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Post by Hattori Kihashi on Mar 2, 2010 19:59:08 GMT -5
''Huff...huff...huff...huff...'' ''Run faster! Run, run as fast as you can!'' ''Where are they!?'' ''They're right on our heels; don't you dare look back!'' Two unseated members of Division two sprinted down a street in Rukongai, with three large hollows chasing them down. The beasts thundered after them, not an inch away from getting a prized kill and absorbing the energy from the two very unfortunate men. ''Why did we even leave HQ!? Hattori-Taicho promised he'd be back after his investigations in Rukongai!'' ''You're asking me? Really? You're asking ME!? It was your brilliant fuckin' idea!'' The hollows roared, obviously getting fed up with the chase. The two rounded a corner and continued down another street, the three hollows getting even closer. They knew they were doomed, and it was only a matter of time. ''Well, this is the end, bud! Nice knowin' you!'' ''You too, man!'' They were practically blubbering, on the verge of bursting into tears to keep from dying this way. From behind them, a red light flashed and lit up the area; it seemed one of the hollows had gotten fed up and was going to fire a Cero mid-run.
Suddenly, a swish sound resounded through the air. A fist smashed into the mask charging the Cero, smashing it into hundreds of fragments with a roar of agony. The two hollows closed their formation, standing back to back as they eyed the area. Whomever, or whatever, had decimated their ally had gone as quick as it came. With a flutter of his over-clothing in a strong breeze came Kihashi from another flash step, smashing through both hollow's masks with a deadly flying kick. Another flash step landed him beside the two unseated members. ''Get back to the headquarters. Now. Tell any able-bodied squad member that can actually do something worth half of a shit to get out here.'' He then pulled in one of the members by his collar. ''Tell them to exterminate all hollow and arrancar on site. Primary objective is to eliminate any and all arrancar in the area, wiping out the chain of command. Send a hell butterfly right now.''
The unseated member did so, and left with the other one.
Kihashi himself continued to use small, conservant flash steps to move efficiently and steadily through Rukongai, trying to pick up a reiatsu signal significant enough to belong to an arrancar. When found, he would do what his squad did best; assassinate. The idea was to disrupt the chain of command and leave the hollow as some aimless, wandering body of beasts with no core command. ''I'll just split the head from the body...'' He growled beneath his breath.
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Post by Yukio on Mar 3, 2010 19:50:04 GMT -5
Rukongai, the locality that was, by fate destined to host the apocalyptic battle, between the Shinigami, and the Espada. The night, which once started in a strident silence erupted in screams and cries for help as the Hollow infestation begun. No one was safe, and all would ultimately fall victim to the demonic covetousness, and insane hunger that ate greedily at the heartless beasts. Blood covered the streets, tainting the underprivileged area in the bodily water of both Shinigami and Hollow alike; now it was obvious that this battle would be one of mammoth atrocities and loss.
While those who sought the Soul Society’s fortification resisted the invasion on the ground, a slight rip in the fabric of time and space manifested in the dark sky above. At first glance, this slit was undersized, barely conspicuous; nonetheless, as time slipped away, the small incision expanded, reaching further in dimension as the monstrous mouth ate away at the space, widening until the dark void was now noticeable.
“This is the Soul Society…?”
An inquiring voice echoed from the rip as a figure was manifesting. Draped in long sleeve Long sleeve, White colored shihakushō as a Teal hakama-himo hugged its waist firmly, locking the dangling Zanpakutō in place. Yukio, an Arrancar, and Elite Member of the Espada had finally arrived at the battlefield; though somewhat late. His hair, long and a light-tint of whitish-pink; as his impassive purple eyes pierced the scenry.
Stepping down from the incision in the sky, the Séptima, finally reached the ground, as his padded feet gradually touched the dirt terrazzo. Concealing his Reaitsu level completely, Yukio kept his presence known, as discretion was advised. Moving along the alleyways and opening streets, the Espada would search for his first victim, as the whiff of a strapping Reaitsu intrigued his interest; maybe a worthy opponent would stumble upon the Long-haired Espada, or vice-versa.
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Post by Hattori Kihashi on Mar 3, 2010 20:16:06 GMT -5
Stalking through the streets still, although still with no results as well, Kihashi peered through every corner of every street and alley that he could. He didn't feel any significant reiatsu; there were only weak signatures all around him at distances, appearing and disappearing rapidly. Many were being slain on each side of the conflict. This had to end soon; the longer the hollows were with a chain of command at this front, the longer it was going to take to drive them back, and at that, the more civillians and Shinigami were going to be killed. Looking up to the sky as the pitch changed in a particular spot, he noticed a very dark patch of the sky appear for a second before vanishing back to whence it came. That couldn't have been normal, could it? With a slight growl beneath his breath, Kihashi sprinted from his position and began heading toward the spot.
He turned a corner sharply, finding a group of shinigami locked in combat with an Adjuchas. The bear-looking hollow rose up on its hind legs and smashed one poor soul beneath its massive paws, clawed one deeply and slammed him into a wall, and gripped the last one in its dripping jaws, biting once squarely to pierce his body and kill him. Dropping the mangled body from his jaws, Kihashi gave the beast a death stare. All of the sudden, two shadows flitted into view. ''Hattori-Taicho! We have come to clear the way for you! For the Thirteen!'' The two men shouted in unison and acted as one, slashing the beast's mask apart simultaneously into an X shaped cut. The beast erupted into darkness with a roar of pain. Kihashi smirked as the two special forces members offered a salute and ran off ahead of him, slicing apart any hollow that crossed their way.
Kihashi continued his sprinting, conserving his flash step endurance for if anything had come out of that rupture in the sky. The two special forces members finally parted ways, slicing up any significantly-powerful hollow they could track. Kihashi himself, however, stopped dead in his tracks as he turned a corner and eyed a man with light purple tinted hair. He inspected his outfit, seeing a zanpakuto at his side. He called out to the man, disguising his own reiatsu as well. A loose black coat complete with a hood disguised his captain's outfit, and he barked out to the individual. ''You bear no uniform of the Thirteen, yet you carry a blade. Who are you? Do not try my patience and force my hand, stranger; you're suspicious as it is.'' He removed the hood from his outfit, peering at the individual and staying on his guard.
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Post by Yukio on Mar 5, 2010 1:01:53 GMT -5
The streets shifted between an epoch of silence, and subsequent howls and screams of pain as numerous souls that found their fates and spirited lives ephemeral. If it wasn’t the voracious hollows stalking both Shinigami and dwelling souls; it was the opposing force of “self-proclaimed” righteousness, the Shinigami who hunted the Hollows. The stability of war had begun, and now to maintain a balanced echelon of egalitarianism, a stronger force was meant to intervene, that being the Espada, Yukio.
As he roamed the streets, aimlessly searching for a force whose power was at least near his own; the purple-haired Espada was soon comforted by a small assemblage of Shinigami; evident by the Zanpakutō that were tightly gripped in their hand. Moving from side-to-side, the impassive depiction of his purple eyes captured the sight of several Shinigami, all armed, all tentatively ready to leap into battle, and willing to give their lives in the process. From their standpoint, it was obvious they assumed they had a faultless advantage, casting six more allies then that of Yukio; it also didn’t help that Yukio’s spiritual pressure was masked soo snugly that not even a trance was detectable to the unqualified.
“Which one of you will—“
Before the Purple-haired warrior was able to finish his inquiry, they rushed him, all moving in at once with the hopes that their collective might would be enough to destroy the excessive Threat. Pathetic, they didn’t have the slightest idea what reputation was, they simply putting the protection of their life before the honor which all who held a blade followed; times had surely changed.
Within seconds, the skies were flush in a crimson rainfall as the sound of swords clashing sounded. However on the ground, beneath the rain, Yukio wasn’t the body that draped the floors, but rather all seven Shinigami. Their bodies, hacked, limbs separated from the torso as Yukio was coated in a masquerade of Reaitsu, allowing the blood to seep down the sides, and to strain his attire as he re-sheathed his blade, sighing as he continued onward.
After a few moments of his stroll’s continuation, Yukio was stopped, by a rather matured voice, as he turned around, noticing a male figure standing behind him. To his side, a Zanpakutō as he inquired Yukio with an aggressive tone. Who was this man?
“Who are you?”
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Post by Hattori Kihashi on Mar 5, 2010 20:15:21 GMT -5
As if it wasn't insult enough that bodies had been littered all over the place, ironically with wounds from a sword, somehow this stranger had chosen to ignore Kihashi's requests. He growled lightly under his breath, then shook his head a small bit and spoke. ''My name is Hattori Kihashi.'' He looked the arrancar over, and came to the conclusion of what had to be done. The only thing to do now would be to talk him down from his guard, then use a shunpo to end this swiftly. ''Since you've chosen to ignore my requests, I can see by your attire you're no shinigami. You seemed to have appeared from thin air, even; how curious.'' His face looked very much unamused. ''Strangers don't just appear in a war zone without having their hands bloodied, or dying. I'm finding more and more dead Shinigami, and somehow, they all lead back to you. I can see you're armed, also, and strangely, the hollows aren't bothering you.''
He knew exactly what he was at that point.
''I see. Looks like i've finally found the head of the beast itself.''
He pulled his sleeves in from the black cloak and tossed it behind him without care, letting it hit the ground in a heap. ''My name is Hattori Kihashi, Captain of the Second Division of the Thirteen Court Guards. Consider yourself lucky; i'm going to make this nice and quick, arrancar.'' He took a small breath before speaking again, not even drawing his zanpakuto; he was a master of Hakuda, with not much interest in Zanjutsu. However, should he be assaulted with that sword, he would draw his own simply to block. ''I know exactly what you are; there's no sense hiding your power anymore.'' He was wearing his Captain's outfit, but little did the Arrancar know, the outfit underneath even that one served a special purpose. He assumed a stance, then without warning, used his Cicada technique. An after-image would be left, looking like he hadn't disappeared, only the after-image would shimmer and distort and begin to fade out as Kihashi was arriving. He came out of the step thrusting his elbow at the Arrancar's ribs that weren't near his zanpakuto, aiming to crush one or two and send him flying. __________________________________________________________
Technique Name Utsusemi (Cicada) Type of Effect Self-Targeted Drawback Continued use taxes the muscles in the user's legs, slowing them down in the long run. Description Used in conjunction with Flash Steps, this maneuver is best described as a Flash Step within a Flash Step. The user will perform a step right in the middle of ending the first one, resulting in an extreme burst of speed that leaves behind a single after-image. The after-image can even appear to have taken damage, although it won't bleed of course.
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Post by Yukio on Mar 6, 2010 2:04:33 GMT -5
It was obvious this stranger held no trepidation in regards to the hidden Espada who stood mere meters in front of him. He stance, thought flawed with raw emotion was still somewhat strong, which indicated some form of confidence; an outlying arrogance that would soon be his downfall. He spoke so insolently, that the very tone of his voice had quickly become frustrating, only after his succinct speech. He questioned, but would definitely get no answer, but simply whatever Yukio wanted to give him at this point. This man, who stood so unflinchingly, had finally realized he couldn’t intimidate Yukio, as he merely disregarded his question, classifying it as trifling and simply inquiring of his own free will.
A brief period of silence drowned the area in a barrier of boredom; at least for the cloaked Shinigami who, by appearance had seemingly become annoyed. It would seem as if the impassive and dull persona that radiated from the Arrancar had seemingly sparked a fuel in the Shinigami’s head, which triggered some form of defensiveness. The first sign of weakness was that of an intolerant soul, Yukio thought to himself as he watched the Shinigami un-robe himself, revealing that certified uniform of his Society. Now it would seem as if this would prove attention-grabbing, even to the normally composed, unemotional Yukio who simply turned around to face his foe.
Within a blink of an eye, the Shinigami, who now revealed himself as a Taichō vanished, in what seemed to be a twofold burst of speed; most likely a deviation of the Shinigami’s Shunpō. For the most part, Yukio was able to fluently trail his opponent’s movements, even in the blinding flicker of speed. However he stood still, as if paralyzed in fear. But if you assumed such, you’d be wrong, for now Vasto Lorde Class Arrancar feared any being, not even that of Shinigami Taichō.
Then everything stopped, and a hurricane of intense winds picked up beneath Yukio’s footing as Hattori found himself ducked lowly, and his elbow pressed into Yukio’s chest, discharging a agitation that shuck the area around the two. With his head lowered, and his long, vibrant hair masking his face, it would seem as if the hit actually harmed the Arrancar until. ”Is that all you have..?
[/color] echoed throughout the Shinigami’s ear as a rather loud chirping radiated, and from Yukio’s right hand, electricity was instantaneously engendered. Rising his head, to face the Shinigami, Yukio sighed, and hurriedly jabbed his right hand (in a pointed stab) into his opponent’s arm, with the lightning augment; hoping to deal instant paralysis unto his foe. Ill-fated for Hattori, he now faced the Espada, which held uncontested, the strongest skin. “I’m Yukio… Espada..” Denki Honshitsu (電気本質 Lit Meaning "Electric Essence") is the passive/ reflective ability that serves as the basis for all of Yukio's powers. His reiatsu is electrically generated, and while this has no effect by itself in a sense, it allows him to effortlessly engender the electricity necessary for his abilities. Yukio is also able to generate electricity within his own body, and transfer it into other objects. It goes without saying that his control over the lightning element gives him absolute immunity to not only own, but other lightning based powers. Hierro (鋼皮 Lit Meaning "Steel Skin") Yukio holds a hierro befitting the strength of an Espada, his skin is highly durable even by Arrancar standards. It is strong enough to allow Yukio to counter attacks with relative ease, even attacks of Espada Level. Yukio ca easily withstand attacks directly without noticeable phasing; also being able to deflect Espada's ranked 5th or lower attacks with his Bare-hands, without leaving any significant scraps or marks. [/blockquote][/blockquote][/size]
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Post by Hattori Kihashi on Mar 6, 2010 16:48:41 GMT -5
As Cicada had taken effect and worked very well, it would have been foolish to try it again so soon and take a hit to the muscles in his legs. Kihashi's elbow collided with the Arrancar's chest, and his mind let out a small echo of victory as the blow landed, even though it hadn't landed where he intended. Watching the Arrancar's expression not even administer the slightest change, he slowly peered up and into his eyes. He listened to the insult unimpressed, and heard a crackle of electricity in retaliation. Thinking quickly, he flash stepped a fair distance away, the hand barely making contact before he flashed away. Kihashi knew exactly what that electricity was going to do to him, and he made a note that if the Espada controlled that degree of power, he most likely had other electrical attacks as well. He felt the numbness in his arm from the slight connection of the shock, and shook his hand around a bit until he regained feeling.
''An Espada, huh? Well, although that hardened skin of yours might not let my fists and legs through, I know what it will let through.''
With a pause, he drew his zanpakuto and lifted it, then pointed the tip at the Espada. He pressed the handle into his right forearm with his free hand. ''Koiru, Shinjamaru.'' With a white flash, the zanpakuto wrapped around his arm like a serpent, and when the light cleared, his entire right arm was encased in lightweight armor with a wristblade extending over his hand. A hollow snake-like design wrapped all the way around to the armor, connecting with the head at the blade of the shikai. Letting loose his reiatsu from hiding, he used spiritual pressure to strengthen the cutting edge of his zanpakuto, and focused reiatsu to the hollow shoulder piece to begin producing venom to inject upon striking the Espada.
''If you think that's all I had, you're sadly mistaken. Your move, Espada.'' His voice almost seemed to hold some excitement, and that would be true; he hadn't had a fight on equal footing in a long time.
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Post by Yukio on Mar 6, 2010 20:50:54 GMT -5
The Taichō was convinced in his ability, and his unspecified, but regardless false verity that he could manage to somehow defeat Yukio alone. However no so much interested in his level of power, Yukio found himself more intrigued in the fact that he placed clues together in truth fast, so puppies did have a echelon of intelligence, even if it was only mediocre, and paled in comparison to that of Yukio’s. As Yukio brought his arm down with near imperceptible speed, the Shinigami-Taichō evaded the only way he knew how, or at least the only manner he could muster feasible with such a short amount of time between the two; a Shunpō, how conventional.
“Is this your Shikai? If show, display its power…”
Yukio exclaimed calmly as the Captain released an insane amount of Reaitsu from his body as it soon seeped from his being into the open. And within seconds, his entire arm was covered in what seemed to be a metallic armor-plate; a rather boring Shikai, but nonetheless, could pose some threat to the Espada with fair-purple Hair. Now fully facing the Shinigami, Yukio dragged one arm up, being his right as he looked across the field with his normal impassive stare, the purple portrayal of his eyes piercing the soul of the Taichō.
“I’ll use only this arm…”
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Post by Hattori Kihashi on Mar 7, 2010 16:44:23 GMT -5
For once in a long, long time, Kihashi felt his pulse begin to quicken. His heart raced, his blood boiled, and he could just barely hide the smile that would upset his mental composure. He was excited beyond belief, and he also found it comical this Espada thought it only necessary to use only one arm to fight him after he had released his Shikai. He couldn't release Bankai in Rukongai, as it would decimate the surrounding structures and most likely harm civillians from the power. He looked around him as battles ended and began, shinigami and hollow alike trading blows and freeing rivers of blood into the air. He knew he couldn't lose this battle; if he did, many shinigami would fall prey to this general of the Hollows and Arrancar. Kihashi took two fingers and ran it along the blunt side of his wristblade, feeling poison well up in the hollow shoulder plate of his right arm.
All that remained now was to inject it.
Kihashi shrugged and then smirked, speaking with a bit of amusement. ''Use one arm, lose one arm, Espada.'' He then went into a full sprint at the Espada, and hoped that his opponent would find the charge too predictable. At the last moment he shot off to the side, changing course, then using another shunpo to close the distance on the opposite side, hoping his speed had tricked the Espada enough to warrant him a clean hit. With spiritual pressure aiding the cutting edge of his Zanpakuto, he'd hoped this hit would deal some damage. As he came out of the flash step, he slashed at the Espada's torso just above his ribcage, keeping an eye on the movements of his arms to try and appropriately counter his retaliations to the best of his ability. If the strike should land, Shinjamaru would inject a venom into the evil being's body; it wouldn't do much damage at first as it wasn't a stab wound, but once it started to circulate, it would gradually tip the scales in the Taicho's favor.
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