No Sins as Long as There Is Permission [Adventure, NDE]

[Kiera Bright]

Keira would look as the door would open, but something didn't seem right. It wasn't just a bad feeling in her gut, or that everything was going too well, just something...When Shiki almost had the door open, Keira could feel the kido's charging up on the other side of the door. There were dozens of them. Nope, Keira thought to herself as she started to run behind Shiki to the other side of the door. She wanted to use him as a shield for the kido, if she was hit, she would no doubt kill them all. The pills must work then, since these shinigami don't seem to hesitate shooting a walking talking reiatsu bomb of utter destruction. As she ran, she could feel the projectiles behind her nearly hitting her.

Next was something that the failure didn't see coming. She happened to look to the mole, to make sure it was ok, and saw it swell up like some sort of fleshy water balloon. In a split second it was the size of a person and would come straight at Shiki, if he didn't move, pushing him inside the hallway with all the shinigami. Keira hoped that she moved fast enough to dodge it. "You know, fuck the mission I would rather live." She shouted at shiki. She was not sure where he was exactly, or if he could even hear her over the kido. She would press herself against the outside wall of the building. Her heart was beating fast. She had no way of fighting outside of her powers. It was either die and destroy everything, or use her powers and fail the mission. The secrets to stabilization or remaining in one piece.

[Shikitsuhiko Isayama]

Shikitsuhiko's senses were simply too sharp to be taken too much by surprise. He could feel the vibrations from the moving bodies in the distance, but even so they were confined to this claustrophobic corridor. It wasn't a particularly ideal location for battle, but he would need to manage with what he was given. And normally he would. He would comply without much complaint. Up until now, he had been quite patient. He had dealt with inferior conditions and said very little.

The situation had now developed yet again and his compromised position had finally worn away at his restraint. To make matters worse, the creature he had foolishly spared from earlier was in fact yet another device being utilized in this situation. Yet another irritant for him to weather. This had grown all too tiresome and he was no longer interested in concealing himself. Somehow they had been discovered, and he could only determine it was related to the creature that had now inflated itself and closed off their exit. 

Shikitsuhiko turned to face the oncoming hado. "Weak." He said with clear disdain. He raised his hand and pointed his finger forward. A beautiful cyan energy began collecting at the tip of his pointer finger. "Cero." With one simple word he unleashed a generously sized cero, which easily tore through the hado heading in their direction. His reiatsu strength easily dwarfed their own an nothing they possessed could hope to harm him. His cero not only destroyed their hado, but completely incinerated his opponents.

"Worthless fodder." He grabbed Keira and pushed her forward, but did so in an effort to protect her from harms way. He began walking forward, nearing where the Shinigami once stood. He turned when enough distance were between him and inflated rodent. "I can't forget about you, of course." He flicked his hand as a huge bala fired out at immense speed and struck the creature with immense force. "I am done playing this petty games. We have been discovered and I see no reason to hide my powers any longer. "

5,250
-200 cero
-50 Bala
=5,000

[Himitsu Kasumi'Oji]

Shikihitsuhiko's power dwarfed that of the shinigami at the end of the corridor. He was a boot, and they were ants. There was little resistance they could offer, and because the shinigami were trapped in a narrow corridor, they had no where to run. They died instantly. The inflated mole realized that it was going to be Shiki's next target. As the bala was fired at it, the rodent shrunk back down rather suddenly. In doing so, it narrowly avoided death. The right side of its body took the blow, knocking the mole into the wall from the impact. However, its endurance was quite respectable, and it immediately burrowed into the ground to avoid a follow-up.

If Shiki and Kiera decided to enter the facility, they'd be met with a 30 foot-long hollow lined up with about 5 doors on each side. Most of these doors were locked, but the first on the right and third on the left each opened up into large storage rooms filled with crates. The crates contained a variety of items ranging from swords to pills. At the end of the hallway was a door that led into a 10 meter by 10 meter room containing only a large computer, filling up most of the room. Its screens were all locked, requiring a passcode to access the computer. The only distinct characteristic was a white lotus show on the large central screen.

Shiki and Kiera had the opportunity to explore for a couple of minutes and maybe even execute their mission. Before long, however, a presence would appear at the entrance of the facility. Even with Shiki's sharp sensory abilities, he wouldn't be able to feel individuals closing in on the location before they appeared. One of the pair was the same man from before who battle Lagos in by the river in Paris. The other was not present back then. This woman wore a cold expression.

"That's them..." the man said, drawing the katana the moment he set his eyes on Kiera and Shiki. The woman nodded in acknowledged his words before addressing the invaders. "Leave now while you have the chance."

OOC: This is the finals tagee of the adventure. Let's make it count!

[Shikitsuhiko Isayama]

Shikitsuhiko entered the facility and immediately slammed his foot on the ground, creating vibrations that allowed him to see everything around him. "Ah, I see." He said. He paused for a moment and began walking forward. He could hear it. The clicking, the whirling, the ticking. He began speedily walking toward the door at the end of the hallway and immediately opened the door. He had heard the noises coming from the computer. The faint noises could be heard relatively easily, but more so the difference in the way sound was moving. The vibrations caused by his stomp moved more slowly toward the end of the hall, which led him to believe it was cooler. 

The cooler air was likely a sign of computers nearby, which needed to be kept cool. "Can you see anything of value? There is a large computer console sitting before us, correct?" He asked. He reached out ad touched the computer. The keys were cold, which led him to believe the computer had not been used recently. How were they going to access this computer? How were they to use it? This was the only time he had ever wished to have sight. He could do it himself and wouldn't need to rely on anyone. 

He exited the room for a moment and let his hand run alongside the wall. He felt the doorknobs and turned each, realizing quickly some of the doors were locked. Suddenly a door opened and led into a larger room. He stomped his foot to allow the vibrations to paint a picture of the room. "Junk. All of it. Grab as much as you see fit, but quickly. We need to tend to this computer. I want out of this horrid place." He began to make his way toward the entrance to the computer as now a few minute had passed.

"Leave now while you have the chance." A voice declared from behind him. Shikitsuhiko din't bother turning to face his opponents. He didn't need to. In that moment he used pesquis, which gave him even more information that he had from the voice speaking out to him. "Shinigami certainly foolhardy." He said plainly with his back to his opponents. "Tend to the computer if you can, Keira, and I will deal with these two. If you are needed, I will surely call for you." He turned to face the man and woman, his eye brow raising slightly. He released a faint scoff from the base of his throat. "It seems we have a returning guest. You managed to outmaneuver my Fraccion. And you brought a colleague." As he said this he unsheathed his wakizashi. 

[Kiera Bright]

Keira decided to screw the conditions. Self preservation was more important than any promised information. She could sense that Shiki was done with the situation as well, and was going on the offensive. Keira on the other hand decided to take another approach. She would summon two arms from the floor immediately on either side of her. She would sit in one using it as a chair and back shield all in one, while the other would cup over her protecting her front from any stray kido that would get close to her. She was fine with letting Shiki let loose and have some fun. This gave her time to think. Since they had "failed" in keeping stealthy, and for what she knew, their employer will no longer give them what they wanted. It was time to think about herself now. 

Once the fighting died down, she moved the hand in front of her, and positioned it to her right. She looked around at the bodies thinking that if there was one thing Shiki was, it was efficient at killing. She would ride her arm past the doors taking a glance into the opened ones, and noting the closed ones. She would turn her eyes to the front seeing the room with the large computer. Her eyes widened, and a smile of pure bliss spread across her lips. Finally, technology that wasn't made from junk.  "Can you see anything of value? There is a large computer console sitting before us, correct?" Shiki's voice snapped her out of her one moment of happiness.

"Indeed, and I will take the crates with me as well. I am not leaving here empty handed." As she said moving passed him and into the room with the computer. She stopped sensing more people behind her. "That's them..." Keira turned to see a shinigami and a woman standing where they had just entered. Keira sighed in exasperation. Shiki told her to tend to the computer while he took care of the company. That was all good to her. She had enough excitement for one night. She would rush past Shiki, and fortify the entrance with another three of her arms to barricade the entrance. She did not want anything to get through and harm her or the computer. She would sit in front of the computer immediately hitting the keys to start everything up. "Alright baby, show me what you got."

5 Reiatsu arms -125 1975/2500

[Himitsu Kasumi'Oji]

"It seems we have a returning guest. You managed to outmaneuver my Fraccion. And you brought a colleague." Shiki might not be able to see, but he would certainly hear the man's heart pound and his grip tighten on his blade. There was no hiding the shinigami's rage. "Relax," said the woman, directing her words to the man beside her. She placed a calm hand on the man's shoulder. "Don't become a liability. I will deal with this Arrancar, and you will subdue the failure. Do not argue with me on this." The man opened his mouth in complaint, but ultimately surrender to her wishes.

“I’m ready.”

Shiki’s sharp energy sensory would identify two separate spikes in the shinigami’s spirit. The first was belonged to the man and corresponded to the activation of his shikai. Two scrimitars appeared in each of his hands. Right beside him, the woman’s reiatsu signature also fluctuated. She had activated a technique, one that caused water to rise from the ground. This was Distortion Sakkaku: Ripple. While the technique drew on illusions, this water was very much real. Furthermore, Shiki would discover an interesting detail about his opponents. The man was certainly a soul reaper, but the woman’s reiatsu was corrupted with the energy of a bakkoto. She was a rogue.

“Go,” the woman called to her partner. In the blink of an eye, the Shinigami had vanished. However, he was not gone. No, this man reappeared right behind Kiera in the computer room. Not only would she be able to sense his presence, but she would also hear him emerge from the water just a couple of feet behind. The man held his right scimitar defensively in front of his body, but the left blade was pointed at Kiera – just an inch from her back.

“Come in quietly, Failure, or I’ll have no choice but to kill you and the rest of us. Don’t test me.”

Meanwhile, the female Shinigami stood across the corridor from Shiki. She wasn’t making any preliminary moves, instead waiting on the Espada to initiate their fight. “Don’t try to help your friend,” she warned him. “Hugo has his orders, and if you push him further to desperation, we’ll all lose our lives.”

SPOILER: Click to show

{Rogue Stats}
Maya
Class 1 Rank 3 Genius

Strength - [150] (50) Points

Speed - [200] Points

Spiritual Pressure - [200] (500) Points

Reiatsu Strength - [400] (1000) Points   

Light Aura - [80] Points

Dark Aura - [20] Points

Instinct - [200] Points

Senses - [100] Points

Energy sensory - [100] (33) Points

Healing Expertise - [250] (750) Points


Combat Posts: 1

SPOILER: Click to show

{Shinigami Stats}
Hugo
Class 2 Rank 2 Brave

Strength: 400 (800)
Speed: 400 (600)
SpPr: 300 (150)
RS: 50 (25)
Inst: 150
Senses: 100
ES: 0

SPOILER: Click to show

{Distortion Sakaku: Ripple}
Technique Name: Distortion Sakkaku: Ripple

Class: 4

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

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

Technique Element: [Water]

Technique Description and Effects (Explain appearance, powers, and effect):

Level 1:The first part of the technique is causing water to rise from the ground all around for a quarter-mile radius until it is two-feet deep. Even if the floor is uneven, the liquid will not follow. It is fluid like all water, but it will remain in place rather than stream. The water is crystal clear and reflects the sky perfectly. If one were to take a picture at the right angle, it would be impossible to tell which way was right side up. However, that is the lesser illusion it allows. Kagami can cause small disturbances in the water at will. It could either be a sudden current pressing against the target's legs or a ripple over the water's surface, but it can easily act as a distraction. In addition, the water is deep enough to significantly slow running, capping it at 300, and prevent stepping techniques for all those trying to move through it.

Level 2:The water is a symbol of the real effect of the technique. It causes a ripple in the user’s body as well. Much like water, it will appear to flow rather than take on a single form. The user bends the light around himself inconsistently. He alternates every half a second between making his figure appear one foot wider, taller, and deeper, or one foot shorter, skinnier, and less deep. This makes physical combat with the user almost difficult, for it would be impossible to realize where their body begins and ends unless they aim for their center, which does not fluctuate. In addition, the technique extends to the user’s sword, making it possible for the target to believe that they had narrowly avoided a cut and find a gash when the sword is made to look a foot shorter than it really is. The user would fluctuate so quickly that they flicker between larger and smaller, but never take on their body’s true borders.

How to use technique (How is it activated?): [State the technique’s name. Level 3 requires physical contact to activate.]

Technique Drawbacks (Limitations, repercussions for use, etc)

The first drawback is the reiatus cost. Level 1 requires 100 reiatsu to actiavate and 50 reiatsu each post to maintain. Level 2, however, requires 100 reiatsu per post to maintain. If all levels are active at once, the user must pay 200 reiatsu on the first post and another 150 for every post that follows.

When Level 1 is active, the user must remain in contact with the water the entire time. Because of water's nature, all lightning-based techniques that contact the water at any point will cause full damage to the user rather than have the electricity diluted through the water. If he ever gets out of the water, then the technique will end. Also, a 2 in sports would double the cap on movement speed in the water. Level 1 is not required to activate Level 2, and vice versa. Level 2 can be completely ignored if the target has enough points in Illusion Resist and Focussed Eye to total to at least 4.

Made By: Kagami Murai

[Shikitsuhiko Isayama]

While known for being taciturn and placid, Shikitsuhiko would occasionally indulge in less dignified behavior. Taunting his opponent with intricate word placement was generally as far as he would go. It appeared his opponent recognized him as he did him. He could sense the rage as it began to permeate his exterior, becoming noticeable not only in heart rate but physical actions. He was indeed angry with Shikitsuhiko, but that didn’t faze him. He didn’t care for his opponent’s grievances, only his reaction. It proved something to him. He now knew he could be manipulated psychologically.

He overheard the woman’s attempts to ease his rage, calming him so he would more appropriately behave in battle. He slowly reached behind him and unsheathed his wakizashi as he spoke. “I take it you’re not of the philosophy that rage can be a useful tool in battle.” He said coldly. As he said this, his opponents indicated their interest in beginning the battle. Something so meager was unlikely to intimidate Shikitsuhiko. Even together he felt confident in his ability to defeat them. To his displeasure, the man vanished and proceeded to confront Keira. He wasn’t terribly surprised. Such actions made sense even if he knew their actions would be in vain.

“Don’t try to help your friend. Hugo has his orders, and if you push him further to desperation, we’ll all lose our lives.” He scoffed subtedly at her insulting prediction. “He isn’t the one that should worry you.” He remarked as he quickly positioned his blade in front himself. “Beset, Enjambre.” He impaled himself with his blade, which caused a frightening explosion. He had unleashed his Resurrección and this resulted in the release of power stored within his blade. A vortex of energy whirled around him as it billowed vertically. At the epicenter of the spirally vortex, six appendages burst from his back as the blade dissolved. The skin of his body seemed to ripple like disturbed water, as though something was moving beneath the surface. The whole surface of his skin was vibrating as the energy began to dissipate.

The water from his opponent’s technique had filled the area. He could feel the water on his skin and he could feel it pouring from beneath the ground. His insects poured from his release and landed in the water, sinking to the bottom. The insects quickly dissolved as the water’s crystal clear appearance quickly bame muddy and impure. Immediately around him the water changed color and spread quickly and within seconds a 40 foot radius had become something else entirely. It was no longer water. What was once water was now a golden-yellow color and was thick and viscous. Much like Shikitsuhiko, his opponent stood in the same water as him. Her legs would now be submerged in two feet of his viscoso. A substance that is not only adhesive, but corrosive to anything it touches.

Her problem would become an issue of immobility and having her skin melt from the caustic nature of the viscoso. Only those with superior strength and reiatsu strength can escape the grip of such a powerful adhesive. Shikitsuhiko, on the other hand, had no difficulty traversing the distance. Viscoso did not affect him in the same way it did others. He began approaching her as he spoke. “It has been a while since I last faced a rogue. I didn’t think Shinigami fraternized with such disgraces, especially when using the weapon you choose to use.” He said as insects at the base of the viscous material began to burrow into her feet and legs. Unfortunately, the substance allowed for zero visibility and she remained planted in her location.

They, like Shikitsuhiko, could move freely in the viscoso. Their ability to burrow into skin was nearly instantaneous. Their sharp mandibles tore into her flesh, which was made even softer and more vulnerable do to the corrosive quality of the viscoso. If they were able to latch onto her skin successfully, they would be able to shred her skin and easily dissolve into the hemotoxin. Their composition was modified and the hemotoxin would begin to flow through her body. He flattened his fingers and exposed his palm before launching in her direction. He was a cautious opponent and wanted to ensure his victory. Despite this, he was impatient and sought her immediate death. This was no time to relish in their agony. With his fingers extended, his hands would become spears capable of piercing her flesh. He extended his hand and quickly aimed for her chest, attempting to pierce her heart, killing her.


5000
-400 Release
Grilletes (B) - 150
Mudar (C) - 150
=4300

Stamina 1/14
Ress 1/16

SPOILER: Click to show

{Mudar (C)}
Members of the swarm can apply their talents to the environment, both changing its chemistry and biology and reshaping it. The swarm invade the ground and buildings and become integrated with the matter in question. They can actively manipulate the matter while also applying the effects from above. The swarm literally become a part of the object(s) they are invade and apply the chemical change and manipulate their shape. They are able to reshape objects (even buildings) and landscape in rudimentary ways. They cannot make incredibly elaborate things such as machinery or complex buildings. However, this does give him the ability to reshape all structures. They can form domes, boxes, create ripples across the ground, etc. That is, they apply the viscid aspect to the environment and shape the earth around them as if it was Shikitushiko's body. Around Shikitsuhiko and the user they can shape the ground, now gelatinous and corrosive, form an enclosure around them. They are able to affect an area with a radius of 40ft.

The same rules apply from above, meaning that the viscous is vulnerable to ice and will neutralize the adhesive aspect for a single post. An opponent can pull something that has adhered to the substance with 400+ strength or burn it away with 50% RS. If an opponent has either of these they can escape an enclosure by burning through the viscid substance or shredding through it, though this will cause a lot of pain and injury.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Grilletes (B)}
Members of the swarm can use the same mechanics mentioned above to transform into invading cells that spread chemicals throughout an opponent's body. They inflict the opponent with a highly potent, but rather slow acting hemotoxin that causes vast degeneration across their body. The chemical make-up of the hemotoxin is highly adaptable, in much the same was as above. They can change their chemical composition so an opponent's body has more difficulty processing and combating the hemotoxin. The hemotoxin itself will target tissues, organs, and muscles. The toxin will also prevent an opponent's wounds from mending, which causes wounds to continue bleeding until the toxin is removed from their body. It will cause wide-spread tissue damage, appearing like rotting flesh that blackens and causes significant pain. Only someone with the apex of pain resistant skills can lessen the pain of this effect. Erosion of the skin will be begin localized (i.e. where the insects entered the body) and spread from there.

Organ degeneration will impact breathing and movement as damage increases, impacting overall stamina and mobility. Those with a three in poison resistance will be able to moderately slow down the process of the hemotoxin. It will affect them every other post (refer to infection rate below). Each post the symptoms and effects will progress. The major flaw of this aspect of the technique is not housed with the toxin itself, but rather the point of infection. The insects are unable to inject the poison by stinging. They must invade the host's body, which can only be done by entering a wound or burrowing through the skin. They are capable of burrowing through the skin quite rapidly due to their sharp mandibles and legs. If an opponent has 400+ HE, they can halt the toxin from going beyond post five effects. If an opponent pays 200 reiatsu per post, they can keep the effects of the toxin at bay. If, at any point, they cannot or choose not to pay the reiatsu amount the effects of the toxin will resume based on the number of posts that have passed. That is, if six posts have gone by, the effects will pick up at post six effects.

To help illustrate the effects of the hemotoxin, below is an example of the effect, per post, following infection:

Initial infection:The user will feel a slight tingling and burning sensation on their skin across the whole body, especially in the location where the insects enters.
Second post: Their epidermis will begin exhibiting symptoms of corrosion. It will be a blackish/grey color and the skin breaks open into wounds. It will be prominent at the area of infection.
Third post: 30 percent of their body's skin has now changed to the blackish-grey and their wounds are festering due to deeper layers of the dermis eroding away due to the hemotoxin. They will be losing blood steadily and find that their skin is far more susceptible to damage.
fourth post: Any wounds they have received by this point are bleeding consistently as the bodies clotting function is greatly impaired. Even healing stats will be ineffective at helping promote clotting and prevent further blood loss.
fifth post: Muscles and related tissues will begin experiencing the effects of the hemotoxin, resulting in muscles tearing and eroding away, causing excruciating pain, though this can be slightly mitigated by pain tolerance 3. Without pain tolerance, attacking will be painful enough to prevent the opponent to defend and counterattack.
Sixth post: An opponent's organs, such as lungs, will begin to experience the effect of the hemotoxin. They will begin to experience tissue degeneration, causing the infected person to develop symptoms of labored breathing and easily winded during battle, especially if they are involved in heavy combat or using step techniques.
Seventh Post:The dermis is now fully infected and deep, gaping wounds are appearing across the user's body. This will double stamina drain and hinder fighting due to pain, blood loss, and difficulty breathing. Beyond post seven the user's symptoms worsen, to the point that their flesh is melting off their body and the majority of their epidermis is rotting away. The opponent runs the risk of dying by post eight.

[Kiera Bright]

Keria could feel the activation of a technique and a quick glance down would show her the water rising from the floor. She pulled her legs up onto the reiatsu arm that she used as her seat. "Gods I hope that this water doesn't ruin any of the equipment." She muttered out loud. She nearly slammed her hands against the console when yet another presence entered the room. She could feel him and hear him rise from the water. Keira didn't wait for the man to complete he threat. She didn't even turn around before two more arms shot up from the flat surface of the water attempting to grab the man's chest and the back of his head to force him backwards into the water. 

She would finally turn around if he was in the water or not a look of calm malice on her face. "You caught me in a very bad mood." She said not caring if he actually heard her or not. "How about we do this instead of threatening my life. After I water board you, I am going to see how many ways I can bend your body before I break it like a twig." Every bit of her was subtly showing the dark intent that she had for this poor unfortunate shinigami letting him know, if he was able to see her, that she was serious about every word of her threat. If her hold worked, she would continue to hold him under the water for about a minute before letting him up for air for only a second before pushing him back down. 

2 more arms 7/20 -50 reiatsu 1925/2500

[Himitsu Kasumi'Oji]

”Beset, Enjambre.”

Maya’s squinted her eyes in focus as she observed the effects of Shiki’s release. She was not unfamiliar with Arrancar, having battled a handful in the past. It is said that their resurrection is comparable to a shinigami’s bankai. It would be unwise to underestimate him. That being said, she acted in turn. Maya released her bakkoto to its highest level. From her back, the grey parasitic metal stretched up to the nape of her neck, wrapping around it to form a silver choker. Her release was far less flashy than Shiki’s in appearance, but the Espada likely wouldn’t be fooled. He was blind after all, so he’d be less focused on the physical transformation and pay more attention to the class 1 flare of reiatsu.

Shiki’s dangerous insects began spreading rather quickly across the water, threatening to eat away at Maya’s legs. The Arrancar had many ways of keeping track of his insects. Of course, he mentally commanded them, but he could also sense their reiatsu and hear/feel their movements. As they closed in on Maya, however, the woman activated her own defense. The bakkoto around her neck rapidly expanded, enveloping her body in a slick, silver armor that was class 1 in nature. Vita Sollertia: Integumentum had provided her with a defense to protect her lower body.

As the critters harmlessly clashed her armor and Shiki began to approach the woman, Maya attempted to launch her own counter-attack against Shikitsuhiko. However, she quickly realized that she had lost control of the water. Shiki's ability had completely transformed it to something else entirely. Unfortunately for Maya, she had failed to realize the potency of Shiki’s insects, who, after a couple seconds of delay, were able to eat through her armor and begin infecting her legs. Maya telekinetically cleared the water beside her, creating a dry radius of about 3 feet where the insects would be kept away. Unfortunately, the damage had been done. The hemotoxin had infected her legs, and she could already feel the tingling sensation in her skin. But she couldn’t afford to distract herself with her own injuries. Doing so might just lose her the battle.

Maya stepped up from out of the water, standing on a platform of air ground just above its surface to protect herself from any other damage Shiki's powers might cause. At this point, Shiki had closed in on her, attempting to stab through the woman with his razor-sharp fingers. In return, she extended her hand, palm first, to meet the Arrancar's attack. As their strikes were about to collide, a flood of water burst forward from Maya's palm. From her hand, she had activated Hado #40: Gouzen Demizu, well aware that Shiki could likely convert it into the vector of his ability. However, this conversion wouldn't slow the water what-so-ever. By accelerating the water of Gouzen Demizu with her power, Maya was able to strike Shiki with a torrent of fluid at 1000 speed and strength. This wave of water was easily as tall as Shiki was, requiring him to protect his entire body. The Arrancar would either have to react quickly enough to muster a defense capable of withstanding such force or he'd be thrown backward.

Bakkoto Class 1: 1/3

Combat Posts: 2

---

Kiera’s arms lashed out at the Shinigami behind her, but just before they hit, the man vanished once more. This time, however, he reappeared from the water directly in front of Kiera. He stood between the young failure and the computer, putting Kiera eye-level with his chest. “Back off,” he told her. If her gaze dropped and inch or two, she’d see the tips of both his blades positioned just an inch from the bottom of her neck. He could disappear and reappear faster than her arms could move. Kiera would have to think of a better way to catch him or at least keep herself safe.

Shikai: 2/10

[Shikitsuhiko Isayama]

Shikitsuhiko had ensnared his opponent as two feet of her legs were now immersed in his viscoso, which only superior strength or reiatsu strength could free her from. With no mobility, it appeared she was relying on powerful kido in conjunction with her bakkoto, which remained a mystery to him. While his senses and vibration sense allowed him to see the world despite his sightlessness, only time and study would yield more information on her release. His insects tore through her armor, feeding Shikitsuhiko information of their travels. He knew she now had armor, but the extent of its reach was unclear. He surmised it covered the majority of her body. That seemed the most logical.

As he sped toward her position, he sensed the the fluctuation in her spirit. She was preparing to summon a technique, but he had mere seconds to react. Her use of kido was swift and effortless as she summoned a torrent of water with significant speed and might. Being struck by this technique would simply prevent him from nearing her, but would be unable to harm him due to his hearty hierro. He possessed a level of spiritual superiority that enabled him near invulnerability. Shikitsuhiko decided to avoid the technique altogether and simply come in for a strike after ensuring absolutely immobility.

He was originally biding his time, waiting to employ another portion of his technique until he knew what she was capable of. He suspected her proficiency involved water, otherwise she wouldn’t continue to use the same technique style. Assuming too much could be a potentially fatal mistake and so remained cautious about the conclusions about her release. He could hear the water welling-up and felt the surge in reiatsu, prompting him to use sonido to vanish, multiplying his speed by 13 (3900). Unfortunately for Maya, he could mentally command the viscoso and manipulate it in rudimentary ways. He was able to quickly avoid her technique and command the viscoso to completely wrap her body.

Maya’s misfortune had quickly multiplied. Her original technique filled the room with water, allowing Shikitsuhiko to convert a 40ft radius into his viscos, both surrounding her and cementing her feet where she stood. The adhesive and corrosive substance was capable of being reshaped by his will alone. He appeared five feet behind her as the ground quaked as the viscoso around them surged toward her. Since he was able to control the entirety of the viscoso and there was plenty in the surrounding area, it was able to completely smother her without releasing its hold on her legs. A deluge of the golden viscoso passed by him from both sides and from every other direction. It encircled her body, wrapping her like bandages placed on a mummified corpse. It was able to completely envelope her body, shaping around every curve.

The water created from her kido fired forward, but the viscoso was not deterred by her efforts. Having been surrounded by a 40ft, two foot deep room of the substance allowed it to slip around her technique and slither up her legs and quickly wrap around her. Her entire body was encased in the substance, which not only completely bound her in place, but subjected her to corrosive damage as long as her armor/skin was exposed. Only 400+ strength and 50% superiority could escape this deadly tomb. To make matters worse, she would be completely deprived of oxygen and the corrosion would boi away her skin leaving wounds that were unable to heal thanks to the hemotoxin. She was in grave danger.

Shikitsuhiko wasn’t prepared to leave her death to the suffocation alone. He wanted to inflict even more pain upon her. He charged toward her before using sonido to reappear before her. His viscoso separated around her eyes only, which allowed Shikitsuhiko access. The remainder of her body was completely covered as he adopted a sickening grin. This was completely uncharacteristic for him, but his next action was something that brought him joy. It fascinated him to his core and was something he did only for a select few. Using his pointer finger, middle finger, and thumb, he shot his hands forward and shoved his fingers into her orbit, the cavity around her eyes, and swiftly plucked her eyes from her head. Upon plucking her eyes the viscoso covered the area and he turned and began walking away.

He delicately felt the exterior of the eye, being sure not to damage the delicate tissue. He wondered what color her eyes were, but no longe had anyone to help identify that feature. Instead, he could only fantasize about their true color. He hoped they were green. “A pair of emerald green eyes would be a wonderful resolution to this vexing experience. Such rare beauty.” He added. With his opponent completely enveloped in his technique and unable to free herself, he lifted his head and directed his attention toward Keira and her opponent. He softly stated, but with an orotund quality, “Perhaps you can tell me what color eyes your friend had?” His subtle use of the word had was intentional as his rogue was about to die of suffocation.


4,300
sonido x 2 (200)

Stamina 2/14
Release 2/16

[Himitsu Kasumi'Oji]

Maya felt the Sonido coming. She saw the shift in Shiki’s movement as he prepared to press hard off of one foot. It was an obvious maneuver, one she should have predicted. I’ve gotten rusty over the years… A bitter smile lightly tugged on her lips as she felt Shiki’s spirit reappear behind her. All around, that viscos swelled and closed in on her like a swarm of ants on food. Her legs, still stuck in that adhesive goops, were burning so intensely that it was all she could do to fight through the pain. Maya didn’t need to look down to predict the damage she had suffered. This viscos had to be toxic, and she remained within it for far too long.

But she wasn’t defeated. Not yet. As the corrosive substance began to close in on her, she activated one of her powerful bakkoto abilities. Maya turned into water. Her body melted into a crystal clear orb. By transforming her feet to water, she had freed them from the grasp of his viscos, and this water was not so easily transformed into Shiki’s goo considering that it is technically Maya’s body. She was able to manipulate her own water at a speed of 1000, letting her navigate over and away from Shiki’s slower viscos.

When Maya got free, she backed off to the far side of the room, floating a couple of feet over the viscos. The woman let her head, arms, and upperbody reform, but she kept her legs in the liquid form as she hovered in the air. Just because she had transformed them to water didn’t mean that the infection wasn’t still there. The pain continued to burden the woman. She couldn’t hold out for much longer.

“Hugo,” she called, just loudly enough for the other man to hear from the computer room. “We need to go.”

Both Kiera and Hugo would hear her. Shino’s eyebrows bent downward in visible anger. He pursed his lips, but those were his orders. Without another word, he vanished once more into the water only to appear right outside the door. Shino’s eyes widened in surprise as he saw the scene before him. Nearly the pool of water except for the far end by the computer room had been transformed into a dark syrup. Maya was about fifteen feet away from him, floating in her water form, as Shiki stood at the end of the corridor. He seemed uninjured, but Maya’s face appeared strained.

“Maya, hurry.” Hugo withdrew a bronze knob from his pocket – the same type of knob that Shiki and Kiera’s employer used in the past. Just as that other man had, Shino pressed the door into the wall and opened up a dark portal. He’d hold his scimitars across his body and stood by the door, facing Shiki. He’d hold this position as Maya floated back, edging toward the portal. They both prepared for a counter attack from the arrancar, in case he attempted to cut off their escape. If he chose to let them go, however, the two would disappear into the portal and it would shut behind them, leaving Shiki and Kiera to do as they wished.

OOC: If Shiki lets Maya and Shino go, you guys can make your final round of posts to conclude the adventure and then we’ll turn it in. If not, then we’ll go for another round.

[Marcus Cole]

OOC: One last thing! Kiera's free to explore the computer and I'll respond to that in my next DM post

[Shikitsuhiko Isayama]

Shikitsuhiko could feel Maya’s body shift in form and liquefying despite his viscoso’s hold. It was clever, he couldn’t deny that, but it was ultimately fruitless. Unless she called on the assistance of her ally, it would only be mere moments before she perished. Even then, Shikitsuhiko was confident he could eliminate them both as he predicted before the battle began. He stood proudly as his head slightly turned, as if to adjust an antenna for better reception. Much like an insect, his mannerisms exhibited a stealthy curiosity. The tilted of the head and mild shift in posture was an indication of his attention.

His arms hung tightly alongside his body as he observed Maya’s actions. She was moving quickly and much like himself, she had the capacity to change the composition of her body. He wondered how she planned to escape and if she would continue to battle now that she was free. If she were to find herself ensnared once more, she could easily use this technique. It wouldn’t be the wisest choice, but it was a possibility. “Hugo, we need to go.” There was a distinct shakiness observed in Maya’s tone. She had been badly injured from his techniques and remained infected by the hemotoxin.

“Slowly dying and calling on the help of a Shinigami. Seems counter to instinct, doesn’t it? Here you are inching your way toward death and yet you’re knocking on the door of those tasked with reaping souls.” He slowly began walking forward as Shino moved to the edge of the Viscoso. Surely he was planning on saving her, but he would then risk the same fate. Insects began pouring from beneath his skin and covering his body, others emerging from the visoso and crawling up his legs. As they did this the viscoso immediately began converging from the farthest corners toward his enemies. Desposeer. He stated mentally. His body flickered and he vanished from sight as the viscoso simultaneously transformed into a colossal tidal wave that dramatically grew both vertically and horizontally.

"Maya, hurry!" The sheer volume of viscoso enabled it to expand to enormous lengths and accomplish impressive feats. The viscoso climbed higher, creating a wall roughly 20ft in height and 20ft in length. This would block an immediate path between Maya and Hugo. While he knew they would attempt to reunite, he wasn’t immediately certain what Hugo had planned. It soon became obvious as the gateway opened, having used the energy stored in the knob. With the Viscoso no longer making it possible for them to see his movements, Shikitsuhiko used Sonido to multiply his speed to 3900. Only those in possession of 200 or more energy sensory would be able to spot him. He was now rendered completely invisible to the naked eye.

As he sped toward Maya, deciding she was the weakest link, the wall of viscoso bent and angled the walls as if to surround and corner Maya. The angle of the visco cut off all entrance from the corner closest to Hugo. He would need to go over or around, near Shikitsuhiko. Using Shunpo allowed Shikitsuhiko to transverse a great distance quickly, appearing directly behind Maya. Even with a couple more feet of height, she likely remained level or near-level with Shikiitsuhiko’s seven foot height. It was over. She would die this day. He immediately, upon appearing, had his hand facing her. The six appendages with spear-shaped tips thrust forward, each would slam through various locations in her back and burst from her chest and stomach. Each protected by hierro and made more deadly as a consequence. He made sure that two of the crustacean-like legs pierced her spin in separate locations as well as her lungs and heart. They were so conveniently positioned that such a task was simple. As the limbs protruded from her body, blood pouring from the wounds, Shikitsuhiko scoffed. His body flickered as it had made contact with hers and this made him visible.

As he spoke the vibrant glow of a cero began to light the area. “I thought it was made perfectly clear before. Together you would be unable to defeat me, so why would you believe standing alone was wise? Lesson learned, I suppose. Enjoy death a second time.” He stated with a cold, condescending tone.. His appendages withdraw from her body quickly as he simultaneously fired a cero. His intention was to completely envelop her body in the deep cyan cero, incinerating her body. If not, it would leave it maimed and horribly burned. With her out of the way, he could not deal with the Shinigami. Shaking the blood off his body, it flickered and became invisible once more. Upon firing the cero the wall of viscoso collapsed, a torrent of adhesive corrosion surrounded Hugo.

Shikitsuhiko would step over what was left of Maya’s body as his attention turned to the Shinigami. “There is no saving that soul, i’m afraid.” He added to subtly mock his opponent. “The now dead rogue issued a warning about your power and now she lies dead behind me. Her body now decimated and nearly unrecognizable. I can only conclude that her words hold absolutely no merit. If they did, she would not have tried to challenge me alone. No one who possesses insight and intelligence would be so blatantly foolish.” He then used sonido to bolt toward his opponent, attempting to reach him before he exited through the gateway. Even with the gateway open, Shikitsuhiko knew his opponent would have tried to save her and more than likely would want to avenge her death. From that brief interaction when he first arrived, he was someone who was vulnerable to emotion.
Leaping over the viscoso using sonido, he completely strengthed his body and each of his appendages were elongated and the spear-like tips were tightly pulled together to create an more massive spear, intended to impact his opponent. 




4,300

-150 Desposeer A 
sonido x 2 - 200
Cero - 200
Total non-release (600)


=4,150 reiatsu
Stamina 3/14

Release 3/16

SPOILER: Click to show

{Desposeer A }
a. (User) - Members of the swarm modify the composition of their bodies before completely covering every part of Shikitsuhiko's body. Once they have covered his entire body, they meld into his flesh and are capable of mimicking the environment surrounding him. They do this so flawlessly that they render him completely camouflages. To his opponent, he is invisible, but there are relative weaknesses to this ability. While there are obvious methods to thwarting it, if he is struck he will reappear for a brief moment. This ability recovers quickly, so there is very little time to counterattack using this method. An opponent with 200 or greater ES can locate him while he is camouflaged. This aspect of his technique is not unlimited and can only last for two posts before requiring a post of rest before reactivating for an additional cost of 100 reiatsu.

[Kiera Bright]

Keira and the shinigami continued their dance. Keira did her best to keep him on the defensive, and dodging. With her acute senses, she was able to keep track of him, and if she did lose track of him, she was able to quickly pick him up again. Keira slashed with her arms, attempted to grab him, and even fired several bolts of lightning at him, as long as he was not near any important looking equipment. He was slippery. He was far faster than her, faster than even her arms can move. The few times that he did attack her, she had to rely on her arms reaction time and positioning rather than their sheer strength and speed to win. 

“Hugo, we need to go.” Keira and Hugo stopped their combat. A moment passed where they just stared at each other. It was clear that the man did not like being called back. It seemed that Shiki was too much for his partner. "You better move along, your handler is calling." Keira chided with a smirk. In the end, he disappeared back into the water, and she could sense him heading back to the rogue Shiki was fighting. She didn't care if they got away or not now that they were not in her way. She was sure that Shiki was far less merciful than herself, but again she didn't care. All she was concerned about was the large computer. 

She returned to the key board pulling out her phone. She had modified it heavily to help her out in the field. She opened a small port and plugged in the flash drive. She started to down load all the data that was on the computer that she could onto the phone. She had no idea how much of the data she could hold, but she was willing to put as much on as she could, and burn the rest if she needed to. She would sit back and relax listening to the screams of pain and death behind her, as Shiki no doubt finished them off just as she predicted he would. She would look around the room using her arms to take anything that looked valuable either for research, or just to pawn off somewhere. 

Once the data was transferred, she returned the phone into the pocket of her lab coat. She returned to the hall where Shiki was fighting, and proceeded to use more of her reiatsu arms to grab any of the boxes that were not secured down, and even using a couple pairs to force open the locked doors to see what was in there as well. She wanted to be sure that she have as much as she could carry. Their "employer" stipulated that they had to remain in inconspicuous with their spiritual powers to fufill their objective, having failed that, she doubted that he would be forth coming on his end of the bargain. She turned to Shiki having collected her spoils. "Are we finished here? I would like to be back at my lab ASAP." 

[Himitsu Kasumi'Oji]

Kiera had inserted her usb flashdrive into the computer. For about one-eighth of a second, this usb began to collect random information from the computer. This didn’t last long, however. Almost instantly, a round, fish-like eye just above the screen suddenly opened, staring straight at Kiera. It began to squint in anger, and suddenly, several sharp tentacles emerged from the computer. One of them came out from the usb port that Kiera attached her flashdrive, tossing it aside to the floor.

The tentacles all pointed at Kiera, as if they were prepared to rush at her in conjunction. Each one had a small eye at its tip, their pupils focusing on the failure. However, the main eye above the computer screen turned its attention to the door of the computer room, as if it could sense Shiki’s presence not very far away. This living computer seemed to make a decision at that moment, and instead of striking against Kiera, it began to pierce itself multiple times with each tentacle. The computer screeched as it took its own life brutally, not giving up until its entire system was irreparably damaged. Kiera would not be able to recover any information other than the very brief amount her flashdrive had picked up. However, the main objective of the mission was a success. They had destroyed the computer system.

---

Meanwhile…

A viscoso barrier emerged between Hugo and Maya, complicating their escape. It seemed that Shiki was out for blood. Maya was already aware of how potent Shiki’s reiatsu strength was, and she realized that a simple clash of abilities would not do her any good. No, she had one chance and one chance only to overcome his incredible power, and it came at a cost far greater than just reiatsu. Due to the wounds Shiki inflected at her feet, Maya’s life force had already been heavily taxed. She had less than half of it remaining, but that was just enough for her to save herself.

Maya’s hands ignited into blue flames as she activated Hado #86: Soukahou. It was a class 2 kido, and although the ability was incredibly strong, this alone would not overwhelm Shiki’s release. However, Maya was able to rely on a powerful Kasumi’Oji family technique: Genesis Art: Augendae. This technique increased Soukahou’s class by two, putting it at a stage even above class 1. Soukahou fired balls of flames from her hands like a machine gun. They tore through the wall of viscoso surrounding her, giving her a brief opportunity to escape through the gaps she created. Unfortunately, Shiki had used Sonido to appear right behind her, introducing himself as another obstacle. Without any energy sensory, Maya would be unable to detect Shiki. She was completely vulnerable.

Shiki’s appendages did pierce Maya, stabbing through her vital organs and killing her within seconds of impact. There was nothing Hugo could do other than watch through the holes in the viscoso wall, frozen with shock as he watched another one of his relatives lose their lives. She promised she'd live, Hugo thought to himself bitterly, his fists clenched in anger. She promised Himitsu we'd both come back alive... He could stay and attempt to avenge her, but Hugo had accepted the bitter truth that Shikitshuko was far more powerful than he was. To stay and fight would surely result in his death. He would have his revenge, but not right then. Hugo did not hesitate before speeding through that same portal with shunpo, sealing it behind him as he darted through it. He was gone, and with his disappearance, Shiki’s Team Gamma was successful.

OOC: The adventure is now over! Feel free to post a final response from your character. Because Shiki was the leader of Team Gamma, he will have an opportunity to enter the final Kasumi’Oji adventure, which will not take place until July’s adventure completes, so sit tight!

Also, there will be special rewards for this adventure! Now, due to Kiera’s action with the flashdrive, she was able to recover one piece of secrete Kasumi’Oji information, a reserved technique. She is now able to learn the following Kasumi’Oji Mind Hana technique:

SPOILER: Click to show

{Now You See Me}Technique Name: Mind Hana: Now You See Me

Class: 4

Technique Type: Kido

Usable By: Kasumi’Oji family members only

Technique Element: Mind

Technique Description and Effects:
One of the major principles of battle is the concept of concealment. If the enemy can’t find you, they can’t kill you. Some people may attempt to exercise concealment by sneaking about, while others may waste time and energy trying to mask their presence in some way. However the Kasumi’Oji developed a much more elegant solution. The mind, while terribly powerful, suffers from certain limitations. Among these is a finite amount of energy it can expend at any one point in time. In order to conserve energy, your mind only perceives what it deems to be of the greatest importance at that moment; even if you see something else, if your mind doesn’t consider it to be important, you simply won’t notice it’s there. Using this principle, this technique uses a simple adjustment to the enemy’s mind to render the user, and any of the user’s allies they choose to include, as “unimportant”. In a nut-shell, this technique makes enemies ignore the users presence; even if the user stands right in front of the enemy, the enemy will not see or hear the user, nor will they be able to sense the user via ES.

How to use technique:
Just spend Reiatsu, and say the phrase “Now you see me…” to activate the technique. This can be used even if the enemy already knows where you are, making it appear as if you vanished completely.

Technique Drawbacks
Aside from the Reiatsu cost, the main drawback to this technique is that it’s relatively easy to break. If the target’s Reiatsu Strength meets or exceeds the users Reiatsu Strength, they are immune. Also, anyone whose Class exceeds the users is immune. Having points in Illusion Resist can help the victim find the user despite this technique. Finally, the technique is broken if the user does something really noticeable, such as makes a loud sound, speaks directly to the target, or attacks the target. If the target touches the user, the technique is broken. This technique lasts for a maximum of three posts.

Made By: Taiho Kasumi’Oji

Reserved?: Yes, to Kasumi’Oji members

Shiki will also receive a reward, this one being the Black Market item S.O.U.L. Since black market item descriptions are not supposed to be available to the general site, I will send him the item description in a PM.

You also get normal adventure rewards, so a mod grader will allocate those.