yoshua171

Naruto: Shinjitsu no Mon

Nice intro post Ouro, well written ^_^

Naruto: Shinjitsu no Mon

Well I would say I am nearly finished with my raikage. I need to complete her history and then properly write/modify her personality based on the events of such so that it is accurate to how she'd be psychologically from such events.

I'll also need to write up the last 2-3 techniques, but hey those're easy. Lastly getting any canon jutsu (which will be like all of two most likely) and writing the description of her sole tool/item: Momento.

Should be able to get it done before Tuesday if not sooner.

Naruto: Shinjitsu no Mon

Hmmm, yeah I think a timeline may need to be constructed in tangent with Ouro.

Naruto: Shinjitsu no Mon

Wait, that doesn't seem to add up. How long was the war? It feels weird that he would have died while the war was in progress. If he was alive during it, why wouldn't he just put a stop to it. Not like he had ALL THE POWAH or anything xD

Naruto: Shinjitsu no Mon

The sage died 20 years ago, didn't he?

Naruto: Shinjitsu no Mon

Lol

Yoshua's Character Storage Mark VII

Zume Tatasuko – Suiteiru Meian

General Data

Name: Tatasuko(盾光守 'Protectors of Radiance'), Zume(図明 'Bright Design').
Nickname/Alias: Suiteiru Meian(The Vacant Shade).
Gender: Male.
Age: 34.
Age Appearance: 34.
Sexuality: Heterosexual.

Village: Onteimura.
Birthplace: Unknown.

Organization: Unknown or N/A.
Clan/Kekkei: Tatasuko/Kusa Chūō no sei.
--The Tatasuko clan have long since withdrawn into the cave system they refer to as the Reidō no Jōmyaku(令堂の静脈 ; Veins of the Mother) where few, if any, other shinobi tread. The majority of their clan are gatherers or hunters, with a small fraction of their ilk being shinobi and an even smaller fraction of their shinobi possessing their unique kekkei genkai. Most know their kind only as mysterious shades who lurk in the shadows and do their utmost to stay out of the world’s ongoings. Due to the Reidō no Jōmyaku spreading beneath the earth and throughout the world their specific location is unknown.

Rank: S rank.
Position: Clan Ambassador/Representative.
Chakra Nature: Mukōton(Void release).

Appearance:
This mysterious man, one of the few truly pure blooded Tatasuko stands at a generous 6 feet and weighs in at 185 lbs, his build toned rather than muscular. Beneath his clothing are worn metallic bracers of a pitch-black coloration, tainted by the void. In addition to this, despite his nature as a Tatasuko and inheritor of the Kusa Chūō no sei, which would darken his eyes permanently, he is typically seen with hazel eyes. This is due to a finely weaved illusion, a genjutsu with no name, but likely the rank of S as none can get around it. This ability is something he has honed to perfection, though there is little else in the way of illusion that he utilizes.

Personality:
Enigmatic, veiled in mystery and pleasant in his mannerisms, Zume is a rather cunning individual. While on the outside he appears a near perfect gentleman of high intellect and enigmatic interests, within he is darker, colder, and far more manipulative. Long has he toiled to perfect himself and in his own mind he has succeeded, literally. In this way Zume is entirely confident in himself in all things, even those that he has little talent for. He is unshakable in his own way and on many levels will resist the ploys of others, be they intentional or otherwise. Thus to others he appears a man entirely abhorrent of manipulation and deceit, of course that is only if you know him on an incredibly basic level, for in truth Zume is in fact quite deceitful to all around him. It is a marvel that no one, and that is said with absoluteness, has realized his trickery. For to others he is kind, reliable and honest. An intelligent man, yes, and definitely more than a little eccentric, but otherwise he is harmless unless provoked.

Of course, when provoked, Zume does not always appear so on first observation. Instead, he appears either more amused by proceedings or incredibly, horribly bored. This stems from his rather strange rage, which is not easily roused from its slumber in his soul. In fact, those who know Zume very well often say that despite having seen him angry, they always got the sense that he was still entirely in control the entire time. This is frighteningly true and brings with it many implications. First among these is that despite his emotional state, Zume remains entirely in control of his actions even if such does not appear to be the case. Second is the startling realization one gains when they come to know that not only is Zume in control at all times, but that he can rouse any desired mind state or emotion entirely on command. This lends to the fact that all who know Zume understand how great his self-control is, even if not to what extent.

When it comes to matters of friend, foe, and family Zume is very particular with how he deals with people. When it comes to family, they are both priceless, and expendable, or rather they are perfect tools for his machinations. When it comes to friends Zume appears incredibly loyal and helpful to near perfection. However, in the end it is almost surely a ruse for he lets so very few into his heart
.
While he is cold, it is difficult for one to truly understand just how much until they have seen him unrestrained against his enemy. Thus it can be seen that in battle Zume only enjoys himself when he needs not utilize the entirety of his deadly arsenal of skills. Otherwise he tends to find himself annoyed by the fact that he must consider his enemy an equal. This reveals another of Zume's vices, something that few know unless they delve deep into his true persona. In short, Zume is prideful and a measure arrogant as he believes that none truly surpasses his majesty. However, it is not in the skills of the body that he believes himself entirely superior, no, it is in the realms of the mind that he so places himself. In a sense, he is not entirely wrong. A fact that, should any discover his true nature en full, would frighten most, not that they would survive long to tell their tell...after all, the others didn't.

History: A considerably ancient man despite his appearance, Zume Tatasuko is a name that has echoed through history as one of the most powerful shinobi of ages present and past both. His power gained through both lifetimes of practice and as a gift from his currently dead brother, Shougaku, Zume is truly a force to be reckoned with. Nonetheless, his story is one of balance. If one truly wishes to know more of his past, they must simply ask.

Theme:
Empire Syndicate - Dark City

Equipment Data

Base Weapons & Items:
X shuriken.
X kunai.
X explosive tags.
X smoke bombs.

Specialized Weapons & Items:

Name of Weapon or Item:
Ōku no iroai ni musuko(多くの色合いへ息子 'Son to many shades')

Description:
"Drifting throughout, space and time dare not grace thy silver flesh. I implore, may I receive thy guidance, Ōku no iroai ni musuko." - Tatasuko, Zume.

A blade recovered from the central chamber of the Reidō no Jōmyaku, it is plainly ancestral in its origins, and possesses a precarious balance between orderly control, and slovenly disordered chaos. The blade can be described as a physical, essentially inanimate construct of Mukōton. While it is technically composed of the Mukō, the blade has both the yin and yang attributes imperfectly in a state of constant combination and separation. From one moment to the next the blade almost constantly refreshes the bonds between the tangible and intangible realms. Yet there is more to this constant circulation, as between these currents of yin and yang, light and dark, male and female, good and evil, are pure expressions of Mukōton that the Tatasuko would find themselves jealous to look upon.

Composed of approximately 221 of these circulating patterns of yin and yang, merged by the void, the Ōku no iroai ni musuko's structural composition is incredibly complex despite its simple appearance. The majority of these circulations, the leading 200, move perpendicular to the blade's form and move around it constantly to form the refined tube that blades tend to be. The secondary 20 however move in alignment with the blade giving it its length, solidity, and cutting power in that sense. Lastly of course is the single pattern, which is often totally dormant at the very core of the blade running through its entire length from pommel to tip. This arrangement has made it so that unless an individual has mastered their yin and yang aspects, or conversely has mukoton, they cannot even wield the blade. An individual with mastery of the yin aspect, or simply genjutsu, can touch the blade on a mental and spiritual level but not on a physical one, they risk their body being devoured by the void of the blade. When one has mastered their yang, or taijutsu, they can hold the blade in a physical sense while its spiritual aspect will be totally lost on them; these individuals risk their mind being devoured by the blade.

This single length of typically inactive pattern is one of the blade's most important feature. While the other energetic movement patterns in the blade are circular, this center one is not and acts like a set of veins when activated. Upon activation of this central pattern it branches out and constantly sends tiny pulsing veins that weave through and around the other patterns at many times their speed. The veins that this creates allow the blade to exude and absorb chakra to some extent. The blade is typically only receptive to one to three types of chakra. In Zume's case these are mukōton, yin, and yang chakra. Though this blade is composed almost entirely out of chakra, absorption will not work as instead of actually touching the chakra it will make contact with the mukōton and thus will simply absorb nothingness from the void, which to essentially anyone is useless and simply takes up space without technically 'filling' anything. While in addition to this the blade's internal patterns can be partially externalized and changing the blade's shape can cause these patterns to shift respectively.

Externalization of movement patterns requires chakra to maintain. The chakra required is a constant amount. The more patterns, the more chakra. Externalizing the maximum amount of movement patterns requires chakra equivalent of a C rank technique per minute of use.

Appearance

====================

Name of Weapon or Item:
Bougu(Defensive armament).

Description:
Zume wears metal plates on his forearms, upper arms, the back of his neck, and to cover his shins. Additionally he has applied chakra infused armor over the area of his ankles to help protect the essential muscles there. The armor on his ankles is malleable but strong when something comes against it and thus has the resistance of iron but does not limit his movement. The rest of him is not really covered in armor though his normal clothing has an incredibly flexible layer of material sewed in-between two of it's layers allowing protection like that of leather armor. Other than this, Zume remains unprotected and due to this is not weighted down much, if at all, allowing his agile movement and speed to come into play without limit. All of these armaments are pitch black and have a strange depth as they have been deeply imbued with Zume's chakra.

Combat Data

Special Traits

Mastery and complete understanding of chakra, chakra systems, and Jutsu theory.
Knowledge of human psychology and physiology
Total Self-mastery: Mind, body, and Spirit.
Extremely skilled in ninjutsu.
Astounding Intelligence.
Master Swordsman.

Kekkei Genkai:

Name of Kekkei Genkai:
Kusa Chūō no sei( 腐败中央の精 'Degradation of the Central Essence').

Clan:
Tatasuko.

Description:
“In the beginning it is said all was Nothingness, but what is emptiness? Is it just a word, a concept in the mortal mind, or is it something else entirely. Only the Phoenix knows.”--Shougaku Tatasuko.

The Tatasuko clan’s kekkei genkai is a doujutsu, one, which gradually awakens over the course of the inheritor’s life, spanning from their birth to roughly the age of 15. Its name is derived from the chakra to which these abyssal eyes are the herald. As an inheritor’s eyes manifest, their chakra system is gradually reformatted from its natural balance of yin and yang to the unnatural and otherworldly nature of Mukōton(Void release). As their eyes move from white, to gray, and finally to black wherein their eyes are but deep pits to look upon, their chakra changes entirely to match the voidal color of their eyes, thus completing their transformation. Any affinities they possessed prior will be changed by the massive alteration of their chakra’s nature.

It is at this point that the full capabilities of their doujutsu are revealed, turning their vision monochromatic and merging many of their senses as synesthesia would. In the next few years their eyes become orbs of infinite depth. While these orbs do not inherently allow those who possess them to visualize chakra, such can be achieved through their use. However, by default any inheritor of the Kusa Chūō no sei is capable of feeling chakra, able to detect what affinity it is, as well as its location and movement. As such chakra sensing, to a Tatasuko, is more an extension of their ability to touch or feel things, more than anything else.

Last among their eyes’ abilities is the connection between the orbs, the void, and the chakra, which comes from it. Any inheritor of the Tatasuko kekkei genkai is capable of sensing through void chakra, or the void itself if their mastery is at such an advanced level. To sense through the transcribed realm of the void is an incredible feat indeed and only the most masterful of their ilk are capable of such incredible achievements.

It should be noted that the Kusa Chūō no sei is inherited rather infrequently even within the clan.

Mukōton

Below is a very simple explanation of Mukōton's properties. If a more advanced understanding is wanted or required, scroll down to the Mukō no junka technique. However, I will warn you that the explanation is exceptionally in-depth and as such may both take one a long time to read and a good deal of effort to understand. Moving on to the base properties of Mukōton.

---

Void Release, the direct opposite of onmyouton(yin-yang release) is a chakratic affinity with two primary traits and a score of interchangeable secondary properties. First and foremost mukōton chakra is exceptionally dense, and has the tendency to continuously become more so as long as its polarity remains neutral. The void’s other primary property is its degrading effect, as the substance will essentially eat away at both energy and matter that it comes into contact with depending on its own potency, the substance, and the amount of void present. These traits, and those, which will be, listed in the Tatasuko technique, Mukō no junka are the traits of impure void. Pure void chakra is something that, thus far, only one member of the Tatasuko clan has been able to harness, and that individual was the fabled Tatasuko from legend--the ancient enemy of the sage. Pure mukōton, unlike its impure counterpart, is untouched by reality’s laws and, having come from the Phoenix’s realm, is a pure catalyst of destruction, which acts as antimatter would. If pure void were ever to be manifested it would be capable of erasing any reality-based substance that it came into contact with, proportional to the amount of it utilized. Luckily, the act of manifesting it is essentially impossible and the techniques involved in such have been lost.

=========================================
Techniques: Possesses all academy jutsu.

Custom Jutsu

Name of Technique: Hipparu no mukō kara(_{引っ張るの向こうから} 'to draw from beyond').
Type of Jutsu: Space-time Ninjutsu.
Rank: A.
Range: 3 yards(9 feet).
Nature Type: Mukōton.
Handseals: 4.
Description: With the execution of the 1st hand seal a greyish mist spreads from the user or any present void chakra. With the execution of the 2nd and 3rd seals the mist darkens till it is nearly pitch black. With the final seal the mist appears to gain a form of depth and from this depth the user can draw forth the energies of the void to their will. semi-pure voidal chakra is more potent than the void chakra that comes through the physical vessel.

Weakness: This is nearly an equal exchange technique, which means that the same amount of the user's chakra is taken into the void as is drawn out of it. The drain to open the gateway is rather small, but it is what makes the jutsu not quite equal exchange. --Zume can only utilize this through his blade(omit on the site).

====================

Name of Technique: Mukō no junka(_{向こうの馴化} 'Acclimation of void').
Type of Jutsu: Kekkei genkai Ninjutsu/Supplementary.
Rank: E-B.
Range: N/A.
Nature Type: Mukōton.
Handseals: 3.
Description: This technique is something of and adaptation of Michibiki haha no te no and allows them not to simply guide the movement of their Mukōton chakra, but also to change its 'polarity' and purpose respectively. Essentially Mukōton chakra has a few different states, much like matter. It has solid, liquid, and gaseous states and it has three polarities: positive, negative, and neutral. The differences are as follows:

Traits

--Polarities--
It should be noted that while different portions of voidal energies can have different polarities, and that any given area of void can have a multitude of polarities, that no one spot can exhibit the traits of two polarities simultaneously. Additionally, while polarities themselves have no true weaknesses, they can cause weaknesses to appear when coupled with the void's typical traits and the state that the void is in at the time.

Neutral: Void in its neutral polarity becomes exceptionally dense as instead of its attractive or repellant properties pushing or pulling at other matter or energy, causing its own energies to move differently as a result, they push and pull at its own energy, causing it to expand, retract, and continually fold in on itself. As such, neutral void becomes more dense, and thus more heavy, with time, though it does not appear to actually create more of itself in the process likely due to its degradation factor. This means that anything, living or not, that is within this manner of void will experience an incredible pressure, as if underwater, which will increase gradually over time as long as the polarity is not altered. In addition to this, the neutral polarity of void and its 'folding' allow it to 'create' more space in a location it is inhabiting, and retain that space when it moves locations as long as it does not alter its polarity. Lastly it should be noted that the more voidal energy is at a neutral state, which it will be at if not influenced otherwise, the faster this pressure, and the space within it, increases.

Positive: Like a magnet, just as its opposite, the positive polarity of void allows for matter and energy to be pulled towards it with an attractive force. This pull can be countered by an equal push away from it, allowing the individual to resist by using strength equal to or greater than the pull effecting them. However, it should be noted that, much like the previous polarity, the pull will grow with the amount of voidal energy is of this polarity meaning it will take a greater and greater force to escape it.

Negative: Opposite to the previous polarity, this charge allows the void to “push” matter and energy away from itself. This effect increases, as with the others, with the amount of void that is in this state. To resist this push the same effort must be given in a similar manner as with the Positive polarity.

--States--
Unlike the polarities of the void, the states can be mixed and matched as the user wants, allowing for a myriad of combinations. This means that gaseous and Liquid void can be merged into something containing the properties of both, but weaknesses all their own. Each state, including the various combinations, has its own weaknesses and faults, though these faults can be modified by the charge(polarity) of the void in question.

Solid: Solid void is typically about as fragile as glass, or crystal(not including diamond), but nonetheless it absorbs a certain amount of force and can stop, or at least slow down, both matter and energy respectively. This fragility can however be amended by making it exceptionally dense, or integrating it with other states.

The general weaknesses of solidified void are include any attack strong enough to break glass or crystal as well as especially high temperatures. As such, solidified void is typically weakest to the elements earth and wind whereas lightning and fire have essentially no negative effect unless they exceed a certain temperature. Lastly, water is considered a neutral element to it, being more or less equal on both the weakness and strength side of things. It should be noted that these weaknesses/strengths do not include their weaknesses/strengths in relation to the polarity of the energy at the time.

In terms of the uses and general strengths of solidified void, well, they are as follows. Solid void is particularly useful for cutting attacks as while it is brittle when hit with a lot of force, it is fairly sturdy when apply cutting force(power) to other objects, making it a strange energy to begin with. The other reason it is so effective at severing things is the fact that solidified void is not all that dense as unlike normal matter and energy, voidal energy must become less dense to become tangible. In fact, the only reason the void can effect physical beings is because its density has already been considerably lowered through the process of being channeled through Arkaeis' body. It should be noted that while solidified void is the least dense of the states, it is not the lightest, such is the paradoxical nature of void.

Liquid: In its liquid state, void is actually fairly dense, making it difficult for liquid void to float in the air without the buoyancy of gaseous void. In fact, if it ever appears as if liquid void is 'levitating' one should almost immediately assume that it’s being supported by gaseous. Beyond this it should be noted that liquid void, despite its lack of airborne buoyancy, can move very quickly across surfaces. Additionally while it cannot float very well without the assistance of other voidal states, liquid void is capable of remaining partially suspended as long as one part of it is touching a surface. Additionally, should liquid void be formed within an area where there is no gravity, it will have no longer be forced to tether to an object and will be capable of floating freely. This particular state of void is weakest to the earth affinities, though other affinities have lesser effects on it or will force it to change its state. It is however strong against both the fire and lightning affinity as the void is extremely conductive of both heat and electrical energy and is capable of handling fairly extreme temperatures especially in its liquid form. It should be noted that these weaknesses/strengths do not include their weaknesses/strengths in relation to the polarity of the energy at the time

Gas: Gaseous void is a strange form of void, primarily because it is certainly the most dense, but is simultaneously the freest and flimsiest of the states. While flimsy is indeed an apt term to describe it, it does not necessarily mean that this state is weak, for it certainly has its strengths. Wind and fire are highly effective against this form of void, but the other elements, particularly water and earth, are essentially useless against it, as it will simply part before them. Conversely gaseous void might pull an element through itself, as is the case for lightning as the gas retains the natural conductivity of voidal matter/energy. It should be noted that gaseous void, while extremely conductive of electricity, is oddly prone to combustion when exposed to fire, hence its weakness to it. It is thought that this may be due to the 'potential' that the void holds inherent in itself, which is ignited by the excited particles of something such as fire. Lastly it should be noted that gaseous state void moves the fastest of the three states, but is not much good at anything else except for being a sensory medium or catalyst. Beyond this gaseous void is useful only in combination with other states or polarities of the void. It should be noted that these weaknesses/strengths do not include their weaknesses/strengths in relation to the polarity of the energy at the time.
---

Additionally there is yin and yang aspect void. Yang aspect void’s properties are described above, but when manifested purely in an energetic form with no state or polarity it gains a stronger degrading effect and an increased depth/potency. Yin aspect void is nonphysical and invisible to all senses ‘cept those of chakra. It can be detected by certain doujutsu such as the Rinnegan and Byakugan. Sharingan can detect it as well, but to a lesser extent. Yin aspect void is essentially ethereal in nature and merely allows the implementation of genjutsu, or other more mental properties into certain void techniques.

Weakness: Each state is shown with its corresponding weaknesses. Additionally Onmyouton(yin-yang release) chakra is effective against Mukōton chakra.

====================

Name of Technique: Tsunzaku tentō fukumen(劈く店頭覆面 'Pierce the veil').
Type of Jutsu: Passive Sensory Ninjutsu/Kekkei Genkai.
Rank: E-C.
Range: 15 yards(45 feet) hemisphere.
Nature Type: Mukōton.
Handseals: N/A.
Description: A lesser form than the fully developed clan sensory technique, the Tsunzaku tentō fukumen, unlike its greater form, only focuses on the areas of the developing Tatasuko's eyes aka their peripheral vision. While the true sensory technique, known as Genjitsu no shingai: Tsunzaku mukō ni shiryoku, accesses the world by first blocking out the direct senses and then weaving them back into reality via the void, this technique instead localizes their visual and otherwise senses in a specified area in which sensing becomes absolute depending on skill level. This technique works by expanding the user's yin-type mukōton invisibly into their surroundings and then utilizing it as a conduit for their senses, particularly their otherwise limited sight. This acts by giving the user continual high-speed snap shots/sensations of things moving or 'flowing' through the invisible Mukōton chakra. If the user closes their eyes this technique works in an entire 360 degrees, but becomes more difficult to understand.

Weakness: Especially weak to wind affinity. Earth has no effect, lightning can temporarily 'blind' her senses in a particular area for an incredibly short duration of time. Additionally this technique can be confusing if too much is being sensed via its use as it does not focus like the eyes but rather gives constant stimuli as long as her physical eyes cannot see said stimuli.

====================

Name of Technique: Chūō honshitsu o keikai(_{中央本質を警戒} 'Vigilance of the Central Essence')
Type of Jutsu: Sensory Ninjutsu/Kekkei Genkai.
Rank: C-A.
Range: 6 Miles.
Nature Type: Mukōton
Handseals: 3.
Description: When an inheritor of the Kusa Chūō no sei wishes not to weave their senses back into reality through the void, or spread void with which to sense, they will instead focus their perception directly into their unique eyes. As such, the eyes will become receivers of information for any of their senses as they wish, allowing them to glean a great deal of information at once and to sift through it for what they require for their purposes.

Weakness: This technique, while extremely useful, has the weakness of blinding flashes of light or objects obstructing the vision just as any normal sight would. However, this secondary weakness is partially gotten around by the use of multiple senses being perceived by the eyes rather than just that of sight.

====================

Name of Technique: Mukō kara shinri hitori(_{向こうから真理ひとり} 'Truth begotten from void').
Type of Jutsu: Kekkei sensory ninjutsu.
Rank: A-S+.
Range: Variable.
Nature Type: Mukōton.
Handseals: 6.
Description: Using the principles of both Tsunzaku tentō fukumen and Chūō honshitsu o keikai, a true master of the Kusa Chūō no sei's sensory abilities can execute this technique. First by utilizing Hipparu to mukō kara, though utilizing the handseals of this technique instead, the user will dispell yin aspect void around their body in a 25-50 meter radius, the former for those with less than average chakra, and the latter the upper limit for those with excessive amounts. Once this is done the user's perception is weaved outwards from their body and throughout the system of surrounding chakra, which is under the effect of a constant pull as long as it remains within the user's distance threshold. This pull stops those with chakra absorbtion abilities from taking in the chakra as any attempt to do so will be met with equal resistance. This pull also stops wind affinity techniques, if an enemy detects the chakra, from dispersing the invisible mukōton chakra.

Once the user has weaved their perception throughout what amounts to a non-physical mist, they can detect reality and what goes on in their surroundings both through their body and through an objective lense not affected by their body's physical—and subjective, senses. Like Chūō honshitsu o keikai the user can choose what, or how many, aspects they are perceiving at any given time, but like Tsunzaku tentō fukumen they can do so over the entire area that their chakra is dispersed over.

For those whose mastery goes beyond the norm, this technique can take on one other trait, becoming able to spread out further than the user's upper limit. An individual can generally spread their sensory range out to double their alleged upper limit however, by doing so a delay of several seconds is instituted to stimuli taken in by this sensory technique.

Weakness: Stay outside of the sensory technique's range or utilize fuinjutsu to absorb the chakra from the technique. The further the technique is spread from the user's upper limit the more delay there is in stimuli being transmitted to the user's body for processing. This delay, when the range is doubled is 5 seconds.

====================

Name of Technique: Genjitsu no shingai: Tsunzaku mukō ni shiryoku(_{現実の侵害：劈く向こうに視力} 'Infringement upon reality: Sight to pierce the void').
Type of Jutsu: Passive Sensory ninjutsu/Kekkei Genkai/Supplementary.
Rank: S+
Range: Unknown.
Nature Type: Mukōton.
Handseals: N/A.
Description: Due to the structure of their eyes and the Mukōton that quite literally surrounds and permeates them, members of the Tatasuko clan who possess the Kusa Chūō no sei cannot see normally. Instead they see through the filter of the void, as the void is transcribed over reality as a form of alternate space, a dimension if you will. Their chakra system, and their eyes are essentially a more impure manifestation of that void, they are in their own right...children of that void. Regardless, by perceiving in this manner the Tatasuko are able to focus their sensory capabilities, or simply let them be free flowing. On the other hand, if they enter a meditative state their sensory capabilities become rivaled only by the Rinnegan. This is simply because they see as the void might, it is like seeing the negative space. This method of sensing does something exceedingly unique, it removes the user's senses from the direct reality initially and allows them to instead bleed through the void and into this reality so as to make an even stronger, though indirect, bond with that which is reality.

While this technique is perhaps the most powerful of sensory techniques, it is impossible for the user to utilize it to its greatest extent in combat due to the sheer influx of information. As a result, even Zume, who is the leading master of this technique only has three functions for the technique that work within a combat situation. The first of these is his ability to sense the goings on of locales outside of a 30-90 meter radius to their greatest degree by processing it with the portion of his consciousness/soul not located within his body. This information is fed back to his brain as it is needed, the need being dictated by the other portion of his being. This keeps him aware of the on-goings of nearby locale, which are outside of the battlefield. The second thing this technique is capable of during battle is giving him a general sense of the world's cycles. Beyond these functions the user is only able to perceive through one "filter," aside from normal human vision. However, the acuity and range of the user's normal vision is greater. Shifting between "filters," takes a total of 20 seconds.

Weakness: While the user's ability to adjust their senses accordingly is incredibly advanced, their senses can be overloaded if quick incredibly powerful bursts of any given sense are applied. Additionally, damaging the eyes of the user will cause this ability to go haywire and will disrupt all of their senses rather than just their sight. Space-time manipulation abilities disrupt this somewhat, but the degree that they do depends on the nature of the technique.

====================

Name of Technique: Michibiki haha no te no(_{導き母の手の} 'Guidance of the mother's hand').
Type of Jutsu: Passive Kekkei genkai Ninjutsu.
Rank: S.
Range: N/A.
Nature Type: Mukōton.
Handseals: N/A.
Description: Stemming from the Kusa Chūō no sei's sensory ability and the Mukōton chakra of the clan member's chakra system, this ability allows them to guide their void chakra with extreme ease. It is considered both basic and advanced manipulation ability. While sealing techniques can seal void chakra, it should be noted that releasing the void chakra from said seal in any fashion will just make it return to the void due to its link with the physical realm -via the user- will have been cut.

Weakness: Seals cut off the link needed and return controlled chakra to the void where it becomes inaccessible to the user. Space-time jutsu can also mess with this, the extent however varies rather greatly.

====================

Name of Technique: Sakasa(_逆さ Reverse).
Type of Jutsu: Ninkenjutsu.
Rank: B-A.
Range: Contact.
Nature Type: Mukōton.
Handseals: N/A.
Description: By applying Mukōton chakra to a bladed weapon and reversing its flow direction from inwards to outwards, the user causes a unique effect. When the blade makes contact with any substance it can blast things away from it, or it can focus this repulsion effect on its edge allowing it to cut through almost anything.

Weakness: Abilities specific to blocking, piercing attacks, and highly resistant materials can block this. However most will still eventually be cut through, it will simply take more time. Additionally 3 or so seconds of focus is needed to cause this effect as well as the user needing to maintain said effect. This can be countered in terms of affinity weakness, which would be onmyouton, wind, or lightning chakra.

====================

Name of Technique: Seijun no nentou karada(_{清純の念頭体} Purity of the Mind and Body).
Type of Jutsu: Ninjutsu,
Rank: A.
Range: Contact.
Nature Type: Mukōton.
Handseals: N/A.
Description: Using the logic of Sakasa and the void's normal tendency to take other things within itself and send it into the void space, this technique was created. By applying two types of void chakra to a weapon the user can cause the outer layer to absorb the yang chakra needed to apply physical force onto something, and then disperse it with the inner layer.

Weakness: This effect takes 2 seconds to actually work and requires 5-8 seconds of preparation. This can be countered in terms of affinity weakness, but it can only be completely countered with onmyouton chakra. This technique is best countered via pouring more force into any given blow and withdrawing before the 2-second mark.

====================

Name of Technique: Reidō no hōyō(_{母親の抱擁} 'A mother's embrace').
Type of Jutsu: Nintaijutsu.
Rank: C-A.
Range: N/A.
Nature Type: Mukōton.
Handseals: 0-6.
Description: Normally this technique is a C rank jutsu, though its output is certainly effective, due to the fact that the jutsu works mostly on the inside of the body and thus expends less chakra in the long run. When utilized at C or B rank the body's void chakra is utilized outright and it amplifies the user's movements--in general--to much higher levels. This amplification is however not on par with something like the Lightning Release armor. When the user wishes to use it at B rank it requires a 5-10 second charge time and 3 hand seals. Once active the improvement of the user's movements stems to their strength in some aspects, but does not improve flexibility which means they can still pull muscles and such despite being able to utilize them more effectively. When the user wishes to utilize this technique at A rank, they must perform 6 hand seals and externalize a small portion of their chakra to act as a cloak around their body. This state is barely a step below the lightning release armor and if the user does not have a specialized sensory ability they will be at an extreme disadvantage. This technique, at A rank, allows them to move in a steady flow of high speed movement, but not in sudden bursts. This is achieved by essentially using Sakasa on the aura that surrounds them, which thrusts them forwards at extreme speeds.

Weakness: This technique does not amplify the user’s senses at all and thus their speed can be exploited. The void can be countered with onmyouton. At A rank the chakra consumption is higher due to the jutsu using a purer manifestation of void at that point.

====================

Name of Technique: Teido In-geru chichioya no (_{程度陰げる父親の} 'Royal domain of the blind father').
Type of Jutsu: Ninjutsu.
Rank: B.
Range: Contact-20 yard(60 feet) radius
Nature Type: Mukōton.
Handseals: Hold dragon.
Description: By holding the dragon hand seal and then utilizing Hipparu no mukō kara, the user can create what amounts to a portable barrier technique. This takes around 5-10 seconds to fully form, and is dependent on how large the user wishes to it to be. This can be anywhere from skin tight, to 20 yards radius in size. This barrier uses the flow of void to constrict and slow the movements of those moving within, unless they have a way to ignore its influence. Conversely the flow of it can be inverted so as to expel things from the void or slow things down that attempt to enter. Once the void area is active the user can condense or expand it to their will and they are no longer required to utilize the dragon hand seal. However, this barrier is not always portable and it will only follow, or realign itself around the user if the tiger hand seal is employed.

Weakness: Weakness elementally is onmyouton however; if a jutsu is considerably powerful (destructive A rank, or S rank) the void can shatter when it comes into contact with said attack. To activate this technique, the user must be stationary and thus defense is an essential during its activation. Lightning and Fire affinity are the best elemental counters to this technique as one will conduct throughout the barrier whereas the other may heat it, potentially causing it to shatter.

====================

Name of Technique: Shinshū-tekina chichioya no te(_{侵襲的な父親の手} 'Hands of the invasive father').
Type of Jutsu: Nintaijutsu.
Rank: C-A.
Range: Contact.
Nature Type: Mukōton.
Handseals: 5.
Description: Performing 5 hand seals and then wreathing one’s hands and arms in Mukōton chakra, the user begins this technique. A shell of solidified Mukōton chakra forms and beneath it is liquid void. Surrounding the shell is loosely bonded gaseous void, which flows off from the user’s arms easily and weaves itself within the rest of the chakra. The polarity of the liquid void is neutral, causing no push or pull as it circulates beneath the shell. While this is all and well the essence of this technique is what happens when the user hits someone. When someone is struck by their fist, hand, palm, etc etc the solid void cracks and cuts the target regardless of resistance. The liquid void chakra will become unstable and be pushed away from the inside of the pseudo-gauntlet and into the target's chakra system. Due to the unnatural manifestation of Mukōton and the fact that only those of the Tatasuko clan can truly withstand/bare its effects, the individual's chakra system will be polluted. However, only a small amount of chakra is imbued with each strike, thus the user must hit either with severe strikes, or more than once. The chakra will eventually begin to devour the chakra of the infected target until the person runs out of chakra and only has enough to stay alive. If the chakra is not removed within 2-5 days the infected individual's life force will be extinguished.

Weakness: The above technique takes approximately 5 seconds to form and stabilize, use before then will cause the gauntlets to disperse thus wasting chakra. Additionally he has to hit the person and the technique will remain active for a maximum of 5 minutes (at A rank). At B rank it remains active for 3 minutes and at C rank it remains active for a maximum of 2 minutes, though it typically lasts only 1.

====================

Name of Technique: Mukōi – Haha no kadoguchi(_{無効の胃 - 母の門口} 'The Void's Maw – Gateways of the Mother')
Type of Jutsu: Kekkei Space-time ninjutsu.
Rank: E-A.
Range: N/A.
Nature Type: Mukōton and Dōton (borrowed).
Handseals: 1-3-12-24-36.
Description: Through executing up to thirty-six handseals the user will first begin to utilize Hipparu no mukō kara. While the voidal mist forms around them, a small amount of dōton chakra (which has likely been extracted from another individual) and otherwise material from the Reidō no Jōmyaku, will be dropped into the mukōton. As such it will be linked to sacred cave system of the Tatasuko clan and a literal gateway of void chakra will open before the inheritor. This gateway can be opened to almost any other location that the Reidō no Jōmyaku run beneath, which is almost anywhere. The dōton chakra can be excluded if something is being transmitted between two Tatasuko inheritors utilizing the jutsu in different locations to travel from one to the other. The E rank version of this technique takes essentially no chakra and utilizes one handseal. The E rank version will allow the inheritor to not only open a physical entrance to the Reidō no Jōmyaku, but will also notify them where the nearest ones are and how to find them. Additionally the E rank technique will help them find their way through the caverns properly.

Weakness: Currently, locations that have defensive seals or the like cannot be gated into. This technique can be utilized in combat, but due to the preparation time, and required resources, it is mostly truly only useful for travel. A less difficult version of this technique can be utilized to transport objects or one or two people rather than many. The D rank version transports objects and utilizes 3 hand seals; the C rank version can transport large objects and one individual, it utilizes 12 hand seals; the B rank version can transport up to 3 people and utilizes 24 hand seals; lastly the A rank version can transport incredibly large objects and up to 8 people.

====================

Name of Technique: Antei-ka no fuin(_{安定化印術} 'Seal of stabilization').
Type of Jutsu: Fuininjutsu.
Rank: C.
Range: Contact.
Nature Type: Mukōton.
Handseals: 3.
Description: By utilizing a seal the user can stabilize a voidal construct. This allows them to make useful long term void constructs. --Zume has inscribed on the back of both of his hands, he will stabilize the nature of a voidal construct so as to utilize it long term(omit on site).

Weakness: Other seals can counter this effect, as can overloading the object properly.

====================

Name of Technique: Tamashī no yōki – Hankō-ko o chūshō-ka shita mono(_{魂の容器 – 反抗子を抽象化したもの} 'Soulless vessel – Abstraction of the defiant child').
Type of Jutsu: Ninjutsu/Clone technique.
Rank: S+
Range: N/A.
Nature Type: Mukōton.
Handseals: 16.
Description: Likely the single most advanced technique in the entirety of any Tatasuko's arsenal, Tamashī no yōki is a truly forbidden technique, for it brings forth life, functionality, and creation where there should be none. The process utilized to create this incredibly specialized clone will not be fully explained due to its rather convoluted nature, but what can be easily noted is that the clone's body is more durable than the individual it is made to represent, allowing it to take more damage than the user is able. Additionally, when utilizing mukōton, the Tamashī no yōki will amplify the utilized jutsu somewhat with its own essence. While the Tamashī no yōki can utilize the same jutsu as its creator, or any Tatasuko it has the chakra of, it does not drain itself when using these jutsu, instead it directly drains the user or Tatasuko clansman whose chakra the technique was drawn from. Tamashī no yōki clones are heavier than the individual that created them and as such will be naturally slower, but as mentioned will be more robust. The resistance, reliability, and durability of a Tamashī no yōki clone is so great that it can be hit up to thirty or so times (maximum) before it will fully degrade into a mess of uncoded mukōton chakra.

Weakness: Due to the fact that any technique, or manipulation, done by the Tamashī no yōki in question drains the user and not the clone's own store of chakra (unless otherwise programmed by the user), which is much smaller, it is not wise to make any more than two at any given time, and it is unwise to ever make more than four before allowing one's chakra to replenish. Tamashī no yōki clones are especially weak to Onmyouton chakra and will gradually degrade if they come into contact with it.

====================

Name of Technique: Tentai no ikari - seigen kaijo(_{天体の怒り - 制限解除} 'Celestial's wrath – Limit release').
Type of Jutsu: Kekkei ninjutsu; Kekkei fuinjutsu; Kekkei kinjutsu.
Rank: S+
Range: Personal.
Nature Type: Undefinable.
Handseals: N/A.
Description: A series of complex seals engraved upon the entirety of Zume's human manifestation; weaved with the transcendent energies of pure void and pure creation, this “jutsu,” was created during a time when Zume was not physically manifested after having died. These sigils were created with the express purpose of limiting Zume's potentially inhuman level of power to a manageable level. While this does not negate the abilities listed above, it does apply the limiters to his perception technique and the use of Ōku no iroai ni musuko. This limiter can be released, but only under very specific circumstances and for a maximum time of 5 minutes.

Weakness: This limiter will only temporarily deactivate when Zume senses a deep wrongness in the world, one that he cannot see as being feasibly solved by another. Should Zume near death, this technique will not allow him to obtain his full power unless his death relates to the previously mentioned circumstance.

Naruto: Shinjitsu no Mon

Beta said
Ouroboros. If you have a Skype, PM it to me. I have some questions that I want to run by you.

What he said. :)

My skype is yoshua171, just as my username is :P

Essence of the World

Hmm, you're right, it should have been integrated sooner, but it wasn't. Difficulties....

Essence of the World

Collab:
Mikael and Yoshua171

Twists of Fate

Stopping in his tracks, Mairyell felt some foreign presence, enter his mind and promptly deliver to him a message. It didn't feel personal, in fact, he could tell it was a broadcast of sorts, something that everyone ought to have heard. So as demons and angels raged in mortal combat outside the apartment complex, Mairyell shook off the sensation and trudged into the apartment. As he did however, another individual made their entrance, a certain familiar top hat wearing man.

Poe Medeth Kasteny, the one who had taken Caeldrin. His eyes briefly began shifting to a crimson coloration before he took a deep breath...and it caught in his throat. A woman came into his sight, but not just any woman, one that looked exactly identical to his mother. His dead mother, or so he had thought.

She walked to him and while there was only gentleness and love in those eyes, he took a step back and blood exuded from his body, attempting to strike at her. It fell short, unable to find its mark, and instead froze and shattered, clattering over the floor before gently flowing back to him where it was absorbed. He couldn't do this.

It was too much. He'd lost too many. He'd seen too much. He'd done too much.

How could she be...alive. He'd gone to her funeral. He remembered it like it was yesterday, even though he'd been so young. He remembered trying to hold back tears and failing. He remembered the kindness begin to seep from his father's expression as he kissed her head one last time and walked to the car, forgetting his son.

Mairyell had almost had to walk home that night.

He remembered it very clearly.

Yet here she was, standing before him, as beautiful, as loving, and as wonderful as she had always been in his eyes. His eyes that had now turned completely blue, but were glowing different colors, one red, and one purple. He was stunned, he didn't know what to do. He couldn't bring himself to hurt her, even if she only looked like his mother.

Even after all he'd been through and all the terrible betrayals he and Aeris had gone through he couldn't.

So he just stood there, a mixture of anxiety, fear, and utter shock on his face as he stared at her and tried to speak.

“Wha-...who are you....”

Layna lowered her hands as Mairyell broke away from her, clearly scared and confused. She'd been expecting such reactions more or less, but her blue eyes, much like Mairyell's when his vampiric taint didn't shift their colors, narrowed slightly as he was about to assault her with blood somehow. Nevertheless, her face remained loving, her sad smiling lips stretched slightly in understanding. No attempt to evade registered in her nerves--as far as she was concerned, he could hurt her in every way if it made him feel better. And she would still love him forever after.

As he calmed himself, if it could be called that because she could sense his strong emotions rippling under the surface, she took another step forward. Their height difference made it very easy for her to look up into him. Tucking a stray strand of light auburn hair, which nearly matched Aeris's, Layna raised her hands, gesturing for patience on his part.

"Mairyell... I know this is confusing, it must be," she began, her voice quivering, "but I am your mother... no, look at me, son."

She moved her head, her gaze trying to stay locked with his. "It's okay to be confused... even angry. Wouldn't have stopped you from hitting me..."

Clearing her throat, she looked down. "But I am here now, Mairyell. I won't force you to have anything to do with me... but I would," she paused, looking up, her face fragile as thin ice, "like to be part of your life."

She searched his eyes, looking at the left one, then right.

His question answered again, Mairyell first felt tears forming, then anger brimming, and then a mixture of the two fighting for control. Even as she locked eyes with him, for indeed he could not look away from her, the emotions raged behind and in his eyes, their color shifting to a purple coloration. He didn't know how to feel about her being alive. He wanted to feel happy, but things were never that simple, were they?

Opening his mouth as if to speak, she did so first, implying her question and piercing deep to his heart. A heart he had tried and tried to protect from the world. Hardened and buried beneath layers of defense. Defenses that proved insufficient before the caring love of a mother, his mother. "But I...was at your funeral," he said, no longer speaking as much on a conscious level, but more on a logical one, letting his rational thought try to disprove her existence, though his heart wanted to simply accept it.

"Was...was that not you in the coffin? Where have you been all this time. Why didn't you find us...and set him straight," Mairyell said, gritting his teeth at even the slight mention of the father who he no longer considered worthy of that title. He could not grasp what was going on and why his mother, if indeed she was her, had anything to do with that madhatter of a businessman.

It just didn't click...he didn't have the proper pieces of the puzzle, but oh did he dearly want them.

---

"May he come out to play?" the former Incarnate added, stroking his beard calmly as a few people ran past him terrified of Szayeis's all consuming nature.

The lord's stolen vessels took note of the human who stood now only a short distance from his flying forms. Their glowing purple eyes, with sclera blackened, cut through the air to their target, a certain malice behind them, infused with their very essence. Angels, once their kin, pecked at the bodies with their blades and their hammers. Many weapons, none true to their mark, were torn to pieces beside the bodies of their wielders. The lord continued to fly for the figure meant little...that was until his voice pierced through all layers of protection and touched the deepest portion of the demon's chimeric mind.

The old one stirred and Szayeis shut the eyes of his stolen bodies, utilizing what little remained of their essence to quell the dark being and shut it off from his essence. The angels landed before Aulder and as they lit upon the earth once more, they began to slowly dissolve, unable to withhold the sheer dark magnificence of the lord's powerful essence. "Aeriq? Hahaha, you're an amusing one, old man." Dark tinged smoke seemed to whirl gently from the angels' mouths as they approached to a distance of three meters between they and the one who was called Aulder.

The bodies deteriorated, flesh turned to shadow, muscles melted away into a dark muck, and bones withered and were crushed into dust as the Western lord's essence coalesced into what looked a singularity before writhing out and trailing through the air vertically to gradually manifest once more the body of the Chimeric Lord of Chaos. Glancing into the eyes of the small man, the humanoid shadow donned a small toothy smirk and opened his eyes, revealing the infamous eyes of Praestrigia. Those unnaturally blue eyes stared into and through Aulder, seeming to pay him heed as they analyzed him. Then, however, they shut and the lord's form shifted and solidified back into its Original guise.

Eyeless face, horned visage, and dark armor. The ground was covered in the lord's shadow and all that came within its bounds lost themselves to its pull. "I could give him to you and your kind, Aulder," Szayeis said with a slight smile on his features as his shadow's diameter lessened so as not to devour the Iotan, "...but I think he would be lost to you and I have no intention of allowing that, human." The lord's feet continued to cross the ground, walking around the old man and heading to the square where the lord could feel that his salvation waited. "Bother me no more, being of strange essence, for you are plainly more than you appear to stand before one such as I. Not that you will not be attended to, mortal."

The eyes saw through all perception, for their ability to pierce illusion and surface appearance was indeed great. Nothing could trick them. So, Szayeis waved his hand and a door of shadow materialized from his own darkness, writhing into being from the ground and promptly spitting out a rather confused demon.

"Arshae, deal with this pest," the lord's smile was malicious as he continued walking, no longer feeling pressed for time. Something was changing even as he moved, and whomever it was he sensed near the object of his fascination was unlikely to impede him for long. Be it due to his own efforts, or those of some other force.

Meanwhile, the old one writhed subtly in the prison that Szayeis's chimeric mind had become. Still, the ancient hardly stirred, waiting patiently and watching through the darkness, never unaware of all that went on in the world.

Szayeis could not lock him from that.

Nor could any other.

Solid as a stone foundation, Aulder remained unfazed by the Chimeric Lord of Chaos's descent before him. Not that he wasn't scared--he was. The Iotan link to his brethren and Ioi, however, dissoluted that fear among themselves until its effect became absolutely nil. His heavy brow fell, squinting as he did whilst hearing the deep, grating voice grace his ears. And those eyes... extremely powerful, useful. Even in the brief moment when Szayeis locked eyes with him, every Iotan, including Ioi, stared back. There was no illusion or deception to be seen in Aulder, or his brethren--only the truth, from the very bottom of creation.

The old human smirked lightly as Szayeis prompted a demon of some kind to 'attend' to him. At that moment, Aulder felt an invigorating pressure on his link to the Empty Lord--despite the brief amount of time he'd gotten to know her, he knew it was the Reclaimer letting him know that she was 'there.' Which he appreciated, but he knew her role in this 'conflict' and that was not to subdue anyone.

Not yet anyway.

Glancing up at the sky, cludded with red and black energy and the sun effectively dimmed, Aulder then trained his steely gaze on Arshae, then Szayeis. The 4' 8" man then unceremonly let his head roll around, his neck cracking. He groaned lightly.

"I see. Well, great lord, it doesn't take a genius to figure out your path in this story," Aulder stated cryptically, "And now that I've gotten what I've been asked to obtain from you, some exercise will do me good."

A wild zephyr blew down on him, ruffling his beard and robe, the lapels of which he grabbed before flinging it off. He also stood up, gaining a complete 3' gain in height. His heavily muscular barrel chest and chisled arms glistened with sweat even in the dim light. A bull's snort flared his nostrils, the hot frosted air rising, as his visage dramatically shifted from a nice kindly old man to a determined herculean hulk.

He cracked his fingers, glancing over his right shoulder up at the Reclaimer high in the sky behind him and Szayeis. "I am ready," he whispered, nothing from her signalling that she'd understood him.

Turning back, his right hand's pointer and middle fingers came to his forehead together as his left hand held up his empty cup at his side. "Word, Shadow, Chaos," Aulder mumbled, sparks of purple electricity licking between his finger tips and forehead.

He then thrusted his fingers into his cup, a loud hissing steam rising out into the air. As he pulled his fingers out, it was revealed that 'liquid' appeared inside, its swirling colors represented the elements of Szayeis's powers. Drinking the contents in one go, Aulder then bent forward and spat out the liquid, except what came out was no delicious tea. A huge volume of liquid 'fire' spilled on the ground, almost alive and both moving like water, but seeking to consume like fire. Some of it also moved toward Aulder's legs as his mouth remained wide open, letting out copious amounts of the strange hybrid element. Then with an upward thrust of his hand, the volume of liquid fire lifted him up into the air in front of Szayeis, effectively blocking his aerial path. It was like a thin tornado was wrapped around the aged Iotan's feet, its base much larger than its top where he remained. And with this liquid fire, the dimmed settings accentuated Aulder's presence, as though he was a bright light in the weeping darkness.

"Send your minion away, Szayeis," Aulder shouted, his voice echoing like thunder, "Your fight is with me for the time being, and my ally will simply rip them from your grasp."

In the distance, the Reclaimer's gray composition temporarily flickered golden with strong photonic rays before turning dull again. Down below, however, the liquid fire continued spreading, and yet burned nothing. Heat did not come off of it, for its chosen fuel was not yet in reach. But it would be soon: burning shadows that bring proportionately increasing pain and torment unto its wielder. Aulder glowered, his left hand holding out his white cup, its mouth pointing skyward. A shock wave blew his hair and trousers wildly as a giant jet-stream of the very same liquid fire, somehow retaining a wavy blade-like shape, erupted out of the cup, reaching a towering length of 10 yards.

The Iotan brandished it before Szayeis, the movement of the air hissing and cracking. "As you speak, so shall your senses dull to your surroundings. As your shadows consume, so gorged shall become my flames that eat them. As chaos spreads in Loom, your willpower will drain until even spineless cowards tower over you," he pronounced solemnly.

"That is your curse for today, hellscum," he added with a growl, "and it shall end with your absolute retreat. Today death will ignore you, for my lord Ioi expects your growth in the seasons to come."

And Aulder said no more, whilst the Reclaimer in the distance continued waiting to see what the Lord of Chaos would do with his minions.

His initial disinterest in the human made clear, the lord did in fact take note as the essence's body changed and the fire began to emit from the old human's mouth. He took no mind to it.

It was only when the wall of fire rose before him and Aulder's challenge materialized that Szayeis took action.

The first thing to go was his avatar, who promptly found himself devoured by the lord's shadow. "Useless," he said, sighing, "Expendable...replaceable tool." He had not made them arbitrarily, in fact it had been a preparation for counters such as this. Sighing the lord let his head fall as he continued to take deep breaths so as not to lose his focus or his cool. As his breathing continued, its sound intensified, beginning to reverberate harshly through the atmosphere as it became more and more expansive.

The air seemed to become drier, though moisture remained. The light dulled, though its intensity never waned. Even the burning luminescence of the fire continued to dim and brighten as it was drained and replenish. It would gradually become harder and harder to breath and then, as things reached a point of great tension Szayeis raised his hand and retracted the chaos that had been gathering within Loom's bounds. More would reform the chaos field regardless, so why not draw from it now.

As he did so, the lord took in one more breath and his form shifted down two whole feet as its appearance became human once more and the lord smiled up at the tea maker. “You know, for a moment there I considered using Shattered path. Didn't think it'd be a good idea tho-...” ”You are wasting my time.” Their surroundings seemed to shudder in response to the airy, ethereal tones of the old one's voice.

The maddening eyes were wide with terror as the voice that was not his spilled from Szayeis' mouth. Overtaken by shock, the lord was unable to stop the being from uttering a few more cursed phrases.

“Unbidden, you dare stand before even a vessel of my essence in your blasphemous, boring visage. Move aside, lest I violate your mind, nay, your soul, and rip it from that which revolves.” As Aulder's empowered voice would touch all levels, the old one's mere utterance pierced and violated all that it contacted, making even the earth seem to writhe in primal agony.

Szayeis' eyes then focused and narrowed, becoming slits for a brief moment as nearly all the lord's concentration forced the old one back down through the many layers that it had gently pried open and infiltrated, allowing itself to emerge as it just had. Still, the lord did not suppress it fully and so, while the lord focused, his body moved not of his volition and aimed a single finger upwards directly at the human's very core.

The unutterable words emanated and the old one's mind briefly touched Aulder's, unreadable despite its direct contact with the Iotan's essence and thus the essence of his master and all of their connected might. Then, without warning, his being was rejected by the essence and it removed itself from contact.

Szayeis dropped to his knees in agony as the vibration increased and changed pitch, tearing into the very shadows that surrounded and making them manifest to physicality. Intentionally they made contact with the flaming wall and as they did, the flames themselves began to be eaten from within.

Something older was at work.

Something that predated them both.