Murphy's Shinigami[FINISHED]

There was an odd energy in the air tonight. The derelict buildings that made up the slums of Karakura would hardly be what one considered safe on even the best of days. However, tonight the air hummed with a more sinister aura then that of a stray hollow. Styn tasted Za Koa on his tongue. He had once more been lurking about, trying to find leads on the gang of humans who ingested demon blood. So many of his ventures into this area had turned up nothing that the young demon was ready to give up.

Styn stood not quite six feet tall, taller then average perhaps, but not in a way that stood out. His medium build accentuated his averageness, he wasn't quite slim, but fell short of heavily muscled. Dark green hair only an inch or so in length, could possibly be a dye job. Pale violet eyes, while a questionable fashion choice, were not outside cosmetic modification. Both ears came to slight point at the apex of their arc, something easily overlooked. His teeth might be a bit sharper then normal for a human, but they retained the same basic shape and placement. The demon's nails also came to a point and were thicker then common, but were by no means long talons or claws. All and all - discounting Za Koa which was naturally suppressed in this base form - Styn would go unremarked in most locations. Unchallenged was another story entirely.

The Knight of the First Circle sported a dark green business suit, almost black outside of direct light. The pale violet tie was clearly meant to bring out his eyes, which were somewhat concealed behind a pair of gunmetal gray glasses with translucent bottom rims. Black dress shoes capped out the attire, with especial detail paid so that the combat boot soles didn't look out of place. Still the effect lacked a certain something. First of all, his white button down shirt was not tucked in, which his unbuttoned dark green jacket didn't quite conceal. His tie was loosened at least an inch, and cocked slightly to the left. His pants looked a bit rumpled and his shoes were scuffed. In addition his eyes had heavy dark bags under them and his stare was half lidded, giving him the appearance of someone tired or sick.

Not only that but he was rapidly getting to the point where his mere presence in this part of the world, if detected, might be seen as a declaration of war. He hardly wanted to make that kind of scene. It might just be time to turn his investigations over to a weaker demon. After a few more sessions of the Dying Game, he'd either be dead or have attracted the attention of the highest echelon of Shadow Fall. Styn had intended to leave moments before, that was when he got a waft of demonic energy. Which is just strange, since as far as I know we don't have any ongoing operations in the area.

Even with the energy being Za Koa, something that resonated within Styn at the cellular level, it still took the demon several minutes to track the source. The closer he got, the more certain he was that this wasn't the Karakura Demons. The human boosted gang bangers hadn't had anywhere close to this level of concentration to their auras. Heavens, he had barely detected the trace amounts when they were basically on top of him. Finally, he spotted three hunched figures against a building.

The creatures were squat ugly beasts, barely four feet tall, with pale yellow hide. They were hairy things, with black coarse bristles poking out of their heads, across their naked chests, and on their arms and legs. They wore only a loincloth for modesty's sake. Long pointed ears sloped backward against their wrinkled faces. The soldier demons had sharp teeth and their noses were little more then reptile slits. Their eyes were mere slits and shone, even in the shadows, with an infernal red glimmer.

One of them raised its head and met his gaze, but Styn wasn't worried about being recognized. When he had been weaker, his shifter appearance hadn't been good for much. Maybe a bit of an energy saver, which was great for lounging around with his friends and playing video games imported from the human world. Hardly what the demon would consider as having functional value. Now that he was much more powerful, he had noticed an actual useful application. So long as he didn't use a large amount of power he was a null zone as far as spiritual detection was concerned.

Oh sure if someone had a masterfully high level of perception they might sniff him out, or if they were within his power class, but everyone else wouldn't detect any sort of Reiatsu at all. To say nothing of Za Koa. Of course, all of that changed if he went at someone with killing intent, there was no hiding the primal threat of impending death. Luckily Styn didn't go around with a large amount of blood lust anyway. He did enjoy messing with people from time to time though.

Regardless, whatever the creatures were doing here in Karakura, it wasn't random slaughtering, since he wasn't currently under attack. Maybe they were tracking humans who had strong spiritual presence, maybe they were minions of the shadow power creating and distributing a demon blood drug to humans. Regardless, this was where the story was tonight. Leaning against a nearby wall, Styn decided to wait and see who showed up. This might be just the lead he had been searching for. Knowing my luck something is sure to come and ruin this perfectly good opportunity.

The night was warm, with a cool breeze that swept over Naziel as the stood atop a roof looking over the slums of Karakura Town. He was unsure of his purpose here, after all he was a newish recruit but yet being a 3rd Seat had required him to come to the Human World to see it for his own eyes as well as well as get a feel for one of many areas he may be required to monitor in time.

Naziel looked out, examining every nook and cranny peering into the vast darkness for anything sinister. He thought of what could be out there and the sound of gritted teeth and clenched fists came from him as he remembered what had happened to him shortly after becoming a plus. He remembered the horrific grin on its face, the terror it instilled in him and the horrors that could have been if he had not been saved by a Shinigami.

The 3rd seat let a growl creep out of his throat, he hated them. He hated them all, no matter who they were and what their crime was they were no longer anything good! They were abominations, things with malice and pain in their hearts which was then thrown upon the weak and defenceless. "Not any more... You bastards won't hurt anyone... Anymore..." It came as a whisper as if making a promise to himself. He would not let those beasts catch him unaware and never make him feel the terror he felt that day.

It was then that he heard it. A small commotion down a side alley that seemed to be lit by a burning barrel, he assumed it would most probably be homeless strangers looking to keep warm even on a night such as it was. None the less the Shinigami headed towards the sound to investigate peering from behind a overhanging wall. What he saw shocked him.

Naziel's eyes opened wide in shock as he looked upon horrific small creatures, they seemed deformed, with terrifying features. These were no hollows he had ever seen... What were they? It didn't take a genius to figure out that they certainly weren't friendly with they jagged teeth, pointy teeth and indented noses. The were vile, like some demonic spawn... Then it clicked. Hell. What if these monstrosities had somehow escaped the keepers? Could sinners truly make it back up to earth?!

This was news that he needed to report back to the Seritei immediately. He was about to turn away when he heard a form of breathing near to him, he turned his head to be faced with a terrifying grin of pointed drool covered teeth that snapped near his face, forcing him to Hoho back into the light and also... In front of the night terrors.

He wasn't sure he could believe his dulled senses as a shinigami's energy signature suddenly appeared in the Slums of Karakura. Sure, it wasn't exactly unpatrolled territory, but the timing was just so frustrating. The demons had finally seemed to be leading him somewhere, after being inactive for the longest time. What was worse, the new arrival didn't even seem to be aware of what he was about to encounter. There was just a different way that someone moved when they were aware of a potential fight on the horizon. If he were to guess, the demon Knight figured that the shinigami was just running a prescheduled route, that just happened to put him in the wrong place at the wrong time

Styn could perhaps forgive Naziel for not noticing him. The demon was after all, invisible to low level spirit detection. In addition, he did share a rather smelly alley with three very visible soldier demons. Styn could even forgive the demons for continuing to ignore his presence. He'd been trailing the three for an hour or so, and he'd yet to do anything interesting, or approach anywhere near what might be considered an invasion of their personal space. What the demon was less inclined to forgive was shinigami dying near him. The last thing he needed was some kind of investigation into this area. Oh well, might as well have some fun since I won't be able to get any work done. And who knows, maybe this will help flush out whoever is behind this fiasco.

With a grimace, Styn connected to a nearby shadow behind the soldier demon and tapped it lightly on the shoulder. The particular shoulder in question, led to an arm that had been raised up to claw at Naziel's face. It was a light push, only bouncing the demon back against the ground. The creature of course was less then amused by the interruption and grabbed onto Styn's pant leg, before burying its teeth into the side of his pant leg. "Hey now, is that any way to treat the hand that feeds?" Styn mocked with a sad seeming head shake. The teeth failed to penetrate his Akuma Kyodo and the Knight was actually starting to think the beast had a cute side after all.

Looking at Naziel, he shrugged with a good-natured smile. "You look a bit lost friend. Welcome to Demonology 101. I'll be your plucky instructor. You can call me Mr. Styn," Styn paused for dramatic effect, "of Shadow Fall." As he had been talking, the two other demons crept out from the darkness where they had been attempting to flank the single shinigami. Styn was kind enough to point them out. "These here are your fairly standard soldier type demons. Good for cannon fodder and little else."

The creatures now regarded Styn as their number one threat, given how easily he had managed to manhandle one of them. While not smart by any means, the beasts could certainly be cunning. "You might want to step back a bit, they look hungry," Styn suggested. Uncaring if Naziel actually took his advice, he spread his arms out wide. "Come to papa," Styn cooed.

Both remaining beasts moved in a blur, using shadow movement to close the short distance. One of the creatures ended up perched on his right arm, claws scratching at Styn's face. The Second soldier demon bounced lightly off his back, dropping back down to the ground with a solid sounding thump. "Alright, I hope you were paying attention then young man. That there was Shadow Movement, very similar to your Shunpo for all practical purposes. These guys might not be crazy strong, but they're still demons."

Tapping the skull of the first demon that was still trying to chew on his leg, Styn was able to stun the creature with a light pulse of Za Koa. Suddenly the other two stopped dead in their tracks. "There you go. See?" Styn then lowered his voice in a stage whisper, "They recognize me now." Indeed, it seemed that the soldier demons were now well aware of Styn's true nature. The first two demons inched slowly backward, darkness covering them in moments.

Styn locked eyes with Naziel once more. There was nothing sinister about his face or form. It was no stretch of the imagination to see that something wasn't right with the situation though. Despite the fact that Styn was still a blank slate as far as Reiatsu was concerned, he clearly wasn't a normal human. Just the very fact that he was obviously talking to Naziel could confirm that. The Knight had no problem with an obvious conclusion being drawn, but he didn't really want to be misunderstood. "Alright well, the primer is over. I think it's time fore you to pick up some hands on learning. So shake out the cobwebs and get ready, because this time I won't be stepping in. Good luck!"

Styn leaped backward, his steps strangely quiet as he touched down about twenty or so feet away from the conflict. As if they had been waiting for such an opportunity, the soldier demons sprung into action. The closest and most visible of the demons, the one who had just been biting on Styn, rushed Naziel with a high pitched shriek. The creature would attempt to distract the shinigami mostly, slashing with its clawed hands toward Naziel's legs.

Meanwhile the other two demon's would come from both sides, using Shadow Movement as they had just moments before. Again, one would rush from the right side attempting to grapple with the shinigami's sword arm. The last demon would leap forward feet first, attempting to connect with Naziel's lower back with its entire weight. Styn would just shake his head and sigh. "Guys you just showed him that one."

Naziel blinked for a moment as he saw the teeth flash and then a crash around him as the small creatures we flung away. The young Shinigami looked around to notice a man, only a few years older than himself he guessed but with dark green hair and a suit that looks like it had been through hell... Which ironically so did he. He was unsure about what to do in this situation except his words fell sending a shot through Naziel like a black hole. "These things are from hell... Shit. I need to get out of here and sort this out! He must be from hell? He's no Quincy and not a Shinigami! Crap what do I do?!" Naziel thought to himself in a flurry of thoughts and ideas.

The name was now imprented in his head now. Styn. Who was this man who knew what these things were? How were they unable to harm him even though they were savagely attacking him and they were. Like a pack of rabid dogs they set upon the green haired stranger in a dark blur begin to slash and gnaw at him like a carcass only for him to brush these brutal actions. "Is this guy for real?" Naziel took a step back as this new informant appeared to be giving him information on these strange beings and their abilities. Yet this was a shorthanded effort as he leapt back and stood like some form of master...

The master. The creatures were afraid of him. Whoever this man was he clearly held a high status if these soldiers were backing off. Suddenly he was surrounded. The first came at him from the front slashing and shrieking like a Banshee, yet the Shinigami was not dumb, he knew the advantages of coming at an enemy from several fronts as he saw the one leap from one side to attack his sword arm he twisted his body facing the creature with cold grey eyes as he pointed his fingers at it, speaking with a cold voice; " Bakudo no.1 - Sei." as the golden flash entangled the small creature it continued to crash into the ground wriggling in discomfort. Naziel had not forgotten the second as he shunpo'd up into the air just above to come crashing back down upon the creature itself. The Shinigami had fist clenched as it connected with the failed kick attempt, driving the beast into the cold hard concrete as it released a deafening squeal of agony. The last however He had no chance to manouver as it slashed the base of his robes he felt the claws connect on his left shin as he jumped back to look at it for a moment. Cold black eyes meeting fierce grey.

Naziel gave a half smile as he looked down at his ankle seeing the fresh lustful blood seep into his sock as he sighed; " I really wish that had not happened..." The creature tilted its head with a grunt as it seemed perplexed by the Shinigami's words. Naziel began to slowly walk forwards with his head bowed, the shadows of the alley covering his eyes as he gripped the hilt of his straight edge Katana.

Styn watched with a smile as the first ambushing demon was caught in mid flight by Naziel's well placed Bakudo. It wasn't a particularly powerful kido, but it served its purpose, as the beast was able to be smoothly ducked. The small motion sent the little demon hurtling into the shadows opposite the shinigami, where it landed with a loud crash against the side of a building. So great was the force of its impact, cracks spread from the stone in a splintering circular wave.

I'm almost surprised that the little guy didn't punch right through the building. Of course, a simple kido wasn't going to be enough to put the creature out of the fight for long. These particular demons only really had one specialty and that was toughness. Oh sure their claws could rend and tear, and they weren't exactly weaklings by human standards, but their real purpose was to take damage. The simple soldier demon's were used as literal living shields in a large scale conflict. Their very bodies often serving to slow strong foes long enough for more specialized demons to inflict death blows.

This particular trio was going to have to do things the hard way, as they lacked any heavy hitters. So far it looked like they weren't doing too shabby. Styn estimated that the bound demon would be able to escape without too much more of a struggle. It might be time for a second lesson in fact. The demon Knight waited for the next series of blows to play out, not wanting to break Naziel's concentration.

Styn estimated that the kicking demon had most likely taken a rather severe amount of internal damage. Without enough skill in Za Koa or demon magic, the fallen foe wouldn't have many options at its disposal. Perhaps a moment or two of rest would allow the beast to recuperate from the strike. It wasn't dead after all. Then again it was just as likely that it would cough its last drops of blood onto the uncaring cement in the slums of Karakura.

The front attacking demon had been able to take advantage of Naziel's diverted attention. The problem with shinigami, Styn knew, was that they didn't have as much defensive capability as many other races. Their main preventative measure was usually just not to get hit. Their basic physical structure was no weaker then normal, they just didn't have many forms of armor. Still, Styn hardly thought the shinigami was handling himself poorly. So long as he realized that the binding art was already being unraveled by protective demon sigils.

"As you may or may not be aware," Styn said into the silence, as the little demon still standing, stared hate at Naziel. "Demon's are armored in invisible sigils called Akuma Kyodo. I think you must have suspected something by how hard you hit that poor slob on the ground in front of you. What you might not know though is that it's a great defense against kido too."

As if in response to his words, there was a flare of infernal light and the previously bound demon rushed out from the shadows. Having learned its lesson against trying an air tackle against the obviously more agile Naziel, it instead rushed from the left, trying to keep the shinigami off balance. The little demon would attack as recklessly as ever, with lunging slashes. Any counters would have to be extra effective though. The beasts were too dumb to be demoralized by the damage that their partner had taken, all they could see was a target in front of them. At the same time they had a certain cunning to them.

This first attacker would invoke its heightened armor, boosting its Akuma Kyodo by several degrees. Even with the difference in power tier, Naziel would be hard pressed to pierce the little demon's armor for the next several exchanges. The second standing demon would follow suit. Although boasting massively increased defense, neither of the creatures would attack any slower then they had previously displayed.

The two creatures would work together from the front, one moving in while the other waited for a chance to strike, and then vice versa. They would try to maintain a steady pressure on the shinigami, completely taking advantage of their increased defense to attempt the trading of blows. At this point, Naziel would need something much more significant then a level one Kido to even phase their doubled magical protection.

Styn wasn't particularly worried. From his estimate the shinigame was skilled, and his warning should have come in more then enough time for Naziel to react. The shinigami was worried, that much was clear. He also looked a tad bit confused, but still maintained his composure. It was possible that Styn was even now looking on a foe who would one day be a force to be reckoned with. For some reason the demon Knight was unconcerned, but hardly because he didn't credit the threat. He might like to mess around, but Styn always took his opponent seriously. So how will you deal with this threat? Hero

Naziel watched the Soldier wriggle on the ground as if in pain before he noticed his Bakudo begin to undo; "Alright... Why don't you tell me who you are?" Naziel's voice was aimed at the green haired man who stood in front of him but some distance away. The Shinigami had little time to wait for an answer as Sho snapped the beasts continued once more with their volleys of attacks.

Naziel focussed on where he was and realised that being in such a small space gave him no room to manoeuvre, there was no room to really draw or swing his Zanpakutō. He needed to find a more open space with which to deal with this. He knew that the slums were towards the water ways and rivers heading into Karakura Town, meaning more open space as well as potential allies might pick up his spiritual pressure.

Naziel now just had to draw these little terrors out into the open. He had them figured out for the most part already. These were the grunts, the disposable ones that would be sent to take the beating. Clearly Bakudo and Kido would be a difficult thing to use upon them which would leave his Zanpakutō. He guessed that by their movements they were weak but tooks the beatings, requirements of being in a team were essential to these creatures fighting. Alone Naziel could defeat each one, but their shadow diving and quick speed made it more difficult.

Naziel saw one of the soldiers come in from the front whilst the other two lingered behind him. He watched as the beast leapt with claws and teeth bared, the one Naziel had pounded into the ground seemed to be staggering slightly. The Shinigami grinned as he threw his leg up into a kick towards the frontward opponent but it was a trick. The soldier made a small attempt to adjust its trajectory as Naziel spun of his back foot performing a kick instead that caught the already injured soldier in the side of the head as it spiralled into the ground and trash cans.

The front Soldier sliced at Naziel's back as he felt three claws catch his flesh. He grunted as he leapt back. "You sneaky little bastards! Stop jumping around like damn grasshoppers!" His tone was aggravated as he could feel the blood trickling down his back and drops fell to the warm ground. Now was the time to do it. He gripped his Zanpakutō and jumped from each side of the building and using Shunpo to the roof where he looked down upon the green haired man and his nigh terrors. He held contact with his eyes. If he was a potential foe he will follow along with his minions, either way he needed a greater space with which to fight.

I wonder what he meant by asking me to tell him who I am? Did he not believe that my name is Styn? Did he think that I was not actually a part of Shadow Fall? Given Naziel's reactions thus far Styn had to wonder what, if anything, soul society was telling people about current events. He can't have missed the massive attack on Seireitei that happened two months ago can he? The shinigami did have some sort of false memory devices if Styn wasn't mistaken. Would they really use them on their own people though?

Since he was still unsure how to answer the query, Styn said nothing, merely watching for the moment as the next exchange of blows played out. Fortunately, Naziel hadn't tried to attack him yet. Styn wasn't glad because he was worried for his own safety, but rather concerned that the shinigami could not afford to divide his attention at the moment. Later on he'd be more then happy to allow the young man a few good swings if he really wanted to take them. Even if he was still irritated at the interruption to his stalking.

Hearts and minds Styn, hearts and minds. If he left just one shinigami questioning the direction that this conflict was taking then his goal was complete. Although it was hardly a Shadow Fall object to be sure. From recent activities it would seem that his organization was perfectly happy to see a multiverse at war. The fallout from the revival of Hell was still river beating throughout of all creation, and Styn was sure that the forces of chaos were just getting warmed up. Still, peace should always be on the floor, and the best place to start might not be at the top after all, but right here, right now, in the mind of a young shinigami.

Said shinigami who was now staring daggers at him. Styn held the gaze for a moment and then leapt up onto a nearby roof for a better view of the battle. "Watch out behind you, two of them are still in the fight," the green haired demon was quick to point out. It seemed as though Naziel was going to engage in a bit of sword play. Styn was anticipating the display. The soldier demons were still under the boosted effect of increased Akuma Kyodo, even a sword acting as a force multiplier might not be enough to end the fight at this stage.

The pair of soldier demon's were quick to launch into another series of strikes after closing the distance with Shadow Movement. They both struck head on this time, attempting to overwhelm a single front, instead of attacking the obviously nimble foe from the flank or sides. One of the creatures would attempt to draw the sword strike, while the other would leap into the opening created to land swiping strikes. They would follow the shinigami if he used shunpo and continue to apply as much pressure as possible to make it difficult for him to use kido.

Clever the creatures might not be, but there was blood in the air and they were hungry from more. Styn made himself comfortable on the ledge of the adjacent roof. It was nice to a be a bit higher of the ground. The slums didn't smell quite as bad from a loftier vantage. A sudden stiff breeze all but obliterated the foul odors for an instant, ruffling Styn's green locks. It was brief moments like these that made him appreciate the human world. It really will be a shame if we end up burning it all to the ground.

- (ooc: music too played before reading post)

Naziel watched as the duo of Soldiers pushed their attack, following him up onto the roof and continuing their volleys of attacks, catching him and slicing him. The Shinigami stopped for a moment and looked at the beasts as they began to pant slowly, it was clear that the more damage their dealt to him the more their bloodlust drove them on. What vile creatures. They reminded him of a captain that once commanded the 10th Division and his bloodlust and monstrous power was something all the seritei feared.

Naziel stood for a moment and it appeared the creatures were waiting to see if their prey would fall due to his injuries. He had a deep wound to his left shin that poured blood onto his leg, slashes along his back, arms and shoulders and a cut above his eyebrow. All in all the creatures had the upper hand and all Naziel could do was feel sorry for himself by getting his ass kicked. "No... I'm not going to lose too these bastards! I'm gonna be strong! I need to protect my Captain!" Naziel roared as he turned tail and used Shunpo to get across the roofs of the adjacent buildings and down to the rivers edge.

He had travelled some distance in a very short time and he could hear the pursuit of the soldiers behind him screeching to each other. Naziel stood waiting for them as they arrived. He gripped his Zanpakutō and closed his eyes when he heard a voice... 'B r o t h e r....' Naziel could hear the voice in his head and he instinctively knew who it was. Kikenkaze. His Zanpakutō. 'Don't... D I E... B r o t h e r...' The soft childish voice tore at his heart and her tone was full of worry and fear.

Naziel's eyes snapped open as he watched the two remaining solders crash to the ground snorting and snarling as Styn glided down onto a nearby telephone pole, gently brushing his green locks from his face with a soft smile of interest before folding his arms with the moon glowing bright white behind him. " I won't lose too you. Let us end this." The Shinigami had changed somehow, his hesitation before had left him on the defensive the whole fight so far and had left him cautious. He now stood, cold eyes fixed on his prey and his body tought and prepared. Naziel gripped his Zanpakutō and slowly drew Kikenkaze as a spiral of wind flowed around him as she rang as she entered the warm night air.

He gripped his Zanpakutō in his left hand and gave one strong swipe down to his side as he launched himself forward, his speed significantly increased as he seemed to glide like a flower in the wind. Before the creatures had time to react he was already upon them as he held his blade across his chest like a pole pinning one of the soldiers as he continued to move forward. The creatures had the first glimpse of fear in its eyes for only a moment before it tried to snap at him with its razor sharp teeth.

"Die in fire and darkness." Naziel's voice was cold like steel as he turned his movement to send himself and the creature flying into the air before releasing his grip as the soldier snapped and tried to swipe wildly before Naziel ascended slightly more as the moonlight caught his blade be began a spin and fired himself like a missile into the soldier, blood flew into the air painting the moon ever so slightly as the duo flew back down to the ground as the air circled out from their movement until they crashed into the ground as a massive dust cloud exploded around the area.

The battle on the roof was almost anti climactic, Styn found himself wondering if he had overestimated the shinigami after all. Naziel was certainly feeling the multiple lacerations that covered several parts of his body, if the demon was any judge. There was a wild look in the shinigami's eyes and Styn felt himself leaning forward with interest. He felt like he was watching a key-point in this warrior's development. Will you break under the strain or rise above it? Hero.

Briefly Styn's gaze was drawn to the lone soldier demon that was trying to make its way to its feet in the alley. That last kick had broken something in its skull. A clear viscous fluid leaked out of one of its ears. The beast finally made its way to its feet only to stumble against a nearby wall. The creature gave a gasping cough as it slid down the wall. Its leg kicked weakly and then it was no more. Without the purifying strike from a shinigami's Zanpakutō, its essence returned to the demon world to unify once more with Touketsu. Such was the cycle of life for a demon.

Styn really was a capricious soul. He felt like this new entertainment was much more engaging then his pursuit of some random human gang. It was like one of those games where you trained monsters and sent them off to battle. The demon felt a certain kinship with the intelligent and thinking shinigami, more so then the brutes he faced off against, despite their bond of blood and bone. Maybe, just maybe, this wasn't the worst case scenario he had originally envisioned it to be.

As Naziel let loose with a battle cry Styn was surprised to see him move not toward a clash with his bloodthirsty foes, but instead in a dash away. 'He can't possibly be running can he?' It was clear that the shinigami had found some sort of resolution. It was only a matter now of seeing what form it took. Following the soldier demons, Styn found himself locked in a gaze with Naziel. His own attention sharped as his focus narrowed, taking in the shinigami's face and form. Now those are some nice eyes.

Styn had no doubt that Naziel had been trained to the best ability of the thirteen court guardian squads program. Still, there was a difference from active combat, and simulations. A hard life wasn't enough to prepare you for a real fight. Only by fighting could one grow stronger. Styn had grown up with such truths in the demon world, but had been quick to forget them once he had established his system of rule. In this way he could recognize the final hardening of resolve as Naziel's blade finally made its appearance.

This was no longer a confused and uncertain foe, but rather a skilled swordsman on the field of battle. A swordsman who was suddenly and gracefully in motion. There were small ember-like sparks that shot up from the contact between Zanpakutō and demon as its edge struggled to bite through the enhanced Akuma Kyodo. The creature which had been stunned on initial contact, struggled now against Naziel's superior strength and speed as it was forced rapidly backward and then launched into the air.

The second demon took this chance to close the distance with the spinning shinigami, but was unable to stop him from launching himself into the air. The momentum, combined with iron hard resolve, served its purpose. Although Naziel was sure to feel the resistance of his cut as it impacted demonic flesh, the blade bit smoothly through the dense spirit structure. Droplets of blood fell from the Zanpakato, to stain the ground in sizzling pops.

Styn tisked to himself at the cloud of obscuring dust, but it was quickly dispelled by a swirling gust of wind, centered on Naziel as he spun to face the lone soldier demon. He seemed unconcerned with his previous target, perhaps because the shinigami knew that the beast was no longer a factor in the battle. Styn's eyes narrowed on the soldier demon. In a sickening slick of sound and motion the soldier demon fell apart, cut from crotch to skull into two perfect halves. A soft blue fire engulfed the creature, as its soul was purified and sent to Soul Society.

The demon Knight threw his head back and roared with laughter. "Oh that was just perfect Mr. Shinigami. A beautiful strike! Yes, yes that's the way you slay a demon. I knew you had it in you." Styn continued to chuckle as the remaining soldier demon growled, undaunted by its solo status.

A low pulse of red light began to creep up the last demon's legs. The final trump card of any young demon. Maybe the fight would have gone differently if the beasts had opened with their strongest attack, but such was not the hand that fate had played. Alone, against this stronger and now much more focused foe, one soldier demon stood no chance. However, it wasn't impossible that it couldn't get one more strike in before its essence fled the soul cycle.

The creature activated Shadow Burst. Its movements were now twice as fast as they had been before, and would remain that way for the next sequence of attacks. It rushed forward in a blur of Shadow Movement, but this was merely a feint. Whatever defense that Naziel put up would meet merely air as it connected to another nearby shadow, this time in an attempt to strike from behind. At the last moment possible it would move again.

Every last ounce of its energy was devoted to finding one last opening in Naziel's defense. This series of Shadow Movements could not continue indefinitely though. At some point the creature was forced to attack. It would do so to the best of its ability, trying for one final slash or bite, but in Styn's eyes this battle was all but over. It only remained now to watch the curtain close on what had been far more fun then he initially suspected.

Naziel stood Zanpakutō in hand as blood dripped from the sharpened blade. The Shinigami had finally shown what it means to be a seated officer of the 13 Court Guard Squads as he saw his final foe bursting in and out of its quick movements. Naziel was following its trajectory with his eyes but they were not fast enough to keep up with the speed it was using.

The lone Shinigami spoke aloud in a cold, calm voice; "Suit yourself... You wish to move too fast for my eyes." Naziel turned to hold no fighting stance with his Zanpakutō at his side. His eyes closed slowly as he took a slow breath focusing purely on the beasts Spiritual Pressure as it danced around him when he felt the presence begin to become more predominant at his back he waited till he could hear the grunts.

He continued to stand patiently until turning at the last moment to open his eyes spinning on his heel with a single swing of his Kikenkaze as the sound of the connection rang out both stood still for a moment before the soldiers arm slipped off at the shoulder hitting the ground like a dead fish as it twitched the beast screamed as Naziel stood completely still, still in his stance from the strike. "Crap... I missed." He spoke coldly as he stepped back to a regular stance before turning to look as the screaming beast.

The creature turned slowly grappling at his pulsing stump where his arm was screaming in agony as he took small steps backwards away from Naziel with a look of bewilderment and fear. Before the beast could make his choice to fight of flee, the Shinigami was upon him once more with a single slide of his blade the beast looked down as Naziel had driven his Zanpakutō through the soldiers chest as it choked for a moment before falling limp.

The Shinigami looked up as the monster slid from his blade to hit the floor next to its arm. He looked over to the pole where the green haired stranger was still stood. "You..." Naziel gripped his sword but kept it at his side, showing no real aggression towards the man and watched for the reaction that would determine his next move.