[BSD-RP] The Valley of Screams

[Shinigami]

Maho had been tending to his duties today, same as always. He spent most of the morning at his desk. Rolling numerous herbs, and jotting down titles for the Paper. eccentric scribbles laced his notebook with designs and adages. This, like any day, is how his mornings began. After, he rose from his desk and headed out to his garden, where he repeated his futile attempt at a completed Shunko. Blast after blast flames towered into the sky. He continued to fail but every failure brought him one step closer to success. Amidst the maelstrom of explosions, an alert sounded off on his device. He hobbled over, still covered in sweat and soot. Peering down it read.
"Jinnosuke Ueku has advanced to the next round! Captain 'Maho Kojima' You are to report to the Valley of screams for assessment ASAP."
His locs hung over the phone, the dim light casting puzzling shadows along his face. His eyes closed gently as he inhaled deeply,
"That idiot huh...? Heh...hehe...heheheh." He chuckled.
The room became filled with an odd essence. He inhaled through his nose and unleashed a powerful gust from his mouth.
"I don't think I'll smoke today."
Before long...a Senkaimon would open right from his garden and the lone captain would waddle on through, fresh soot still on his body, with his fresh white jacket, draped just on top.


The Valley of screams. A place outside of space and time. A sort of middle of the road if you will. To most, hearing of it would probably strike one with a sense of unease. Who could blame them? Anything devoid of standard logic has always been something to reject. But at times...Logic
could be a shackle.
The Valley of screams, in this way, was a liberating place in that way. For a soul of sufficient quality to be allowed to exist unhindered? There could be no greater freedom. Surely Jinnosuke could feel it? Could he not? Maybe he hadn't known yet. Muscle heads like him often can't tell either way. As he would observe when inspecting the Horizon was an intense storm of dust having plagued the Valley. Visibility was limited up till around ~fourty~ or so yards. Beyond that, a heavy shroud permeated the air on all sides. Some time would pass before a single silhouette began to cleave through the haze. With each passing step, an increased level of heat began to sweep over the area. The ground began to rumble ever so slightly, until The Dragon Of Kojima came fully into view.
Sure, Captain Higen held superior strength to Maho when placed side by side. He could split mountains with a single strike. Captain Kyomu had a fabled reputation for being an outstanding assassin. Skilled in secrecy and swift enough to carry out the act. However, Maho had felt Captain Kagayaki and Captain Mukuro Lacked a sufficient aspect of a true warrior. The Will to carry out victory. This truth is something he would never mention directly to Higen purely out of respect for his Elders. Kyomu knew full well how Maho felt, and more than likely cared not. This was fine in the eyes of The Dragon. Disagreements on what strength and power really meant were bound to occur amongst the strong. Today Jinnosuke would be tested on those same merits. Evaluated to see if he had not only the strength but the will of a captain. Could he prove himself to be of that caliber?
Closer and closer Maho strolled until he was well within View. His body still covered in dark soot and burn marks. They were reminders of his day. Of his struggles. The white hooded jacket swayed in the intense winds, the symbol for nine stamped to the back. He would come to a stop roughly Twenty yards from where the testee had been standing. He had opted not to smoke today and it was evident in his eyes. This was not to say that when he did smoke, that he wasn't focused. but rather; that it was an entirely different sort of focus. His jade orbs were trained to his combatant and they would not leave him. Each detail assessed and channeled into his mind's eye. With just a glance his body had instinctually known everything it needed to know. Height, weight, spirit. His senses were great enough to ascertain these details without fail. Six-nine...about two sixty. Dimensions that would make a normal man think twice. A captain sees opportunity in detail given, not worry. To be able to ascertain a threat and compose a counter is critical. Paramount to being a Captain of the Gotei 13.
"JIIIINNN-OOOSUKE! The MOMENT you LOSE FOCUS, is the MOMENT you DIE! THAS' HOW I'M COMIN TODAY!"
His right leg dragged clockwise along the ground, propping itself just below his right elbow which tucked back ever so slightly. His Left arm, Encased in black, Pointed outward toward Jinnosuke. His fingers extended much like a claw, with his palm facing outward. His reiryoku began to flow out from his body, causing anyone in the area to sweat as heavy waves of heat radiated from him. His energy was transparent and could not clearly be seen, however, it was undeniably felt permeated out from his vessel. Maho always made sure to take advantage of the free and openness of the Valley of Screams. The freest place a Shinigami could be. He wondered for a moment if his fellow shinigami would take advantage of this freedom? Hmph...Oh well...
"IKUZOO! JIIIINNOOOOOOSUKE!" The Dragon Roared, causing much of the heavy haze of dust around them to suddenly dissipate in reaction to his cry. From here on out, the battle would be underway. As he always had, he left the first draw up to his opponent, being the nature of this specific battle was examination. How would the old fool act? Would he charge headfirst? Would he think it through? Or would he wait? Would apprehension take him?

 

[Shinigami]

He had almost fallen asleep against his giant blade. Dreaming of a very different world. One where he didn't make the mistakes that haunt him. One where everyone could live worry free. A fools world, heh Jinnosuke was a fool. So it was fitting. Dreaming of his time growing up in Rukongai, stealing, killing, and doing anything to get by. Then he dreamed about his time in the Maggot's Nest. Gaining the Nick Name of Devil Jin and then finally meeting the Captain Commander. The first of many strong Shinigami that would give Jinnosuke a second chance. He and that old man came to a clear understanding. Seireitei was a place of many tools for many jobs. Strong ones, Fine ones, Big ones, Small ones. All with their own purpose and reason.
They were at a loss for a while, The devastation that rattled their core with holes and weakness. He was referencing the Shattering of Dimensions. Once it was all put in perspective that Seireitei had enough tools, enough weapons, Jinnosuke had formulated a new secret goal. One that he would never share with another, or even openly work towards. Not until he was strong enough, and finally he was. He had spent every waking day working on that promise. Never forgetting the words he told the Captain Commander. He would become Seireitei's Ultimate Shield.
Jinnosuke Ueku would open his eyes. Maho mother fucking Kojima. One of Jinnosuke's longest and true friends. There earnestly couldn't be any other Captain better suited for this task. Higen would be a damn good fight, but it would be very too boring, like a game of Shogi with two veteran players. Kyomu and Jinnosuke's fight would be boringly one sided for Jinno. Yu would use things Jinnosuke didn't understand and would have to use brute force and insane willpower to outlast the damn witch. However, Maho was a perfect match for someone with Jinnosuke's style.
"JIIIINNN-OOOSUKE! The MOMENT you LOSE FOCUS, is the MOMENT you DIE! THAS' HOW I'M COMIN TODAY!"
He would stand up, flicking his Cigarette off into the distance only to be carried away on dusty wind. It would be during this time that Captain Kojima took posture upon Jinnosuke. Taking a vaguely familiar stance, it was for this first time that Jinnosuke got serious. His eyes moved with critical speed, analyzing the formation. He would then center himself, taking his arms and rotating them inward until they circled and his hands formed a triangle that he laid over his midriff. He would exhale now, pushing everything out his chaotic nature, his humor, his inability to hold his tongue. This was Combat, This was the reason he exists. He would listen to the sand moving over each other, tumbling as the powers of their pressure clashed first. A mental battle of will and natural born affinity. Clear vs purple, their auras sparked and violently sent bio electrical charges skittering over the uneven ground.
Reaching over his shoulders and removing the weighted clothing. Modified Shihakusho that held chemically weighted plated inside hidden pockets. Tossing the garments to the side they crashed into a large cone shaped pillar of stone. Shattering it upon impact. The dust swirling around just a bit more as it mixed with the hot air being circulated now. Turning his head sideways and forcing small popping sounds to creak out of his neck, Jin rotated his arms stretching the small rest out of them.
Jinno too a deep clean breath in now. Absorbing in even more as he analyzed his opponent. Maho's controlled breathing and stance, he is a master of course. His thoughts instantly compiling physical analytics on Captain Kojima, Comparing them to past times they fought and using the collection to determine his first move. The idea of this man, a combat monster losing focus was laughable. The way Maho stood, he expected a few things once Jinnosuke launched his assault. Playing the outcomes over and over within a micro second. Sneaking behind him with a Shunpo, wouldn't work. Jinno has tried it a few times sparing the man in the past and each time Maho's senses pick up on it and block the attack with out even looking. Mental scenarios played through his head, as he was sure Maho was doing in his own. This mental battle waged on for what felt like forever but was actually over in a matter of 3 seconds.
Jinnosuke slid his right leg back, knees bending with minor incline as his left leg haunches and prepares to move.While Jin's right arm came up and his palm opening with his fingers bent into a fist, facing inward as if ready to counter attack. His left arm was raised and extended to match length with his shoulder. A common and well known basic stance for Jinnosuke. No doubt Maho has seen it plenty of times in the past. Grounding himself further it was time for them to begin. He knew how this would start.
Exhale.
Inhale.
Exhale.
"IKUZOO! JIIIINNOOOOOOSUKE!"
He suddenly vanished! As Captain Kojima would cause much of the heavy haze of dust around them to suddenly dissipate in reaction to his cry. From here on out, the battle would be underway. Closing the gap between them as the area instantly became clear of dust from Maho. His left hand flying forward at incredible speeds. The Jab would be aimed towards Maho's lower left portion of his Jaw, While instantly he would bring his arm back after throwing the jab and fire off a second even faster less impact jab aimed at his right eye this time. Almost immediately after to close out the first Combo of the fight, Jinnosuke would throw a fast medium strength right punch at the Dragon's same right eye but aimed it predicting the sway of his head to the left or right changing his aim on a dime.
The three hit combo was sure to scuff the man if any of them landed but not do any massive damage. Jinnosuke would put weight down on his legs and prepare to counter attack or roll with any of Maho's counter punches if his attack would fail. Gladly taking minor hits to land his right arms punch. Jinnosuke would clench upon any return punches if they were received. Jinnosuke wasn't the best at Hand to Hand combat, but he would gladly show Maho what he has been training for. Knowing that Captain Kojima respected the hands above all else. Besides this overwhelming feeling he was getting was like no other. Sparing is one thing but a contest of strength. Jinnosuke was bubbling with a happiness he never knew he could feel. The training, the lectures, growing up and maturing. The want to work together with his peers. This what joining the Gotei 13 was about. Comparing his life in the Maggot's nest to the freedom he felt now. He let out a roar of his own.
Loud and blood curdling, Jinnosuke shouted as he flew punches at Maho and expected to receive them full well in return. " Hell Yeah! HELL YEAH! HELL YEAAAAAAHHH!!!!!! You FEEL THAT HEAT YOU FEEL THAT ENERGY This is what a battle is supposed to make you feel! Captain Kojima, MY FRIEND MAHO! Do not hold back! " His energy was at an all time high, He was focused, nothing else mattered in this moment but this exam. He never once dropped his guard or focus even while screaming. Eagerly awaiting his friend's counter.

 

[Shinigami]

"Too slow.."
or so he thought
With his eyes trained on the seating shinigami, even as his form appeared to 'vanish' Maho continued to scrutinize his form. He moved well, yet was far too slow to slip beyond Maho's perception. Every fiber of his being was observed in gross detail. The subtle shifts in his muscles, the telegraphing in his shoulder. The subtle rotation in his waist. As an expert combatant in hand to hand combat he could see it all. His very soul gave him away. Right away he could tell that his approach was foolish, at best. His punches, far too light and his approach entirely too open. As he 'resurfaced' Maho's back leg shifted slightly then his body flickered stiffly in place causing Jinno's first strike to hit nothing but air. He would slip, rather effortlessly to the left of Jinno's arm remaining outside his shoulder. His feet moved without disturbing the earth beneath, remaining equally apart as to maintain his balance. He appeared subtle in his stride, though the full weight of his reiatsu burst through, continuously causing one to sweat. His movements would have been delayed, for Young Maho had been expressing his spirit energy in full since his arrival. Like a focused torrent of gas prepared to ignite. Its focus weight bared down on Jinno's body like an invasive heatwave. The second again strikes air, far too slow for any real effort. It seemed as though he had arrived here to the Valley of Screams assuming Maho would be fighting him as though they were training. He may have been older, but the poor fool was none the wiser. Such freedom in one's ability should never be neglected for any shinigami when given the chance.

(Jinno ^)
It was then that he drew his second jab back, thrusting forth his shoulder to swing a moderate right. The dragon, whose eyes were afire beneath his swaying locks locked onto their target. Being positioned through the only one and a half foot gap separating the two. Like a specter, His left arm shot forth in an arc, likening to a strong left hook. Upon close observation, this imprint would communicate to Jinno that Maho's first counter-attack was to come. He was sure he would follow his form visually. His green conk would sway uncontrollably losing its structure in response to this vapid movement, which would give way to a true thrashing from the Captain of the Ninth.
And then, it would come.
Upon impact, Jino would observe that the world had gone silent. An immense pressure would overcome his cranium. Applying effort to menial tasks like talking would be near impossible. Standing was just as difficult as his legs wobbled uncontrollably, lacking any foothold. Much of his body would go numb. He would hold onto his life, sure, however, such an opportune blow would not, nor could not be ignored. A strong ringing would reverberate in his ears as they attempted to adjust. At that moment, the truth had struck in less than a quarter of a second. This perceived counterattack was equivocal, acting as a perversion to his true success. With the act, he would clasp victory without fail. The exchange would certainly injure, however it would be the last warning from the dragon...of sorts. An unarmed shinigami was useless, and unfortunately for most, Maho was never unarmed. The most versatile of the few captains that currently existed within the soul society, there was a standard that needed to be set. Many believed that Kyomu held the title of the Soul Societies swiftest and in a sense that was true. However, few knew that the dragon's own fleet of foot style placed him in the same realm. He would utilize this natural agility to his advantage, for Maho was not here to play. His claw had been extended and the fool, unknowing as he was, would fail to see it, defeat rested right under his nose, ascending like the rising sun. The last thing he could see before being suspended was the rich blue skies above them, his head thrown back. The Dragon had struck like a bolt of lightning, decisively and without any forewarning. He had minimalized much of his telegraphing in observing his opponents. So much so that It mattered not if he would flee or attempt to dodge. Maho would compensate using footwork and a little tact. Jinno had dug the hole, soon, Maho would put him in it.

 

[Shinigami]

Jinnosuke had practiced this combo for a while now, he knew he would land it with some success. As he closed in however, he was horridly mistaken. Maho was gone. Plain and simple, Jinno was taken aback, but he couldn't worry for too long. Just as the surprise of Maho's speed hit him Jinnosuke had been struck, blind sided by who? Maho never hit him once that hard in training. It had to be foul play, He looked to land his second jab, but his arm was moving slow due to the first punch Maho landed. Jinno looked down at the fist a second too late. Moving slightly to let most of the momentum slide off, he was still caught decently. His body being flung backwards the way he had come seconds before throwing his punch.
Ringing
Silence
An alarm going off in his head
react
DO SOMETHING
The world for Jinnosuke for an untraceable amount of time, froze. His brain bouncing around due to a concision would bring back memories. Surfacing at the jolt to the head his mind would replay things he had blocked out, forgotten, To the extent where " The Devil Jinn" became nothing more than a fool to be used as a whet stone. His mind throbbed with pain but it hurt worse as he remembered his past. The graphic atrocities that he had trained so hard to forget. To the point of acting a fool to make it seem like he wasn't dangerous. The cold hard truth of it, is this made Jinnosuke soft, he was a straw puppet used to sharpen the blades of those around him. No more. He was the Murderous Criminal Devil Jinn and he wanted blood.
His body would be jammed into the side of a large rock formation, Silhouetted as his eyes opened to be staring at Maho some 30 feet away. Not blinking, Jinnosuke would flex and crumble the rock around him, landing on his feet. He came into this thinking it was fun and game, thinking that this was another spar against a friend. The second Maho hit him that hard it all came rushing back. This was a Captains test, and not Shino Academy Sparing. He never lost focus because he never had any. He would straighten up dusting the stone off his bare skin. Then reach out and lightning quick slap his face with his open palms. The spinning in his head stopping as he regained control of his body. Unexpected was all.
" Maho, Sorry to keep you waiting. That punch really got it goin'.... I"
He would flick his right hand and his giant hunk of metal would suddenly burst from the ground a few yards in front of Jinno. The giant slab would find it's handle gripped into Jinno's right hand. His body suddenly compacting full of Reiryoku, His Reiatsu spiraling around his body until it became whirlwind cutting through Maho's own. Jinnosuke's body instantly cooling down many many degrees as he released his own power. His Zanpakuto's Reiatsu blending with his own, Ikari fueling Jinnosuke's body to match it now, His speed, His Strength, even his perception all making leaps and bounds as his body became one again with his memories.
The bandage that usually kept the blade wrapped would flail in the force they created. Jinnosuke's face no longer showed the emotions of an immature old man, but now of a savage killer. A blood shot look in his eye made him eager to engage his enemy. He would fling his sword up, even with the great distance between them, A shower of stone boulders flying up from the force of the swing. The second the stones flew up and towards Maho they shrouded the field in thick dust and rock debris. He would then be gone, without a sound his body was now in tune with the fight, The punch having awoken a fighting spirit inside Jinnosuke. He had not felt in many many years. Spiraling down, Maho's head would meet with the end of the massive blade of Ikari, Having used his new natural speed to spring into the air above Maho and launch a huge downward attack, One of witch was designed not to be countered or stopped, and to crush the bones of any thing in it's path.
" MAYONAKA NO SUTOROKU! "
This attack was known to Maho, Except Jinnosuke wasn't preforming this attack. He was using the same stance but switching the move to use his less known and hardly seen move, Kazoekirenai dai dageki (数え切れない大打撃, Uncountable Heavy Blows.) Swinging his Blunt rectangle of soul metal, Jinno starts a swinging arc with his Zanpakuto that Once started is almost unstoppable. Creating a pendulum like motion, he arcs the blade from overhead left to a rotating underhanded right and back over then under then over and under, swinging in a literal infinity sign. This move almost always dislocates Jinnosuke's shoulder and causes him muscle pain even tearing as each blow slams into his target with enough blunt force trauma to shatter steel structures and crush stone work into dust. To the point where even the vibrations from the after math shock whatever is hit beyond the core. Solid blunt strokes that can render metal useless, rip through flesh effortlessly, and dissolve bones into liquid. The attack stops once the Momentum stored up dies out, thus making it uncountable, not from the amount of attacks done, but from the random number that might happen this time around.
With his current momentum he would swing the giant blade 6 times in the time it takes to blink, He practices swinging his giant sword over 10,000 times a day for the last 300 years, If one were to see every swing it would take a perception like no other. If Maho tried to counter attack in any way, Jinnosuke's plan would be to dodge and instantly use the momentum of the swing he is in to launch a counter attack. If Maho stood and took the attack like the man he should be, He would find himself being crushed down upon by the new found weight of Jinnosuke's pressure and attack. The vibrations would travel through his constant release and into his bones, shaking him at his core and making more attacks even more likely. His stance would be as if his limbs were noodles boiling in a hot pot.
With every swing, Every chance to show Maho that he is the real deal. Jinnosuke seemed to be getting stronger and stronger. Now that his reiatsu was bleeding out into the area, It would inevitably start to make Maho slip and make mistakes, an unknown anger would seemingly start to take over him, His attacks would be less impact and sloppier until he was full tilt raging around with no skill just instinctual attacks. Giving Jinno more and more openings for his giant blade.

 

[Shinigami]

"Too slow...Fool!"
It appeared that Jinno had rather swiftly realized the folly in his approach. This Maho could tell. Their many training bouts had often ended with Maho as the victor yet Jinnosuke was a man of intense will. He, like many others in the soul's society, had their share of trauma. Everyone's path carried with it, their set of imperfections. Whether they had endured much in the world of the living or lived their entire lives in the world of soul. A strong soul is one able to endure anything thrown at it. No matter when, or why or what came their way.
And came it did.
the raging fist barreled toward Jinno', or so it appeared. By the time he could perceive it, the image of his fist passed cleanly through his form, fading away, as a phantom would. The afterimage was a success, deceiving him into accepting something that wasn't truly there. As if this were the many sparring matches they had shared of the last few centuries.
However...
This was a Captain's test. Maho would fight his fellow shinigami, not as a comrade but as an enemy. In the eyes of The Dragon He may as well have been a Hollow fit only for elimination. In any case, this critical failure would see to it that Maho's right palm would come chopping upward, His outstretched digits thrusting into his opponent's muzzle. The collision was monumental, prompting his head to thrust skyward, an abrupt stream of crimson extract would burst forth in response to the invasive object, his brain would rattle in his skull disorienting him, and his legs in response would temporarily give out. His body would thrust a foot and a half off the ground despite their clear height difference. The sky, rich and blue was all he would see before doom cascaded upon him. In this single instant, he was at the mercy of the Young Captain.
Had this been a training match, this may have been the worst of it for ol' Jinno, however, Maho had to drill into him the precedent for what was required of a Captain of the Gotei thirteen when putting their life on the line. Despite how he felt, what damage he had undertaken, what he had or hadn't eaten that morning... All of it...
irrelevant in the face of duty. Taking this truth into account, Maho would take full advantage of his presupposed adjustment in positioning, channeled physical vehemence into both his right and left arms. His back leg, pressed forward, launching him forward, whilst his left leg leads the charge.

one TWO, THREE-four, Five-six-seven, EIGHT-nine, TEN
Ten strikes followed through in well under a half-second. Each one was just a bit more expeditious than the last, each that much sharper, that much more precise. The head and torso were his primary targets, making sure to keep it above the belt. Jinno would be besieged with blows. He maintained a valued rhythm one done with such care that it kept his body suspended in the air
He wasn't yet finished.
Ten more came doubling the damage in the same areas he had just struck. He had the precision to do so. The pain would have been astronomic, even for the aged shinigami. He had given his superior an opening and it had been seized. Several teeth would have been knocked loose, several other fractures would form along his ribcage, collar bone region, and skull. Maho would then step his right foot forward, swapping their orientation. His body barreled forward, causing his right palm to come thrusting forward. On collision is was as though Jinno's face had caved inward sending him crashing into his sword which had been embedded into the ground. on impact, the ground erupted into a storm of debris, steep crater, some forty Yards long dug itself into the ground following his trajectory embedding him that same distance into the ground. This onslaught took only around a second and a half to accomplish.
On the other end, Maho adjusted his stance once more. There would be a few seconds before this newfound dust settled, allowing for visual clarity. The intense agony pulsated through the body, several teeth would have been dislodged now. Despite the aching flesh, the loosened bones and the weakness in his legs, he would have to rise. There was no other option. A captain continues even when injured. When he has nothing left but the fleeting words of a comrade.
"ON YO FEET, JiNNNO!!"
Both Maho's arms became encased in Fullmetal's embrace, the black material coiling along his arm until it solidified in place. It then began to take form, molding into shape as numerous engravings etched themselves into its design. Around each of his digits, an extra inch of sharpened steel was applied. The Dragon had exposed its claws. Around his knuckles, similar indentures were formed, giving them that much more viability as half-inch spikes protruded outward. he crossed his arm causing the metal to grind together, generating sparks and the distinct sound of alloy grinding together.
He would give him the time to gather himself.
Meho exhaled slowly, additional metal seeping from both his arms Before long, five additional limbs were generated. Three of which were relatively average-sized. Two were a good degree larger, being roughly five feet in length.

Each arm spaced itself around his position maintaining a four-foot perimeter. They hovered freely, for a time moving only so slightly. Maho watched for a while, wanting full well to see the extent of Jinno's will. If he did not move, the test would be over and he marked a failure. Surely he, a member of the eleventh division was better than that. He would need more than just his ability to take hits to win or to make a good impression. More than his uncontrollable spirit pressure. He may very well need to show his Bankai to survive a confrontation with The Dragon at full strength. For whatever reason, Maho was refusing him any leniency. Their like-minded nature meant that he knew full well that the fool could handle it. It would be disrespectful to not give it his all.
These auxiliary limbs began to slowly hover forward, closing some yards every second. Their fingers moved with autonomous design, flexing and clenching all their own visually prepared to strike. at best, he would allow the man to grasp his sword and take this more seriously. His captain's jacket swayed freely in the tumultuous wind that picked up and then died down rhythmically.
And so after his bombardment was cast upon the fool. The Dragon idled in place, awaiting his reply.