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Post by Takuya on Jun 2, 2009 22:41:02 GMT 1
Chapter 1: Enter Takuya! Sentry Of The Seventh!
Rika Takuya stood astride a tree in the Sakai Hayashi, staring out into the vast mass of trees that would eventually become the Wastelands. He was alone. He was the solemn, solitary vanguard in this section of the forest, keeping watch for the thoughtless beasts that sought to invade Rukongai to sate their heartless hunger. They called themselves the Vacou, which was simply the word for hollow in their tongue. Even they defined themselves by their emptiness. They were beasts of a singular nature, always seeking to fill that emptiness.
Takuya closed his jaden eyes briefly, fingering the hilt of his wakazashi. Just like every other Shinigami, he had a zanpaktou that was unique to him. Inside it lurked a manifestation of sorts; a spirit of the blade. And like many low-level Shinigami, he had never had contact with the alleged spirit. He couldn’t even guess at the name. There was no doubt the spirits existed; he’d seen to many blades released to doubt it. But he felt very much like all he had right now was a very good sword for cutting Hollows.
“Not that there’s any out here…” He murmured to himself, leaping to another treetop so he could pose suitably and look like a decent sentry. It wasn’t every day that Hollows attacked through the Sakai Hayashi, but it was a fairly common occurrence, and his job was more than just ceremony. He scanned the woods briefly, letting his reiatsu stretch out as he sensed for any nearby souls. There was nothing beyond the basic life of animals, at least for now. That was no reason to be lax, however. The Seventh Division was not famous for holding the southern border for hundreds of years because of lax standards…
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Post by Mao on Jun 3, 2009 21:36:43 GMT 1
’What was I looking for again…?’
Though not normally one to be absent-minded, the Shinigami had become so wrapped up in her own thoughts about things to do later, that she’d completely pushed out the current task at hand. Higher-ups had instructed her to find a specific plant and pluck the flowers from it, so that it could be used in a healing salve. The only problem was she’d forgotten the name of it. She could recall the flowers being a powder blue, but that wasn’t exactly an uncommon color for flowers to come in. ’Think Mao, think…’ Fingers tapped thoughtfully against her bottom lip, as if some subconscious thought believed the action would pull her memory back.
… or nearly pull her body into a tree. Her eyes had glazed over at some point, but awareness had come back to her full force when the small frame came inches from colliding with a mighty oak. She mumbled something, likely scolding herself for such carelessness. Mistakes like this were things she simply couldn’t afford, especially in areas where, though infrequent, Hollows were known to wander. Her sword had saved her many times before, and she was sure it would not any time in the near future. However, that didn’t mean she needed to give the enemy an advantage by being unprepared.
Releasing a soft sigh, Mao lifted a hand, brushing her hair from her eyes with a single fluid motion. Perhaps if she stumbled across the flower in her wanderings, she’d simply recognize it. As well, there was the ‘cheater’ alternative of simply picking everything blue, then comparing it to the entry in the books. As long as no one found out, it’d be okay, right? She winced. Personally, she felt that the punishment would be less severe if she came back with nothing than if she brought back a whole slew of the wrong flora. She’d just have to take her time, she supposed. The day was still young, and the only deadline shed received for the return of the item was ‘before night fall.’ So, there was nothing to worry about!
… right?
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Post by Takuya on Jun 3, 2009 22:12:33 GMT 1
Chapter 2: The Beautiful Stranger!
“Mmm…” Takuya opened his eyes, letting the gentle breeze ghost over him. He opened his mind to the reiatsu around him, reaching for the power of the Shinigami that he held within him. Far off, to the north, he could feel the bright reiatsu of the Gotei 13, burning especially bright despite its distance, like a far-off flame that still illuminated the land. Around him, however, was only his own reiatsu, quietly flowing about him. He could detect nothing else against the quiet hum all around him that was the life of all things. Takuya sighed.
His eyes narrowed suddenly as a new reiatsu entered the range of his senses. His spiritual pressure sharpened as his left hand flew to the hilt of his sword, eyes narrowing as he slid the blade out part way. The spiritual energy had the organized, clear sensation that he had come to recognize as a Shinigami’s power; like sinking into a pure, frosty pool of water. It dulled his anxiety, but only partially. The Gotei 13 now recognized the existence of Ryoka Shinigami, and they wouldn’t be taken in just by spiritual pressure.
With a deft motion he left the tree branch, his feet impacting the loam lightly as he made his way towards the source of the spiritual pressure. He kept his blade sheathed, but did not remove his hand from the hilt. It was a few minutes before he discovered a girl, dressed in the traditional garb of the Shinigami, barely avoiding trees as she ran through the forest. She was a small and attractive girl, looking maybe two years younger, in body, than Takuya himself. That, however, was no indication of age in soul society. He could be her elder or younger by many, many years.
“Excuse me!” He said suddenly, moving out of the foliage to run beside her as she moved. He didn’t want to startle her too badly, but feared it was pretty inevitable, given how much difficulty she was having avoiding stationary objects. “Can I help you?” He asked, unsure of why she was in his section of the Sakai Hayashi. There were only a few possibilities; a Seventh Division member to take up his post, a Fourth Division member collecting ingredients, or a Ninth Division Shinigami bringing him a report or story that he needed to hear…
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Post by Mao on Jun 3, 2009 22:51:15 GMT 1
Had she found it? Sandaled feet stopped near a shrubbery. Indeed, the flowers upon the plant were blue, but they didn’t strike any powerful cords in her memory. No, these ones were too small to be what she needed… but they were pretty to look at. After taking a moment to admire Nature’s beauty, the female decided it was time to move on. Her stride was casual, reassured by the fact that she had all day to find this elusive flower. Of course, that didn’t mean she could dilly-dally and waste precious time smelling flowers and watching the clouds roll by… as nice as that sounded, even more so since she was alone. The Fourth Division was a bit more organized than the others, since they had many patients to deal with. That didn’t mean, however, that the chaos of day to day life didn’t take its toll on the youth. The serene feeling of only having oneself as company was, at times, desired above the company of others.
However, the rustling of nearby trees made her realize that she was not as alone as she had first thought. Part of her wanted to dismiss the movements as the wind, but alas, no breeze strong enough to irritate the foliage to such a level had passed. Assuming the worst, her dominant hand settled upon the leather-woven hilt of her Zanpakutou. When the figure exposed himself to be one of her own, she let a relieved sigh, and the muscles in her body – tense with anticipation – immediately relaxed. She offered the male a small smile, bowing her head respectfully. She couldn’t be sure by looking at him just where he stood in the Shinigami rankings, but to spare herself a humbling experience, she always assumed another to be higher than herself.
“Oh…” Her eyes strayed from him, fingertip once more settling on Mao’s bottom lip in thought. “I was searching for salve components… but the one I need seems to be eluding me… ah! Please don’t worry about it though!” She bowed once more. In truth, she could have used any help offered to her, but pride and fear of consequence kept her from asking about it. “… I didn’t think anyone else was out here… what brings you to this place, if you don’t mind me asking?”
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Post by Takuya on Jun 3, 2009 23:22:22 GMT 1
Chapter 3: Healing Salve! A Fellow Shinigami?
Rika Takuya returned the girl’s bow. He couldn’t imagine what compelled her to do so without knowing his rank, but it was a polite gesture that he felt inclined to return. He noted with satisfaction that her hand was on the hilt of her zanpaktou. He was always glad to see the members of the Gotei 13 on their guard. It did, however, remind him to mask his approaches more carefully in the future. He straightened and moved his hand from the hilt of his sword, smiling slightly.
“Ah,” He said calmly as she spoke. “Fourth Division, then?” He smiled amiably as he said that. He had always been a fan of the Fourth Division and their commitment to the rest of the Thirteen Protection Squads. “I’m actually patrolling this section of the forest,” he explained as she asked her question, brushing the hair out of his eyes. His jade eyes positively sparkled at the prospect of having someone to talk to, if only for a little. His zanpaktou, as of the present, was rather dull conversation.
“Rika, Takuya. Seventh Division, 20th seat.” He said, extending his hand to her, head bowed slightly in case she outranked him. He was more confident in himself in than most, it was best if he displayed a little respect now to avoid looking like an idiot if she held a higher rank than him. His grin widened, partially at his own internal monologue. Well, this is a whole lot better than finding a Hollow. He kept himself alert and open, in case of Hollow attack, but otherwise focused his attention on her.
“So tell me, what exactly are you looking for? I’ve spent quite a lot of time out in the Sakai Hayashi, I may have seen it,” Takuya asked, once their greetings had been exchanged. He scratched his cheek, looking around at the trees. There was a great deal of varied foliage in the forest, many of which Takuya had examined at one point or another. There wasn’t much to do when you’re stuck with border patrol...
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Post by Mao on Jun 4, 2009 11:57:25 GMT 1
She nodded, confirming his assumption, though she supposed it was an easy guess overall. Not many divisions processed medical ointments, unless it was out of personal hobby, she supposed. “That’s correct.” The female smiled back, though his business in this area carefully turned over in her mind multiple times. Patrolling, he’d said. So there were Hollow’s in this area? Mao could only hope that such sightings weren’t recent. Complications aside, she was planning for this to be a short trip, with no corrupt entities waiting to devious out at her. However, meeting this individual was definitely a welcomed addition to her venture.
He’d offered her his name and position, as well as a hand. Thus, the shinigami replied in a like manner, accepting Takuya’s hand. It was both exciting and comforting to stumble across another that held the same rank as she, but that was no excuse for a lack of proper etiquette, and thus, the girl’s head bowed slightly as well. “Jinku Mao, Fourth Division, 20th Seat.” Her head lifted, smile present on the soft features once more. “It’s very nice to meet you!” Sad as it was to think about, the years spent in the Academy and among her fellow Fourth Division members had flew by without the ivory-haired maiden finding someone she could truly label as a ‘friend.’ Iroke back in Rukongai was still the only one to hold such a title, but the possibility of handing it to another lifted her mood a bit.
“Ah… well…,” she paused, hand cupping the lower portion of her face. It was rather humiliating to have forgotten the name of the plant she needed, but as long as she held a good mental image and was careful with her description, perhaps he could help her somehow. “I need to collect some flowers… five to ten should be enough. They’re… a bit small…” she emphasized her words by lifting her right hand, and drawing in her index finger and thumb in a pinching motion. “Powder blue in color… I think each one has five petals.” She rubbed the back of her head, eyes slowly drifting to the earthen floor. Perhaps she’d get lucky, and he’d know of the flower without need of its name…?
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Post by Takuya on Jun 5, 2009 1:05:25 GMT 1
Chapter 4 – Surprise Attack! The Great Hollow!
“A pleasure to meet you, Mao-san,” Rika Takuya said, nodding to her. It was a relief to have someone of his exact rank with him. It freed him from both the duty of commanding others and of the obligation to show the proper signs of respect to his superiors. It wasn’t often that he had the freedom to do without either of the twin devils that necessarily came with the very concept of rank. It certainly took a great weight of his shoulders conversationally, at least.
“A small flower, blue, five petals…” He frowned, scrunching his brow and squinting as he tried to think of the flowers in question, tapping the side of his head. “Let’s see here…” He continued to tap his temple, casting about the various plants he had documented throughout the woods. “I can think of a couple places where you could get those, but they all seem subtly different in my memory… We’d have to check them.”
Takuya’s sword came out of its sheath in a flash, gripped in his left hand with the other hanging lightly at his side. His stance widened and his eyes narrowed at the woods behind Mao as a heavy spiritual pressure pressed down on him all of a sudden. This was no Shinigami energy he was feeling; it was wild and untamed, leaking energy in all directions. This was a Hollow he could feel coming closer to them. And it was a big one.
“Hollow!” He said, gripping the blade tightly. It wouldn’t be more than a following second before an earth-splitting roar shook the forest, sending flights of birds racing out of the trees. A large hollow would make its dinosaur-like visage be known as it’s powerful tail smacked against tree trunks, with a massive mask filled with gnashing teeth. It was like a tyrannosaurus, with tiny arms but lethal teeth. Takuya held his ground, blade held with two hands now, unsure of what course of action to take. Could they handle this?
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Post by Mao on Jun 5, 2009 10:07:34 GMT 1
Well, some idea as to the flower’s location was much better than what she had currently, which was, put bluntly, nothing. Eagerly, the medical death god nodded. “I’m sure I’d be able to recognize it if I saw it, I just seem to have rotten luck…” A bit o color settled on her cheeks, her hand once more rubbing the back of her head in a sheepish fashion. “Thank you for your help…” Had all continued as normal, they likely would have had a nice, comfortable stroll through the woods. However, Takuya’s sudden alertness and drawn blade caused a wave of uneasiness to wash over the smaller figure. It struck her shortly after; the feeling of an overpowering Spirit drew ever nearer. While drawing her own blade may have been an appropriate course of action, getting away from the area the negative energy lurked in seemed a bit more crucial. With a dancer’s grace, Mao spun on the balls of her feet, leaping back and landing with fluid ease. One hand settled on the hilt of her kodachi, immediately pulling it from its sheathe. Takuya’s warning of the approaching Hollow came none too soon, for only seconds had ticked passed before the beast emerged. The girl’s eyes widened, her nerves shaken by the deafening roar, as well as the sheer size of the thing. Those teeth definitely wouldn’t be fun to play with close up, she was sure. Nervously, she swallowed. Lacking in over all sword skill, she could only hope her partner for this battle could pick up her slack. “I can restrain it,” she said quickly, “strike when you see an opening!” Quickly, her right hand thrust forward, her blade temporarily held in her recessive hand as the incantation began. “Disintegrate, you black dog of Rondanini!” She began. Reiatsu coursed throughout her, encasing her body in a crimson glow. While the spell did not falter, her eyes were sharp, carefully watching the Hollow should she need to make any sudden movements. “Look upon yourself with horror and then claw out your own throat!” The light once surrounding drew itself into the palm of her right hand, immediately shooting from her palm towards the beast’s direction. If all went well, it would fire directly into the Hollow’s chest, severely limiting any movements it desired to make. If not… she’d be in for some quick thinking. Bakudō No. 9: Geki (Way of Binding: Strike)
Type: Binding Art.
Description: Extending the caster's dominant hand forward, they will then begin the incantation for the spell. A red light will begin to completely envelop them, similar to new casters of the Shakkaō. When the incantation is finished, the red light will form as a thin beam of energy, which then flies towards the opponent. The red light, upon striking the opponent, will completely envelop them, hindering any and all movements, greatly reducing their speed capabilities. A sufficient counterspell is required to break the technique, as brute physical force cannot release them from something that is not completely restraining them. Lasts for three turns.
Incantation: Disintegrate, you black dog of Rondanini! Look upon yourself with horror and then claw out your own throat!
Restrictions: Must know Bakudō no Hachi: Seki. |
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Post by Otaku.Legend on Jun 5, 2009 17:47:40 GMT 1
It would happen all so suddenly. No one could have foreseen the events that would now transpire. Rapidly dropping from the sky above the massive hollow, was something similar in shape to a coffin. What it was, was Sepia within her Iron casing. Seemingly falling from the sky from out of nowhere, her momentum as she drew closer to the earth, is one akin to a meteor. Within moments, complete chaos would consume this battlefield. As her Iron Maiden form came crashing down onto the massive T-rex like hollows skull, it wouldn't kill but severly weaken the monster.
Its massive form crashing onto the floor as Sepia's Iron Maiden form sit soundly. The massive hollow had lost consciousness and was now within a deep sleep. However, before anything further could be done, 13 chains protruded from Sepia's form. Each chain possessing a dagger shaped spike attached to the end would plunge itself into the massive hollows skull. Whether this would kill the massive creature, Sepia did not know. Even so, she would not move from her position above the creatures head. Her eyes within the Iron Maiden, looking over to the 2 figures that stood before her. Her chains suddenly retracting into her iron form.
A soft, sweet child like voice would emit from within the Iron Maiden. "Sinners? Or no sinners?" |
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Post by Takuya on Jun 5, 2009 19:45:30 GMT 1
Chapter 5 – The Dragon And The Maiden! Lies Will Not Be Tolerated!
This course of events was progressing in a rather ridiculous fashion. The girl called out the Kido, striking at the massive dinosaur of a Hollow. Her attack slowed it and weakened it, enough for Takuya to proceed like he had planned. His specialties didn’t lie in Kido. Though he was skilled in their usage enough to help in a battle, his real skill was in the speed and strength of his swordsmanship. So it was on that token that he moved.
He leapt off the ground as she ensared the Hollow, his zanpaktou flashing in the scattered light of the forest. It was interesting, however, to find that his course of actions would be diverted. Another hollow, of the strangest configuration he had ever seen, crashed out of the sky to slam into the head of the other. He gathered his reiatsu about him, stopping his charge immediately and leaping back, studying the actions closely.
“Ye lord!” He intoned, his eyes narrowing as he held his left hand forward, still gripping the hilt of his wakazashi. Three fingers extended towards the newest hollow without bothering to wait to see what was happening. As he chanted, he took note of the chains of metal, at least a dozen in number, which were stabbing into the larger hollow’s mask, dispersing it instantly. “Thunder of Earth and Heaven, roar of midnight loss, shivering fins, steadfast three as bright as the empty soul!” His right hand nestled in the crook of his left elbow. “But thrice give out your merciful roar! Hado no Nijuunana: Sanrai Shunha!”
Three talon-like beams of stabbing yellow kido leapt from his fingertips, flying like deadly claws toward the nearby hollow as it settled on the ground where its prey had been destroyed, voicing lies with the voice of a child. In no time at all, he hoped, the triple threat of the claws would pierce into the hollow through the shoulders and ‘chest’ of the beast, or at least do serious damage. He had no time for what a hollow had to say. They were beasts, and they had to die. He flicked his eyes briefly to Mao, ensuring her safety. She seemed a competent Shinigami, at least. He gripped his wakazashi tightly, waiting to see the effect of his spell.
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Post by Mao on Jun 6, 2009 7:32:00 GMT 1
All seemed to be going well for the shinigami duo. Their target had suffered multiple blows, and if they continued to perform this well, the Hollow would soon fall. Although… Takuya had taken a different course of action. She blinked, her small frame staggering back once more. ’What is that thing…?’ It definitely wasn’t human, and the impressive spiritual energy it gave off blended in a similar manner to the beast they had just encountered. “Is this a Hollow too…?” she breathed. The grip oh her Zanpakutou tightened, and though she knew the spirit contained within would offer no words of comfort, the thought that it may serve her in a time of need was reassuring.
If this being was infact a Hollow, it held a much higher intelligence than the prehistoric beast that had crashed through the trees. After all… it could speak. Slender brows knit together in confusion. It spoke in a child like voice, holding a tone of faux innocence. Was it possible that this entity truly meant them no harm, but rather wanted to help them out in this tight spot? After all, she had successfully knock the beast off its feet, and Mao wasn’t entirely sure if she wanted to be on the receiving end of those chains. Sinners… what did she mean by that?
Quizzical looks soon turned into a frustrated frown. Whatever the intentions were, Takuya seemed to be taking the ‘act first, ask questions later’ approach. Perhaps she’d take the defense for now. If they’d thrown themselves into water that was far too deep for them, they needed to be able to swim out quickly.
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Post by Otaku.Legend on Jun 6, 2009 8:47:22 GMT 1
There seemed to be no time for any pleasantries. As soon as Sepia seemed to have dispatched the large hollow, the onlookers were already on the offensive. Her main focus upon the man which seemed to harm her. She did not however, forget of the girl nearby as well. Her focus was simply more wary of this man who seemed to chant something odd. Not wishing to take any chances, chains would spring forth from the Iron Maiden. Their goal, lining upon next to one another, was to create a wall the same height and width as herself to defend herself. Not that she needed it seeing as how her entire body lie within the Iron Maiden itself. With the said defense hopefully enough to stop the attacks, Sepia would move onto her next actions.
Seemingly as if it possessed wings, the Iron Maiden floated backwards at the same speed any hollow moved. Though only a tad bit faster. Once the distance between the 2 unknown entities was about 30 meters away, 6 of the 13 chains would proceed to wrap around a nearby tree. With almost no effort at all, the tree was ripped asunder from the very ground it once stood. However, its purpose was not to attack, but to defend. It would act as Sepia's shield should her opponents wish to continue their assault. Within the Iron Maiden, Sepia's mind wandered about. Even though she had just been prevented with lethal force, she was uncertain if these 2 were her enemies or not. Again with her child like voice, she spoke. "Enemy or no enemy? Sinner or no sinner?" |
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Post by Takuya on Jun 6, 2009 17:15:19 GMT 1
Chapter 6 – A Mind Of Its Own? What Is This Hollow?!
Rika Takuya frowned, watching his hado dissolve against the chains they had struck. He gripped the hilt of his weapon more tightly, narrowing his eyes at the hollow that had taken, of all the sadistic forms, to shape of an ancient torture device for itself. He let out a faint sigh, holding his wakazashi tightly. It went against ever instinct he had as a Shinigami, and more importantly a Seventh Division Member, but he had to do it.
“Your query depends entirely on the next motions you choose to make. It is my duty as a Dispatch Shinigami to prevent any Hollows from traveling north beyond this forest. If you attempt to pass through this area and head north, than I have no choice but to be your enemy. If you turn back to the south, then I do not need to kill you.” He said authoritatively, weaving the blade in a defensive pattern before him.
Takuya glanced at Mao, briefly judging her reaction to the situation. She wasn’t having as much trouble accepting the concept of a friendly Hollow as he was, clearly. He wasn’t interested in some tea and a conversation with it, but if he could get it out of his patrol zone without having to expend valuable energy killing it, he wouldn’t mind at all. He knew for a fact his captain wouldn’t mind either. His captain always had a bit of a secret respect for Hollows.
They fascinated Takuya, but he knew that they were the enemy without any qualms in his heart. He wouldn’t stand to have a single one of the creatures pass into the Rukongai on his watch. No matter how passive they seem, a creature that uproots a tree for a shield clearly doesn’t have huge respect for the scenery. No, this Hollow wasn’t passing. He wouldn’t pursue it if it chose to turn back, but it was not going to get by him…
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Post by Mao on Jun 7, 2009 1:13:32 GMT 1
[ Ew, short ;O; ]
’It’s not aggressive…?’
Hollow or not, this one had intrigued her. Even though she was seeing it with her own eyes, she had never expected Hollows to be of the passive nature. Not that it was entirely a bad thing. However, she immediately began second guessing herself when the next few actions came into play. True, the Hollow has taken the defensive, favoring the protection of herself over lashing out in her own assault. It seemed as if she were in the process of retreating, creating distance between the duo at a decent speed. The chains that she manipulated wrapped tightly about the wooden trunk of a nearby tree, effortlessly tearing it from the ground as if it were a single blade of grass.
Though it was crucial to be cautious in these situations, if there was a way to prevent unnecessary combat, she’d take it. “… We could ask you the same…” she said softly, but in an attempt to prevent herself from being seen as a threat, the girls kodachi slid back into its sheathe. “… It would be nice to be declared ‘friend,’ but as said… we have a duty to uphold.” She paused, eyes of a pastel blue shifting between Takuya, and this odd structure of a Hollow. “… Perhaps speaking would be easier if you set down that tree…?” She tried her best to offer a pleasant smile, but concern easily flawed it, making it appear a bit on the nervous side.
Who knew? Perhaps this one was willing to negotiate.
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Post by Otaku.Legend on Jun 7, 2009 3:11:02 GMT 1
Obviously, though Sepia had a mind of her own, it had not yet fully developed. Her mental state akin to that of an actual child, simply ignored most words that had been said her way. The original reason Sepia had even appeared upon this battlefield was to simply play. Her earlier dispatching of the grand hollow, was simply play to her. Of course, she did have an idea of the differences between a hollow and a human. Not wishing to cause much trouble, her chains moved according to her will. Placing the tree back into the hole it had been ripped out of, Sepia wished to ease the tension. Not paying attention to what she was doing, the tree is mistakenly placed upside down within the hole.
A slight giggle could be heard emanating from the Iron Maiden before suddenly, a creaking sound could be heard. Slowly, the double doors of the torture device open and out stepped something inhuman. A small girl, only about 4 feet tall emerged from the darkness. Adorning a white one piece dress, chains enveloped certain areas of her body. Wrapped around her wrists, upper arms, thighs and ankles is a single spiked chain. Around her neck, 2 spiked chains dug into her skin while around her body, are 3 spiked chains. For any onlooker, they could notice trickles of blood running down her body. Her white dress, only covered in very light patches of red.
A wild green mane stretching down to her legs adorned her crown. Taking a few steps forward, her voice still giggling all crazy like. Raising her head, allowing her hair to fall back, he face is revealed. A mouth-less white mask with only 2 holes for eyes stare at the two shinigami. A faint yellowish golden glow can be seen from the mask holes. Even after revealing her form, Sepia just simply stood there. Her voice still giggling ever so eerily. |
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Post by Takuya on Jun 7, 2009 3:46:10 GMT 1
Chapter 7 – The Beast Within? Takuya Prepares!
Takuya watched with a frown as Mao attempted to interact with the creature. His frown deepened slightly as she addressed the Hollow with the possibility of calling it friend. It was a bit of a naïve attitude, to his sensibilities. He understood the idea of turning the Hollow back through negotiation, but there were no friends among the Hollows. They were the enemy. You didn’t make friends with them. You killed them or avoided them. Their entire being was built on sating themselves on human flesh.
He watched quietly as it returned the tree to the ground upside down. It seemed to possess a mindset that was, frankly, mindless. It seemed harmless now, but all it would take would be the slightest perceived threat or provocation, which could be as simple as looking at his sword, and it would switch into full on rage. Even worse, it wouldn’t perceive the threat in it’s own attacks if it were to use it’s chains. In a way, it was more dangerous than anything else.
“Mao,” Rika Takuya said, as a bloodstained Hollow a little girl appeared from within. It was wrapped in chains and leaking blood gently. “I’m going to use Hado No. 33, Sokatsui if we can’t get it to retreat.” He continued to watch the creature, gripping his wakazashi with both hands. “Don’t be confused by it’s appearance.” He recited the chant for the Hado in his mind again, repeating it over and over. He wasn’t the best with Kido, but he could do some significant damage, without a doubt…
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Post by Mao on Jun 7, 2009 5:14:42 GMT 1
She never had been one for confrontation. Perhaps, aside from the obvious, it was that trait that caused her to fall into the fourth division. If given the choice, she’d much rather be the support behind the scenes than shedding blood on the field. Hatred without reason didn’t bode well in her mind, though one would assume the multiple years of combating Hollow’s would instill some sense of dislike in that odd little head of hers. However, this was the first one she could recall not lashing out immediately to devour the living… or, not so living. Mao’s head tilted to one side, looking on with mild amusement as the Hollow returned the flora to the place she had stolen it from… even if it was upside-down
The revealing of the Hollows true form was a bit eerie. The steel casket she had kept herself confined to creaked open, revealing the body of a child of all things. The girl seemed even more frail than Mao herself did; so small a body to be wielding such a heavy looking contraption. Heavy chains bound themselves to the girl’s limbs, threatening to break them under their weight. Just as any Hollow, a bone-crafted mask effectively hid her features, save for the eyes; amber, contrasting quite well against the luminous viridian mane. She didn’t seem so bad… Of course, it had been demonstrated many times in the past that looks could be deceiving, and it was this knowledge that didn’t allow Takuya any peace of mind. True, by the standards of Shinigami, she was being extremely careless, but on a personal level, she felt like she was doing the right thing.
Mao frowned. Luring one out of hiding with the reassurance of safety left a bad taste in her mouth. While she supposed she could understand the caution, it wasn’t enough to not classify it as a dirty trick. “… Or,” she spoke softly, implementing a tone that wasn’t overly harsh, but told that she wasn’t favoring the plan he had in mind, “we could see what she wants.” However, with the unsettling giggles continuing to flow from the demon in angel’s garbs, the Shinigami wasn’t sure how easy it would be to obtain that information. She’d start simple: a cautious wave. “What are you doing out here…?”
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Post by Otaku.Legend on Jun 7, 2009 5:48:55 GMT 1
Indeed such a form was quite scary and as it should be. Not many hollows even possessed such a human form. As scary as a large monster was, one who took the form of an innocent little girl was much scarier. Mimicking the movements of a normal human, Sepia could easily lure and capture her prey. As such was this situation right now. Even as innocent as Sepia seemed to be, she was still a hollow after all. With a even more menacing giggle echoing from behind her mask, it would all happen so suddenly. Within an innocent, the young girl would be forcefully pulled back into the Iron Maiden. Once within, the doors would slam shut with a loud bang.
As soon as Sepia returned to her little mobile prison, the chains began to move. Reaching for the tree which she had held before, she would once again raise its form. 6 chains held the bottom, as 6 others held the upper form of the tree. A single lone chain would drill its way rapidly into the center of the tree's trunk as the other chains pulled hard away from one another. In almost no time at all, the tree was torn apart into 2 almost equally big pieces. Launching the first smaller bottom part of the tree, followed by the larger upper part. However, it was not over.
As soon as the 2 large chucks of wood had been thrown, Sepia's chains went to work. Rapidly moving in random whipping motions, she began to kick up a massive amount of dirt and debris. The more and more she lashed her chains about, the large the dust cloud would grow until its form now covered about 26 meters in each direction. Within the dust cloud, Sepia had moved a bit more back, increasing the distance between herself and the 2 shinigami to 40 meters. Now, she waited. |
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Post by Takuya on Jun 7, 2009 6:04:52 GMT 1
Chapter 8 – Validation! A Hollow Is A Hollow!
Rika Takuya frowned, as the hollow suddenly grasped the chunks of wood again. He hefted his wakazashi, regarding the blade for a moment and nodding to Mao, as if to inform her that the time had come. He leapt forward suddenly as the wood came soaring at him, employing his considerable skills in movement and zanjutsu to leap over the first, bringing his zanpaktou cleaving through the next one with a deadly motion, even as he moved, he was chanting.
“Ye lord! Mask of flesh and bone, he who bears the name of Man!” As the dust storm was kicked up, he extended the left hand, still gripping his hilt, towards the Hollow. “Truth and temperance, upon this sinless wall of dreams unleash but slightly the wrath of your claws!” His right hand pushed against his right shoulder. “Hado no Sanjuusan: Sokatsui!” The blue flame crackled at his fingertips before suddenly exploding outward in a blasting cone.
The hado would most likely encompass a wide part of the dust cloud, due to the widespread nature of the chosen spell. It rocketed through the cloud, bearing no indication for distance; most especially in the World of Death, kido spells have spectacular sizes. It would be enough to blow away the dust at least, and hopefully to deal some damage to the creature. Takuya stood ready after that, with Mao about five meters behind him and the creature an unknown distance, at least twenty-five meters, away. He gripped the zanpaktou in both hands.
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Post by Mao on Jun 7, 2009 8:00:22 GMT 1
Sometimes, she regretted ever opening her mouth; this was one of those times. No one enjoyed being wrong, but the error also cut into her pride. She visibly flinched as the deceptive Hollow pulled herself back into her coffin, the chains whipping out once more to wreak havoc upon Mother Nature’s canvas. In less than a second, Zanpakutou was in hand once more, steel singing as the weapon freed itself from the sheath’s confines. Doubting her ability in the art of the sword, she doubted she could cut through the oncoming projectile with the ease displayed by Takuya. Instead, speed would be implemented, rushing swiftly to the right and causing the chunk of wood to soar harmlessly passed.
Left to think on her own, the white-haired female scowled. It was difficult to fight that which she could not see, and though she could sense the general area of the Hollow due to the spiritual pressure it gave off, jumping into the growing torrent of sand would be suicide… especially now that the winds within it were drawing in the blue reiatsu flames. Those chains were a terrible nuisance… If she could see them, she could restrain them, but such things were not to be for the time being. Instead, she’d test just how thick that iron carapace was. For safety purposes, she stepped back a bit further, adding another meter of distance between herself and the raging Hollow.
“Ten pillars, two spires, glow red in the white echoes of moonlight.” The kodachi, serving no purpose for the time being, slid back into its sheath. Her arms extended out to her sides, fingers outstretched as the chanting continued. Spiritual energy channeled itself into her arms, gathering into each fingertip. “Twist in shadow cut the heart of temperance free from the ocean floor! Ye lord, look upon us!” In one motion, both hands came forward, palms out towards the assumed location of her target. “Hado no Juunana: Akasenshi Hari!” With incantation complete, a barrage of twenty red needles flew from her appendages, two from each digit. With the flames working as the main distraction, such thin yet deadly projectiles would hopefully go unnoticed until it was too late.
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