The First Pillar of Heaven

[Comatose]

Across the world the sky grew dark as clouds rolled in, lightning cascading about toward a central point where the ritual had already begun. Figures - four to be exact, stood around a fifth who stood in the center of their circle in a sort of dazed trance. The thunder had coalesced into the cloud above the fifth as it's focal point, the cloud itself beginning to form a funnel as if waiting for something to appear. It grew in size as it spiraled downward, forming what would seem like a tornado, touching down gently as it engulfed that fifth figure completely. All the while the figures chanted in an incomprehensible language, the tornado whirling faster and faster, producing a sound that could only be identified as a moaning wail. The noise - though assuredly emanating from the cloud formation, seemed to boom from all over, becoming louder as time went on.

Above each of the four kneeling chanting figures a spirit appeared, each much larger than the individuals they calmly floated behind. Each spirit - one colored for each primary element, outstretched an arm in sync toward the swirling mass of clouds before attempting to take hold of it. As their hands collectively grasped the tornado it ebbed to and fro, wiggling as if it knew it had to in order to escape their otherworldly grasp. The gale and moan only grew with the spirit's actions, the figures holding themselves down as to not blow away so close to the weather formation. Dirt, loose rocks, and even boulders began to succumb to the tornado's ferocity, lifting off into the sky and becoming part of the whirling orbit. The chanting grew louder and louder, each spirit using it's other hand to grasp the column of light, their barely visible expressions showing nothing but pain as they attempted to bind the light to  this mortal coil.

Everything stopped, the noise, the spirits, the chanting, and  the world - there was nothing for the most infinitesimal of  moments before the air itself seemed to flee. A large column of air pushed out from the now still mass of clouds as something dropped, bringing with it a sound so cacophonous it was heard the world around.

The spirits dissipated as the figures stood, each placing their hand upon a now fully solid band of light that was visible from nearly any vantage that had clear view of the sky. They too dissipated, leaving nothing but a vast wasteland where the pillar fell. There was nothing here anymore no animals, no plants, and no life. This area seemed to spread with time, a mysterious force encroaching and gaining territory. .

BATTLEGROUND EFFECTS

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- In approximately one week the effect will be large enough to cover the entire continent.
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[King]

You said it would be the last time...

I know. Forgive me.

Why am I here, a shell of my former self?

It's a clean start. You can be someone different here. Someone better.

Someone... different.

Either way, I promise this is the last time.

Kouketsu had followed the pillar of light, drawn to its illumination light a moth to the flame. There was a strange familiarity about its presence; a low, muffled whisper that scratched at the back of his mind. But, he could not remember - or perhaps, he simply did not care to. It had been less than a month since that fated conversation and he awoke in the bed of Sunagakure's scorching sands, a man with no nation or loyalties. Now, he stood alone at in the face of a great darkness, the symbol of the Hidden Sand etched across the archaic pauldrons fastened to his shoulders.

A gloved hand rose and touched his face. "I'll have to be careful."

There was no doubt a great deal of the Conqueror's power had been left behind. But, long before he wielded the might of a titan and brought the heavens buckling to their knees, he was simply a shinobi with keen instincts. They had served him well all those years ago, and as he trekked closer toward the slowly expanding wasteland, he knew they would not fail him here.

[Waruen]

Regos walked into what seemed to be a battleground. Things were dying... And there was so much power... He could feel it surrounding him and putting pressure on him... Almost like it was muffling his chakra. He could almost like it would take more power to use jutsu than it normally would. He would have to conserve more power than he usually did. 

Luckily, all he had wasn't just jutsu. He had his hidden blade under his sleeve on his left arm, he had two of his kunai tied to explosive tags, on his small weapon holder at the right side of his hip, and there were 8 other explosive tags. Then there was the ninjato in it's sheath on his back, with the handle above his right shoulder, and the wakizashi at the left side of his hip. He also had a ninja info card in his pocket, so if any other ninja's that may have decided to also come to the bright light showcased their fighting abilities, he could keep track of them, and bring their info back to his village. He had his binoculars strapped to the left side of his left leg, and his radio to the right side of his right leg. So he might not even have to use jutsu, right? Unlikely considering the power, but still, there was always a chance.

He started down, drawing ever closer to the large pillar of power. He had a sand shinobi headband on, as customary, and so other sand shinobi would know he was there. He saw another person with the sand symbol on his armoured shoulders. He would stay about 20 metres to the man's left, so if anything happened to them, he could have backup and someone to fight alongside.

[Anmida]

The silence that once held sway over the area would be broken by the most unexpected, a distinct hum and melody; "Yohohoho~ Yoho~ho~ho~ Binkusu no sake wo~ Todoke ni yuku yo~". As nonchalant and carefree as he had made the journey here would Aneun step onto the scene; his signature bowl-cut for all to see and be in awe of. He wore a pale lavender short sleeved shirt with black jeans and sneakers the same color as his shirt. Over this he wore a long black unbuttoned pea coat with his Hidden Leaf headband fastened around his right bicep.

Worrying not about his presence being known, he peered over the area for any points of interest while continuing his tune. He stood to the far right (east of the group in the center) and noted the two individuals to his far left some 40-50 meters away.

"Oh this seems a bit interesting" he whispered as he began to contemplate the situation and his next move. "I guess its time to get down to business" he said as he began walking toward the center as carefree as ever. His melody however, notably changing into a whistle tune. At the same time did his tune begin would both hands and arms begin waving around gracefully not unlike the actions of a composer orchestrating a wonderful symphony.

[Hecatus]

The preplanning with the other Leaf shinobi might be a bit lacking, but that was secondary given the practice drilled into each and every one of their skulls. Coordination and cooperation were nothing short of safely founded, with each hour of repetition promptly etched into their memories rather vividly. That said, despite having shared few words with his underclassman, the lad had moved accordingly with what he saw fit. 

Trailing a short distance behind Song (15 meters to his back left) with his presence concealed by the terrain and wreckage left from the aftermath of what he suspected was caused by the pillar of light to his left, he’d spectate from afar and note the same two individuals the young Genin had come stumbled across. Making use of the shadows cast by the pillar itself, he’d continue to remain unseen while silently spectating the events which were about to unfold.

If things proceeded as planned, yet another one of his juniors would be arriving shortly. As for now, the darkly clad individual continued to vigilantly monitor the situation.

[vegapunk]

♔

protect the light

The swirling of dark clouds and the loud crackling of lightning seemed only to intensify the closer he came to the focal point of this happening.

Arriving on the scene minutes after the other Konoha-nin that were also deployed to investigate, he paused on its edge, allowing his senses to absorb the clues of this mystery first. 

Something has definitely happened here... the thought was an obvious one as his eyes surveyed the destruction. It was clear to see that a distinct area had been reduced to a wasteland. However, it was a feeling in the air that caused an uneasiness in the young shinobi, the pull of an unrecognisable force that was both invisible to the eye and silent to the ear.

Perhaps the better question was to ask....what had happened here? So, he turned to his companion who's figure resided next to his own.

"You ever seen anything like this, Akuseru?"

[ Axcel | event ]

MADE BY ♔
KOJIHIME

[Axcel]

Akuseru was hoping this whole thing would turn out to be one amazing festival and there wouldn't really be any danger involved, but it looked like that wasn't going to be the case. Well--part of him was still hoping it is some sort of fucked up Rice Country festival and there would be snacks and catering soon. Hopefully they'll have a strawberry sundae. . . His mind began to wander.

Not the first to arrive, Akuseru took note of all the shinobi in the area. Three that Akuseru knew of and two foreigners. It was going to be interesting to see how this played out. It was hard to make out what exactly was going on at the center of the light source, given that Akuseru stood nearly 50 meters away from it and another 20 at Song's left side. He squinted to get a better look, but before he could notice anything at the center his ally spoke to him.

"Yeah I have," he said while wearing a serious, almost depressing, expression on his face. "This one time I went to the public restrooms near the Akimichi Compoun—err, this is a story for another time." Akuseru realized he probably shouldn't bad mouth the Akimichi clan. Those insatiable monsters cooked some good food on the house and if word got back that he was insulting he could kiss those meals goodbye. Still, this wasteland was the closest thing to matching the disaster that is the Akimichi Compound's public restrooms.

[Winter]

Edric stood three hundred meters away, his silhouette one with the rocks and shrubbery beside him. The roar of the pillar wasn't what summoned him, though it would cause the rest of his forward camp to turn in wonder. Surely they heard the echo even from their distance. He turned back, not even the fires of the camp visible from his distance.

The rattling of loose chain introduced a young lad to his side, his gaunt cheeks freckled with a few strands of unshaven brown hair. Edric couldn't blame the squire, Farris, for the disheveled appearance; the unit had been miles inland, away from the main body of their ships. The villages they marched through spoke of a village in the clouds and one in the leaves - the closest centers of population. The earlier diplomats had made contact months prior to setting sail, and the invitation beckoned a whole military brigade to depart as an emissary. "Do you think this be a common occurrence here, Farris? The scouts have also confirmed others drawn to it as well." he questioned rhetorically in a hushed tone - partially due to awe.

Far in the distance he could make out ants of figures closer than he to the pillar. They approached from the opposing side. Edric himself wouldn't move in, instead be an observer. Behind were a few others, their horses restless from the pillar. Farris would motion to speak, though his disguised shrug would suffice. "We'll hold. Call the scouts back, we should remain spectators for now." he commanded, another scout nodding and disappearing in the darkness to retrieve the other two who were but a hundred meters ahead of them.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Spoiler}Used:

[Comatose]

Please keep the posting order.

The arrival of individuals seemed to cause a reaction in the light, a sort of resonance ringing out as they got closer - the low hum that could be heard for miles and miles around intensifying into a rumble. The very air around the beam of condensed light began to grow thick with chakra, the light seemingly beating as it grew more luminescent and then dim, over and over.

The closest and earliest arriving of the shinobi, Kouketsu and Regos, would see the change first. Inside of the beam of light lied a solid column that seemed to be changing form, shifting about - almost liquid. Portions of the column grew and shrunk as physical structures grew and returned to the equilibrium of the column's form. Over the next few moments clearly visible humanoid parts began to move from within it, a face stretching out from the column, then a hand, then a leg, then a foot - still shifting as they did. The low hum that rang through the ears of the ninja was replaced with a distinct cracking now, something akin to the noise of bones shifting and breaking in their setting.

With a sudden flash, the light collapsed in on itself, the column transforming into nothing but a sphere that hovered ominously over the desolate ground. Casually, it doubled over itself, spinning upward before unraveling into something - something of which could only be described as a giant being or statue.

There was no movement from it at first as everything grew deathly silent, it's face deadly cold and without drawn expression. Then, it's eyes opened hungrily, searching it's surroundings - it's head still unmoving, before closing. Slowly, it's mouth opened up as it searched for words, words that would reach the ears of mere mortal beings.

"YoU INsoLeNT."

Though it was clear there was more it stopped, it's mouth still opened wide, before it let out a wail. There would be a concussive shock-wave as it did - nothing near the level necessary to kill an individual, but strong enough to push back and resound everything for miles in it's wake. Given the ninjas were at their closest only a mere thirty meters and at their furthest fifty meters, it would surely reach them with significant force to get their attention.

SPOILER: Click to show

{sigh of a god}Kiai (Scream)
Rank: C, SS
Range: Close (0m ~ 5m), Mid (5~10m), Far (10m+), Further (100m+)
Type: Offensive
Handseals: 5
Chakra Consumption: High

A very straight forward and offensive technique, scream allows the user to attack multiple targets at once with a powerful, almost deafening scream. The user will need to draw in a deep breath before performing the technique, which will then expand in a five by five meter conical blast of raw sound in front of the user.

Note: This technique induces heavy vomiting, disorientation, lack of balance, lack of overall bodily homeostasis, and panic for a duration of three posts. While screaming, the user must remain still. Moving, in any form (dodging, running, ducking, etc), immediately ends the technique. This technique has a two post cooldown.

[King]

Kouketsu felt the presence of the others -- all ninja he neither recognized or knew. It seemed the other villages had similar ideas regarding the mysterious light; probe its surroundings with scouts and hunt for information. From a cursory glance, no nation had devoted a great enough force to actually launch an attack should things turn sour. What are a few shinobi, he mused -- it was basic strategy. Regardless of whether or not your scouts returned, in some way, they served their purpose: you gained information.

As the light began to twist and collapse, he halted his progress and, from sheer instinct, raised a fist to signal the second Suna-nin to do the same. Whether he liked it or not, even in this new world, Kouketsu was a leader; one born to take command of those around him and guide them to victory. This? Something wasn't right.

The hairs on his neck stood on end as the illuminated sphere revealed its prize.

Beautiful, intricate and bizarre, Kouketsu eyed the ornate structure with mounting curiosity. Then it moved, slow and purposeful, and words soon followed. There was no questioning whether or not the statue, revealed to be a living creature, was hostile; it was only a matter of determining how and when it would strike. As it's mouth hung agape, an endless chasm into the abyss, Kouketsu did his best to prepare for the unknown.

And then there was a sound.

It rippled across the earth in a shrill maelstrom, tearing the deep crags in the earth behind it as it expanded from the statue's figure. Kouketsu could have snapped his hands to his ears in an attempt to muffle the wail, but knew it would be pointless. Such a high-pitched resonance would easily vibrated through his hands. Instead, he braced himself for the shockwave that followed, rolling back on his heels as it captured his body. Disorientation and balance mattered little when you were rolling along the ground, flipping and tumbling until the blast had rushed over him (now 40 meters away).

Kouketsu came to a skidding halt, stabilizing himself with both feet and a single hand. His injuries were superficial at most, a few minor scrapes and bruises, while his faculties were quickly returning. Ototon, the ninja noted. On a much larger scale at that. A quick glance to the side, and behind the statue, revealed equal devastation to those regions as well. Clearly, its abilities were not limited by direction as others were.

Rising to his full height, he brushed a layer of dust from his left shoulder.

"Interesting."

[Comatose]

REGOS has been ejected from the event. Daisy is the next to post, as per an exception and want to keep the number continuous.

[daisy]

queen of disaster ♥

I had finally made it, though rather late, if the number of people I could see illuminated by that awesome light was any indication. Of course, they were merely silhouettes for the most part, aside from the one ahead of me, who was, as I watched, being thrown backwards by some immense force, their long hair flying about them [genbu]. Even on the outskirts, roughly 100m away from whatever was occurring in the light itself, the tail end of that unknown attack rushed over me, ringing through my ears and forcing my arms up to shield my face. What on earth was that? I could make out some sort of structure... No, some sort of body amongst the light, a colossal likeness of man.

I longed to form the familiar seal, and get a reading on what - if any - chakra flow this creation possessed, but it was out of my range, and it would be foolish to expend so much energy when I may very well need to protect myself. As shinobi, we were prepared to deal with the unknown, and I had encountered some terrifying jutsu in my time, but this... It was just unearthly. It was difficult to spare a thought for the others who had gathered here, but it would not do to forget that these were unknowns, and most likely foreign shinobi. As the being seemed to be inherently aggressive, I rather hoped we would be able to co-operate, but my dealings with power hungry men had told me otherwise.

Still, take stock of the situation, darling. As it stands, this being looks to be something that needs defeating. Though I was loathe to admit it, my typical powers of negotiation would likely not serve against a monstrous being hurling attacks at strangers.

Yet, how on earth to fight it?

[Anmida]

Aneun's lax nature took a sudden turn when the light at the center of the area began to shift and turn. The human-esque figures protruding from the makeshift egg stopped him in his tracks as his once audible whistle trailed off into silence. As carefree as his nature made him, Aneun was not one without worry or care. Realizing his actions to be a bit hasty, he rang the internal retreat alarm; backing away slowly but carefully. All the while he kept his cool, trying to figure out the situation - that is until the pillar of light took form.

"What the fuuuck . . ." he thought to himself as he gazed upon the "thing" born from the light.

Before he could begin to contemplate what that thing is or even what to do, the entity spoke; its words sending a shiver down Aneun's spine. And not long after did it make itself - if not already - known. An audible and terrain altering wail emanated from its gaping maw mere moments after speaking.

Probably the closest of anyone to the center, Aneun did a quick 180 turn before frantically running off toward his teammates but to no avail. "Holy shiiii!-" he yelled as the earth shattering shock wave lifted and sent him straight toward his teammates general area. Being airborne, he quickly curled himself into a ball before contacting with the ground; rolling himself along its surface, reducing any damage he might have taken to mere scrapes and minor bruises. Composing himself once his inner workings stabilized themselves from the disorienting wail and tumble, he rose to his feet some 55 meters away. Taking a moment to brush the dirt and dust off his being, he glanced toward his allies to confirm their condition before his attention focused on the unknown entity. Glancing over its full visage, Aneun had but one reaction.

"Mazal tov! Its a . . . boy?"

[Hecatus]

With the coalescing light slowly taking form, a gargantuan being of titanic proportions unraveled from the inexplicable mass before him. Eyes widened out of disbelief and awe, the shinobi couldn’t help but let his jaw fall slack as he witnessed the event unfold. Countless thoughts quickly fled through his mind, thinking primarily upon his mission objective and how they’d apply to the current circumstance. His eyes would move ever so briefly between his fellow villagers in order to gauge their understanding of the situation. Instead however, they’d stop short, glued upon the sight of Anuen’s fleeing figure.

And… suddenly Anders understood what the S in an S rank mission stood for. Shit pay, shit survival rates, and getting shafted. “You’ve gotta be shi--"

Without warning, a concussive shockwave of unseen proportions surged forth, blasting away what little cover the shinobi had used before. Along with the young genin, Jack too was vaulted backwards into the air, his figure sent flying from where he stood. While in transit, an uneasy sense of nausea came across the lad. Rather than attempt a controlled landing, his body curled up in order to assure a safer one as he’d find himself displaced away from the epicenter. Taking a few moments to focus his mind while regathering his sense of balance, he’d cautiously fall back behind what little cover the terrain provided in the form of minor hills. Now seventy meters away from the foreign entity, he’d reassess his surroundings while frowning incredulously at his underclassman’s nonchalant response.

[vegapunk]

♔

protect the light

With Akuseru's comments the mood lifted ever so slightly as he looked across at his ally, releasing a small chuckle as a rye smile formed with his lips.  The imagery that his near-comment imposed was an unpleasant one, but not before long his attention was captured by something much more pressing. 

The mysterious beam began to act as its effervescent hues of light widened allowing humanoid forms to protruded from within. Instantly a giant statue emerged from the light itself, its figure floating above the earth with a stature that rivaled the Hokage Monument back at the village. What in the hell is this?!  he found himself repeating. The air grew cold as the many ant-like shinobi looked on in wonder, each likely trying to figure out there next move. 

Turning back to Akuseru, he had no time to speak before the giant statue did, voicing a roar which resounded across the area. Masafumi instinctively brought his arms to his face to shield from the impact, but the concussive force of the scream barreled him over like a wave. Flying back ten meters he would tumble and roll until finding his feet again, disorientated and partially deaf, he looked about to find his allies in the same predicament.

After clearing dust from his cheek with the back of his hand he began to form seals¹, preparing any defense he could think of against the gargantuan enemy. If that was a mere warning he winced at what was to come.

[ Axcel | event ]

MADE BY ♔
KOJIHIME