Post by Marcelius on Dec 19, 2013 1:03:36 GMT -5
(OoC: I'm so sorry for the delay guys. Tis the Season for no free time. XD Either way, I do hope this post is acceptable, and I promise to get better at managing the Holiday Havoc!)
"Vain...I could not agree more." The child, spoke well for his age. It was a sign, if any, of his capacity as an officer. Though Marcelius was more than willing to agree with many points made by the perceptive youth...he simply could not. Not at the cost, his agreement would bring. "It is vain to believe, that the sacrifice of lives...warrants the sacrifice of more. That is Hunger, futile and eternal." The tone was not warm anymore...it had turned cold, and filled with pain. "You would see continued death, as an honor to the deceased? As if those who have fallen still hold concern for those which remain?"
Unable to help it, the Hollow simply shook his head. "And after you have thrown your own life into the fray, enough times that your heart is finally pierced...would you want more children to follow you? To constantly throw themselves into danger, to avenge the demise you asked...begged for, each time you drew your blade?" How the sorrow tainted every word, as though Marcelius were already weeping for the future that the boy claimed inescapable. "Unlike you, young man, I do not desire such a life. Not for myself, not for my children...not even for your kind. Until I can convince just one of you that peace need not be feigned, I cannot stop trying. Perhaps you too have some purpose in your life; something you feel as strongly about as I do peace? It would be nice to know we share such similarities...so that I may appear somewhat sane." Straightening out his back, his reiatsu letting off a faint glow, the senior looked as though he were ready to begin. "I intend to uphold my deal, despite your consent..." Cutting off his own words, the Arrancar was gone.
Certainly, looking back, he would recognize every mistake which lead to that moment long ago. That was how it works, Remorse. It finds one when the day is over. Long after opportunity has passed and well after the chance of mending the mistakes. A patient suffering, that is willing to wait for it's victim. To the end of their days, if need be. Finding everyone in the end. After Destruction, and after Despair...Remorse waits to embrace each soul in the end...remaining with them in end, a blanket for eternity. Kazuko would not realize the qualities of these facts for some time. Certainly not now, the moment being too soon. What was to happen, by Marcelius design, was a simple strike.
A blunt blow, delivered to the back of the head; making contact at the height of the neck. Where the skull and the spine connect, the flesh is soft and the nerves exposed. Any predator can determine this portion of flesh to be vulnerable. Though little reward can come from ripping such a juncture with one's teeth, there are other exploitations to consider. For instance; the ability to render a victim unconscious. Require only an adequate amount of strength, the knockout reflex can be triggered by exposing these nerves to sudden shock.
With an accurate hit the head bends back, the muscles compress and then the brain simply sleeps. Not exactly a secret of anatomy or medicine really, it is something often learned in childhood. Receiving such trauma teaches one the importance of avoiding such injury. This is why Marc fancied this attack more than others, as even children have proven capable of surviving. All it would really come down to his making contact and restraining himself. After all, his strength could do far worse if he did not care to hold back. Fortunately for the Vice Captain, this Hollow cared a whole helluva lot.
So then, the real challenge was making the hit connect. Certainly he would need speed, yes? Without being able to capture the child, he would not be able to land the blow. However, there was far more to consider. His opponent's combat training, as an example. He was taught to be on his guard and defend himself appropriately. Trained to see signs and interpret motives from the movements of his rivals. Well certainly he was going to suspect something when the old Arrancar braced himself for combat before. It might even be fair to say Kazuko was already prepared to respond. With a hand on his blade and senses on high alert, he would respond quite confidently. That was, ultimately, Marc's desire.
Whatever Master Shiba decided, the Fraccion would support. Whether it was a sudden flight to escape possible danger. Or a defensive stance, blade drawn at the ready. Or perhaps some mighty Kido? There was even the chance of witnessing a Shikai. All of these choices, and even thier combinations, were acceptable. They were adequate responses to the threat at hand. But, alas, there was to be Remorse. Just as failing to act crippled Marcelius before...forcing him to witness the deaths of dozens of Hollows, so too would Kazuko find his choices were wrong. Regardless of where the boy repositioned, or whether or not he sought to defend; his opponent already knew.
In the end, the faint glow of reiatsu had not been a show of force, but the sudden birth of a Bala. To the Shinigami and his average understanding of energy, it would be the same as any other Bala. Well, this would have been the case, if he were given time to actually examine it. As fate would have it, no such excess of moments was available for either of them. Instead, upon reaching wherever his target chose to be, Marc would be forced to fire the Bala. Point blank range, it must be noted, as the Arrancar was previously inclined to be within arm's reach. Dodging, especially with Marc's humble reaction time, was futile. The speed of the attack, and the few inches it had to travel, guaranteed impact...well, as much as any guarantee could promise in a universe of choas.
This attack would not harm nor threaten the young man. Instead it would pop, and like a burst of pressure, disperse the reiatsu which he gathered around the Soul Reaper. Any techniques, abilities, or even an attempt to release, would be delayed by this displacement of energy...for a brief window of time. This is where things turn dark, sadly, as Marcelius' hand approaches his opponent. Feeling the pressure of this boy, now up close, made his desire assault...less desirable. Rather than force himself against the pressure being exerted from the child, his hand opened instead. This change was fluid and unhindered, thanks to the Hollow's unique talents with dividing his focus. Reaching out and firing the Bala, if normal souls could do it, then there was no question for him.
As a result, changed to suit the specifics of the instant, was his hand clasped around Kazuko's throat. Having practiced movements like this in order to master Sonido Garra, the Shinigami was in no danger of having a crushed windpipe. What was still apossibilty, would be a tremendous headache. Seeing as the Fraccion was tightening his grip to relieve the boy of fresh oxygen, it would be just moments before darkness and sleep took over. Without that most precious of elements, the the ability to clearly decipher his next move would become difficult. Yes, difficult is a good word. It would not just be the mind's slowed processing speed, but also the panic of trying to decide quickly. Not to mention, how scattered thoughts become when confused. Having the Mermar disrupt whatever plans might have been in play, Marcelius himself would have found that distracting.
From here on out it would be a contest of strengths. Prying the sword from his hand, in hopes of casting it aside. Like taking matches from a child, an effort to make him safe. Had any reiatsu started to return, possibly the beginnings of a Kido, another Mermar would pass from Marc's hand into Master Shiba's throat...nothing honestly faster than that seemed possible. This was an unfair chain of events, yes. Marcelius' eyes would appear rather distraught, actually, through the whole ordeal. Having to endanger a life...having to listen, as his opponent's mind screams and claws for solutions and air.
More than anything else, it grieved him to have to do this. How then could he muster the stomach for it? Well...what is the alternative? Kazuko attempts to release, possibly succeeds, and then makes it impossible for Marc to subdue him? At that point, he would have to use all his energy...to merely fracture necessary joints. The agony that would cause, it was barbaric and cruel. This was the best way, safer and efficient. As Kazuko had tried to express, this was war. With so many lives possibly on the line, Marcelius had to be rude...he had to do whatever it took to spare the lives his Death God enemies would not.
Spiritual Exhaustion - 0/4
Physical Exhaustion - 0/8
Remaining Reiatsu - 1350/1500
-100, Sonido (Marc will only be using half of his full speed -300- for the sake of this. Firstly, because he is old and hates moving quickly. Secondly, it is necessary to move at a pace closer to Kazuko -Shunpo Factored In- for his attack to be accurate. This goes with the whole, predicting and traveling with the enemy...yadda yadda. Mostly he's old...)
-50, Mermar Bala
"Vain...I could not agree more." The child, spoke well for his age. It was a sign, if any, of his capacity as an officer. Though Marcelius was more than willing to agree with many points made by the perceptive youth...he simply could not. Not at the cost, his agreement would bring. "It is vain to believe, that the sacrifice of lives...warrants the sacrifice of more. That is Hunger, futile and eternal." The tone was not warm anymore...it had turned cold, and filled with pain. "You would see continued death, as an honor to the deceased? As if those who have fallen still hold concern for those which remain?"
Unable to help it, the Hollow simply shook his head. "And after you have thrown your own life into the fray, enough times that your heart is finally pierced...would you want more children to follow you? To constantly throw themselves into danger, to avenge the demise you asked...begged for, each time you drew your blade?" How the sorrow tainted every word, as though Marcelius were already weeping for the future that the boy claimed inescapable. "Unlike you, young man, I do not desire such a life. Not for myself, not for my children...not even for your kind. Until I can convince just one of you that peace need not be feigned, I cannot stop trying. Perhaps you too have some purpose in your life; something you feel as strongly about as I do peace? It would be nice to know we share such similarities...so that I may appear somewhat sane." Straightening out his back, his reiatsu letting off a faint glow, the senior looked as though he were ready to begin. "I intend to uphold my deal, despite your consent..." Cutting off his own words, the Arrancar was gone.
Certainly, looking back, he would recognize every mistake which lead to that moment long ago. That was how it works, Remorse. It finds one when the day is over. Long after opportunity has passed and well after the chance of mending the mistakes. A patient suffering, that is willing to wait for it's victim. To the end of their days, if need be. Finding everyone in the end. After Destruction, and after Despair...Remorse waits to embrace each soul in the end...remaining with them in end, a blanket for eternity. Kazuko would not realize the qualities of these facts for some time. Certainly not now, the moment being too soon. What was to happen, by Marcelius design, was a simple strike.
A blunt blow, delivered to the back of the head; making contact at the height of the neck. Where the skull and the spine connect, the flesh is soft and the nerves exposed. Any predator can determine this portion of flesh to be vulnerable. Though little reward can come from ripping such a juncture with one's teeth, there are other exploitations to consider. For instance; the ability to render a victim unconscious. Require only an adequate amount of strength, the knockout reflex can be triggered by exposing these nerves to sudden shock.
With an accurate hit the head bends back, the muscles compress and then the brain simply sleeps. Not exactly a secret of anatomy or medicine really, it is something often learned in childhood. Receiving such trauma teaches one the importance of avoiding such injury. This is why Marc fancied this attack more than others, as even children have proven capable of surviving. All it would really come down to his making contact and restraining himself. After all, his strength could do far worse if he did not care to hold back. Fortunately for the Vice Captain, this Hollow cared a whole helluva lot.
So then, the real challenge was making the hit connect. Certainly he would need speed, yes? Without being able to capture the child, he would not be able to land the blow. However, there was far more to consider. His opponent's combat training, as an example. He was taught to be on his guard and defend himself appropriately. Trained to see signs and interpret motives from the movements of his rivals. Well certainly he was going to suspect something when the old Arrancar braced himself for combat before. It might even be fair to say Kazuko was already prepared to respond. With a hand on his blade and senses on high alert, he would respond quite confidently. That was, ultimately, Marc's desire.
Whatever Master Shiba decided, the Fraccion would support. Whether it was a sudden flight to escape possible danger. Or a defensive stance, blade drawn at the ready. Or perhaps some mighty Kido? There was even the chance of witnessing a Shikai. All of these choices, and even thier combinations, were acceptable. They were adequate responses to the threat at hand. But, alas, there was to be Remorse. Just as failing to act crippled Marcelius before...forcing him to witness the deaths of dozens of Hollows, so too would Kazuko find his choices were wrong. Regardless of where the boy repositioned, or whether or not he sought to defend; his opponent already knew.
In the end, the faint glow of reiatsu had not been a show of force, but the sudden birth of a Bala. To the Shinigami and his average understanding of energy, it would be the same as any other Bala. Well, this would have been the case, if he were given time to actually examine it. As fate would have it, no such excess of moments was available for either of them. Instead, upon reaching wherever his target chose to be, Marc would be forced to fire the Bala. Point blank range, it must be noted, as the Arrancar was previously inclined to be within arm's reach. Dodging, especially with Marc's humble reaction time, was futile. The speed of the attack, and the few inches it had to travel, guaranteed impact...well, as much as any guarantee could promise in a universe of choas.
This attack would not harm nor threaten the young man. Instead it would pop, and like a burst of pressure, disperse the reiatsu which he gathered around the Soul Reaper. Any techniques, abilities, or even an attempt to release, would be delayed by this displacement of energy...for a brief window of time. This is where things turn dark, sadly, as Marcelius' hand approaches his opponent. Feeling the pressure of this boy, now up close, made his desire assault...less desirable. Rather than force himself against the pressure being exerted from the child, his hand opened instead. This change was fluid and unhindered, thanks to the Hollow's unique talents with dividing his focus. Reaching out and firing the Bala, if normal souls could do it, then there was no question for him.
As a result, changed to suit the specifics of the instant, was his hand clasped around Kazuko's throat. Having practiced movements like this in order to master Sonido Garra, the Shinigami was in no danger of having a crushed windpipe. What was still apossibilty, would be a tremendous headache. Seeing as the Fraccion was tightening his grip to relieve the boy of fresh oxygen, it would be just moments before darkness and sleep took over. Without that most precious of elements, the the ability to clearly decipher his next move would become difficult. Yes, difficult is a good word. It would not just be the mind's slowed processing speed, but also the panic of trying to decide quickly. Not to mention, how scattered thoughts become when confused. Having the Mermar disrupt whatever plans might have been in play, Marcelius himself would have found that distracting.
From here on out it would be a contest of strengths. Prying the sword from his hand, in hopes of casting it aside. Like taking matches from a child, an effort to make him safe. Had any reiatsu started to return, possibly the beginnings of a Kido, another Mermar would pass from Marc's hand into Master Shiba's throat...nothing honestly faster than that seemed possible. This was an unfair chain of events, yes. Marcelius' eyes would appear rather distraught, actually, through the whole ordeal. Having to endanger a life...having to listen, as his opponent's mind screams and claws for solutions and air.
More than anything else, it grieved him to have to do this. How then could he muster the stomach for it? Well...what is the alternative? Kazuko attempts to release, possibly succeeds, and then makes it impossible for Marc to subdue him? At that point, he would have to use all his energy...to merely fracture necessary joints. The agony that would cause, it was barbaric and cruel. This was the best way, safer and efficient. As Kazuko had tried to express, this was war. With so many lives possibly on the line, Marcelius had to be rude...he had to do whatever it took to spare the lives his Death God enemies would not.
Spiritual Exhaustion - 0/4
Physical Exhaustion - 0/8
Remaining Reiatsu - 1350/1500
-100, Sonido (Marc will only be using half of his full speed -300- for the sake of this. Firstly, because he is old and hates moving quickly. Secondly, it is necessary to move at a pace closer to Kazuko -Shunpo Factored In- for his attack to be accurate. This goes with the whole, predicting and traveling with the enemy...yadda yadda. Mostly he's old...)
-50, Mermar Bala