Left 4 Dead [P]

[Big Black Fish]

Upon my second appearance in this forsaken world, I would view the lands it a peculiar way, as everything was... different. Upon the first arrival I ever had upon this world, I took notice to the fact that my strength had been greatly reduced. My first initial assumption on the matter was that this world has some sort of imbalance, that I couldn't seem to grow fond to it, however, this was not the case. It would simply be this strange reasoning to reducing a Shinigami's power greatly, leaving me at a disadvantage, but yet... not so much. Considering all other Shinigami lose their power as well, I would say the only person writhing in the effects of the reduction would be the individual, but everyone's skill would stay on the same level. I always wondered if other forms of life would lose their power as well, such as the Advent Human I met not too long ago. I reminisce on the day, for back then I was not much more than a peon in the form of a Shinigami. Even now, I didn't consider myself worth the skin on my own back, however, my cause was noble, and all that I was had been noble in my eyes. Too others, this may not have been so, but what others thought and what I thought was two separate things.

My optimism to understand the capabilities with this world would be met and achieved simply through experience itself. I would need to indulge myself into the world to understand the world. Ask questions to receive answers. Hopefully, this would be the case on this day, as I was expecting to meet some other form that would bring me knowledge. Expanding my psychological horizons was almost exceedingly important to me than strength itself. The mind was the gears of the operation, and without the capable mind, there was no capability at all. Knowledge certainly was power, and I would take each prolonged moment in this life to improve myself, enhance intelligence, and therefore grow as a Shinigami. Ones ultimate goal should be their own cause, their own way. My way was unique as was everyone else. The Way of the Samurai.

Passing through the park of the Karakura Park, sensing the form of an otherwise evil presence. Had it simply been a misjudged premonition of a fight soon to come, or had it literally been the sening of Reiatsu of an evil dominion; a Hollow. If so, she would be ready. Fiinikkusu was thirsty for her first kill, and I would be the hands of which dealt the killing blow. Beyond a doubt in my mind, the sensation of a wicked reiatsu was drawing closer, with each lasting breath I would pick up the foul scent of a the lurking depths of malice. My mind was set in stone, it had certainly been the makings of a Hollow.

Placing my hand upon the hilt of the blade, I would take notice to a man, who hadn't appeared the likes of a Hollow at all. Had my calculations of a Hollow truly been that far off? No, this was not possible. It would appear that this man was a Shinigami, however I was not entirely sure. No Zanpakutou could be seen from the distance between us, however, I would search for an answer as to why his reiatsu had given the distinct sensation of a Hollow. Had this been a trick? Was a Hollow playing me for a fool, giving an illusion of some sort? Foul trickery may have been at hand. To my surprise, a sudden roar would resonate out from behind me, and instantly I would turn like a swivel, noticing the massive creature that had been crawling amongst the ground, the distinct creature would instantly give me the comprehension that my reiatsu sensing abilities were not off.

With my hand now upon the hilt of the blade, I would be transfixed in a seemingly Western Shootout, with a distance of 30 meters between me and the Hollow. Subsequently, he had stopped as I placed my hand upon the hilt of my blade, as if he were understanding of the fact that a battle was eagerly en route. I would wait, entirely still as my face would hold no expression upon its face. My blank construct that had been built upon my face would show a face of leisure, without fear or anxiousness. This would be close to the truth, as it was not in many of my options to show such manners, as I had been quite the relaxed being of entire sufficient purpose. No form of excitement, nor dread would be displayed solely through the face, as I managed the best poker face one could illuminate.

I would await for the first move to be played, however, I had a sense of a high amount reiatsu, however, it would seemingly be altered with the Hollows presence. Was this sense distinctly from the Hollows reiatsu, or had that man behind me truly possessed some form of power. My questions would remain floating around in the psyche, as I would not receive answers until they proved themselves to me. Regardless, I was not about to remove myself from the stand still and perform some sort of inquiring meet and greet upon the man that had been at a distance. My purpose was here and now with this particular Hollow, and I would fixate my occuli presumably upon it.

[Naka]

I was indeed the man that this spirit beheld before him. I was seated on a wooden bench in the midst of the park, enjoying the cool night air as the molded slats beneath me squeaked in protest against my sturdy form. I took notice of the man before me, but did not think anything of it at first since he was still so far away. I took him for another human, simply enjoying the night air as I was. But as he walked closer I began to realize that his appearance was a bit different from what I had thought at first.

This person appeared to be dressed in the ancient armor of a shogun samurai, a sturdy katana sheathed at his side. It was rather odd to see someone in such a manner, but not unheard of. It would not occur to me that this figure was a shinigami until later. As he approached a bit more my senses suddenly began to tingle. The distinct reiatsu pattern of a hollow had appeared on my radar, and it appeared to be coming from that man.

Impossible, he looks nothing like a hollow, and has no mask! I thought, but rose to my feet anyways, preparing for action. As I began walking forward to meet what I thought was my opponent, it became suddenly apparent that my senses had fooled me again. For this man turned suddenly on his heels, facing the other direction with his hand on the hilt of his blade. It was at this juncture that I readily saw a great hollow on the other side of him.

Without delay I began progressing towards him at a rapid pace, hoping to get there in time before it ate him. But even as I ran forth, I realized that this man must be much more than a simple human, as he had been able to detect and see the hollow. Or else it was merely a bizarre coincidence. However I was one to suspect that things were not as they seemed before assuming a coincidence. Perhaps this man was one of the ‘advent humans’ just like Aspel, or maybe he was something more….

As I ran dark red atoms materialized from the night air, swirling around my outstretched right hand like the form of some galaxy. Sucking in more and more of the spark-like bits, a weapon began to take shape. Keeping the whip coiled in my right hand for the moment, I continued to approach quickly from behind his position. I had almost arrived when the hollow moved, his right arm snaking forwards to strike at this man’s left side, long claws shining in the moonlight.

I was only 10 feet behind him at this point perhaps, but it would not be close enough for me to interfere in time. So I could do nothing but push forth a burst of speed and shout out to him. “Look out!”

[Big Black Fish]

I had been standing still, but in an opposing manner to man and the Hollow seemingly entered a dash directly towards me from mirroring angles. One zeroing in from behind, the other from in front. With Fiinikkusu now fully drawn, I would await the Hollow to appear close enough to initiate my offense. I would require a counter, as the Hollow grappled the grassy turf on all fours, with fangs that almost appeared to grow as it pushed closer to me. I would assume this only was its natural ability, however, not being too fond of Hollow's and their ways, I would not fully comprehend the ability of this genetic growth.

The man behind me, who appeared around the same age as me, wore an oddly shaped hat that fit his outfit. In his hand, faintly glowing reiatsu was being attracted where what seemed to be a coiled whip had been forming within his palm. I would assume this was his special ability, moreover, I did not fully understand enough of what he was to assume anything at all. I had never witnessed such actions, and I would find myself intrigued with certain questions. He would announce to capture my attention, and the words would resonate into my ears, signifying that the Hollow was close.

Flicking my eyes to observe the scene that lay ahead, I would realize its distance had only been 5 feet away. Bending my knees and digging my heels into the short grass, I would lunge my body and Zanpakutou forwards to meet the torso of this vile creature. My arms would extend outwards to disable his flaunting motion of a simple charge, where the sword would pierce through his chest if no reaction had been made. My entire body was flowing on the use of momentum and strength, and my Zanpakutou would gain such attributes through this motion. However, I had not taken into account the skill of this ghastly Hollow. It was obvious to me now that the creature from Hell was rather quick, as he would jump to the side to evade my attack.

The sudden change in direction would completely throw his balance off, as he attempted to sprawl backwards onto his hind legs, and jump to the side, flailing his two remaining limbs. When he landed, it would be the perfect time to react. This would provide a numerous amount of options, the simplest route being a Shunpo to reach his position quite quickly, although, it would seem unnecessary as we outnumbered the beast two to one. I would rush forwards, bring the Zanpakutou down into his shoulder to dislodge his arm from his body, however, his steps were quick. A maneuver would evade the shot, and he would jump back, landing upon all fours ready to attack. At this time, my assumed ally would reach a close distance, ready to assault the creature in whatever form of an attack the whip displayed.

[Naka]

It appeared that he was able to heed my shouted warning, moving like a true warrior to deal with the threat. A swift lunge would place him within the hollow’s defense, avoiding the strike and attacking at the same time! Beautifully done, with both precision and accuracy, it was a simple strike, but one meant to end the combat then and there. However, it was unfortunately not to be, for this hollow was not one of the normal grunt hollows that are often said to attack.

The enemy was not pierced by the swordsman’s blade, but ‘dodged’ to the right, or so it appeared. It was quite possible that this man might mistake what had happened for a dodge, as it appeared as such and during the heat of battle it would be difficult to observe little details like this one. However, as an observer rather then a combatant at this juncture, I was free to notice the little details. I was pretty familiar with hollows, having encountered them a few times myself, and studied them for many years under my foster father.

What we were witnessing was not a dodge, but an example of this particular hollow’s trait, or one of its abilities. See, as I watched I noticed that although it moved to the right, it was far to fluid and streamlined to be a simple dodge. This hollow appeared to have the ability to manipulate its form at will, allowing it to ‘flow’ rather then physically moving. This seemed to involve some expansion and contractions of different body parts as well, as my Samurai friend was soon to find out.

As the animal moved back and the man followed in fashion, I continued to see the ability in action. As I approached the scene I wondered how I might combat such a troublesome thing. As I made my final approach I saw his second clash with the beast happen, and it jumped back on all four legs and snarled. I noticed just in time what my friend was unable to see, that a fifth appendage had entered the ground, stretching as it tunneled from beneath the beast to appear behind the man. There was no time to warn him, but only time to act. It seemed about to attack his back when my whip shot forward, wrapping around the tentacle. Its forward motion stopped and the surprise attack foiled, it shot back into the ground, escaping the binding of my whip by flowing through it faster then the rope could tighten.

I had finally reached him, and stood by his side. ”Be careful, it can move its body in ways you will not expect, flowing like some sort of heavy liquid inside.” My warning would be spoken almost under my breath even as I acted, my whip snaking its way between us and flailing in the distance between us and the hollow. With a flick of my wrist it cracked sharply, the loud noise hopefully keeping the monster at bay for the moment. Of course I could imbue that crack into a much more deadly design, but for the moment I did not deem it necessary.

As we faced off against it together, I heard a great roar resound in the night sky behind up. Turning my head back and up to regard the source of the noise, I trusted my companion to guard against our current enemy while I witnessed what was coming. It was indeed a sight to behold, as a good number of hollows approached from the sky in all directions. Our combined reiatsu must be attracting them.. I would think, but only one word would exit my mouth in response. “Shit…”

[Big Black Fish]

I would find the Magician who held the King's of all suits would have a key hand, however, through the proper depiction of battle, one could infer that the weakness to the King would be the Ace. My fellow comrade prevented a deadly strike, as my lunge proved an opening against myself; something I hadn't expected. Lunging forth, I allowed for an unexpected opening on my back side, as what seemed to be an unorthodox form of attacking through tentacles had subtly implanted itself into the ground, protruding from behind me ready for a simple attack. I would take no notice as my eyes were set solely upon the mask: my main target. Had it not been for my ally, I would have absorbed a critical hit. However, through my opponents sudden attack, it was rather a do or die situation. The Hollow obtained the King, my partner and I obtained the Ace.

As soon as the tentacle inserted itself into the ground, it left a wide opening for the Hollow. This form of attack was meant to surprise and kill the enemy with a certain chance, however, I had been spared, allowing for a break. The Hollow became immobilized through the use of the tentacle deep within the surface, and as soon as the whip of my ally had been flung, I would lunge forwards, bringing a slash of Fiinikkusu to pierce the mask of the corrupt entity. However, the whip would connect with the tentacle, and as soon as this was felt, the Hollow seemingly retracted its tentacle back, allowing for room to move. Although, this attempted attack was not an entire failure as I had just read my opponents biggest weakness through this. As soon as his tentacle plunged into the earth, his mobility was greatly reduced to an almost immobilized effect. He had little room to maneuver, allowing for a connection of the blade.

My strike would be negated, as the Hollow had been granted room to jump back with, but I would note this for future reference. When things began to seem as though we were about to place this battle in the books, the chemistry between our two reiatsu had attracted other life forms: Hollows. This was not a pretty site, as it appeared through each lasting second, more and more Hollows would continue to gather at the scent to a feast of reiatsu. I would soon realize that our predicament would soon become worse in worse if we did not assemble the appropriate strength to be rid of these monstrosities.

"Note this for future reference: as soon as the tentacle enters the ground, his ability to maneuver is greatly decreased, enabling an opening for attack. Bare that in mind."


My words would provide necessary information to my ally, as I was sure he would use the information in his battle. Two more Hollow arose from the skies. I was not able to analyze their capabilities through their arrival, however, I would soon be understanding of their abilities as soon as they made their form of attack. With one weakness exploited through one of the Hollows, my objective would be to suppress the weakness, and defeat them one by one. Each, by properly understanding the weakness, as everyone obtained at least one.

I had a question waiting to slip from the mouth, however, I did not feel that the time was appropriate to ask it. I would soon inquire the effect to ask, but, as of right now, with the danger steadily increasing, I would hold it within. Eager to assess the abilities of my newly formed partner, I would await for his form of attack or defense depending on the timing the Hollows would bring about their form of attack. As soon as this thought came to play, one of the Hollows from the sky began to break apart, scattering into tiny spidery like figures, each roughly a foot in measure a piece. The entire Hollow itself served as what seemed to be a carrier for many tiny creatures that crawled about with fast movements. A green bile dripped from their body, as more and more began to break off like pieces of glass from the greater Hollow, until nothing was left except hundreds of tiny crawling-critter Hollows; their eyes set on the Cowboy. (Naka)

[Naka]

Two hollows separated from the group above, descending to meet us in force. I heard his reply in the back of my mind, the words dim in contrast to the thoughts racing through my mind. One of the hollows above me began breaking apart, revealing hundreds of little spider-like parts. Each taken individually, they were insignificant, but en masse..... such things posed a great issue to me. In addition, even from this distance it seemed like there was some sort of green liquid involved as well, maybe poison? Hard to say. "Oh man...."

Turning just slightly to look over my shoulder, I spoke to the mysterious man. "I think you are going to have to deal with that thing on your own, I have a whole bushel of problems to deal with over here."

As they began to fall, I drew the whip back in, preparing to attack.The first little spider-thingy fell to the ground, skittering towards me. However the whip snaked out, lancing it neatly through the eyeball socket, at which point it promptly exploded, spewing green bile all over the place. Luckily I was far enough away still that it did not matter too much, however it was a strong warning for the future.

Now they began to come down in waves, and I worked hard to keep up. Slashing across with the whip, I sliced deep into their masks, killing several at a time. One had snuck up close, and I smashed it with the whip handle, getting some of the green stuff on me. I ignored the pain and continued fighting, but it burned something fierce, and I knew then that it was acid in nature. When I had a spare moment I wiped it on the whip, where it would have no effect.

Hopefully the other person would have better luck, as I would soon be overrun. I was doing well, slashing and piercing with the tip of my weapon, but there were just too many, and they were rapidly advancing.

[Big Black Fish]

Ascertaining the weakness of the Hollow, I would attempt to capitalize on it. Now that the distance had been increased to 8 meters, there was a fair proximity between the monster and I for it to be enticed into an attack. It was a clever tactic, the act of waiting for your opponent to attack you. Upon deciphering the monsters great weakness, I would emphasize that by nearly taunting his forthright attack, bidding him to try and kill me. A gamble, maybe... but if successful, a worthy risk.

As expected, the beast would plummet its tentacle subtly within the earthen face, but I caught eye to its maneuver. It sprouted up, directly behind me, but just before it did, I would snap forward in an undaunted charge. My aim was true, lifting Fiinikkusu steadily towards its mask. The tentacle retracted as soon as its concealed eyes would take notice to my conspicuous charge. It understood now that I had discerned its detriment; but my confidence was overbearing.

Upon my charge, sword a'blazing and heart wild with triumphant courage, a tentacle would sprout up, bursting through the floor four feet in front of me. The sudden appearance obstructed my charge, and caught me off guard. I swung my sword with swift strength and to my surprise I sliced the tentacle clean through. It's upper portion now flailing with its last vivacious breath upon the Earth. However, the remaining half was still alive. Alive and aggravated. I crossed its path, but it would snap backwards, latching on to my thigh. It felt as if teeth had been sunk into my leg, and an abrupt pull would tear a piece of my flesh from my body.

Staggering, I would slow my run into a jog until I completely stopped to calm my nerves. The sudden arrival of the second tentacle was unexpected and it costed me pain. I would not let it happen again, for I would instill a much more swift movement. Iif and when it came upon me a third time, my previous position would be but a vestige of where I would be but a moment later. The art of Shunpo would be enacted, as I would attribute the death of this Hollow to the seemingly instant step. Once more, I would act as antagonizing bait in order for the Hollow to attack; and when it did, I would be ready.