[BSD-RP] The Valley of Screams

[Shinigami]

It would seem that Shirogane Kuchiki had finally caught on. Maho Kojima was not an ordinary Shinigami, let alone an ordinary captain. The Nature of His Zanpakuto had been revealed, indicating a unique struggle that would require a unique approach. As Shirogane Shunpo'd off, he would allow the distance, welcoming it even, as he smirked to himself. His right leg, extended outward, quickly came back down to solid ground as his arm retracted instantly back into its original shape. The auxiliary hand stopped its advance having missed its mark, returning to its master's side.
"looks like he's gone and gotten distance again...wise choice He thought.
The two were now ten yards apart or thirty feet. In one fluid motion, Maho gripped the left shoulder of his captain's jacket, immediately tossing it off to the side, revealing a well-toned torso. His muscles were refined, clearly reflecting the body that was crafted purely for hand to hand combatant. The tattoo of the dragon at his back was currently out of view, however, the will of the dragon itself seeped from him along with his reiatsu, which gave the image of a monstrous face preparing to engulf anything that came into range. This sense of will filled the very air around them, as well as the mind of Shirogane. For one with such a pure heart, this feeling felt far too ominous, bringing with it a sense of impending doom. He had little intention of holding back, but he did want to see everything the young testee had to offer.

He slowly exhaled, planting his feet firmly into the fractured ground beneath his feet. His legs were spaced roughly three feet apart, giving Captain Maho a wide stance. He would lead with his left arm now, his fingers casually protruding into the air as his palm facing the sky. His right arm quickly became caste in the same black metallic-like substance, a product of his Zanpakuto, giving both his arms the ability to combat weaponry. From both these arms, several more black hands replicated, until there were roughly seven in total, not including his own two arms. They floated near one another, some rather small, only the size of average human hands,

while others were much larger, outclassing anything of the average human or shinigami variety. The largest of them took a position at his left and right, farthest away in order to maintain a perimeter. Their free form nature meant that they could form and mold rapidly without warning, each one possessing immense physical strength whilst still maintaining their metal like consistency. What was more pressing is that each hand could passively absorb Reiatsu upon contact, making them that much more dangerous. Each pair positioned themselves sporadically about Maho's position, leaving little room in between where they were stationed. The Dragon had prepared his fangs, in the same timeframe that Shirogane would utter his Release phrase. Maho could have attempted to intercept him, however, he chose not too, giving him an opportunity.

"Transpose Jibun no Hansha."
It was here that the dragon waited, watching ever so closely at any action made by his opponent. His eyes couldn't be seen from behind his locs, but they were alive, jade orbs piercing the veil to see everything occurring on the field of battle. Not a single detail was missed nor overlooked. With each weapon creating a perimeter around his body giving him five feet of free space. This time, Maho said nothing, however in the depths of his mind, he called out, hoping to see everything the mirror boy had to offer. "Ikuso! Shirogane!" He wanted him to succeed, technically they were allies after-all. However, he was not about to make it easy for him. When the strange version of Shirogane appeared in a flicker to his right he was met with a swift backhand from one of the larger creations of Full Metal. If he had been unable to defend against the backhand, it would have smacked him six or seven feet backward and onto his back. Once on his back, the hand would have come down like a hammer crushing him into the ground seamlessly. He tracked this with his own senses, without missing a single detail. He was fully prepared to spring himself into action in order to attack or defend, but being he had no information on the opponents Shikai he couldn't act unnecessarily. With his other hands in position, he had little to fear as he could cover any and all bases. His senses were about him, tracking any spiritual energy in the area. Something wasn't right about the current attacker, He would have to figure it out in the next few moves.

 

[Shinigami]

Before transitioning into Shikai where Shirogane revealed his Shikai, the Captain start showing more of his arsenal. It only meant that he was no longer holding back anymore. The presence of his spiritual energy indicated that much and the display of creating several more floating arms. Not even including the two attached to his torso. Usually, a spiritual pressure of this magnitude is unpleasant and threatening. Unfortunately, it did not faze Shirogane a bit. But such performance and the showing of his Shikai power is intriguing, impressive even. It begs the question in the mind of Shirogane, was this power all his zanpakuto has bestowed upon him? Creating arms being able to change its shape and size? Did he push him to the limit? Those questions didn't take long to ask mentally. However, it seems this power has blessed him with offensive and defensive style, all the while covering long and short-range. Just how far could it go? How long could it stretch? All these questions shall come to light as well as all things normally do. When it came to unleashing the words, it came to Shirogane's attention. The opposing side never struck or made a move but allowed him the benefit to unshackle the zanpakuto from its dormant state. It appears he was a true proctor that wanted to see everything this Kuchiki had to offer, and that means seeing what the Shikai blessed him with; after all, who wouldn't?

The Shikai that has now fully awake would now be visible where the sword itself was no longer the same. Shirogane's blade itself now has three layers. The first is the same steel metal cutting edge of a katana; the middle layer, however, is now similar to a stained glass window from the hilt to the tip. Ranging from a dark platinum at the base, then slowly becoming lighter at the tip; the third layer of the sword is a thin ebony layer of metal from bottom to tip. However, while the second blade changed very little, a circular mirror of sixty centimeters could be seen hovering next to Shirogane's head. The outline base of the mirror seems to don the same color attributes as the zanpakuto that disappeared, which is black and white on the backside. One side is black, and the other is white. The presence was calm, silent, masked, and controlled to be absent. The moment Shirogane moved in a fast-moving motion towards the right side of Kojima. Despite the massive obstacle that awaited him on that side, it didn't phase him a bit. But coming out of shunpo what awaited him was a backhand. Its significant size could do some severe damage, being able to get a sense of the extensive power of the backhand.
Though the mirror that floated around the right side of Shirogane didn't exactly have to move out place. All it turns was turn clockwise to face the direction of the backhand. The sizes were different, but the quantity would not hinder what's about to happen. For between the mirror and the backhand, it was only about a split second away from touching. In that same instance
"Swift"
In an instant, the backhand that was for Shirogane would now be on his left, inches away in front of its creator — given him the stipulations that are in motion for Shirogane himself. This technique that happen was Jibun's Idō shifuto (移動シフト; Movement Shift). Given the immense power and speed of the swing if Maho was not ready for this counter. Shirogane calculated his backhand would send him several feet away to lay him on his backside. This test is for Shirogane initially, but this was also Shirogane testing the Captain skills to the utmost limit. The muscular physique on Maho could look intimidating at first glance for someone who believes muscles or muscular individuals are dangerous. And quickly enough to overcome anyone with sheer force. This noble was not affected by such an image in the slightest. For all those types of people need, is a needle to pop the air that fills their heads with foolishness. Regardless of the outcome if the Captain were hit or not, he wouldn't have the slightest indication of there being something three feet behind him. The reflection given off the surface could see the dragon tattoo imprinted among that greasy ebony skin of his. Pair of eyes watching things unfold from a distance waiting with anticipation to see the results that were about to come. Shirogane was never a liar, and he shall make sure that he keeps his word.
As he had mentioned earlier, his fangs would never touch him. Not until he permits it so to contact him. Even then it doesn't seem highly likely that the Kuchiki would allow such third-rate scum taint his purity of royalness. For he isn't also worthy enough to touch among his body. It's bad enough he wasn't put down sooner but some trash like to avoid the inevitable of their fate. If there was something to note, Shirogane fights with grace and finesse. He's an excellent swordsman, and his Shikai, Jibun, manipulate reflections and mirrors. It has given him the ability to create as many need it for his arsenal. This soul reaper adds flash steps, various high or low kido, and even melee combat into his style to make him a real jack of all trades. Much like Maho Shikai from what he has witnessed so far, his powers also work well with offensive and defensive capabilities. Where they work in a variety of ranges through his will, utilizing them in a way to make his combat more advantage in his favor.

 

[Shinigami]

Another strange change. It was clear that this 'kuchiki' was intent on not approaching head on. He had managed to avoid being backhanded by Full Metal, using some strange ability that was surely tied to his shikai. In a sudden shift, The hand that had swiped on the right, suddenly shifted to the left, though Maho was well aware of everything, even the true position of the other Shirogane. He could not suppress his soul and even if he could, certainly not for very long.
He needn't shift his body or his eyes, he had been given no real reason too and when his Zanpakuto came colliding into it, it burst into a metallic mush, molding around his body and reforming completely hole on the other side. Maho remained aware of his weapon at all times, no matter the scale of their replications. They were extensions of his will, Auxilary limbs able to do his bidding from vast distances. His awareness with them and skill was high, so much so that he could control them at the drop of a dime. He would allow Shirogane to witness this, in order to understand just what he was up against. Even with the speed and strength behind it, Maho remained unmoved, however, anything still presents on the right would be inevitably engulfed by the reforming hand and trapped within. There had been no indication that any other strike would continue from his right side, and so he waited. Maho recollected the previous events in his mind, able to discern what had occurred upon a single glance.
"Wild...looks like his Shikai gives him the ability to alter the trajectory of attacks, is it related to the mirror floating near him? Reflection? Heh..."
Without any physical indication, One of the smaller hands flickered from view, tracking Shirogane's Reiatsu which had undoubtedly been active. One other small fist rocketed toward the 'reversed' version of him, in another half winded attempt to grasp him. Given that it hadn't acted after the reversal, it was worth a shot again if all that would follow was a failed attempt as using his own Full Metal against him. Any such attempt was useless, certainly not anything to be cautious about.
The other auxiliary limb flickered onward in what appeared to be shunpo itself, Surely if Shirogane's very being still existed the hand would find him. If he hadn't attempted to flee or defend himself from the reassuring attempt, then his neck would be crushed under its might. For a nobleman, he had done very little to press Maho. Certainly, his techniques were unique, The Captain couldn't approach him freely, but it was little more than a gimmick to him at best, at worst, a neat lil' party trick. Sure Maho was amused, but it was not the thrill of battle that gripped him, rather it was the oddity that was Shirogane himself.
The numerous other hands that surrounded Maho himself, began to oscillate in opposite directions. The four smaller hands clockwise, and the larger two counterclockwise. If allowed to continue, they would eventually span out a five inches per second. He would not move if he had no reason too, Shirogane wasn't doing enough in his mind and until then the dragon would remain unmoved.

 

[Shinigami]

After revealing the Shikai, the Captain had no information about the Shikai coming in. Pretty soon he would have come to learn a small bit of its power. Observant, apprehensive, receptive, analytical, swift, and strong, these were the things that have created what appears to be Captain Maho Kojima's strength. Weaknesses? Oh, he had plenty of weaknesses, but his Shikai protect those weaknesses, making him the ultimate fighter. However, even the ultimate fighter could make a mistake. Even the ultimate warrior can fall, but what's going to reveal next, could he walk away from it after this? Everything that has been passed on to him through teachings, one of them was a saying Shirogane always was told.
"Show too much and you lose. But show very little, and you win."
The voice of his Father echoed through his head anytime during battle. A principle he lives by, meant that if one such as himself were to show every hand and abilities. A warrior-like Captain Maho would have the advantage of remembering those abilities and get the upper hand. If one was to show little of their moves and capabilities, it keeps the opposing side guessing and only be able to rely on the information displayed to them. Shirogane didn't reveal too much or didn't expose too much to be figured out. The examinee is an entirely different case for he has shown many things. Maybe it was on purpose to see what Shirogane had to offer; as a proctor, he didn't have to do much but not make it easy for Shirogane. He remains focus and attentive on everything he had done since the beginning. To put it into terms, neither of them displayed their full power and skills. Shirogane was one who should have but performing just enough to last against a Captain was sufficient for him. But to prove he wasn't just all talk, the next move was to make a clear statement as to why, why he wants to be Captain. Expression wise he would come off as someone who didn't have any concerns or come off as someone who didn't care. Shirogane manners and demeanor could easily be mistaken for someone who doesn't carry that drive. That is something he will show how much he was willing to risk and explain to a third rate shinigami the difference between them. He shall teach the examiner never underestimate or get too relaxed around him.
In turn, Shirogane used one of his Shikai powers to shift the attack back to the creator. Though he never moved from his position, Shirogane doesn't have to do anything beyond that. For there were a couple of things, he expected to happen — one of those things took place and happen exactly how he played it within his mind. It reminded him of when he placed a kido in his stead to repel the attacking arm from before. Within that instant, he transformed that attacking arm so fast that it would seem impossible. Remembering what he did allowed him to want to see it happen again as part of a plan. The shifting technique, Idō shifuto (移動シフト; Movement Shift) was merely a misdirection or a distraction because the enemy planted themselves in place. Being too comfortable and being also relax in his position. It was all because he didn't expect Shirogane too anything "impressive" enough to stay on his toes. Shirogane didn't do enough to where Maho would believe his life was in jeopardy. However, that is how Shirogane fights, and he fights calmly aside from his elegance. He isn't one to go all out unless need be. Once the opponent gets too relax, that is where Shirogane strives when they least expect it. Shirogane did try to take a limb before because he was reasonably sure that he could. He comes to realized he underestimated the soul reaper. Even for trash like him, yet also a noble of Shirogane's standards has to admit he was good but not that good.
The moment Maho didn't move where the arm turn into a soft substance of some kind. That is when the mirror that had been set up behind the individual beforehand instantly alter its shape and size from a 60 cm mirror into a 35 feet tall rectangular shape. There was no delay in creating such a form. Where it was about 5 feet of space, trapping him inside of a dark area within the mirror. It could be mistaken for Hadō #90. Kurohitsugi, except there would be pressure of gravity but silence. Not for long. This mirror was shaped by Shirogane, using the power of Jibun's unique ability. Could it break? Gauging the potential strength that Maho wields is a possibility. Though Shirogane wouldn't give the satisfaction because standing atop of the tall mirror shape would be two Shiroganes. One with the inverted appearance and the one whose body was deactivating the light from his body. As if he had camouflaged with the fraction of light. This action happens without delay with both of them placing palm each against the surface.
Where a small circular hole, enough for their palm to fit — the tiny glint of light for Maho to see. The second the tunnel had created, where both individuals stood side by side, their palm generated what appears to be a blue light. There was no wasted second of charging or even speaking the words — the power of Hadō #73. Sōren Sōkatsui (双漣蒼火墜, Twin Lotus Blue Fire, Crash Down) has unleashed upon the Captain Maho who would be trapped. No incantations. No need to even speak its name. For both Shirogane and his twin held the same power, and having the inverted side picks up the lack of the phrase need it to strengthen the kido. Both were using this technique which would be powerful enough as if the mantras did speak into existence. Could Maho protect himself from the power of a double kido? Where the size of this torrent wave would flood the entire space that is keeping him confined. There was no escape, except trying to bust free from this dark prison, if he could. Or maybe he would use the massive size arm to come to his aid? If Shirogane calculated correctly, he would change the shapes of what arms he had available to protect himself. But how durable are they? Kuchiki did not know what to expect, except the Captain may have suffered damage. That could more likely take him out of this fight unless he had the undying will to push further. Maybe even push to Bankai? Every Captain had one, yes? To Shirogane, it is best to concede defeat.
"It is inevitable."

 

[Shinigami]

It would be an understatement to say that Maho hadn't grown just a tad bit irritated. He tried often not to judge others fighting styles and tactics, but how could he not when people often fought in strange and bizarre ways. He had tried his best to get close to Shirogane throughout this small battle, however each time he tried, even when placing himself in unfavorable positions, he was met with retreat and uncertainty. He was a slippery one, perhaps he knew full well an outright brawl in hand to hand combat would only see him beaten and bruised. He probably felt as though he was playing at Maho's weaknesses, fighting at a distance, obscuring himself. In many ways, this was correct in the sense that it gave Young Maho nothing concrete to work with. There was potential for this to be useful in the coming struggles that the soul society had to face, however, Maho was not about to let this fool get the better of him. He would show him just a small percentage of his true strength.
The shift in the enemy position didn't come as a surprise. In many ways he accounted for it, he had covered all of his bases in order to avoid being struck by any attack should it come in close, however Shirogane did everything he could to stay just out of his striking range, despite the fact that this range was nearly unlimited. His body quickly whipped around one hundred eighty degree's tracking the presence of his opponents reiatsu, which had until previously been in two different places, to his right and in front of him. When Shirogane emerged he had been atop a large mirror which had formed. Although its expansion was "instant" it would only complete after a full three seconds had finished, leaving Maho enough time to backpedal a solid twenty feet before it's completion.
Atop the mirrors boisterous frame was Shirogane and his clone, who's spiritual energy had spiked a large degree. So far, the auxiliary limbs continued their rotations, the speed suddenly increasing two-fold, spacing out a good degree before the two Shirogane's began their kido formation. They began the spells 'without delay' however, it took them a full second for it to fire off. Maho back-peddled once more, giving him a good twenty-five feet distance away from the mirrors reflective surface. His locs swayed violently in the wind as his body moved without hindrance, though one would have to wonder, why didn't he gain more distance? He had more than enough time for someone as swift as he. Sure there was 'no second wasted' but one must always allocate time and effort into conjuring their spiritual energy. At best, he had a second before Shirogane's arms thrust forward, allowing the blast to release from his hands. His eyes widened in response. He was familiar with the spell, his time in the third division having given him a wide knowledge base of the soul societies intricacies when it came to combat, including the names and functions of Kido spells, even if he himself lacked the ability to properly use them.
His arms suddenly thrust upward, crossing over his face and torso. This action causing a chain reaction in all of his limbs to do the same in a sudden vertical shift. The combined kido spell exploded at Maho's position. The blast was monumental, obscuring from view Maho's body and the arms which had seemingly defended him. Large columns of dust and debris stretched high into the air and for several moments, although his energy could be felt, his image was obscured. it would be unwise to close in, being that Shirogane knew not the fate of Maho Kojima. It was much safer to observe in order to know for sure. Even on the mirror's surface nothing would be observed the thick haze of dirt. Slowly but surely, this dust began to fade. For now, only a silhouette could be seen. Within the dust was Maho himself, the metal that had coated his arms having slowly molded from a wide shield-like shape, returning back to the shape of his own arms. Around him, the ground had been decimated. One knee touched the ground itself, though his eyes remained alive. There were a handful of scuffs and soot on his body, though otherwise, he was fine.
"I see...Nice energy...heh...heheh...ehheahahahahahhAAHHAAHHAHA!" began to laugh hysterically. His laugh was Maho began a hysterical laugh that Shirogane could hear. It was metaphoric in a way, Maho seemingly in defeat, Shirogane standing above him, having believed he had trapped the captain and even struck him no less.. His eyes narrowed as he observed him, still laughing uncontrollably. His body, however, radiated with the same color of the energy that had just seemingly struck him. It was then that his right arm raised, then thrust downward as if yanking something downward.
"Here! Have it back!"

Within an instant, a small black dot would form above his head, it rapidly expanded over the span of a half-second. Within the same moment, it suddenly expanding beyond the limits of Shirogane, or of the mirror itself. It was a massive shadow. Although he hadn't the time, if he had looked up, he would see a massive wall of black. It was an enormous hand, flickering into view five feet above his head. From the time of the kido spells explosion, til now was only three seconds in total, however, with such immense size, no matter how far he ran, be it his natural speed or shunpo, this elephantine fist would track his position, appearing wherever he went. From one side of the fist to another was approx one hundred and twenty yards, large enough that even an indirect hit would be devastating. Behind it was a large counterweight, which had another fifty yards over the fists diameter giving it even more weight to work with. He had managed to consolidate the remaining limbs in a single moment, while the Kido explosion was going off. By sacrificing a percentage of his defenses, he was able to consolidate the remaining resources into offense. With that being said, the fist came crashing down like a meteorite. By draining all of the energy from the kido blast into his zanpakuto it increased its speed and strength temporarily. Following this, he would activate a secondary technique, Ippai Kinzoku: Ka fuka ( いっぱい金属:過負荷, Lit. "Full Metal Overload"). This technique allowed him to use the absorbed energy to increase his techniques, or release it out in a single massive attack. In this case, he had done both. From the tip of this fist, all of the collected spiritual energy would have fired like a canon eviscerating any and everything caught beneath. If Shirogane had remained directly below, he would have been bombarded the same energy he had attempted to strike Maho with. The blast itself having been fired from five feet above would move to meet him in a quarter of a second, having been aided by the downward momentum of the fist itself. If the sudden release of that spiritual energy didn't catch him, then the overwhelming weight of the large black fist crashing into the mirror and earth would.

If it had been allowed to crash into the ground, it would have shaken the very valley to its core. The ground itself would have been split at the point of impact, like a meteorite colliding with the earth, A monumental shockwave of force traversing on all directions for miles on end. Stone would have been reduced to dust, so much so that the sky itself would have darkened from the cloud that would inevitably rose. Beneath, a large cratered hole would have formed, being large enough to house the entire fist itself. Even if he had dodged to the left or right, or fled far away the subsequent shock wave would have been more than enough to catch him within its field of influence. Even for Maho himself, there was no definite means of escaping the blast zone. All he could do was use the remaining pieces of full metal he had encasing his arms to create a half-dome around himself in order to shield his body from the blast. When the smoke cleared, the massive explosion had carried him a good enough distance away that he was outside the radius of the hole that had formed.

He remained in this shielded position for some time until the ground itself ceased to shake. It quickly snapped back into its proper shape around his arm. He looked onward, observing with his eyes the destruction he had wrought.
"heh...did I go overboard?"
Such a technique was taxing on his stamina, though he had done more than he wanted to do originally. He hadn't meant to go so hard, his irritation had gotten the better of him. It was possible that if Shirogane had failed to do anything to shield himself in any real way, that he would have died from such an otherworldly impact. The Dragon had unleashed its claws and fangs upon the mirror man, having created a massive hole that at most was one hundred fifty yards wide. What had become the Kuchiki? Did he get flattened by the full brunt of full metal? Was he subject to the force of his own spirit energy thrown directly back at him? Maho kept his senses alive, awaiting any change in the energy or the space itself. If nothing was done, he would go and look for the body...if there still was one.