Things That Go Bump in the Night [PG-13, NDE, Easy-Medium]

[Jin Yamada]

The eyes of the Shihoin never strayed from Vesta as the young girl began explaining. The Shihoin woman stared at Vesta intently. It appeared that the woman was not yet trusting of the young girl. Vesta had a doll, so she wasn’t just a young girl. Because she could summon a doll, there was reason to be cautious. And given the current situation between Soul Society and Bount, the woman was supposed to kill this young girl on sight. Instead, she chose to spare Vesta for now, given that the young Bount had been helping her comrade. If she wanted, she could have feasted on his soul to strengthen herself and yet, she didn’t. This meant that the girl was not a threat.

”You have my word.” the woman stated in response to Vesta’s initial questions. She bowed towards the young girl once more while speaking, ”You have my gratitude for saving my comrade. That act alone suggests that you are not a threat.” Afterwards, the two continued to delve into conversation. Vesta filled the woman in on what she was doing before her appearance. She also explained what she believed had happened to Yuma. With every word Vesta spoke, the woman listened intently. She heard everything, and noted it all mentally.

When Vesta finished, the woman gave a small smirk. ”You must be new to summoning your doll, then?” the Shihoin asked. ”You did not know what another doll looked like. So does this mean you had not encountered another Bount since learning to summon your own?” Sakura asked curiously. The Shihoin woman was perplexed that Vesta was so…new to her powers. She remembered bits and pieces from the records on the Bount. She knew of the powers that the race had shown up until now; though the Bount she had just escaped from had used powers she had been unfamiliar with. Records listed that Bount were nomads. They traveled around in small groups most of the time, wandering from one place to the next. It was difficult for them to fit in amongst regular humans, which caused them to isolate themselves amongst other Bount when they could no longer hide amongst humans because of their immortality.

After Vesta was able to respond to Sakura’s question, the Shihoin’s eyes suddenly widened as she made a realization. "That Bount might have followed me here!" she exclaimed. She grew worried for Vesta and for her comrade, Yuma. "That Bount and his doll are powerful. We cannot stay here long or he will find us…” Suddenly, the Shihoin was no longer calm and composed. Rather, her stoic disposition had melted away to express her worry and concern. She looked to Vesta and then to Yuma, calculating how she would be able to get her comrade to safety and protect Vesta at the same time. She couldn’t leave him behind and she couldn’t allow the Bount to harm Vesta. ”When he gets here, you run away. Take Yuma with you and go. I will hold him off.” Now, her stoic disposition had returned and she once more spoke in that authoritative tone she had used to beckon Vesta to follow her. Her hands moved to the hood at her back and she lifted it over her head, one more shrouding her face in shadows beneath the hood. She stepped forward and placed her hand to the hilt of the blade sheathed at her back, preparing herself for the Bount’s arrival. Would she let the woman protect them on her own? If Vesta wanted to speak up, now was her chance.

---

”Arrgggh” the Bount cried out as he was overtaken by the make-shift bulldozer formed by he Failure. The Bount was too slow to outrun Keira’s arms. He had also felt the sharp pain that had come from the death of his doll. It had distracted him enough that he had been unable to use another step technique to get away. He was sent crashing into a tree and lay there as he groaned in pain. ”You’re still nothing but a ticking time bomb…” the Bount hissed. He tried sitting up against the tree, groaning in pain as he moved his body into a sitting position. His eyes glared at the Failure with deep hatred. ”So, what happens now? You gonna kill me, ticking time bomb?” His eyes suddenly lit up as his mouth stretched into a wide grin. ”Because if you let me go, we’ll come back to destroy you…” he said before breaking into a fit of laughter.

Nameless Bount's Reiatsu: 525/1500 (-400 for Doll Death)

---

”The hell?” Tyrone cried out when he suddenly felt his legs give way. It wasn’t until a second later that he finally felt the pain. It had taken his mind time to process what had happened. He cried out in pain upon feeling the deep cut in his leg caused by Luke’s doll. ”Ahhhh, I’mma kill you, mothafucka!” Tyrone threatened. He fell to one knee and placed a hand to the five cuts on his leg in an attempt to apply pressure there. Had he been a normal human, he might even have fainted from the pain. But, this man was no normal human. His body was more durable than a normal human’s because of his half-spiritual nature. He was in pain, for sure, but he would not faint because of his tolerance to it. He would definitely bleed out, but it would take him longer.

”Shit! What you do to me?” Tyrone cried out upon realizing that he could no longer physically interact with his leg. He couldn’t even stand on it, not because of the pain, but because he couldn’t feel it there physically. What he did feel, however, was a constant searing pain in the entire leg, not just from those cuts. He screamed out in pain again. ”Alestar, I’m down!” he called out to his partner.

You’re on your own! He’s going to kill you either way anyway…” that was Alestar’s response from that misty form of his. ”Oh it’s like that? I don’t wanna die, mannn! Help a brotha out!” If Luke was able to hear anything while he was making his way for the exit, he might question who it was the two were talking about. Was it the one who had sent them? Luke might also wonder why it was that Tyrone had been hit when Alestar hadn’t. When Luke had punched the other Bount, Alestar had become mist. So then, why hadn’t Tyrone? Was it because the attack had been so unexpected? Or was it because he couldn’t? So far, Tyrone had shown no special abilities apart from his superhuman speed. It was probably safe to assume that his former co-worker was probably a new Bount just like him, someone sent in to scout before Alestar finally made his move. So then…that meant that Alestar was the true threat here.

The mist continued to billow out and fill the room. It was catching up to Luke! But, the door was just ahead. It was right infront of him! Was he going to make it?

Alestar’s Reiatsu: 1650/2000

Nebel: 3/6

[Deleted]

Luke felt like his lungs were about to burst right out of his chest. Just how hard was he running? After seeing whatever the fuck that thing was and what it had done to Tyrone all Luke could focus on was getting the hell out of that store. What was Luke more terrified of? The shadow thing or the guy who made himself into gas? That answer should have been really freaking obvious. Escape was what was on his mind as he sprinted, the door out of the store was just ahead of him. It was only a few feet away! His shoulder slammed itself into the metal, flinging the heavy metal door open and giving Luke his first taste of night air for the day. Quickly, however, the young adult spun and slammed that door shut behind him and slammed himself up against it, thinking himself safe for the moment. Just what the hell was happening tonight? What the hell was going on? He needed to get help. He needed to get the police. Luke started slapping his pockets.

He had his phone? Luke actually had his stupid little fucking shit phone? The entire time!? Luke had his shitty little cellphone this whole time!? Luke ripped that thing out of his pocket and flipped it open and immediately started pressing those three numbers. Granted, with what everything that had happened it made sense that Luke had forgotten about his phone. He couldn't have used it for a flashlight in the dark because it was one of those shitty flip phones that nobody actually sold anymore. He hadn't had the time to pull it out when he was being chased by Tyrone or held aloft by Alestar. "This is emergency services. Are you okay? How may we help you?" Luke was never happier to hear another voice in his life! He was about to answer when something suddenly slammed into the door he was pushing himself against to keep closed, causing him to yell and drop his phone.

And like any good horror movie the dumbass accidently stepped on it.

Back inside the store Tyrone was...not having a good time. After maiming it's victim, whatever it was that came out of Luke decided that if it couldn't get the other guy because he was a big stinking cloud then playing around a bit more with the one that couldn't move, but could be touched, sounded like both a better idea and just more entertaining. As Tyrone lay there, unable to move, crying out for his partner to help him he would have failed to notice the entity rising up from the shadows behind him. But, honestly, even if Tyrone did notice it what exactly would have he been able to done? Tyrone would find himself grabbed onto by the creature and slung back and forth between both shelves in the aisle. It had little issue with lifting Tyrone.

And it had ever less issue with treating him like a ragdoll held by a rambunctious four year old. Unless Tyrone could find a way to stop Jäger from throwing him across the store, the unfortunate man would have a lot more problems than a shadow leg. "You know what I just realized? I can talk. Isn't that weird? I don't have a mouth but I can talk...oh question does this hurt?" Jäger asked as it dragged its claws through Tyrones right arm, causing the same effect like what happened to his leg. "Please keep the screaming to a minimum. All I needed was a yes or n-what did I say about screaming!?" Just what the hell was this thing? It ended up dragging Tyrone into the back room, where Luke had been fleeing towards for the emergency exit, and suddenly threw the man at the door itself. "What were we talking about again? Chihuahuas? I'm not a big fan of hairless Pomeranians myself." What the hell was it talking about? The entity, having gotten done throwing Tyrone at the door was now just...standing there. Its head was turning back and forth as if looking for something.

"Where did everyone go?"

[Kiera Bright]

Several things had happened in very quick succession. Things that Keira was very glad to know have happened. The screams of pain from the bount had told her that she had managed to hit him this time, and with the force that her arms were capable of hitting, the chase was done. The second thing was the orb of darkness dissipating once she was unable to feel the dolls presence anymore. It seems that even without her eyes, she was still able to it. She smiled proudly then shifted her attention to the injured bount. Her glare returned seeing him struggling to lean against a tree. Everything about him just pissed her off now. If she hadn't had need for a bount experimental subject, she would have crushed him then and there. 

”You’re still nothing but a ticking time bomb…” She contemplated crushing him anyway. Maybe she would be able to extract some spiritual data from the pulp that remains of his body, but she sighed inwardly. That would be a bigger pain in the ass than letting him live in confinement. ”So, what happens now? You gonna kill me, ticking time bomb?” He would like that she bet. His grin still unnerved her, but far less so than when he tried to eat her. ”Because if you let me go, we’ll come back to destroy you…” That was the thing now wasn't it? Let him live and risk his friends coming for him and her, or kill him and waste all this time fighting and chasing him. 

She recalled her reiatsu arms around her one of them roughly grabbing the man by the face lifting him up. It squeezed him to the point of being in a slight amount of pain, but not enough to injure him further, or restrict his ability to breath too much. Four more grabbed him soon after one on each arm and leg. Keira's smile returned walking closer to the immobilized bount. "No I will not kill you. As annoying as you are, you are still of value to me alive more so than dead." She tightened the arm's grip on his limbs intentionally causing a fair amount of pain. "Now the choice isn't about if I want to kill you or not. It is if you want to tell me everything you know, and help me regain my stability. Both preferable, but either order works just as well." She walked back to the arm she was riding on and mounted it sitting comfortably. "Now lets go have a little chat. I would love to see what makes you tick." They sped back to the asylum. Once they both entered the asylum, only one of them was going to be leaving. She wasn't going to let a subject go until it gave her everything it could. 

[Vesta Zweig]

When the shinigami gave her word that she wouldn't try to kill her, Vesta let go of a breath she didn't even know she was holding. This was one of the first new shinigami that she had met and from what she had heard from Jin and others, she needed to be on guard. But, so far, shinigami didn't seem to be so kill on sight anymore. Well, it was either that or she just lucked out and ran into nice shinigami.

She then said because she had saved her comrade, it made her not a threat. Of course she wasn't a threat! But, she at least trusted her this much to actually talk to her. This new woman smirked at her, saying that she was new to summoning her doll if she didn't recognize the other doll. There was some truth to that, but then again, she's had Zorn for a good amount of time now, so she didn't consider herself new.

"Well, I'm not really new, per se, on summoning my Doll. But, he is the first Doll that I have come into contact with where the Bount was nowhere in sight. The only other Bount release I've seen was where the Doll appeared behind the man and he actually called out to it. Dolls can take different forms, so maybe it's a little more difficult to tell them apart than you think."

When the woman got worried about something, Vesta started to look around. She didn't even think that the stupid Doll could've actually followed them to this spot. Vesta stood by Zorn to try to calm herself. It was then that the woman said that she was to run away with her friend once the Bount and/or got here, so she could hold it off. Vesta definitely didn't like this plan. "This Doll is powerful. I don't want to leave you here alone with it. You haven't seen all my power yet, let me help."

[Jin Yamada]

Tyrone found his screams for help ignored by his partner, Alestar. Essentially, Alestar had told him he was on his own. Now with no help, and a leg that he couldn’t use, Tyrone found himself at the mercy of the doll which he could not see. He was grabbed and thrown around against his will. His body was being lifted and thrown into shelves like a rag doll. From the pain of that and the searing pain in his leg and now his right arm, the Bount passed out. That was the moment that Jäger realized that he was alone. The mist that had been hovering over them was mostly gone at this point, with the majority of it heading into the backroom where Luke had gone. If he hurried, Jäger might just be able to save his new master.

Luke had been able to reach the backdoor and found himself outside, where he was safe. By pushing himself against the back door, he kept it shut and prevented any of that mist from flowing out to follow him. It was a good move, but it would not work for long. Something like a door would not deter Alestar when he set his sights on someone. Using movement, the Bount rushed forward, enhancing his speed in order to enhance the force of his charge. He slammed into the door and pushed it open, which also caused Luke to stumble forward and drop his phone. Now, Alestar could easily get to Luke.

The young man would see the older Bount standing before him, right fist held in his left hand to crack his knuckles. A wide grin was on the man’s face and his eyes were as hungry as ever. ”I’ll take care of you before your doll gets to us. There’s nowhere you can run from here where I won’t find you…” the Bount taunted. And with that, he lunged towards Luke, boosting his speed once again with a Movement enhanced step. His hand was out, in an attempt to grab at Luke’s throat and choke the man unconscious so he could capture him. He drew closer to Luke, who knew no techniques which would help evade the man. To Luke, the man had probably disappeared before his eyes.

Today was not the day Luke would have to say goodbye. Today was a good day for Luke. Today was a good day for the young man because of what happened next. First, he would be able to see Alestar once again, but now the man was leaning against the wall with blood dripping from the corner of his mouth. The man looked disheveled and annoyed. Next, Luke would notice the figure standing before him. His savior wore a long black cloak with a hood, which would prevent Luke from identifying the figure. And with their back to him, he wouldn’t be able to see the face either. It appeared that this individual had been the one to stop Alestar’s charge and save him.

”Worry not, he sensed you were in trouble and sent his right-hand man to help. With me at your side, you won’t die today.” the figure declared bodly, speaking infront of him rather than turning to face Luke. Luke would note that the figure’s voice was distinctly male and the way he spoke was in such a charismatic way that it may have even made Luke feel safe in the figure’s presence. ”I’m going to kill the both of you…” Alestar growled. He lunged forward again, but the figure intercepted him. ”Run away from here. Now!” the figure called back as he moved forward. Alestar found a knee planted into his stomach, which caused him to stumble backwards. As he stumbled, the figure launched a powerful kick with the same leg, a kick which sent Alestar reeling backwards. The man was resistant, however, and did not fall. Instead, he skid back until he came to a stop and fell to his knees.

”I don’t know who you are…but you’re not going to stop me from taking him!” Alestar shouted in frustration. He burst into grey smoke, smoke which launched itself towards the figure and Luke, but the man was already on the move. Not missing a beat, the man launched towards Luke and was already on the move, getting away from that approaching cloud of smoke. Luke would be whisked away, and would find the man’s left arm wrapped around him, holding him close to the man’s side. When Luke looked down, if he focused his ability to see reiatsu, he would see what looked like a platform of blue reiatsu at the man’s feet that was moving along a railway made of reiatsu at incredible speed. But, that wasn’t the point. The man was speaking to him again. ”I am sure you have lots of questions right now, but worry not, we will answer all of them once you are safe.” the man reassured. But, Luke could still ask even if he wanted to. Meanwhile, Alestar was not too far behind, continuing to travel in that cloud of smoke that burst from his body.

Alestar’s Reiatsu: 1550/2000 (-50 for Movement, -50 for Rauch)

---

The Shihoin looked back at the young Bount and contemplated. She was thinking about Vesta’s offer for help. While she knew she should not be endangering the young girl by involving her, she also knew strategically that she was outnumbered. With Vesta at her side, it would be 3 against 1. But there was also the chance that it could possibly even be 3 against 4 if the man had more dolls. Sakura was supposed to be protecting Vesta and any other beings living in this realm, but she knew she would be endangering Vesta by allowing her to fight. The young girl insisted, however, so it was possible that Vesta could truly handle herself. She didn’t look like the type to back down.

Strategically, it made more sense to allow Vesta to fight beside her, which was why Sakura reluctantly accepted the Bount’s offer. ”Alright, but if you help you must follow my lead. I’m endangering your life by allowing you to help.” The woman looked down at Yuma and then back at the door. She positioned herself near his body, to protect him once the Bount arrived. She would not let anything happen to him or to Arantima, if he was still alive. ”They are coming!” Sakura called out. But, there was not much time to react.

The door to the warehouse was punctured and forced inwards by something silver which came shooting towards them. She could not get away fast enough, so Sakura could only side step the elongated silver object which resembled a lance. She stumbled after side stepping, and the silver doll took advantage. An extension shot out from that silver lance and formed into a fist which punched Sakura in the stomach and sent her flying into the back of the warehouse. As she hit the ground with a thud, she groaned.

Vesta was next. While the doll had attacked Sakura, another silver lance launched towards Vesta from the hole in the warehouse door. Seeing what happened to Sakura, it would not be wise to remain close after dodging it. And given what she saw the doll do in order to prevent the metal objects from crushing it earlier, there was a possibility that the doll could easily liquefy around any barrier Vesta tried to put up for protection. So now, she had a choice of what she could do. This was her chance to show the results of her training, to use what she had been taught by the Bount Leader.

Meanwhile, the Bount also decided to show himself, kicking in the damaged warehouse door in order to make his entrance. Finally, the master stood before them. He was garbed in skinny blue jeans, torn at the knee, a black t-shirt with an unbuttoned long-sleeve white shirt on top, and black sneakers. ”Well well well, so the Shinigami did meet up with her comrade after all?” he asked as he scanned the room. When he saw Yuma lying on the ground he grinned. ”But it looks like my doll got to him first.” he said, chuckling to himself. He took a few more steps into the warehouse and eyed Vesta and Sakura, who was now trying to stand after that unexpected blow. ”You…” the Bount said, pointing at Vesta now. ”I’ll make you regret your decision to side with her against me. My name is Yusei, and I’m the strongest out of the guys I brought here.” he informed her, even going so far as to reveal his name and the fact that he had come with others. Indicating that he was the strongest out of the Bount he had come with meant that he would be trouble for Vesta even with the Sakura’s aid. And with that, his doll retracted its lancelike arms and stepped into the warehouse behind its master, choosing to remain still and unmoving until it was directed to action.


Yusei’s Reiatsu: 2600/3000

Doll’s Reiatsu: 1400/1500

SPOILER: Click to show

{Sakura's Stats}
Class 4. Level 1 Shadow Type.
Strength: 100 (50)
Speed: 250 (375)
Spiritual Pressure: 200 (120)
Reiatsu Strength: 100 (130)
Light Aura: 50
Dark Aura: 50
Instinct: 150 (225)
Senses: 100 (75)
Energy Sensory: 50 (37.5)
Healing Expertise: 0
Total SP: 1000

SPOILER: Click to show

{Yusei's & Doll's Stats}
Class 4. Level 1 Soldier Type.
Strength: 100
Speed: 200
Spiritual Pressure: 200 (300)
Reiatsu Strength: 150 (105)
Light Aura: 0
Dark Aura: 100
Instinct: 100
Senses: 100
Energy Sensory: 50
Healing Expertise: 0
Total SP: 1000


Powers will come soon. Here are the stats, I messed up the first time:

Class 4. Level 1 Runner Type.
Strength: 100 (50)
Speed: 200 (400)
Spiritual Pressure: 300
Reiatsu Strength: 200
Light Aura: 20
Dark Aura: 80
Instinct: 100
Senses: 100
Energy Sensory:
Healing Expertise: 0
Total SP: 1000

---

OOC: Feel free to write up whatever experiments you do in your next post.

The Bount screamed as Keira experimented on him. He wanted to kill her with every fiber of his being. He wanted to destroy her for what she was doing to him, but he could not. He was weakened, and she had done something to prevent him from using his reiatsu right away. He was helpless, which is why after many tortures had passed, he finally decided to reveal to her some information. ”My…my name is…Akira.” he stammered out when he finally got a chance to speak amidst the tortures he had been enduring. ”I don’t…know how you can become stable again. From what I know, you’re…you’re stuck like that…” He began wheezing, trying to catch his breath. He had endured so much pain before finally giving in that now it was difficult to focus on anything else but the pain. But still, he continued in order to give Keira more information. ”I..I won’t tell you nothin’ else besides that..” he said confidently despite his weakened state. A small smile came to his face. He was clearly pleased with himself, at being able to endure the pain and not divulge any information on what he had been doing in the forest where she found him. ”They’ll come for me…and they’ll kill you…” he warned her through his ragged breathing.

So there it was. The Bount Keira had captured, who revealed himself as Akira, was unwilling to divulge more information. He didn’t even know anything about her stability or how she had lost it. He knew of Failures, but not of how they came about. She would be better off obtaining answers about her race from someone else, possibly another Failure. Akira looked up at the young Failure girl and continued smiling, reveling in the knowledge that she wanted information he would not give her. In a way, he was also torturing her by keeping information. He was more afraid of failing his mission than of what Keira could do to him. He was even willing to die for whatever cause he had bee working for. Keira was in quite the predicament. How would she obtain the information she wanted?

SPOILER: Click to show

{Technique for Reference}
Technique Name: [Rauch (lit. Smoke)]

Class: [4]

Technique Type (Kido, Hollow/Arrancar Technique, Human World Dweller Technique, Other): [Bount Technique]

Usable By (Technique is available to which races?): [Bount]

Technique Element: [Smoke]

Technique Description and Effects (Explain appearance, powers, and effect): [Insert Below]

After reading through old archives on the Ancient Bount in the Bount Citadel, Jin developed this technique once used by them. This is a general step technique for all Bount to use. Use of this step makes Bount seem more like the vampires of lore. By releasing reiatsu across the body and the feet in preparation for a step, the Bount is able to disappear at 10x their normal speed. The reiatsu gathered around the body before the step will be released as a burst of gray smoke, which conceals the user as they step away at 10x their normal speed. As the Bount moves, the smoke will move with them and further conceal the user while still lagging behind them. This essentially makes it appear as if the user has burst into smoke and disappeared when in actuality they are simply moving too fast to be seen while using the smoke to obscure their movement. Upon reappearing where they intended to move, the user will appear before the smoke catches up to them as if teleported there, meaning that opponents are unable to discern the user’s intended destination by following the smoke. This technique costs 50 reiatsu to use.

How to use technique (How is it activated?): [Insert Below]

Gather reiatsu for a step and release the reiatsu, at the same time causing the reiatsu gathered around the body to form into smoke that conceals their presence.

Technique Drawbacks (Limitations, repercussions for use, etc) (Insert Below)

None other than reiatsu cost.

Made By: Jin Yamada

Reserved? (Yes/No) (Can others use your technique, or just your character?): [No]

[Deleted]

Luke found his jaws tightening together as he once again stood face to face with Alestar. A taunt escaped from the older mans mouth, just raising even more questions that Luke didn't have the ability to ask. But now things were a little more even. Things were actually one on one. Sure, this asshole could turn into a cloud but without Tyrone backing him up Luke certainly had a better chance than before. He didn't have the option of running anywhere now anyways. Luke found his fingers curling into fists, and with his own howl he lunged towards Alestar as the man began to move for him. But the man vanished, somehow boosting his own Speed and vanishing from Luke's sight...at least for a moment. One moment Alestar was lunging at Luke, and then the next he was instead slammed back into the wall with some blood leaked from his mouth.

What surprised Luke the most, however, was the fact that somebody was standing near him. Somebody was here that wasn't here before. For a moment Luke thought it was the shadow being, but saw instead that it was a figure draped in a black cloak and hood. What the hell was happening now? Was this guy someone else who came to fuck up his night even more? Was he a bad guy too? No.. Luke realized quickly. There was the fact that Alestar looked as if he'd just gotten the shit wacked outta him. The figure stood between Luke and Alestar, invoking a sense of protection and security in the young man. ”Worry not, he sensed you were in trouble and sent his right-hand man to help. With me at your side, you won’t die today.” The figure spoke to Luke. He couldn't see the man's face, but the man's voice and way of speaking enforced some calm into the young man.

But who was he? Who sent him? He was sent...to help Luke? Who the hell sent him? So many questions. So many fuckin questions tonight that Lukes head felt like it was about to pop off. "Am I missing something?" that voice suddenly cut into Luke's head again. Before Luke could even think of an answer, he heard the figure yelling at him. He was being told to run? Fuck it. Running has been what he's been up to all night basically, why not some more? He didn't need to be told twice since he found himself in a full sprint away from where the fighting was happening.

At the scene of the fight, however, Alestar was getting the crap kicked out of him. The hooded figure clearly had the upper hand, though Alestar was resilient. But what, perhaps, neither of them had expected was the sudden shape that came lunging out of the darkness of the open door to the store, and that grabbed onto Alestar when he had gotten done falling to his knees. The shadowy creature, having used the element of complete surprise. Jäger was, indeed, much more physically powerful than Alestar was. The Bount had been so caught up in fighting the hooded figure that his barely above normal human levels Instinct wouldn't have clued him into suddenly getting snagged outta the darkness. Plus, being a grab and not a hit shouldn't have triggered that annoying smoke power.

Jäger would swing himself, and Alestar, back into the blackness of the store. The Bount should have been sent flying (if the grab was successful) and sent skidding across the backrooms floor and maybe either into some boxes containing cans or one of the shelves, didn't matter much. What did, though, was that the only light came from the open door to the outside, but was blocked by the roughly humanoid shape standing in front of it. "So...did you forget about me?" The Doll asked, tilting its head a little as it did so. "Because, haha, that would be one seriously stupid thing to do if you did!" It laughed, reaching behind itself and closing the back room door...casting both itself and Alestar into darkness. And like that, Jäger just...vanished. He seemed to just simply sink into the darkness, and with it his presence simply vanished.

Luke certainly didn't react well to getting grabbed. Even if it had been by the guy who saved his ass. He, like expected, kicked and pulled to try and get the guy to let go of him even if it did mean hitting the pavement at high speeds. "Get off me! Let go of me god damn it!" Luke shouted, hitting the guys arm a few times.

[Jin Yamada]

”Get off of me!” Alestar cried out as he was grabbed. It was true that he couldn’t use Nebel to escape Jäger’s grasp. It was true that he couldn’t use Nebel in this way. But, when the doll threw him into the room so that he would slam into some of the objects within the store, Alestar used this to his advantage. He didn’t have the instinct to react immediately when he was grabbed, but that didn’t mean that he didn’t have a way to get out of this situation. His body slammed against the selves and he groaned in pain. He started to get up just as the doll closed the door and draped the room in darkness. Jäger suddenly vanished without a trace, just as it had when it was first summoned. The Bount’s inability to sense the doll confused him, but he would not let the lurking doll sneak up on him like it had Tyrone (OOC: Realized that I messed up on his name a bunch of times so instead of Tyrell, it’s going to be Tyrone).

Jäger had assumed that shrouding the place in darkness had put it at an advantage, giving it a larger space of darkness to travel within. In this darkness, Jäger had home court advantage. What it didn’t realize, however, was that Alestar did as well. Upon realizing he had been shrouded in darkness, Alestar’s eyes turned red immediately and his bod turned black before he quickly melted into the darkness at his feet. His red eyes stared out at the world from his position there within the darkness. Jäger had made it easier for not only himself but also Alestar to travel within the darkness. And travel he did. The Bount’s red eyes disappeared and he traveled away, moving towards the front of the store where he could escape from the front door. That had been where he entered the store after destroying the glass windows. How would the doll catch him now that Alestar was playing the same game? And how would he fare once Alestar decided to release his own doll to increase his odds against the shadow-like doll.

Meanwhile, the cloaked man who had grabbed Luke suddenly stopped and dropped Luke infront of him. He stood there before Luke, the hood of his cloak shielding his face in darkness. If Luke looked around, he would see that the two of them were walled in on both sides. They were in a small alley with a streetlight shining brightly at the end behind the figure standing before Luke. ”I can understand your frustration,” the figure began calmly. ”So I’ll begin by telling you who I am.” He stepped towards Luke, moving closer to the light as he lifted his hands to the hood covering his face. He pulled it back and removed it from his head to reveal his face to the young man. The man had a youthful, handsome face complimented by his light brown eyes and tanned skin. His gray hair contrasted his youthful appearance, indicating that the color was not a product of age. The man also had two earrings pierced on the outer rim of his left ear. (OOC: Faceclaim) ”You can call me Don, right-hand to the one they call the Leader of the Bount.” The man gave Luke a confident smile and waited patiently to answer any questions the young man had. Don. Class 1, Level 2 Bount.


Alestar’s Reiatsu: 1450/2000 (-100 for Class 5 Schatten)

SPOILER: Click to show

{Schatten}
Technique Name: Schatten

Class: 5-3

Technique Type: Bount Technique

Technique Element: Darkness/Shadow

Technique Description and Effects:
This is the staple technique which all Bount develop eventually with age, though of course it takes practice to master. This technique allows Bount to sink into the shadows, and melt into the darkness. As long as there is a shadow that the Bount stands over or in contact with, they can melt their entire body into it. In this way, they can reside within the shadow and watch situations unfold, with only glowing red eyes showing from inside of the shadow. Or, instead, they can disappear completely into the shadow and use it to transport themselves. Bount can travel anywhere within shadows as long as these shadows are connected. So if two shadows are disjointed, Bount cannot travel in between them. This makes this technique most effective at night, especially during a new moon. The class 5 version is the most commonly used, and allows the Bount to sink at half their speed. Class 4 allows full speed sinking. Class 3 allows double speed sinking.

How to use technique:
It takes a simple reiatsu cost each time.

Drawback:
This technique costs reiatsu, but has another drawback. It makes Bount skin extremely sensitive to heat and to light. Therefore, hot things seem hotter, and bright things seem brighter. And, the sun has a harmful effect when this is used. For 24 hours after use of this technique, Bount must avoid sunlight, or their skin will begin to blister and burn. The higher class of technique they used within the last 24 hours, the more they will burn. If the class 3 version was used, the burning may even kill them if they stay in sunlight long enough.

Made by: Unknown Bount

Reserved?: No

[Vesta Zweig]

Vesta stood near the shinigami, waiting to see what she would say. She could run and get out of there like she said, but it just didn't feel right. Leaving her here, alone, two on one if the Bount showed up, just didn't seem fair. Vesta could even the playing field slightly being here with Zorn. She tried to keep her eyes out for any kind of movement that would be coming this way and glancing at the other shinigami.

His breathing seemed steady, but she didn't know how long he would be out for. When the woman agreed, Vesta nodded in agreement. She was glad that she could help out and it made her feel better. She when called out they're coming, there was almost no time for her to react. She saw a silver lance puncture the door and aim for the shinigami Sakura. She was able to get out of the way, but the lance moved. 

It was then that she saw another lance hurtling into the room. Vesta quickly thought on the best thing that she could do and heard a hard thud. She concentrated to that point and used her newly acquired Movement skill to get as close to Sakura as possible, hoping that she got out of the line of fire. She had Zorn immediately move over that way, towards the noise to try and aid the fallen ally.

If she didn't make it all the way, she would start running towards the shinigami and try to help her up to her feet. She looked over and saw someone kick the door in. This man had to be the Bount that was controlling the odd Doll. It seemed that he was able to follow where they were, which she didn't know how that happened. But, she didn't know the full extent of the Doll or the Bount's power, so she guessed it was possible.

When the man saw Vesta, he pointed towards her. What in the hell? He would make her pay for siding with her instead of him. How was she supposed to side with him when his Doll attacked her?! His name was Yusei and he was the strongest out of the group he brought. So there were more Bount here besides him and he was the strongest? This was going to be interesting. "Why would you expect me to side with you when your Doll attacked me when it first laid eyes on me?!"

OOC: Remaining Reiatsu: 2225/2250 -25 for Movement

[Deleted]

"I don't...give a damn who you are!" Luke shouted after he was put down, wobbling a little bit as he was allowed back onto his own two feet again. The young man knew that he had some serious motion sickness issues, shown off when Impossible decided to use that cloud power of his to move the young man around with some stomach purging results. In fact the man called Don got the front row pleasure of suddenly watching Luke do just that, all over his own shoes. Coughing and spitting a few times, Luke held one hand up and pointed at Don. "First off...don't...do that...again. My stomach feels like it's about to...ohgodno" and just like that Luke puked again. The guy really did not do well with being dragged around at high speeds against his will.

As he was puking, however, he wasn't really paying attention to what Don was saying. right-hand to the one they call the Lea-" "What the hell was all that about anyway!?" Luke shouted, cutting the man off rudely instead of listening. Granted it was rude of Luke to interupt, but considering the sort of night he was having he really didn't give seven shits. "Just who...just who the hell are you? Who the hell were those guys? One of them was my coworkers...why the fuck is he....what the fucks happening!?" Luke questioned rather loudly. "Hey babyface!" A new voice suddenly shouted near Luke, and within the same instant that shadowy being from the store suddenly lunged out of the shadows of the alley and...grabbed onto Lukes cheeks from behind and began stretching them, much to Luke's loud protests and pain.

Why was Jäger here and not still at the store? Simple really. When Jäger saw that Alestar was performing the same sort of power he was he had grown curious. But rather that satisfying that curiosity and going after Alestar, the Doll had made the decision to go after his Master who was getting further and further away. Besides, had Jäger stayed behind he might have been resealed due to the distance between them, and he was concerned about Luke. But how did Jäger catch up to them so quickly? So easily? Don had to have travelled a serious distance with his Step, and at such high speeds it seemed improbable that a newly born Doll could have caught up. The secret was in the Shadows. Jägers Shadow Sink ability was much stronger than the Shadow technique that normal Bount could do. While Bount could only move between connected shadows, Jäger could appear from any shadow that his presence occupied. Luke's shadow, for instance, came into contact with the shadows of the alley and Dons. Jäger originally came from Luke's shadow, so his shadow touching all these other shadows allowed Jäger to manifest from them.

Granted neither of them actually understood or really knew about any of this. Jäger just knew "I can come outta dis shadow but not dat one" and Luke didn't know shit. "Get...get the fuck off me!" Luke shouted, grabbing at Jägers hands and trying to pry the annoying Doll off of his face. "You left me back there! How could you do that to me?! After all we've been through together and me with child on the way!" Jäger cried, destroying whatever tension and seriousness the moment had. Luke, though, did not seem to enjoy what was happening. "T-the hell is wrong with you!? Stop stretching my cheeks it hurts!" "Ohohoho I bet that's not the first time you've said that!" Jäger laughed. "The hell's that supposed to mean!?" Luke shouted, grabbing at Jägers head before the Doll climbed over Luke's shoulders and pointed at Don. "Who the hell's this? Should I break his knees?" Jäger asked, tilting his head as he bent his "fingers" a bit as if getting ready to strike at Don.

"What?! No you stupid shit!!" Luke shouted, slamming his fist into the back of Jägers head with a satisfying crack. The Doll didn't actually...move. His physical power, for being a fucking shadow monster, was so much higher than Lukes that it didn't seem to hurt him. He didn't even seem to react...until..."WUAAAAAAAAAAAGH!! He hit me he hit me he hit meeheheheheeeee!" Luke blinked at that reaction, before letting out a shot as Jäger jumped on Luke again and proceeded to being giving the guy a noogie. The two seemed to be living in their own little world, as if Don didn't exist at all. Granted, for him, it must have been interesting to see this. How often did the man ever see something like this? A Bount awakening their powers for the first time and interacting with a freshly born Doll...and one that didn't end in the Bount getting gut by the thing must have been a fresh sight to see.

Finally, though, the two stopped their wrestling and Luke turned his attention to Don again. "Alright.....listen I appreciate the help back there, really I do, but what the hells happening? Just who the hell are those two?" Luke finally asked, pushing Jägers head away from his own.

[Jin Yamada]

Don eyed the young man and the doll curiously. He was smiling as he gazed upon the two interacting. He had never seen a doll interact with its master in such a manner. His own doll did not say much to him, rather the two were on such similar wavelengths that they could communicate without a single word. Some said that Don was closer to the Bount ancestors than most other Bount because of this. It appeared that Luke had formed a powerful connection with his own doll as well. Don waited patiently for the two to finish their conversation, even remaining silent when the doll turned its attention to him. It wasn’t until Luke turned back to the man that he spoke up once again, this time in response to Luke’s question.

”My name is Don. Unfortunately, I don’t know what exactly is going on…” Don said with a sigh. He tried to remain comforting and reassuring despite his vague answer. Rather than make things seem hopeless, he wanted Luke to feel like there was nothing to worry about, so he considered his next answer carefully. ”Those Bount have been terrorizing the city for a few weeks now. They’ve been the ones feeding on the animals…and on the people. I know not where they come from, but we have noticed that they are trying to recruit more Bount. Your co-worker, you said? That must have been a newly recruited Bount they stationed to keep watch over you.” Don explained. He sighed again and closed his eyes. Luke would note the mention of “we”. Having interrupted Don earlier when he was explaining who he was, Luke would have more questions about any others Don was affiliated with.

Don’s brown eyes studied Luke carefully as he spoke, making sure that the young man understood everything he was saying. ”How recently did you discover your doll? Did it manifest by itself?” Don asked, nodding towards Jäger. Before Luke could answer, he had one more thing to say. ”I believe those two were planning to forcefully recruit you and bring you into whatever group they belong to.” the man stated calmly. If Luke had anymore questions, now would be the time to ask them. As the two were talking, Don could sense a reiatsu signature approaching them quickly; however, he did not reveal this to the young man so that he would remain calm.

Alestar’s Reiatsu: 1450/2000

Don’s Reiatsu: 2950/3000

---

”Oh really?” Yusei asked incredulously. It appeared that he had not known this fact which Vesta had just revealed. Immediately, he turned his attention to his doll standing beside him. ”Quecksilber, she telling the truth?” the man questioned the doll with the liquid silver appearance. In a soft voice, almost like a whisper, the doll responded to the master’s question, ”She was with Shinigami…” At that, Yusei turned his attention back to Vesta and smirked. ”See, Quecksilber had a right to attack you.” the Bount stated pointedly. He started walking towards Vesta and Sakura, taking slow steps towards the two. ”You picked a side even before now, so you’re going to die with them. It’s as simple as that.” he stated. With that, he stopped and lifted a hand into the air, signaling his doll to come forward. ”Take out the Shinigami, Quecksilber. I got this one.” Yusei commanded.

With that, Quecksilber attacked. Once again, the doll’s arms formed into those lance-like weapons and it launched towards the wounded Sakura. Meanwhile, Yusei blurred before Vesta using Movement and moved forward to attack the young Bount. He was fast! At least, with Movement he was. For the most part, he and Vesta were around similar speeds. When he appeared, he stepped down and punched towards the young girl, a wide smile present on his face. With his other hand, he was reaching towards his back, to grab something there. What would Vesta do? With Yusei attacking her, she couldn’t help Sakura. He had essentially split them up.

The Shihoin woman was able to leap out of the way of those lance-like weapons and continued flipping away from the doll. Having been taken by surprise before, Sakura didn’t plan on falling for the same attack twice. She slid her zanpakutou before her, in preparation to defend herself again. Then suddenly, she disappeared with the use of shunpo, hoping to take the fight to the doll instead this time. With the step technique, the woman was able to outpace the doll. She appeared there behind the doll, and immediately she aimed her left palm at the doll’s back. Reiatsu gathered in that hand to attack, but the doll sensed the woman there and launched a liquid metal tendril from its back towards the woman. That tendril wrapped around her outstretched arm and then threw her, sending the woman sprawling across the floor. It appeared that this fight wouldn’t be an easy one.


Sakura’s Reiatsu: 1150/1200 (-50 for Shunpo)

Yusei’s Reiatsu: 2575/3000 (-25 for Movement)

Quecksilber’s Reiatsu: 1400/1500

[Deleted]

"Bount?" Luke questioned with a raised eyebrow. The hell was a Bount? Don gave Luke the run down about what was happening, and the most likely origins of the man who was posing as a coworker. Whatever these Bount things were they fed on other people, and most likely had wanted to feed on him the same way they did to Asami. "So they wanted to milk Luke, huh? What are they? Vampires or something?" Jäger asked, crossing his arms across his torso as Luke got to his feet. Whatever this thing was it sure didn't have any trouble asking questions. Don then directed another question at Luke, one that made him blink. A Doll? Did he mean Jäger? The shadowy creature turned to look at Luke, before both of them looked at Don. "Nuh-uh...about ten fifteen minutes ago?"

"I'm as fresh as afterbirth." The hell did that even mean? Luke gave the creature an odd look before turning his attention back to Don. "I heard this things-" "Thing?" "-voice in my head when the guy who turns into smoke had a hold of me." Luke explained, ignoring Jägers interruption and displeasure over being called a thing. Just what had been there plans? Why were they looking to recruit Luke? "Forcefully recruit me for what, exactly?...Wait, shouldn't we be getting the hell out of here instead of just standing here, in the open, chatting?" Luke suddenly exclaimed, throwing his arms out to his side as he did so.

"My coworkers and manager are still in there! I don't know what happened to my manager, but that fog guy did something to Asami! We need to call the cops or the ambulance or something!" Luke shouted, concern painted all over his face. The idea of just leaving those three behind for Tyrone and Alistar to pick off at their leisure did not sit well with Luke at all. Not after his last manager, and a coworker, had been killed when he decided to try and play hero against a Hollow. "Whether you're coming or not I'm not going to leave them there just so those bastards can suck on them later!" Luke barked, turning away from Don and beginning to sprint away from the Bount.

Jäger tilted his head, looking at Luke and then back to Don and shrugging. "He's stupid, buuuuuuut I can't let him get himself killed." and like that, the Doll merged itself back into the shadows of the ally no doubt in pursuit of its master.

[Kiera Bright]

Keira stood back watching the bount writhe and scream on the examination table as the latest experiment was coming to its conclusion. Special nodes were implanted into the subjects body by several large spikes allowing Keira to examine many things about not only his physical make up, but also his spiritual make up. Her experiments would tell her much more than his words would ever tell her. Like she would trust the words of a conniving worm like him to begin with. When she told him that she was looking for the secrets of stabilization, back in the forests surrounding her asylum home, he misunderstood her by thinking he knew how to do so. His body was going to tell her what she wanted to know. 

As the nodes gathered data directly from the bount's body, Keira was reading the data collected from his doll. She had managed to trick him into re summoning it only to capture it for separate experimentation. The restraints that held the bount, and formerly the doll, were specifically designed to withstand, and hold people with high spiritual, as well as physical, capabilities. The relationship of dolls and their masters were interesting, but ultimately not conclusive to what she was primarily looking for. It would make a nice side project none the less. ”My…my name is…Akira. I don’t…know how you can become stable again. From what I know, you’re…you’re stuck like that…”

"I knew you wouldn't fool." She said uninterested about anything he had to say. she didn't even look up from the paper that she was reading. She really didn't care about the name of bount, what his name was was irrelevant, the only good it had was a name to put to the report. Constantly referring to him as "The bount" was getting to be repetitive and annoying. Still he continued to prattle through the pain. I..I won’t tell you nothin’ else besides that..They’ll come for me…and they’ll kill you…” Keira finally put the stack of paper's down and walked over to him. "I think its time for our last experiment. It was fun having you around, but I think you overstayed your welcome."

"You see, like I said back in the forest, your body is going to tell me everything I wanted to know, and it has. But something you keep going on about also interests me. Who is they? Who is coming for you? I can't leave these questions unanswered. Since you are not going to tell me yourself, I have to use an alternative way." Keira reached up with one of her reiatsu arms pulling down a helmet looking contraption. She strapped it to his head setting three drills into it. One large one in the back, and two smaller ones on each side. The drills had smaller sensors that would attached to parts of the brain reading the nerves as if it was the brain remembering something it forgot. 

It would be incredibly painful, but for now, it was the only way that she would be able to fully interrogate him without the risk of him lying to her. She would ignore his please, if there were any, and stood back with the activation button in her small hand. Without a word she activated it. The screams of the drills and the bount filled the laboratory, if this were some kind of horror movie, there would have been thunder and lightning outside. Once again the main computer was interpreting the data the sensors were sending it, and printing out the results. She didn't want to leave anything to chance. She wanted it all anything and everything that was in his head she wanted to know. 

[Vesta Zweig]

Vesta watched the man take in her answer to the question. It was true that the Doll just really attacked her out of nowhere, but from what the man says, it seemed like he wouldn't have immediately attacked her. Was the man just collecting up Bounts that he found around here? It was weird, but she thought about it. She knew that Jin wanted to make her race stronger and she had assumed that he knew about most of the Bount stuff that was going on.

Did he know about this guy and his group of Bounts? He had to have, right? She would then assume that he must know and is trying to do something about this weirdo. So, because she was with a shinigami, the Doll had every right to attack her. Wow, this man only has a one track mind it seems. She took a deep breath to look at him. "So because I was standing near a shinigami, which was the first person I had seen all night while I was out looking, it gave your Doll the right to attack me? Give me a break!"

Zorn would stand right next to Vesta, growling at the man. He walked towards her left side, since she was right handed, and waited for a call to action. This guy said she was going to die with them because she 'picked a side?' Wow, this guy was an idiot. She watched the Doll dash off as he commanded it to attack the shinigami. Before she could move to help, he said he would take care of her before he disappeared.

Okay, she needed to take a deep breath and stay calm. The man was obviously using Movement, so she needed to quickly figure out what to do. So, what she immediately did was have Zorn go off to the left. Vesta would stand there, ready to move. Once the guy appeared, she would immediately run off to the right, trying to miss his fist. Right when he would appear, Zorn would run up and attack the guy, trying to bite into his left forearm.

[Jin Yamada]

Luke’s questions were asked in rapid succession. One came after the other, with no way for Don to answer before the young man stated his worry about his co-workers and manager. The older Bount opened his mouth to speak before closing it again. His face shifted into a frown as he watched Luke run off on his own. Luke was heading in the direction they had just escaped from! The Bount they had left back there was probably on his way to them. Before Don could reach out a hand to stop him, the young man had already run off on his own.

The older Bount’s gaze turned to the new doll that stood before him. The doll, despite being so new, showed complete loyalty to the young Bount. It was an incredible feat, one Don had not witnessed for many years. Dolls who were summoned without the supervision of a more experienced Bount usually turned on their master. A second Bount needed to be present to prevent the doll from killing the new Bount. Dolls were only loyal to masters who were strong; though, there were some dolls who took quickly to their masters despite the master being weak in the development of their Bount powers. The doll before him was most likely the latter.

Either way, Don nodded as the doll rushed off after Luke. It was a good thing too because as soon as Luke turned the corner back to the store, he would find Alestar there waiting for him. The tanned Bount stopped in his tracks and his eyes widened at seeing Luke running straight towards him. But, the look of surprise was only temporary. As soon as it appeared, it was gone, only to be replaced with a wide grin which exposed the Bount’s white teeth. ”Well well well, so you came running right back to me, huh?” the man taunted. He took a step towards Luke in an attempt to frighten the young man. ”Looks like your friend abandoned you…now your ass is mine…” Alestar hissed. ”You’re not the only one with a doll…”

”Zeige dich, Licht!” he called out as he quickly withdrew a small clear crystal from his pocket and flicked it into the air. Reiatsu burst out from him, and Luke would feel fear standing in Alestar’s presence. While before, he had been the one to display an impressive release of reiatsu with the summoning of his doll, this time it was Alestar’s turn. The Bount before him radiated a power that Luke would immediately realize dwarfed his own. Alestar was powerful, something Luke had learned after attempting to punch the man. But now, by releasing a doll, Alestar would become even more powerful. Whether or not Luke suspected that Alestar had a doll of his own, what came next would surprise him either way.

The small crystal that had been flicked into the air grew in size, becoming a foot in height. Then, that one large crystal split into five more so that six crystals were floating before Luke. They quickly repositioned within the air and formed into a humanoid shape. One crystal made up the trunk of the body, four made up the arms and legs, and the last crystal made up the head. Then at the center, in the middle of the crystal which made up the trunk, a yellow glow burned brightly into existence and began pulsing as if it was a heart. Yellow energy shot out from the center crystal and attached to the other five, connecting them all. The fully formed doll floated there in the air before Luke, it’s crystal head gazing in his direction despite the lack of eyes or facial features. Having only seen one doll, which was his own, Luke might be surprised at the appearance of Alestar’s own doll. Seeing a second doll summoned before him, Luke would begin to realize how different each doll was, and with that difference in appearance came a variety of possible powers the dolls commanded.

Quickly, 5 of the crystals split off from the center crystal and surrounded Luke, floating around his head. As they did, Luke would be blinded by a bright flash of light from the crystal hovering before him, the one that made up the center of the body. When he was able to see again, he would find the crystals circling him from about 6 inches away. Then, beam of yellow light suddenly whizzed past the right side of Luke’s head and then again from the side of his left leg. All the while, as that yellow light kept bouncing back and forth, the crystals continued spinning around the young Bount, moving faster and faster. And then, while the doll began its attack on the young Bount, Alestar disappeared from view. When Luke turned his attention back to the other Bount, there would be no one standing in front of him. Alestar had seemingly disappeared into thin air!

Alestar’s Reiatsu: 950/2000 (-400 for Doll Summon, -100 for Class 5 Schatten)

SPOILER: Click to show

{Licht Stats}

Power: While it appears that the doll is made up of crystals, this is not true. The powers have nothing to do with controlling crystals. The doll is actually made up of energy and is the same yellow energy that you see beating in the center of the “body” created by those 6 crystals and what links the body together. The crystals simply house the doll’s body and allow it to reflect itself around for quick movement at double its speed. When housed by the crystals, the doll moves at its normal speed. Techniques will be revealed as they are used.

Class 5. Level 1 Spirited Type.

Strength: 50
Speed: 200
Spiritual Pressure: 120(150)
Reiatsu Strength: 170(212.5)
Light Aura: 20
Dark Aura: 80
Instinct: 100(75)
Senses: 100(75)
Energy Sensory: 10(3.3)
Healing Expertise: 0
Total SP: 750

---

Screams of pain filled the laboratory as Keira activated the device. Screams of pain coming from the Bount were all that were heard. As that device drilled into the Bount’s head, Akira could only scream. He could only scream knowing that he was about to die. But, he also had a realization in his final moments. Interspersed within those screams of pain, Keira would begin to hear something odd. At first, it could barely be heard because the screaming drowned it out but eventually, the sound would grow louder. The sound of laughter broke through the screams of pain. Laughter, and a small grin broke through the pain. It was only for a few seconds, but in those few seconds Keira would hear it and realize that even at the end, the Bount had still one-upped her.

Akira chuckled amidst his screams of pain, knowing that he had not revealed any information. Akira had chuckled amongst the screams of pain because he knew that he had not defied those who had sent him. His body convulsed as the information was drawn from his mind and he continued screaming out in pain. The convulsion continued as his body went into shock from the pain and soon his screaming began to die down until finally he could scream no more. It was then that the Bount, with a small smirk on his face at the end, closed his eyes so death could take him. As he died, so did the doll he had once controlled. The doll screamed out in pain and then it too died. It’s body burst into reiatsu, destroying the device she had used to trap it and some of the nearby equipment.

With that, Keira’s specimen was dead. It had been the price to pay for the information she wanted. Yet, had he truly given her the information she needed? Looking through the printed results, she would find nothing on Failures except what the Bount had told her before. A Failure. That was what she would learn that she was from the results obtained from his mind. Besides that, Akira’s mind also contained knowledge of techniques. Unfortunately, he had been a fighter who had not relied on the Bount techniques; thus, Keira would only find two techniques within his memory. One was the technique he had used to turn to smoke and move at the same speed as a step technique. This one she would learn was called, Rauch. The other was a technique she would come to know as well, with its use being common among those living in the Human World. This one was Movement. Besides his doll name and power, it was only these two techniques which Keira would find in the Bount’s mind. There was more, regarding Akira’s memories of the mission he was given tonight, but unfortunately, there were blanks in certain parts of the memories transcribed onto those sheets.

Now, what would she do with the information she had retrieved? That was something she would need to figure out on her own. Meanwhile, she would be drawn away from the data as soon as a voice spoke behind her. You killed him before I could get here…” the voice stated in a gloomy tone. Keira would also note that the voice did not sound natural, rather it sounded synthesized, and distorted. She would note, however, that the figure’s Japanese accent was not pure and natural, rather it was mixed with another accent which was unrecognizable to her. It was possible that this individual did not want his identity known. This would become apparent when she turned around to see that his face was also covered, shielded by a white featureless mask with an encircled red letter ‘A’ emblazoned across the top. He also wore a long hooded black cloak which covered the rest of his body down past his knees and even his head. She would only be able to see the black boots which the figure wore. She would also note that no matter how hard she tried, she could sense nothing from the figure standing before her.

”That wasn’t necessary, you know?” the figure stated as an intense blood lust began to fill the room. Keira would see a red glow coming from the mask’s eye holes. Upon seeing that red glow, she would feel a sensation of being invaded. She would feel as though she was naked before the individual who stood before her. She would feel as though every secret she held within her mind was laid bare before him. She would feel him prying within her mind, searching for something. This would only last for a few seconds before the sensation disappeared. The red glow faded from behind those eyes and the figure spoke once again. ”I see…you killed him for his information, but…” the figure paused. ”You’re looking in the wrong place. If you want to know what happened to you and about your condition, ask the Shinigami. They know what creates Failures like you.” The last part might have stung, given the way the figure said it. It would seem like he was insulting Keira given his earlier reaction at seeing the Bount dead on the table; however, this was not the case. Rather, he was giving her a lead, one which she could choose to take.

With that, the figure turned to leave, realizing that there was nothing more he could do for the Bount she had killed. ”You wanted to know what he was doing here, right? I was searching for answers too. Now that he’s dead, I only have one lead left.” and with that, the figure simply walked off, leaving Keira’s asylum to trace the next “lead” he had mentioned. Whether she wanted to pursue the man in order to gain more information was up to her. Akira was dead, and his doll was gone. She had no more specimens to study and it appeared that his memories would not help her very much. The figure before her might be her only hope to finally finding answers to her condition. So, what would she do?

---

Yusei smiled when he arrived. He smiled when he arrived despite missing his punch. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see the doll attempting to flank him. When he landed, the doll immediately attacked, hoping to catch him while he was in the middle of a failed attack. Unfortunately, Yusei was stronger than that. Zorn’s teeth bit down on the man’s arm, the one which was moving behind his back. Zorn’s teeth bit into the arm, but the man showed no pain. Instead, he continued to smile as smoke billowed out from Zorn’s mouth. This was the Bount technique, Nebel. With that, the man’s body broke down, becoming a thick gray mist which expanded into the air. The mist began to surround Vesta, and covered her up, creating an impermeable fog in that small space it had covered. Vesta would need to get out of the fog if she wanted to see anything. She was in danger if she stayed within that fog. She was in danger because Yusei was about to attack again.

She would hear the whistling of air from her right side before she saw it. With the fog being so thick, she wouldn’t see it until it was already close. At that point, it would be too late. A knife was flying through the air, on its way to pierce the young girl’s leg. Whether she would be able to recognize the threat and move away was up to her. Either way, when she moved, she would hear another sound coming at her from behind. This time, it was the sound of Yusei chuckling. The mist quickly shifted infront of her and formed into an arm which rushed to grab her neck. If she was unable to escape, she would find that arm clutching her throat and squeezing tightly. This arm wasn’t made out of smoke, it was real. Vesta would find that if she didn’t escape it, she would find herself gasping for air as she was choked to death.

”Vesta!” the Shihoin called out to her ally. It appeared that Sakura was still having some trouble. With her speed, she was barely able to keep up with the liquid metal doll. It continued lashing out with the long tendrils it had used to attack with before. Sakura flipped out of the way and then launched herself into the air where she held out a palm towards the doll. ”Shakkaho!” she called out. Once again, just as before, a red ball of light formed in her palm and she launched it towards the doll. Quecksilber formed a hole in its body, hoping to pass the red ball of energy through and remain unharmed. The Shakkaho passed through, but it impacted the ground behind the doll and the resulting explosion created force enough to knock the doll off its feet. When she landed, Sakura’s reiatsu began to grow. She was building it for something. ”I had not thought I would have to use it this early, but I am left with no choice…” she said as she prepared her reiatsu. ”Vesta, I will release my full power so we can end this!”


Sakura’s Reiatsu: 1050/1200 (-100 for Shakkaho)

Yusei’s Reiatsu: 2425/3000 (-100 for Nebel, -150 for “Partial form”)

Doll’s Reiatsu: 1400/1500

[Vesta Zweig]

Vesta was trying to watch Zorn's movements and the enemies while thinking up how to hurt this man. When Zorn latched on and saw no pain, Vesta knew that he wasn't strong enough to hit him head on. But when the smoke started to billow out of Zorn's mouth, she knew what was going on because she could do it. He was using Nebel. She didn't know if the shinigami she was with knew anything about that or anyone outside of her race knew about it, but this could be really bad.

While the smoke moved, she knew that she had to figure out a way to try to fight literal smoke. When his body completely disappeared, she used her step technique to get as far away from the smoke as possible, because she had an idea of what was going to happen. She didn't need to be surrounded and not being able to get away. She had shot forward and when she landed she heard something whistling.

She jumped to the left and saw the knife land on the ground. Obviously, the man knew what he was doing while in mist form. Vesta didn't know the full extent of what you could do in Nebel, but now she had a general idea of what she could try to do while she ever used Nebel. Then, she heard a chuckle and when the mist formed in front of her, she used her movement again to run backwards.

Zorn was at her side, slightly worried. She was as well. How in the hell could they fight this mist thing? She then heard her shinigami ally call out to her. She looked over and it seemed that she might have been having an issue with the Doll and she didn't blame her. The Doll was hard to fight but when she said that she was going to release her full power, she had no idea what she meant, but she would start to move closer to her to try and protect her back while she did whatever she was doing.

OOC: Remaining Reiatsu: 2175/2250 -50 for Movement x2