Post by wraith3 on Jun 9, 2009 17:58:37 GMT -5
- Basics -
Name: Nazoshiki “Moriana” Mangetsu
Gender: Male
Sex: Male
Age: 200
Form: Shinigami
Squad: 1
Rank: Fukutaichou
- Zanpakuto -
Zanpaktou name: Shizuka na Shijin (Quiet poet)
Zanpaktou appearance:
Shizuka na Shijin appears initially as most Zanpaktou do, however rather than a full katana it is straight, more like a ninja’s sword. The blade ends at about 41 inches. The hand guard is a perfect circle. Upon the circle serpent figures are depicted, curling around the guard. At the butt end of the handle wave-like patterns are inscribed. The blade itself is of a blue tint, as if it were a metal from some other, distant world. (Of course, given that this IS a spiritual world XD) Both the handle and hand guard are black. Rather than being worn upon the back, as would be expected of a ninja blade, it is worn at Nazo’s side, as if it were a saber of some kind.
Shikai Release Call:
First Command: “Bring silence with your words, Shizuka na Shijin”.
Second Command: “Recite.”
Shikai Appearance:
Shikai Abilities: Shizuka na Shijin lives up to its name once it has been released in its Shikai state. The command phrase for its Shikai is “Bring silence with your words, Shizuka na Shijin”. When Shizuka na Shijin is first released, it does not transform, though Nazo gains access to its first power. With that power he can create a coat of reisatsu that surrounds him, trapping any sound within it and letting none escape. This renders him virtually silent when approaching a target. This means that no one can hear any sound that occurs within the sound proof reisatsu, though Nazo can hear what goes on outside. This may eventually be extended to a sphere with greater effort, enlarging the area of silence. He could converse with whoever is within the sphere without anyone hearing anything that is said.
The coat or sphere can be hardened, for creating armor with the coat. The sphere could be used as a temporary barrier while he casts a Kido that requires a chant, which one would have to lip-read if they wished to know what he was casting. It can also be used as a sound proof prison to house him and his opponent, though he sacrifices his perfect silence, because when they are in the sphere they can hear anything that goes on within. This means that These powers can only last as long as his stamina holds up, the time he can hold it up will decrease with the time to which he extends it, although the further he extends it the more stamina it drains second by second, reducing the time he can maintain it versus a smaller sphere or reisatsu coat.
When Shizuka na Shijin’s second command “Recite.” is spoken it changes shape into a Kusari-gama, or chain scythe. Though at first one would think it is a Kama, just a smaller scythe blade attached to a small handle meant for one hand. Though, its true nature is revealed when he extends the weapon, the chain coming into view, the starting length of the chain is six feet. This form represents the second part of its name, artful and malleable. Combined with its sphere of silence power it truly becomes the “Quiet Poet.” In this form the chain and handle are of the purest black, the curved, elegant blade now a sapphire color, the blue color that had only tinted now having taken over to darken and cover the blade. When given its Shikai command after transforming the sapphire colored blade glows a bright blue, the weapon acting like an enraged serpent, it chases the enemy when directed; the chain extending up to 8 feet as it tries to strike or entrap them by wrapping itself around them. Shizuka na Shijin then strike 7 times, its cuts being directed by Nazo’s will. The cuts can be made separately or all together once his enemy is entrapped, although he can also use them all up if Shizuka na Shijin can not hold them still. This attack uses up more stamina all at once than his reisatsu coat, and when used in combination with that power it can drain him very quickly.
Bankai Appearance:
Stage one, Yugure, although the scythe doesn’t look like this, it’s the same scythe as in the stage two pic.
Stage two, Mangetsu.
Bankai Abilities:
Stage one, Yugure (Twilight): Nazo’s consummate mastery of Shizuka na Shijin pays off in his Bankai. Once that fateful word has been spoken a change comes to his immediate surroundings. Despite the time of day the area around him and his opponent darkens to an almost pitch black night, a white sliver of an orb of light appearing directly over head. The area is illuminated by this light, casting a tell tale glow over Nazo and his opponent or opponents. His appearance has changed now; he at first wears the black cloak of his Zanpaktou’s spirit. Shizuka na Shijin has changed as well, and is now a large scythe, the black handle has been extended to 8 feet and the blue blade has become quite large. In all respects he has taken on the western appearance of death and the popular image of a Shinigami in the human’s culture, minus the skeletal body. Shizuka na Shijin has now become “Mangetsu Shizuka na Shijin” the “Full Moon Quiet Poet”.
The Zanpaktou still retains its chained state, however. Though, now it is due to a chain within the handle, and the speed of a chained attack is reduced due to the size of the scythe blade. The length of the chain is the same as the scythe length. Despite this, Nazo’s overall speed has been greatly increased to a phenomenal level, the darkness around him and his opponent making it hard to judge where he is and where he was, along with where he will be next. To make matters worse, his reisatsu silence technique is permanently active so long as he is in this stage of his Bankai; only the absence of sound has been internalized, as the sphere draws in all vibrations and reishi in the area. This renders sound null within the given area. Also, due to spirit energy being absorbed into the orb, accumulation for nonverbal kido is nigh impossible, as well as verbal kido, as sound is null. Nazo refers to this as his twilight state. The longer he continues to fight the more the orb in the sky is revealed. It will be fully revealed in 10 posts. Once it has become a half moon shape in 5 posts he can call a premature transformation into his Mangetsu or full moon state. If he does this, however, it will last for much less longer than if he let it activate on his own. (Time will be explained in the second stage).
Bankai Stage Two, Mangetsu (Full Moon): This final stage of his Bankai is quite the beautiful sight to see, as the orb that dominated the air above them becomes full, illuminating the area, though not taking all of the darkness away, considering it is emulating moon light. Nazo’s cloak dissolves then, revealing a blue and grey outfit resembling one of the Espada Arrancar’s garbs, although it is only the coat that carries this resemblance. The blue coat is quite long, seeming to serve as a shirt as well and extending down past his waist, the very bottom having grey trim. His pants match the same color as that trim, seeming to give a faint glow in the moonlight. The muting silence from his Twilight State is gone, replaced by a simple, eerie silence. Kido is now a viable option as sound has been returned to the area. Nazo’s speed has increased even more now, making bursts of wind each time he dashes from place to place.
It is now that Nazo can use Shizuka na Shijin’s final ability, which is in essence a combination of The abilities from his Shikai State. When Nazo calls out to his Zanpaktou, saying “Recite their Requiem, Shizuka na Shijin”, the blade of the scythe shines with a bright blue light, the weapon then produces a high pitched sonic wave, disorienting the target. The Blade then shrinks as the sound is released, spitting into seven smaller blades, the chain splitting at the end into seven different connecting two foot chains. The blades then pursue their target, trying to entrap their victim in the chains, after which they will each strike once (though this can be escaped, of course, I’m just saying the chains wrap around them, no auto hits implied) one right after the other or all at the same time, depending on whether they all manage to wrap around their target or not. (Which would be the ideal time to strike, as it’s easier to hit a target that isn’t moving...though of course they can still miss, or fail, or whatever the person can come up with within the rules of your site.) Just as in their singular form in Shikai they can attack prematurely if they can not entrap their target, although if this is done they must all rush their target at once. This form of Shizuka na Shijin only lasts for two posts. After either outcome of a hit or if they could not strike their target they return to their original form, becoming the large scythe again. Each successive time this attack is used it speeds up the time in which Nazo’s Mangetsu state will expire by one post.
The moon begins to wane the moment he enters this state, eventually returning him to his Twilight stage. This will take ten posts if it was a naturally activated Mangetsu. If he called a premature Mangetsu when it reached a half moon he will have half the time. In which case, he will revert back to Twilight once it reaches waning half moon, which means five posts, the orb instantly going back to the original sliver of light, in which case the process starts over.
Zanpakuto Spirit:
Shizuka na Shijin’s manifestation is just as his name suggests. He is a silver haired, emerald-eyed man, most of the time cloaked in all black. Underneath the cloak he possesses two wings, and quite the wings they are. One is that of which you might call an angel, white and feathery, the other is quite darker, black and bat-like. Nazo takes this to represent his potential for good and evil, as he carries both in his heart. Shizuka na Shijin assures him, however, that things are never so “black and white.”
He speaks little at first, though for some reason one may not think his name to be the only reason he acts so. As he begins to trust Nazo more, he speaks more, though still almost reluctantly, as if it hurts for him to do so. He expresses an utmost care for Nazo, as do most Zanpaktou spirits. Still, as crazy as it may even sound to himself, Nazo would go so far as to say that he has existed elsewhere, besides in Zanpaktou form. Though, this is impossible, isn’t it? Even more strange he refers to Shizuka na Shijin as his title, rather than an all definitive name. He does concede to say that he came from Nazo’s soul, however, and that he is an emanation, an aspect of himself.
Whenever Nazo truly needs help, he is always ready to give him counsel, verbal or non-verbal. As for practical knowledge in relation to his Zanpaktou form, however, he will only grant him more knowledge if he deems him ready to receive it. For as he says, “unrestrained power can and always will lead to corruption, then ultimately self destruction.” Though Nazo is at first irritated by this withholding of information he learns to take it that it is a form of protectiveness, though just what is he protecting him from exactly?
For some this seeming lack of communication between the two may seem strange, however it works quite well. Much can be said without words, and what he does not say, he expresses in writing to Nazo. Also, his near silence allows Nazo to reflect, having someone to tell all his troubles, difficult situations, dilemmas and life defining decisions without respite. He merely smiles, nods, or takes an expression of concern, depending on the situation. This works well, for unlike Shizuka na Shijin Nazo is much more talkative.
Combat Prowess: Nazo has made equal speed and swordsmanship his specialty, although that doesn’t mean that he is lacking in other areas, not at all. Under the guidance of his Zanpaktou’s spirit he has trained in Kido and Hand to hand fighting, though more in Kido than Hakuda. He finds Hakuda to be only useful for his more acrobatic moves and grappling, rather than a skill to specialize in. He treasures freedom of movement in combat, given the type of weapon that Shizuka na Shijin becomes when it is released.
When fighting with Zanjutsu Nazo is more than a force to be reckoned with. Rushing him head on is suicide, for makes a point to keep his Zanpaktou in constant motion when unsure of what his opponent is about to do or when they are out of range. When faced with such a situation he will twirl his Zanpaktou as if he were practicing Wushu. While this may seem like a purely aesthetic display it is his way of sizing up his opponent and making sure he can change his stance at a moment’s notice.
His most used stance offensively is a more ninja style form, where he holds his sword in a reverse stance, holding it so that it points the opposite direction. This enables him to rush forward and make his more acrobatic and faster attacks. There are times that he may take this stance to defend against incoming attacks, specifically those that come from behind. One could also refer to this as his “Hohou stance”, as this is the stance that he most often utilizes with his speed.
His second stance is for close quarters and is his most defensively used stance. It is a style quite rare in Soul Society, for it resembles the human’s art of Fencing. While utilizing this style of combat his movements resemble that of a dance, graceful yet deadly as can be. He uses Shizuka na Shijin as if it were a rapier, dodging and batting attacks to the side and responding with piercing counter attacks.
His third stance was developed later in his life, and thus is his lesser known and least often used stance. It resembles the fighting style of Iaido, where each cut is made upon the drawing of the sword. Attacks can also be made with the sheath. Most often in order to use this stance Nazo has become desperate and has detached his sheath from its usual place tied at his side. Of course, he could also use this as an opening move with his sheath still tied to him.
His way of fighting changes, however, with the two forms of Shizuka na Shijin in Shikai. Once it reaches its Shikai state and starts as a Kama: a small scythe blade with a short handle, he favors the moves he would have used in his reverse stance, utilizing his speed and immobilization Kido spells. If Nazo reaches this state more often than not the fight is in the beginning of the end.
The second way of using this weapon makes Nazo even more deadly. The true purpose of Shizuka na Shijin is revealed as he detaches the blade from its handle, a chain extending forth and connecting the two, making it a Kusari-gama, or chain scythe. This second stance is ideal for both offense and defense.
He has yet to achieve Bankai, though in his view he has all the necessary skills. Rather, it seems that Shizuka na Shijin himself is keeping it from him. The Zanpaktou spirit implies that there is something that he has yet to learn, to realize.
- Inner World -
This inner world was at first nothing but pure darkness, the first time Nazo made contact with his Zanpaktou a sliver of light opened in the sky, it turned out to have been a total lunar eclipse until he arrived there, Shizuka na Shijin explains that he had been waiting for him, having been immersed in meditation in this darkness. He went on later to further to say that this world represents not him, but the space inside Nazo’s own soul. When he was not in touch with his Zanpaktou, thus himself, his soul was covered in darkness, not darkness in the sense of evil, but darkness in that he was lost, with no light to guide him. The moon was half full when he achieved full use of his Shikai, including Shizuka na Shijin’s true unsealed form, though when he first attained Shikai the moon is but a crescent, and his Zanpaktou would not transform, only granting him the power of his coat of silence. Shizuka na Shijin implies that when the moon is full and his soul is illuminated, his chosen path established, that will be the day he acquires Bankai.
The rest of the world is quite strange, however, for as the lack of illumination represents Nazo’s soul, there is a part that he feels does not. When there was enough light for him to see, he discerned that he was in the middle of a ruined village, seemingly a relic from the feudal era of Japan. However, Shizuka na Shijin assured Nazo that it does relate to him, and that in the course of reincarnation, it has indeed happened. Nazo can always find him skulking about the ruins, once he caught him standing over an old grave site, though when pressed as to what this represented he was silent.
- The Three Dimensions Of A Character -
Appearance:
Appearance-wise Nazo is a unique individual. The first thing that one would notice about him is his pearly blue hair, which goes down past his shoulders, when on a mission or during combat he prefers to tie it back. This was quite surprising to the members of his clan, the Mangetsu. (Full Moon) As there is no one as far back as they can trace that had such a hair color. His eyes are the same color as his hair, though a little darker, this can be disconcerting for some who are not used to such strange traits. He doesn’t have an overly muscular build; he would prefer to keep himself lean with tight muscles, so as not to slow him down. Though as many that know or have met Nazo might say “He’s a lot stronger than he looks...”
Nazo is almost never seen without his art book, which he carries within a pack hidden underneath the outer-shirt of his soul reaper uniform. He found the Sleeves on his outer shirt and the legs of his hakama to be way too loose, and he felt that they would get in the way of his style of fighting, so he eliminated the sleeves of his outer shirt, as well as neglecting to wear the traditional white undergarments, as he found the extra clothing to be too constricting. He also made his hakama closer fitting, yet still made sure it provided him freedom of movement. He carries himself like a noble as he was taught to do when he was growing up, though those who know him find it a bit humorous, considering that he hardly acts like one.
Personality: Unlike his counterpart he is quite open about his works of art, displaying his creations to anyone that will care to look. Though, he does carry that seeming insecurity of the quiet artist, a small part of him always fears that his creations are not liked, only loved by himself alone. Unlike his Zanpaktou he is quite talkative, sometimes to his own detriment. He is also more likely to trust, and thus he gains quite a few friends this way, although some are not exactly true friends to him. Having been born in Soul Society he expresses a great interest in the world of the living. One of his favorite things to do when in the world of the living is to use any extra time between his departures back to Soul Society to create works of art using scenes from the world of the living.
He is distressed by other’s criticism quite easily, often responding with undue anger. When it comes to Hollows he, like some of the current Hollows of this era, will not fight if there is no reason to. However, if he finds that a Hollow is attacking innocents he will attack with deadly precision, for he considers this an unforgivable offense. Though he does have that single rigid stance towards Hollows he can not fully accept all of Soul Society’s orders without a moral reproach, which is the reason he prefers the combat corps, rather than a more covert squad. This makes him different from many others that join the combat corps in that he does utilize his skills for stealth and assassination style techniques; he prefers not to rush head long into battle.
History:
It could be said that Nazo had an easy life. He grew up in the house of a noble family, he was want for nothing in regards to the essentials of living, his clothing was always expensive, his appearance always neatly trimmed. Sure, he was well taken care of, but beyond that, his family was quite distant with him in his younger days. They did not know what to make of the boy, for his features surely did not come from their clan, even though he was indeed born of their blood. They only did as they were required to by the customs of a noble house. Sure, they were polite enough, but only just.
There were very few that seemed to be sincere when dealing with him. Out of all of these was his sister, Reiko. Out of all of those he knew she was the one who could regard him as normal. She was the one who taught him to draw, to create the works of art he creates to this day. They were very close, which seemed to disturb the rest of the clan, for when they noticed this they treated her with the same indifference that they had with Nazo. This did not bother her at all, however. She continued to smile, to praise him whenever he did a good job or excelled in his artistic pursuits.
Then came the day he decided that he wished to become a Shinigami, to uphold justice and protect the weak and innocent. These were the values Reiko had helped to instill in his heart. The very day he was accepted into the academy she fell ill. Unfortunately for Nazo his family failed to inform him, only concerned with what honor he would bring to them if he performed well at the academy.
He did excel, and the day of his graduation he went to meet his sister, who he found, to his horror, to be bed ridden and on the verge of death. She met him with a smile, the life leaving her body as he held her hand one last time. Strangely enough he does not resent his family, not because he agrees with what they did but because his success is what Reiko would have wanted. He then began introducing himself as Nazoshiki Moriana rather than Mangetsu. To that end he followed what path he felt was best, the self styled, unwanted heir of the Mangetsu clan.
He then joined the 11th squad, as he wished to fight the way he wanted to. He had been told before that his skills would be put to better use in the 2nd squad, among the Stealth Force, though he had distaste for what would be expected of him to do. He had always thought that success in that squad required one to be a cold and emotionless killer. This changed, however, when he actually met a prominent member from that most famed squad.
She was as he was; a spirit that never knew what it was like to be human, one who had been born in Soul Society into nobility. He grew to admire her, both as a friend though secretly as perhaps something more. She reminded him of his sister, Reiko, in that she had a constant interest in his art.
They both took different paths; she ascended the ranks in her squad, while he questioned his progress with every step in his own squad. He no longer felt as if he belonged amongst his comrades.
They met again, however, and it was not exactly a happy reunion. The more powerful noble houses, the Mangetsu included, had started a tournament. Each individual family had orchestrated this event in order to raise their own standing within Soul Society, at the expense of their heirs, of course. Ironically by this time he had felt that he had gained a measure of respect from his family members.
Whether it was fate, or by random chance, Nazo and this Shinigami were selected to fight one another in this tournament, much to Nazo’s dismay. He said much the day they met for the last time, though not all that he had wished to say. He had never planned on what happened that day. He stated at the beginning of their match that he would not kill her, regardless of the outcome of their match.
She was the victor, and she meant to deliver the final blow. He had thought that he was at peace with this, although, something snapped in him just as she was about to strike him down. He gathered what strength he had left for one last kido spell. He then spoke those fateful words, “Hado #4...Byakurai”. The bolt of lightning that issued forth from his fingers pierced her through the heart, killing her.
He changed his plans for the future since that day, holding the current system in place to blame for this tragic turn of events. Rather than meld with it as he intended he now wishes to change it. He transferred to squad 1, later becoming the Fukutaichou of the squad, under General Yamamoto himself. With time and training he hopes to one day become captain himself. If that comes with the added bonus of of more familial respect, then all the better.
- Other Info -
Nazo, like his Zanpaktou’s spirit, is an artist, though a pictorial one, rather than a poet. He considers this both a pastime and as a second occupation of sorts for him.
Name: Nazoshiki “Moriana” Mangetsu
Gender: Male
Sex: Male
Age: 200
Form: Shinigami
Squad: 1
Rank: Fukutaichou
- Zanpakuto -
Zanpaktou name: Shizuka na Shijin (Quiet poet)
Zanpaktou appearance:
Shizuka na Shijin appears initially as most Zanpaktou do, however rather than a full katana it is straight, more like a ninja’s sword. The blade ends at about 41 inches. The hand guard is a perfect circle. Upon the circle serpent figures are depicted, curling around the guard. At the butt end of the handle wave-like patterns are inscribed. The blade itself is of a blue tint, as if it were a metal from some other, distant world. (Of course, given that this IS a spiritual world XD) Both the handle and hand guard are black. Rather than being worn upon the back, as would be expected of a ninja blade, it is worn at Nazo’s side, as if it were a saber of some kind.
Shikai Release Call:
First Command: “Bring silence with your words, Shizuka na Shijin”.
Second Command: “Recite.”
Shikai Appearance:
Shikai Abilities: Shizuka na Shijin lives up to its name once it has been released in its Shikai state. The command phrase for its Shikai is “Bring silence with your words, Shizuka na Shijin”. When Shizuka na Shijin is first released, it does not transform, though Nazo gains access to its first power. With that power he can create a coat of reisatsu that surrounds him, trapping any sound within it and letting none escape. This renders him virtually silent when approaching a target. This means that no one can hear any sound that occurs within the sound proof reisatsu, though Nazo can hear what goes on outside. This may eventually be extended to a sphere with greater effort, enlarging the area of silence. He could converse with whoever is within the sphere without anyone hearing anything that is said.
The coat or sphere can be hardened, for creating armor with the coat. The sphere could be used as a temporary barrier while he casts a Kido that requires a chant, which one would have to lip-read if they wished to know what he was casting. It can also be used as a sound proof prison to house him and his opponent, though he sacrifices his perfect silence, because when they are in the sphere they can hear anything that goes on within. This means that These powers can only last as long as his stamina holds up, the time he can hold it up will decrease with the time to which he extends it, although the further he extends it the more stamina it drains second by second, reducing the time he can maintain it versus a smaller sphere or reisatsu coat.
When Shizuka na Shijin’s second command “Recite.” is spoken it changes shape into a Kusari-gama, or chain scythe. Though at first one would think it is a Kama, just a smaller scythe blade attached to a small handle meant for one hand. Though, its true nature is revealed when he extends the weapon, the chain coming into view, the starting length of the chain is six feet. This form represents the second part of its name, artful and malleable. Combined with its sphere of silence power it truly becomes the “Quiet Poet.” In this form the chain and handle are of the purest black, the curved, elegant blade now a sapphire color, the blue color that had only tinted now having taken over to darken and cover the blade. When given its Shikai command after transforming the sapphire colored blade glows a bright blue, the weapon acting like an enraged serpent, it chases the enemy when directed; the chain extending up to 8 feet as it tries to strike or entrap them by wrapping itself around them. Shizuka na Shijin then strike 7 times, its cuts being directed by Nazo’s will. The cuts can be made separately or all together once his enemy is entrapped, although he can also use them all up if Shizuka na Shijin can not hold them still. This attack uses up more stamina all at once than his reisatsu coat, and when used in combination with that power it can drain him very quickly.
Bankai Appearance:
Stage one, Yugure, although the scythe doesn’t look like this, it’s the same scythe as in the stage two pic.
Stage two, Mangetsu.
Bankai Abilities:
Stage one, Yugure (Twilight): Nazo’s consummate mastery of Shizuka na Shijin pays off in his Bankai. Once that fateful word has been spoken a change comes to his immediate surroundings. Despite the time of day the area around him and his opponent darkens to an almost pitch black night, a white sliver of an orb of light appearing directly over head. The area is illuminated by this light, casting a tell tale glow over Nazo and his opponent or opponents. His appearance has changed now; he at first wears the black cloak of his Zanpaktou’s spirit. Shizuka na Shijin has changed as well, and is now a large scythe, the black handle has been extended to 8 feet and the blue blade has become quite large. In all respects he has taken on the western appearance of death and the popular image of a Shinigami in the human’s culture, minus the skeletal body. Shizuka na Shijin has now become “Mangetsu Shizuka na Shijin” the “Full Moon Quiet Poet”.
The Zanpaktou still retains its chained state, however. Though, now it is due to a chain within the handle, and the speed of a chained attack is reduced due to the size of the scythe blade. The length of the chain is the same as the scythe length. Despite this, Nazo’s overall speed has been greatly increased to a phenomenal level, the darkness around him and his opponent making it hard to judge where he is and where he was, along with where he will be next. To make matters worse, his reisatsu silence technique is permanently active so long as he is in this stage of his Bankai; only the absence of sound has been internalized, as the sphere draws in all vibrations and reishi in the area. This renders sound null within the given area. Also, due to spirit energy being absorbed into the orb, accumulation for nonverbal kido is nigh impossible, as well as verbal kido, as sound is null. Nazo refers to this as his twilight state. The longer he continues to fight the more the orb in the sky is revealed. It will be fully revealed in 10 posts. Once it has become a half moon shape in 5 posts he can call a premature transformation into his Mangetsu or full moon state. If he does this, however, it will last for much less longer than if he let it activate on his own. (Time will be explained in the second stage).
Bankai Stage Two, Mangetsu (Full Moon): This final stage of his Bankai is quite the beautiful sight to see, as the orb that dominated the air above them becomes full, illuminating the area, though not taking all of the darkness away, considering it is emulating moon light. Nazo’s cloak dissolves then, revealing a blue and grey outfit resembling one of the Espada Arrancar’s garbs, although it is only the coat that carries this resemblance. The blue coat is quite long, seeming to serve as a shirt as well and extending down past his waist, the very bottom having grey trim. His pants match the same color as that trim, seeming to give a faint glow in the moonlight. The muting silence from his Twilight State is gone, replaced by a simple, eerie silence. Kido is now a viable option as sound has been returned to the area. Nazo’s speed has increased even more now, making bursts of wind each time he dashes from place to place.
It is now that Nazo can use Shizuka na Shijin’s final ability, which is in essence a combination of The abilities from his Shikai State. When Nazo calls out to his Zanpaktou, saying “Recite their Requiem, Shizuka na Shijin”, the blade of the scythe shines with a bright blue light, the weapon then produces a high pitched sonic wave, disorienting the target. The Blade then shrinks as the sound is released, spitting into seven smaller blades, the chain splitting at the end into seven different connecting two foot chains. The blades then pursue their target, trying to entrap their victim in the chains, after which they will each strike once (though this can be escaped, of course, I’m just saying the chains wrap around them, no auto hits implied) one right after the other or all at the same time, depending on whether they all manage to wrap around their target or not. (Which would be the ideal time to strike, as it’s easier to hit a target that isn’t moving...though of course they can still miss, or fail, or whatever the person can come up with within the rules of your site.) Just as in their singular form in Shikai they can attack prematurely if they can not entrap their target, although if this is done they must all rush their target at once. This form of Shizuka na Shijin only lasts for two posts. After either outcome of a hit or if they could not strike their target they return to their original form, becoming the large scythe again. Each successive time this attack is used it speeds up the time in which Nazo’s Mangetsu state will expire by one post.
The moon begins to wane the moment he enters this state, eventually returning him to his Twilight stage. This will take ten posts if it was a naturally activated Mangetsu. If he called a premature Mangetsu when it reached a half moon he will have half the time. In which case, he will revert back to Twilight once it reaches waning half moon, which means five posts, the orb instantly going back to the original sliver of light, in which case the process starts over.
Zanpakuto Spirit:
Shizuka na Shijin’s manifestation is just as his name suggests. He is a silver haired, emerald-eyed man, most of the time cloaked in all black. Underneath the cloak he possesses two wings, and quite the wings they are. One is that of which you might call an angel, white and feathery, the other is quite darker, black and bat-like. Nazo takes this to represent his potential for good and evil, as he carries both in his heart. Shizuka na Shijin assures him, however, that things are never so “black and white.”
He speaks little at first, though for some reason one may not think his name to be the only reason he acts so. As he begins to trust Nazo more, he speaks more, though still almost reluctantly, as if it hurts for him to do so. He expresses an utmost care for Nazo, as do most Zanpaktou spirits. Still, as crazy as it may even sound to himself, Nazo would go so far as to say that he has existed elsewhere, besides in Zanpaktou form. Though, this is impossible, isn’t it? Even more strange he refers to Shizuka na Shijin as his title, rather than an all definitive name. He does concede to say that he came from Nazo’s soul, however, and that he is an emanation, an aspect of himself.
Whenever Nazo truly needs help, he is always ready to give him counsel, verbal or non-verbal. As for practical knowledge in relation to his Zanpaktou form, however, he will only grant him more knowledge if he deems him ready to receive it. For as he says, “unrestrained power can and always will lead to corruption, then ultimately self destruction.” Though Nazo is at first irritated by this withholding of information he learns to take it that it is a form of protectiveness, though just what is he protecting him from exactly?
For some this seeming lack of communication between the two may seem strange, however it works quite well. Much can be said without words, and what he does not say, he expresses in writing to Nazo. Also, his near silence allows Nazo to reflect, having someone to tell all his troubles, difficult situations, dilemmas and life defining decisions without respite. He merely smiles, nods, or takes an expression of concern, depending on the situation. This works well, for unlike Shizuka na Shijin Nazo is much more talkative.
Combat Prowess: Nazo has made equal speed and swordsmanship his specialty, although that doesn’t mean that he is lacking in other areas, not at all. Under the guidance of his Zanpaktou’s spirit he has trained in Kido and Hand to hand fighting, though more in Kido than Hakuda. He finds Hakuda to be only useful for his more acrobatic moves and grappling, rather than a skill to specialize in. He treasures freedom of movement in combat, given the type of weapon that Shizuka na Shijin becomes when it is released.
When fighting with Zanjutsu Nazo is more than a force to be reckoned with. Rushing him head on is suicide, for makes a point to keep his Zanpaktou in constant motion when unsure of what his opponent is about to do or when they are out of range. When faced with such a situation he will twirl his Zanpaktou as if he were practicing Wushu. While this may seem like a purely aesthetic display it is his way of sizing up his opponent and making sure he can change his stance at a moment’s notice.
His most used stance offensively is a more ninja style form, where he holds his sword in a reverse stance, holding it so that it points the opposite direction. This enables him to rush forward and make his more acrobatic and faster attacks. There are times that he may take this stance to defend against incoming attacks, specifically those that come from behind. One could also refer to this as his “Hohou stance”, as this is the stance that he most often utilizes with his speed.
His second stance is for close quarters and is his most defensively used stance. It is a style quite rare in Soul Society, for it resembles the human’s art of Fencing. While utilizing this style of combat his movements resemble that of a dance, graceful yet deadly as can be. He uses Shizuka na Shijin as if it were a rapier, dodging and batting attacks to the side and responding with piercing counter attacks.
His third stance was developed later in his life, and thus is his lesser known and least often used stance. It resembles the fighting style of Iaido, where each cut is made upon the drawing of the sword. Attacks can also be made with the sheath. Most often in order to use this stance Nazo has become desperate and has detached his sheath from its usual place tied at his side. Of course, he could also use this as an opening move with his sheath still tied to him.
His way of fighting changes, however, with the two forms of Shizuka na Shijin in Shikai. Once it reaches its Shikai state and starts as a Kama: a small scythe blade with a short handle, he favors the moves he would have used in his reverse stance, utilizing his speed and immobilization Kido spells. If Nazo reaches this state more often than not the fight is in the beginning of the end.
The second way of using this weapon makes Nazo even more deadly. The true purpose of Shizuka na Shijin is revealed as he detaches the blade from its handle, a chain extending forth and connecting the two, making it a Kusari-gama, or chain scythe. This second stance is ideal for both offense and defense.
He has yet to achieve Bankai, though in his view he has all the necessary skills. Rather, it seems that Shizuka na Shijin himself is keeping it from him. The Zanpaktou spirit implies that there is something that he has yet to learn, to realize.
- Inner World -
This inner world was at first nothing but pure darkness, the first time Nazo made contact with his Zanpaktou a sliver of light opened in the sky, it turned out to have been a total lunar eclipse until he arrived there, Shizuka na Shijin explains that he had been waiting for him, having been immersed in meditation in this darkness. He went on later to further to say that this world represents not him, but the space inside Nazo’s own soul. When he was not in touch with his Zanpaktou, thus himself, his soul was covered in darkness, not darkness in the sense of evil, but darkness in that he was lost, with no light to guide him. The moon was half full when he achieved full use of his Shikai, including Shizuka na Shijin’s true unsealed form, though when he first attained Shikai the moon is but a crescent, and his Zanpaktou would not transform, only granting him the power of his coat of silence. Shizuka na Shijin implies that when the moon is full and his soul is illuminated, his chosen path established, that will be the day he acquires Bankai.
The rest of the world is quite strange, however, for as the lack of illumination represents Nazo’s soul, there is a part that he feels does not. When there was enough light for him to see, he discerned that he was in the middle of a ruined village, seemingly a relic from the feudal era of Japan. However, Shizuka na Shijin assured Nazo that it does relate to him, and that in the course of reincarnation, it has indeed happened. Nazo can always find him skulking about the ruins, once he caught him standing over an old grave site, though when pressed as to what this represented he was silent.
- The Three Dimensions Of A Character -
Appearance:
Appearance-wise Nazo is a unique individual. The first thing that one would notice about him is his pearly blue hair, which goes down past his shoulders, when on a mission or during combat he prefers to tie it back. This was quite surprising to the members of his clan, the Mangetsu. (Full Moon) As there is no one as far back as they can trace that had such a hair color. His eyes are the same color as his hair, though a little darker, this can be disconcerting for some who are not used to such strange traits. He doesn’t have an overly muscular build; he would prefer to keep himself lean with tight muscles, so as not to slow him down. Though as many that know or have met Nazo might say “He’s a lot stronger than he looks...”
Nazo is almost never seen without his art book, which he carries within a pack hidden underneath the outer-shirt of his soul reaper uniform. He found the Sleeves on his outer shirt and the legs of his hakama to be way too loose, and he felt that they would get in the way of his style of fighting, so he eliminated the sleeves of his outer shirt, as well as neglecting to wear the traditional white undergarments, as he found the extra clothing to be too constricting. He also made his hakama closer fitting, yet still made sure it provided him freedom of movement. He carries himself like a noble as he was taught to do when he was growing up, though those who know him find it a bit humorous, considering that he hardly acts like one.
Personality: Unlike his counterpart he is quite open about his works of art, displaying his creations to anyone that will care to look. Though, he does carry that seeming insecurity of the quiet artist, a small part of him always fears that his creations are not liked, only loved by himself alone. Unlike his Zanpaktou he is quite talkative, sometimes to his own detriment. He is also more likely to trust, and thus he gains quite a few friends this way, although some are not exactly true friends to him. Having been born in Soul Society he expresses a great interest in the world of the living. One of his favorite things to do when in the world of the living is to use any extra time between his departures back to Soul Society to create works of art using scenes from the world of the living.
He is distressed by other’s criticism quite easily, often responding with undue anger. When it comes to Hollows he, like some of the current Hollows of this era, will not fight if there is no reason to. However, if he finds that a Hollow is attacking innocents he will attack with deadly precision, for he considers this an unforgivable offense. Though he does have that single rigid stance towards Hollows he can not fully accept all of Soul Society’s orders without a moral reproach, which is the reason he prefers the combat corps, rather than a more covert squad. This makes him different from many others that join the combat corps in that he does utilize his skills for stealth and assassination style techniques; he prefers not to rush head long into battle.
History:
It could be said that Nazo had an easy life. He grew up in the house of a noble family, he was want for nothing in regards to the essentials of living, his clothing was always expensive, his appearance always neatly trimmed. Sure, he was well taken care of, but beyond that, his family was quite distant with him in his younger days. They did not know what to make of the boy, for his features surely did not come from their clan, even though he was indeed born of their blood. They only did as they were required to by the customs of a noble house. Sure, they were polite enough, but only just.
There were very few that seemed to be sincere when dealing with him. Out of all of these was his sister, Reiko. Out of all of those he knew she was the one who could regard him as normal. She was the one who taught him to draw, to create the works of art he creates to this day. They were very close, which seemed to disturb the rest of the clan, for when they noticed this they treated her with the same indifference that they had with Nazo. This did not bother her at all, however. She continued to smile, to praise him whenever he did a good job or excelled in his artistic pursuits.
Then came the day he decided that he wished to become a Shinigami, to uphold justice and protect the weak and innocent. These were the values Reiko had helped to instill in his heart. The very day he was accepted into the academy she fell ill. Unfortunately for Nazo his family failed to inform him, only concerned with what honor he would bring to them if he performed well at the academy.
He did excel, and the day of his graduation he went to meet his sister, who he found, to his horror, to be bed ridden and on the verge of death. She met him with a smile, the life leaving her body as he held her hand one last time. Strangely enough he does not resent his family, not because he agrees with what they did but because his success is what Reiko would have wanted. He then began introducing himself as Nazoshiki Moriana rather than Mangetsu. To that end he followed what path he felt was best, the self styled, unwanted heir of the Mangetsu clan.
He then joined the 11th squad, as he wished to fight the way he wanted to. He had been told before that his skills would be put to better use in the 2nd squad, among the Stealth Force, though he had distaste for what would be expected of him to do. He had always thought that success in that squad required one to be a cold and emotionless killer. This changed, however, when he actually met a prominent member from that most famed squad.
She was as he was; a spirit that never knew what it was like to be human, one who had been born in Soul Society into nobility. He grew to admire her, both as a friend though secretly as perhaps something more. She reminded him of his sister, Reiko, in that she had a constant interest in his art.
They both took different paths; she ascended the ranks in her squad, while he questioned his progress with every step in his own squad. He no longer felt as if he belonged amongst his comrades.
They met again, however, and it was not exactly a happy reunion. The more powerful noble houses, the Mangetsu included, had started a tournament. Each individual family had orchestrated this event in order to raise their own standing within Soul Society, at the expense of their heirs, of course. Ironically by this time he had felt that he had gained a measure of respect from his family members.
Whether it was fate, or by random chance, Nazo and this Shinigami were selected to fight one another in this tournament, much to Nazo’s dismay. He said much the day they met for the last time, though not all that he had wished to say. He had never planned on what happened that day. He stated at the beginning of their match that he would not kill her, regardless of the outcome of their match.
She was the victor, and she meant to deliver the final blow. He had thought that he was at peace with this, although, something snapped in him just as she was about to strike him down. He gathered what strength he had left for one last kido spell. He then spoke those fateful words, “Hado #4...Byakurai”. The bolt of lightning that issued forth from his fingers pierced her through the heart, killing her.
He changed his plans for the future since that day, holding the current system in place to blame for this tragic turn of events. Rather than meld with it as he intended he now wishes to change it. He transferred to squad 1, later becoming the Fukutaichou of the squad, under General Yamamoto himself. With time and training he hopes to one day become captain himself. If that comes with the added bonus of of more familial respect, then all the better.
- Other Info -
Nazo, like his Zanpaktou’s spirit, is an artist, though a pictorial one, rather than a poet. He considers this both a pastime and as a second occupation of sorts for him.
