Lingering Despair

[Aura Kyuketsuki]

Name: Lingering Despair



Participants: Anyone



Location: Karakura Wilderness



Difficulty Level: Medium



Setting: [NDE]



Plotline: All is silent with mysterious disappearances occurring numbers. People who have ventured into the Northern part of the Karakura Wilderness at night are not seen to return, nor are found during the day time. The only strange this about this scenario is the ever growing reiatsu that is said to be felt within this area, and continues to do so with each new disappearance:

[Seireitei] - An advance recon team has been sent in to investigate the situation but only to be report missing as they ventured into the area. Reiatsu signatures of these Shinigami are said to have disappeared.

[Quincy/Human Dwellers/Mercenaries] - Search and Rescue teams have been sent in to locate the missing people, now exceeding well over thirty people. Area has now been quaratined and isolated by Karakura Officials.

[Hueco Mundo] - Reiatsu within this area continues to grow each night, drawing in Hollows who are disappearing at an alarming rate and expanding the field of influence of said reiatsu.




Each faction will have their own reason, or if personal, to investigate and find the answers that reside within this field of influence.



Estimated Enemy Strength: [Class 8 - 4........... Class ? ]

Estimated Time Until Completion: [When the answers are found, or retreat]

Starts: [When 3 to 4 Characters have made their introductions for the thread.]


Special Conditions: [Energy Sensory will be treated as 50 when entering the affected area, so tread with caution] - Any special conditions, limitations, or other things.

[Scarlet]

Time to chop down the woods!

[Akio Naito]

This seems like a good chance to test new abilities.

[Skoll Koryu]

Will be grabbing a slot with Skoll as well, and already working on a post~

[Satoshi Kazuhiko]

I mentioned on Discord already. But I think this would be a fun thread for Kazu! So I'll happily jump in!

[Skoll Koryu]

“Gah, why the fuck are they sending me to deal with this shit...”

Assorted grumbles and more colorful swears came as a large figure pressed his way through the brush, snapping branches and shoving aside foliage where it would move. Before long, the figure would be visible as he shook his way out of a particular patch of brambles, stopping long enough to tear off a particularly persistent branch that caught on the leg of his torn pants. Runes in red stood out against his dark black fur, mystical-looking symbols that climbed up his arms and encircled his neck. Eyes in the color of molten gold glared in fury at the offending vine, and a muzzle full of sharp teeth curled back in a snarl as he ripped it free from his clothing.

Skoll glared at the patch of brambles he had just climbed out of, adjusting the tattered clothing that hung off of his body. Not a bit of it was sized for him, long of body and narrow of frame; the jacket hung open and its sleeves barely made it up his forearms, while a pair of worn and old jeans didn’t make it to his ankles. Both garments were torn and ripped in several places from general use and wear, and it was those gaps on the jacket that let the runes on his arms show through. His long tail thrashed angrily at the surrounding brush, and Skoll’s expression settled into his general sour demeanor; as per usual, he was pissed off in general, and at the world around him.

The Volsung tribe of Beast-Clansman, the tribe that Skoll accepted as something of a home, had long been in good relations with Soul Society. The two had traded back and forth and—barring some of the situations where Skoll had been dragged home against his will—they were generally amicable with one another. That’s why, when word of a strange Reiatsu forming in the northern wilderness was reported, the Volsung were more than happy to send a representative to assist with the investigation. Skoll was picked to assist with the premise that unlike most Beast-Clansmen, who were limited to their physical attributes and thus were unsuited for handling a spiritual anomaly, the half-demon leaned towards spiritual abilities and thus had some foundation to begin with.

In truth, Skoll suspected that it was an opportunity to push him out and about. Most of his tribesmen were uncomfortable with him, given his origins, unwanted or not. Many didn’t care for his crass and self-loathing attitude, and fewer still could stand such a weakling among the strong. That was fine – Skoll hated their guts as much as they hated him. They constantly shoved him aside as though he were a freak, a misfit. And in truth, he was; given his heritage, being born of a demon who had taken a Beast-Clanswoman against her will, he was a cursed and damned bastard that didn’t belong among the more “regular” Beast-Clansmen. As much as he complained and felt shoved aside, being sent off on tasks like this, at the same time it was a relief to get away from their judgmental glares.

“Yeah, well fuck them anyway...” Skoll grumbled to himself as he looked around, trying to orient himself and figure out where he was. “Not like I need their stupid approval. I do whatever the hell I want.” Kicking a rock for the sake of his own satisfaction, sending it flying among the trees, the half-demon took a slow breath to calm himself. He was supposed to be meeting a group of Shinigami who were sent out to investigate and join them as a representative of the Volsung tribe. More details on the investigation were to be given to him once he met up with the others. Now the only question was…

“Gaaaaaah! Where the hell are these stupid assholes?”

[Eshin Sōtō]

Taking a fifth slot if you'll have me!

[Eshin Sōtō]

"Not enough... It is still not enough... I... hunger." As Eshin stood alone in the vast emptiness of Hueco Mundo, he could feel the insatiable hunger growing inside him. He had been subsisting off of the weak hollows that have wandered near him, devouring them and taking their powers. In recent nights however, there have been less and less wandering hollows across the endless sands of Hueco Mundo. The absence of any other hollows to devour meant that he had to find other means of satiating his hunger and gaining power.

But where did the other hollows go? Eshin knew, of course he did. He was a hollow as well after all, and the growing spiritual energy in the wilds of the World of the Living had tempted him profusely. In fact, days ago, Eshin nearly ventured out to try and claim that power for himself, but he had approached with caution. The other hollows that had entered have never returned, and the spiritual energy only amassed even further. The cunning hunter did not rush in, else they would be the ones hunted. Still, with the growing presence of spiritual energy in the World of the Living, Eshin knew that there was a great opportunity for him to feed and grow even stronger.

His eyes narrowed as he focused his senses, honing in on the source of the energy. He could sense the pulsing life force of countless souls, all waiting to be devoured by the strongest and most cunning of hollows. A cruel smile spread across Eshin's face as he began to glide across the sands of Hueco Mundo, his claws extended and ready for the feast ahead. It had been days since he had a decent meal, and the hunger was fraying at all his sensibilities. He was starving, and the thought of all those souls had left him salivating.

With each step, he could feel his power growing, his senses sharpening, and his hunger intensifying. He was like a predator on the prowl, prepared to stalk his prey. He could feel the growing danger, which meant he had to be cautious. He had to wait for the perfect moment to strike. As he finally arrived in the World of the Living, he was more than ready to claim his place as the most powerful and feared hollow in all of existence. That is, if he even knew where to look.

...Where am I?" He questioned, his haunting voice escaping from the calming visage of his hollow mask. The eerily jubilant Buddha mask feigned innocence in the most unsettling way. Still, as the wraith found himself amidst the wooded forests in the North of Karakura, he felt his senses blur and weaken. It was as if he was head blind, his main source of perception coming from his ability to differentiate spiritual energy. The worst part of all, was that he struggled to find the source of the energy, the meal that had drawn him in in the first place...

SPOILER: Click to show

{Stats and Skills}
Strength              50 (33)
Speed                 100 (100)
Reiatsu Strength  100 (100)
Spiritual Pressure 100 (150)
Senses                40 (40)
Instinct                50 (33)
Energy Sensory    50 (75)
Healing Expertise  25 (8)
Light Aura            0
Dark Aura            100

---

Battle Focus: 1

Battle Analysis: 1

Focused Eye: 1

Strength of Will: 1

Martial Arts: Natural Weapons 1

[Scarlet]

Something about the disappearances just didn’t feel natural. That summed up why Hikari had taken it upon herself to be out in the exact locations that everyone for the last few days couldn’t shut up about. Less than a month ago she would have just pushed aside all the rumors believing them to be just the thoughtless words of others. The most she could have suspected was some lunatic that lost it and was out hurting others. Not something she wanted and something she would stop just like the gangsters in Karakura, but now she got the feeling it was something else.

She’d learned about what felt like many other species that were spiritual and one of them was called Hollows. What she had heard through the rumor mill sounded like something a Hollow could be doing. Making sure only a few humans every couple nights go missing and they get to calm down the endless hunger inside themselves. It made perfect sense, she wanted to save and protect, although she’d always expected to do that by battling fire like her father, this was something she could do now that she was something more than normal.

Coming prepared was something she could do although she wasn’t going to be in top condition no matter how much she tried, the damn holes in the back of her right shoulder still hadn’t healed yet which meant excessive movement and strain with that arm was going to cause her pain if she needed to use it. She had full range though which gave her confidence to chop down whatever was causing all the disappearances.

[Satoshi Kazuhiko]

Reports had come in that the advance recon squad sent to investigate the wilds of Karakura had gone missing. They had been sent to investigate the strange happenings within the wilderness of Karakura. Missing people and a curious reiatsu. When they too turned up missing, the Yonbontai was notified in accordance with the new identity they were pushing. Search and Rescue.

Dry leaves crunched under Kazuhiko's sandal as he touched down upon the forest floor of the Karakura Wilderness. "Such a quiet night." He noted with a placid, appreciative smile. Both of his squadmates had been busy with the obligations of their new office. Each of the three Yonbontai had been promoted to seated officers not too long ago. In truth, Kazuhiko should have been busy with paperwork as well. But the same impulsiveness that plagued his sister also stirred within his blood. And that anxious energy wouldn't allow him to sit by idly as members of Soul Society were lost in the wilderness... Not after what he himself had just experienced.

Kazuhiko's dark shihakusho billowed under the influence of the restless night breeze. Displaced leaves brushed against the base of the white robe he wore beneath his shinigami attire. His left hand slipped outside of his overlong sleeves to brush a stray bang of his unruly golden blonde hair away from his face. The ominous and persistent reiatsu of the woods caused his golden eyes to drift to his right hip. It was empty. No scabbard. He was still getting used to not having a Zanpakutou. He'd always been so hesitant to draw it. But now that he couldn't, he missed it.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Kazuhiko Satoshi}

SPOILER: Click to show

{Stats}Stats: Before Type|After Type

Strength: 100

Speed: 200

Riatsu Strength: 25

Spiritual Pressure: 400/600

Instinct: 300

Senses: 25

Energy Sense: 50

Light Aura: 100

Dark Aura: 0

Healing Expertise: 0

Skills 15/15

Abilities
Strength of Will: 1

Lack of Fear: 1

Battle Analysis: 2

Martial Arts: Boxing: 2

Pain Tolerence: 1

Bleeding Tolerence: 1

Damage Recovery: 2

Charisma/Leadership: 2

Hoho: 2

Cinematic Skills:

Knowledge: Medicine
Knowledge: Survival

"Yosh!" The spoken word stirred his soul and motivated him to take his first step forward! "Mission start!" He couldn't delay any longer, people needed saving!

[Akio Naito]

Akio took a deep breath as he stepped into the wilderness. He adjusted the gauze handwraps he'd worn to keep from burning himself on any hollows this time, then pushed up the contrasting bangles he'd worn over each sleeve tonight to sit just above his elbows. He'd chosen those accessories as a deliberate parallel to his now mismatched eyes. The black and red scale pattern on his treasured memento on his right arm to align with his dull brown right eye, while the new silver band with crosses shared the left side of his body with the viridian eye he'd picked up as the consequence of taking in outside reiryoku to make up for his deficiency. Consequence of having learned the few abilities he had by trial and error, he supposed.

The disappearances had looked like a hollow's nest to him, so he'd gone out into the wilderness to investigate and potentially be the end of the issue depending on how big it was. Well, that was all he had planned on telling anyone with similar goals he ran into, there was more to it than that but he would rather not admit his underlying motivations were much more selfish than just the typical hollow-slaying for public safety's sake. The young man decided to keep following the quincy path he fell onto when he'd lost so much, even when it had hurt him to travel that road any further. It already burned his arms, sure, but they'd finally finished healing after months of slow progress.

Even so, he didn't want to end up on a path that's one person wide. He needed connections with others, if not friends then at least allies. There wasn't exactly anyone he could have called tonight, though. His boss had a strict policy of never helping with spiritual matters, it was the duty of any employee of the time castle to figure things out on their own. And while he'd found himself on good terms with the CEO of Uzaki Enterprises, he wanted more information before making any important decisions about that company. With those two ruled out, his severely limited options had been exhausted for the time being.

Akio's attention shifted back to the search as a fallen branch snapped under his shoe. There was definitely a strange reiatsu here, though his below average senses weren't about to pick up any finer nuances of this unknown presence in the wilderness. "Need a better way to do this than getting lost in woods." He took a mental note to design a new spell that could search areas for him later, but he hadn't brought nearly the amount of extra resources that would have taken. Mostly becuase he hadn't brought any extra tools or weapons that night. Reishi-shaping would be enough to deal with a small hollow, and if it was anything bigger than that he'd report it to someone more qualified.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Stats and Skills}

\\ Stats - Sealed / Stats - Released//

Strength - [40 / 80]

Speed - [50 / 100]

Spiritual Pressure - [50 / 100]

Reiatsu Strength - [80 / 160]

Light Aura - [50]

Dark Aura - [50]

Instinct - [50 / 100]

Senses - [50 / 100]

Energy sensory - [25 / 50]

Healing Expertise - [0]

\\Skills//

[Ginto] {1}

[Calm Mind] {1}

[Focused Eye] {1}

[Memory] {1}

[Learning] {1}

[Weapon: {Bow}] {1}

[Imitation] {1}

[Analyzing] {1}

[Appraisal] {1}

[Crafting] {1}

[Aura Kyuketsuki]

The Bells tolled silently through the stilled trees. A chime that rung with every step taken as it wandered on past the trees. The shuttering of panting breathes froze into chilled plumes of air that vented from their lips. Their muscles tensed from the slightest touch. Fingers that were nothing but ice to the touch, and guided by the intent of the unknown. The night was coldest here which should not have been so. Tree branches rustled with the stirring wind from over head, yet no sound was made. All that came through was the growing fear that expanded from individual to individual, and averted gaze that caused such a thing to spiral. It glanced away, looking into the darkness that stirred around it.

(OOC:Note: Everyone can utilize details from other characters involved to expand their sights and world building depending if you are within the effected area, or not. So go nuts fwue. End Note))

---

Skoll


A breezed rolled in, causing the ruckus of branches and the thickets of the brush around him to shuffle and ring. The aromas of oak flailed about freely as the Nakkabaki wrestled into layers of broken twigs. Each step taken only unveiled further bushes, bent at their joints and forearms alike. Around remained untouched aside from what remained ahead, fitting a body nearly perfectly from what it appeared. With each step taken finding the density of the foreign reiatsu drawing closer, clearly separating the domain that it inhabited from the rest of the forest. The life drawing closer wilted with a shred of black cloth remained on one of the near by trees. Cloth that was all too familiar to the Blackened Wolf.


Eshin

A form of white within the darkness of the night, only motioning as it waltzed from side to side. Eshin's mask being the only clear color from among that of which nearly blended together. Dark silhouettes of the trees were obvious to make out from shadows that remained beyond them, blurring Eshin as a ghostly image that wandered about within the silent realm. Silent? From the natural occurring wind within Hueco Mundo that rolled the white sand to life to the dreadful silence that remained a constant here. The night life that should have been was not present. Sound remained, yet the life that brought about it did not. The snapping of twigs beneath one's footing and the panting of breathes were what gave this domain a hint of life. It was solitude, with but a single motion that moved beyond itself. A single silhouette that crawled slowly upright, and marching itself from the corner of the eye into a single direction away from the Wraith.

Silhouette Speed: 50


Hikari

It jingled. It jangled. Two beads that glimmered in the shadow that strangely illuminated dimly from the shadows. The wrestling of trees that shuffled into the direction of the foreign reiatsu. The dirt clodds that clung closely to the ground rolled into the similar direction, with the night life that was suppose to be refused to give the boundary their company. A pathway that was easy to follow, and a usual route for hiking. Easy access that was ropped off, tied by the many blessings of nearby Monks within the region to bless the land, and ward the evils that it may posses. Yet. From the failing lights that lite the pathway overhead, only the two beads of light shimmered fainly within the direction of the wind. Two that were held up. Two that were nearly as talk as the young girl herself. Yet, it was hunched. A silhouette at the corner, nearly hidden by the tree within the shadows. Slowly becoming one with them.



Satoshi

"Sir, over here sir. A female Shinigami waved over after waltzing into view. Strangs of golden locks that trailed down the seemingly long black hair that was tied into a bun. A young Shinigami woman that stood at the height of 5'6, coming to stand on her two feet as she withdrew from her hunched over stance. "I didn't know that they were going to send anyone else here, but it is good that we weren't the only ones assigned to this mission." the girl chuckled. The girl dipped her head in a formal bow in due respect, peeking back at the shadows that lingered beyond their current station. "My name is Naomi from Squad 3, and we were sent here to find what was going on here. The Shinigami glanced back to see an empty spot beside her, shifting her gaze from side to side in confusion. "Huh, I felt you coming, but I can't seem to find him..." she turned back, looking at Satoshi.



Akio

There was nothing but the snapping of dead twigs and fallen branches beneath the man's feet. The utter silence that reigned supreme within the region upon crossing over. The utter chill of its lifelessness could be what death was like for those that didn't flutter to Soul Society. Just the expansive darkness that seemed never ending. "Need a better way to do this than getting lost in woods." Said the man without knowing that another snap came from a short distance away. The wind blew into its direction with a few glances around to spot a faint silhouette that could be seen behind a trees form. ......why did you... it uttered softly. "...stop searching........for me.?" the silhouette uttered with a hint of familiarity in its tone, before waltzing slowly into the shadows behind it.

[Skoll Koryu]

“What the absolute fuck is up with this place! I know it’s a forest but goddamn!”

Skoll’s trip didn’t get any easier as he continued to search around for the Shinigami he was supposed to meet up with at the forest’s edge. Brambles tore at his clothing, vines tangled around his limbs, and branches scratched at his flesh. In the end, it felt as if the wilderness had come alive just for the sake of spiting him. His hands clenched into fists and uncurled in repeated motions, his anger boiling up with each new obstacle. Had he but picked up one of the Shinigami Kido that would let him burn this place to the ground… as it was, nothing he had would let him tear through the forest with any real effect on the overall area. All he could do was move forward, one step at a time.

It was then that he managed to find an opening, one just large enough to squeeze through. He was thankful he was so slender – though tall, he could squeeze through smaller gaps than most thanks to his thin form. Skoll managed to pull himself through, finally freeing himself from the last few thorns, and found himself in a semi-open clearing with nothing but dead trees around him. The feeling in the air was… tense, to put it mildly. It felt oppressive, like something was pushing down on him, pressing around him. The half-demon shivered, his anger fading; what was this strange Reiatsu that was congealing about him? What was going on here?

“And where the hell are those Shinigami I’m supposed to be meeting up with...”

Surprisingly, that question answered itself as a gust of wind whipped through the clearing, and an unusual motion caught Skoll’s eye. The Nakabakki quickly whipped his head around, trying to spot the movement he had seen, and his eyes locked onto something caught in the branches of a nearby tree, just within reach. A quick tug and the sound of cloth ripping was enough to free the object from its branch, and Skoll found himself holding a long piece of black cloth. He recognized it immediately: it was part of a Shinigami’s uniform. Parts of Skoll’s own outfit were scavenged from the corpses of Shinigami, so he was familiar with the material. He guessed it was part of the lower half, given how much material there was, but it mattered not. What mattered was that a part of a Shinigami’s uniform was here, where he was supposed to meet his “allies.” This boded ill.

Putting his back to the tree, Skoll let his eyes roam the clearing, trying to keep an eye on anything that could be approaching him. As he did so, the half-demon raised his voice to a loud yell, and shouted with the intent of giving any allies a location to regroup at. “HEY! ANYONE OUT THERE!? GET YOUR ASSES OVER HERE!”

((OOC: Forgot stats and skills in first post, so including them here!))

SPOILER: Click to show

{Stats}Strength - [50] (50) Points

Speed - [200] (200) Points

Spiritual Pressure – [200 x 2] (400) Points

Reiatsu Strength – [400 x 2] (800) Points

Light Aura - [35] Points

Dark Aura - [65] Points

Instinct – [100] Points

Senses - [100] Points

Energy sensory - [50] Points

Healing Expertise - [0] Points


Total SP: [1100] points

SPOILER: Click to show

{Skills}

• [Special – Mimicry*] 2
  
  
• [Strength of Will] 2
  
  
• [Battle Analysis] 2
  
  
• [Learning] 2
  
  
• [Memory] 2
  
  
• [Mental Incantation] 1
  
  
• [Weapons: Knives] 2

*The Mimicry skill does not act to serve as a perfect basis to copy anything the user sees, but instead just serves as a prerequisite for the Unbridled Learning technique, with points in this Skill making it possible to learn stronger and more complex techniques (See Unbridled Learning for more information).

[Eshin Sōtō]

Eshin sprinted through the dense forest, his claws swiping at anything that dared stand in his way. He was frustrated, confused, and lost. The forest was like a maze, and he couldn't find his way out. He had been wandering for what felt like hours, and there was no end in sight. He could feel his hunger gnawing at him, and his patience was wearing thin. This forest was a cruel joke, taunting him with the promise of sustenance, yet providing nothing. He could feel his spiritual energy spiking, growing with malice as he felt increasingly lost with every passing step.

Eshin could feel his desperation growing with each passing moment. He needed to find something, anything to feed on. But the forest was unyielding, taunting him with the sounds of prey just beyond his reach. He could hear their footsteps and their breathing, but he could never seem to find them. No matter how fast he sped through this endless labyrinth, he never felt any closer. It was as if they were ghosts, haunting him with their elusive presence. But he was the ghost. He had to remind himself. He needed to remember that he was the predator, the hollow. He was the one that transcended the world of the living, and he did not yield to unknown threats.

As he continued to sprint through the forest, his frustration began to turn to fear. He was lost, alone, and hungry. The forest seemed to be closing in on him, suffocating him with its endless darkness. It was in this moment that he noticed the deafening silence. He had grown used to the howling winds of Hueco Mundo, but the breeze within the forest left no trace, no sound. Not even the swaying of branches left sounds. Even the insects and pests that brought the forest to life were missing. Something was wrong, Eshin's instincts screamed at him to leave. He needed to find a way out, to escape this forest and its endless maze.

Unless, he was allowed to feast. His mind told him to run and return to Hueco Mundo, if the tantalizing taste of this mass of spiritual energy remained out of reach, but what if it didn't? What if he was able to take this power for himself, make others feel as disoriented as he did. The thought made him even hungrier. If only he could find a source to feast on... As if on cue, in the distance, Eshin caught sight of a silhouette. It was moving slowly, but steadily, and he knew it was his only chance for survival. He began to glide towards it, hoping against hope that it would lead him to something he could feed on.

[Scarlet]

Moving through the forest Hikari wasted no time actually managing to find a path which gave her easier movement through the body of wood. Cursing herself for overlooking the basic thought of bringing a flashlight with her to investigate something in the dead of night, she was pondering perhaps returning for the night so that she may return tomorrow with better equipment. Almost as if what she was looking for itself though wanted her to trend deeper into the forest two sources of light although faint and small revealed themselves. Her fingers tighten around the shaft of her ax. “Well, at least I’ll be able to brag about surviving a horror movie after tonight.”

Continuing onwards Hikari followed the lead of the glowing orbs while doing her best to catch anything in the faint light. This was a risky bit of trouble knowing that the orbs could be leading her right into a trap, but moving through the forest for some other sign didn't seem any better. She’d found something at least, perhaps the very same thing that everyone went missing saw. “Maybe I’ll find them all right away.” Hikari whispered to herself just trying to keep her spirit high. It wouldn’t take long though for her to notice something nearby the orbs, extending her ax out pointing at the silhouette. “Who’s there? Show yourself?”

As fate would have it though right after she addressed the silhouette, came a loud voice shouting in the middle of the forest. Surprised due to her belief that she was the only one in the area Hikari’s left arm shifted slightly before she steadied herself. Someone else was in the forest, someone else was looking into the disappearances, it seemed. Hikari came to the conclusion based on what she had heard and the urgency in the tone. She couldn’t rush to find whoever was shouting though, turning her back to this silhouette wasn’t an option.