20 Eyes - Ume Oboro Vs. Ønsket [pvp] NDE

[Ume Oboro]

The small cart that Ume had with her jingled a little bit as she pulled it along what appeared to be a subway tunnel. After the Leviathan incident in New York, some Shinigami were sent to help deal with the situation. A mass grave with mass destruction meant that the presence of Hollows would be increased until things could be rebuilt. Although it was not "all hands on deck," Shinigami from Squad Thirteen, Eleven, and Four had come along with a few members of the Research and Technologies division that made up Squad Twelve. As part of the Observation section of the Squad, Ume was sent to New York to take a record of anything and everything she could. 

Unfortunately, that meant being followed around by one of the numbskulls from Squad eleven while she waited to see if they were capable enough to hold off throngs of Hollows. It wasn't always throngs, but one of those horrible creatures was enough for Ume to want to have nothing  to do with the current assignment. The good  news was that she was as good at running away as her bodyguard was at killing hollows. The bad news was that she was separated underground. In the destroyed sewer and subway system of one of the largest cities in the world that had just been dunked underwater by one of the most horrible Hollows Ume could imagine. 

Going up  was not  a choice once she was separated, however. She had no idea how to navigate the destroyed parts of these tunnels and, until she got her bearings, she wouldn't risk leaving herself exposed to more of the hungry menos. That being said, she knew  cities like this had tunnels and tunnels and sub-cities and all sorts of abandoned, non-hollow filled places. So Ume went down instead of up. She followed the debris until she started seeing closed doors instead of smashed ones. Dry cobweb filled tunnels instead of stinky, crumbling tunnels. 

When she was finally thought she could breathe, she took the opportunity to unpack the small cart she had been pulling with her. It had all of her research equipment on it. She flipped on a suitable light emitter and then started rifling through s small screened device. She turned on some sensory equipment and while the data started to pour in, she took the opportunity to study a map. 

As cowardly as she might be, at least when it came to hollows, she was hardly afraid of much else, but not coming back with any  data was something that did make her worry. The last thing she wanted to be was useless. The second she wasn't providing anything useful to her division, she suddenly might become expendable. Even though the standing rule in the Juunibantai was only volunteers  in the division could be test subjects, she wasn't looking forward to testing the limits of that particular rule. 

Once she was settled in, she cracked open an energy drink and guzzled it. It dripped down her chin and she didn't even wipe it off as she finished and tossed the can to the ground. Her bespectacled eyes focused on the data pouring in. At the very  least being underground wouldn't have anyone questioning her rather loose interpretation of hygiene. On the other hand, the reception was terrible. Communication would be difficult, if even possible, but worse yet, if she got bored and wanted to play a game, she probably wouldn't be able to! 

It was definitely the worst assignment she had been on so far. Maybe a few hours of staring at the screen would make things better. Her tongue lapped at the corner of her lip, flicking in the few drops of drink that still lingered. As the light flashed against her glasses, she settled into a trance-like slouch, staring at the flashing datapad as it did its business. 

[Ønsket]

Along with her in the deep, forgotten, and decaying halls, another had a drink of their own. The said other's form shivers and clicks as it licks away at its chosen drink—cold blood, that is. The Hollow consuming itself didn't look strong or savage—more of a shining example of frailty than anything positive—and it knew this fact painfully well. It was why it feasted underground, away from the chaos and in the safety of the dark tunnels, even with the flaking passageways coldness. It was still much preferred over surface activities. The minor throngs of Hollows would have killed it by now. That much it knew in its emaciated mask without question.

So, instead, it preferred this damp and mould-covered section of tunnels. It wasn't the warmest place, but it had no place to be picky right now. That sentiment included the meal it had been feasting upon for the last few minutes. The crushed lower half of another, much bigger hollow. The meat itself was obtained by pushing a loose piece of housing debri into an unsuspecting hollow.

The plan had been a success, of course, but unfortunately, another hollow had been in the area and consumed the upper half of the trapped and crushed hollow. It had practically consumed everything it could before moving on, unknowingly leaving the hidden and crushed legs behind for the unseen Lesser Hollow. It was still a fine enough meal, even in a semi-gibbed form. The bigger Hollow they belonged to certainly had tough and juicy legs. But even then, it lacked the crucial component it always loved. That crucial component being heat.

It was why it loved to feast on human carrion, even if the flesh didn't contain a hint of a soul. It loved warmth to the point that it would eat something even remotely containing that warmth. But alas, it couldn't sate that desire for now. The flesh of another Hollow would have to quench it for the time being.

CLING CLANG CLINK

The metallic noise had garnered the attention of the Lesser Hollow. After all, it could only mean two things: food or danger. It reacted simply by eating faster and with more hurry. The half-consumed legs didn't last much longer after that, and so the Hollow was left with nothing but the taste of blood on their shivering tongue. They only really held two options at this point, and the lackluster meal pointed towards the more aggressive one. So, it did what it always did, and began to stalk towards the noise with stealthful intent. The animalistic and yet human Hollow kept close to the walls as it did so. The Lesser Hollow's strides easily traveled far with its langy limbs. It doesn't take long for them to find the source of their stalking, and it takes even less for them to begin licking their tongues at the sight of the Shinigami. The Lesser Hollow's eyes are below average for most humans. But it could tell the Shinigami was weak enough for it to be prey.

It had always wondered if his hunters were warm to the tongue.

---

The legs consumed belonged to a Class 7 Hollow.

[Ume Oboro]

Despite the fact that Ume had fallen into an almost trance-like state, did not mean she was dead to the world, or the world would be dead to her. Almost in spite of her apparent physical  weaknesses, Ume's spiritual capabilities and intelligence were something that all but helped her breeze through the academy without having to go too  deep into things like swordsmanship or combat. Even while perfectly still, except for the soft, raspy wheeze of stagnant breath, Ume's eyes flickered with life at every number that scrawled across the datapad. 

Indeed, her ears flicked at any errant noise, of which there had been very little so far. Even beyond that, however, reiatsu poured like fog from Ume. While it couldn't be seen, it filled the air thickly with the power that seemed to seep off her. It would make her enticing to any Hollow that wandered this deep into the catacombs. It may have been the source of Ume's trauma concerning Hollows thus far. She didn't like to think about it. 

When her eyes fell into a droop that made sure her lids covered enough of the data to keep from being able to see it properly, she pulled another can of her own special energy drink and guzzled it down. "Ahhh~" She tossed it and it bounced off the first one and rolled. She blinked and used a finger to poke away the crusty bits that were forming on her eyes and the flicked them away. After raking her fingers through her gnarled purple hair and wincing whenever she ought a snag, she lifted her head. 

Somewhere, there was a Hollow. 

It hit her like a small jolt of static electricity. She thought she had come down far enough to be at peace, but if she  could get down here, then so could anyone else, she supposed. She stood up and looked around, letting the small lantern and the datapad cast some light in the dark, dry tunnels. She could feel her heart beginning to race and sweat bead on on her skin, getting mashed by her shikakushou and her labcoat. Ume's first instinct was to run, but she couldn't just leave her equipment where it was. She might not be able to find her way back. 

Not to mention she had no clue about what was coming and what it was capable of. She simply needed more information before she tore off in a burst of fear induced speed. Ume swallowed hard and adjusted her glasses, as if that would do anything. She set one hand on the hilt of her zanpakutou and then flinched. She knew no one was coming to get her, tha was the point. But could she really  use this thing  strapped to her? She hadn't unsheathed it except when that horrible Kimiko Nakajima forced  her to do it. 

Ume narrowed her eyes. She could hear  Kimiko laughing at her. Saying how pathetic she was and how much of a total waste her fastly approaching death would be. Ume wasn't sure what would be the bigger F-U to that woman, dying or surviving. Either way, as she slowly shuffled in a circle, she still refused to do it with her zanpakutou. 


'I am available if you require assistance. Please take a number and I will be with you shortly or state what kind of assistance you require.' 

"UWaahUheuwa!?" Ume yelped and hopped backwards at nothing. The words had come from all directions, but Ume still backed up like a spooked cat. She hit the cart and spilled over it, toppling it over and crashing to the ground. "Nonononono!" She wheezed as she tried to get up as quickly as she could. 

[Ønsket]

The Hollow watched as another metallic bottle bounced upon the concrete floor. That simple act letting it bridge the final doubts about the girl being the cause of the past racket. The thing hadn't truly expected such a savory dinner to present itself, much less one that seemed so... dull. The Hollow wasn't the most perceptive-spiritually or otherwise- but it could somehow sense the total lack of any agency in the girl's form. The slouched shoulders and back certainly didn't aid her case in any amount. In fact, it somehow made her look smaller than she already was. She looked like prime prey material in the Hollow's empty eye sockets. So, it acted as it should when meeting prey.

It began to slowly close the distance, its long, skinny limbs reaching further and further. It would only need a few small strides to reach her. But it doesn't do so. After all, it suddenly stops at her little flinch. The Lesser Hollow had mistaken the act for her noticing it (Which was true considering she actually noticed it later) But this was the second before that. The universe perhaps conspired against her, or maybe the Hollow was just that paranoid. Either way, it quickly backpedalled away from the Soul Reaper as stealthily as it could at that second. The very second before she even noticed its existence. The act perhaps was the difference between life and death. But who knows? It had shinigami to fry at the moment. So, it began to think. The action difficult with how its essence constantly ached with frost. But it managed to do so in worse states. 

The Hollow looked at its surroundings and quickly noted the two discarded bottles. It kept tabs on them as it began to circle the panicked prey. The Lesser Hunger made sure to walk on its knees as it did so. It couldn't really risk making a constant clapping it usually made when walking while stalking like this, even if it scrapped its flesh to hell and back. At least the sensation gave it an idea...

SCRAPE SCRAPE SCRAPE

It dug the edges of its hooves into the concrete as it moved. The sound was akin to the clawing noises of a more feline creature, or at least a creature with similar claws. The act itself was less about inflicting fear and more about testing the waters with its prey. After all, it didn't get this far by being a hungry brute. So, naturally, it didn't stop there. 

The Lesser Hollow had been scrapping itself towards a forgotten energy bottle. But it did not stop when it reached it. No, it went past it plenty, to the point only one of its outstretched legs could touch the bottle with the tip of a hoove. Yet, it wasn't done.

SCRAPE! SCRAPE! SCRAPE! SCRAPE! SCRAPE!

It made a ruckus at the bottle's location before kicking it towards the Shinigami!

CLINK! CLANG! CLINK! CLONK!

Then, with great gusto, it moved swiftly to another spot!

. . .

Silently. After all, it had used the commotion to switch back to knee walking. It was practically at the opposite side of the bottle before it hits its final and loudest bounce. The Hollow licked its tongue as it watched the Shinigami, silently trying to get closer as it did so.

[Ume Oboro]

'I am sorry. I was unable to process your request. Please state the nature of your required assistance.'


Ume hopped up and and put one hand against the small cart. "What? I don't need..." As Ume was in the process of dealing with one thing, she heard the horrible scraping against the tunnel and she shivered. Her eyes widened as she peered forward to see if she could find the source of the noise. "G-Go away!" Ume barked and grabbed a piece of equipment and heaved it into the darkness. 

"Ahhhh!" 

She hopped back again when the can was batted loudly and then ran forward and kicked the cart in the direction the noise came, spilling all of her equipment, the datapad and the light source into the tunnel. Nothing seemed to hit anything, but the scraping also seem to stop and she hopped from her spot into the middle of where the light source was, spinning around and peering at the edges of the cast light. 

"I'm a s-shinigami!" She barked. "S-so, if you're a plus, then why don't you show yourself and I'll give you a nice Konsou? Ok!?" Ume took a moment to pant and and then narrowed her eyes. "I-If you're a Hollow... why d-don't you j-just go bugger off and I won't   have t-to, y-you know... kill you! CauseIcan!" She added with a panting warble. As Ume glanced around, she set her hand back on the hilt of her Zanpakutou. 

'...tional information, don't hesitate to read through our handy user's guide: Located in the visitor's center. Otherwise, please take a number and wait for assistance or state the nature of your required assistance. Also, be sure and visit the gift shop on the way out!'

____________________________________

SPOILER: Click to show

{Stats and skills}Reiatsu: 2400

Strength:30
Speed: 200
Reiatsu Strength: 30
Spiritual Pressure: 160 (240) (+50%)
Instinct:110
Senses: 110
Energy Sensory: 110
Light Aura: 50
Dark Aura: 50
Healing Expertise: 0

15/15
Hoho 2
Memory 2
Analyzing 2
Learning 2
Illusion Resist 2
Anti-Stealth 2
Hacking 2
Acrobatics 1

[Ønsket]

The Lesser Hollow watched as the Shinigami scurried here and there. Her fear was evident to it despite the hollow's dull eyes. It hadn't expected such a spiritually dense meal to be this spineless, but it wasn't complaining. After all, if it had no spine, the neck would be easier to break. However, first, it had to ensure its success in breaking that neck. So, it crawled slowly behind Shinigami as she attempted to threaten. Of course, it couldn't understand a lick of what she was saying, as he wasn't exactly Japanese when he died, but it could grasp bits and pieces here and there. Either way, it took her threats seriously enough to discreetly flair Reiastu in preporation of a technique. 

It wasn't a technique it particularly enjoyed using, but it had to snuff out that light source somehow without fully revealing itself. So, it began to focus as the Shinigami gripped her sword.

Hissssssss

The Hollow could feel the soft throbs of pain within its throat, yet none of the warmth associated with such pain. Nevertheless, it powered through and shaped the ball of flaming Reiatsu, putting a bit more power into this Vermud than it usually does. The decision to do so empowered the ball with a bit more heat. Then, after that painful process, it took aim at where the Shinigami stood. It lets the pressure build within its gullet before fully opening its maw.

POP! 

The ball soared as the pressure difference repaired itself, illuminating the purely white mask of the Hollow for a second as it left scorch marks upon its teeth. It gave a haunting image of a predator before the darkness fully consumed once more, leaving only a fiery inferno ball shooting towards the Shinigami. She could block it, or perhaps not. Either way, such a ball would likely extinguish the light in its aftermath. After all, the ball was practically just a weak fire empowered and held together by Reiatsu. It would shatter upon contact with anything due to its formation. So, in the end.

That light would soon be replaced by a dying ember. The aftermath of the weak fire serving as the metaphorical countdown before it would strike. So, it crawled silently away from where it had shot the fireball. The thing watching and wondering whether or not its plan will be successful.

---

SPOILER: Click to show

{Stats and Skills }Reiatsu: 350
Remaining Reiatsu: 310

Strength: 35
Speed: 60
Reiatsu Strength: 35
Spiritual Pressure: 35
Instinct: 40
Senses: 30
Energy Sensory: 10
Light Aura: 50
Dark Aura: 50
Healing Expertise: 0

6/15

Learning - 1
Street Fighting - 1
Pain Tolerance - 1
Damage Recovery - 1
Acrobatics - 1
Stealth - 1

SPOILER: Click to show

{Vermud}
Technique Name: Varmud (Heat Out)

Class: 7-0

Technique Type: Hollow Custom Technique

Technique Element: Fire

Usable By: Hollows that have learned Sult

Technique Description and Effects: The contained heat within the Hollow is released in a wave or shot of Reiastu! The power depends on how much heat Sult has gathered and the amount of Reiatsu used in the technique. The shape also cannot be manipulated after it has left the Hollow's maw.

How to use technique (How is it activated?): See the above.

Technique Drawbacks (Limitations, Repercussions for Use, etc.): 25 Reiastu cost and increasing alongside effects. The Hollow themselves are not immune to flames unless otherwise stated.

[Ume Oboro]

"Shut up!" 

Ume barked as she shuffled in place. She pulled her hand off of the hilt of her sword and held up her hand. That was when she saw a flickering of light. Her eyes widened and then- The ball of fiery light nearly slammed into her. She turned and twisted her body, and then suddenly found herself upside down with a hand against the ground, only for the explosion to throw shrapnel at her. It slammed into her lab coat and the force of the blast sent her caterwauling into the side of the tunnel. 

"AwuaheuiHWuhehUgh!" 

She slammed into it and slumped against the tunnel ground. As she looked up, she was suddenly in total darkness. The light on her datapad and the small lantern had been extinguished. She could feel  her heartbeat climbing exponentially and she scrambled to her hands and knees, wincing. She had a few cuts in a few places, but if she remained still, she knew she was done for. She just had to hope that whatever thing was around was still where it was. Either way she needed to illuminate the tunnel. She could kill, hopefully, one hollow with one, big stone. 

Ume held out both of her hands in front of her and took a deep breath. "Hadou Number Thirty-one: SHAKKAHOU!" A blazing fireball shot from Ume's hands and lit up the room. The scientest tried to scan what she could, as fast as she could before it dissipated. If the Hollow was in the path of the fireball, hopefully, it would be dead. If not, then she would have to catch its position out of the corner of her eye. 

___________________________________________________

Reiatsu: 2300/2400

-100 Shakkahou

SPOILER: Click to show

{Hado #31: Shakkahō} (Shot of Red Fire)(Proficient)(100)
Technique Name: Hado #31: Shakkahō (Shot of Red Fire)
Class: 5
Technique Type: Kido
Technique Element: Fire
Technique Description and Effects: Fires a ball of red energy at a target. The fireball is roughly head-sized and, on impact explodes with force equal to the user’s Reiatsu Strength. This can cause first-degree burns from the hit.
How to use technique: Speak the spell and point towards the enemy to release the fireball.
Incantation and Effect: “Ye lord! Mask of blood and flesh, all creation, flutter of wings, ye who bears the name of Man! Inferno and pandemonium, the sea barrier surges, march on to the south!” With the incantation, this spell gets a 20% increase in Reiatsu Strength (i.e. if Reiatsu Strength is 100, this is treated as 120 with incantation).

SPOILER: Click to show

{Stats and skills}Reiatsu: 2400

Strength:30
Speed: 200
Reiatsu Strength: 30
Spiritual Pressure: 160 (240) (+50%)
Instinct:110
Senses: 110
Energy Sensory: 110
Light Aura: 50
Dark Aura: 50
Healing Expertise: 0

15/15
Hoho 2
Memory 2
Analyzing 2
Learning 2
Illusion Resist 2
Anti-Stealth 2
Hacking 2
Acrobatics 1

[Ønsket]

The Lesser Hollow certainly didn't expect its incendiary technique to have such effects. But it had a decent reason. After all, it hadn't lived long enough to truly test its innate abilities to their limit, nor did it have the mental capacity to do so yet. Anyway, it couldn't think about such things for now. It had bigger things to deal with at the moment. That bigger thing being the scared Soul Reaper, the one it could barely see itself. Though, months of hunting in the dark certainly had given it an aptitude to hunt within the uncomfortable embrace of the shadows. So, it wasn't much of an issue.

What was an issue, though, was the quickly moving red ball, hurtling towards it at considerable speed while illuminating everything in its path. It posed a tactical death blow to its hunting strategy of darkness and deception. But at that moment, the Lesser Hollow only saw something it desired to have inside. So, it manifested its hunger using three deep blue orbs in the physical world. These large orbs shot forward and surrounded the Hado technique as it travelled.

CLOP CLOP

Of course, the Lesser Hollow dodged to the right as the light source traveled and landed. So, in the end, the Reaper would claim her tactical victory of seeing the Hollow. So, she would see starvation and euphoria within those empty, heartless, and Hollow eye sockets. The form of it, too much the same, a thing made out of nightmares and cold. The sight of jutting ribs betraying weakness, yet only aiding in the act of terror. The thing was a humanoid trapped in a chimeric body, and perhaps she would be fine with that if it weren't for the fact that it was a rotting Hollow. The same rotting hollow staring her down with such a gleeful expression as it starts to glow with heat and light.

---

SPOILER: Click to show

{Stats and Skills }Reiatsu: 350
Remaining Reiatsu: 205
(Each Orb costed 35)

Strength: 35
Speed: 60
Reiatsu Strength: 35
Spiritual Pressure: 35
Instinct: 40
Senses: 30
Energy Sensory: 10
Light Aura: 50
Dark Aura: 50
Healing Expertise: 0

6/15

Learning - 1
Street Fighting - 1
Pain Tolerance - 1
Damage Recovery - 1
Acrobatics - 1
Stealth - 1

SPOILER: Click to show

{Sult}
Technique Name: Sult (Hunger)


Class: 8-0


Technique Type: Hollow Custom Technique

Technique Element: Ice


Usable By: Starving Hollows


Technique Description and Effects: The Hollow manifests a deep blue-coloured orb that hovers around itself. This floating orb is also fully controllable. One could draw similarities to the Light Orb technique or even the Reiastue Warmth technique at this point, and it would be understandable and perhaps reasonable. But nevertheless, it's quite the opposite of both. The Orb of Sult slowly drains away light and heat in a radius around it, consuming both without end or pause.


Where does the energy go when it is consumed? Well, to the Hollow, of course, and perchance elsewhere. Either way, absolute abscence is attempted near the Orb of Sult.


The Orbs of Sult can also increase or decrease in size. The larger sizes enable a faster rate of gathering heat and light at a more inefficient cost; for the smaller sizes, the opposite happens: they are more efficient but don't gather as fast as the larger sizes.


The radius of the Orbs of Sult absorbs a one-foot area at a beginner level. But when complete mastery is achieved, a radius of five feet is accessible. The increase of the user's Class doubles the base range of the Orbs of Sult per level, meaning total mastery of Sult at Class 8/7/6 enables a range of 5/10/15 feet around the ball, respectively.


The difference between a Class 0 and a Class 8 Orb of Sult is night and day. Literally, in this case, since a class 0 Orb of Sult can liquify the oxygen in the air with its coldness and bring total blackness to an enclosed room. Class 8, on the other hand, would require a few or so hours to drop an enclosed room to below 0°C. However, freezing times depend on the mastery of the Orbs of Sult technique and can be faster or slower depending on the Hollow's formation. But generally, a weak Orb of Sult made by a biginner would drop the temperature around it by 1°C per ten minutes. The body of the Hollow, in consquence to the gathering, would heat up by 1°C per ten minutes too. A masterfully made Orb of Sult itself drains 1°C every minute.


The Hollow can use this technique several times, summoning more than one Orb of Sult. But three Orbs of Sult prove to be difficult for a Class 8 without issue if they aren't masters; in the later case, six is the hard limit for Class 8. The limit will increase by three with each Class promotion; however, it will cap at 30 when Class 0 is reached. The final Class promotion to 0 itself rewards a free and final bonus of three Orbs of Sult to the control limit.


How to use technique (How is it activated?): The Hollow must focus a portion of their hunger into an Orb of Reiastu, projecting the eternal curse of the Hollow race into 'physical' form. The energy consumed itself must go somewhere. So, it typically ends up inside the Hollow.


Technique Drawbacks (Limitations, Repercussions for Use, etc.): The Hollow is subject to overheating if they're not careful, and even combusting into flame if they're reckless. They may also begin to glow if they absorb enough light, such a thing proving fatal to any level of stealth. The maintenance of several orbs also requires some level of skill. 

[Ume Oboro]

Ume shot her shot and was panting by the end of it. She saw the flash of fire light up the tunnel and with it, the horrible quadruped that stood before. her. The icy blue orbs swirling around it, and its gaunt, withered body. Ume felt like she was close to throwing up. A shiver ran up her spine and even when her kidou hit the tunnel, shaking it and then dispersing, she could still see the creature. 

"W-Why!? Why are they so horrible!?!" Ume bleated as she began to backpedal. The weird shape of its mask made it look like some goat, deer, dog-thing. No doubt it had snapping jaws! As she panted, she could feel her own breath. Maybe it was because the lantern had been destroyed, but she was swore it was getting colder. as she began to slowly backpedal, she tried to think of something that she could do. If Shakkahou didn't work... what else did she have? She set her hand on her sheathed zanpakutou to think. She knew she couldn't use that. 

'Actually, I am available to assist you in anyway you require.'

Ume growled. "Fine! Tell me your name, then!" She barked. 

'I'm sorry, you must first file Name Acquisition File Zero-Zero-One before name recognition authorization can be given. Please stop bey any of our convenient locations to speak with an administrator in person. Otherwise-" 


"There's no way. There's just no way..." Ume muttered. She tried to ignore the voice in her head and think about where she was. There had  to be some access tunnels somewhere. She turned and used shunpo to try and get some distance between her and the creepy Hollow that was prowling after her in the darkness. She just needed to get away. If she could get back to some the newer tunnels, she might be able to lose this terrifying thing behind. 

__________________________


___________________________________________________

Reiatsu: 2275/2400

-25 Shunpo

SPOILER: Click to show

{Stats and skills}Reiatsu: 2400

Strength:30
Speed: 200
Reiatsu Strength: 30
Spiritual Pressure: 160 (240) (+50%)
Instinct:110
Senses: 110
Energy Sensory: 110
Light Aura: 50
Dark Aura: 50
Healing Expertise: 0

15/15
Hoho 2
Memory 2
Analyzing 2
Learning 2
Illusion Resist 2
Anti-Stealth 2
Hacking 2
Acrobatics 1

[Ønsket]

The Hollow shivers violently as it watches its prey scamper off, its flesh glowing as it tries to shiver more heat into its frozen soul. The heat and light it had consumed from her technique would serve it well, it knew. But, in the end, it didn't scratch its cold itch. So, it was left disappointed by the technique. Nevertheless, it still hurt plenty. Perhaps it shouldn't have sent so many orbs into the attack. The skin of it was practically steaming away after everything was said and done. 

Though, right now wasn't the time for regrets.

CLOP CLOP CLOP CLOP

It was time for the chase. 

The long, eerie limbs of its body served well in this act. However, they couldn't compare to the Shunpo technique of its opponent. This was the first time it had actually witnessed the technique in action, so it wasn't exactly a practitioner of it yet. Though, once more, it wasn't the time for contemplation of future plans. It had bigger goals to pursue, one of which was currently running away from it. The steaming and glowing flesh of itself actually had some difficulty keeping up. But it wasn't too worried. After all, she was practically a lightbulb like itself in a spiritual sense. It would be impossible for a spiritual sensing being like itself to lose her. So, instead, it prepared for a counter.

It focused inward upon the light trapped within it. Then, slowly, it moved all of it, relocating it within its pure white mask. Soon after, it focused and condensed the light, maintaining its intensity afterward. Consequently, the mask was now the only thing providing light in the tunnels. So, if the Shinigami turned back, she would only see a floating, white mask chasing her down with malevolent intent. The three orbs it had summoned earlier following closely behind it, too, without fail. 

Then nothing, as the Hollow would've let go of all that light right at her eyes. This, of course, would blind it as well, but it was far more accustomed to it and would've closed its eyes before unleashing it all.

---

SPOILER: Click to show

{Stats and Skills }Reiatsu: 350
Remaining Reiatsu:190

Strength: 35
Speed: 60
Reiatsu Strength: 35
Spiritual Pressure: 35
Instinct: 40
Senses: 30
Energy Sensory: 10
Light Aura: 50
Dark Aura: 50
Healing Expertise: 0

6/15

Learning - 1
Street Fighting - 1
Pain Tolerance - 1
Damage Recovery - 1
Acrobatics - 1
Stealth - 1

SPOILER: Click to show

{Lyn}
Technique Name: Lyn (Flash)

Class: 8

Technique Type: Hollow Custom Technique

Technique Element: Light

Usable By: Hollows that have learned Sult

Technique Description and Effects: The Hollow must focus the absorbed light on their mask or any part of them. Then release it similarly to a flashbang. The flow of Reiastu makes this technique far more practical with it than without it.

How to use technique (How is it activated?): See the above.

Technique Drawbacks (Limitations, Repercussions for Use, etc.): 15 Reiastu cost and increasing alongside effects. The Hollow is not immune to being blinded themselves unless otherwise stated.

[Ume Oboro]

Ume used her shunpo to get as far away from the creature as she could. With a long jump, she was sure she could create some distance between it and her and try and think of what to do next. She floated through the air briefly and then skid to a halt on her sandals and spun around with much more grace than she had shown previously. She kicked up a little cloud of dust and turned back, expecting to see darkness, but instead, she saw a floating orb. 

Ume crouched and put her hand on her zanpakutou, squinting as she tried to ascertain what was happening visually, while sensing the creature's reiatsu. As soon as she put her hand on the handle, she once again heard the voice in her head coming through to her like some kind of news broadcast or repeating message. Ume frowned and hiss. As she did, she noticed the breath briefly in the dim light. She glanced around and shivered. It felt like it was suddenly getting colder in the area. As if on cure, her ear twitched as she heard the voice in her head. 

'It appears as though the temperature is dropping. If you wish for a detailed weather report or more information on the current weather anomaly, please stop by one of our convenient locations and speak to clerk at the desk.'

"No thanks, Captain Obvious. If this is the kind of info you're going to keep giving me-" 

'Request Denied. Incorrect username and invalid Rank. Please proceed to-' 

"UGH!" Ume immediately threw her hands in the air and growled in annoyance. If this was who she was stuck with, then she was certain she didn't even want  to know her stupid zanpakutou's name. Unfortunately for her, the brief moments that she was trying to deal with the voice in her head, allowed the Hollow to get into a much closer position. She felt the skittering beast's reiatsu and turned. She held up her hands and put her palms out. 

"Hakudo Number Thirty O-waaaahn!" 

There was a flash of light and Immediately Ume was blinded. She stumbled around and kept her hands out in front of her. Despite being disoriented, she knew she couldn't allow this creature to nibble on her. Even though she was not sure where it was, she had to try something. She sucked in a breath and with her eyes closed, she unleashed her spell. "SHAKKAHOU!" 

Her hands lit up and fired a blast of fire in the direction she was facing. Although she couldn't see, she heard something. It was the sound of her spell slamming into the tunnel wall in front of her. She could feel the area shake a bit and dust and bits of debris falling. "B-Back, you!" Ume warbled. Her voice was trembling with fear as she tried to blink away the light that blinded her vision. 

She stumbled forward while she did. The stench of stale, ancient air was replaced by a soft rush of air that, while still dank, was much fresher than what she had been breathing so far. Maybe she had created an opening with her blast? Unfortunately she wouldn't know until she could see again. Even more unfortunate was that she might be dead  by then! She put her hand on her Zanapkutou handle, griping it tightly in case she needed it as a last resort. While she clutched it, she heard the voice again, but she tried to block it out so she could focus on the creature's reiatsu. 

___________________________________________________

Reiatsu: 2175/2400

-100 Shakkahou

SPOILER: Click to show

{Hado #31: Shakkahō} (Shot of Red Fire)(Proficient)(100)
Technique Name: Hado #31: Shakkahō (Shot of Red Fire)
Class: 5
Technique Type: Kido
Technique Element: Fire
Technique Description and Effects: Fires a ball of red energy at a target. The fireball is roughly head-sized and, on impact explodes with force equal to the user’s Reiatsu Strength. This can cause first-degree burns from the hit.
How to use technique: Speak the spell and point towards the enemy to release the fireball.
Incantation and Effect: “Ye lord! Mask of blood and flesh, all creation, flutter of wings, ye who bears the name of Man! Inferno and pandemonium, the sea barrier surges, march on to the south!” With the incantation, this spell gets a 20% increase in Reiatsu Strength (i.e. if Reiatsu Strength is 100, this is treated as 120 with incantation).

SPOILER: Click to show

{Stats and skills}Reiatsu: 2400

Strength:30
Speed: 200
Reiatsu Strength: 30
Spiritual Pressure: 160 (240) (+50%)
Instinct:110
Senses: 110
Energy Sensory: 110
Light Aura: 50
Dark Aura: 50
Healing Expertise: 0

15/15
Hoho 2
Memory 2
Analyzing 2
Learning 2
Illusion Resist 2
Anti-Stealth 2
Hacking 2
Acrobatics 1

[Ønsket]

The Hollow swallowed a growl as its eyes tried to quickly adjust due to the recent flashbang it had caused. It knew it had little time before its prey adjusted along with it. But it knew it could do it far faster, and it did so with little to no issue. However, as soon as that problem was dealt with, another took its place.

shhHHHH

The flash of her Technique swirled within the beast's eyesockets, and so, of course, it quickly reacted to the incoming threat of cremation. The Lesser Hollow's emaciated limbs swiftly carried it away from the blast, a blanket of blue orbs covering its side as it did so. It had remembered what happened last time the head-sized orb touched anything, and it wasn't keen on being in the blast radius. 

Ume herself could faintly detect these movements. Why faintly? Well, the strange freezing Reiastue of the Hollow blended in with the cold environment, masking it without issue in the process. This, of course, could likely be overcome with more study and observation. But for now? She only knew the general, lagging location of where it was at any given moment. But the breaching of the new warm air helped her a little bit in locating the Hollow.

The Beast definitely didn't know this, and neither did it really seem to notice the swirling of fresh air. Both for good reasons, and those reasons mostly relate to having a shitty body. Its dull nose could barely pick up anything even if it tried, and its eyesockets were more Mole-like than Doe-like. The only thing it had going for it was instinct, and that and trickery carried it this far into the fight. But fortunately for Ume, it seems it's disregarding its instincts to have a chance to nibble at her knees. Well, if the constant circling clopping was any clue, it seems.

Oh, that and the fact she felt a faint afterimage of his Reiastue lunging at her. Its maw cracked open in a less than welcoming shape.

[Ume Oboro]

Ume shoved her hand up and scrubbed at one of her hands with her fist, trying to get her vision to come back to her. She could feel the cold from the beast and could sense some its reiatsu. She was very good at detecting hidden things, but this was... different. It wasn't as if something was hiding behind and object, it was more like two shades of a color next to each other. different, no doubt, but without more than a cursory glance, hard to immediately tell the difference.


She inched her way towards where she felt the less danky air rush in, trying to use the temperature difference to help her navigate while she blinked away the last bit of the effects of the flashbang. Her sandal scraped against the rough ground with a scratch louder than her heavy panting. When her vision recovered, she still didn't see the beast, so she closed them. 

There!

She turned, but she fumbled with her sword, trying to pull it out of its sheath, she jammed it upwards into the belly of the beast, just as its teeth sunk into her shoulder. "Aaaahhhhhhh!" Panic set in and she jammed her sword up again and again and again, while she slapped with her free hand to try and get away. She could already feel her last moments coming to her, but her mind raced. 

"In the case of a tactical retreat against an overwhelming force, it is advised to use restraining measures to aid in escape. To further aid in escape or for inquiries of any nature, please visit any of our convenient locations and visit the clerk at the desk!"


"SHUT UP!" Ume screeched. However, the stupid voice did have a point. Ume gave one more jab of the hilt of her zanpakutou into the beasts belly before her free hand pointed at right at its horrible nose and terrifying teeth. "B-B-B-Bakudou N-Number f-four - Hainawa!" At point blank Ume was pretty sure that this beast would not be able to avoid being tied up and gagged. Maybe then, she could actually get away from this horrible beast!


___________________________________________________

Reiatsu: 2150/2400

-25 Bakudou #4: Hainawa

SPOILER: Click to show

{Bakudō #4: Hainawa} (Crawling Rope) (25)(Learned)
Technique Name: Bakudō #4: Hainawa (Crawling Rope)
Technique Class: 7 - 10 TTP
Technique Type: Kidō - Bakudō.
Usable By: Kidō-users.
Technique Element: N/A.
Technique Cost: 25 Reiatsu.
Description: A rope fashioned from the caster's Reishi is launched from their hand at the opponent. Upon impact, this then entangles the opponent and ties them up.
How to Use: This technique requires aiming with the hand, not unlike any basic Hado spell.
Incantation: Incantation causes the robe to elongate and gag even more of the target's body when used, and also ups the Kido strength by 10%. (I.E. A reiatsu strength of 100 would be counted as 110 instead.) Incantation unknown.
Drawbacks: Reiatsu cost.
Made By: Unknown.
Reserved?: No.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Stats and skills}Reiatsu: 2400

Strength:30
Speed: 200
Reiatsu Strength: 30
Spiritual Pressure: 160 (240) (+50%)
Instinct:110
Senses: 110
Energy Sensory: 110
Light Aura: 50
Dark Aura: 50
Healing Expertise: 0

15/15
Hoho 2
Memory 2
Analyzing 2
Learning 2
Illusion Resist 2
Anti-Stealth 2
Hacking 2
Acrobatics 1

[Ønsket]

The Hollow's senses were flooded with the sweet taste of warmth, and soon after, Ume felt its fangs dig deeper into her shoulders. The grip tightened even more with each of her quick strikes to its stomach, causing the organ itself to grow more deformed with every hit. But with each strike, the hilt of her sword left behind a faint trail of smoke. Despite the Reiatu's implications, the Hollow was surprisingly hot. She would feel that heat once the adrenaline wore off, but that was a concern she could address later. The Hollow itself didn't have the luxury of a problem in the future. After all, the hand that once blasted a hole into the wall was now pointing at it.

The Hollow had a problem right now.

The beast could see her lips open, preparing to unleash destruction at point blank in its mind. It couldn't hesitate; it did not have the time for further thought on whether Ume's panic was strong enough to motivate her to do Shakkahou at this range. It had to react, so it did by loosening its maw, flicking its head to her hand, and opening wide as its throat buldged with an orange and hot glow.

Bleuurghhh

It did not bother trying to form a ball or build pressure; it simply began to vomit lava-like fire at her hand and, consequently, all over her arm and possibly her body. The room temperature surged as it unleashed the pent-up heat from her previous Shakkahous. But such a fiery hosing did not last long. After all, she did complete her technique. And so the Hollow's maw was gagged, and its body was bound by the ropes of Reiastu of her technique. But that did not stop the hot vomit from escaping from the edges of its mouth, leaking here and there as it thrashed around violently. The floor, after all this, is likely covered in burning liquids. So, whether Ume dodged the first blast or not, she wouldn't emerge unscathed without a burn or two.

---

SPOILER: Click to show

{Stats and Skills}
Reiatsu: 350
Remaining Reiatsu:160 Strength: 35
Speed: 60
Reiatsu Strength: 35
Spiritual Pressure: 35
Instinct: 40
Senses: 30
Energy Sensory: 10
Light Aura: 50
Dark Aura: 50
Healing Expertise: 0

6/15

Learning - 1
Street Fighting - 1
Pain Tolerance - 1
Damage Recovery - 1
Acrobatics - 1
Stealth - 1

SPOILER: Click to show

{Vermud}
Technique Name: Varmud (Heat Out)

Class: 7-0

Technique Type: Hollow Custom Technique

Technique Element: Fire

Usable By: Hollows that have learned Sult

Technique Description and Effects: The contained heat within the Hollow is released in a wave or shot of Reiastu! The power depends on how much heat Sult has gathered and the amount of Reiatsu used in the technique. The shape also cannot be manipulated after it has left the Hollow's maw.

How to use technique (How is it activated?): See the above.

Technique Drawbacks (Limitations, Repercussions for Use, etc.): 25 Reiastu cost and increasing alongside effects. The Hollow themselves are not immune to flames unless otherwise stated.

[Ume Oboro]

Ume got her hand out, but when she saw the beast open its maw, she did not think of fire or flame, but instead of the snapping jaws. The one that had tore open her shoulder and left her bleeding and in real pain. Was this where she lost her hand? Would it just bit it right off before she could cast her spell!? The thought of replacing it with cool tech did not enter her mind in that moment. She was only locked into speaking the words and hoping it didn't hurt as much as she might imagine it would. 

The snapping jaws did not shut, however, and instead, they opened wider and a horrible sound gurgled out from its maw along with an acrid smell of sulfur. What belched forth was much slower in form, but much hotter in substance. The molten ooze washed over Ume, but her hand remained frozen in place. Warmth was replaced by searing heat, even as she expelled her magic and bound the beast. 

What flesh touched her sizzled, and she hissed in pain as she writhed and shoved the creature away. The thoughts of having the Hollow in a position where it could easily be executed wasn't even an inkling in her mind as she was saved from being burned alive only by the amount of layers she wore. Ume thrashed in place until her smoldering and smoking labcoat was tossed off her in a wretched fit. She checked to make sure that it was the only thing on fire. She had some burns and was drenched in sweat, but her shoulder was still the worst for wear of it. 

She looked at the creature, then back at her equipment, then the stale draft, now a stark contrast compared to what she was experiencing in the lair of this beast. Without another thought, she spun on her heels and dashed into where she had blown apart the wall, leaving the Hollow behind. 

What Ume stepped into was another tunnel, but this one was collapsed and the rubble led upwards like a makeshift set of stairs. She hopped up it and continued down another crumbled tunnel. She could sense reiatsu up here. Much more modern tunnels had collapsed, recently it seemed, and Ume could smell the rancid death everywhere. As she adjusted her glasses, she looked at all the souls. Several of them looked lost and helpless and confused, barking at each other in an attempt to figure out just where they were. 

Ume didn't like this, though. She could see cracks in the holes that held the soul chains. Performing Konsou might attract attention. If not of that beast, then of other hollow that could have turned before these pour souls. She glanced back down where she had been. She couldn't be here. Turning and hopping over the hole she came up  through, Ume began running down the tunnel in the opposite direction. She needed to clear the distance between It and her. Between her and the souls. Between everything and her. She needed some space. She needed some help. 

Ume traveled at a quick walk down the corridor until she was certain the souls reiatsu would be more delicious to Ønsket than her and much easier to get at. Then, when she managed to find an access tunnel, she ducked into it and crwled to a spot where she could sit comfortably. Once she was where she was sure she wouldn't be seen, Ume pulled out her zanpakutou and then closed her eyes. She rested it on her lap and then concentrated on hiding her reiatsu in case anyone else was looking, or, maybe more specifically, if Ønsket still wanted to specifically find her. Once she was ready, she took a deep breath and closed her eyes. Surprisingly, the voice had stopped, but Ume knew better. 

"Ok... I'm ready..." She whispered. After a moment, Everything went black. 
________________________________

A drop of rain splashed against her face. Her eyes scrunched tighter and then she opened them. When she looked up, she was outside. Was it the city? Had she traveled to the surface subconsciously. She looked around. She was in an alley, but she couldn't see the street. It continued at a turn. The other way was the same. She picked a direction and started walking. It was dark, but she could see some clouds reflecting in the moonlight. The rain was somwhere between mist and a drizzle. Annoying enough to want to get out of, but not so terrible that she felt like she needed to. She glanced up, clothes hung from a line that went across from one building to another across the alley. 

"Well, that's a shame." She muttered as she continued, looking around while she paced down the alley. 

As she turned a corner, a camera turned and caught a glimpse of her. It followed her with a quiet whirr and zoomed in just before she turned another corner...


___________________________________________________



Reiatsu: 2150/2400

SPOILER: Click to show

Reiatsu: 2400

Strength:30

Speed: 200

Reiatsu Strength: 30

Spiritual Pressure: 160 (240) (+50%)

Instinct:110

Senses: 110

Energy Sensory: 110

Light Aura: 50

Dark Aura: 50

Healing Expertise: 0



15/15

Hoho 2

Memory 2

Analyzing 2

Learning 2

Illusion Resist 2

Anti-Stealth 2

Hacking 2

Acrobatics 1

SPOILER: Click to show