[BSD-RP] The Valley of Screams

[Shinigami]

護廷十三隊

 

[Shinigami]

So the day finally arrived, the day where Tenzen will finally get to see if he has what it takes to achieve a goal he set for himself once he joined Division 5, obtain the rank of Captain. Though to obtain this he must face one last trial. Trial? No, to call this a trial would be an understatement. Test, challenge, assessment, and examination are all words that do not carry enough weight to describe this event.
"Judgement"

Yes, in Tenzen's mind this is judgement, plane, and simple. The man he is facing is the very one who saved all of Soul Society after he made a terrible error in thinking sending a massive Kototsu into the sky would be a good way to buy time. While he didn't achieve that on his own he still feels the failure of almost attributing to the destruction of the very thing he wants to protect. As he walks he thinks about the man he'll be facing, his judgement, Captain Higen Kagayaki. His body shivers, his mind racing almost as fast as his heart as he can only think of how towering and impossible this Judgement will be to overcome. He inhales, closes his eyes, he exhales and then opens his eyes, his admiration for the Captain is left behind. He leaves it behind so that he can focus and look past the feats of what one could only call a Hero. Once this Judgement is over he shall retrieve that admiration, win or lose he will retrieve that admiration. He clenches his fists suddenly and tightly, his shivering body becomes still, his Awe of the Captain is left behind. It too shall be retrieved at the end of this, but for battle, it is not needed such a thing would weigh him down and dull his movements and thoughts. Lastly, his racing heart and his racing mind calm themselves, perhaps it is foolish but the Fear of the Captain's strength is left behind and like the others, it will be collected again at the end. This does not mean he has abandoned all fear as fear is a good motivator and can drive one to push past their limits just for the simple sake of survival. Fear of the Captain's strength will paralyze him if he were to dwell on it, the moment the Captain made a move to strike he would become crippled with fear and unable to act. The things he has left behind like a trail of bread crumbs are things he considers pointless and disrupts his focus. Stripping away these "weights" from his form allows him to return it to an empty state, a pure state unaffected by outside influences.
"Form is emptiness, emptiness is form. Form is not other than emptiness, emptiness is not other than form."
He chants this to himself, his mind is finally ready, like a blade being unsheathed from its scabbard it bears its edge to the coming Judgement ahead. His body, on the other hand, that is something he had readied months before this day came. These were no light exercises, with the likes of simple Kendo overhead swings, shadow boxing, or Kido target practice. No, he threw himself to the dogs, to his family. Fighting with killing intent against his father, then against his uncle, and lastly his grandfather. These three men made sure Tenzen's body was ready for this day, and it's not to be assumed Tenzen was out of shape, it's quite the opposite. What needed to be readied and honed was a body that was prepared to kill, a body that could put forth all its effort and strength without holding back a single ounce of power. Tenzen has no desire to kill the Captain, for the record he knows he can't kill him. What he does know is that he can't succeed if he uses anything less than killing intent.

Tenzen spots a boulder, it was large enough to be used as a seat and so he sat down on it and began to meditate. Mind, body, spirit, and Reiryoku all begin to swirl together within his form. Peace, calm, tranquility, stillness... Nirvana. This is the final preparation he makes while awaiting Judgement from Captain Higen Kagayaki.

 

[Shinigami]

. . . “Taichou.. Taichou! Taichou please wake up! Please!”
Fuyoko’s Lament resounded loudly in a timeless echo throughout his brain. He had no memory of when these words were said, what state he was in at the time, or what may have indicated such fear in his lieutenant, but perhaps they were all worried that the captain would slip away. Three long months in a seemingly endless sleep, a permanent nightmare, a terror beyond measure. None would understand, his words would make sense to few; the Captain was different. What transpired in that void of unconsciousness? He was forced to shake off the shroud of discomfort that plagued his thoughts, his steps quiet and strong through the threshold of the Dangai. Usually, it was customary for the two participants to approach the field of battle together to prevent any possible tampering or something similar. However, the sudden revival of The Shining Captain was as unexpected as could be. While the Gotei was in the midst of finding a replacement proctor for Tenzen Oda’s test—scheduled far before the Kototsu related events—Higen was insistent that he remained the facilitator of the man’s exam.
The usage of his Bankai—as limited as that knowledge was—was no simple feat. It already had a massive toll on Higen’s body, but the magnitude in which it was utilized created even further internal destruction. He had spent the last three months in another plane, while his body attempted to reconstruct the integrity of the man’s skeleton, dwindled to near-dust after the events in the Rukongai. The test was heavily advised against, Captain Nakamoto especially, pleaded with the stubborn veteran, spewing out a plethora of percentages and possible problems that could spring about if he’d sustained a sizeable enough injury while fighting. None of it mattered, the Captain was reborn and adamant about feeling anything again; He needed this. Not a soul would dare deny him it, and he wasn’t waiting around for permission, either. He’d never felt better, physically at least. Even if he had been limited, Higen with limitation is enough to deal with plenty threats and this was no different.
Little was known.. or rather, remembered about the participant. A Kido Corps advocate, Division 5 Captain hopeful, who obviously had an affinity for all things spellcasting. How intriguing, quite the opposite of the bulwark-of-a-captain. No stranger to kido as a whole, it was still far out of the mold that Higen had constructed for himself, often opting to use other “tools” to subdue his adversaries. Today, Tenzen would have to be creative to live, and even more creative to pass. Obviously the exam did not permit killing, and never would someone of Higen’s stature commit such an offense… purposely. Restraint was a trait that he was slowly bringing into the fold, but still struggled with it currently. Had the spellcaster struggled to defend himself, his last breath could accidentally be stripped from his lungs.
Exiting the rift, Higen examined the barren wasteland he had grown rather accustomed to, sharing bouts with a multitude of captains and candidates alike In this very space, uprooting the very fibers that make this air breathable. It has seen more destruction than a thousand wars and the two of them would add to that toll today. The Jigokucho accompanying him fluttered off into a peerless distance, aware that its task was complete for now. The Captain was bare, covered from neck to toe in reiryoku-infused bandages meant to help mend his body’s structure during his healing process, however long that may be. He was barefoot, only the cloth wrapping protecting his feet from the cracked, barren landscape. He wore no Shikashuhou, and his Haiori was folded on his desk in the Tenth Division barracks. Despite being out of practice, each muscle in his body protruded outward in silhouette form from the constricting fibers of the bandages, displaying a statuesque appearance beneath. His hakama, however, hugged his waist tightly, while also keeping his zanpakuto tucked firmly within the ties of his obi sash.
It wasn’t difficult to find Tenzen, famed for his monk-like values, in a meditating stance atop a nearby boulder. The Senkaimon doors shut quietly behind the Captain, who up to this point hadn’t hardly suppressed the natural brunt of his spiritual pressure that seeped through his pores. He took a few steps forward, his body shifting slightly with his slew of steps in order to become completely parallel to the blonde-haired male. His right hand gripped at the base of his zanpakuto’s emerald hilt, creating a small bit of separation between tsuba and scabbard, the glimpse of revealed metal creating a luminous glint when grazed by the sunlight. His left hand was held in front of him, his elbow bent approximately one-hundred and twenty degrees with an unmovable firmness. Both feet were elbow-length apart, and although it may not have been visually apparent, the Senren coated and protected Kagayaki-Taichou just slightly above every follicle of skin. He’d clear his throat, making his arrival known for sure if it hadn’t been obvious already. The moment Tenzen would embark from his seated position and show the intent to fight the titan would speak, welcoming any onslaught he could conjure.
“Come, Tenzen… Give everything you have.. or leave with absolutely nothing.””
With that, he was ready. Although it may not have looked it, the Captain was eagerly prepared. His zanpakuto was ready to be drawn before Tenzen set his feet to Shunpo if needed, while his legs remained loose and limber, ready to shift at the slightest bit in response to the most miniscule of movements or indication from his opponent. Simultaneously, reiryoku began to fulminate in his left hand, not yet visually taking shape as a glow, giving no hint or pretense to his combatant. How would Tenzen fare against the awoken Captain.

 

[Shinigami]

His eyebrows twitched, there was a new sensation in the air one that gave a reason for him to break his meditation. Before his eyes could open he heard the sound of feet pressing against the rough ground, this person was approaching him. His eyes would open and look in the direction of the sound before slowly looking up to see the bandaged figure of... Captain Kagayaki? His hair was longer, or was it just not tied up? His beard was also longer, did the Captain just recently recover and come straight here? Is he even at 100%? A novice mistake would be to make the assumption that this bandaged Captain would give him the edge in this battle but he is a Captain for a reason and because of that Tenzen makes no plans on diverting from his original strategy. Although, what once felt like Judgement there is a new sensation Tenzen is feeling, Sacrifice. For the Captain to arrive in this condition must mean he is using this as an opportunity to get himself back in fighting shape and Tenzen would be the one Sacrificed to do it. He narrows his eyes, he is willing to face Judgement but was not willing to become a Sacrifice. Not wanting to be rude any longer than he already has been, though it's only been a few seconds since the Captain appeared before him, he disembarks from the boulder. Sliding one leg down until his toes make contact with the ground, leaning forward to allow his other leg to slide out placing it flat and firmly against the ground before positioning the other foot in the same way. His hands remained open at his sides as if ready to pat his hakama clean from the dirt, although he never made an effort to do so.
“Come, Tenzen… Give everything you have.. or leave with absolutely nothing.”
Those words hit Tenzen like a surprise gust of wind, there were no greetings, no exchange of formalities. This was straight forward and to the point, Tenzen liked people like this, people who don't speak in riddles. He gave no response, with the fight now started Tenzen could only feel one thing, that he stepped on a landmine. His eyes began darting around, looking at the Captain's posture, his stance, even his muscles well what he could see from outlines due to the bandages covering him, he'll have to do something about that. When a landmine is stepped on it doesn't explode right away but, instead, it is triggered when one relieves pressure from it is when it explodes. Right now, the pressure is Tenzen not making a single move which is keeping the landmine that is Captain Kagayaki from exploding. The Captain was ready to use his Zanpakuto, that much is for certain, it was partially drawn and the gleam from it was bright enough to catch the ordinary eye but Tenzen overlooked it his analytical nature determined the glint as nothing more than a distraction. Then there was his left hand, Hakuda perhaps? Judging from where the Zanpakuto is placed it must not be that big. The hilt, small, not a Wakazashi, smaller than that, a Tantō. A hybrid style of Zanjutsu and Hakuda perhaps? That could be it. What is the Captain looking at? At this distance, he must have a complete view of Tenzen's body, able to respond to any move he makes, hostile moves that is.
"What to do. What to do."
Tenzen has this thought after his quick analysis of the Captain's stance, he realizes he know's nothing about the Captain, combat wise. The only time he saw him fight was, well, it wasn't really a fight and Tenzen didn't really see anything. He saw a light, turned away, heard a loud crash then silence and turned to see the Kototsu gone. The Captain was heavily injured after that, so from that alone what does he have to work with? Is the Captain a glass cannon? Or is it his Zanpakuto that turns him into a glass cannon? Regardless of that he'll have to do something about that strength, cripple the torso or in another sense the core of a person's strength. This reminds him that the Captain knows little next to nothing about him aside from his Kido Arts. Good, this will play to his favor, isolating himself has paid off even if it means stunting his social skills. His Hakuda, Hohō, Zanjutsu, Zanpakuto and other skills are all unknown to the Captain. He'll use this to throw him off and attempt to catch him off guard when the moment arises. Good, okay, things can get rolling soon as he can set off this landmine and he has just the thing to do it. A Kido spell he developed that is to be used when one does not have access to their Zanpakuto but needs a blade for this situation at hand. This spell can be triggered with no hand gestures or even arm motions, the caster can remain perfectly still for this and this will allow Tenzen to start moving. Being able to move was critical for him as he was able to sense a build-up of Reiryoku but he couldn't pinpoint its location, it seems like the Captain has something of his own planned. All this took place over the course of a few seconds after getting to his feet, though in his mind it felt like minutes had passed. Time to set off this landmine, Tenzen's Reiatsu seeps out as he parts his lips as if he were about to respond to the Captain's words and his response was in the shape of a falling blade.
"Karimaisou" (Lit. Temporary Burial)

With but a word a blade, the size of Tenzen himself plummeted from the sky aiming to take off the extended left arm of the Captain. The monk-like Shinigami finally began to radiate his killing intent, with the blade falling he began to brace himself. His left hand ready to use his quickdraw technique with his Wakazashi to fend off any blade attack, his right hand ready to use his unique Hakuda style to cut or pierce the Captain with his fingers but primarily to remove the bandages the hid his muscle movements, his feet, poised to use his Shunpo if need be. Then there was his mouth, ready to call forth another spell. The first strand of the web had begun to fall for what would hopefully become the web of his plan.

 

[Shinigami]

On a day as momentous as this, instructed by his proctor to give every ounce of his strength toward victory today, there was hardly a response. Pity. There was a brief spell of disappointment, and then reluctance, understanding the rumored keen mind of his adversary. Even with that mind, upon examination he was no failed physical specimen either. Strong, stoic posture, broad shoulders, a firm and balanced stance. The old man knew experience when he saw it, but he also knew blind spots and exploitation, those of which he’d attempt to draw out under his will. Silence swept through the dusty plains of the Valley of Screams immediately after his statement, as if he was king and all stopped to listen. For a moment there was nothing, and then:
"Karimaisou" (Lit. Temporary Burial)
Alas, they’d come to the trickery. This was to be expected, after all. Higen was more hands-on to put it in simplistic terms, though his opponent was famed for his exemplary kido usage. The captain was prepared to see a plethora of it on the day, remaining cautious of everything but of Kido above all else. The moment the words were spoken, subtle metallic whirring took shape overhead, above him, like rain in the spring, came the presence of the massive blade, the size of a human. Momentarily the Shining Captain was coiled in thought. His zanpakuto? No.. A spell? I’ve never heard it before.. There was validity in each variable being weighed. There was no blade drawn as of yet, but he would not put anyone’s zanpakuto’s abilities past them, unsure about the extent of one’s control. If it was a spell that would make the most sense, as someone of Tenzen’s caliber was certainly capable of creating Kido of his own, but what was its purpose? It was just a weapon, after all. No. He wouldn’t fall victim to such a simplistic mindset, and the ruse of an approach that gave the impression of no inner workings.
He isolated the only factor he’d been given, being that Tenzen has some control over the sword to a varying degree. Whatever that may be, would soon come to surface. As the mysterious weapon plummeted, Higen initiates a singular power step leading with his right lunging forward covering considerable ground with such a massive frame. With a second step, his left leg extended, cratering the earth beneath the surface of his bare foot, signifying the increased magnitude and force the Captain exerted. Simultaneously his reiatsu exploded, consuming his person in a thin layer as it took shape as a flame-like glow surrounding his eye sockets. The weight of the ocean would befall Tenzen had he refused to match Higen’s wavelengths, no easy task. By this time, Higen had traversed at least six feet forward, the blade finishing its descent and falling into the dirt behind him. Even still, Higen was not oblivious to its presence, and kept his senses peaked for any alterations in its trajectory in the final moments, enabling him to respond to Tenzen’s possible witchcraft.
With his last stride and the bolstering of his reiatsu, Higen’s right hand never lost its grip on his zanpakuto, but began to conjure the same internalized reiryoku as its opposite. The left arm that was formerly extended just in front of his person was lowered and his palm widened completely. As it became closer to the terra, his Senren thickened at the fingertips, his nails and then subsequently his fingers digging to grab a handful of the earth. When uplifting all that was in his grasp, crackling, reminiscent of thunder resounded throughout the barren wasteland, as a massive chunk of rock with continental shape came hurling from beneath toward Tenzen. It was at least twelve feet long and eight feet wide, a miniscule display of the Captain’s mammoth strength. A cloud of dust scurried about in response to such a violent uprooting of the terrain, completely concealing the rock and Higen along with it. Through the thickened shroud small, sporadic flashes of green could be seen throughout, showing nothing but unpredictability as residual reiatsu spewed in different directions from the Captain in response to his quick and powerful movements. Using both the rock and the dusty atmosphere as his veil, He followed directly behind the projectile in succession, launching himself forward with uniform momentum awaiting his opportunity to emerge with full force from his shroud.
With his right knee forward and closer to his waist, his left leg was just a foot off of the ground. Beneath him he began to conjure a plate of reishi to use as a fulcrum for altering his course in a quick, urgent moment. He also remained wary of the massive blade as both hands festered with powerful reiryoku. Despite his appearance, there was no fragility in the Captain, his body in the best shape its been in a long time. The excitement began to grow within but he would not allow it to show on the surface, he was getting back to being himself.