Extermination - Part Two

[faetanlogs]

Kevin's bowgun wavers a bit as he just stares at the Menos Grande... he's so fixated on it that, by the time he looks back towards Lenalee and Szayel, there's another figure in front of him. The priest narrows his eyes before he lowers the weapon. "That's not quite a good definition o' someone's good time, y'know!" He quickly lifts the weapon towards Xelloss again. He seems to be somewhat standoffish for a 'holy man,' all in all. He takes a step back, narrowing his eyes slightly. Finally, he quickly raises a hand in the air in front of him.

The Orbment tucked away underneath his jacket fires up- booting up and reaching for various elements... for time through earth, and fire... Kevin snaps his hand out to the side, casting a spell on himself, it seems. A shimmering clock of golden energy appears over him, winding and twisting, reaching to help increase his speed and agility.

He finally gestures towards Xelloss, giving a bit of a cocky grin. "But if yer gonna keep at it," He glances past to the others, before he smiles back to the stranger. "Yer gonna hafta stop me. Because I've got work to do here."

Kevin Graham buffs his AGI to +2.

Oddly enough, or perhaps not so considering what was expected of him, Ichigo had been on patrol when Toushirou found him. Ever since that encounter with Mercade and Ulquiorra, and the whole pile of strangers in Karakura, the teen shinigami substitute had been on guard twice as much as usual.

Up until that time, he had been becoming a death god far less often, though anyone who bothered to ask him why would get an indifferent answer. School was often a good excuse. It just didn't measure up any more when people beyond the gates started suffering because of the problems from your own world.

But now, things were most definitely different, and he closes the the distance over the snow as fast as his flash steps will let him. The hell butterfly was probably a good announcement of their arrival if one knew what to look for, but Ichigo's voice is much more of a giveaway.

"Then why the hell didn't you call one of your friends?" he felt a twitch above one eye at the boy captain's mention of having numerous other choices before asking Ichigo himself. The trouble in the distance didn't seem to be much a worry on his mind, but truthfully the argument was a good distraction until they were right there.

And then, with the powerful buildup of the Menos' cero in the distance, the teen cuts short any chatter, realizing the predicament. Kind of hard not to notice the big ugly ones like that. It may not be arrancar, but whatever it's about to fire at is not good!

Darting forward towards it, Ichigo launches a blast of energy from his sword in an attempt to meet the cero in midair and negate as much of the damage as possible. "I don't think so! Getsuga Tenshou!"

Ichigo Kurosaki hits Sousuke Aizen with his Lazrs denied? >:( attack.

The way things go in this world, the sight of more snow bearing clouds blowing in wouldn't make a Canadian blink twice, and a certain green-eyed arrancar wouldn't blink at all.

Hitsugaya would have preferred if Ichigo would just have kept his mouth shut completely for the trip. It might have made the time and the miles pass more quickly for Ichigo, but for the tiny Shinigami, every word made Hitsugaya wish that he could run faster in shunpo. Silent suffering, that's what it was..

It was true that Ichigo was Hitsugaya's last choice, but that was because he couldn't get a hold of any of the other Captains in time to respond to his scout's report. There was also that issue with Ichigo himself that even the Captains are hesitant to mention. He finally answers, "You were on patrol."
Given the predicaments in sight, Ichigo finally shuts up and darts away to handle the Menos Grande and the cero, the little Captain is already descending towards the ground. The Shinigami raises his sword to the sky and whips it down. "Sit upon the frosted sky, Hyourinmaru!"

What what what? What's this? The cero pulse is not only stopped, but /sliced through/?! A roar of dim confusion and pain reverberates through the air, the few remaining exorcists on the ground clapping their hands to their ears. What /is/ that thing?! And if those two beings are anything at all like the blue-haired one, how on earth are three exorcists expected to stand a chance against them?

"Terry to base, Terry to base, do you copy?!" Static. "Repeat, Terry to base, please respond! We're under attack, requesting immediate assistance!" ...Static. "Damn, they're not answering!" Seeing the other two fleeing, and seeing as how they're the only ones who really seem to know what they're doing, the three exorcists come to an agreement and begin to bolt as well. This means leaving the sanctuary of that steal shield. It's not exactly portable.

The Menos Grande rears back, the mask bearing a clear line slanting across the sloped white surface from Ichigo's attack. It takes a slow, plodding step forward, and attempts to kick him.

You critically strike Ichigo Kurosaki with your Sokka Kikku! attack.

"Oh, work to do? How admirable." Xelloss compliments, but he has a way of saying it so it doesn't sound much like one. "I'm afraid I don't have as resolute a reason for being here, I was just passing by. However, that doesn't change the fact that I'm standing here right now. So if you want to go any further, I'm afraid you'll just have to fight me."

The Mysterious Priest lives up to his name by not explaining his actions. For whatever reason he's helping the Espada out, he seems determined enough to do so. Now in the battle with Priest vs Mysterious Priest, who will come out on top? It's hard to say, but it's clear who's taking the first shot. Xelloss has decided to put courtesy aside for now.

Raising his staff up, Xelloss points the bottom end at Kevin. The staff itself is the least of his worries, he doesn't need to fall back on physical attacks. Some low level magic should be enough to hold this human off, he figures.

FYI: Xelloss fires a sharp blast of fire out of the tip of his staff at Kevin.

Xelloss gets a glancing blow on Kevin Graham with his Flare Arrow feint.

Leaning foward a bit, Tyki frowned and snapped his fingers. "Seems like our old friend Exorcists have had enough of this party." His mouth quickly slipped back into a smirk, as if he were privately amused at something. "Take a couple of the tease, follow and keep an eye on them, I dont want to have to go hunting through those damnable worlds again blindly." Or atleast for them, he still had a few on his list to find...whilst courting new Akuma fodder. Oh the work of a Noah never grew slow. "Quickly. And don't get killed." Not shifting his gaze from the new flashy effects, the pair at his side glanced at each other, the girl making a silly face at the boy. Apparently they weren't too thrilled at working with each other. "Yes Sir Mikk." Bowing, they departed swiftly, leaving him to study the potiential annoyances he'd have to deal with later.

Hmm? The girl slides from his grip. How unfortunate.. but he is not one to STAND there and allow his fragile body be beaten to a bloody pulp. It really wouldn't /do/.

But as she comes down.. especially ... wait the girl is .. flying? "I was unaware that your kind, at times.. can grow wings suddenly... but you really should use those to fly away..." There's only one thing that can be assured, when a human flies upwards.

What goes up .. must come down. And in this case, Szayel is gone a moment before Lenalee impacts the ground, causing the earth to break, wide cracks spreading where the body SHOULD have been.. and holding his blade at the side, the spirit weapon still ready.. he suddenly becomes aware of Xelloss again. "Oh.. I do thank you for such a thing.. certainly helpful to have another. I'd prefer to have it to myself.. but this situation is far different."

Watching the two leave, Szayel just looks on. "Already leaving, as well? But there are just so many things we haven't done yet... a pity.. I wanted to learn more..." And now he will NEVER KNOW.

At least, for now. But then, there happens to be that man. "Oh.. well.. it certainly is for me.. so why should you try and ruin it? We're superior to you, so you should show .. some courtesy."

With Ichigio and Toushiro arriving, the Octava looks on, smiling.

"Oh, ... well.. really. You.... really? If that's what you plan to do..." The blade whips up, a trail of electricity being launched towards Shiro, and it might graze.. or somewhat slice him, even with the strike. "I really think you shouldn't get involved!"

Kevin is fast as he quickly leaps out of the way of the Flare Arrow. The spell manages to clip him, and throw off his momentum enough for him to nearly be knocked to the ground. With a spray of snow from sneakers skidding across the white, powdery ground, the Grals Ritter manages to recover himself enough so that he can give a bit of a smirk towards Xelloss. "Nice one. Good work, there."

The priest snaps his bowgun to the side. The abrupt motion is accompanied by the sound of metal sliding into place as a blade is revealed from within the weapon's frame. The young man quickly charges towards the Mysterious Priest, in an attempt to swipe the blade through the air. He doesn't stop immediately after passing, though- he puts some distance between himself and the Mazoku to simply throw his free hand into the air. His strike was more to 'mark' his target- so that the massive, holy lance of light energy is aimed properly hit its target from the earth below- hopefully to skewer through Xelloss before fading away to nothing.

Kevin Graham gets a glancing blow on Xelloss with his Craft Skill - Death Punisher attack.
Kevin Graham resets his buff status to neutral.

After watching Xelloss head off to tango with Kevin, Ulquiorra shifts back into the air for a better view of things. His eyes narrow fractionally as he watches Kanda make a break for it with Lenalee. Abandoning their comrades just like that? These humans were very smart or very stupid. Whichever the case may be, Ulquiorra does not seem so inclined as to go after them. Instead he looks back towards the Mazoku just as he hurls fire towards the priest, and then watches as the priest returns fire. What interesting beings indeed. Again his unblinking gaze turns to find the two Shinigami in view- ah, and here they are. "Kurosaki Ichigo... and Hitsugaya Toushirou...." he names under his breath. It's been a while since he's seen the little captain, and even longer since he's seen Ichigo out of his body of flesh and bone.

It looks like I'll be having to join the battle again soon...

But not without a final glance around the otherwise bleak landscape. There are others out, after all, and it would be disappointing were the Espada not to take notice of the Noah and his Akuma comrades. Nothing more than that, a glance spared in their direction. They likely won't get in the way of Aizen's plans here, so Ulquiorra leaves them for the time being. Besides, all of what he observes through his eyes are important. And now...

The Shinigami would be the more immediate threat. The half-helmeted Espada removes his hand from pocket again, making another movement, perhaps to direct the Menos although it already seems to know what its doing. Deliberately he leaves his hand free and at his side, green eyes sliding from the battlers below towards the blocky building that is the exorcist headquarters.

Fighting a Menos was comparably easy to fighting an Arrancar, and with that in mind, Ichigo had attacked the thing without much of a second thought to the consequenses. A second later, though, and he finds a quick reminder as to why he was holding back so often before hand.

There's a flicker through his subconcious. Subtle, to be sure, but the voice holds enough presence to distract the shinigami from the foot coming his way. Too busy shaking his head to clear away unwanted thoughts, the impact lands hard, sending him tumbling through the snow.

At least it was a nice cusion, compared to the usual dirt.

Ichigo rolls onto his side, coughing for a moment, but wastes no more time jumping to his feet. If nothing else, that hard smack was enough of a wakeup call. And at least that blast hadn't hit the building in the distance.

Ok, using Getsuga Tensho still backfires. But he's taken down one of these before without that move. He'll just have to do it again! The sight of others running off to safety brings a small smirk to his face, and he levels his sword at the Menos. As long as its attention is on him.

"That as hard as you can kick?" Leaping upwards, Ichigo tries to gain momentum in the air's spirit particles to reach the mask of the menos.

Ichigo Kurosaki misses Sousuke Aizen with his Ok, I know better where to hit this time! attack.

Determining the enemy from a motley people in uniform on an alien world probably shoouldn't be so easy. Ulquiorra is here, but not really taking part of the battle. The pink-haired one in white doesn't appear to look much like an arrancar, but his sword and his reiatsu gives Szayel away. With those words from the tiny Shinigami, icy cold rain bursts from the clouds. A funnel of water raises from the star shaped hiltguard twirling up over the blade and into the clouds.

Tensing and crossing his arms in front of his face does not protect him from the lightning. The jolt makes him twitch and the rest of Hitsugaya's descent looks a little less controlled. To his credit, the kid didn't drop the sword. Unfortunately, that funnel of water that went up, is now coming down. It looks pretty small way up there, but as it comes down, it's about the size of a freight train. You're in for the long haul, Szayel.

Toushirou Hitsugaya misses Szayel Aporro Granz with his Get your caboose out of here, arrancar attack.

The Shinigami comes down.. and what comes down.. well we've already been over this. But as the rain bursts from the cloud, the star shaped guard causing .. well... something.

The pink haired espada cannot keep track of the varied releases of these Shinigami.. but he can certainly admire them. "Ah.. such a beautiful sight! The rain, the blade.. all of it! Such a sight, Shinigami-kun! But .." As the funnel of water falls down, crashing to the ice coated ground, ... again, the land is struck, Szayel making miniscule movements, a few steps, where the assault has a blind spot.. and he happens to be there.

"..it pales in it's actual follow through. But you made me move. Do enjoy this brief triumph." The Espada shares a success with Shiro. "Even if it will be your last..." He takes off like a rocket.. although his movement is rather .. small, the blade and Szayel leaping past Shiro in an instant.. and apparently having swung a single time as well, aiming for his shoulder as he clips by.

"Just try to in one piece. I can't use your spirit if it's torn apart!"

Szayel Aporro Granz hits Toushirou Hitsugaya with his Which is worse? The snark or stab!? jab.

It's not that Ichigo /misses/, per se. How could anybody miss something that big? How could anyone POSSIBLY swing a sword bigger than himself, at the big nasty slower-than-tar creature, and not hit it?

How indeed.

The Menos Grande, hearing Ichigo's shout, looks down. And in so doing, the giant nose bonks Ichigo on the head and stops him short from reaching his intended target. If it could blink stupidly, it would, but it has no eyelids. Try again, brave substitute! You have its undivided attention!

You hit Ichigo Kurosaki with your y halo thar jab.

"Why thank you." Comes Xelloss's almost-earnest reply. He holds the belief of at least giving the impression of etiquitte. He may not mean what he says, but he will be one of the most polite foes a person could face, and will always greet you with a smile before trying to skewer you like a pig.

Though, there is one mistake Xelloss is prone to making, and that's underestimating his opponents. Especially when they're humans. Normally, a human couldn't injure a Mazoku of Xelloss's level. But, he's not fighting a human from his world. Thus he leaves himself open enough for Kevin to make his move and strike Xelloss with his holy attack. For a brief moment Xelloss looks surprised. It's not damaging enough for him to be concerned, but it's damaging nevertheless, which he wasn't quite expecting.

"My my, that's not good. It seems I let my guard down, well done." He says. Despite being skewered, the lance didn't leave any visable mark on him. It's difficult to tell just how injured he was. His surprise quickly fades and gives way to his normal pleasent smile, as he raises his staff into the air. What's coming is obviously another attack. Xelloss slams the end of his staff into the ground, causing the ground around Kevin to suddenly erupt in a magical explosion. He'll have to move fast to dodge that one!

Xelloss gets a glancing blow on Kevin Graham with his Dil Brand jab.

Sure enough, the Menos' nose smacks Ichigo atop the head, bringing his movements to an abrupt halt. Don't worry, he'll blink enough for them both, before growling in frustration and clutching at his head comically.

"GAH! OW! Watch where you swing that stupid thing, moron!" Of all the ways to be stopped, that's got to be the most retarded ever! He takes a swing of his own, upward, intending to remove the problem.

Ichigo Kurosaki misses Sousuke Aizen with his Complimentary nose job! attack.

The blades of earth cut through the priest's clothing and with a bit of a shout, Kevin's knocked back and lands roughly in the snow- it's obvious he wasn't fast enough to avoid the attack. There's a bit of a moment to get a handle of his position again before he quickly hops back up onto his feet again. The bowgun remains at his side, and he's doing his own trick- spellcasting. "Nice. But yer not the only one who can do stuff like that." Earth, through time, through fire- the spell's elemental energies run through the green haired man as he closes his eyes. He snaps a hand out to his side, summoning a blade of earth to strike from below.

Kevin Graham misses Xelloss with his Orbal Arts - Earth - Earth Lance attack.

Szayel is an arrancar. Nothing would stop Hitsugaya from getting involved. Szayel's just another one of those in line before he gets to Aizen. Hitsugaya will survive anything that Aizen throws at him. Hitsugaya doesn't hit the ground like Ichigo, but he skids in the snow quite a few feet before coming to a stop. Black scorches lace the entirity of the front of his white coat, but the little Shinigami has mastered the look of 'Was that supposed to hurt?' with just a stare.

So now this Arrancar is going to talk his ear off with his speeches of arrogance. Why are every single one of you convinced of your superiority? As usual, Hitsugaya never shares his thoughts with his enemy. Even when the Shinigami feels the bite of the arrancar's blade through his arm, Hitsugaya lances his own zanpakuto at Szayel as the arrancar races by.

Toushirou Hitsugaya misses Szayel Aporro Granz with his Jellybeans attack.

At first things appear a mess. The Menos is already preoccupied with Ichigo, so Szayel's handling the smaller Shinigami. And over on that side are the Mazoku and the priest, displaying themselves to be quite formidable against each other. Ulquiorra is careful not to let their battle go completely unwatched, otherwise what was the point of letting them go at it?

But they've been wasting time as it is with the meddlesome Shinigami, and the exorcists that foolishly remained are probably too frightened to move from their spot, uncertain as to what exactly they're dealing with nor what they should do. He'll just have to clean up after he's finished with things here...

Perhaps with the distraction of their respective opponents, the Shinigami and Kevin wouldn't immediately notice the build up of spiritual energy, not until it's too late to do anything about it. On the bright side, they should be thankful to note that Ulquiorra isn't directing his finger at them. He is, however, pointing his finger to aim at the squarish headquarters of the Order.

Cero?

CERO.

Kevin's spell is powerful, but Xelloss is faster, and now he's aware of what Kevin is capable of. When the attack comes, Xelloss is gone, having teleported a short distance, reappearing right behind his opponent.

"I'm afraid that's not quite good enough." He says ominously, raising his staff again. If he's going to cast another spell at point blank range, directly behind Kevin, then that's bad news for sure! But, strangely enough, Xelloss pauses. His head tilts to the side as if he were hearing something that no one else could hear. His index finger taps his staff lightly and his insincere smile falters a bit. His staff lowers, and he quickly jumps back a few feet to put some distance between him and Kevin.

"My my, perhaps I've overstepped my bounds. That's disappointing." He says cryptically, before shrugging. "It was brief, and I hate to leave things unfinished, but I don't really have a choice here. Perhaps our paths will cross again..." Xelloss's free hand lifts up and he waggles his index finger once more before disappearing from sight. To anyone who was able to sense his presence at all, he's gone.

As Hutsugaya lances his zanpakuto towards him, Szayel is a bit smarter than to take the assault head on, and is able to avoid the oncoming strike.. not that there was very much that Shiro could do, else, in the end.. but at the same time, he certainly isn't going to allow unnecessary wounds!

Turning about, Szayel's smile is wide. "But I was hoping you'd provide.. more of a challenge." The Arrancar shakes his head, the other hand across his face, before he flips his hair once. "If you won't provide me with anything of the sort.. how am I supposed to learn of you? .. And would I really take such a failure of a Shinigami and make use of it?...

The joke is, obvious. "Of course.. even if you're nothing to me .. I'm sure what I'll gain from you is far more... worth filled than whatever you are now." Hands on the blade, he points it towards Toushirou, smiling wide still.

"But perhaps.. you're just playing with me? Oh no .. you wouldn't be smart enough for that!" He exclaims, grinning, before pointing once. At Hitsugaya. "Do at least provide me with SOME entertainment..." The lance of energy launches forwards. "You're boring me... and when I'm bored.. why should I let you live?"

Szayel Aporro Granz critically strikes Toushirou Hitsugaya with his Peer pressure cero- Every body else is doing it! attack.

Oh? Is Ichigo coming back? The Menos Grande looks down again.

BONK.

Some shinigami just never learn. The creature must be showing signs of vague irritation, however, because a simple BONK is no longer sufficient. It lifts one of its long-fingered hands to idly swat Ichigo away, taking another booming step forward. It opens its mouth, gathering chaotic energies once again swirling within its maw and fires...not at the headquarters, for Ulquiorra took care of that...but the three exorcists trying to escape by running away.

You hit Ichigo Kurosaki with your Sooooooooooooo Hilarious attack.

Kevin twists around to face Xelloss as the Mazoku appears behind him. His bowgun is raised and he bites his lip a bit- never getting a chance to shout back for his opponent to wait for him. Bringing the weapon up, he glances around a moment and lowers it towards... Ichigo? The priest closes his eyes, just about to squeeze the trigger, when something else comes to mind. He opens his eyes and looks around frantically- now that he's without his opponent, he certainly senses that spiritual energy. He quickly looks around, using his own eyes and extra senses to try to track down that source...

Where...? Where...? He even grits his teeth at this point, mentally scrambling to seek it out... when... It's a strange sense from the knight. He lowers his head, a dark red aura beginning to surround him and the bowgun. He allows his gaze to settle to the ground. That 'other side' is being called upon to give him more power to track down....

Found you.

Blue eyes open just as Kevin looks up in Ulquiorra's direction. That red aura continues to flare as he raises the bowgun towards the Espada. It seems to begin to channel a large amount of dark and demonic power- the Time element. Black trails of energy begin to be pulled from the air and drawn into the bowgun, making up a new bolt within the weapon. As the prized Heretic of the Septian Church squeezes the trigger, all that energy channeled into him fires through the bowgun and in a beam of black and red energy- a straight line attack towards Ulquiorra.

Kevin Graham misses Ulquiorra with his Craft Skill - Gorgon Arrow attack.

It's just. Not. His. Day.

The mounting frustration of being unable to land a solid hit on a Menos of all things surely is adding to Ichigo's inability to concentrate on the battle. Sure, that first hit landed great! But what would happen if he were to do it again? Before he has time to even decide if it's worth it, too many things happen at once.

First, the realization that Ulquiorra is there and casting a cero only comes the second after he feels the energy blaze towards the building. Brown eyes widen as Ichigo sees there's nothing he can do to stop it in time, but that doesn't stop him from shouting in protest. "NO, WAIT!"

And that's when the Menos smacks him yet again, giving the shinigami barely enough time to see it begin a similar move as he stumbles to regain his footing.

Where?!

Beyond the flash of Ulquiorra's cero, Ichigo squints to make out the Menos' target, and hurls himself into motion. There's a burst of sudden energy, errupting in swirls of black reiatsu that barely registers in one spot before it's appearing in the trajectory of the second blast. No more casualties! Only for a moment. He's only got to catch it!

Ichigo Kurosaki switches armor modes to Bankai.

You hit Ichigo Kurosaki with your BWAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGHHHHHH! super.

Hitsugaya acts completely indifferent to the burning and bleeding wounds on his body, but truth be told, he knows he can't hold out much longer. Ducking forward into a run, He doesn't want to give this Arrancar a look at his bankai, but he hasn't even touched Szayel once.

Bankai?

No other choice.

"BANKAI. Daiguren Hyourinmaru."

It's nice weather here for a bankai. Highly ideal for this Shinigami. Electric blue light halos the child. Instantly, an ice storm whips up around him. If Szayel is close enough, as in...say...like a mile of Hitsugaya, then he could find it difficult to escape the onslaught of ice. Hitsugaya isn't trying to aim anymore.

Toushirou Hitsugaya switches armor modes to Bankai.

Toushirou Hitsugaya critically strikes Szayel Aporro Granz with his Ice burns! .. Freezery! attack.

His attention is not so devoted to the destruction of the building that the rest of his surroundings go unnoticed. The sudden blaze of energy coming in his direction is picked up just in time for Ulquiorra to swivel his attention in the direction of Kevin's oncoming attack. And just like that, he's no longer there in the path of the power-packed crossbow bolt.

So it seems the other one has vanished, the Espada thinks to himself as he Sonido-steps through the air, doing a quick scan of the area for the Mazoku to verify this. "So be it." Those green eyes fix upon the priest, and in split seconds he is suddenly behind Kevin, his left hand cutting through the air in an attempt to grasp the man's face and shove him (quite forcifully) down into the snowy ground.

Ulquiorra gets a glancing blow on Kevin Graham with his CRATER SNOW ANGELS attack.

With Hitsugaya on the offensive again, Szayel doesn't REALLY see a problem here. Honestly.. he certainly wants to SEE this boys abilities.. and he has to give him reason. Reason enough, it seems, has been applied. "Ah.. so Shinigami-kun .. you DO prove your worth."

And then the electric blue light erupts, the Arrancar looking on as .. an ice storm whips up from nowhere, spiraling around the boy, and .. then him. The onslaught of ice is too much for Szayel to prevent, and such freezing temperatures beat into the Octava.. his clothing, hands, and blade freezing near solid for a bit.. before he breaks free, a bit offset ..

"So .. you're worth more than I gave you for .. but even .. such surprises aren't enough.. I'm just glad to see there is more too you."

He leaps into the snowy funnel, the Bankai Hitsugaya has created, in an attempt to bring the blade solidly towards his middle. "If you think it's enough .. you'll be sadly mistaken."

Szayel Aporro Granz misses Toushirou Hitsugaya with his Through the ice and the snow, we carry on attack.

It's just a menos. It shouldn't BE this much trouble to fight!

The thought echos in Ichigo's head as he flies towards the blast. It wrestles with yet another that continues back, teasingly.

'I can stop it!' says the voice, dangling the thought of defeat in front of him, 'It'll be over in seconds if you let me!'

But it seems that he's not listening, even as the Cero washes over him, tearing up the ground, but hopefully protecting the exorcists behind the shinigami. Just as the dust begins to clear, a blast of energy flies from the cloud, aimed towards the hollow's face.

And then Ichigo stumbles, catching himself from falling to the ground by stabbing his blade in the snow. He's using about all the strength he's got left to keep focus. Kevin isn't the only one with suddenly wildly different levels of power fluctuating, and it seems the teen is either on the verge of something very wrong, or collapsing completely. Blood falls and smoke drifts away from the tattered bankai coat, but at the very least, at least he's maintained this form. Too bad he can't tell what's goin on with the others quite yet.

Ichigo Kurosaki hits Sousuke Aizen with his YOUR MOM attack.

Kevin barely even has the time to lower the bowgun before he realizes that Ulquiorra is right there. He even looked ready to already be moving away from the Espada when...

That new rush of power is enough to nearly blindside the Grals Ritter. That's how he's halted to be slammed down into the snow. This, of course, leaves the priest reeling. That rush of power has just been awake long enough to catch the attention of the other power buried deep in his own subconscious. Slowly, Kevin moves to roll over and try to push himself up onto his knees. He keeps his eyes towards the ground at this point, struggling to fight his way through that beckoning voice. That power wants to be unleashed. With it, /everything/ can be his. Everything can be lying, bloody and beaten at his feet. The strength he has when Loa is awakened is... amazing. And he can do *anything* he wants! -but at this point, Kevin doesn't like anything he feels around him. Releasing the Stigma would be a very foolish move to pull this time. That's the very reason why Kevin has to fight for several seconds to keep his mind under his own control.

However, in a burst of agility, the priest has hopped up onto his feet and stepped away from Ulquiorra. He lifts the bowgun up and quickly fires a plain shot from the weapon towards the arrancar.

Kevin Graham misses Ulquiorra with his Bowgun vs Espada = ..... profit? :D feint.

"Aaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhuuuuuuuuurrrrrrrrrr..." The Menos Grande groans, reeling back with painfully slow movements. It's not easy to get around when you're that big. But it sure doesn't like what Ichigo did to it, the pain fresh and coarse in its dull, hungry mind.

The headquarters are completely incinerated, from roof to basement. And just in case there were any doubts as to whether or not there are any survivors, the Menos steps on it with his monstrous foot...and Ichigo too, if he's not paying attention to the big ominous shadow looming above him.

You hit Ichigo Kurosaki with your CAN YOU DODGE THE SLOW-MOVING ZAMBONI OF THE HOLLOW WORLD???? attack.

"Interesting... human." The word is spoken in obvious distaste, but the green-eyed gaze remains fixed purposefully on Kevin. The human's aura seems to be fluctuating, not too unlike another that he's observed before. Ulquiorra does not bother to look for Ichigo though, able to sense him well enough to know whereabout the boy is, much less what he's doing. Both Shinigami have already gone into Bankai mode, to be expected when against Espada, but for a mere Menos? It seems Kurosaki is a bit rusty. Yet, the scream of the Menos means that the boy's not completely off.

That is not his object of focus though. This priest is. Ulquiorra moves just as Kevin does, watching as the man attempts another shot at him. Not quick enough. Kevin wants fast? The Espada will show him again since it seems he missed it the first time. In an eyeblink he's gone, and as if he's teleported, the half-helmeted Espada reappears by the priest's side, the wide legs of his hakama flaring as he swings a foot about to kick Kevin. And Ichigo knows just how hard this Arrancar can kick. Just be glad there's not really any buildings anymore to be punted through.

Ulquiorra critically strikes Kevin Graham with his FUTBOL attack.

That kick sends Kevin flying. He doesn't even touch the ground for more than just several feet. Even after he hits the snow, he doesn't stop. The priest in white tumbles and slides through the snow. However, he's already moving to get back up before he's found a stopping point, and he's tumbled onto his feet, sliding to a stop. He managed to realize that there's something else very very wrong.

As a follower of Eidos, he must protect the world, and subsequently those in other planes, from terrible forces and influences. Which is why he's not even raising the bowgun in an attack back at Ulquiorra. He's actually got his gold medallion in his other hand. "Oh, blessed Mother of the Sky, please grant your warmth and light upon this poor soul." He lifts his hand and the medallion above him, that dark and twisted aura of him breaking away to reveal something else entirely- his own holy abilities are nothing to scoff at. As a Dominion, Kevin has been gifted with powerful healing abilities on top of his curse. A flash of golden light shines from the medallion at this point, the golden glow beginning to surround Ichigo. "Allow him to find his way- guide him with Your love and patience, I pray..." He quickly waves his hand out, sending a flash of light out towards the shinigami. "Amen!"

Kevin Graham heals Ichigo Kurosaki with his Craft Skill - Sacred Bless action.

Though Soul Society couldn't provide him with any kind of back-up, they did remove Hitsugaya's limit before he left. Breaking out the bankai was one tiny edge that he could use, but it's a one-time deal only. Jumping into the heart of the roaring storm might not be the wisest move Szayel. The dragon is not even fully grown, but Hitsugaya's defense is 100%. A wing simply furls open and parries the blade away from the delicious chewy center.

Once the storm clears away, the little Shinigami finds that there isn't anything left to protect. The building, leveled. The people inside, gone. The arrancar? Jack Frost nipped at his toes. How many nips does it take to get to the center of an Arrancar? Let's find out.

Toushirou Hitsugaya critically strikes Szayel Aporro Granz with his Tootsie Rolls attack.

And then the storm, AND DRAGON, nips at his nose. And his feet. AND HIS BODY. The ICE IS NIPPING AT HIM IN THE FORM OF LARGE JAWS.

Which is a good reason, and time, to ... fall back. "Hah... Hah... Hahhahah you.. suddenly like THIS." The Arrancar begins.. staggering away from the Shinigami. "It's far from over though .. because next time.. I might stay to finish what I started!" But the jaws of Gargantua open wide.. and perhaps retreating a bit early.. Szayel disappears into the maw, heading back to their world.

Las Noches was a nice place, after all. One where large frost dragons didn't try to eat you.

How much more he likes such a place.

Is it wise to remove one's eyes from the enemy? It's a question that Ulquiorra would ask Kevin, had he wished to waste his breath. He's taken off after the sprawling priest almost immediately after his kick had connected. His eyes narrow again as he watches the priest grasp his medallion, and then that odd fluctuation of powers vying against powers within the priest suddenly stabilizing for the moment as he casts his spell.

Just because Kevin is momentarily shifting into the role of support doesn't mean that Ulquiorra is going to wait until he's finished. What do you think this is, an turn-based RPG? Unrelenting in his speed, the Espada closes the distance between Kevin and himself, shifting with his hand lashing back and downwards at the priest's head.

Ulquiorra critically strikes Kevin Graham with his Backhand of Doom attack.

Ichigo Kurosaki heals Ichigo Kurosaki with his I forgot my meds. action.
Ichigo Kurosaki heals Ichigo Kurosaki with his Don't try this at home. action.

He wasn't holding back. He wasn't! Except, Ichigo knows that he was, because if he hadn't, what might have happened if he lost it? A quick glance around and the mocking voice tell him there's little that would have been saved to begin with. He blinks hazily at the crater where the building used to be, wondering if that twisted feeling in his stomach is anger at the loss, or fear at his helplessness.

Seeing Kevin suddenly go tumbling by in a flurry of snow nearly snaps some desperation to fight back into place. And then there were still those grateful exorcists behind him. But just like the last time, the stubbornness of his hollow roots his feet to the ground. And with the looming shadow of the menos as its foot decends down on him, Ichigo shouts for the three men to run. Move. Move!

If people really wanted strawberry snowcones, this wasn't the best way to go about it.

And they really ought to work on their timing better, too.
The spell by Kevin would have been much more appreciated had it come perhaps a couple of seconds sooner. As it goes, the spell goes off just as another larger reaction seems to happen. The ground beneath the menos explodes outwards in an even darker energy than before, seeming to mirror that of the creature or the other arrancar.

And with it comes its own cero, filled with mocking unnatural laughter. "Is this a competition? Let me have a go!!"

It stepped on Ichigo, right? Because that can't possibly be Ichigo standing there with that mask, can it?

Ichigo Kurosaki hits Sousuke Aizen with his There's gum on your shoe. attack.

The awful disintegrating cero ray strikes true, impacting with a large chunk of the Menos's white mask. Large white shards explode, shatter, and crush the snowy ground with powdery impacts. It may just be a big dumb foot soldier who knows little more than hurt and hunger, but it knows when it's outmatched. Slowly it begins to retreat, slicing into the heavens and pulling the sky over its massive form like a sheltering blanket.

A low hiss of displeasure and steam roils from its mouth as it glares with dull, hateful red eyes...and disappears, behind the mended seam of the worlds.
Szayel and Grimmjow have returned. And now the Menos Grande has as well. And yet, one more soldier remains... Why? Perhaps there's a reason. But if so, the others aren't likely to hear it.

Kevin never has the opportunity to see the result of his healing. He doesn't even keep the medallion in hand- it goes tumbling into the snow somewhere out of reach. That shining power is a welcome warmth to the priest at all times- it makes him feel as if he's closer to the sort of man that he should be as the Fifth Dominion of the Grals Ritter. -not who he truly is... a physical manifestation of everything that is *wrong* according to the Septian Church. He's lying on the ground after he's been struck and knocked into the ground. Slowly, fingers begin to scrape through the snow, closing into fists- and tightening over the snow as a manner to try to keep him where he is.

Cold, fearsome blue eyes remain focused towards the ground- all those energies around him... he can feel the fluctuation of Ichigo's own power, and then Ulquiorra standing over him. Even the menos simply cutting through the world- it's all a giant affect on the priest. One to leave him in such pain through his spirit- screaming through his senses, and such bringing a scream of pain to his lips. The green haired Grals Ritter throws his head back, his eyes closed- crying out to the heavens.

What has been sensed from him before is nothing like what's about to happen- a power raging through his body, seeking manifestation to the physical world. That dark red aura surrounds him and suddenly in a powerful force of energy, an explosion of power escapes from him. It tears through the snow, sending it in all directions around him. It would even probably throw Ulquiorra away from him, should he be too close.

But as that bright light begins to fade away from him, Kevin is still staring to the sky. But there's something far different to him. A strange, three point emblem burns in the air behind his back. Runes mark paths between each of the points, more symbols decorating the center of it. The priest simply shakes, his whole body trying to find a way to become accustomed to the change- it is never an easy task. No human is meant to handle this sort of power; the church has claimed him to be marked by heresy. He is their 'Hunter'. A creature who walks in the shadows, uses the power of their enemies to fight their enemies. It's... just always that much more of a strain against him each time he uses it.

Kevin Graham misses Ulquiorra with his Stigma Backlash stun.
Kevin Graham switches armor modes to Stigma.

There's so many shifts in power in such a brief span of time that were it anyone else left to watching these things, they would have allowed themself to get distracted by one or the other. Ulquiorra has sharp enough senses that he can differentiate and keep track of things without having to see them by sight. He senses Ichigo's second shift in power, at first not unlike what he's felt from him before- the one that's so familiar, so similar to that of their own kind. There's something off about it this time though...

The Espada isn't about to ignore his own advice though as he feels the immediate reaction from Kevin, the man's shift in auras flip-flopping again. Don't turn your eyes away from your opponent. Ulquiorra dashes back just as he feels that reiatsu start to flare, well out of Kevin's radius as the power of the Stigma surges. Now that he's backed up, he takes the time to look at what's left of things. He'd sensed Szayel's departure earlier, and his summoned Menos is gone as well. Aizen's words do not go unheard, only allowed a moment's lapse before they are responded to. The green eyes travel from Kevin's shivering form to the blazing spiritual pressure of Ichigo Kurosaki.

"....again..." he says. But no, not exactly.... there's a darker tinge to it.... that same shift of power as in the first time I had seen him... this time the other has taken over....

His eyes shift between the two again. "....they are similar." That's all he says before he pulls up his hand. He remains yet, even when his allies have retreated. He has things yet to find out. The spiritual power gathered at his fingertip is nothing like what he managed to amass earlier to destroy the building, but a Cero of any size isn't one to be laughed at.

Ulquiorra gets a glancing blow on Kevin Graham with his Simple: Cero attack.

The falling pieces of the Menos' mask don't seem to phase the hollowified Ichigo in the least, as it pulls Zangetsu from the snow and shakes it off with a small flick to the side. A rather unfitting smile graces the boy's face, half hidden by the still forming pieces of his own bone mask. "Aww, don't run away so soon... I just came out to play!"

Indeed, the other side has taken over, and if there's any conciousness of the shinigami remaining, then it's not evident in appearance. But with the Menos gone, the hollow needs new playmates. More and more the field seems to be emptying of opponents, which is rather disappointing.

It glances around, until the shout of pain in the distance catch its attention. The feeling of two powerful energies doesn't escape notice either, and Ichigo's new form tears across the distance of ice and snow to reach them, with a wild swing for the obviously capable one first. It seems to share some of the same attributes of its host, after all. Namely, it has yet to share Ulquiorra's observation of Kevin and itself.

Ichigo Kurosaki hits Ulquiorra with his Can you watch your front when you're watching your back? Or is that you back all over again? attack.

Kevin is up on his feet abruptly, spinning about to bring a hand out ahead of him. He doesn't have full control of this ability of his- it's far too much. But in an action he does not fully understand, the heretic priest makes the attempt to divert the cero fired in his direction... but it wasn't good enough- it still cuts through his shoulder, sending him tumbling back into the snow.

As the Dominion moves to pull himself up onto his feet again, the heat of the Stigma is even beginning to melt the snow around him. He quickly brings a hand to his head, flinching and struggling against Loa- the demon buried deep inside with the stigma. Slowly, he lowers his hands, both trembling, as he begins to mentally fire up the Orbment on his person. Unlike the normal process of casting arts, where one simply beckons the energy from the device and it feeds it into him, the priest finds himself actually forcing that energy to form into its spell- Teara. Water, through Time, through Fire... It takes affect in the real world, by creating a shimmering droplet-like energy to fall about his body, washing away bruises and cuts from his fight with the Espada.

It helps him gather a bit of control this time. But as he lifts his gaze, his blue eyes promptly fall upon Ichigo. He doesn't move- it's eerie. It's almost... like looking into a mirror. Not physically, mind you... but the spiritual power coursing through that boy- it's enough to make him wonder just what's going on...

Kevin Graham heals Kevin Graham with his Orbal Arts - Water - Teara action.

Ulquiorra has not completely turned a blind eye to Ichigo. He knows full well that with the lack of other opponents for the Shinigami, it would only be natural for Kurosaki to come after him. The Espada half turns, raising his already extended hand, bringing it up to intercept Ichigo's blade with the back of his knuckles. Ichigo moves just as fast as they do, giving him little other option, and its perhaps only because of the back burst of a Bala that decreases the black blade's force from completely slicing off his hand. Blood dribbles down his wrist from a deep cut, Ulquiorra's hand purposelly angled to try and catch the blade more along the flat since he knows better than to try stopping a bared edge. He's seen what Ichigo has been capable of with his normal Bankai when the boy had fought Yammy, after all.

"....you...." Green eyes lock with the eerie gaze that peers behind the mask on Ichigo's face, and all at once the Espada pushes back with his hand, pivoting to launch himself back and away from the Shinigami, only several feet back before he rushes forward again, now facing frontwards.

It's stabilized, his reiatsu. It's much different than when I had last fought him, however. His peak...?

Sonido blurs his form, and Ulquiorra slips from being in front of the Visored Shinigami to coming from behind. His hand snakes out towards Ichigo's back, not an unfamiliar attack.

Ulquiorra hits Ichigo Kurosaki with his Back-STABBITY attack.

It would be quite natural for Ichigo to try and stop Ulquiorra. However, had Ulquiorra been the one down and Kevin more able to fight, then the tables could have just as easily turned. Gold irises surrounded by black stare out of the mask, hinting nothing of the former person there when the Arrancar turns to face them.

"Me?" it asks, leaning into the blade. Now that they are at a momentary standstill, Kevin's gaping stare also catches its attention, and it barks out a laugh. "Is that the face of someone who doesn't recognize their opponent? I'm not that weak little brat from before, but I'll gladly fight you!"

And when Ulquiorra moves, so does the hollow, but its still not enough. The speed is much more than what it used to be, leaving the arrancar's hand to rake across the Ichigo's shoulder. But he doesn't stop, spreading fresh blood across the snow as he spins around to slam his blade at the opponent's side with a laugh.

Ichigo Kurosaki hits Ulquiorra with his Sorry, leave a message. attack.

Kevin's stare melts away- it gives out to a cold, menacing gaze towards the two enemies. He slowly lifts his bowgun up in front of him, finally speaking again.

Since the release of the Stigma, Kevin has yet to have really spoken. This time around, however... when he does speak, it's never more than just above a whisper. He's using that 'newfound' power to simply 'carry' the words to the others. "...not what I don't recognize... but what I /do/ recognize. However, that's not what's important." There's not even a second thought as spears- all black spears begin to simply materialize in the air behind him. He continues to keep aim with that artifact weapon. "What is important is that I have one opponent who has been here, and another who was once an ally. An ally who is giving in to the monstrosity that is hidden within, however, may be far more dangerous that the overt enemy that's on the field." His blue eyes flicker from Ichigo, then to Ulquiorra- but they never change. It's almost a combination of a fierce gaze, and a passive one. The priest is still in control, for the most part, but he's under the influence of the other power within him. It changes him quite a bit.

"That, though, changes little. All it means, now...? Is that I have to make sure to deal with you both. Simultaneously. And that's something that the Demon Spear Loa is good for." There's a pause as he considers, before he begins to speak again, "a thousand thorns will drag your bodies into despair..." He finally looks towards Ulquiorra, his eyes narrowing. "I will see that trash like you will disappear into the darkness."

The Heretic Hunter squeezes the trigger of his bowgun. All of the lances surrounding him are launched towards Ichigo and Ulquiorra- hundreds, perhaps even thousands of black spears, steeped in the power of death, streaking towards their targets: "Break through them, Lances of Time!" The final, on top of all of this, is a powerful red beam of light fired from the bowgun itself, causing all the spears that have struck into the ground to begin exploding in bursts of red and white flame, breaking away from their brief existence in the world of the living.

Kevin Graham misses Ichigo Kurosaki with his S-Craft - Demon Spear Loa super.
Kevin Graham hits Ulquiorra with his S-Craft - Demon Spear Loa super.

First blood has already gone to Ichigo, and now the Shinigami bearing the Hollow mask gets another good slice. Blood splashes against the trampled snow, the gash in his side soaking his pristine whites just the same. He had winced at the connection, but such an attack is hardly anything to keep Ulquiorra down. The Espada takes to the air, not any further than a few yards. But the sudden rise in power from Kevin pulls his attention, along with the human's words. Green eyes widen, watching as the alien power that had been shifting and swirling at odds within the priest wins out over the rest enough to influence as one... one purpose.

Hey wait, isn't that his line...?

What is this...? No.... too late...!

He realizes the error of his timing even as he moves to Sonido dash in an attempt to get away from the span of Kevin's onslaught. The many lances fly far and farther though, and although Ulquiorra is not as unskilled as to let himself be completely pummeled by every single bolt, he is unable to dodge every dark spear that comes streaking towards him. And through it all, his eyes remain wide and watching. Pain sears through him, back to front and front to back, his shoulder burning, his side grazed and then punched through, and with great effort does he still manage to try and deflect others with his bare hands. Finally he turns, finding the brief lapse between the attack enough room for him to use Sonido. He knows when to leave.

The half-helmeted Espada reappears, hundreds of feet above. Both his hands have been forced from their pockets, one clasped over his side, blood trickling down his arms and the side of his face. The edges of his uniform worn to shreds, his sleeves ripped almost to elbow length, the remnants of his coattails fluttering in ragged tatters. Ulquiorra draws in a breath as his eyes narrow to survey the spiritual signatures below. He turns, pulling his other arm up to rip Garganta open, not waiting to catch his breath before he steps on through. His work here is done.

(OOC: Xelloss needs a tag!)