see before shutting himself from that world was that very same red thread of fate glowing brilliantly in that vast ocean, alongside two golden eyes, and a pale naked form reaching down into the depths after him.

---

When Aevus opened his eyes Tsukikage would not be met with those familiar blues, but instead a golden pair that dared to mirror Tsukikage’s own. Darkly mask fragments quickly covered the aged visage of the former Shinigami. Though pinned Aevus’s Zanpakuto would shift shape to that of his Shikai. Yet instead of a wolf, a silver fox head now replaced the guard of his lengthened Shikai. Like an oceans tide, a cold, dark and bleak aura spread thirty feet around the two Vizard. With that the vulpine mask had fully formed.

That feeling of being submerged wasn’t completely absent. For even though he had breached the surface he had not done it alone, oh no not alone. But this time the donning of that mask felt different somehow. He could feel his own Shunko like a doubled-edged sword had turned on him. Shredding the man’s arms and torso where Tsukikage pinned him to the ground, but he did not recoil from the pain - more so he could not. But he still wanted to escape that onslaught. [smear:#008b8b]“Easy prey am I?”[/smear:ffe34d] A Mark Of Fate would appear over that ashen mask as the vizard spoke.

As if from instinct a phantom echo of his Zanpakuto would be woven into being behind Tsukikage. Though the Reiatsu flare would be hidden from Tsukikage’s energy sensory, thanks to a technique refined by the Onmitsukido; Sairento Satsugai. With the weaving of that echo, the Vizard would disappear from Tsukikage’s clutches by teleporting to the woven phantom Zanpakuto. Aevus immediately noticed he wasn’t the one performing these techniques, nor was he the one moving. He had felt the desire but it wasn’t him. [smear:ffd700]Give into your instincts.[/smear:ffe34d] And so he did.

A narrowing of eyes; the Vizard would activate Hakaiten. And through golden eyes, thin lines beckoned the Vizard to the weak points of Tsukikage. Without a wasted movement five other blades wove around the ashen wolf - firing all at six thousand speed. Aiming not only for the weak points in his wings, but to strike his mask, and impale him where he stood. With bloodied arms, the Vizard swiftly moved around Tsukikage speedily following that volley with several slashes. Like before the Vizard’s shunko warped the wind into a bladed edge, carrying those slashes towards Tsukikage at 800 speed at point blank range.




[smear:#ffd700]Reiatsu: ∞ (4100/16000)[/smear:ffe34d]

Shunkō: Kyūhadō (2/7)
Vizard Mask (2/3)
Shikai - 150 (1/10)
Mark Of Fate - 100 (Mark Tsukikage's Mask)

SPOILER: Click to show

{Hakaiten - 600 (1/5)} Technique Name: Hakaiten (Fracture Point)
Class: 2

Technique Type: Kido

Usable By: Shinigami, Vizard and Rogue.

Technique Element: None

Technique Description and Effects: Watching from the shadows. Patiently biding your time, for the most opportune moment to attack where your enemy is the weakest. Allowing even one small in stature, to kill a behemoth in possibly one strike. As one trained within the Onmitsukido, Aevus has created a technique meant for assassinations, a sneak attack which he simply has named Fracture Point.

By focusing Reiatsu into the eyes, the user can enhance their perception in a rather unique way. By spending 600 Reiatsu For up to five posts, or by spending 120 Reiatsu for short bursts, the user can see the fracture points, the said faults in both techniques, objects and people alike. These fracture points appear as thin lines within the users perception. And by striking these places, the targets offensive stat will be treated 25% less for that exchange. When Mastered this becomes 30%. This allows the user to destroy objects, destroy techniques, and potentially kill their enemies with a single blow. It should be noted because of the weak point, if the user strikes it. It'll do significantly more damage. Tripling the damage they would have imposed with but a single strike. This can allow the user to break glass with single tap, and perhaps even cripple enemies with a single precise stab. Against techniques, such as cero, the user could attack the weakest point, causing the technique to fizzle out or possibly be split in two.

How to use technique (How is it activated?): Concentrate and focus Reiatsu into eyes and analyze target.

Technique Drawbacks: On top of the cost, this technique counts as either a long term (5 posts) or short term (1 post) thus limiting the number times it can be used in a thread. This does not include when being used against objects not being used or manifested by another when used for short bursts. Hakaiten requires the user to possess a 3 in battle analysis or focused eye, and to possess at least 300 instinct. While striking the weak point requires some skill, requiring the user to possess a 3 in one combat method. Also it should be noted, the user must strike the intended weak point to actually inflict the increased damage. If the user misses the weak point, it'll inflict the regular amount of damage they would have originally.

Made By: Aevus

Reserved? (Yes/No) : No for Shihoin and Onmitsukido Members. Yes for all others

SPOILER: Click to show

{Sairento Satsugai - 150 (Class 4 version)}Technique Name: [Sairento Satsugai (lit. Silent Killing)]

Class: [5-4]

Technique Type: [Other]

Technique Element: [None]

Technique Description and Effects:

By releasing reiatsu all across the body, one can dull the sound of their movements. The reiatsu surrounding them acts like the silencer on a gun, except it acts on the whole body. When in effect, which is for a duration of 10 posts, one’s movements become completely silent, so much so that one would need a sensory of 250 or more in order to hear the user. This is the Class 5 version of the technique.

For the Class 4 version, this version can be activated at any time whenever the user wishes. By giving up 150 reiatsu when using a technique, the reiatsu flare from that technique can be “silenced.” This basically adds a silencer to techniques just like one would add a silencer to a gun to reduce noise and muzzle flash. When this is done, only those with energy sensory of 300 and above can tell when a technique is being used. By silencing the reiatsu flare, the charging technique is even able to evade Pesquis.

How to use technique:

Release reiatsu across the body and activate.

Drawback:

No drawbacks other than reiatsu cost.

Resonare {6 phantom Zanpakuto} 600 + 300 (to fire all 6)
Libatis umbraculum - 150 (To teleport to phantom Zanpakuto)
Resist gravitational pressure - 300

SPOILER: Click to show

{Updated Stats}

Aevus

Strength - 250 (150) [smear:#ffd700](300)[/smear:ffe34d]
Speed - 400 (700) [smear:#ffd700](1400)[/smear:ffe34d]
Spiritual Pressure - 400 (800) [smear:#ffd700](1600)[/smear:ffe34d]
Reiatsu Strength - 100 (50) [smear:#ffd700](100)[/smear:ffe34d]
Light Aura - 50
Dark Aura - 50
Instinct - 300 [smear:#ffd700](600)[/smear:ffe34d] (540 from Predator’s Aura)
Senses - 150 [smear:#ffd700](300)[/smear:ffe34d]
Energy Sensory - 200 [smear:#ffd700](400)[/smear:ffe34d]
Healing Expertise - 0

[Zeich Yajuu]

“First objective complete, Haiiro. We’ve drawn her out. Now to properly collar this fox.”

Back in the outer world, Tsukikage’s attack was effective, the blades of Aevus’s Shunko slammed back at him to slice at flesh and clothing, yet even he could sense the shift in tone as Umbra made her way to the surface. The mask that formed before him was vulpine in nature, and wolf and fox glared at each other across the space between them only momentarily. In a split second, Aevus disappeared, vanishing from sight. Unable to track him or predict where he’d move thanks to the effects of Haiiro Yasei, Tsukikage instead acted instinctively. Fight or flight kicked in, and when there was nothing to fight, one fled. A powerful Shunpo at immense speeds had the Hollow-possessed Vizard leaping away from the attack he had not seen coming at his back, and at the same time from the five blades that would strike at the spot he had been a moment before. The blades were faster, true, but they needed time to form and start moving, and that split second was barely enough to allow Tsukikage to leap out of the way as Kurayami: Kurohane was dispersed. Only just enough time.

But it did not stop Aevus’s pursuit, and the fox-masked Vizard continued to pursue at speeds far greater than his prey’s. A first strike could be stopped, and a second; thanks to the lupine Hollow’s unpredictable movement, Aevus would not have the ability to assess and judge accurately enough to pin him down in advance, but likewise, Tsukikage could only do so much to block. Aevus’s speed was greater, and combined with his Shunko, bladed slashes were appearing across the senior Vizard’s body, cutting into his flesh. A gash in his arm, a cut across his stomach. Narrow dodges, close calls, and nicking hits.

Even each block was becoming more frantic, with Aevus somehow able to strike more effectively than before; though Tsukikage had the greater strength and was able to deflect and parry strikes directed at him, he could feel his weapon quivering with the strain. It wasn’t enormous damage, just small nicks on occasion, but he should have had a far higher spiritual pressure. He should have been stronger!

More injuries: a slash that tore across Tsukikage’s back, an ill-timed dodge against a slash of that Shunko’s tearing waves; a scything slice that cut opposite the first across his torso. Blood flowed, and soaked into the Vizard’s clothing beneath the ash. They were not small injuries; though none of them were immediately critical, they would have an effect in the long term. If he didn’t act swiftly, Tsukikage would find himself torn into ribbons one slice at a time.

But it was then that the reversal happened. My turn, now.

Tsukikage suddenly stopped, pausing in mid-step, and Aevus would be able to read his motions much more easily than before. The possessed Vizard’s stance was much clearer, the direction and read of his body much more obvious; it was as though that unpredictability that he had been showing had simply vanished. Indeed, it would be to Aevus’s advantage, allowing him to make an exceptionally accurate strike during his flurry of blows. With his immense speed, ability to strike at weak points, and his freedom of movement created thanks to his Zanpaktou, Aevus would have a clear killing blow, and doubtlessly would continue his rain of attacks. It was as one came that Zeich’s counterplay began.

Bankai.

Ash exploded off of Zeich’s body with the dispersal of Haiiro Yasei’s form, yet it would do nothing to stop an attack from Aevus. The other Vizard’s blade would easily carve through Zeich’s body, with only slight resistance given the sharpness of Aevus’s blade. It would slide straight through, bisecting him completely. Ash flowed off of the sword’s blade like powdery blood, sliding along the edge to pool on the ground and spread. It would splash and splatter from the force and angle of the swing, scattering across the ground in a gray-colored arc. At a glance, it would have seemed to be a fatal hit, with Zeich mercilessly cut down by his fellow Vizard.

That impression would last but a second, however, as the edges of the wound started to dissolve, ash flowing away and forming a dusty cloud about the two combatants. The rest of Zeich would follow in that instant, and suddenly there would be nothing left but a cloud of gray about Aevus. That cloud, along with the ash that had been splashed liberally across the ground, grew and spread outwards, expanding rapidly as it swallowed up the clearing and then the forest around it. Before long, everything in Aevus’s sight was coated in pure gray. The ground seemed to almost crumple and shift with each step, as though the dirt he stood in had broken apart and crumbled into something even finer. Everything had become ash, and in the space of that moment, Aevus had stepped into trouble.

Immediately the man’s sword, the one held in his hands, would fall to the ground. After all, a blade could not be held without arms to do so. A glance at his body would tell Aevus of his mistake; though the use of his Vizard’s mask suspended future costs in Reiatsu, it did nothing for previous prices, and the results were very obvious. With nearly three-quarters of his capacity for holding Reiatsu running on empty, the younger Vizard had left himself exposed to his senior’s Bankai and its ability to infiltrate and convert those who lacked the Reiatsu to shield against its corroding effects. The limbs that were now gone ended in stumps just below the shoulder, though their ends were a wall of solid gray rather than exposing bone and muscle beneath. There was no pain, and even though the limbs were gone, a phantom sense of them remained; Zeich had not destroyed Aevus’s arms nor done any actual harm to him, but had removed his ability to use them as they split off into ash.

It wasn’t just his arms, either; Aevus’s entire body was practically grayed out, his legs and arms both fully converted, and the majority of his torso just below his neck, a small portion of his upper chest and shoulders spared the full transformation. His head was untouched, usually the last place affected by Kage-no-Tsukinoaruji, but that did little good when every part of his body besides was a weapon ready to be used against him. Indeed, the Vizard’s legs would give out beneath him, the area from the shins down dispersed enough to prevent him from easily bracing himself against Zeich’s Gravitational Pressure. The limbs themselves remained; Zeich felt no need to remove them in the event he had to seal his Bankai and take Aevus’s arms with it. Avoiding falling to the ground would take no little willpower and nothing less than perfect balance.

Wary of Aevus’s ability to attack—and now more consciously aware of the man’s ability to teleport now that Haiiro Yasei wasn’t draining his ability to plan in battle—Zeich appeared a short distance away, ready to respond if the other Vizard chose to pursue. A cloud of ash surrounded him, ready to block and redirect any swords that were summoned or the man himself if Aevus chose to approach. Once in place, Zeich spoke softly, addressing Aevus’s Inner Hollow. “Well, Umbra, I see you’ve decided to come out and play. But your greedy nature makes you conquer and control, and that weakens you. Seems the fox isn’t as cunning as she thinks.”

This time, Zeich raised his voice to Aevus. “Aevus. I don’t know if you’re listening, but let this be a lesson: your Hollow is powerful, but is also a tool. A tool is meant to be wielded, controlled and in measured amounts. Use the tool, and do not let it use you. Are we clear?”

Remaining Reiatsu: 6600/16000 (-150 for Predator’s Aura maintenence, -50 for Shunpo, -200 for Bankai, -100 for Kaijin Kasumi)

Bankai: 1/12

Vizard’s Mask: 2/4

SPOILER: Click to show

{Altered Skills}

• [Calm Mind 0 → 3
  
  
• [Battle Analysis] 0 → 3

[Kitai Yoru]

Aevus: 52 paragraphs, 520 TP awarded
Zeich Yajuu: 58 paragraphs, 580 TP awarded

No victory TP awarded

[☾ Aevus | Umbra ☽]

With the donning of that Vulpine mask all those feelings that once anchored and chained Aevus within the conceptual seabed of his mind were cut free as easily as a simple thread. He had broke away from those deathly constraints and now he had finally breached the surface. Where there once was guilt and grief for a spirit long lost, an indescribable hunger to hunt would take its place. And where there once was duty and compassion, now came an instinctive desire to carry out every whim he could ever want.

With those six ethereal echoes of his Zanpakuto missing their singular target a smile would draw behind that darkly mask. A hint of excitement that would have been hidden if not for the laugh that echoed gleefully. The Vizard’s voice was masculine and it sounded like Aevus albeit darkened - yet an echo of Umbra reverberated within its make. With blade in hand the Fox followed after the Wolf. Overwhelm. That was this Vizard’s intention when it came to his onslaught. He couldn’t read his opponent. So all he needed to do was simply overwhelm his prey with a storm of blades.

Each blow that landed, the Vizard would place a Mark of Fate onto Tsukikage. Even glancing blows allowed the Vizard to place his Mark. One Mark from the gash across his arm, a second from the cut across his stomach, a third from a slash across his back, and a fourth Mark from another cut across his torso. With the Mark he placed at the beginning that made five altogether. And finally a sixth he would passively place on the back of his neck.

All Marks of Fate that bonded the other Vizard and his Hollow ever so closer. [smear:#008b8b]So the Hound now flees?[/smear:ffe34d] Those words would echo within Zeich’s mind hinting at the deeper connection from those Marks. With blade in hand the Fox masked Vizard found his opening. A surge of hunger and yearning to strike; the Vizard ignored every warning and struck flesh - yet he left with naught but ashes instead of blood in his slash. Eyes once narrowed widened in shock as Aevus and the Fox within were left awestruck. A gray world covered the skies and the landscape around them. Even his flesh had turned to that ashen gray.

It wasn’t just a color either. The grip on his Zanpakuto hadn’t loosened it has merely succumbed to the power that Zeich held onto. Aevus had found himself unable to stand as his legs gave out. Whatever this trap was he had fallen for it; even with his mask. He initially felt frustration yet a hint of curiosity soon took its place as he stared up at Zeich. Was that Umbra’s doing? He next would hear Zeich call out to Umbra and she would reply in kind; yet only in his mind where Aevus would not hear.

“Well, Umbra, I see you’ve decided to come out and play. But your greedy nature makes you conquer and control, and that weakens you. Seems the fox isn’t as cunning as she thinks.”

[smear:ffd700]Such a dreary world you’ve created Ashen Wolf~ How curious a power your Shadow has granted you. You speak of my nature like you know it well - perhaps those are traits your Shadow share? As for low cunning... [/smear:ffe34d] Her voice darkened within his mind. On the ground and unarmed it would appear that the Fox masked Vizard had clearly lost. His weapon laid out before him just inches away and body nearly succumbing to Zeich’s Bankai. He felt the desire to rise and strike yet could not. The thought of activating Bankai crossed his mind as well yet he would not heed that call.

“Aevus. I don’t know if you’re listening, but let this be a lesson: your Hollow is powerful, but is also a tool. A tool is meant to be wielded, controlled and in measured amounts. Use the tool, and do not let it use you. Are we clear?”

Those words echoed throughout Aevus - reverberating within him. Aevus would answer in kind with the activation of a single technique; Fatis vinculum. An ethereal thread glowing red connected him to Zeich from one of those wounds he had marked. At that moment he would feel all of Aevus's pain and Aevus in turn would share in Zeich’s. That inching gray that drew over his body like a blanket would also affect Zeich. And not only that he would feel his very emotions stir within. He could feel Umbra’s as well if he focused hard enough. Aevus’s mirrored her’s in many ways; thanks to the mask. Yet just beneath the surface the feeling of shame stirred frustration in him. His Mask would dematerialize. Even with her influence he had willed it all away... He could hear a bite of annoyance from his Inner Hollow as he did so.

"You know this red thread connects people... Meaning everything that happens to me will happen to you - well as long as I keep it attached to you of course." Aevus said as he stared up at the masked Vizard. ”But I’ll certainly run out of Reiatsu at some point... So calling this a draw isn’t really cutting it. It’s more of a stalemate.” Aevus managed with a sort of half-laugh. "This is the very same technique my Hollow used on me you know? The only difference I know I'll lose eventually. So I surrender.” Aevus would allow that red thread to disappear fading within the gray of that world alongside his Shikai and Shunko. He would feel a wave of exhaustion across his body that his Shunko had staved off almost causing him to blackout yet he managed to remain conscious through willpower alone.

Once Zeich ended his Bankai Aevus would slowly rise to his feet. A guilty expression painted his face plain as day. He wouldn’t even feign a smile as he looked to the other Vizard. "As for using my Hollow as a tool. I’m not gonna lie, that’ll be difficult for me,” Aevus would look askance. See I wasn’t exactly honest earlier - I haven’t been training at all. I've really only worn that mask a handful of times since today. But I promise the next time we meet I’ll have this figured out - or at at least I’ll have tried.” Aevus would leave Zeich with those words. There was nothing more to say and that was clear as the moon that shone above the two.



[smear:#ffd700]Reiatsu: ∞ (3350/16000)[/smear:ffe34d]

Vizard Mask (3/3)
Resist gravitational pressure - 300
Marks of Fate - 100 for 4 marks per cut. 100 to mark within his Shikai territory.
Hakaiten - (2/5)
Fatis vinculum - 150 to link to Zeich to himself. 100 to keep active.

[Chika Hirabayashi]

11 additional paragraphs for Aevus, meaning 110 TP!
+100 TP for Zeich for winning!