[BSD-RP] Soul Society: Southwest Seireitei

[Shinigami]

No longer Helpless! No longer fearful!

Through strength that has always been a part of his being, is obtained. He stands, but slow in this action. His inverted self awaits this, uncharacteristically patient. In his eyes, though being apart of Arashi's soul now, he wished for his doppelganger to feel more pain. To experience a continuous helplessness that he has felt all his life. There is a sense of hope, but not the kind to benefit his counter-part, but to aid himself in furthering the Hollowfication process. To assume absolute control. This is evident in his look, in his gaze that match the tip of blades. Never staggering, never altering to a different focus. The Inverted Arashi holds a grip so tight upon Hoshizora, choking the life from the handle, strangling her into further submission.
He turned his head as Arashi spoke to him, replying to his final statement.
"Shut up? Is that what you said...?"
A laugh, a show of mockery to such a verbal counter! But, he seemed firm behind his word. Arashi wanted to make him shut up. The only way to do that, is to stand, to face him. However, Arashi still fails to realize that no matter what words he choose, how much he struggles, his counter-part will not fall so easily. He will not be swayed by meaningless dribble and empty threats. He needed to back them up and the time to do that is...
NOW
By now his posture is straightened. He finds his footing, both figuratively and literally. A solid blade, he grounds himself, but finds a sense of relaxation. Follow by it, a sense of resolve. A golden hue occupies the bottom half of his eyes. Like a visible flame, a light that can never be extinguished.
"Ohhohoho! You think you can back it up. You think because you found your footing and sense of self, you can tangle with someone who knows your every move, your every thought?"
No room for a response, no time to utter a single word back. His reply would be the draw of his own sword. Removing the blade, holding onto the scabbard in his left hand as the right hand clenches ever so tightly. A defining step to follow, his flash-step would take him across the darkness. Across the distance between them. He meets his inverted self with a horizontal slash from right to left, faster than even the action of blinking. Swift, clean, precise, these qualities becoming a successful building block to landing his first blow! But, as he had said before, he could read his thoughts, his very mind becoming an open book. His style of combat known to every measure.
What happens now, is more sparks fly. The clash of blade upon blade, sword upon sword, Hoshizora against Hoshizora. Who's would break under such pressure? The infinite space of his inner world, vibrates, shaking at the shock wave produce by one who is the defender and the other the aggressor. The inverted Arashi can not help but relay a smile as Arashi could only look on with anger. Teeth gritting, grinding, he heaved to push his counter-part away and successfully he would. His feet dragging across the invisible floor, but he retaliated with no hesitation and again with numerous attacks. From the sides, from above, from underneath, the edge of his blade would find angles that was once difficult for Arashi to follow moments before. Now there is no struggle, now his scabbard and blade has become both defender.
A battle for control, but outside, another is soon to spring forth!

Instinct. Rage. Murderous intent.

The events of today has become a spectacle for all too see... From the likes of Captains, nearly every seated member, the priestesses and even those of Squad Six. However, their eyes, their senses, their knowledge is entirely clouded, obscured at best. Nothing can be felt, nothing can be viewed the only thing that is left for them is hope and their own arrest should they proceed further. Only two for now try their luck. One being a Squad mate to Arashi Suta, Oyama Hoshi. The other being the Phantom of the Soul Society, Kyomu Mukuro, Captain of Squad Two. Both stopped, one by the act of Squad Six's finest, Shusuke Kiyoshi and the other by the arrival of the Commander himself, a presence that exudes dominance and obedience. Surely his appearance is well noticed, but none would dare oppose him or his might. A towering danger, that looms over even the three powerful Hollows that have awakened with in the barrier...
Though, a battle still unfolds, unknown to the threat that awaits them. The rise of a Hollowfied Tenzen, against the likes of a Hollowfied Arashi. A Hollowfied Yasu has turn predator, a stalker in the night, awaiting her chance to strike, a position of weakness that neither of the two Hollows will show at this point. Fueled by instincts, by hunger, and possible rage. Arashi's Hollowfied for had the trajectory, the goal to shatter the Cero, no doubt to the release of such a powerful attack. Indirectly, Tenzen's Hollowfied form intervenes, saving the integrity of the barrier. Moving with speed, the likes and similarity to a Sonido. Unable to counter, unable to recognize the threat, the Hollowfied Arashi is easily struck, the trajectory of the cero changed to the ground.

A great deal of the manor is caught in the explosion. A rush of wind and fire rushes through, possibly igniting the black ooze that is Lieutenant Yugure's Bankai. As ferocious as this explosion was that shakes the earth and possibly the likes of the barrier, it would not break the immersion of battle, their instincts, their blood lust. There, stood a chance that even those on the outside could feel the rumble and quakes the strength of the Cero provides. Bombarded with loads of punches from several arms sprouting from the Hollowfied Tenzen. Indeed, his blows land and with such a deadly intent any other man or creature would find their bones turned pieces, broken beyond repair. Their flesh filled with indentations, or even holes that litter their frame. At most, the Hollowfied Arashi found his backside littered with these indentations from the heavy strikes provided, but now Tenzen's Hollowfied form would be dealt with the same treatment...
Indirect punishment for his intervention, an explosion of white foam from Arashi's backside. This foam forms into tentacles and their numbers greatly surpass the number of arms that currently Tenzen has. Instantaneously, they strike with the same intent, the same force in the midst of the Hollowfied Tenzen's assault against him, but the speed matches the likes of a Sonido. No aim, no form of thought and strategy, the only goal is to strike a shard and as fast as possible. Colliding with his punches, but the tentacles so far above in numbers, most are likely to get through and thus overwhelm his being. Continuous, relentless, the savagery he displays here is beyond normal means to such a term. Clearly put, Arashi's Hollowfied form aimed to penetrate or at best slam Tenzen's form into what remained of the compound, but the assault would continue and instead of decreasing in might, the force of these tentacles is maintained.
Upon such an onslaught, if the creature such as Tenzen is buried by it, is this brutality enough against the monster of monsters that has now just stepped beyond the barrier. A true beast, enters the cage, no introductions needed for such things is better left unspoken. For his flames and spiritual pressure speaks volumes enough...
ENTER, COMMANDER MURASAKI
The likes of Lieutenant's Yugure's Bankai is pushed away, incinerated beneath the force he provides. The blooming lotus are cut away along with the compound the likes of Arashi and Tenzen battle upon. A subtle strike, not yet noticed, but as Arashi's footing gave, his instincts caused him to leap away, promptly ending his assault against Tenzen. The battlefield ultimately is cleared upon the Commander's arrival. Is it his goal to face the three Hollows in combat? Surely many will hesitate, many will cower, many will consider their choices even in this moment. Not Arashi, for his Hollowficiation has allowed him to exude no shape of fear, no form of helplessness. All before the Commander is total instinct, a lust to kill, to massacre any and all that stands before him.
Commander Murasaki finds his place at the center, allowing the pot to perform as mentioned, filtering the air clearing it of the hollow infested atmosphere. There he stands erecting a pillar of reiatsu from his form, striking the roof of the barrier. His own force triumphs, threatening to shatter the integrity of the barrier. Fear must be upon the priestesses, however their relief is given, a blessing most likely. The Commander becoming a beacon for the three Hollows to follow. A challenged bestowed upon them or is it their deaths that await them? None the less, there is no place to hide, no place to run. Arashi had landed right as the Commander ceased the release of his spiritual power. Arashi's entire frame swallowed by a white covering, while still wearing shreds of the Shihakusho and a torn and tattered Hakama. Tendrils flailing about from his back side a number easily surpassing 50. Looking on, beating yellow eyes showing through the narrow opening of his mask, the Commander himself becoming his next and new target...

Within the battle still rages on. Nonstop action! Nonstop pull to regain or to obtain control of the other! The Hollowfied version is relentless, giving no room for Arashi come in with an opening, but in his efforts to defend himself, he reveals no opening for his inverted copy to land a successful hit. Upon their next clash, their bodies are through backwards, dragging their feet once again. Dust carrying into the air... Arashi breathing heavily, while his inner hollow remained ecstatic and ready to go another round.
"Getting tired Arashi? The more you fight, the closer my hands get to crushing your throat and erasing every bit of you away."
"No, shut up! I will not let you win!"
"Let you wi- You have already lost, what do you mean? You lost before this battle even began. Ahahahahaha, do I need to spell it out for you dumbass?"
Arashi could only groan, but with every strike his inverted copy came at him with, he slowly begins to understand what and who he truly is. Of course, he is Arashi, he is, but it seems to be more than just that realization. He is the manifestation of all his negative and evil thoughts. Truly a inner demon that he has pushed back. All the rage he has held back for years behind a solemn smile, one that he has hardly ever truly been broken, up until now...
Arashi raises the scabbard of his Zanpakuto while simultaneously positioning his sword above it. Like so, the inverted Arashi has done the same, reading his thoughts, he knew exactly what was coming next.
"Shine, Hoshizora!"
"Shine, Hoshizora!"
Spoken in unison, both their spiritual energies rise and flow outward. Both of their Zanpakutos breaking into pieces of light. Arashi's matching a golden color, while the inverted version has a ghostly white color. Once their Zanpakuto's broke into pieces, beams of light rush forth from the both sides. Lasers colliding moving as fast as light can move, colliding, swirling, missing their targets as they battle with nothing but their wits and their ability to control their Zanpakuto. The darkness is illuminated, decorated with a splendid display of their light.

On the outside however, the Hollowfied Arashi finds that the entirety of his Zanpakuto begins to dissipate, breaking down into specs of light. A white glow outlined and shrouded in a golden light rushes over the entirety of his form. A flame of light brought to life, wielded by the likes of a Hollow. The commander being on the opposing side of such a Shikai would find beams of light covering him from all sides, all extending from the likes of Arashi's flame. No indication, no subtle twitches from the hollow. These beams of light moved in ways that seemed as though they have a mind of their own, but instead they are controlled by his instinct, moving at speeds far faster than the eye can blink. Deadlier upon contact, they moved to shred through even the likes of his flames to penetrate his massive build from all sides. The number of beams climbing well above a thousand, the Hollowfied Arashi would leave no room for mistakes, no room for calculation, only instinct, only experience all of which the Commander has far too well, but can even the Commander avoid an onslaught of this degree? An attack that moves so fast, coming from all sides and in such a high volume? While such questions remain unanswered, there are two more Hollows that still pose a possible threat.

 

[Shinigami]

"Wow, so you not senile enough to remember to bring that up.”
“Hmph.” Most knew making a comment on the man’s age was a way to tilt him, Maho was no exception. Still, Higen took the words lightheartedly as the banter they were.
"Honestly... I've been out the game too. It's only today that I finally accepted any of those cheap forms of healing. Omoni San got me good..."
That’s right, Maho must’ve been in the Fourth Division for treatment as well. He was in such a rush that he hadn’t stopped to wander, and just maybe he didn’t give Yu the recognition and thanks he deserved. Avoiding Omoni was a good choice—however—he couldn’t stand to have the amazon see him in such a weakened state.
"I felt a little out of it, because of back then. Somehow living with that physical pain made it feel like I made amends in some way.
Maybe...
If I had come up with something else
been stronger
faster
you wouldn't have gone under for so long...."
A puff of smoke was released at a near perfect time, condensing the dramatics of Maho’s words into a single cloud, cast about into the room’s air. Of course he blamed himself. The kid always had to be a hero.. always had to put the weight of the entire Seireitei on his shoulders no matter the threat. His pride was incomparable, and even the mighty Higen was forced to wonder if there were ever somber eyes hidden beneath those thick brown locks.
“You can’t save the entire world with only two hands.. I suppose that’s why you always opt to make more. Even so... he paused for a moment, closing the small distance between the two, dwindling his own height to be near-eye level with his comrade, his firm hand rising from his side slightly nudge the Captain’s shoulder.
“Everything I have learned has told me there is only a single outcome.. an unavoidable one. The strings of fate only strum once. You did everything you could, don’t beat yourself up for it.. Hm, I even heard you saved me from falling to the ground and I suppose I owe you thanks for that.
As usual, there was weight to Higen’s words, each one of them meaningful, no dissent or lack of genuine nature in his breathy tone.
"Matter fact...Walk with me. Something tells me there is something you are going to want to see. I sent Jiro on a little quest for me.” Without hesitation, Higen follows, and in a single step the sound of an alert bleeds through the fabric of one of Maho’s pockets.
"And it sounds like the truth is running today."
What did Young Maho set in place? He could see the wheels of thought turning all over his expression, something was obviously afoot. Had Higen been so oblivious since his awakening that things were unfolding right under his nose? The two of them broke the threshold into the 10th Division Courtyard, the mutters of plenty of indistinct conversations filling the space along with the sounds of a division hard at work. Training, groundkeeping, a plethora of activities kept the crowd busy; Higen was happy to be home.
"I thought I had a lot of stuff I wanted to say. To ask. But seeing you walking around as proudly as the day you went down has made me lose the words entirely."
However,
Eventually...
...I do want you to tell me...
What was it like up there?"
There was a pause. He’d feared the subject would come out sooner than later. Although Maho’s words were endearing, and although Higen’s trust for the man was undaunting, things were better left as they were, for his own wellbeing.
“You know; the Kokotsu.
I didn't look away...
not even for a second."
The two of them continued their stride, through the crowd in the courtyard, out of the massive opened gates that led to the barracks’ exterior. Higen was silent still, unable to muster the courage to tell the truth, while developing a pit at the base of his stomach for the need to continue to lie to his comrades.
"Its gon' take more than a glorified light-show like that to deter the eyes of The Dragon. I saw the skies blacken, then shatter. I honestly cannot explain what my eyes saw in detail. I literally do not have them' words."
Higen swallows.
"If that's too much for you to dive into than I don't mind waiting."
“In truth, I can’t explain it either. It’s all a blur. Memories leading up to me blackening out come and go, I wish I could give you the satisfaction of an explanation.”
“In truth.” How Ironic. Another time, perhaps.
They continued to walk, or rather, Higen continued to follow. The destination was initially unclear, but as more information came to light he began to gather his own ideas on where they’d end up.
"Regardless, there seems to be something happening in the Soul Society today. And by something I mean a whole heap of shit. Just today I watched Jinosuke challenge Lt. Ueki for the right to be Lieutenant. And on my way here, I saw a large enough barrier cast over near the royal houses. Now, the last time there was a barrier, Second Division was running amok. So that's already settling. What are they trying to hide? And why are Shinigami being arrested?
i'll be damned if anybody tries that bullshit on ME. Tuh!"
A challenge in the 11th isn’t completely unheard of but.. a Barrier? What for? Like you said, last time a barrier was up was some bad news, but it got under control in no time. Is this any different? Something’s off.. definitely off.
His tone would exude frustration but it was honestly curiosity. They continued their stride, Higen gazing at maho for a moment, an intensity developing over his brow. There wasn’t much being felt from the direction they walked toward, but Maho’s sensing ability far transcended his elder’s, and maybe he knew something Higen didn’t.
“Jiro has reported something along the lines of royal affairs and the arrest of the Second Division Lieutenant. As well as Named mentions of that new Captain inside. Seems he's having quite the first day as well..."
“Alright now this is cause for concern.. and Tenzen? I just left him not too long ago. You’re telling me that he’s already got himself into some trouble? I gotta say, I’ve greatly underestimated your Division’s members’ journalist-like commitment. There’s no way I would have known any of this without you.”
"With all that being said,
Something tells me...
that the wheels of fate turn on us once more.”
Boy did he hope Maho was wrong. He’d only just waken up, and had been thrown into the fire with no hesitation. A fire that—according to Maho’s information—was only becoming more violent. Side by side, two of the seireitei’s defenders marched back into the jaws of danger. Had they been called upon to sacrifice all once more?

 

[Shinigami]

[click every time ^]

Higen is quickly caught up to speed on the events of the day. He had managed to avoid speaking of the events of the Kokotsu in any important detail. This, for now, was fine, the evolving events of the day seemed to become more and more pressing the closer the two drew to their destination. For the elders reassurance back at his barracks, he could respect his elders' need for silence. Something must have worried him gravely about the event. Most people would have taken that answer as the full story. But Maho's time in the ninth saw that he was much more intuitive than the average man. Every story had more to it than initially offered. Still...
“Alright now this is cause for concern.. and Tenzen? I just left him not too long ago. You’re telling me that he’s already got himself into some trouble? I gotta say, I’ve greatly underestimated your Division’s members’ journalist-like commitment. There’s no way I would have known any of this without you.”

That is my job old man..
"With all that being said,
Something tells me...
that the wheels of fate turn on us once mor-"

Maho's eyes widen suddenly. A shutter ransacks his senses. He takes a step back instead of forward. Higen if he was perceptive enough would have been able to see the subtle reluctance in his step. They are only a block away now. Maho's eyes peer up, a haze of purple raises into the air freely. Most are unable to see this, however, the Dragon Force allows him to see spiritual energy in ways most others cannot, even when suppressed. But one thing he learned as his time as a shinigami, is that the Captain Commanders energy cannot be suppressed, at least not entirely. Even within the specialized garbs he wore, Maho could see the Captains overwhelming flow of spiritual pressure at almost any time he looked out into the world. Like an infinite tower of power raising into the heavens above. It wasn't as though it was terrifying, but it was unsettling, to say the least. Was here actually here? What in the world is going on!?
"Was that...the C-Commander's...
Come Higen!"
He dashes off, in only a number of deep strides he rounds a corner, skirting around the corner on one foot. Dust is raised and suddenly the entire scene is in view. Outside are numerous Shinigami. Amongst them many seats, some recognizable, others not so much. What looked like the entirety of the second division are littered along the rooftops surrounding the area. Kido corps members maintain the barrier, strained at the might of the Commanders purple flames, which seem to eviscerate the inside of the large barrier, now directly before them. He shoots a glance at Higen, who would probably be as confused as he.
His eyes dart from left to right, taking in all of the information he can. It is clear that whatever is happening, the action itself is within the barrier. They hadn't arrived in time enough to see the Commander or his 'pot', however, it must be something pretty gnarly to warrant his direct attention. Currently, the only other faces that directly warrant Maho's Attention is that of Captain Mukuro, a man he hasn't seen in quite some time. Of anyone qualified, he is the only one, especially the only one especially recognizable. Still...the scene before him causes him some sense of irritation. Who gave all these people permission to act up inside Maho's Soul Society? Who gave them the right to make him do his job once more? Why were all these souls congregated in one place? He clenches his fist and grits his teeth, attempting to claim dominion over his growing irritation.
He fails

WHAT IN THE SOUL KINGS NAME IS GOING ON IN THIS BITCH!?!

He exclaims. Like the Dragon himself, his roar carries itself with weight across the entirety of the area. From the lowest seed of the second division's stealth troop to the most focused Kido corps member. To those of the fifth and sixth divisions. His inquiry was heard. A surge of his spiritual energy released from his body, enough to alert anybody to his sudden appearance. A Vein of anger raises over his brow.
Then he stomps forward, marching through anyone who would dare step in his path. With each step, the floor seems to tremble. Hopefully, with Higen in tow, he marches his way to Kyomu's side, the Phantoms Silence seems too stuffy the air. He mutters as he walks, his voice growing louder and more intrusive on the minds and ears of everyone in the area. No matter who you are, you hear the Dragons voice, barring those housed within the barrier.

I'm gettin REAAAL sick of you people running around causing problems for me. All this paperwork and information gathering. The hell is wrong with yall?!!?
OIII! No BROW Mukuroo! I been hearing about that shadow born division of yours ALLLL DAMN day!
He stands only a foot from Captain Kyomu, his voice much louder than it needs to be, more or less a yell at this point.
"Do YOOOU know whats going on here!? You and yo people seem to love BARRIERS Eh?!?!?!
EEEEEH!?!??!?!
Clearly unsettled by what he sees here. He pesters his fellow captain with the behavior of a schoolyard bully. Expressively moving his hands and pointing his finger at him. His locks swaying around as his body shifts about. Smoke blows into his face, the unique and trademark smell of those burnt herbs nearly smacking into his face. He takes a large hit, one inhumanly large, causing the entire cigar to dissipate into ash. Then exhales, the cloud of smoke is enough to cake the skies in its essence. After a few seconds, the smoke thickens to the point that is difficult to see. Most wouldn't dare approach the phantom in such a carefree way. Surely they would question his love for life? Would the Captain attempt to kill him? Would he ignore him outright? This was their first meeting since the events that unfolded three months ago, but even before that, he hadn't actually been in the space as Captain Mukuro in some time. With Captain Higen in tow, most of the other Shinigami in the area would more than likely stand down. The thought of any of their interference didn't even cross his mind.

 

[Shinigami]

The battle within Tenzen rages on, blades clash, and Kido spells are canceled out by Cero blasts. The Inverted Tenzen makes use of his superior speed to close the gap between himself and the original. They cross blades and quickly engage in a shoving match. The original loses this match and is shoved down towards the water below, although, he slides along its surface creating multiple ripples in the water. The Hollow stands in the air high above, laughing at the wounded and heavy breathing Tenzen who stands below him. Try as he might he just cannot summon up his long-forgotten violent ways and the longer he stares at his doppelganger he begins to understand why. The things he fought long and hard to control have manifested themselves in the form of this Hollow, this monster. He represents what has been accumulating under the surface of his otherwise calm demeanor, the build-up of negative emotions that have had no chance or time to be released for his well being. Something that has had time like this to grow and become stronger cannot be beaten by force. The very thing he feared he would become has taken physical form and threatens to take his very body from him. This is not a battle that can be resolved with spells, swords, or fists. Tenzen must confront this manifestation of fear the only way he knows how through understanding it. He sheaths the Wakizashi and sits down upon the water cross-legged, wrist resting on his knees while the hands hang down facing the crimson water.
"Giving up finally!? Good, I was-"
"This... Is my world, this is my body. I cannot give it up so easily to you."
The hollow scoffs and floats down to the water and with heavy stomps, rippling the water violently with every step as he makes his way over to Tenzen. He doesn't stand too close, knowing full well how crafty the Oda can be and that even seated the way he is he can be a threat.
"Well tough luck! It's my body and my world now! So get the hell out already you damn pacifist!"
Tenzen doesn't respond for a moment, taking in the sound of the storm, the rippling water, and the hollow's words. He listens to the turmoil of the world around him and the boisterous authority of the man proclaiming ownership over it all. He smiles and looks at his inverted self, this smile puts the Hollow on guard.
"So you and I wish for the same thing? We wish for the well being of our body and our soul, right?"
The Hollow doesn't speak, taken aback by the use of phrases such as "Our body" and "our soul", he isn't sure what the Oda is up to. Tenzen is backtracking and facing his fears once again with the first aspect of it is that he must understand fear reveals what he truly values. He values the clarity of his soul, putting front and center what it is he should be focused on while drowning out unimportant ideals and fancies. Right now, the Hollow has drowned out the peace wanting to focus on chaos and violence, this is what the original Tenzen was raised to do. The original sees this and he understands.

On the outside, the Hollowfied Tenzen batters the Hollowfied Arashi with a multitude of blows, leaving multiple dents in his monstrous frame. As the Hollowfied Captain continues his onslaught he is caught off guard by the sudden impact of a tendril that strikes him with blinding speed. He reels from the strike but continues throwing his blows which are countered by the numerous tendrils now sprouting from his Hollowfied comrade, they grow in number and speed, pushing the Captain back. Evolution seems to be a convenient trait among Hollow's as they adapt to the battles they're in to overcome their shortcomings. Such an evolution is sparked in the Hollowfied Tenzen as multiple arms erupt from his back and the sides of his ribcage. Arashi manages to slip in a few strikes here and there, however, the number of limbs they strike with are about equal at this point in time. As they battle on the two beasts fail to notice the King of Monsters as he cuts down the perch they fight upon almost like a statement proclaiming that no one is above him. The two Hollows lose their balance and fall and during their fall it is when the Hollowfied Oda catches a glimpse of the one who is higher than them, the Captain Commander of the Gotei 13, Shobatsu Murasaki.

The conflict within seems to be at a stalemate as a smiling Tenzen sits on the crimson lake of his inner world and the Hollow intruder stands on guard, ready for any form of attack or trickery the original may have in store for him. His guard, however, seems to fail against Tenzen's words.
"Surely you know of Kokūzō, you're holding him right now. Sorry for taking away the other half of him."
Again the Hollow does not reply, he does NOT like this tone of voice the original is speaking in right now.
"Be honest, you let me take this half away from you. We both know what our Bankai can do. You're giving me a chance to rise to or above this occasion, a chance to face and cut down that which blocks us from living a life of true focus and clarity."
"You just caught me off guard is all! Besides, you don't have Kokūzō! You had to make sure I couldn't use him against you in some way right!?
Tenzen shakes his head, his hands dipping into the crimson water and at that moment a literal line is drawn across the entirety of his inner world. On one side storms still, rage and the water remains stained crimson with blood and on the other, the clear blue sky is seen once again with clear waters that mirror is calming nature. On the side of the storm, Tenzen is seated and on the side of calmness, the Hollow remains ready and poised to strike. Its hold on the world slipped for but a moment and it plans to correct that mistake by charging at Tenzen and severing his head! It is at that moment Tenzen raises his hands and the hilts of Kokūzō are revealed. The Inverted Oda stops on a dime and uses Sonido to regain his distance.
"What!? How!?"
The Hollow is confused, nowhere on his person did he see Tenzen holding a Zanpakuto so how did he suddenly have it in his hands? Not only that but there are now two Kokūzō's with the original Tenzen holding onto the other half of the Hollow's variant.
"He is always with me. Kokūzō and I are one and the same. I am Kokūzō and he is Tenzen Oda. Much like me and you. Though you've just recently appeared we are one and the same."
The inverted Tenzen has no clue how to respond to any of this but he does know one thing if Tenzen used his Bankai he could very well erase his existence from this world. So why doesn't he do it!? Is he waiting for a prime opportunity? Does he already have a plan laid out or is his plan already in motion!? He's taken a few hits from him so he could already be primed for defeat. What is he waiting for!? Why doesn't he strike!? Why doesn't-
"We are a single entity now. If I erased you that will be like erasing a part of myself and I cannot do that. So, tell me, why are you fighting so hard for control?"
The Hollow has a metaphorical gun to his head, Tenzen has caused the being to overthink the situation through subtle actions. With his Zanpakuto in his hands, the invader has no room to strike back lest he wants to be erased or take the original with him in death. For both to die would defeat the purpose of claiming the body and so he finally indulges the Oda, gritting his teeth and tightening his grip on his blade.
"I..."

The two monsters fall, Arashi leaps away with Tenzen following suit landing atop the rubble of what was once the Kuchiki Manor. He pays no mind to the pot but what he does see is someone powerful to do battle against, someone stronger than the Hollow he was previously fighting. He cares not what the condition of the other two Hollows is, even going as far as to ignore the one stalking them. It was possibly waiting for their fight to finish so it could pick off the victor and feast to its heart's content without distraction. He steps forward and lets out a powerful guttural roar as a declaration of battle against the Captain Commander, this mindless Hollowfied Tenzen is ignorant of the threat that lies before him. He takes a step, poised to use Sonido to launch himself at the Captain Commander when he is dropped to a knee unable to breathe due to the air being pulled from his lungs from the release of the Captain Commander's concentrated Reiatsu. The courtyard now cleared and air returning to his lungs the Hollowfied Captain seems shaken, but not scared. That Reiatsu was a wake-up call for him and his once hunched monstrous posture is corrected, standing straight up to his full height, Zanpakuto in hand. For now, the Vizards seem unified in their cause as a very hearty meal awaits them.

"... Want to fight! Show everyone my strength, my violence! What we did to Shirogane wasn't enough! We need more! More battles! More violence!"
The Hollow doesn't even realize he is starting to say things like "We" and "Us" as he is too excited to just express his thoughts.
"We need to stop holding back! Stop being so damn awkward! Don't you just want to yell sometimes!? Tell people to piss off!? Why must we sit there and endure their insufferable rantings? Their poking and prodding questions that have the most mundane of answers!? Why!? Why!? Why!?"
Tenzen smiles, he has picked up on the Hollow's usage of the word "We", the Hollow is beginning to understand and in turn, Tenzen is beginning to understand the Hollow. The smile of the original slowly starts to fade, not out of anger or shock but because he opts for a more neutral expression, a resting expression that is most comfortable to him.
"You want change- No, you want a balance. We both know it takes time to change such things, just as it took me centuries to smother out my violent urges. Who would have thought they would return in such a form with such fury. You and I are one and the same. So you might know what I am thinking right now. Let the change begin here between the two of us."
Tenzen rises to his feet drawing his Zanpakuto from the water. The water seemed to act like a sheath as they are pulled up without bearing their sheaths. He stands tall and looks at his inverted self, both their expressions neutral.
"Hmm, trying to subjugate the other is off the table I guess? Psh, stupid."
The two begin pacing in a circle, swapping sides as the original Tenzen returns to the side of calm waters and blue skies. The inverted Tenzen returns to the side of bloodred waters and dark stormy skies. The original still has the upper hand in terms of combat as he is currently holding his Zanpakuto but the atmosphere for a battle seems to have died down a bit.
"Indeed it is. We need and want balance. With that balance, we can be so much stronger. With you here, we can finally achieve Enlightenment. We must reach a..."
"Compromise."
"Compromise."

Asura's Defiance

The once "bickering" Hollow's seem to stand side by side against a threat that they may be unable to conquer, though this knowledge is unknown to them. Tenzen's foot slide's forward while his upper body hunches over, black fluid gushes from his back wrapping itself, expanding itself all around him. In the matter of an instant, the black fluid forms arms, many, many arms. A few grab ahold of each other, protecting the neck, the others move around almost with their own thoughts as they wave and dance in their air. Just as Asura stood in defiance of the gods this Hollowfied Tenzen does the same but in defiance of the leader of the Death Gods.

Tenzen is not the first to make a move but Arashi, the Hollow using his Zanpakuto to launch the preemptive attack against the Commander. The Commander is surrounded on all sides by the light of Arashi's Zanpakuto and is fired upon, animalistic instincts and perhaps even Tenzen's own natural instincts tell him that it may not be enough. A low growl is made, the Asura widens his stance, ready to bolt in any direction as a mad beast would his many hands raise into the air, ten of the fourteen extra hands take aim at the Commander, two aim backward to guard his flank and the remaining two ready themselves to guard his sides all churning with Reiryoku. That white glow that defeated Shirogane begins to coat the frame of the beast and then the beast shows it's power. Of the ten hands aimed at the Commander, two of them charge green energy, two others charge a red ball sparking with flame, the next two spark, and crackle with electricity with the remaining four hands charging golden Ceros in their palms. The green energy is from the spell Gaki Rekkō, the red energy Kongōbaku and the hands that spark with electricity hold the spell Raikōhō in their palms. What happens next is an onslaught of spells and Ceros that would leave nothing but scorched earth in their wake against any other normal foe, but the Commander is no ordinary foe. The white energy that shrouds Tenzen is part of his defense, a form of reactive armor that may succeed or fail in the face of this mighty foe.
While Tenzen seems to be reaching a conclusion with his inner turmoil the battle on the outside may prove to be his undoing. Time is of the essence, will the Oda be able to reach this "Enlightenment" and reclaim full control over his body? Or will he be cut down, his efforts to obtain inner peace in vain and slashed down as well?

 

[Shinigami]

For the swiftest of moments there is a stillness, a break between breaths of the air. The fluttering of Maho’s hair and coat halt in unison, along with the duo’s movements. The last sound is skidding of straw sandals against loose gravel, and then there is a showing from Maho of what usually begets a permanent absence: hesitance. The hot-headed, quick-to-act young dragon had shown reluctance. No matter how small, a stutter, a lag, it was there, and it had not been seen by Higen before. Sapphire orbs drift to the borders of their sockets to solely gather in the entirety of The Dragon’s posture. His knees bend with a unmistakable readiness, his jawline firm as if his teeth waged war against each other. The veins in his fists bulged and protruded, pumping with blood that seemed to burn and fester. Maho.. What is it... Higen could only wonder, the two of them nearing the end of the cobblestone street, before Maho’s voice—urgent in tone—demands the Captain’s company.
"Was that...the C-Commander's...
Come Higen!"
The Commander? Higen’s eyes began to pop out of his head, his elongated brows shifting upward toward the base of his forehead in shock and surprise. What was Maho rambling about? No.. this wasn’t the same as his normal quirkiness and superstition; something was wrong. Despite his questions, Higen’s massive frame allowed him to extend strides to match that with his younger comrade’s. The two of them darted forward and within a single second, rounded the corner with a fluidity rivaling a gust of wind. Again, they both froze, a sight invading their spectrum. There is shock in Higen’s eyes at first, lines of red dotting about his sclera, before he truly begins to ingest his surroundings. Phantoms, shadows, ghosts and apparitions; like their Captain who had also been present, members of the Omnitsukido painted the roofs surrounding the 6th Division and what could formerly be deduced as the Kuchiki manor, black. Kyomu’s stance is unmoving, still, yet in the entirety of the area there is an overbearing feeling of fluster. Kyomu is not the only bystander—however—a plethora of Shinigami who Higen was otherwise unfamiliar with surrounding the area too, or at least a key entry point. Notably, members of the Kido Corps clad in their royal purple and white garments were controlling what seemed to be-
"There’s the barrier.”
He said to himself, under his breath, almost. There was no clue as to what was happening as of yet, but the presence of so many individuals, the barrier itself, and the urgency that seemed to contribute to the magnitude of it all was enough to inform Higen that it was dire.
“WHAT IN THE SOUL KINGS NAME IS GOING ON IN THIS BITCH!?!”
There it was, The Dragon’s fire, burning through his lips. Anger, frustration, confusion, all of which bled through Maho’s words. Even still, he was a Captain, and needed to maintain his composure. Even if the treacherous commander of the omnitsukido was back to his devious ways, this was no way to approach it. Still, he couldn’t blame him, recent events made Maho’s job—all of their jobs—extremely difficult. Unlike most, however, Higen was an avid promoter of what it meant to don the Captain’s cloak, and was in turn prepared to face the multitude of challenges that once again plagued the Seireitei. Centuries of peace had made events like this a rarity, an anomaly. What would dare happen under Commander Murosaki’s all-seeing eye? Yet, here they were, ill intentions and plots crawling upward from the darkest depths, evil forces moving behind shadowy curtains, forcing the hands of the Shinigami.
“I'm gettin REAAAL sick of you people running around causing problems for me. All this paperwork and information gathering. The hell is wrong with yall?!!?
OIII! No BROW Mukuroo! I been hearing about that shadow born division of yours ALLLL DAMN day!”
Higen is unmoved
“Do YOOOU know whats going on here!? You and you people seem to love BARRIERS Eh?!?!?!
EEEEEH!?!??!?!”
Maho’s words do not fall on deaf ears, that’s an impossibility. However, Higen finds it difficult to give too much attention to the unruly interrogation of Captain Murkuro. How could he? How could Maho let his anger fuel him and ask empty questions while they were looking at.. this. Higen continues to size up the barrier, its translucency, its interior? What was transpiring beyond its surface? Then it beckoned him, his mind drifting back to Maho’s words. He said something of the Commander? Higen couldn’t feel a single blip, a remnant or trace. In the moment of his confusion, Kido Corps officers showed signs of struggle, their designation to maintain the barrier at any cost seeming to falter, or at least that was what their posture displayed. From the inside of the barrier there was a brief vacuum, pressure building in a single spot in one infinitesimal process, before the purple flames of the commander assaulted the integrity of the barrier from within. There he is. Also against the barrier’s walls was a garden of black flowers which—unbeknownst to Higen—was Lieutenant Yugure’s Bankai. In the instant that their flesh folded against the barrier’s frame there was a shining glint, a shining wave. The flowers became fragments, and then became nothing, cut seamlessly. In a breath after, the entire manor cascaded downward inside the barrier, a cloud of dust from the collapsing debris limiting all else from view as Higen’s gaze shifted back over to Maho.
Higen was conflicted, while the Commander’s presence meant that almost certainly whatever the threat was detained, it also meant that there was a threat large enough to require his presence in the first place. What could possibly have summoned the Titan down from the heavens? While the Captain remained by Maho’s side as the dragon roared, he was forced to be the more calm-natured of the two and remained neutral. There were more than enough questions asked Captain Kojima, so Higen would not add fire to the flame by inputting his own. One way or another, they’d get their answers. As Maho’s cigar turned to ash and his smoke flew outward like the steam of a bull, Higen would comfort him in a somewhat soft tone, hoping to deescalate the situation before another problem manifested before their eyes.
“Maho… Stay yourself.”