Arthur Hastings

Personality: While not exactly cold, Arthur tends to keep to himself, to the point of seeming plain rude. Most of the time, he will sit a distance away from people when eating, he will pursue his hobbies in solitude, and seems to only really interact with people who aren’t close when he’s sparring – and that’s only to request that they spar with him. He will respond to be polite, but you’re lucky to get any more than that out of him.

However, don’t mistake his awkwardness for unsociability – he just likes his own company a lot more than yours. To the people who have weathered his difficult attitude, he is a soft-spoken individual, never bothering to raise his voice, and someone who smiles with their eyes – rarely with their mouth. He makes an interesting conversation partner, if an odd – or slightly grim – one at times, not often starting talks, but managing to keep them going.

However, in combat, there is nothing like the fury and kindness of a man who has seen, and done, too much. He has killed people, and he isn’t a heartless murderer – whenever he fights another person outside of the ring, you can see the pain in his eyes. The eyes of a man who does not forget that he is a murderer, the eyes of a man who always swears not to, but knows that one day, another person will meet their end because of him – directly, or indirectly.

Physical Appearance:
Arthur, due to his many years spent being as active as he could afford to be, has grown tall, with a muscle tone to match. Not Mr Universe-level, but enough to show that yes, he does lift. However, one must keep in mind that he gained his build through earning it – if he neglected training, it’d soon show.

His hair is the one aspect of him that he does not even attempt to control. Hair gel, water, combs, the whole shebang – everything was thrown at his hair, but the fact remained that it was, and is, an intangibly messy gathering of dark brown follicles. Fortunately, his pale blue eyes remain unobstructed, even if his eyelids are constantly half-down. Or so it appears.

When in civilian garb, he dresses for the occasion – casual wear is usually dependent on the season, though he seems quite comfortable with a navy v-neck jumper that fits his figure, paired with pale denim jeans, and a pair of brown leather shoes. Lace-ups, at that. His Shinigami uniform is, rather boringly, unaltered.

Bio:
Little is known about his years in the world of the living. He says he was a soldier – that he took lives without thinking, and that he got medals for it. That’s all he says.. That’s all he’s ever said. However, the sombre look in his eyes says so much more.

Once dead, he proceeded to become a Shinigami by the normal means – by enrolling. He trained, for about half a century, studying and watching, fighting and slaying. But, there was a horrendous conflict – not the Quincies and the Shinigami. A far worse conflict, fought by few, but felt by many. A hundred Shinigami, sent to annihilate a gathering of low-level Hollows. Simple enough, right? Wrong.

There were no low-level Hollows – their spiritual pressure was merely being replicated. A lone rogue, a member of the twelfth division who had been expelled for his experiments going too far. Evidently, if his captain had excluded him for his activities, the atrocities he had committed had to be unfathomable. However, in recent years, though his sanity had only fared worse, limited resources had left him with little to replicate previous theories. Instead, he had used his own body, to create Hollows.

Not just ordinary Hollows. They were near-invincible, and that wasn’t what was dangerous about them. They didn’t just feed – they hated. They believed they, and their creator, were the only pure beings in the universe. The Shingamis stood no chance against these creations, ones that took no small pleasure in devouring whomsoever came across them. But they were not all killed – the same applied to the many other groups sent out, one of which included Arthur. He was simply there to be bait – he was not as powerful, or tactful as any other members, so it was all he was essentially good for.

Except for when he reached the control room. There, the ex-squad member grinned at him, revealing fangs glinting in artificial light, with two Hollows moving beside him. The base’s self-destruct button was right in front of him, and the deranged scientist dared him to push it. Yes, it would wipe out the Hollows he had created, along with the creator himself. But, the self-destruct would use the imprisoned Shinigami as fuel, killing them in the process.

The trouble was, was that the man had made a serious miscalculation – this was war. If the war ended, then he had fulfilled his duty. But, he was forcing himself not to think about the countless allies he was to slaughter, the countless men and women who he would be haunted by. Their blood was to be on his hands, and he wasn’t even trying to comprehend it.

“Are you a coward, or a killer, war dog?”
The question, though it was only asked once, rang out in his head. He couldn’t do it – He had killed before, and it had stained him. He was surprised that he hadn’t been sent to Hell, questioning why he had been allowed this chance. Yes, he had been fighting for his country, but the fact remained that he had killed somebody. But, he wouldn’t do it – not again. His finger moved from the button, having been on the verge of pressing it, and he delivered his response.
“Coward, any day.”
“These Shinigami will be exploited because of your weakness!”
“And what about me? Am I to become one of your minions?”
“No. You’re too dangerous to keep alive, especially when you’re good enough to creep into my control room before I let you in. You will be exterminated.”

But, Squad Ten’s captain (at the time) knew something was wrong. He didn’t care that he was shirking his duties – he had subordinates in the task force sent in, and he felt their blood would be on his hands if he let them die there, like so many others. The prisoners, while the scientist and his Hollows were distracted, had been freed – and now, now that his captain had informed him of this, Arthur smirked – the button was pressed. And he ran – faster, and more desperately, than ever before.

Over the years, he got clever. He got worse. He had taken lives, and now when his own was threatened, he manipulated people into taking theirs. All those centuries on his own – people tried to stay with him, but they had to leave him. They died, left, or suffered worse fates. And, deep down, no matter how much he tried to deny it, he knew that their blood was on his hands.

Over the centuries, the ranks of the tenth squad shifted about, with one person being promoted or another demoted, but one position change stood out among the rest. The old captain had stepped down, and in his place, came Arthur. He was a decent choice, so the other captains thought, at the time – independent, smart, strong, dedicated… But they never bothered to look into his eyes when he said yes. They never saw his eyes, riddled with the knowledge that he knew he could have pushed that button all those years ago – it was common sense, not morality, that had stopped him. He had thought it was a bluff, but the button was the real thing. He was willing to risk killing all those people, and they didn’t even know it.

Zanpakutō


Name: Stormcutter

Zanpakutō spirit: Taking on the appearance of a Roman legionary, the normal colour of the armour is changed to a harsh white, while the red underneath is turned blue. Stormcutter maintains a notably muscular build, and is constantly standing to attention, though will often scold his wielder if Arthur’s plan is seen as unsatisfactory.

Sealed form: A simple steel Gladius Hispaniensis, the guard and hilt are of a dark, sturdy wood, while the grip itself is a specially-moulded length of ivory-like material. The sword seems to have no real sheen to it, looking like a polished artefact as opposed to a keen sword.


Shikai


Call out phrase: “Strike from the heavens! Stormcutter!”

Shikai description: Now razor-sharp and with a vicious point, Stormcutter ‘s blade turns electric blue, and begins crackling with electricity, occasionally sparking . The hilt and guard turn navy, while the grip becomes azure.

Ability: Stormcutter is infused with the electrical energy and current of a lightning bolt, granting access to some electric-based attacks. Non-conductive materials seem to massively hinder it, but not stop it completely. The sword feels somewhat weighty in fair weather, light in bad weather, lighter in stormy weather, and weightless in the eye of the storm.

Techniques:
Forecast
The weather within a one-mile radius is changed to stormy weather, complete with rain, black clouds, howling winds and booming thunder. However, lightning is not included. Due to the weather needing to be stabilised, this technique leaves no techniques available until Stormcutter has made sure the weather stays for an hour (no techniques available to Arthur for four posts).

Direct Current
By planting Stormcutter in a certain point, Arthur can keep a continuous stream of electricity flowing from it to him.

Alternating Current
By planting Stormcutter in a certain point, Arthur can send out a bolt of electricity to Stormcutter, which is then returned to him a moment later, unless it connects with something else first. More powerful than Direct Current, but only works with a single bolt at a time, and inflicts far less continuous damage.

Charge
Arthur electrifies himself, shocking anyone who touches him without proper insulation, or anyone who strikes him with conductive weaponry. This comes at the expense of de-electrifying Stormcutter, for as long as it is active.

Bankai


Bankai name: Raging Stormcutter

Bankai description: Stormcutter sharpens itself further, and begins to glow electric blue, while humming with the energy flowing through it. The entire weapon turns azure blue, and the sparks of electricity become small tongues leaping across it intermeittently.

Ability: Stormcutter’s electrical current and voltage is increased significantly, and is able to perform more advanced electricity-related techniques, including manipulating electromagnetism and limited synapse interference.

Techniques:
Ball Lightning
Arthur becomes cloaked in potent electricity, and barrels forward. Cannot change direction during the charge.

Streak Lightning
A single bolt of lightning. Fires in a straight line at high speed.

Magnetise
Stormcutter becomes an electromagnet, of sorts – it will only attract Zanpakutō made of a material attracted to magnets. The pull is not strong enough to disarm anyone holding their weapon properly, but is enough to loosen most victims’ grip slightly.

Synapse Snap
Stormcutter sends out a small pulse of electricity, interfering with the victim’s electrical synapses. Involuntary jerking of the limbs results, for approximately three seconds. Only successful if Stormcutter connects with the target’s back, specifically the area where their spine is. Does not work on the neck.

Role-play sample:

Many years ago, back when Arthur hadn't even made lieutenant...

“Your Zanpakutō is looking rather worse for wear, Shinigami. Dull, lifeless, little tarnished… I don’t know much about you people, but I know enough to see you’re not taking very good care of your sword.”
The Hollow mocking Arthur prowled around him, almost lumbering as it sized up its next – supposed – meal. With legs like tree trunks and forearms swollen, the seven-foot beast could likely crush any normal human under its fist with a single blow. It was still a Hollow, but this was one that had been troubling the Soul Society for quite a while now. Known for always slipping through the net, despite its size and lack of tact, Bone Grinder (as most had taken to calling him) had injured many a good man and woman, and had even devoured one when he wasn’t looking.

Now, a member of the ninth division had been deployed, but he himself was known for being crafty, as opposed to powerful. Not that he wasn’t powerful – his electrical discharges had been known to completely incinerate lesser foes, if they were focussed enough. His mind was his better asset, however. A mind that wanted to avoid violence where possible, one that abhorred murder, believing that there was always a better way.
“I’ll give you a chance, Grinder. Stand down and let me purify you, and we don’t have to cause each other any more pain than we have to.”
“I’m afraid I’m going to have to decline!”
“Think it through, Grinder. You can’t win this.”
“That’s what they all said, but look at me now!”

Without warning, Bone Grinder charged towards Arthur, bringing his fist crashing down upon the lone Shinigami with the force of a wrecking ball descending upon him. Well, he tried, but the attack was easily dodged. As were numerous other, sluggish blows. For someone who had fought so much, and gained so many years of experience, dodging rudimentary blows like those was child’s play. However, upon him attempting to run his sword through the monster’s arm, it was obvious that speed wasn’t what it was focussing on.

“Ha! Like that?! That’s my little ability, Iron Skin! A beaten-up blade like that’s not going to harm me in the slightest!”
Not bothering to respond, more slashes were delivered, to various parts of his enemy’s body. Arthur was becoming increasingly irritated at the lack of effect his attacks seemed to have – granted, he made cuts in his foe, but they were superficial wounds, ones which hardly seemed to even phase it. It was no wonder people were having trouble with it, if it was this resilient, and was as slippery as the reports said. However, Arthur was not going to let his quarry slip – he knew the Shinigami who had perished at this beast’s hands. Not as a friend, but they were polite enough to each other to wave when they passed each other by.

“I told you, you can’t hurt me with that! You’re pathetic!”
“I see. Then please allow me to release, and then purify you.”
“You’re acting rather arrogant, Shinigami. Quit fooling yourself, you’re going down!”
“Strike from the heavens! Stormcutter!”
From out of seemingly nowhere, lightning stuck the raised Zanpakutō, revealing its Shikai form once the light had faded. Now a rather vicious-looking blade crackling with the energy of a lightning bolt, Stormcutter was significantly more of a threat than the simple blade he had been using before, and would likely show the Hollow just who was on top at this point in time.

“Forecast.”
Raising his Zanpakutō to the sky, Arthur let loose a shot of electricity into the clouds, a storm forming seemingly instantly. Rain pelted their faces, and Arthur’s eyes were stung by the howling wind, but he had used this technique many times over. He knew he didn’t need to disintegrate the Hollow – that would be overkill. Instead, he would finish it as quickly as he could, not being particularly eager about having to fight in the first place. Stormcutter, though used with no more noticeable speed than last time, was moving with Arthur exerting less effort, his strikes delivered with ease.

Except, he was only grazing Bone Grinder on purpose, this time. He didn’t want to risk a head-on attack, one that could seriously injure him. And there was no telling when it would run. As such, the order of the day was to shock it into submission, weakening it by specifically targeting areas over and over again with the electricity in Stormcutter. It was an arduous process, and would likely not work well on someone at least relatively well-trained. But, the Hollow acted largely instinctively, not training outside of experience.

Jerking occasionally, Bone Grinder attempted to lift himself up, instead just falling face-first on the sodden earth, crying out in frustration and pain. Its suffering was soon ended – Arthur was not a sadist. He had done the job. That was all that mattered.