Arc 1: Canon 11: Welcome to our Redemption [Done]

[Zou ۞]

Name: [New Arc 1: Canon 11 - Welcome to our Redemption] - The Adventure Name

Participants: [Anyone] - Who can participate?

Location: [Karakura Town (Frozen)] - Where does this take place?

Difficulty Level: [Extreme] - Easy, Medium, Hard, Extreme. How difficult is this adventure?

Setting: [DE] Is this DE or NDE? Death Enabled or Non Death Enabled?

Plotline: [At last, all negotiations and similar are completed. There is no more time for alliances. From here on out, it is action, and it is war. Las Noches and Xcution have become allies. Redemption has taken in all races from anywhere, including these new rumored "Dark Quincy." Death-Sama still does not know, but his second in command, Nikolas Mansayev, has allied Redemption with "PHOENIX," the anti-reiatsu user organization, as well as the Ogatago. Similarly, the Ogatago publically appeared in Seireitei three days ago, and declared war on Soul Society. And now, following this, Escudo has allied with Soul Society against Las Noches, which because of the sudden evolution of a new weapon, also declared war on Soul Society. Meanwhile, the Vizards have changed alliances. They no longer work with Redemption, but with Xcution.

Soul Society is now locked in a war with Las Noches and the Ogatago both. Allies of those two are PHOENIX, Redemption, and Xcution, which therefore are also at war with Soul Society, which in turn is allied with Escudo against all of these powers. It is global war. Catastrophe on a scale unlike any other. This meeting at the frozen river in Karakura Town are the last desperate attempts at negotiation and maintaining of peace. And now, there are one to three representatives from each side.

For Redemption, Shauna Melody and Nikolaos Mansayev are present. For Xcution, the traitorous spy Failure known as Sorak, and Vizard Leader Aijou Manako are present. For Soul Society, Kurosaki Juuken is present, though it is said that he is backed up by one of the Captains. Whether or not this is true has not been confirmed. Arashi Manako is also present on the side of Soul Society. For Las Noches, Guujin Karai and a strange figure known as Grimoire Acero are present. It is rumored that Arrancar are also present at this time, though this has also yet to be confirmed. PHOENIX has sent two individuals in black body armor and with masks, who are thus unidentified. Ogatago have sent Shiga Urago (Ogatago #5) and Kassen Oro (Ogatago #3) for negotiations. All of this is at its boiling point. Each side has different goals, rather than pure negotiations. There are ulterior motives.

Redemption's motive is to assassinate everyone that is present. For this motive, two assassins are far away and watching. Believe it or not, Xcution has the same set-up as Redemption. If the representatives are made distracted, weakened, or vulnerable enough, they will be taken. Soul Society's motive is to steal the artifact from the Vizards, which is in the possession of Aijou Manako. Arashi Manako himself has the objective of bringing Aijou to Soul Society's side. Las Noches's ulterior motive is to unleash their new berserker Hollow, which once again evolved, and kill specifically Sorak, and Shauna if possible. Arrancar are in hiding, waiting for the right chance to come out and strike when everyone is weak, to make them even weaker for the berserker hollow. It is unlikely that Arrancar will need to do much work, given that an Envainar is present. Another motive of Las Noches is to show off the power of the Envainar. PHOENIX has no ulterior motives, and are merely present to observe. The Ogatago motives are simply to rile up everyone and start war, strife, and conflict. They wouldn't mind killing everyone present if they had to.

Let's see this thread begin.] - Explain the plot of your adventure.

Estimated Enemy Strength: [2-1] Estimate the strength of the NPC's people will fight in this adventure. Class 7-1, what is their strength on average?

Estimated Time Until Completion: [3 pages] - How many pages do you think this adventure will run for until it is over?

Starts: [Now] - When does the adventure begin?

Special Conditions: [4 participants maximum, only one allowed from each faction. Also, any NPCs which normally are too OP to be engaged will have a "limiter" on them (the origins and parameters of which will be revealed later) which will make it possible to ENGAGE them. Meaning you WILL be able to do battle with Aijou, or Satsujun, and have a fair chance. However, please consider some of these NPCs will still have a definite ABOVE Captain Level strength, and based on importance will still border unimaginable power.] - Any special conditions, limitations, or other things.

[Zou ۞]

Opening Note: This is the opening cinematic. In the meantime, entrants in this thread should be aware that battle is possible, and so is the possibility of heavily impacting the plot. Furthermore, this is a tense atmosphere. Anyone that enters this thread should have their entrance be them sneaking around and preparing to do something, or them just showing up in the middle with the main pack.

Time to start.

Early Morning: 5:44 AM. The sun has not yet risen.

Play this

Sounds of metal echoed through the air. Metal on metal as clashes were underway. Swords dancing with complex motions and meeting every now and again with all of the power of the world flowing behind them. The first people that could be seen in that snowy area near the frozen river were a young girl and a man in his early 20s in physical appearance. The girl was evidently a teenager, and she was quite gorgeous too. Beautiful beyond her years, she seemed quite flawless. Her features were flawlessly smooth in skin tone, and she was pale white. Her eyes were black as the night, her lips full and red, her hair silky black. She wore a black sailor uniform, and looked almost like a doll, she was so beautiful, despite the teenage development. Even her form was perfectly curved.

The man that was facing her had solid, iron muscles, a well cut body. His ripping was more than just honing and working, but it came from ages of battle experience. His body had scars in quite a few ventures from his many exploits. His katana, a Zanpakuto, was locked with the girl's. He had dirty blond hair, and his eyes were a ferocious stormy gray. He had a stern look to him, and a gaunt face. His shoulders were large, and his cropped cut hair didn't move at all as he passed through the air. He was wearing simply a black Shinigami's shihakusho robe, simply the ordinary garb. A Vice Captain badge was hanging from his arm loosely. It had the indication of being from Squad 1 on it. Already, Kurosaki Juuken (Vice Captain of Squad 1) and Aijou Manako (Vizard Leader) were battling each other.

Kurosaki and Aijou had their blades locked fiercely with each other in hatred. Neither seemed able to best the other as they danced around, their blades clashing. "Is that really all, little girl? I'd have expected more from someone with your degree of fame." Kurosaki said this harshly, almost spitting it out in hatred. Aijou returned it with no less animosity, giving Kurosaki an icy cold voice with eyes frozen solid like marble. "Is this all from you? Perhaps weakness runs in your blood. It's no wonder that Zouma managed to kill your father so easily." With their blades locked in continuous battle, they continued jumping around with clashing swords. This of course happened until someone materialized between them after a jump apart.

"Oh my, oh my..." the man that had just arrived said. He was wearing white robes like an Arrancar, and had a huge grin plastered onto his face. His lips were thin, his skin pale, and his eyes narrow. His hair was slick, black, and short. It shone however with reflection of light, and nonetheless had a thin quality to it. His grin was huge, beaming. He never once ceased to look like a snake. This man was Guujin Karai, right hand man of Las Noches's King, Sonken Kouhai. "We haven't even begun negotiating yet, and you two are already at each other's throats. I think you should stop before somebody gets a bit hurt..." The menace in his voice as he said this was unparalleled by anything.

"And you should watch what you imply." A voice said sternly. From behind Guujin, there was yet another girl who appeared to be in her teens. She was obviously far older than this, but she did have those looks. She had a beautiful, curvy body like Aijou did. However, her hair was blonde, and it was a sort of darker, but not dirty blonde. It simply wasn't bright. Her face was a bit mousy and thin, but otherwise she was stunningly beautiful. She wore white jeans, and a white jacket that was zipped up. Her right hand was aimed casually at Guujin, and a small bow the size of a pistol was in it. A small arrow of pink reiatsu was already notched. She had it aimed directly at Guujin's back. Guujin never once stopped grinning, though.

Suddenly, from out of nowhere, two figures in slick black armor shot forwards. Their armor was shiny, and they were each holding nothing. They were simply gliding at rather impressive speed towards Shauna. Before they could reach her however, a whiplash of black reiatsu burst in front of them, getting in their way. They stopped, startled, and backtracked. The wielder of the black reiatsu stepped out. He was wearing a gray suit, a tuxedo, and his right arm was covered in black reiatsu, which was leaking and shrieking fiercely. It formed into a blade at the hand area. His hair was lengthy, and black, though this was noticeably made of reiatsu. It indicated that his real hair wasn't visible. His eyes were glowing a powerful blue. "No one fight yet." Arashi Manako said. "This is a time to negotiate." To his credit, he didn't look even once at Aijou.

Walking in calmly, there were other figures as well. A huge, towering, bulky monster with orange skin and massive muscles, as well as red hair. This was one of those who approached. He wore only a tank top, despite the cold weather, and gray cotton pants. His feet were covered by straw sandles, and his arms were crossed once he walked over. This figure of course was an Envainar. Grimoire Acero. He said no words at all, and simply stood there and watched, undaunted. He had two enormous buster swords crossed and sheathed on his back. Walking over, there was also a man with a zipped fur coat on, a cigar in his mouth, and a solid black beard, short however, cropped well like a lumberjack. He also had short black hair. This was no doubt Nikolaos Mansayev.

Furthermore, a glowing blue man with a bald head and naked body was already standing there too. He was also wordless, just like the two newcomers. This was probably that Failure, Sorak. It was time for negotiations. Just about all of the players were present. Even there were two other figures. One, with blond spiked hair and a grin on his face, was Shiga Urago of the Ogatago. Next to him, with black hair and sunglasses, and fangs too, was Kassen Oro. The two Ogatago were standing there grinning both, for each of those two were lovers of battle. And therefore, with all people present, the negotiations could at last begin.

[Schultz Silverhult]

You can almost feel the tension in the air… it’s a daunting feeling…

Schultz was one to practically and objectively analyze and discern any causes for fear or worry when his mind was in a more stable condition, but even now he was having a hard time keeping himself under control emotionally and psychologically. At the moment his mood swings were contained and kept bound beneath a personality of ice, the lack of emotion almost as terrifying as his more maddened stages, but even so that mask could only conceal, not remove, the tension that he felt as he waited for this meeting to begin. It was all he could do to remain calm, and if it weren’t for his need to remain concealed, anyone would have noticed the dilation in the Arrancar’s eyes that suggested his anxiety.

There was more than enough reason to be anxious, as well. Several worlds and races were on the verge of outright war, with the battle lines somewhat vague despite, or perhaps because of, the number of alliances being made. Schultz knew that they had several very powerful forces on their side, not to mention several trump cards that made Heuco Mundo something to be feared. Xcution, PHOENIX, Redemption… all of those groups were with them in some form of alliance, either directly or by extension, enabling them to command some incredible powers in order to defeat the Soul Society. However, they also had the Escudo against them, a group Schultz hadn’t had much chance to research yet, meaning that for him, there was an unknown that caused a small degree of uncertainty. There was a difference in numbers between the two groups, though, suggesting an advantage for Hueco Mundo’s alliance.

Why, then, did Schultz feel so uneasy about this meeting?

The scholar did his best to restrain a sigh as he tried to compose himself, taking a small notebook from his jacket and opening it, reading the neat, precise handwriting within it. Before leaving Las Noches, Schultz had taken the time to compose all of his research on the groups that would be present into a smaller, compact set of notes. This way, he could call upon them for reference and add to them in order to learn more about the enemy so that he could prepare for dealing with them as necessary. Flipping the pages, the scholar figured it would be the best time to go back over his notes and commit them to his almost perfect recollection of them in order to ensure he would not forget any crucial facts in the heat of combat.

Schultz knew why he was here, after all. Upon taking this mission, he had been ordered to be ready to fight when their Hollow was released, weakening specific representatives as targets so that they would be defeated and consumed. The Septima Espada was specifically suited to this task, partially because he knew one of the targets better than the other: Sorak Ak-An Shi. He had met with the Failure before and understood to some extent the man’s powers. Sorak had taken the time to demonstrate and explain his powers while Schultz had taken notes, giving him the opportunity to study them for later. The ability to control a mass of Reiatsu as a cloud and use it to dissolve objects within roughly fifteen feet of the spiritual energy marked him as a dangerous foe.

The Septima Espada wasn’t sure why Sorak had to be eliminated, but it wasn’t his will that was important in this matter. Orders were orders, and the scholar understood that necessity came first in order to survive. Though Schultz couldn’t exactly feel emotions the same way and thus couldn’t quite understand subjective bonds such as friendship, he almost felt a sort of camaraderie with the Failure, which made him mildly uncomfortable with the situation he was in. However, Schultz could push aside such insignificant feelings in order to accomplish his mission. What had to be, would be.

Of course, there was much to be gained if this mission was successful as well. Schultz knew that if he survived this battle and managed to kill a few of the enemy targets, he would have bodies to research and analyze for their abilities in order to strengthen his own chances in combat as well as augmenting the abilities of his allies. Not only that, but with at least two potential targets to consume, the Hollow that they possessed would become incredibly powerful, further evolved… it was already an extraordinary test subject, but Schultz believed that there was no such thing as too much knowledge, and there was always more to learn with this being’s seemingly infinite potential to grow.

There was much to gain from the upcoming conflict, as well as much to learn. Schultz understood that if he maintained a calm mind and kept his eyes and ears open, he would be able to benefit quite handsomely. It would depend on the other participants and their various roles; would the other side fall easily? Would they employ their own assassins to be wary of? There was much potential to gain from this experience… but just as much potential to lose. Death would be hovering over this meeting today, and in this case it wasn’t Redemption’s leader that Schultz could sense lurking. No, destruction was at hand for several of them if things went poorly, something that the scholar could not afford in himself.

Blood-red irises moved back and forth across the various men and women as they gathered, the scholar watching from a distance as an “uninvolved bystander,” wearing a Gigai that allowed him to appear as though he were an ordinary human. Though in his normal form Schultz kept his usual appearance, his Gigai was altered to make him look a dark-haired young man with soft green eyes, wearing a thick jacket and snow pants. Special contact lenses and hair dye had helped alter his appearance as the Gigai normally took on the form of the possessor, making it easier to blend. Gloves covered his hands, and he occasionally rubbed them together to give the appearance of being affected by the cold—in actuality he was, and his emotions were all the more scattered for his dislike of the cold—while keeping an eye on the meeting down below. He would appear as a typical human until he revealed himself, someone who probably wouldn’t view the meeting… if he weren’t really an Arrancar in disguise.

For now, Schultz awaited the opportunity to make his move, watching and observing. Soon enough, the time would come.

SPOILER: Click to show

Strength - [150 x 60%] (90) Points

Speed - [300 x 60%] (180) Points

Spiritual Pressure - [400] (400) Points

Reiatsu Strength - [350] (350) Points

Light Aura - [40] Points

Dark Aura - [60] Points

Instinct - [150 x 200%] (300) Points

Senses [150 x 200%] (300) Points

Energy sensory - [100 x 200%] (200) Points

Healing Expertise - [75] (75) Points


Total SP: 1675 Points

[Zieg Revolver]

OOC: Just for the record, I am planning on Zieg realizing who Aijou is in Canon 7 so the whole realization and result of that will occur. .-. so yeah... just wanted to make that clear. also, so I don't look like a jackass, Shauna is the same quincy girl that Zanken and I escorted and protected at one time yes? I am assuming so because they both had the same features and power basically. If not, then disregard anything involved with her in the following.

ICC:The newest captain reached a hand out forward when Kurosaki rushed at Aijou to engage in combat, but slowly retracted it and placed it back to his side. Zieg knew better then to interfere with anything battle related involving the son of the late captain commander Old Lightning. He didn't have the right to try and stop him anyway, in power and skill combined, Kurosaki outranked Zieg and that in his book was enough to stay out of his business rather then attempt to calm him. With that reason, he knew that if he tried to stop Kurosaki, he was just going to get a punch in the face or injured in some other way, as well as lectured and talked down to by the vice captain. Plus he had experienced first hand the power that Aijou could wield from the number she did on vice captain Taka. The girl was incredibly powerful and the two, as shown, were an even match against eachother right now in their basic forms. Zieg wondered how ever did a girl like that obtain such a power that could evenly match one of the most powerful shinigami among themselves.

It seemed like the volcano, in which was this war, was only oozing lava from the smoldering top of it. There was obviously a reason behind all of this, for gathering here and attempt a "negotiation". That was a taunting mask on the face of the reality and reasons for each race here were, for the majority, going to be hidden. Something just did not feel right in the stomach of Zieg Revolver, his nerves buzzing around as his eyes scanned the other representatives. He already recognized a couple of them but Zieg was not even sure if he could pull off their goal. Kurosaki and himself were briefed with all of the details in private and Zieg simply agreed. Zieg really was the most well rounded, stat wise, among the captains. He could be compared to a shadow of Saix Shinra, though Saix obviously was much more unique and powerful then the present captain. Zieg really did miss the loud, joyful, prideful, shinigami that was his former captain. He couldn't help but miss him and wonder what the hell Satsujun was up to with his body, along with several others. Hell, that was another reason why Zieg was chosen to come here. He could provide a fact that the Ogatago and Satsujun, along with this white tuxedoed man that seemed to be in an alliance with Satsujun, was the greatest threat among all of them. He was that the best negotiator, he wasn't even good, he simply could state the facts on the table and present the most important concern.

His eyes scanning the others, he saw several people he were unfamiliar with and interested him. Namely they were Grimoire, Sorak, Shiga and Kassen. Grimorie was the one who Zieg stared at for the longest time. He had no idea what he was even looking at. "A demon...?" Zieg questioned in his mind as he tried to wrap his mind around what this man was. He did not look like anything Zieg had ever seen before and he reeked of power to boot. His body rippled with strength and he was carrying a couple of the largest swords that Zieg had ever seen, examining them as much as he examined the demon. Zieg wondered what role would this creature, man, thing could play in all of this. Who was he allied with exactly, if even allied at all. The chill of the thought of a thing like this against them ran up and down his spine twice before he took his gaze away from the demon looking man. This was because of the young girl's voice he heard. It pierced through his earing like an arrow and, ironically enough, she was a quincy.

He looked for the source of the voice before he realized it was the girl behind the right hand man of Sonken. He stepped to the right and leaned to get a better look of her and his eyes flared in shock and surprise. The feeling familarity surged through his mind as he was brought back to a past memory. It was years ago, dozens upon dozens, when he had encountered this particular female. He remembered it clear as day though, for it was both one of his few memories of Zanken and the only memory of the girl but she left an impression on his that was unforgettable. Zanken was only a seated member at that time, Zieg only being a vice captain and the two were still rather weak. Zanken was accompanying Zieg on a patrol through San Fransisco, an event that scorched the memory into the captain's mind.

The two encountered both a quincy and a gigantic, squid-like, hollow in which case the two shinigami killed each. Zanken really did impress the former vice captain because he displayed both courage and power that rivaled Zieg's own in that time. The two then were lured to a power source, it turning out to be hollow bait set by the quincy and the two shinigami were soon surrounded by hollows. Though fighting together and valiantly, they could not take all of the hollows alone. However, the timely arrival of several quincy saved the two shinigami and they were indebted to them. They knew the reason why the shinigami were they, for this was not the power source that was luring more and more hollows to the area but it was something the quincy were protecting. Zieg offered for the shinigami to assist in moving the source to a new location and the quincy leading that group, Piro, agreed and lead them to a structure. It was there he saw the girl, not even a teen yet but radiated with powerful reiatsu. The next day, Zieg and Zanken were part of the caravan protecting the girl, they were ambushed by two hollows. The shinigami eventually disposed of them but, afterwards, gillians had began showing up. To the terrifying shock and surprise to Zieg, the girl had saved them all by releasing a massive shockwave of reiatsu that slaughtered all of the gillian.

It had been so long ago but Zieg knew it had to be this girl. The familiar, yet ten times stronger, aura radiated off of her as Zieg slowly stepped along to the side of her but maintained a reasonable distance. He did not want to provoke her but he did want to get her attention "You..." Zieg suddenly said, softly but loud enough that Shauda could hear it, as he crouched down to eye level with her. He was about ten feet away and she could easily put an arrow inbetween his eyes but Zieg really did not think about that as he moved the bowl-shaped hat he wore, revealed the mess that was his short, black hair. His deep sea blue eyes were locked onto the quincy leader with focus, seeing if she recognized him at all. " Do you remember me at all..? I doubt you remember me... you really have grown since the last time I saw you... Is Piro still around?" Zieg muttered, the third part really being to himself, and asked as he stood up and placed the hat back ontop of his head. Zieg had not really changed in looks through the years, though right now he was dawning his captain attire but his physical features were no different. He really did not know what to expect, he was just in shock that she had grown to this amount of power within such a short time. It felt like it could rival against the captain commander's even if the two had fought. This was indeed going to be an interesting negotiation.

SPOILER: Click to show

Strength - [290](580) Points

Speed - [280](560) Points

Spiritual Pressure - [150](110) Points

Reiatsu Strength - [400] Points

Light Aura - [50] Points

Dark Aura - [50] Points

Instinct - [215] Points

Senses [205] Points

Energy sensory - [60] Points

Healing Expertise - [0] Points

Total SP: 1510 ]

1. Explosive Tag x5

2. Explosive Ball x5

3. Grenade x2

4. Blade of Wicked Ice x1

[Zou ۞]

Play this

The eyes that met Zieg's were glowing pink with reiatsu. Shauna wasn't letting up. She still had her bow pointed at Guujin's back, and was simply standing there. The way in which she stood there was daunting. Here was this girl who looked like a mere teenager, and yet she was boasting probably the strongest reiatsu present in that entire meeting. Luckily, she didn't have powers that weren't of Quincy origins. If she had been a Shinigami or even an Arrancar, things could have been far more chaotic. Her power was simply amazing. Even after what happened with King Shada, Shauna's reiatsu eventually rejuvenated itself, and was restored to its former, powerful glory. It was different than Death-Sama, who had lost the physical prowess which he had once had.

Zieg would notice at that time however, that something was different about Shauna's eyes. They were more stony, colder. They had a sort of haunted look to them, and a more battle hardened feel. Her gaze showed experience and pain too. She was used to actual combat. She was used to pain, and turmoil, and to war. And her answer too, was merely in monotone when she spoke. "Piro...?" she repeated at first, almost questioningly it seemed. Then, she seemed to remember, and her eyes hardened even more. "He...died." Shauna declared out into the open. Her voice lost its monotone, but instead gained an aura of cold in its place. "He was killed by researchers from Squad 12." Well, Sayuri was the most malevolent Captain. It did seem Soul Society had its ups and downs.

Play this now

"Awww...That's so sweet. So sad." Guujin mocked, doing so boldly despite there being a bow pointed straight at his back. Shauna's eyes flew wide, and an explosive burst of pink light flashed. It was incredibly fast, an unbelievable speed. And yet, when it faded, everything having already become clear, revealing that it had been her firing an arrow, it seemed that there was something else wrong too. There was smoke left behind, and Shauna's bow was still aimed at where Guujin's back was, but he was undamaged. Smoke was in between the two of them, and so it was difficult to see exactly what had happened. When the smoke faded completely, there he was. The big, giant monster. Grimoire Acero was standing there. His eyes were boring down on Shauna, and he was holding one of his two swords. This, he slid back into resting sheathed on his back.

Guujin grinned even more widely. "Oh my, oh my. Girl, I don't think you want to piss Grimoire off. I wouldn't attack if I were you." He looked at Zieg after that, simply because Zieg was a Shinigami, and also because Guujin had a direct question for him. "Say, Captain." Guujin said in notation, "You sure have been around a while. I read something in the files about experiences we have regarding you. I heard you've encountered our Segunda Espada quite a few times. He defeated and killed Mythik Suiraisu, and he's defeated you and four or five other total Vice Captains, sometimes even beating a couple of you simultaneously. He's defeated but spared at least half of the existing Captains, I remember. He sure is strong, you'd agree right?"

After Zieg's response, whatever it was, whether it was silence, or a monologue, or a short response, Guujin's grin simply widened even more as he delivered the ultimatum as to what he was getting at. "Grimoire here is three times stronger than Kuroi is." Three times?! The Segunda Espada was the one responsible for absolute devastation in the Soul Society. The only ones who had fought him and been a match for him were the Captain Commanders, and the Lord of Hades. Kuroi had escaped death at the hands of Old Lightning himself, and had managed to fight on par in a sword fight with The Strong Man, even while injured and drained of reiatsu. Initially, his accomplishments were quite high. But this new monster was three times stronger? Just what on earth was he? Even Schultz, if he overheard, would probably be surprised. Even the Espada knew quite little about the Envainar.

Guujin, who was representing Las Noches even as a Shinigami, seemed to be intent on causing some sort of chaos. He laughed, grinning even more widely. "Even those two Ogatago there would probably be killed by Grimoire." Shiga and Kassen both had a start with that. Shiga was the first to react. "Ehhh? The fuck did you just say?" Shiga asked. "HA! BRING IT THE FUCK ON!" Kassen roared. Both of them seemed itching to battle, and started towards Grimoire and Guujin. Aijou was suddenly in front of them both, her sword drawn. "If you attack them, you have me to deal with as well." she harshly stated. They grinned even more widely. That might just be encouragement for the two of them, considering all things.

Before they could do or say anything else, Nikolaos spoke for the first time. His accent was clearly Russian. "Before anyone commits to battle, perhaps we should first think of how it can be avoided. It would be a tragedy if we had to destroy all of you who are our enemies." Nikolaos was just provoking more conflict with that statement. He was putting them up to challenge. It would definitely be up to Schultz to take advantage of the situation, or up to Zieg to attempt to settle it down. They'd have to figure out what it was that they wanted to do in that time. Nikolaos had just lit a fuse. The bomb was on a timer. It was getting tense, and things were just about to explode. The powder keg was going insane.

[Schultz Silverhult]

Schultz watched over the proceedings calmly, listening to the voices—particularly the raised ones—and committing them to memory. Slowly he was compiling a list of names and faces, matching them one by one to their voices. Once the meeting started getting particularly heated, he would make use of the knowledge he gained to upset things further. When it progressed to battle, and Hueco Mundo’s alliance acted, the scholar would make his own entrance to attack the targets he had been given beforehand. In the meantime he continued to gather information, piecing together his plans as the conflicts continued to grow by the moment.

Some of the information Schultz overheard was surprising. Grimoire’s power in particular was something to be afraid of; though he had only seen and felt Kuroi’s power briefly, the Septima Espada knew better than to mess with the Segunda Espada. Three times that power though… whoever this Envainar was, he was terrifying in his strength. Other information, such as the connection between Shauna and the captain whose name he had yet to hear, was also vital. Every little bit of personal information that could be gleaned was another tool to be used to further increase the building tension. Every name had its own power, and every voice its own meaning to the individuals present.

Of course, things were progressing quickly, and tension rising. Shauna had already attacked Guujin, the Otatago—another group Schultz had not been able to get information on yet—were poised to strike, with Aijou from the Vizards standing in their way. Everyone seemed on edge, ready to fight. It wasn’t yet the moment to make his own strike, but the scholar knew that he was at a key point where he could continue to add to the strife and bring about the real battle. Once the chaos began he would leave his Gigai and strike at his given targets, likely starting with Shauna before getting assistance dealing with Sorak; the scholar did not like the Failure’s power and the threat it brought to himself. Perhaps someone else could handle him and leave Schultz to further add to the confusion where possible.

Let’s begin the fun, shall we…?

“Reveal your knowledge, Chimamire no Shinjutsu…”

The words were whispered, but they were enough to activate his Primera Etapa release. Schultz’s ability to mask his Reiatsu and disguise his presence came into play here; if it weren’t for the fact that he was skilled in that area, he would have become a beacon by activating his Resurrection. As it was, with all the other signatures in the air, his would simply blend among them, hardly noticeable unless someone was looking for it specifically. Even then, his Reiatsu was still fairly subtle, especially with some of the more overwhelming Spiritual Pressures present there, allowing it to be passed off as something to be ignored. But subtlety was what Schultz wanted here. Quickly he wove several small illusions, using his memory of each individual voice, including their various frequencies, to the point he could mimic each one he had heard perfectly with only a small margin of error. Each illusion was directed at a different individual, and were small enough that they seemed like only the barest whispers on the wind.

The first was to Shauna, who had shown herself to be aggressive right away. Schultz hadn’t understood the context of their words, but apparently someone important to the female had died in the past, and it was a painful memory. The mockery from Guujin had been the perfect setup for this particular illusion. Using the Shinigami’s voice, the words were almost delicately placed in the woman’s ears. “So sad… so sweet… so dead… Just like you’ll be soon…”

The next was to both Otatago, using the one’s voice to speak with the other, as if the two were whispering to each other. “He said that Grimoire guy could kill us… I say we prove him wrong.” Or something along those lines, enough to incite them a bit more into action.

Finally the last one was sent to Grimoire and Guujin, though this was in Schultz’s own voice, a warning to the two in order to let them know what was going on. “I’m spreading illusions among the group slowly, trying to incite them into violence. It’s starting out subtle, but likely the tension is about to pick up. Be ready to attack.”

The next step was visual illusions, which Schultz put into effect as soon as he was done giving his warning to his allies. Behind everyone present, including the delegation from Heuco Mundo, masked, almost figureless humanoids dressed in full black would appear. Each carried a different weapon, though they were mostly variants on either a sword or another blade simply because they were being created from Schultz’s own imagination rather than an actual memory he would use to his advantage. As soon as the chaos started from the perceived attacks—except from those who broke the illusions by knowing they were actually illusions—voices would ring out from every direction, yelling variations on “It’s an attack by Heuco Mundo!” “Redemption is behind this!” “Xcution is trying to assassinate you!”

The noise seemed to happen all at once, adding to the chaos, and then, when it seemed it couldn’t get any crazier… Cero started raining down from the sky, as a Cero Calcina fired by Schultz during the confusion started to take effect. Blasts were aimed specifically for Shauna and Sorak, but several would fall near the various representatives, including one directly at Grimoire. Schultz expected that the Envainar would be able to defend himself against an attack of that level, and with ease, but it would add to the chaotic web he was weaving in order to throw everyone into disorder. With attacks coming from who knew where and illusions suggesting every possible faction causing the fighting, mistrust and dissension would be sown among those present.

Things are about to become more mad than I am…

Schultz’s Reiatsu: 3,600/4,000

Resurrection: 1/12

Reiatsu Status: Infinite (Depletion After: 280 Reiatsu)

[Zou ۞]

Schultz would be able to see nothing once his illusions took effect. Explosions rocketed everywhere. It was obvious that his Cero had been taken out on every front. All of these enemies were of incredibly high level, and therefore something like a Cero wasn't a big deal. Consistent explosions and smoke rocked the area, and carnage and battle began almost instantly. It wasn't very hard to tell what was going on, though. Everyone was fighting someone else, save for one or two. The entire fray was full of loud noises, and of blasts and explosions. Reiatsu flew everywhere, and glows lit up the area. It was like World War III had suddenly erupted into existence in just one small area. The raw destructive potential was unbelievable.

When the smoke cleared up a little bit, Kurosaki could be seen with his blade locked against Shiga Urago's. The two were dancing around, their Zanpakuto flying back and forth with metallic clanging. Vicious, powerful shockwaves erupted out of every single meeting of their blades. Similarly, elsewhere, Guujin and Shauna were directly locked in conflict. Shauna was shooting arrows at him, and this was the main source of the explosions. Huge pink arrows of powerful reiatsu were exploding everywhere. Guujin was doing a good job of anticipating the pathway before the arrows fired, and of dodging in this way. He got around to behind Shauna, and he stabbed towards her with his blade. Shauna whirled around, just barely managing to dodge the attack.

Meanwhile, Aijou and Kassen Oro were visibly in combat. Kassen and Aijou were dancing around at unbelievable speeds as their blades clashed. Aijou was noticeably the one on the physically weaker side, and so all of her defenses were parries which redirected and repositioned Kassen's blade. In the meantime, his powerful strikes were still pushing her far back. Aijou's strikes seemed unable to penetrate Kassen Oro's masterful defense. Kassen was laughing maniacally while Aijou's hateful eyes were focused on him. It was absolute devastation, this battle of death and destruction. There was no room anywhere for peace anymore, it seemed. Negotiations, as it turned out, seemed to have been all too easy for falling apart.

Sorak seemed to have turned on Nikolaos in the meantime, and was sending his huge flood of reiatsu towards the Redemption Second-in-Command. Nikolaos simply laughed. When he moved, it was with skillful grace. He was easily able to keep away from that flood, and lose no parts of his body to the destruction which Sorak was capable of causing with it. Nikolaos obviously had the advantage in both power and skill, and Sorak was finding this out firsthand by how easily Nikolaos dodged and didn't even need to attack! It was in the meantime that Arashi Manako came at odds with Grimoire Acero. The two of them were simply standing there, facing each other down. Neither one moved at first, but Arashi's reiatsu began to grow in strength.

"The Demon King's Rage..." Arashi breathed, activating the properties of his Fullbring. He charged forwards, blasting towards Grimoire at incredible speed. Anyone who was watching would take note that Arashi was the fastest person on the board at that time. He slashed, and a vicious flood of black reiatsu engulfed Grimoire. Grimoire could not be seen for a few moments, but he was without scratches when the flood faded. And he was wielding one of his two buster swords as well, gripping it tightly in his right hand. Arashi got up and close, aiming to slash at Grimoire with his undefiable speed. And in that instant, Grimoire's arm seemed to turn to fluid. "Jigoku No Bijutsu: Dai Sodofomu: Ikari-En." Grimoire said suddenly.

And it was as if flames were visible. Flames of silver were enclosed on Arashi, though it was merely the powerful movements of Grimoire's sword. The speed was something Arashi would be left dumbfounded by. It was even faster than he was! In an instant, the flames closed in on him. "Rage Flame: Do Sequence..." Grimoire murmured. In an instant, the flames crushed in on Arashi. A flash of light forming a column exploded into existence in there, and Arashi reformed several meters away. His suit was torn up halfway, and the black reiatsu on his arm was flickering, only fragments of it remaining. Even his reiatsu hair had been carved away. He was on one knee, and dozens and dozens of cuts were visible all over his body. Blood was dripping out of many, many wounds. "No way..." Arashi murmured. "I was using my full speed...But I couldn't do a damned thing!"

Meanwhile, as it turned out, the two representatives of PHOENIX hadn't even moved. They were the only ones still standing there, and not engaging in any sort of conflict. Suddenly, from out of the smoke, someone cursed or cried out or made some sort of noise. First, it became evident that Shauna was skidding back, blood running across her cheek from a small cut which only drew perhaps a single droplet of blood. On the other hand, Shiga and Kurosaki had simultaneously stabbed each other in the shoulder, and were separating afterwards. Sorak cursed, having been flicked on the nose by Nikolaos, who was just messing around. And Kassen Oro and Aijou Manako continued to be evenly matched. What would happen?

Grimoire's Remaining Reiatsu: 2900 Reiatsu

Speed during Do-Sequence: 1200

Arashi's Remaining Reiatsu: 1800 Reiatsu

Main Fullbring Stage 1: 1/10

Speed during Fullbring: 1000

[Zieg Revolver]

Zieg listened to the words of Shauna, surprise and guilt filling his eyes when he heard the news of Piro's fate. He had hoped to meet with Piro one last time, he was really the first quincy to put a positive impact on Zieg. The captain had no dislikes towards the Quincy, even though though shinigami traditions they were meant to be hated and titled enemies for their destruction of hollows. "Im sorry... I had hoped to see him again..." Zieg stated with regret as he looked at the girl who was staring at him. Further guilt filled the male shinigami as he came to learn that part of Sayuri's squad had been the killers of Piro. He looked down at the ground as he heard this and shook his head, wishing in his mind that he could have done something to stop that. He glanced at the female, seeing the hardened look in her eyes. She really did have the right reasons to hate the shinigami, Sayuri probably just wanted fresh subjects to dissect and study so that was partially personal gain on his part. If Zieg had heard about the squad hunting down quincy, then he would of intervened or at least saved Piro from his current fate. It was unfortunate that they could not turn back the hands of time and save those that they had lost. Zieg knew that he was in debt to the female still and even further since it was his kind that had caused her to lose her protector, her friend Piro.

This thought was immediately forgotten with the voice of Guujin taunting the quincy leader, Zieg looking back up and turning his head as he sneered at his remark. He was obviously trying to provoke the young quincy leader and it worked. Before Zieg could even place his hand on his zanpakuto to perform his own actions against Guujin, Shauna had released a arrow that seemed to have striked home. Zieg was forced to shield his eyes with his sword hand instead from the light of the arrow that struck as he tried to see what the results have been. Moments later, smoke that had filled the air, cleared and he saw to his shock who was now there. The demon that he had seen before hard seemingly gotten in the way of the arrow and had blocked it with one of the massive blades he wielded. Zieg could not believe that he was actually able to block that attack. Not only was it lightning fast, but Zieg knew what kind of power Shauna was capable of, at least if he was correct in thinking her powers had multiplied ten fold since their last encounter. What kind of creature or man was this guy!? Zieg eyes Grimoire strangely as lowered his hand down, placing it by his zanpakuto's hilt but not taking a hold of it.

He then came to learn the name of the demon, thanks to Guujin who stated for Shauna to not piss off the creature. "Grimoire..Huh..?" Zieg repeated, continuing to look at the demon curiously. His attention was the diverted back to Guujin, who was speaking to him now. "Hm?" His eyes locking with Guujin "Tch, I remember him alright. When I was weak. When we ALL were weak. Kuroi did indeed test the waters, of a simple puddle. What he does not realize, if he still believes he can defeat us so easily again, is that puddle has turned into a rogue wave. I will admit though, Kuroi has proven his strength in the past, yes." Zieg gritted in response to the right hand man of Sonken, trying to think what the point Guujin was trying to make. Then, it came to his surprise that Guujin declared Grimoire to be three times stronger then Kuroi. "THREE!?" Zieg exclaimed in his mind, in disbelief to what he had just heard. How could this guy be three times as strong as Kuroi?

To Zieg's knowledge and experience, Kuroi was the strongest among the arrancar, though technically it was Adalo. This guy, Grimoire, did not seem to be any kind of arrancar that he knew of, who he had to ask. "What are you, Grimoire?" He questioned the sinner, eying the male, almost afraid to hear what his answer was. He didn't even know if he would get an answer, for Guujin decided to remark towards the Ogatago, Zieg flashing them a glare. "So they are part of that force... they might know what the bodies are for then..." Zieg thought in his mind as he looked at them, but their line of sight was broken with Aijou coming inbetween them and Grimoire. Whatever if Grimoire answered him or not was up to him, though moments later chaos began to ensue. Suddenly, Zieg realized there was a man behind them, as multiple voices rang through the air, warnings and what not. "A trap!?" Zieg thought as he turned and swung his fist straight at the figure. To his shock and surprise though, his fist past right through him, as if noone was even there and he realized that it was fake. This was because there was no retaliation from it, it only stood there when he struck it.

Zieg looked around fiercely, turning to see what had happened to the others to see how they were reacting to the situation. As he looked, he suddenly saw a flash in a distance that would be a little under six inches above Zieg's height. His instincts told him to watch and track it and he saw whatever it was fire upward into the sky, then begin coming down like a mortar strike. His instincts and common sense clicked in and told he to get out of the way. But yet, he couldn't not without helping the one he was in debt to. In one, blinding fast motion, he crouched down as he closed his arms around the quincy leader firmly but softly. With the male crouched down to her in a shielding and protecting fashion as his crimson red and aqua blue reiatsu surrounded him to provide further protection. He made sure that he had the majority of the female covered, which was easy, and only her feet were exposed really. He made sure the attack ceased before he released her without a word and stood back up, double checking that she was alright. She was since she went right after Guujin after Zieg protected her.

Zieg knew he needed to help, he couldn't stand by and let Shauna fight Guujin alone. "Lock and Load, Soshi Tanjuu!" Zieg released as his blade flashed and in the same instance, took to shape its pitch black, gunblade form. He stood behind the female a several feet, aiming his gunblade forward as he fired three times at the male as he was dodging and anticipating Shauna's large arrow shots. Zieg made sure it was going to be rather difficult for Guujin to continue his evasive maneuvers, making sure his bullets followed up after Shauna's arrow shots in intervals of two seconds. Suddenly, without warning, Guujin had appeared behind Shauna and Zieg rushed forward at him, though she had evaded his attack. As she dodged, Zieg got along side of Guujin and swiped his blade upward, knocking Guujin's blade up and locked blades with him as he glared at him fiercely. He shoved him back with tremendous, controlled, strength and took several horizontal slashes at him. He immediately backed off, leaping back, giving Shauna time to fire at Guujin if she wished as he made sure to have his guard up infront of him and that he was closer to Shauna then he was to Guujin. He was almost equal in speeds with Guujin, only off by 20 points, so he could keep up with him as long as he went all out, in which he was doing. He was not going to let him get anywhere near Shauna without Zieg intervening.

SPOILER: Click to show

"WE ARE ALL BEING BLINDED FROM THE TRUTH!" Zieg roared suddenly as he took a step to the side, stomping the ground out of frustration. His voice succeeded any of the vocal illusions that would still be present and would of course gain the attention of whom by now would probably realize that there were illusions. The ground actually trembled slightly, but enough in which everyone within a 20 foot radius would feel it. "I am Captain of the 8th Division Zieg Revolver and I am the first one to witness what the Ogatago truly have up their sleeves. Do you not know what the Ogatago have in their possession!? Do none of you realize what the Ogatago are conniving while we fight amongst ourselves and prepare for war!?" Zieg boomed through the air as he crouched down and, at the same time, smashed his fist against the ground before snapping straight back up into his standing position. This had been bubbling in him ever since he discovered the Ogatago army and saw what they had in their hands.

"Mythik Suiraisu. Sokujin Akai. Ketsueki Nami. Kenshin Tarento. Hara Lucious. Kira Gosei. Haruko Tsuchin. Saifullah. Maldaga Sasori. Saix Shinra. Old Lightning. Tamajosho Aryuusai. and even Azeru Cho himself! You are in possession of the dead, along with the Hougyoku, and it sure as hell is plain as day to see you are up to something that defies the spiritual ways! Whatever their plan it, is involves both Satsujun and I am assuming the one who is leading this army." Zieg growl'd loudly, taking a slight step forward towards the two Ogatago members with every name he listed. "And that is what is more impotent of all: Who is the man in the white tuxedo!? He is the puppeteer behind all of you and is playing us like some kind of game!" Zieg spat at the two, using his words instead of his fists to fiercely question the two. He wanted the answer, he demanded an answer but he didn't even know himself if he was going to get one.

Gunblade Bullets: 9/12
Reiatsu: 900/1100

SPOILER: Click to show

Strength - [290](580)(522) Points

Speed - [280](560) Points

Spiritual Pressure - [150](110) Points

Reiatsu Strength - [400](600) Points

Light Aura - [50] Points

Dark Aura - [50] Points

Instinct - [215] Points

Senses [205] Points

Energy sensory - [60] Points

Healing Expertise - [0] Points

Total SP: 1510 ]

[Schultz Silverhult]

SPOILER: Click to show

Step one complete. Chaos is in effect… now individual targets must be handled. Guess it’s time I take a more… direct hand in things.

Schultz couldn’t help but grin as he viewed the chaos erupting below, different factions immediately breaking out into combat as they squared off. Everyone was so powerful it was almost terrifying, yet the Espada knew that this was his best opportunity to get among them, to leap into combat and add to the confusion. Even as he reveled in the bloodlust and the anger boiling below, he was already stirring up more plans, determining the best way to cause them to kill his targets for him, and maybe a few others in the process. The scholar certainly wouldn’t have minded having Kurosaki die for thwarting him in combat so easily last time.

Schultz moved with a Sonido at the same instant he left his Gigai, causing the “body” to slump and collapse to the ground, to the surprise of the bystanders who happened to be standing nearby. Immediately he was behind the woman with the bow, presumably a Qunicy, only it wasn’t Schultz she would see as he moved. The scholar had cloaked himself in an illusion that would affect all parties who didn’t attempt to rip through it immediately—namely, those who actually knew it was an illusion—which made him appear to be someone completely different. If anyone turned to look at the battle, they would see Zieg himself standing behind Shanua, Zanpaktou drawn. The real captain, who was a short distance ahead and out of the woman’s sight briefly, was briefly cloaked in an illusion as well, appearing as if he were Schultz.

This was a tactic the scholar had considered previously, but had not actually employed, as he had not had the opportunity to fight multiple enemies often in the past. Simply put, it was like switching bodies in appearance; beneath the illusions they looked exactly the same, but to those outside they appeared to be completely different people. It was particularly useful in causing enemies to attack one another, especially if they were confused as to which person was which. What made it all the more convincing was that Schultz had taken the time to memorize the voice of the “body” he inhabited, allowing his own words to be filtered through an illusion of sound that would make him sound like Zieg. Zieg, on the other hand, wouldn’t even notice the difference until he spoke himself or looked at his own body, and by then it might be too late; all it took was a few seconds of distraction.

“Hado #33: Sōkatsui!”

The words were a ruse, but Schultz put his hands together as if he were performing the Kido, from what he had observed from his notes. In actuality, a Cero that was disguised as the blue fireball shot forward; if it weren’t for the fact Schultz had dispelled his shadowy “assassins” before charging in, he wouldn’t be able to maintain this many illusions even with his skills in multitasking. However, with his mental capabilities freed up by focusing on specific illusions, namely the ones around himself and Zieg as well as the one around his attack, he was able to manipulate events once more to his liking without straining himself. And this was only a brief ruse too; as soon as the attack was off, Schultz would vanish again with yet another Sonido, making his way towards another set of combatants.

Sorak was his next target even as Schultz finished sowing chaos among the others; the scholar appeared about fifty feet away, firing another Cero Calcina to the sky. All other illusions were dropped, and a new one created above Sorak; what appeared to be Shauna herself suddenly was visible, attacking with her bow. An illusionary stream of arrows rained down in concert with the Cero from above, each individual blast slamming down near or directly on the Failure if he didn’t take the chance to dodge. Each blast was used with the full force of Schultz’s already impressive Reiatsu strength, and though there were those who could simply overpower him, it was nothing to be trifled with. Staying still would not be in Sorak’s favor.

Playing supposed allies against each other was just far too much fun, and Schultz found himself fighting back an urge to laugh maniacally. A moment ago he had wanted to take things carefully, calmly and rationally, but now he was lost in his bloodlust and could barely remove himself from the chaos with yet another Sonido while the fighting was getting more intense. After all, this sort of diversionary tactic worked well with his talents, but direct combat might cause him some trouble if it came down to that. Well, for now, he could sit back and observe… if he saw a moment where Shauna or Sorak were exposed, however, he could satisfy his need to kill, and maybe even have more fun with it… yes, he could only imagine if it was that Quincy, what fun he could have with her blood…

Schultz’s Reiatsu: 3,600/4,000

Resurrection: 2/12

Reiatsu Status: Infinite (Depletion After: 1060 Reiatsu)

[Zou ۞]

SPOILER: Click to show

Some people heard Zieg's voice, and others did not. His efforts to attack Guujin of course had been pointless. The bullets, Guujin had anticipated and managed to dodge. Admittedly, he was fast. Also admittedly, he was good at predicting and multitasking. From the beginning, he'd probably paid some attention to Zieg, knowing that if someone was representing Soul Society, they were more than likely to attack him. Guujin's grin never faltered as his blade came up and he skillfully guarded against and deflected Zieg's attacks, sending them off to the side and canceling any power that Zieg placed behind his attacks. Guujin was Kouhai's right hand man. Having never been a Captain, Guujin was still on that level.

"Hahaha!" Guujin exclaimed. "You're so cocky, Eighth Division Captain! When has Soul Society ever been able to best Las Noches in these last few years?" It was certainly true that Las Noches had held an advantage at that time. Their forces had proven to be quite strong. Captains had a habit of losing to Espada lately. Guujin was indeed correct. However, what he said was mostly provocation more than anything, to rile up Zieg. Though, of course, Zieg's words soon echoed out across the battlefield. Everyone stopped fighting momentarily, and there was pause as accusations were thrown at the Ogatago. Kassen and Shiga were both grinning when they looked up and saw that everyone stopped to look at them.

SPOILER: Click to show

"Those old corpses?" Kassen asked. He burst into laughter, a maniacal laugh which filled the entire area up. "Sure, we had those!" he exclaimed. He continued laughing while everyone stared in horror and shock, and then stopped and grinned. "We no longer have the corpses." he clarified. Guujin suddenly materialized next to Shiga and Kassen, in between the two of them, and with his huge grin still plastered across his face. "Hey, guys." he said. "How about you forget Redemption, and Las Noches'll forget all about Xcution. What say you we ally together? I think our envoys before forgot to show you that we've got some nasty little buggers on our side." Shiga and Kassen both looked at Guujin oddly, who kept on grinning.

He looked over at Grimoire, and called out. "Hey, Grimoire-Kun! Would you be alright with demonstrating your power to our new buddies, here?" Grimoire, from where he was, instantly turned away from Arashi to face some of the others. Staring in horror and shock at the sudden betrayal and therefore change in alliances, everyone observed as Grimoire began walking towards his former allies. It was Aijou first who Grimoire was walking towards. "NO! DON'T EVEN TRY IT!" Arashi cried out, materializing in front of Grimoire in a burst of black reiatsu. He slashed as a blade of black reiatsu materialized over his hand again. Unfortunately of course, his reiatsu was still damaged. Arashi was still no match for Grimoire at that time, and was much slower because of his injuries. A quick flicking of his blade, and the flames formed again, and Grimoire carved Arashi up.

This time, Arashi barely managed to escape, and by some miracle was simply blown away by his reiatsu clashing with Grimoire's. He landed numerous meters away, blood leaking out of dozens of deep gashes on his body. He was panting. His reiatsu was flickering, and his suit was in shreds except for the pants. He was in horrible condition as a result of Grimoire's assault. However, before either Aijou could charge Grimoire, or Grimoire could continue towards her, Kurosaki Juuken was right there. Grimoire had crushed his ally, and so Kurosaki was ready to attack his enemy. "ROAR, IKAZUCHI!" Kurosaki declared, releasing his Zanpakuto. Instantly, flames burst forth from both of his shoulders, and powerful surges of lightning and electricity formed over his fists as some kind of white coating armored his arms.

He began punching towards Grimoire with vicious attacks, but Grimoire moved faster than Kurosaki as it turned out, and was able to dodge. Furthermore, Grimoire seemed to have been holding some of his power back. "Jigoku No Bijutsu: Daitenkai Sodofomu: Dai Hokai..." Grimoire murmured, stopping as he began moving his blade around in an odd, rhythmic back and forth pattern. Kurosaki's punch smashed into Grimoire's moving blade, which intercepted the hit. And then, Grimoire turned the blade over, moving so that it took the next punch too. It was glowing a noticeable blue. Grimoire spun on his stance, and slashed. An explosion of reiatsu and electricity and pure lightning occurred, and covered them in smoke momentarily. What had that been?!

When the smoke cleared, Kurosaki was panting, and his body was covered in burns and in blood. Grimoire however was already on the move. Grimoire took a horse stance, and began moving around in some sort of odd, rhythmic dance. His palms were moving about with this dance, as if he was performing a gentle fist. "DON'T FUCK WITH ME!" Kurosaki roared, reiatsu exploding around him. He punched towards Grimoire with both hands, a huge surge of lightning flying at the monster before him. Grimoire spun into another hit, and roared as well. "Lightning...FIST!" Grimoire roared. His fist roared forwards and he got right up in front of Kurosaki at a time simultaneous to the blast. His fist smashed into the lightning, and reiatsu roared out as Grimoire punched into it. The blast was too slow in coming out, not being fully formed yet. Thus, it was interrupted and it exploded, being blown apart as Grimoire's fist impacted Kurosaki's chest. By luck, this weakened the punch though.

Kurosaki was blown backwards, a shattering and crunching sound occurred. If one examined him later, they'd see half the bones in his body shattered, ribs included. By some luck, he'd avoided internal organ damage. His attack had weakened Grimoire's. Grimoire's left arm, which had initiated the punch, was scorched and burned. And yet, he didn't even seem to care. Zieg would find that he was the last representative of Soul Society who was without injury. Grimoire turned to him, staring. He began marching towards Zieg next. Meanwhile, Shauna and Sorak seemed to have gotten into conflict. Shauna was blasting away Sorak's flood with arrows as they moved around, each striking out at the other with intense power.

Shauna had earlier been defended from any attacks by Schultz by a sudden explosion in between them. This had been because of the sudden output power from Grimoire and Kurosaki's reiatsu.

Grimoire's Remaining Reiatsu: 2900 Reiatsu

Arashi's Remaining Reiatsu: 1800 Reiatsu

Main Fullbring Stage 1: 2/10

Speed during Fullbring: 1000

Kurosaki's Remaining Reiatsu: 2800 Reiatsu

Shikai: 1/10

[Zieg Revolver]

"When has Las Noches openly challenged Soul Society? Never once have you brought out all your players, as we have done the same. All these years, you have sent a single man to cause vice captains, seated and yes, even a few captains as well, havoc. You are judging a book by a single page when you have yet to complete the story! That is going to change and I don't think you are going to enjoy the results." Zieg growled back at Guujin, the provocation from him being successful. His comeback was straight and true. Las Noches as really only sent Kuroi to deal with any shinigami and everytime it had been by chance that it was a shinigami that was outclassed and out powered by the Espada. However, the Gotei 13 was like a series of peppers being judged my their heat level. The first few make you feel like you can handle it, practical enjoy it and make you want to try the next level. However, once you reach a certain level and bite into one of the higher heat leveled peppers, your mouth becomes an erupting inferno and you are wishing you had never done such a thing. Zieg was the weakest among captains currently, since he was the newest and he had yet to prove himself to earn a higher position.

"The hell did you do with them, Bastard?" Zieg growled in question as he took aim at Kassen. Zieg watched as Guujin approached the two Ogatago members and seemingly cut them a deal. If they would get rid of their allies, Las Noches would discard theirs and the two would team up with eachother in the war. Zieg sneered at this remark and took aim at Guujin once again. However, his attention was then different as Guujin had indicated for the demon Grimoire to display his strength. Zieg dropped his blade down to his side as he watched in horror as Grimoire took Arashi out with a flick of his blade. His eyes with widened with shock and despair as he watched the hero crash to the ground, wounded by the demon know as Grimoire. "No... how can this be happening..." Zieg's thoughts cried in his mind as he watched Kurosaki get between Arashi and Grimoire. Could the son of Old Lightning prove to be a better match against the demon? This was proven to be a lie as within moments, Kurosaki took a blow straight to the chest by Grimoire. "NO, KUROSAKI!" Zieg roared as he raced forward to get behind the shinigami that had been blown backwards. He caught him in his arms, swinging around to counter his momentum and placed Kurosaki down on the ground gently. "No, no, no, no, no!" Zieg, almost manically, repeated over and over again as he was in disbelief, shaking his head as he saw what had been done.

"You... YOU HELLSPAWN! YOU WILL PAY!" Zieg boomed with rage as he stood up and got between him and Kurosaki, his reiatsu rippling around him furiously in a flame-like pattern. His eyes ha now shifted to from a aqua blue color, to a raging, crimson, red, indicating his personality change. "BANKAI!" Zieg roared as a tower of crimson red and aqua blue reiatsu consumed him and then, a couple of seconds later, disparted to reveal Zieg aiming two miniguns at Grimoire, several leather straps attached around his torso so that if he dropped them they would hang at his sides. The barrels of the miniguns were already rotating at a blurring pace, Zieg already had both triggers held down and upon revealing them, the inside of the barrels were glowing a bright yellow color. "SOSHI TANJUU!" Zieg screamed as bullets began racing out of the barrels, rounds after rounds of lightning filled bullets blazing through the air at the demon. Their strength was immense and their speed was formidable as well, racing through the air and nailing Grimoire's entire front if he did not evade, block or counter in some way. Upon impact of anything, the bullets would burst with lightning, sending shocks through whatever had caused them to burst. The attack was likely to fail but Zieg was too much in a rage to see that, his only concern being was to kill Grimoire now.

Reiatsu: 400/1100
Bankai: 1/12

SPOILER: Click to show

Strength - [290](580)(522) Points

Speed - [280](560) Points

Spiritual Pressure - [150](110) Points

Reiatsu Strength - [400](600)(800) Points

Light Aura - [50] Points

Dark Aura - [50] Points

Instinct - [215] Points

Senses [205] Points

Energy sensory - [60] Points

Healing Expertise - [0] Points

Total SP: 1510 ]

[Zou ۞]

Play this

"There's something you guys have gotta understand." Guujin was talking with a grin after Zieg was done with his speech, and after he began his assault on Grimoire. "Grimoire is an Akki, or in other words a Demon. He came straight out of Hell and joined us in Las Noches." Grimoire flicked up his blade, and it began blazing around even while Zieg began his shooting. In that instant, Zieg would see a true, terrifying monster unlike any other. Nothing else could even hope to compare to the power of the demon before him. No one else present was in fact as strong, evidently. Everything, in effect, was simply pointless when fighting against him. His voice could be heard in a low monotone as his blade whipped around, and some sort of silver dome materialized around him. His blade was moving so quickly that it formed a dome.

"Jigoku No Bijutsu: Shikkusu Sodofomu: Chitandomu." Grimoire declared. His silver dome was shockingly actually able to block the bullets. They shattered and were dispersed or carved upon contact with the dome, which looked solid despite the fact that it was obviously just a constantly moving blade. The explanation was that the bullets were hit, knocked off course, and carved apart by continuous hits from the blade. It was a perfect defense, seemingly, against projectile attacks like Zieg's. And it was devastating because it showed the true power of the Akki. Guujin continued talking. "Captains are like small fry in Hell. Even in Bankai, the strongest Captain doesn't have anything on Grimoire. Even the Kuchiki Head or Squad 10 Captain can't even begin to compare to Grimoire."

Grimoire started walking forwards, his dome blocking the bullets. He reached to his back, drawing out his second sword. The same technique was enacted on the lower half of his body, for the first only covered the top half. It was suddenly like a dome of silver was advancing on Zieg. He'd soon find that he had to abandon fire and jump away, or risk being carved into bits upon contact with the dome. Guujin was still grinning while the monstrous demon from Hell rampaged onward. "And, don't even get me started on Grimoire's full power. Those swords are just a side thing that he can use. They're not even his main weapon." Grimoire was reaching Zieg, and so it was then or never to get away.

"And...wait until you all see his release." Release?! Those words should break through to Zieg and shock him too. Guujin had said release. Grimoire was already so powerful on his own! He'd dispatched both Arashi and Kurosaki, and was effectively dealing with Zieg's Bankai. And this, according to Guujin, was being done with a side weapon. In that case, what was his main weapon, and what could he do with it? Furthermore, if he was already this powerful with just a side arm, with just that weapon which he didn't main with, then what could he do with his release? What kind of power would Zieg see if Grimoire decided to unveil it? "Trust me when I say that you really do wanna run away." Guujin said. "There's no shame in fleeing from a monster."

Meanwhile, on Schultz's end, he was getting a show, and another thing too. First of all, Shauna and Sorak were still moving around, and they seemed to be in stalemate. Of course, Shauna was obviously still holding back, and only using that tiny bow. She wasn't even using her Bow Release. Her full power was probably too much. Just with that side arm bow, she was fighting against Sorak effectively. Grimoire had blocked her earlier attack, but noticeably it had been a single incredibly fast and powerful arrow. She was pretty strong even with just a side arm. One could only imagine Shauna's main power. Her reiatsu was overpowering to begin with. Regardless, because of her holding back, they continued in stalemate.

It was then that the consequences of getting so close hit Schultz. As it turned out, it seemed that they'd all been watched very closely, and it was then that other watchers descended, possibly from the sky itself. There were two of them, both landing near Schultz, having deemed him a threat. One was in front of him, and the other was behind him. Since chaos had ensued, they'd decided that instead of their primary objective, first they would take out Schultz. Neither of them looked particularly weak. Then again, they had to have at least some strength to be the assassins chosen for this meeting. Both wore black tuxedos and fedoras with red roses stemming from the front pocket. One had blond hair and green eyes, the hair slicked back and gelled. He was in his mid 30s. The other was in his mid 20s, and his hair was a black buzz cut. He had blue eyes.

Both of them pulled out handguns all at once. Each held a different model. The one in front of Schultz, the blond one, held an S&W .500 magnum. It was the most powerful handgun in the world, and it certainly packed a hell of a punch. This, he aimed at Schultz with one hand, surprisingly. It must hurt to fire one of those with one hand. He pulled the trigger and shot at Schultz's head without a moment's hesitation. The same happened from behind, though the weapon there was a semi-automatic glock 21 pistol. This was a lot weaker, but it was much more manageable, and that man fired on Schultz, shooting at the back of the head almost instantly. How would Schultz defend against this sudden appearance from these two assassins?

Grimoire's Remaining Reiatsu: 2900 Reiatsu

Arashi's Remaining Reiatsu: 1800 Reiatsu

Main Fullbring Stage 1: 3/10

Speed during Fullbring: 1000

Kurosaki's Remaining Reiatsu: 2800 Reiatsu

Shikai: 2/10

[Schultz Silverhult]

“Oh my…” Was all that Schultz could get out as the two assassins appeared around him. Reflexively, the scholar leapt away in a Sonido before he even saw that they had weapons, but even as he vanished he let an illusion take his place, bullets piercing the head simultaneously. The Espada didn’t know a lot about head wounds from bullets, particularly the amount of blood spray at the current distance or how much cranial damage bullets from whatever caliber of gun the assassins were using would cause. As a result, he had to simply deal with the bullets passing through the illusion, either hitting each other if the aim was level or firing at the assassin opposite the original shooter, taking away Schultz’s chance to fake his death and go back to being incognito. It was a pity, but the scholar could only work with subjects he had knowledge on.

Note to self: research firearm damage to different parts of the body for future use in deceptive illusions.

Schultz was still moving quickly around the battlefield, adding to the chaos wherever he could. This time, however, he had cloaked himself in an illusion of empty air, making any sight of him impossible unless someone overpowered that particular illusion. He watched Grimoire easily overpower several of the representatives from Soul Society, particularly Kurosaki. That brought a grim smile to the Arrancar’s lips as he watched the man he hated with an utmost passion for ruining his work some time back fall to the ground. Well, he was lowered once that other Shinigami stepped in… Zieg, was it? Maybe it took away some of the macabre joy that Schultz felt, but at the same time it wouldn’t take away the overall pleasure of watching an enemy fall. Oh sure, he wasn’t dead yet… but he could be, with a little work. The Espada wondered if he’d be able to deal a decisive blow while Kurosaki was on the ground. After all, judging by the shape of his ribcage, several of the bones there were broken, and with the force of the attack there would be some heavy damage to the rest of his body.

The only thing that stopped Schultz from attacking was the fact that Kurosaki had not yet used his Bankai, and the last time they had fought he had not seemed to need to control the thundering dragons with physical movements. If indeed they could be guided mentally alone, they would still be dangerous. After all, aside from his willpower allowing him to overpower Schultz’s natural affinity to illusions, he had also resisted a heavy amount of pain without breaking stride. Truly, no amount of injury would stop him from calling those dragons, at least to the Espada’s mind. Strategically, it would be imprudent to strike at the Shinigami and cause him to pull out an even more powerful technique that could injure and weaken Hueco Mundo’s forces before the true clash between the two powers.

So as much as Schultz wanted to attack Kurosaki, he couldn’t afford to provoke a powerful response. That left other targets, thankfully; both Shauna and Sorak were locked in combat, meaning that one would kill the other, or they would both weaken one another. With a little help, that would be sped up quite a bit, taking out one of Schultz’s two targets and weakening the other. From there, a little request for Grimoire to take out the other while they were weak would finish off their mission with ease. Any other unnecessary participants, such as the two assassins that had targeted him, could be eliminated as well, between the Espada’s cunning and trickery as well as Grimoire’s sheer power. It was a fairly straightforward plan.

I guess I should worry about Shauna over Sorak… she seems to be more powerful overall.

Since Shauna was the first target, Schultz was going to have to help the Failure defeat her. That was a simple enough illusion to weave while he kept an eye out for the two assassins that had attacked him; after all, there was nothing to gain but a pointless death if he didn’t watch his back. Simply put, Sorak’s cloud of Reiatsu was multiplied visually, the illusion like a fog covering the two combatants and visible to all, rather than a direct illusion for one person. This fog was also saturated with the feel of Sorak’s Reiatsu; Schultz had been around it before and had also had a chance to refresh his memory by watching them fight. The feel was illusionary, but it would mask the true mass of his Reiatsu that was moving through the illusion towards Shauna. With any luck, it would be enough to prevent her from blocking the real attack, killing her off quickly.

While he waited, Schultz continued to plan his next move. He didn’t need his illusions aside from his invisibility and the ones surrounding the two combatants for the moment, so he could keep his mental multitasking to a minimum in order to prevent himself from straining his abilities. However, the scholar figured that there was more he’d be able to do to add to the chaos. The Espada watched carefully from his position above the chaos, still invisible as long as his illusions held and still difficult to detect as he masked his Reiatsu; it wasn’t a perfect concealment, as those who were able to pierce his illusion somehow or able to pick up his Reiatsu even through his masking could find him, but for the most part it kept him safe while he looked for his next opening.

Things were going well, though; most of the Soul Society’s representatives were injured, some seriously, while both assassination targets were fighting one another, making the job even easier. And the sight of Kurosaki lying on the ground, gravely injured and bloodied, was enough to put a maddened grin on the scholar’s face.

…Wait. Kurosaki was… bloodied? Suddenly Schultz’s eyes opened wide and his grin grew even more maniacal. Oh, that just priceless! That provided such a wonderful opportunity to really wreak some havoc, and perhaps even deal with the remainder of their enemies here should it be necessary. Oh, this would be wonderful; wonderful indeed.

With another Sonido, Schultz quickly shot over to where Kurosaki was laying, pressing his palms down long enough to get a large amount of blood on each. That was all he would need, and a third Sonido would remove him from combat range completely, about sixty feet away from combat. No one should have been able to see him, though with the contact against Kurosaki he might have shattered the illusion for that particular subject. No matter; the Espada had what he wanted, and it was more than enough for both techniques he had in mind. This would be a beautiful finish to a so-far successful mission.

The first thing Schultz had to do was injure himself. One of the four blades connected to his back by chains were plenty; a single cut across the palm of his hand let his blood mix with Kurosaki’s, and he pressed his hand down on a blank page of his grimoire. Suddenly, bloody letters started spreading across the page, as if the book was soaking up the crimson liquid and transmuting it into ink for the pages. As the Life’s Blood technique took effect, information on Kurosaki from his abilities as a Shinigami to his personal life filled the pages of the grimoire, and put that information directly into Schultz’s mind. He knew everything about his opponent down to the last detail, thanks to his Life’s Blood technique.

But that was not all, not by a long shot. With another blade, Schultz cut his other palm to let that blood mingle with Kurosaki’s as well. That hand was placed down on the opposite page of the book, but with much different intent. The bloody letters carved into the pages suddenly glowed with a crimson Reiatsu as they literally lifted from the pages, swirling around in front of Schultz. Tendrils of bloody ink extended and started to connect in a humanoid form, somewhat taller than the scholar. Details started to become clearer as they merged, stormy blue eyes emerging from the crimson figure along with a thinly muscled form. Anger etched into the face as every detail down to the last strand of hair formed, leaving a robed figure with a katana sheathed at his side.

Kurosaki Juuken looked over the battlefield with that same anger in his eyes as Schultz began to weave his memories. In a moment he would be ready to attack… and his target was Zieg, even as he fought against Grimoire.

There was something beautiful in the irony of being killed by a comrade.


Schultz’s Reiatsu: 1,600/4,000 (-2000 Spent on Truth (With Life's Blood augment) to convert to 3000 Reiatsu for Pseudo-Kurosaki)

Resurrection: 3/12

Reiatsu Status: Infinite (Depletion After: 1360 Reiatsu)

SPOILER: Click to show

Strength - [450] Points

Speed - [450] Points

Spiritual Pressure - [300] Points

Reiatsu Strength - [300] Points

Light Aura - [10] Points

Dark Aura - [90] Points

Instinct - [200] Points

Senses [150%] Points

Energy sensory - [100] Points

Healing Expertise - [50] Points


Total SP: 2000 Points

Pseudo-Kurosaki’s Remaining Reiatsu: 3000/3000

[Zou ۞]

Play this

In all likeliness, Schultz's concentration was more than likely to be broken. In this method, it was more than likely that his reiatsu would be expended, but his pseudo-Kurosaki would fail to properly form, and would simply burst into reiatsu. Furthermore, it was also more than likely that Schultz's other illusions would shatter instantly. This would in fact be his consequence for taking Kurosaki's blood. It wasn't that Kurosaki had any kind of special power in his blood. No, not at all. In fact, he had no power in the blood at all. His blood had nothing special about it. Ordinarily, it was just the substance which gave life to Kurosaki. However, for memory thieves like Schultz, who took that blood to learn about their subject, Kurosaki's blood was poison.

The moment that Schultz's mind was flooded with Kurosaki's memories, he'd feel it. He'd feel the things Kurosaki had felt over the things that Kurosaki had seen. The things which were impossible to forget, the unthinkable. There were things which would stay with and haunt Schultz's memory forever on. His life was bound to be lorded over by this painful, unthinkable darkness, which would eternally rob him of his sleep. This must be why Kurosaki was so determined. This must be why he had such powerful force of will. His incredible willpower was because he had directly experienced and sometimes overcome these things which just by image alone would shock Schultz to his very absolute core. It was the end for whatever was left of his sanity, so terrible would be the mental damage of taking it all in at once, rather than through a progressed and gradual mission like Kurosaki had.

Flashback.

"MOVE!" a voice bellowed. The booming of the voice was an incredible sensation. If one looked at the speaker, they'd see a man with a gaunt face, and thinner shoulders than they'd probably been in earlier years of his life. His fierce gray eyes matched his gray cropped hair, and he wore a black haori over a white shihakusho robe. On each shoulder, flames were already gathered. On each fist, lightning was gathered. This was definitely the late Old Lightning. Next to him was Kurosaki, who was wearing the same outfit, and who had the same appearance as he did in the present day. His shoulders also had flames, his fists also had lightning. With them were six others, all with the same outfit, but varying appearances and looks. At least half of those present were wearing some sort of red visor over their eyes.

Old Lightning roared again. "I SAID MOVE!" His team, as it was presumably his, instantly began moving almost as one unit. As if they were so in sync as to be one and the same. Of course, the powers which Schultz would see were all impressive. From Kurosaki's memories, he'd already know about the famed "Zero Division" of Soul Society. And, from Kurosaki's memories, he'd know that this was the infamous world "Lik Alm." This was what it had been called by its natives, before they'd been wiped out completely. It was a shocking scene, for though powerful explosions and attacks were used, destroying the enemy, it kept coming. And it was an enemy which Schultz would never forget, certainly.

It unveiled to him black tendrils which looked like smoke, seeping in and out of the ground and heading towards the Zero Division Shinigami. It revealed bat-like creatures high in the sky, firing gigantic blasts of venom green reiatsu. There could be seen all sorts of disfigured imps and apes and different creatures with tentacles as well. Black fire and white magma licked at the world surrounding, and from which source each generated it was uncertain. More and more simply continued to appear. It was then that, with a solemn punch combination, Kurosaki and Old Lightning together shot a huge blast of lightning to obliterate one of the larger creatures, some deformed ox-like thing. It fell to the ground with a mighty war cry, and its heavy axe shattered, splintering into a million tiny pieces.

But it was farther along that mission that Schultz would see it. Certainly, his psyche would be shocked by seeing the incredible God Hollows which were so commonly seen by the Zero Division, the Dios Vacuo. Those monstrous beasts which resembled black Vasto Lorde with white stars on their bodies would be horrifying to look at for the first time, especially if one considered their power. Even that mighty Parvulo Tutor, the little gnome-like humanoid which was stronger still, and wreaked so much devastation, was horrifying. But neither of these could match up to what it was that truly would be the horror. Dozens of horrible things that Schultz would never see himself were there which would shock him forever. But none would haunt him forever so much as later on that world of "Lik Alm."

It was at a point when a huge steel and chained gate ripped into existence and tore open with fiery fire inside of it that Schultz would see the true horror of the world. It was when the chains pulled in the Zero Division members and the gates slammed shut that Schultz would see what hit him. There was no way to describe it. Neither the countless disjointed and floating cays of torture, nor the barren and magma-filled wasteland could be accurate descriptions of it. A single look, and a feeling of sickness would come over Schultz. It would hit him like nothing else had. His insides would feel like they were burning. His body would force continuous throwing up down to throwing up even blood. His eyes would feel a burning sensation, and of course his body would be forced to shiver.

This very reaction hit all of the Zero Division members, none of which would ever truly know what to make of the place. Though it was noticeable that Old Lightning was the exception, and able to stand his ground and simply close his eyes, Schultz would find the same reaction as all of those who'd not been Old Lightning. Tears. Tears of agony, of hatred, of disgust and of depression. Tears of shock, and tears of utter and absolute hopelessness. It was only for a few seconds, for Kurosaki stood up and punched two in the face, blasting holes in their heads, the heads of his comrades, and ran back out through the quickly closing gate. Those comrades had just happened to be in front of him. What happened to the others was uncertain, for Kurosaki's memory of the place ended there, turning to blackness. This insanity rendered by the visions, and the killing of his comrades for his own escape, inevitably led to his exile from the Zero Division, and his swearing of its absolute secrecy.

It was by seeing what Kurosaki had seen that Schultz would understand why it was that Grimoire Acero was so absolutely powerful. It was because of that place in which he had existed, in which he had dwelled. Even if only for six or seven seconds, Schultz had seen Hell. In those six or seven seconds, everything he believed to be his willpower and strength was blown away. It was at that time that he'd realize that there were still things that would evoke a terrible reaction from him. The shivering, the vomiting, and the tears were all part of it, even if there was in fact much much more. It was there that Schultz would realize simply how hopeless everything was. He'd realize, even if he'd never considered the debate in general before, that all was hopeless, and on a scale so depressing that his body's only reaction could be to jerk around and scream and cry.

And it was because of this that Shauna eventually defeated Sorak. The illusion Schultz had cast had had potential, but it broke too easily and too early. Similarly, Shauna had done well within it for a few moments. And, when it broke, and when Sorak realized he'd lost whatever secret advantage he'd had which weakened Shauna, he hesitated. That hesitation was all that was needed for the Quincy Leader, who shot Schultz dead in the chest with a powerful, bursting arrow. By some luck, the "impact" was not too bad, and it appeared Shauna may have held back. Schultz fell backwards onto his back, and he flinched violently. Then, he looked at his body, realizing that he was still alive and intact. His eyes went wide, but it looked like Shauna was about to finish him off anyway, pointing that bow and charging a stronger arrow than before. With that, she fired.

[Zieg Revolver]

Zieg had to fight every temptation to drop his jaw when he saw what Grimoire did to his bullets. He had literally blocked and sliced every single one! That was ten times beyond humanly possible! Hell, he had never seen anything like that. Sure, he had seen opponents be unaffected by his bullets, redirect them, repel them or simply dodge them but never had he seen someone slice and dice an entire volley. This was incredibly bad and Zieg was now neck high up in shit basically. He realized he had actually dropped his miniguns, both swinging down over his hands and wrists at his side uselessly. His body knew when he was losing a hopeless battle and it was being honest at this point, doing things that he could not openly admit. His legs trembled with fear as he felt himself willingly and instinctfully take steps back, passing his downed comrade. He couldn't fight this thing, this being from hell, even if he tried and he was the only one among the representatives that could help his downed comrades. He glanced at both Arashi and Kurosaki, realizing he was their only hope if they were to make it out of here alive, he didn't have time to panic and freak out like he wanted to.

His following actions would not stop what happened to Schlutz though. He had taken the blood from one of the puddles of it around the downed vice captain, which was smart so did not get easily seen by someone or something. What happened to him was unfortunate but he at least had his allies alive and well and one of them was advancing upon Zieg. Zieg swiftly scooped up Kurosaki and carefully placed him on his shoulder as he vanished from sight. He soon appeared next to Arashi, making sure Kurosaki was secured with his left arm so he would not disrupt any of the broken bones from his single shunpoing as he picked up Arashi. Both were fairly light to Zieg but that was not his concern when he sped off, glancing behind him to see what was happening. He was not sure if he could even outrun this opponent, perhaps he couldn't if Grimoire really wanted to pursue and reduce him to the state of his companions.

As he ran, he passed by the quincy leader, eying her as he saw that she was finishing off her attacker. He didn't even bother to look or respond to the right hand man of Sonken, he was too focused on escaping and saving his companions. He didn't feel right on leaving her, but he was not going to be gone for long. He planned on returning as soon as he got medical assistance for Kurosaki and Arashi, speeding off past Shauna faster then a bullet. He flicked his right wrist forward before clamping his hand back down on Arashi to secure him, his right minigun lunging forward as he called into existence a sekimon gate. It appeared directly infront of the barrel of the minigun, tearing opening infront of him as he thudded through it, the gate sealing off instantly behind him as soon as he was fully through. A second later, he re-emerged on the top of the steps of the 4th division, that gate shutting too as he came out of it as he bounded in. He knew who he needed the aid of now, there was no other man right now for the job. "Griswald! Someone get me Captain Griswald! GET ME CAPTAIN GRISWALD LORILAD NOW!" Zieg shouted in a mixture of hysteria, panic and disperation, looking around frantically for the 4th division captain.
Reiatsu: 300/1100
Bankai: 2/12