The Mountain and The Hound [R, NDE]

[Deleted]

Thread Title: The Mountain and The Hound [R, NDE]
Participants: Alma De Los Lobos, Katrina Kawada
World: Human World
Death Setting: Non Death Enabled
Rating: R
Location: Dallas, Texas. Suburban Neighborhoods.
Special Conditions: None.
Circumstances: Alma De Los Lobos, soon after becoming a Menos Grande, manages to assume control of her body, and continue in her evolution. With her consciousness at the helm, she tears a portal into the Land of the Living, in search of more souls to devour. Katrina, Noble of the Kawada, intercedes into the Land of the Living for business of her own, but finds more than just that on her trip.

[Deleted]

The voices wouldn’t shut up.

They clamored together, fighting to be heard, chafing against one another for supremacy. There were so many. Even in the deepest, darkest, and dampest recesses of their world, the noise was inescapable. As a collective, they tried to govern the realm they resided in, but they were flawed. The actions of one voice were inconsequential, however, and hardly anything got done. Indecision led to more bickering, and thus nothing happened. It was an endless cycle. Not until one voice, lost in the echo, found itself, and along with it, the will and fury of the hunt. She tore at the voices, one by one; there were thousands upon thousands that she devoured. Some ran. Some fought back. But no matter what they did, they were soon snuffed out. Eventually, silence reigned. She was alone. Their body – or should she say her body – was hers to command, fully. With only one voice in control, Alma basked in the glory of her own consciousness. I am… the greatest! She howled, filling the emptiness of her mind with her glory.

Her new body was massive in comparison to her last, lupine one. She towered high above her world, unable to recognize even the individual grains of sands resided everywhere. The body that Alma now possessed was completely different than she had always known; it annoyed her. But at the same time, it also brought the wolf great pleasure. She could feel the power. Thousands upon thousands had converged together to create that body, and the power of every one of them was now at her disposal. She reeked of it. It made living as she was bearable. But the void remained. The gnawing, incessant inferno that would creep slowly at her sanity, making her forsake reason at times. Alma needed more. She needed more to sedate her carnal needs. There were others like her; massive hulking cloaked Hollows that roamed the lands, scouring for meals. They worked together, like a collective, hunting for food. Alma was a glutton, and a predator. She had no need for packs as dimwitted at these. So she ate them as well.

Eventually, the wolf had no nothing left to eat. She scoured forests and plains alike, but only the smallest of creatures were there to mock her hunger. It was like throwing sand into the ocean that was her emptiness. In her frustration, the wolf raised a sleeved hand forward, following her instinct. She gripped reality itself, tearing into the existence with her claws. A tear opened. Grudgingly, the tear opened to encompass her size, and with a climatic step, the wolf ventured forth into the nothingness. But what she found on the other side was not nothing, but the Land of the Living. Below her were buildings, both tall and small, and streets that twined and bent as they went on. She had been to this land before, and the wolf rejoiced in the thrill. How long has it been since I’ve been here? I can’t seem to remember, or maybe I just don’t care? Now that I think about it, I’ve been away from the Escudo as well. I wonder how Lucian is fairing then? The wolf gazed down at the denizens that of the city, all walking here and there in lives of monotony and routine.

I guess I’ll have to pay them a visit later, then.

Without so much of a warning, the wolf struck out with her large arm, crutching the tops of some buildings with her weight alone. The debris scoured atop the streets, causing cars and people alike to veer and panic. The wolf only took a few steps, and already, she had crushed bystanders as they gawked at the damage. It was so easy. To have all that power at her finger tips. It sent a chill all along her spine. But it ruined the hunt for her. Eating was her goal, but the hunt was made it worthwhile. Humans could do little to comfort her on both fronts, unfortunately. Annoyed, the Gillian scooped into her hand three humans, which to observers, seemed to be levitating in the air. She tossed them into her massive maw, down into the pit of her emptiness. They barely made a dent in her hunger. The wolf needed more to sedate her wanton lust; she needed a thrill, a challenge, and it was not until she glanced at her side that she found just that. A small thing, but one with an aura that promised fulfillment.

Her voice was hoarse, crude, but it was there all the same. “Let’s… have a little game." She called out, which, to the surprise of any knowledgeable Shinigami, was a feet in and of itself.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Stats/Skills}

Alma De Los Lobos: Menos Grande: Level 1, Soldier

Strength – [100] (150)
Speed – [150]
Spiritual Pressure – [50] (35)
Reiatsu Strength – [55]
Light Aura – [0]
Dark Aura – [100]
Instinct – [100]
Senses – [50]
Energy Sensory – [0]
Healing Expertise – [0]

Total SP: 505


Abilities

Battle Analysis {2}
Analyzing {2}
Calm Mind {2}
Learning {2}
Pain Tolerance {2}
Bleeding Tolerance {2}
Stealth {2}

Total SKP: 15 (1 Unused)

(OOC: Three NPC Class 8 Humans eaten.)

[Deleted]

After her recent misadventures in the human world, Katrina was being careful, not to mention paranoid. Of course, the misadventures weren't entirely her fault. The Kawada Gatekeepers were to blame, as well. It was entirely their fault. After all, she didn't purposely go to those places. They were just entirely incompetent.

But still. Katrina was bringing part of the family guard. They weren't that powerful - not even as strong as her, even - but there were six of them. That, at least, should prevent her from stumbling into the charming web of a certain inventor ... or, well, from getting into trouble again, really. She has the worst luck when it came to her little excursions to the Human World ...

The Senkai Gate blossomed into existence, admitting the figures of the Kawada family. Six, identically garbed Shinigami, flanking a short, golden clad girl. The golden gates closed swiftly behind them as they stood, invisible to normal man, on the sidewalk of this Texas suburb. Electric eyes flashed to the nearest guard. "Why are we here?" The guard looked suddenly nervous. He swallowed, a knot rising in his throat. "W-well, Mistress-"

He was cut off, suddenly, by a wave of reaitsu that crippled the six, leaving them painting for breath on the ground. Only Katrina remained standing; after spending so much time around two captain level shinigami, weak pressure such as this couldn't faze her. But there was something ... wrong with the feel of it, as if there hundreds of different-

And then it hit her. She didn't need the black cloaked skyscraper, nor the destruction of the buildings to warn her about what was here. "Gillian!" She hissed these words, but inside she was frightened. She felt so small and powerless next to such a creature. But she steeled herself. Fear was nothing compared to duty.

Then it spoke to her. She managed to hide her surprise under a sneering mask of indifference, though inside, she felt like a terrified little girl. It want pleasant feeling, being so utterly terrified. She hated it, hated it more than anything in the world. It's why she pushed herself to her limits eff get day of her life; to get strong enough to conquer even fear.

A shunpo took her skyward. Her special training made flash step incredibly easy for her. There were no signs or signals that she was going to move; she just did, flickering from Bertie to appear feet from the creatures head. Two glittering blades were held loosely at her side, golden as sunshine. "I am Katrina Kawada. Leave or die."

OOC: Remaining Reaitsu: 280/330

SPOILER: Click to show

Strength - 70 - 50% = 35 Points

Speed - 100 + 50% = 150 Points

Spiritual Pressure - 50 - 40% = 33 Points

Reiatsu Strength - 50 + 50% = 75 Points

Light Aura - 75 Points

Dark Aura - 25 Points

Instinct - 100 - 25% = 75

Senses - 75 + 50% = 112 Points

Energy sensory - 50 - 25% = 38 Points

Healing Expertise - 0 Points

Total SP: 495 Points


[Stealth] {1}

[Weapon: Swords] {1}

[Weapon: Throwing Weapons] {1}

[Martial Arts: Hakuda] {1}

[Battle Analysis] {1}

[Kido] {1}

[Hoho] {1}

[Mental Incantation] {1}


x1 Zanpakutou
x1 Uchigatana
x1 Dagger
x1 Soul Gauge
x5 Senbon
x20 Kunai
x25 Shuriken
x30 Wire
x1 Ordinary Chain
x10 Explosive Tags
x15 Explosive Balls
x5 Ice Kunai
x5 Lightning Kunai
x1 Automatic Lockpick
x1 Utility Belt
x3 Sword Clips
x6 Kunai Clips
x1 Large Pouch

[Deleted]

Her snout bent wickedly into a grin, her maw reeking of blood and excrement, highlighted by stains of crimson. The girl was not alone, it seemed, as she was accompanied by an entourage of men, but they seemed to be quaking – whether from her pressure or fear, it was not yet certain to her. Regardless, for now, those men were at the back of her mind; the object of her lust decided to disregard safety and make the first move. She disappeared with a step, appearing mere feet from the face of the wolf; whether she was stupid or brave, it was hard to tell. Alma, however, loved the hunt, and the thrill it brought, so for her sake of mind, she chose to believe that the girl was brave. It delighted the wolf to great lengths knowing that she finally had a potential opponent to arouse her interest. The girl certainly seemed to posses the qualities of a valuable hunt, judging off her speed alone. Alma had seen these movement abilities from opponents before, and was delighted to know that the girl could do that much. She might be as entertaining as those Quincy I ate; especially that brave one… he was a great snack too. The wolf, however, knew the danger of having prey so close to her, but the sword cut both ways.

Katrina had decided to move dangerously close to the face of the hollow, clearly determined to make a stake at dominance or resistance on her part. The wolf, however, was keen on the hunt, and decided to take the advantage in the error of her movements. Katrina feet from the face of the wolf, would find her body suddenly blown backwards as Alma howled at her at point blank range. She had made a mistake at moving so close when she knew so little of her abilities. At the same time, the body of the girl would be sliced at five different places as blades within the howl cut her body, drawing blood and the like, and would deflect any of her attacks or tools. For someone her size, Alma suspected that the girl knew little of her physical capabilities, or her powers. Most Gillian were slow, hulking beasts with small minds. But Alma was the greatest among them. Even large and imposing, her speed and strength would likely not be suspected. She could probably use that to her advantage later on. With Katrina likely blown back and damaged, the wolf would speak, her voice, still disfigured, but still present. “Katrina Kawada, was it? I’m glad you want to play… the game is simple, really. Whoever lives, is the winner, and the one who dies is the loser. The name of the game? Survival of the Fittest.” Amber eyes gleamed in delight, as the wolf spoke, her voice foul.

Alma, conceited and sadistic as she was, however, was not a fool in either life or combat. The wolf had eaten countless souls, but had not done so due to luck alone. The wolf was skilled in the hunt, and all its nuances. Life or death was often decided in the span of seconds, so she knew when to play on advantages when they came to her, as well as disadvantages. That was how she had survived for so long. When she used her Razor Howl, the wolf stepped back a few steps, her mind keen and ready for surprises from the small girl. Who knew what powers or abilities she possessed, or could put into play. For now, however, the movement only served to give her more distance from her food, but she could change that in a moment’s notice if need be. As she moved, she cracked the street below, her weight on the balls of her massive feet too much for the concrete roads. Her thoughts drifted between the girl and the men who had accompanied her. Now that she thought about, they would make good meals too. She would play with them later though. Regardless, Alma decided to play with her meal before she had enough… the day was young, and she desperately wanted entertainment in the bowls of her boredom and hunger. This might be entertaining after all…


Remaining Reiatsu: 250/350 (-100 for Razor Howl)

[Deleted]

It was arrogance that drove her to such reckless extremes. Hubris, they call it. A feeling of misplaced invulnerablility. After all, she's a Kawada. The Reapers of Shinigami and the slayers of kings!! Gillian aren't too powerful, right? Surely they don't have any hidden secrets, that a fifth seat can easily take one. They're only hollows after all. How difficult can it be?

Judging from the red liquid seeping through on five different parts of her torso, very much so. Shock registered across her pretty face as the pain hit her, cutting her ego down to size. It was knocked down a couple more pegs when she got blasted to the ground, sliding along before coming to a crumpled heap on the ground.

"W-wha-"

The hesitant stammer came from her before she could stop it, caught in the confusion of the attack. Her black hair, still pin straight despite the tumble, was brushed out of her face. 'The Gillian ... it talks ...' Gingerly, she touched her injuries. They were mostly shallow -thankfully - but they still hurt, a constant burn that reminded her of her mistake.

And what a mistake. She felt like a complete idiot for doing that. She learned a long time ago not to underestimate anybody, no matter their size or race, even if they are filthy creatures. A shudder ran up her spine as she thought of the words Cousin Kenryoku would use. "Weak" and "useless" get thrown around alot.

She tore herself back to reality. Now wasn't the time to be zoning off. A Gillian, apparently possessing speech and some sort of ... razor wind was currently attacking the lower Dallas area. Katrina wasn't sure if she could win this fight; ten seconds in and she already has five separate wounds on her torso. That is going to push the fight in the favor of this creature.

The grip tightened on the golden blade held in her hand. Ice blue eyes flashed towards the creature. 'He's large ... and with some killer breath.' A smirk spread across her face at her own joke. 'But I can't imagine he's very fast ... large creatures never are.'

She risked a glance backwards at the guard. They had all succumbed to darkness, or aids. A wave a guilt washed over her. It was her fault they were there, her fault they were dying, her fault- 'Self pity never did anyone good.' She berated herself silently. 'If I wish to save them ... I must be brave. This creature cannot be allowed to consume anymore innocent souls.'

She was terrified. Her heart beat like a rock in her chest. She could feel it. She could feel the wind as it slid over her exposed skin, the pain of her wounds ... Hypersensitivity, they call it. She could feel the beads of sweat roll down the small of her naked back that had nothing to do with the heat. He knuckles were white with the strength she was using to clench her blade at her side.

They terrified her. There was no worse fate than being consumed. To lose your face, your soul, everything that defines you as an individual ... Katrina wouldn't wish that fate, not for herself nor her worst enemy. And she was terrified. Duty ordered her to fight this thing, lead it away and kill it before it can kill anyone else ...but she was scared.

Yet she couldn't be. So many people were relying on her. The guard, the civilian souls ... the Soul Society. She had to slay this creature. But how could she accomplish that? She was so small, and this creature so large. And how does one fight an incarnation of your worst fear?

Then an idea struck her, a brilliant, suicidal idea ...

"Very well." Her voice rang chat, freed of the fear that had so previously consumed her. Hey eyes blazed into the creatures. "If you wish to eat, filth, follow." She ran, into the building next to her. Her sword was flashing, cutting through the various obstacles in her way. In near no time, she came out the back.

She knew the creature would follow; it was controlled by base urges, and hunger the most dominant. To ensure is follow, however, she let her Reaitsu pour behind her, like blowing the scent of a particularly juicy steak into the face of a starving man. She was weaving now, in between buildings and trees. There was a park, a hundred yards ahead. At this time if day, it was empty but for the homeless.

Running was not an easy task. It wasn't easy in the first place, her injured legs providing a constant reminder of her weakness. But now, with five new cuts to add ... A cold sort of clarity cut through the adrenaline. She had to make a report to the SS. If she died, they would know why.

Her voice was shaky and breathless as she placed the call. Katrina Kawada, fifth seat of squad two. Engaging a gillian. Survival is not guaranteed ... tell my father I love him.

OOC: Stamina count: 1/4

[Deleted]

Alma watched the girl as she fought down the fear that reeked on her body, and made a dash for the nearest building, some place clearly in mind. She has a strong will to survive… I like that. It just makes you want to crush it. The wolf grinned visibly, watching as the girl raised her spiritual pressure, enticing her. For someone intent on surviving and running, they sure know how to attract others. Does she take me for a fool? The smelled a trap when she knew one. The girl would have been better off just running, and letting the wolf do the rest, but now something was off, especially with the delicious trail she left for her. Regardless of what she does, it makes no difference. I might as well play with her first, however. the massive hollow watched as the girl ran into a building, using her sword to try and clear a path for herself. Alma noted the way the girl swung the blade, and the difficulty she had trying to cut through the stone. She’s not very strong either. Oh, I have a fun idea! The Hollow bent down, getting a bit of a spring to her step. Both the Hollow and the Shinigami, for now, were equal in speed, but the Hollow knew that the girl would be slowed down as she tried to make a path for herself through the building, meaning there would be a nice surprise for her.

The wolf jumped high, using her size and weight to her advantage in this situation, and landed on the building that Katrina was trying to go through. With her weight and strength, the building would collapse from the ceiling all the way down to the ground floor, causing large amounts of debris and stone to fall downward toward the girl. Katrina had decided to go through a building, meaning her escape routes would be few and far between making things that much more interesting, especially for straight path movements like with step techniques. The building would collapse on top of Katrina, along with Alma herself, both sealing her in and crushing her. Earlier, the wolf noted the weak strength of the girl and she was barely managing to utilize it along with her sword. Something like a Gillian and a building falling on her would not end well for someone like her. I love playing cat and mouse… especially when the mice are so willing to play. Alma then glanced at the men who had accompanied the girl, still breathing albeit with difficulty, and began to ponder how well they tasted. They would come later, however. Alma still wanted to play with Katrina before she moved on to the rest of the festivities of the day.


Remaining Reiatsu: 250/350

[Deleted]

... I suppose I'll claim what little TP I'll get out of this.

[Kyomei Kuchiki]

+110 TP to Katrina. Your paragraphs are getting -really- short again. I don't count 2-3 line paragraphs as full ones, only half ones.