Birth of a Hidden Power (SA Level 1/Power 1 - Unfinished)

[Obu Minamoto]

It had only been a few days since the lethargic young quincy had arrived in Karakura and things were progressing slowly for Obu. Back at home he would, despite his aptitude for success, regularly ditch his responsibilities and relax and lounge about in the nearby forest. In Obu's heart he missed those days of goofing off, skipping in and out between the sun speckled branches, perhaps that was why he was drawn to this place. Though it lacked the density of the forest, the numerous trees and tranquil landscape reminded him of home.

As Obu strolled along the path, the warm wind passing through his cloths and the sun on his face, he glanced from side to side looking at the local children playing on the jungle sets and running about. "This..." he thought to himself, "reminds me a lot of home." A reminiscent smile crossed the quincy's face as he stopped along the trail directly beneath a large heavily shaded tree. Lowering himself to the ground and up against the bark of the tree, Obu decided this would be the perfect spot to enjoy the morning as he stared upward through the sun bathed leaves.

Time seemed to stand still as Obu peered upward through the branches of the tree he rested under. He began to wonder just what his new life in Karakura would turn out to be like. The city was drastically larger than the rural village he grew up in. The sights and sounds of the tall buildings and pavements were all foreign to him. "What am I going to do? Where am I suppose to go?" these and numerous other thoughts scurried through the young Quincy's mind while he lay leaned up against the trunk of the sturdy tree.

"Father said I should find the Quincy who live in this city, but where am I suppose to look?" He peered out of his right eye, glancing as kids and families walked on by. "There have to be at least a dozen people here with spiritual pressure that I can sense and probably several times that which I cannot..none of which I can guarantee are Quincy" Obu sighed heavily at the murky clarity he had on the situation. It was all a bother that he would much rather do away with. "All this seriousness and Quincy heritage is so bothersome.." he muttered under his breath as he shoved himself from up against the trunk and on to his feet.

Obu took a few moments to pat himself off and stretch his arms and legs before continuing on the trail marked path to the pond. The sun was getting low in the sky, decorating it with a myriad of colors. Like always Obu decided to put his responsibilities on hold and enjoy the day a little longer.

As Obu approached the sparkling water of the pond, he stopped to notice his reflection in the water, his blood red hair shining from the combination of the sunset and water. He stood there staring into the water, reminiscing once more about life back in the village, the quite days of irresponsibility. As his mind wandered he reached into his pocket containing items given to him by his old man. Obu had previously looked at the two pieces of parchment his father had scribbled guidance on, but what remained a mystery was the amber shaded feather included with them. The only clue to its use were the enigmatic words "bear swiftly the symbol of your power", as if they were to make any sense to the young quincy.

Perplexed and sitting on the shore of the pond, the day's sun soon sunk under the horizon and darkness softly swept over the peaceful park. Obu continued to gaze into space, the feather resting gently in his open pawn. Though night had fallen the air was still warm and relaxing, the moon casting its beauty upon the pond before him. But as if by ripping the night's veil clean open the atmosphere changed without warning.

An eerie feeling overcame Obu as suddenly he sensed a disturbing spiritual pressure. His gaze shifted quickly to the right, as out of the shadows three average hollows crept into the world of the living. Obu's eyes widened in shock at the arrival of the three creatures. Back home he had never had to worry about confronting hollows, his father had always dispatched of them. "Damn it all, this is not good!" The young quincy muttered to himself, deftly rising to his feet, his eyes focused on the advancing threat. "Since I never paid it any mind, I never bothered to move beyond the basics of gathering reishi. I can't form a bow yet!" His mind in a panic, sweat beginning to roll down his cheek. "I need to run!" As soon as the thought entered his mind Obu swiftly spun around and dashed in the opposite direction, his feet carrying bouncing like a gazelle running from it's predator. But fate would have things unfold differently.

After making it down the path and into a secluded section of the park, from what appeared to be a tear in the very fabric in the space before him, the three assailants appeared once more before Obu. This time they took no pause in attacking Obu outright. There form was simple, slender, almost lizard like. All three where bipedal with clawed hands and feet, their masks almost like skulls placed atop their heads.